Telemundo dives into Underground

Miami-based NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises has acquired Argentinian production company Underground Producciones.

Sebastian Ortega

The new wholly owned subsidiary will become an extension of Telemundo Global Studios and will aim to increase its growth and premium content production for primetime and digital platforms.

Underground is led by artistic director Sebastian Ortega, who began his career in 2001 at Argentinian broadcaster Telefe.

Later he was in charge of artistic direction at Ideas del Sur, where he developed and produced shows including Tumberos, Los Roldan, Disputas, Costumbres Argentinas and the news format Ser Urbano.

In 2005, he founded Underground Producciones which has produced series including Educando a Nina, Los Exitosos Pells, Graduados, Historia de un Clan, Un Gallo para Esculapio and El Marginal.

Already in its third season, El Marginal was adapted by Telemundo International Studios last year under the title El Recluso.

Ortega said: “This union represents a new era and a huge leap in artistic evolution for all of us on the team. We look forward to this partnership and we will continue to focus on developing top-notch productions, bringing hard work and passion to everything we do.”

Marcos Santana

Marcos Santana, president of Telemundo Global Studios, added: “Acquiring Underground Producciones is a strategic investment to help us meet the growing demand for high-quality, cutting-edge Spanish-language content in the US and around the world. Underground represents a huge competitive advantage for Telemundo Global Studios, as we continue to develop and produce the best premium content and formats for Hispanics and audiences worldwide.”

The deal, financial terms of which were not disclosed, follows the consolidation of NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises’ domestic and international scripted units, led by veteran media executive Marcos Santana, last year.

Telemundo Global Studios encompasses Telemundo Studios, Telemundo International Studios and Telemundo International, plus all of the company’s coproduction partnerships.