Vladimir Caamano to Star in NBC's 'Vlad'
NBC is making a new comedy series entitled "Vlad," set to feature Vladimir Caamano.
With the mission of making more diverse content, the network will work with Bill Lawrence and Adam Sztykiel to create the new series, which will star comedian Caamano.
According to the The Hollywood Reporter, the series will be written by Sztykiel alongside Caamano, who will also serve as executive producer.
The new show is inspired by the stand-up comedian's life, and will explore the family dynamics he experienced while living with his Dominican father and older brother in the Bronx.
"Vlad" was picked up by NBC and follows a trend in which cable networks are placing a tremendous emphasis on family comedies. ABC has also made family comedies in the past and recently found success with "Fresh Off the Boat" and "The Goldbergs." The network is also preparing a Latino family comedy starring Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias.
This is an interesting trend that is being seen more and more in TV, especially since the entertainment industry has been criticized for the lack of diversity. Last year alone, the Academy Awards were criticized for having 20 white actors nominated and no minorities in those ranks. Numerous hashtags were created in protest of the lack of diversity in film. However, while TV producers seem to understand the issue, the film industry continues to be dominated by Caucasian actors.
Caamano was a finalist from NBC's "Stand Up for Diversity" program. The comedian has been a regular performer in New York and won a diversity scholarship at The People's Improv Theater. He is currently taking writing courses at The People's Improv Theater and has also been a featured performer in AXS' "Gotham Comedy Live." He has also been involved with the NACA Nationals in 2013, the Cabo Comedy Festival, the Comedy Skull Comedy Festival and Nuvo TV.
Lawrence continues his relationship with NBC, as he has worked on the series "Undateable" and is also working on "Rush Hour" with CBS. Sztykiel has written a number of films, including "Due Date" with Robert Downey Jr. and "Made of Honor" with Patrick Dempsey.
No date has been given for the comedy, but it is expected next year.