Netflix Introduces First Spanish-Language Series; Show Will Be Based On Professional Soccer
Netflix, the online video streaming service, has enraptured millions of viewers worldwide with its cheap prices and broad array of content. But most of Netflix's catalog of TV shows and movies have come from outside sources. But over the past several years the Scotts Valley, Calif.- based company has turned itself into a miniproduction studio capable of churning out critically acclaimed hit shows, such as "Lillehammer" and "Orange Is the New Black," without fail.
Now Netflix has its eyes on developing programs for the non-English-speaking world. Along with its upcoming Pablo Escobar drug lord drama "Narcos," Netflix is adapting Mexican box-office smash "We are the Nobles" for the web. The currently untitled project will be similar to the film in that it will portray the wild world of professional soccer in a satirical manner. More specifically, the series will follow the eccentric owners of a soccer club dealing with the sudden death of one of their parents.
Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos couldn't be more pleased with how this program is shaping up. After all, it stands to gain a lot of customers in Mexico and Latin America.
"We're thrilled to be working with the talent from 'We Are the Nobles,' a movie that managed to capture a cultural phenomenon in a fun and engaging way while also breaking box-office records."
Sarandos also commented on the project's acclaimed director Gaz Alazraki and what he brings to the table per Time Magazine.
"Gaz has the disruptive vision and creative storytelling we were looking for in producing our first original series in Mexico," Sarandos said. "We're confident our members in a market as important to us as Mexico and Latin America will love this family comedy."
Alazraki directed "We are the Nobles," and there was never any doubt that the film's tight-knit crew would be teaming up again for the web version.
"We formed a very special team for 'We Are the Nobles,' and we all knew we wanted to keep working together," Alazraki said. "When I told the team that Netflix was interested in producing the show, the excitement was contagious since there's nobody cooler and more innovative in this day and age than Netflix."
According to Variety, the series will be produced by Alazraki alongside Mike Lam and Leo Zimbron. Lam came up with the story idea. It will be shot entirely in Mexico.
The yet-to-be-named program, along with "Narcos," will be released on Netflix sometime in 2015.
Viva las Netflix!
What do you think of Netflix's initial foreign language endeavor? Would you watch the show with subtitles? Let us know in the comments section below.
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