Chicago’s Mainstream Media Ent., Inc. to Produce the Biopic of Celia Cruz, "¡Azucar!" Happy 90th Birthday Celia!
The highly anticipated Celia Cruz feature film “¡Azucar!” based on the novel by Eduardo Marceles.
Chicago, IL, October 23, 2015 --(PR.com)-- The Chicago-based, global marketing and production company, MainStream Media Ent., Inc., has partnered with DCV Media, Miami, FL. to produce the inspirational film about the life and legend of Celia Cruz, the Queen of Salsa. DCV Media obtained the global rights to the unauthorized biography and has partnered with MainStream Media Ent., Inc. to do the feature film.
“Our cast wish list: Zoe Saldana to play Celia Cruz as well as, John Leguizamo, Antonio Banderas, Marc Anthony, Tito Puente Jr., and to direct, Guillermo Arriaga, among others,” said CEO and Founder, Zandra Rivera. Although the company has gained recognition for creating independent films and television, this will be the company’s first major feature film. Ms. Rivera, however, has a long history of working with top-billed talent.
MainStream Media Ent., Inc. specializes in integrating cultural content into digital experiences for one of the most powerful U.S. consumer demographic: American Latinos. MainStream Media Ent., Inc.’s partnership with DCV Media’s CEO, Estella Vetrano, grew out of the aligned vision created by both ladies. Combining their love for the singer and the mission to celebrate the American Latino culture, the film is the perfect combination.
“Azucar will start shooting Fall of 2016,” says Rivera. Already signed onto the project are Colin Vaines (Gangs of New York, Cold Mountain) as producer and Victor Daniel (Grammy Winner for “La Vida es un Carnaval”) as music producer.
"Several years in the making, the unauthorized biography of Celia Cruz gave me the opportunity to get to know a wonderful woman who, through her talent and charisma, was able to conquer the heart and ears of million of fans around the world," says author Eduardo Marceles.
Marceles, who was a friend of the late Cuban salsa icon, published the book in 2003. Both Ms. Rivera and Ms. Vetrano had the fortunate pleasure of meeting the late Ms. Cruz. The producers’ intent is to remain faithful to her truth. The film will contain original footage from Celia’s life.
"I am so honored to be working with a group of women with same level of passion that I have to tell the story of a poor black woman who even when facing incredible odds and obstacles went on to become the most recognized voice in salsa music, the queen of salsa Celia Cruz. To see this project come to fruition has and will be a life-long dream of mine,” says Ms. Vetrano of DCV Media.
“I'm inspired to provide opportunities for our American Latino talent, in front and behind the camera. My mission is to help individuals who may not have the same opportunities.” Zandra Rivera has experienced many challenges along the way and feels very close to Celia Cruz. “It is a blessing and an absolute privilege and honor to be a part of such an important historical artifact. I only hope we can do justice to the bigger-than-life beauty, love and personality that was Celia!”
MainStream Media Ent., Inc. utilizes its strong global network to focus on three key areas: Entertainment, Corporate, and Education. “We are 35 years of combined expertise in these target areas,” stated Rivera. “I'm proud of the tremendous moves we’ve made with MainStream Media Ent., Inc. in creating and paving the way for a new type of programming focused on inspiring American Latinos in the U.S. and all over Latin America. It is a huge responsibility and I feel honored to be one of the pioneers in American Latino programming!” says Ms. Rivera. This feature film, “¡Azucar!” is one of three major projects for 2016.
With partnerships in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, D.C. and Germany; MainStream Media Ent. Inc. was recently contracted to do the casting and producing for the Latino talent for the Chicago-based TV pilot The Blexicans, directed by Bill Duke in 2015. To learn more go to http://mainstreammediaent.com
About Zandra Rivera:
Professional with 15 years of successful communication experience, creative project implementation and brand management. Accompanied by a wealth of community, national and global strategic partnerships and relationships. Highly successful in designing at implementing creative media campaigns, utilizing strategic partnerships, experience with celebrities and the Hollywood environment. Strong, fluently bi-lingual communication skills in many settings, event management and excellent with media relations in all aspects. Outstanding motivational skills, a dynamic impact producer and qualified at speaking in front of large audiences and powerful spokesperson abilities, possessing a vibrant positive presence. “Zandra has amazing visionary abilities and style, she has brought distinct groups together, powerfully and dynamically. She provides fuel and is the driving force to the projects she has an insurmountable passion for, while simultaneously providing an audible intelligent voice and guiding power.”
Media Contact:
Katheryn Swann | Chicago 773-956-9735| katheryn@mainstreammediaent.com
“Our cast wish list: Zoe Saldana to play Celia Cruz as well as, John Leguizamo, Antonio Banderas, Marc Anthony, Tito Puente Jr., and to direct, Guillermo Arriaga, among others,” said CEO and Founder, Zandra Rivera. Although the company has gained recognition for creating independent films and television, this will be the company’s first major feature film. Ms. Rivera, however, has a long history of working with top-billed talent.
MainStream Media Ent., Inc. specializes in integrating cultural content into digital experiences for one of the most powerful U.S. consumer demographic: American Latinos. MainStream Media Ent., Inc.’s partnership with DCV Media’s CEO, Estella Vetrano, grew out of the aligned vision created by both ladies. Combining their love for the singer and the mission to celebrate the American Latino culture, the film is the perfect combination.
“Azucar will start shooting Fall of 2016,” says Rivera. Already signed onto the project are Colin Vaines (Gangs of New York, Cold Mountain) as producer and Victor Daniel (Grammy Winner for “La Vida es un Carnaval”) as music producer.
"Several years in the making, the unauthorized biography of Celia Cruz gave me the opportunity to get to know a wonderful woman who, through her talent and charisma, was able to conquer the heart and ears of million of fans around the world," says author Eduardo Marceles.
Marceles, who was a friend of the late Cuban salsa icon, published the book in 2003. Both Ms. Rivera and Ms. Vetrano had the fortunate pleasure of meeting the late Ms. Cruz. The producers’ intent is to remain faithful to her truth. The film will contain original footage from Celia’s life.
"I am so honored to be working with a group of women with same level of passion that I have to tell the story of a poor black woman who even when facing incredible odds and obstacles went on to become the most recognized voice in salsa music, the queen of salsa Celia Cruz. To see this project come to fruition has and will be a life-long dream of mine,” says Ms. Vetrano of DCV Media.
“I'm inspired to provide opportunities for our American Latino talent, in front and behind the camera. My mission is to help individuals who may not have the same opportunities.” Zandra Rivera has experienced many challenges along the way and feels very close to Celia Cruz. “It is a blessing and an absolute privilege and honor to be a part of such an important historical artifact. I only hope we can do justice to the bigger-than-life beauty, love and personality that was Celia!”
MainStream Media Ent., Inc. utilizes its strong global network to focus on three key areas: Entertainment, Corporate, and Education. “We are 35 years of combined expertise in these target areas,” stated Rivera. “I'm proud of the tremendous moves we’ve made with MainStream Media Ent., Inc. in creating and paving the way for a new type of programming focused on inspiring American Latinos in the U.S. and all over Latin America. It is a huge responsibility and I feel honored to be one of the pioneers in American Latino programming!” says Ms. Rivera. This feature film, “¡Azucar!” is one of three major projects for 2016.
With partnerships in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Miami, D.C. and Germany; MainStream Media Ent. Inc. was recently contracted to do the casting and producing for the Latino talent for the Chicago-based TV pilot The Blexicans, directed by Bill Duke in 2015. To learn more go to http://mainstreammediaent.com
About Zandra Rivera:
Professional with 15 years of successful communication experience, creative project implementation and brand management. Accompanied by a wealth of community, national and global strategic partnerships and relationships. Highly successful in designing at implementing creative media campaigns, utilizing strategic partnerships, experience with celebrities and the Hollywood environment. Strong, fluently bi-lingual communication skills in many settings, event management and excellent with media relations in all aspects. Outstanding motivational skills, a dynamic impact producer and qualified at speaking in front of large audiences and powerful spokesperson abilities, possessing a vibrant positive presence. “Zandra has amazing visionary abilities and style, she has brought distinct groups together, powerfully and dynamically. She provides fuel and is the driving force to the projects she has an insurmountable passion for, while simultaneously providing an audible intelligent voice and guiding power.”
Media Contact:
Katheryn Swann | Chicago 773-956-9735| katheryn@mainstreammediaent.com
Contact
MainStream Media Ent., Inc.
Katheryn Swann
773-956-9735
mainstreammediaent.com
Katheryn Swann
773-956-9735
mainstreammediaent.com
Contact
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