VOY Pictures Launches For Latino Film Industry.

VOY announced the launch of its feature film division, VOY Pictures, LLC. In partnership with top Latino talent, VOY will produce twelve to fifteen films over the next three years, establishing VOY as the hub for Latino film in Hollywood.

VOY’s projects will be in the three to five million dollar range; VOY also will co-produce projects in the ten million dollar range and above. “English-language Latin films are an emerging genre that is severely underrepresented in the Hollywood system. While there is a richness of Latin talent, the lack of sophisticated and commercial vehicles targeting this market creates an opportunity to develop a new voice in film. VOY Pictures fills the market void created by the explosion of the Latin community in the U.S. with its demand for relevant films, and the increasing appetite for Latin culture throughout the American mainstream and across the world,” said Fernando Espuelas, CEO of VOY.

“We have built a creative and business home where Latin talent can merge artistic brilliance with the richness of our culture to develop and produce top quality feature films. These movies will reflect the fusion of our heritage fused with the emerging voice of the New Latino generation while creating significant commercial opportunities for VOY and our partners,” said Emilio Diez Barroso, President of VOY. “Our mission is not to create Latin films; our mission is to create great films with Latin components. We are proud to bring these and future projects into the market under the VOY brand,” he added.

VOY has partnered with Cherry Road Films, a Los Angeles-based financing and production company, to co-develop and co-produce a number of films. VOY Pictures has assembled an initial slate of projects and talent for 2004 that represent some of the finest writers, producers, directors and actors.

* Freddie Prinze Jr. (“Scooby-Doo,” “She’s All That”) will produce and star in “Rave Train,” a film he co-wrote with Conrad Jackson. “Our generation is looking for new kinds of films — films that represent us, films that show the richness, humor and variety of life. VOY is a new way to make great films that connect with both Latinos and the
mainstream,” said Prinze Jr.

* Venezuelan writer, producer and director Fina Torres (“Woman on Top”) will develop and direct “Hip Hop Cinderella.” “VOY is a bridge between Latin America and Hollywood. By simultaneously understanding American culture and the Latin experience, VOY can connect stories, artists and audiences through its films,” said Torres.

* VOY Pictures is developing two projects with acclaimed actress Michelle Rodriguez (“Girlfight,” “SWAT” and “The Fast and Furious”). Rodriguez said, “VOY is a breakthrough for Hollywood, it is a place where people from every culture can come together to produce great films. I am excited to be working with VOY.”

* Celebrated Argentine television and film writer/director Daniel Barone, (“Alma Mia,” “El dia que me Amen,” “Vulnerables”) will develop two projects for VOY Pictures. “VOY is a great opportunity to connect the Latin tradition of storytelling with the vast American market. Our long history of filmmaking will now have a new artistic and commercial outlet through VOY,” said Barone.

* VOY is developing additional properties including “All for One” by Lisa Garibay and Joshua Welsh and “The Kissing Bandit” by Pennel Bird.

* As part of its strategy to target the Latin baby boom market, VOY Pictures will also develop animated films based upon the widely known Latino comic-strip, “Los Kitos.” “VOY Pictures has given us a wonderful opportunity to create first-rate films that appeal to both Latino and mainstream kids,” said Colombian-born Martha Montoya, creator of “Los Kitos.” “This crossover market is fast-growing and hungry for high-quality projects,” she added. “Together with VOY, we will satisfy that demand.”

For more information at http://www.voygroup.com