Univision launches Flama Latin OTT service

Wednesday, April 16th, 2014
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Univision’s First Fully Dedicated Over-The-Top Network Launches At TheFlama.com

  • Premieres Five New Original Series
  • Launch Partner Trojan™ Brand Condoms Sponsors Exclusive Series

NEW YORK — Univision Communications, Inc. (UCI), the leading media company serving Hispanic America, and Bedrocket, a leader in digital programming and innovation, announced today the official launch of Flama, available at TheFlama.com. Flama is UCI’s first fully dedicated over-the-top network providing premium English-language video programming for 15 – 30 year olds who are inspired and entertained by the Latin culture that is influencing today’s younger generation. A slate of five new original series premiering this week include a docu-series featuring 17-year-old hip-hop artist Becky G, a soccer-themed mockumentary show, a weekly show starring music expert and professional hype man D-stroy, a review series with Flama’s unpredictable and unapologetic resident grandmother aka Abuelita, and a short-clip series starring comedian and character extraordinaire Johnny Sanchez.

TheFlama.com features established and emerging stars across comedy, music, sports and lifestyle verticals. In support of the exploding Latino creative community, Flama is a network for discovering and sharing original and curated video. It is dedicated to providing access to talent and stories made by, for and with Hispanic millennials.

“Flama is working with talent and storytellers that connect with young Hispanics through a shared experience, a point of view, and sometimes simply a passion for llamas,” said Steven Benanav, general manager of Flama. “We’ve created a network for our audience to discover and share great programming that includes original series and the best curated material from the Internet.”

In addition to working with talent that is directly related to Flama’s target audience, the network engaged leading Latino stand-up comedian Al Madrigal (“The Daily Show”, “About A Boy”) as an early adviser.

“While other companies have set out to attract young Latinos and treat them like a homogenous group, from Flama’s inception, the network has been staffed by Latinos of all backgrounds who are making quality content for what is actually a diverse group,” said Al Madrigal. ”This more legit approach is what sets Flama apart and will lead to its success.”

Flama also announced the addition of Alexis Tirado, managing editor for TheFlama.com, who was previously at MTV Networks, and Yamin Segal, director of programming & production for Flama, creator of indie web series East Willy B.

“There was no question in my mind to work with Flama, I would feel FOMO if I didn’t,” said Alexis Tirado, managing editor for TheFlama.com. ”For young Hispanics, there’s no one place online for entertainment that is created for us and by us, so to take my experience and apply it to a pioneering new site is a crazy dream come true. Plus, my parents actually approve of this job, even if they don’t get the programming.”

TheFlama.com launches with partner Trojan™ Brand Condoms, which has sponsored an exclusive series set to premiere in Summer 2014. Details on the series will be made available at a later date.

“As the most trusted name in sexual health for more than 90 years, Trojan™ seeks to empower the Hispanic audience to take ownership of their sexual health,” said Bruce Weiss, Vice President of Marketing for Trojan™ Brand Condoms. “We are very proud to support this innovative series and hope to use it as a vehicle to spark an open and honest dialogue about the importance of using a condom each and every time.”