Fremantle will develop and produce an ongoing drama series set in the world of competitive mariachi bands in the United States. Simultaneously, they will produce a non-scripted series focused on the high school teams that battle it out – many who reside along the Texas and Mexico border.
An aspirational drama, Mariachi Country, is based on Cecilia Ballí’s reporting in the New York Times article, “A Championship Season in Mariachi Country.”
This intimate, heartfelt, and timely series unearths a fascinating and complex world of the Mariachi community. The series showcase the bonds that exist among Latino youth as they prepare and compete in this epic and resonant competition.
This is a vibrant, captivating and emotionally engaging world which is attracting the interest of notable scripted and documentary filmmakers alike,” said Dante Di Loreto, President of Scripted Programming, Fremantle US. “In following the true stories of these students and their communities, Fremantle aims to shine a light on authentic personal stories while also celebrating the endless universalities that tie our communities and our country together.”
“Mariachi is growing throughout the country as a virtuosic art form and as a school music program,” said Cecilia Ballí. “I love that this project tells a quintessentially American story about Latinos and the U.S.-Mexico border, and I’m excited that television will help bring it to larger audiences. It’s one of the most special things happening in arts education nationally, and the music will fill you with pride and joy.”
Fremantle is currently meeting with prospective writers and directors to adapt the drama series and are in conversations with a handful of high-profile doc filmmakers and producers for the unscripted series. The team has access to the nationwide mariachi competition along with the top four mariachi groups in the country.
Cecilia Ballí, will serve as executive producer. Ballí is repped by Anonymous Content.
Photo credit: Ben Lowy
