The executive behind “Jane the Virgin” and “Ugly Betty” is aiming to put more Latinos on the big screen.
Ben Silverman recently formed a new production venture, PropAgate, with backing from A&E Networks after exiting Barry Diller’s Electus.
Now Silverman and Costa Rican producer Jay Weisleder are embarking on a diversity push in Hollywood through their joint venture, Fuego Films.
Their first theatrical release, “Hands of Stone,” is about Panamanian boxer Roberto Duran and stars Robert De Niro, Edgar Ramirez and the singer Usher Raymond. It will be released by the Weinstein Co. on Aug. 26.
A second movie, “Clemente,” based on the lift of Puerto Rican baseball star Roberto Clemente, is in development with Legendary Films.
“Jay and I are resolved to showcase diverse cultures in a positive light,” Silverman said in a statement.
Silverman, 45, has been pioneering international projects since his days packaging UK quiz shows such as “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?” for the US market.
In 2010, while at Electus, Silverman partnered with “Modern Family” star Sofia Vergara’s Latin World Entertainment production company to make TV shows.