At The Alma Awards!

Had such an amazing time at the Alma Awards this past Saturday. Most definitely, the National Council of La Raza’s (NCLR) 20^th Alma Awards was the Latino Party of the year!

This year’s show has many changes, starting with the venue. For years, Alma would host at the Shrine Auditorium or in Pasadena at the Convention Center. This year, NCLR took their soul show to the beach at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in Los Angeles.

I must admit I wasn’t thrilled with the venue. It was hot, muggy… guess the air wasn’t working and the seats were not elevated enough for us shorties. I spent most of the night stretching my neck and my luck had me sitting behind a super tall woman with a super high hairdo. But the entertainment, the smoothness of the taping, made these slight inconveniences worth it. Also, NCLR’s production staff, volunteers were all courtesy and helpful. Pros all the way!

There were a lot more A-lister stars and they all dazzled on the red carpet. Co-host Eva Longoria outshone George Lopez in a gorgeous coral mermaid strapless Oscar de la Renta gown. 

Other starlets who walked with her included Desperate Housewives Marcia Cross, Felicity Huffman, along with Eva La Rue, Alexa Vega, Naya Rivera, Michele Rodriguez, Jessica Alba, Sophia Milos, the ladies from Let’s Talk… Bel Hernandez, Naibe Reynoso, Dyana Ortelli and Kikey Castillo, and Demi Lovato and Cote de Pablo.  
Power couples included Antonio Banderas and Melanie Griffith, Mario Lopez and his lady love Courtney Laine Mazza along with Maria Canals-Barrera and David Barrera also dazzled.  

Antonio Banderas, Melanie Griffin
nephew

Lord, help me, but Benjamin Bratt is drop dead gorgeous! He walked with Cheech Marin, Danny Trejo, Enrique Castillo, Edward James Olmos, David Zayas, Michael Trevino, Ricardo Antonio Chaviria and Tristan Wilds. Also, there were some important directors and producers like Gregory Nava, Dan Guerrero, Robert Rodriguez, to name a few. However, the most gorgeous male that night hands down was Modern Family’s Rico Rodriguez! A charmer whose talent is going to take him far!

Let's Talk ladies, Dyana Ortelli, Kikey Castillo,
Bel Hernandez & Enrique Castillo

Let's Talk co-host & CNN Reporter,
Naibe Reynoso

Hip-hop star Pitbull brought the house down with his off-the-charts performance!

Edward James Olmos reminded us that while the night was a celebration, it was the eve of September 11^th and said, “We must try to help all the people who are sick because they went first to try to help when the buildings collapsed. That is my big understanding of what ten years of remember is all about.” Eddie, what a class act he is and I’m honored to call him a friend. Also, not many know that he was originally booked to take one of the planes that crashed into the Twin Towers. But the Sunday prior to the 11^th, as he reviewed his flight itinerary, he realized that he would be arriving into LAX in early evening and he had to be at the Latin Grammy’s that night. So at the last minute he changed his flight and instead returned on Monday, September 10^th. Destiny intervened.

Gregory Nava 

While the Alma Awards catered to the glitz and glam of entertainment, the chatter turned political when Gregory Nava, the great director, producer and screenwriter, accepted his Career Achievement Award.  “The immigration situation has gotten much worse since 9/11. The attack against the undocumented is now an attack against all Latinos,” said Nava. “This is an attack on all our culture…  we have to fight against because it is an injustice.”

The El Norte and Selena filmmaker revealed that he finished the script to Garden of Eden, which examines our current immigration issues.

Actor/Producer Enrique Castillo &
Producer Lorena Alvarado

Enjoyed seeing Danny Trejo, who wore a suit jacket that was lined with embroidered daggers… he looked “Machete” cool! He spoke eloquently about what the evening meant to him. “I love being Latino in Los Angeles,” he said. “Right now is the time for Latinos.” Oh, man, I’m in love! He speaks my Latino language! He got a huge round of applause when he said, “We’ve moved forward in entertainment industry because of people like Robert Rodriguez, Jessica Alba, Michelle Rodriguez who have pushed us into the main stream. We are movie stars, for lack of a better word, but we are out there with all of them, and I thank God for that!”

Demi Lovato & little sister

Demi Lovato performed her current single “Skyscraper” and she sang her heart out! That girl has a spectacular voice! It is better than ever. Her live performance was amazing! It was heartwarming to see that she’s happier and feeling better these days. Bravo, Demi! Keep it up!

  

The closing act was a spectacular performance by Latin pop icon Gloria Estefan. Her first English-language album since 2003, “Miss Little Havana.”  Her performance reminded us she still has the magic!

Naibe Reynoso interviewing Diva Eva!

I would like to mention that the sponsors of the Alma Awards spoke about how important Latinos were to their corporations, gave statistics, etc. Well, I felt they were preaching to the choir! I mean the entire audience knows this… I challenge these corporate tycoons to instead preach to other corporate leaders and billionaires who still are in the dark about the impact Latinos are making economically and demographically. Don’t preach to us… preach to them!

Don’t forget to watch the Alma Awards on Friday, September 16^th at 8PM on NBC. It’s a night where every thing is Latino razzle-dazzle! I’m not going to give you the names of winners… you’ll have to watch the show! There are some surprises!

Clark Russell, hair stylist to stars and Kikey Castillo

At The Almas, Latinowood, Sept. 10, 2011 ©

Behind the Scenes with Enrique Castillo -- Just Wrapped Indie Homebound

Enrique Castillo as Cesar in Weeds

Enrique Castillo embraces his roles with the type of passion that remind you of a De Niro, Pacino, or Bardem. Like a true thespian, his versatility roars.

I had a chance to catch up with the SAG Award nominated actor recently where we discussed his latest project, Fanny Veliz’s indie, Homebound. Enrique goes from playing the villain in a recent episode on CBS’ NCIS to playing a cancer victim in Homebound.  The film, shot in El Campo, Texas, tells the story of a family coping with estrangement, love, and loss. Castillo plays Gilberto, the family patriarch, who is dying from a rare form of cancer and trying to prepare the family for the inevitable.

Latinowood: You just finished filming Homebound where you star in the principal role of a family patriarch.  This is an emotional role – how hard was it for you?

Enrique Castillo:  It was emotionally draining in that you have to invest in the execution of emotions to convey what the character was going through. Gilberto is not where I’m at as a person in my relationships with my own children; however, as the character, I had to feel the pain he was going through both health wise and in his relationship with his son. It was physically and emotionally exhausting.

LW: How has Gilberto changed you as a father or husband?

EC: I would say, only in the sense that it helped reinforce my feelings: that I love my children to the degree that I do and that I love and appreciate every day that I can share with my wife, my partner.

LW: What was it like to work for Fanny Veliz? She’s so young, talented and a real go-getter… in what way was it different working for her than other directors?

EC: I enjoyed working for Fanny very much. I appreciate her trust in me and I hope that I did her work justice. I wish her all the success in the world and find no reason why she shouldn’t be able to build a very solid career in the film industry. What made the experience different is that it’s the first time I’ve worked for a female director in a feature. But I didn’t see her as a female director, I just saw her as a colleague and an employer that I was fortunate to be working with and for.

¦

“The catena of roles throughout my career and how well I did my work, is what I hope in the end, defines me as an actor and not one role in particular.” –Enrique Castillo

¦

LW: Homebound was filmed in El Campo, Texas and understand the Latino community was generous with their support. How so?

EC: My understanding is that many in El Campo contributed to the budget of the film. Also, there were several in-kind contributions. Many were extras and some even got speaking roles.  It’s a great credit to the producers that the project they pitched to the community was so well received. Given that the story reflects the community’s experience, I’m sure they took great care to ensure that the story reflected the positive aspects of their lives.

LW: Homebound will make the indie film fest rounds. What is it that you want audiences to take away after seeing this movie?

EC: That this is an American story that closely mirrors the rule and not the exception to the majority of Latinos. The characters have been in the U. S. for generations and helped build the culture of the West – not unlike what we’ve seen in countless of American Cinema stories. They live as Americans yet they are proud of their Latino heritage. They’re patriotic with several military veterans of foreign wars in the family. In fact, Gilberto is a Vietnam Veteran and proud of his service to his country …con orgullo de ser de la Raza Bronze.

LW:  How does your role in Homebound compare to your other film roles?

EC: I choose to look at this role as I do all the others I’ve had the privilege to portray: They’re human with a moral center that gets maneuvered either to one side or the other of the moral compass. How the audience perceives my character is a result of how well I do my work. I leave the judgment to the audience.

LW: Of all your roles, which one has defined you as the fine actor you are?

EC: The role of Montana in Blood In-Blood Out is the role I’m most recognized for in a public sense. The catena of roles throughout my career and how well I did my work, is what I hope in the end, defines me as an actor and not one role in particular.

For more information on Homebound, go to: http://www.homeboundmovie.com

 ECastillo/Homebound, Latinowood © August 26, 2011

 Edited by: Casandra Moreno Lombera

Miguel Torres & Mauricio Mendoza’s Supernatural Encounters Sets Industry Abuzz

Recently, the Imagen Foundation announced its 2011 Imagen Award nominees and the new original web series, Encounters, is among those nominated for Best Web Series. If you haven’t already read the first part of this interview on Latin Heat Online, make sure you do. Here’s the link: http://www.latinheat.com/news/3018/b-miguel-torres-mauricio-mendoza-s-supernatural-web-series 

This year, Angel Flight Media launched its original web series, Encounters, and has already garnered a coveted Imagen Award nomination with only a few webisodes uploaded. The definitive formula for the consummate web series is still a mystery and pioneers are trying to figure out how to grab television-viewing audiences and keep them riveted for seven to eight minutes on their on-line screens. Not easy to accomplish, yet Encounters has managed to tap into our most sacred emotions and hold our attention for the entire show. How many of us have lost a loved one or maybe a not so loved one without ever having a chance to clear things up or say one more time how much they impacted your life? Watching Enounters could save you big bucks on expensive grief therapy!

Miguel Torres

I recently spoke with the series creator and co-executive producer, Miguel Torres, about both his show and the positive reaction from the show’s growing audience.

Where did you get the idea for your story concept?

MT:  I was jogging one day through Boyle Heights and I began to notice people… truly notice them. I don’t know what it was at the time but I felt the pain and hurt in them. Most of them walked with their heads down and I wondered why. I began to think about what I would say to a loved one who had passed away.  And, what if these individuals spoke to a loved one who had passed away? How would it change their current lives? Unfortunately for all of us, we often believe that have something holding us back in this world from becoming great and I feel that losing loved ones takes a bit of our soul away. The original name of the series was One More Day, but I decided to share the concept with one of my mentors, Jesus Trevino, who in turn suggested the title of Encounters. I loved it and it stuck. What we are most proud of is dealing with social issues like alcoholism, child abuse, homosexuality, and suicide. We feel we are doing something positive for our community and the world.

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“Intrigue, mystery, confrontations, revelation—these are the elements that make up the new Encounters webisodic series…. Encounters explores human stories of passion, anger and love. Topnotch performances and filmmaking by Latino talent, in front of and behind the camera, make for dramas that are provocative, arresting, and memorable.”

-- Jesus Trevino, Director and www.Latinopia.com creator

Î

Mauricio Mendoza

 How did your partnering with Mauricio Mendoza come about?

MT:  Mauricio and I both know that we need to create our own projects if Hollywood is going to listen and we both understand the importance of universal themes and the quality of our work.  We were talking one day about working together on a project, any project. We threw ideas at each other but nothing felt right. I told him about my jog through Boyle Heights and about having one last opportunity to meet with a loved one who’d passed away. He loved the concept and within days we started calling our friends from Armando Acevedo (DP), Lorena Alvarado (Associate Producer), Kenneth Castillo (Series Director), Enrique Castillo (Actor, Series Writer), Joe Camareno (Series Director), Ruth Livier (Actress, Episode Writer), Stephen Murray (Series Editor), Kico Velarde (Series Editor), Kevin Sifuentes (Series Director), Yeniffer Behrens (Actress, Writer, Producer), Ruben Padilla (Series Writer) and others asking if they wanted to be a part of it.  Once we shared the concept, without hesitation, they were on-board. Mauricio and I are the Co-Executive Producers of Encounters. It’s tough to produce but we are enjoying most of the process and the professionals that are working with us are amazing.  Encounters has talented individuals that I cannot thank enough and we are also providing them with a platform so that their craft as storytellers can be seen. This is a win-win for all of us because we believe and trust in our work as professionals.

What is your average budget per webisode?

MT:  The average budget per episode is between $650 and $800 and all of the funding has come out of our pockets and many individuals, including the cast, are providing their time in hopes that we do get funding. As of now, the funding is all hard costs.

Latinowood Note: Keep in mind that this low budget does not reflect extensive built-in equipment ownership advantages. Most independent producers do not possess the inventory and must rent out equipment and facilities.

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“Encounters is an excellent and fresh premise for an Internet series that promises to be emotional and heartwarming.”

-- Randy Zisk, Executive Producer/Creator, Monk

Î

Are you & Mauricio seeking out funding/sponsor sources?

MT:  We would both love to have sponsors, a grant, or someone to give us funding for our web series but I know it’s difficult. I work freelance as a camera operator and editor for both Radaronline.com and CNN Español, allowing me to put funding into the web series for the past two years. Sometimes you have to believe in yourself and in your projects and if it means funding it yourself, then do it.

When marketing Encounters, is your primary demographic target Latinos? If yes, how do you intend to cross-promote to mainstream?

MT:  The Encounters concept is a mainstream concept. We wanted to share the “encounters” stories of the various cultures in the world. We originally wanted to tell a Caucasian, a Black, a Latino, an Asian, an Indian, and a middle-eastern story, however, due to our resources, we went entirely Latino. But, here lies the key to the series and especially our culture: Yes we have a Caucasian in our series but they’re Argentinean. Yes we have a black in the series, but he’s Cuban. What our Latino culture offers us is a beautiful rainbow of colors. We have talent from the lightest skin to the darkest of skin. Is this a Latino project, by no means was that our intention but we called our friends and our friends come in various colors. Our creative team and the people behind the series are all Latino and we are great storytellers.

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“Mi Media Naranja is a moving and wonderful webisode of Encounters. If they’re all this good, I’m not going to miss a one. Carlos and Mauricio take you on an emotional journey about how two brothers can look identical but still be so different. A real winner!”

-- Ed Begley, Jr.

Î

Will there be a new season of Encounters?

MT:  We have completed 11 episodes and we’re launching the first 7 episodes of the first season. We are planning on taping three more episodes in the coming months to complete season 2. The scripts are ready for production. Hopefully we can obtain the funding to keep telling individual stories and produce many more seasons to come.

Has the importance of getting an Imagen Award nomination sunken in yet?

MT:  I was definitely nervous the day before the announcement of the 26^th Annual Imagen Awards.  I watched them via live-stream on the site and, when the announcement was made, I was thrilled for the entire cast and crew.  I was thrilled that a prestigious organization like the Imagen Foundation recognized the hard work we’ve put into the series for the past 2 years. The nomination sank in immediately because it validated the series, the cast, and the crew.

Who does your casting because you have brought together some fantastic talent?

MT:  For budgetary reasons, Mauricio was in charge of the casting… meaning he called his friends!

Don’t miss any of Miguel Torres’ and Mauricio Mendoza’s Encounters: http://www.encounterswebseries.com

Mauricio Mendoza and Miguel Torres
Executive-Co-Producers, Encounters

Encounters Latinowood © July 2011
Edited by: Casandra Moreno Lombera

Crystal Santos: An Unconventional ‘Wonder Woman’ To Make Movies, TV with G Productions and Mystic Warrior Productions

Watch Crystal Santos on Let's Talk! show, Thursday, June 23, 2011, 7:30 a.m. on KJLA/LATV, check your local cable grid in the greater Los Angeles area (from Santa Barbara to Orange County, to San Bernardino, Temecula). To read this interview's full article, visit: http://www.latinheat.com. 

Crystal Santos, leading
Hollywood Stunt Professional
often doubles for Rosario
Dawson and Roselyn Sanchez

We caught up with Crystal recently and asked her about her new film venture and how she balances her busy life: 

Q: Film financing is hard to come by, how did you convince Chinese investors?

Cristal Santos: I was fortunate to meet some wonderful Chinese investors and they had seen the value in my project and moved forward rather quickly. I had taken a course in Asian business etiquette in college and let’s just say it paid off. There is a very different style to Asian business and it is based on respect, honor, and honesty. It’s refreshing.

Q: It’s such a rarity to get financing. What other aspect helped you?

CS: There are many ways to finance a film; it’s about knowing what the market will bear and what investors want to see. Finding money for a film is fun and challenging. Still, no two films are funded alike.

Q: What type of training and diet regime do you follow?

CS: I personally stick to the Paleo Diet and strength training plus I run over an hour a day. And of course the extra fun activities like swimming, fights, weaponry, and miscellaneous stunt stuff.

Q:   We’re calling you Super Woman combining work with motherhood, but in the real world, well that’s just hard for any person. Since the birth of your son, has any aspect of your career focus changed?

CS: I incorporated motherhood into my business. I believe it is good for my son to grow up knowing hard work and discipline. By being an example as an athlete and businesswoman, I think it would be ingrained into my child. I want him to feel welcomed in my life and my business is part of my life and one he will inherit, so he should always be involved. I try to take Alexander [son] everywhere. And, yes, he will be going to China with me too.

If anything has changed it would be in the area of focusing more on my acting and film producing for my own movie projects.

Q: Why is Comic-Con and AFM important to you?

CS: Comic-Con is important because I am writing and releasing a comic book and have assisted others in doing so. Attending this convention helps me to make the important connections in that industry, which helps to facilitate my goals more efficiently. It is also beneficial to meet the artists that are out there and to see their work. I actually am hiring one of the artists I met at Comic-Con. As for AFM, it is an invaluable resource for a filmmaker; you meet distributors, financiers, actors, directors, etc. Wonderful results come out of AFM and it is AFM that gives you a real sense of opportunity in the global marketplace.

Q: Growing up, who in entertainment was your role model?

CS: Honestly, like most little girls my age, I admired Linda Carter. Wonder Woman was awesome!

Q: You’ve worked on some major films as an actor and stuntwoman. Which gig was the most dangerous?

CS: I suppose anything I have done involving fire. And, the most important movie I worked on was War of the Worlds. Everyone was pleasant, stunt team, and actors, and the director made it fun as he guided us into his vision seamlessly. Hands down, the best work experience ever.

Q: On the entrepreneur side, you and your husband also have a vitamin and skin care company, another successful venture. Why another business when you’re already thriving in the movie business?

CS: In the business I’m in, it is important that one’s body is strong and healthy and also, the outer must also shine for the camera. It made sense to venture into the health and skin industry. We’re fortunate in that both Markethealth and Healthbuy are successful businesses. Markethealth offers affiliates opportunities to promote our vitamin and skin care lines as a home business and Healthbuy is a place for consumers to buy our products. My personal favorite is our Revitol line, which I use faithfully.

Q: Is it pure passion that has contributed to your business success?

CS: I really believe that if you are passionate about any business you can make it successful. It’s also about knowing what you want and being flexible on how you get there. Example, you may want to finance your film via private equity, but discover that there are other methods such as gap and bridge loans that may work for you. Understanding what you can collateralize on and what the value of every element of your film is can determine your budget and potential investment opportunities. That age-old saying comes into play: Know Your Worth! Also be prepared to say ‘no’ to a deal. Example: if you write a script with the intent of directing it, then stick to that, do not let someone tell you that your script is great but you can’t direct it. Understand that there are elements you can include in your package that will increase the value of the film, a director is just one of them,  actors another, location, qualified producers, etc. Be realistic. Know what kind of film you are making, who will be interested in distributing this film and what is the possibility of the investors return on investment.

Q:  So, Crystal what does an active working professional like yourself do for fun?

CS: I have tons of fun! I get together with friends and play with bullwhips, swords, practice fights, and hang off things,” she laughed. “Our hobbies are a bit unconventional.” Crystal added that a friend even got a baby harness so they can introduce one-year old Alexander to the trapeze soon.

Considered one of the industry’s top stuntwoman, working on dozens of films and television shows. She is also a popular stunt driver for TV car commercials. To learn more about this multi-talented woman, visit: http://www.facebook.com/l/2c93bWcgpu56Orx1C_mRIwYohGA/www.crystalsantos.com 
  Don't forget to watch her on Let's Talk! on KJLA/LATV at 7:30 AM. Or check out the episode on the website, http://www.letstalkshow.tv. 

Latinowood: Elia Esparza

Crystal Santos/June 2011 ©

NICK CHAVEZ INTRODUCES “TRADITIONS” HAIR PRODUCTS ON QVC

Watch our very own Nick Chavez on QVC tonight (June 22^nd) at 10PM (Pacific), as he debuts his new line, Traditions. Nick has captured the essence of his heritage, traditions, and home remedies from his Latino and American-Indian background. We’re so proud of our friend and for all his philanthropic contributions. His hair products have been the top sellers on the network for years because of their premium quality and affordable prices. Nick will also appear on QVC on Thurs., June 23rd, 8AM and 4PM (Pacific); and 1AM, 11AM, and 7PM (Eastern) where he will introduce his other new line Advanced Volume.

Before I introduce his new line, here is a little background on Nick.  He comes from a large Mexican-American family (with Yaqui and Quechan Indian blood).  He is the second oldest of seven children and  is related to UFW founder, Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta. Raised on a farm where his father was a farmer, Nick’s job was to groom horses, clean out stables, and work as a ranch hand after school because the family needed the money. He knew early on that he was headed for something bigger and better. He felt it just the same way as Oprah Winfrey who said that she felt it as a young girl, knowing her destiny was bigger than she could have ever imagined. At around the age of 10, he started working with horses and fell in love. Everyone thought he would become a famous horse trainer. He groomed show horses with a pair of scissors he borrowed from his mother’s sewing kit.  In time, he got so good, his horses had the most beautiful manes and tails. There is so much more to his story and I urge you to check out his book, “Perfect Hair Every Day” (QVC Publishing) to read his amazing journey. He eventually turned to hair styling when one of his cousins insisted he cut her hair just like that new TV star, Farrah Fawcett-Majors. Well, that haircut led to many others. Later he travelled to Europe where he modeled and later acted (TheYoung and The Restless) and other TV programs and national commercials. Later he would open his Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Salon, where he continues to cater to his celebrity and eclectic groups of clientele. 

Nick Chavez

We’re very proud of Nick and his achievements and for the generous and spiritual person he is. He never forgets where he came from and honors his cultural heritage with integrity. His new line Traditions reflects his heritage and each product’s ingredient's story is based on his own life growing up on  a farm. He has an intimate familiarity with unique plants of the Southwest.

New Products:

Yucca Root Conditioning Cream

A rich and luxurious conditioner that helps provides the ultimate hydration and moisture for all hair types. Especially effective on hair that has been chemically treated and has a tendency towards dryness and brittleness. Native American tribes have used yucca root for years to help prevent hair loss, while wild yam helps with normal hair growth. The result is balanced, healthy, shiny and beautiful hair.

Yucca Root Shampooing Cream

This rich luxurious shampoo helps provide the ultimate hydration and moisture for all hair types. It is especially effective on hair that has been chemically treated and has a tendency towards dryness and brittleness. Native American tribes have used yucca root for years to help prevent hair loss, while wild yam helps with normal hair growth. The result is balanced, healthy, shiny and beautiful hair.

Raindrops Purifying Spray

A unique pre-styling spray used immediately after shampooing and conditioning to help neutralize the effects of chlorine and high mineral content in hard water. Made of purified water because of its purifying effects and nutrients that counter the effects of hard water to the scalp and hair. Contains Agave Nectar, which is highly moisturizing and effective in helping to soften and condition the hair.

Red Desert Clay Re-Balancing Conditioning Cream

Designed to help heal damaged or distressed hair that has been depleted by chemicals, thermal heat or the elements. Promotes healing to over-processed, damaged hair. Formulated with Red Desert Clay, which penetrates and restores moisture and hair to its optimum condition… For all hair types, but especially effective on fine and thinning hair.

Nick Chavez Beverly Hills Salon on QVC: June 22^rd, 10PM (PT) and June 23^rd, 8AM, 4PM (PT) and 1AM, 11AM, 7PM (ET)

http://www.nickchavezbeverlyhills.com/traditions

Latinowood: Elia Esparza
Edited by: Casandra Moreno Lombera

Nick Chavez on QVC, © June/201

Constance Marie - No Pushover on Switched at Birth, ABC Family’s New Hit Series

ABC Family’s Switched at Birth caught my attention since the series debuted on June 6^th on the network’s 9 p.m. slot. I’ll admit I only tuned in because Constance Marie is cast in one of the lead roles, and I’m a huge CM fan.

Switched’ became ABC Family’s number one series debut of all time in total viewers (3.3 million), women 18-34 (754,000), adults 49 (1.7 million) and women 18-49 (1.3 million). 

Source: TheHollywoodReporter.com

Constance Marie, Katie Leclerc, Vanessa Marano, Lea Thompson,
D.W. Moffett, Lucas Grabeel

Switched at Birth’s story centers on two teenage girls who discover they were accidentally swapped and are being raised in polar opposite family circumstances. Of course, one family is rich and the other is not. Switched at Birth explores deep issues of nature versus nurture.

It is a smart show and I’ve chosen to forgive the typical Hollywood stereotypes although it is hard at times to dodge the racial clumsiness. Various embedded and reinforced racial clichés unfold, i.e., the poor family who lives in a gang-infested barrio/ghetto is, of course, Latino…because all Latinos only live in ghettos…and all single-Latino mothers are recovering alcoholics. I decided to focus on the unique story line and the fact that the show creators got one thing right: casting Constance Marie, an actress who gives all her roles a classy conscience.

Katie Leclerc & Constance Marie

As Regina Vasquez, CM portrays a talented artist and mother of Daphne (Katie Leclerc) who is hearing impaired. Regina is no pushover and defends her position as a low-income, hard-working single mother who has done an excellent job raising her daughter. Daphne, a light skinned Irish-looking strawberry blond, is a well adjusted, considerate, and excellent student who is proud to be Puerto Rican.

Regina does not let the other parents, who are raising her biological daughter Bay (Vanessa Marano), intimidate her with their wealth and social position.  

Katie Leclerc & Vanessa Marano

The parents, John and Kathryn Kennish (Lea Thompson and D.W. Moffett) have provided their beautiful dark-haired, ethnic looking daughter, Bay, and their strawberry blond son Toby (Lucas Grabeel) a comfortable life due to John’s former sports career and successful chain of car washes. Bay has lived in the lap of luxury her entire life, yet there is something missing. She has a rebellious streak, is a talented artist, and when she’s upset, she recharges by sneaking off into the night to secretly paint/stencil graffiti art on walls and fences. Yes, another stereotype because she’s biologically a Latina so of course she would have an innate desire to paint walls! Ugh! OK, no more objections. Back to her art: an image of a little girl in pink and black, like an angel. There’s a story of a lonely girl in there. It will be interesting to see how this metaphor unfolds.

Kudos to Lizzy Weiss (Blue Crush) for creating a show that introduces the integration of the deaf community to a hearing family. The Kennish’s will have to expand their understanding of deafness if they are to connect and bond with the daughter that was lost to them for so many years. Not easy for a family who has enjoyed life’s pleasures without giving much thought to the rest who are not normal like them.

The series debut also featured Ruth Livier as a concerned hospital professional who informs the families of the switched baby girls’ mix up.  Ivonne Coll, an actor who brings great integrity to her roles, also shines as Regina’s mother. For those who may not know, Ivonne is a former Miss Puerto Rico and Miss Universe contestant. The Vasquez’ family consists of three strong women and we hope the show’s creators will befittingly cast more Latinos.

Emmett Bledsoe, Daphne’s best friend and protector is played Sean Berdy, a young and winsome deaf actor. He is a thespian with Marlee Matlin acting chops, who is so comfortable with himself that he inspires you to want to learn sign language just to hang with him. What a cutie.  Then there’s Ty (Blair Redford), a friend from Daphne’s barrio. I gather he’s supposed to be Latino, not sure, but he has strong Native American features and is a total hunk.  No doubt he’ll be hugely popular as Bay’s future love interest.

I hope Lizzy Weiss uses her hit show to introduce more exceptional Latino talent and leverage the interest of her culturally diverse, mainstream audience. For sure the families have miles to go before there is acceptance and understanding with each other’s circumstances and traditions. This means that Ruth Livier’s character should visit more often.  As for Ivonne Coll, there is great potential to explore her relationship with daughter Regina.  

Moms... daughters trying to
understand their differences

Switched at Birth delivers a highly plausible and socially challenging storyline with emotional intelligence and courageous steps into uncharted waters.

Switched at Birth, Mondays, 9:00-10:00 p.m. on ABC Family.

Latinowood: Elia Esparza

Edited by Casandra Moreno Lombera
Latinowood/Switched at Birth ©  2011