Venevision International: L.A.'s Early, Late Presence.

Venevision International has joined many Latin companies in opening its suite earlier in Los Angeles so as to meet with its clients from the region. Venevision will be present at the L.A. Screenings from May 17-25, showing new products and co-productions in the genres of telenovelas and children's programming, as well as its recently-expanded catalog of movies and documentaries.

According to Luis Villanueva, president at Venevision, "We think this earlier meeting creates more opportunities for companies to spend time with clients, so we look upon this as a good initiative." Venevision, nonetheless, will remain at the Screenings per its regular schedule "because our markets go beyond Latin America, serving Asia and Europe as well," continued Villanueva.

Venevision has increased its portfolio with novelas, both with co-productions ( Vidas Prestadas with Iguana Productions) and productions from its mother channel Venevision-Venezuela (Hechizo de Amor, Mu[tilde{n}]eca de Trapo). This year, Venevision will offer some 10 new telenovelas.

In children's programming, Venevision will present two new series in addition to its traditional fare. Juana la Iguana is a series of 26 programs depicting Latin American themes, with traditional children's songs representative of Latino heritage. Venevision will also introduce Con los Pelos de Punta at the L.A. Screenings. In this story, a medieval ghost (Ludovico) wants to be reincarnated and needs to sacrifice three of the children who awakened him. The series adds to the innovative genre of children's horror programming. Both products include a merchandising bible to support the shows' branding and presence in the local markets.

Venevision will also present its recently-acquired movie catalog, including 40 Hollywood blockbusters, some of which are still in theaters in the U.S.: The Whole Nine Yards (showcasing Bruce Willis and Matthew Perry), Phoenix (starring Ray Liotta and Anjelica Huston) and A Simple Plan (with Bill Paxton and Bridget Fonda). Venevision also has a package of 20 movies from Spain.