‘SNL’s’ Michaels Launches Hispanic Digital Studio

The man behind the success of Saturday Night Live and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon is now putting his might behind a digital studio dedicated to creating digitally distributed Latino-targeted comedy content.

Broadway Video next January will open the doors to Más Mejor, a new entity formed in collaboration with NBCUniveral Telemundo Enterprises. Though its content will be designed to appeal to general audiences worldwide, its output will be squarely targeted to U.S. Hispanics, the company said.

Furthermore, the partnership calls for Telemundo’s digital and social platforms to serve as the key distribution platform and for the Spanish-language network to create “exclusive sponsorship opportunities” around Más Mejor content.

To help jump start Más Mejor, Broadway Video has partnered with popular comedians and digital influencers including SNL alumni Horatio Sanz and Fred Armisen, as well as Vine sensation David Lopez.

Additionally, Más Mejor will work closely with Mexico City-based production studio What a Bear, run by Adriana Bello (Days of Grace) and Lemon Films’ Billy and Fernando Rovzar (Casa de Mi Padre). Each will recruit talent and produce short-form comedy content “in keeping with the Broadway Video brand,” the company said. 

While its specific programming plans haven’t been finalized, Broadway Video indicated that it would produce weekly short-form comedy series, along with topical videos. Content will be available in both Spanish and English.

“We’re excited to work with Telemundo Digital and our other soon-to-be-announced distribution partners to provide a platform for the many talented Latino performers and creators here and abroad,” Broadway Video president Britta von Schoeler said.

Peter Blacker, executive vice president of digital media and emerging business for NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises, added, “Partnering with Broadway Video on this launch represents our first move into multiplatform comedy and should be very well-received by audiences and advertisers alike.”