The current media landscape is not lacking for Latin music projects. Biopic series on Luis Miguel and Celia Cruz – not to mention the upcoming TV series on Selena – demonstrate a clear desire to put those fascinating behind-the-scenes tales on the small screen for all to enjoy. In that vein, Concord’s Film & TV unit has announced that it’s in the early stages of developing for the screen (it’s yet to be announced if that means big or small) a project that will tell the history of Fania Records, a music label that came to shape salsa as we know it today. The New York City label was founded by Dominican-born composer and bandleader Johnny Pacheco and Brooklyn born Italian-American ex-NYPD cop-turned-lawyer Jerry Masucci back in 1964. The roster of musicians associated with Fania reads like a who’s who of salsa music in the ’60s through the ’80s: Willie Colón, Celia Cruz, Ralfi Pagán, Luis “Perico” Ortiz, Bobby Valentín, Rubén Blades, Héctor Lavoe, Cheo Feliciano.
Produced by Sherry Marsh of Marsh Entertainment (Pose, Vikings), Jorge Granier of Aquarius Pictures (Jane the Virgin) and Sergio Pizzolante (Nicky Jam: El Ganador), the project will have no problem telling a compelling story as Fania remains as legendary as ever and as powerful a reminder of the ingenuity of our communities in the music industry.
“I’m ecstatic to see this deal take place as an important step in bringing the powerful story of Fania Records and its artists to the world,” said Bruce McIntosh, VP of Craft Latino. “The Fania story is a trifecta of creativity, commerce and the perseverance of Latinos in the US.”
Though it’s all in the early stages of development, it’s never too early to begin fan-casting and dreaming up who should step into Celia’s very fabulous shoes or take a stab at donning Colón’s enviable mustache.