Televisa USA and Lantica Media announced they are developing and co-producing Gran Hotel.The series will be shot at Lanticas Pinewood Dominican Republic Studios and an original script adapted to pre-Castro Havana by Emmy-winning and -nominated showrunner Stephen Kronish (24, Kennedys), with Lantica set to co-develop and co-finance multiple projects with global producer-distributor Televisa USA.Based on the hit series originating in Spain, Televisa USA transforms this Beta Film GmbH format brought to it from scripted format sales company Pomodoro Stories into a thriller blending danger and passion set in 1950s Cuba. Following his sisters disappearance, Julio is led on a dangerous journey that takes him to the opulent Gran Hotel, a frequent getaway for the rich, powerful, famous and infamous, and into the arms of the sexy daughter of the hotels wealthy owner. It was a time when mobsters, politicians and celebrities flocked to Havana, the worlds most exotic and permissive playground. Setting Gran Hotel in a sexy, sinful atmosphere offers up a rich fusion of glamour and intrigue deeply rooted in an exceptional murder mystery format with a proven global footprint, said Chris Philip, Head of Production and Distribution for Televisa USA. Since the introduction of the film law and its incentives, the Dominican Republic has seen substantial growth in both film and television production. The country offers mesmerizing scenery and world-class production capabilities that will serve as the ideal backdrop for the epic tales of mystery and romance played out in the halls of Havanas regal Gran Hotel. We are thrilled to be in business with Televisa USA on this and future projects, commented Antonio Gennari, CEO of Lantica Media. Beta Film SVP Christian Gockel said, “As co-producers of the Italian adaptation, we at Beta Film are proud and thrilled to see Gran Hotel on its way to becoming an evergreen, opening its doors in Cuba’s amazing 1950s! Philip and David Sigurani, director of Scripted Development, will oversee the production of Gran Hotel for Televisa USA, with production executive Albert Martínez Martin spearheading Lantica Medias involvement.
