Fania 1
Concord’s Film & TV division has closed a deal with producers Sherry Marsh of Marsh Entertainment (Pose, Vikings), Jorge Granier of Aquarius Pictures (Jane the Virgin, Nicky Jam: El Ganador) and Sergio Pizzolante (Nicky Jam: El Ganador) to develop a scripted film and/or television project about the history of FANIA Records, the label that popularized salsa music.
Concord’s Sophia Dilley and FANIA’s Bruce McIntosh will co-develop the project and serve as executive producers. Concord acquired FANIA in 2018 making it a part of its Craft Latino catalog.
Considered by many to be The Motown of Latin Music, New York-based FANIA Records flourished in the 1970’s and 80’s, founded by Dominican-born Johnny Pacheco and Brooklyn-native Jerry Masucci.
“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. The FANIA story is a trifecta of creativity, commerce and the perseverance of Latinos in the US,” said Bruce McIntosh, VP of Concord Craft Latino.
Concord will commit substantial resources to the development and a writer search is underway.
“The FANIA catalog is rich with powerful stories that encompass a global movement in Latin music,” added Sophia Dilley, Concord’s VP Film & Television Development and Production.
Granier commented: “I’ve been a fan of FANIA my whole life and it’s an honor and the great responsibility to bring this incredible story to the screen. Latin music has taken over the world and they did it by standing on the shoulders of giants such as the Fania All-Stars. This is a powerful story of talent, perseverance, and grit by Latinos and immigrants that’s as relevant today as ever”.
“When Jorge and I first approached FANIA, it came from our shared passion for genuine latin stories with global appeal. Today’s urban music global phenomenon had its roots in the Salsa movement from NY in the 60’s, it was the first Latin invasion”, said Pizzolante.
