Pivot and Univision Acquire Exclusive U.S. TV Rights To ‘Cesar’s Last Fast’

PARK CITY (January 18, 2014) — Pivot, Participant Media’s TV network targeting Millennials, and Univision News, the award-winning news division of Univision Communications Inc., the leading media company serving Hispanic America, have acquired the U.S. TV rights to ‘Cesar’s Last Fast’ from Richard Ray Perez and Lorena Parlee in advance of its world debut at the Sundance Film Festival. The deal marks the first of ten documentaries to be co-produced or acquired by Pivot and Univision News (and Latin World Entertainment) as part of a previously announced alliance. The documentary will premiere simultaneously in English and Spanish on the two networks – Pivot and the Univision Network– respectively. The announcement was made today by Evan Shapiro, President, Pivot and Isaac Lee, President of Univision News and CEO of Fusion.

‘Cesar’s Last Fast’ follows Chavez on what would be his last act of protest, a 36-day water-only fast to draw attention the horrific effects of pesticide use on farm workers, their families and communities. Using never-before-seen footage of Chavez during his fast and testimony from those closest to him, directors Richard Ray Perez and Lorena Parlee weave together the larger story of Chavez’s life, vision, and legacy. A deeply religious man, Chavez’s moral clarity in organizing and standing with farmworkers at risk of his own life humbled his family, friends, and the world. ‘Cesar’s Last Fast’ is a moving and definitive portrait of the leader of people who became an American icon of struggle and freedom.

Belisa Balaban, SVP, Alternative Programming, Pivot said, “’Cesar’s Last Fast’ illuminates the idealism and conviction of a man who not only changed the lives of workers in his day, but also serves as a lasting inspiration for today’s generation of young activists. Pivot and Univision are the perfect platforms to expose audiences to Chavez’s work, spark conversation and illuminate issues. This documentary further spotlights his remarkable story as will Participant and Pantelion’s upcoming feature “Cesar Chavez” to be released March 28.”

“We are proud to partner with Participant Media to expand our high quality content offerings and give our millions of Spanish-speaking viewers the opportunity to enjoy extraordinary programs like this one,” stated Isaac Lee. “Cesar Chavez is a revered figure in the Hispanic community, and this original documentary will undoubtedly be of great interest to Univision’s audience.”

“We are extremely happy to be working together with Pivot and Univision,” stated filmmaker Perez. “This is a great partnership for our film in getting it out to our audience and for commemorating Cesar’s inspiring life.”

‘Cesar’s Last Fast’ is directed by Richard Ray Perez and Lorena Parlee, produced by Molly O’Brien and executive produced by Lyn Davis Lear with support from Latino Public Broadcasting and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The deal was negotiated by Preferred Content on behalf of the filmmakers and Balaban for Pivot and Juan Rendón, director of Univision’s documentary unit. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Also at Sundance Film Festival, Pivot’s TV series HITRECORD ON TV debuted as an official screening on Friday (January 17) as part of the New Frontiers in advance of its premiere on Pivot TV tonight, Saturday, January 18.

About Pivot
Pivot (Pivot.tv), which launched nationally August 1, is a television network fromParticipant Media serving passionate Millennials (18-34) with a diverse slate of talent and a mix of original series, acquired programming, films and documentaries. Pivot focuses on entertainment that sparks conversation, inspires change and illuminates issues through engaging content and, through its website TakePart.com, connects audiences to a wealth of content and customizable actions. Pivot is available via traditional Pay TV subscription and integrating a Live and on demand streaming option via its interactive, downloadable Pivot APP. In both content and delivery, Pivot is TV for The New Greatest Generation. Follow Pivot on Twitter at @pivot_tvand on Facebook at facebook.com/pivottelevision.

About Participant Media
Participant (ParticipantMedia.com) is a global entertainment company founded in 2004 by Jeff Skoll to focus on feature film, television, publishing and digital content that inspires social change. Participant’s more than 45 films include GOOD NIGHT, AND GOOD LUCK, SYRIANA, AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, FOOD, INC., WAITING FOR ‘SUPERMAN’, THE HELP, CONTAGION and LINCOLN. Through its films, social action campaigns, digital network TakePart.com and Pivot, its new television network for Millennials, Participant seeks to entertain, encourage and empower every individual to take action.

About Univision News
Univision’s award-winning News division is committed to informing the country’s fastest growing segment across all media platforms, including TV, Radio, and Interactive. Hispanics count on the latest and most relevant content that impacts the community through: “Noticiero Univision,” the Network’s evening, late evening and weekend national newscast; Sunday public affairs program “Al Punto” (To The Point); newsmagazine shows “Aquí y Ahora” (Here and Now) and “Primer Impacto” (First Impact); as well as morning news segments on “Despierta América” (Wake Up America). In the last year, Univision has strengthened its news team and expanded its news operations by adding Investigative and Documentary Units.

About Univision Communications Inc.
Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) is the leading media company serving Hispanic America. The Company, a leading content creator in the U.S., includes Univision Network, one of the top five networks in the U.S. regardless of language and the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the country reaching approximately 96% of U.S. Hispanic television households; UniMás, a leading Spanish-language broadcast television network reaching approximately 89% of U.S. Hispanic television households; Univision Cable Networks, including Galavisión, the country’s leading Spanish-language cable network, as well as Univision tlnovelas, a 24-hour cable network dedicated to novelas, Univision Deportes Network, a 24-hour cable network dedicated to sports, ForoTV, a 24-hour Spanish-language cable network dedicated to news, and an additional suite of six cable offerings – De Película, De Película Clásico, Bandamax, Ritmoson, Telehit and Distrito Comedia; Univision Television Group, which owns and/or operates 62 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Radio, the leading Hispanic radio group which owns and/or operates 69 radio stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico, as well as Uforia, the leading Hispanic digital music service; UVideos, the first bilingual digital video network serving Hispanic America; an Interactive network of online and mobile apps and products including Univision.com, which continues to be the No. 1 most-visited Spanish-language website among U.S. online Hispanics, and Univision Partner Group, a specialized advertising and publisher network. UCI’s assets also include a minority stake in El Rey Network, a new 24-hour English-language network founded by maverick filmmaker Robert Rodriguez, and a joint venture with Disney/ABC Television Network for Fusion, a news, pop culture and satire TV and digital network. Headquartered in New York City, UCI has television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States. For more information, please visit Univision.net.