Following a brief presentation by Mandala and other Univision executives, guests moved about a two-floor, multi-room interactive exhibit highlighting the network’s best current and upcoming programming, ranging from scripted dramas and sports to news, music and live events. Structured to encourage an organic flow between sections that highlighted different genres, the two-floor experience -- this year at Center 415 -- worked much better than the four-floor experience last year at Spring Studios.
“Reaching for the Heart” was the theme of UCI’s Upfront this year, focusing on nostalgia and offering a lineup of reimagined classic telenovelas, increased coverage of some of the biggest sporting events of the year and the return of beloved, family friendly franchises. This was further emphasized in the opening video which featured long-time Univision News anchor Teresa Rodriguez, speaking on the idea of a powerful Hispanic heartbeat driving over all American living and culture.
“Other Spanish-language networks claim originality but only our dramas are diverse, inclusive, authentic and contemporary,” declared Jessica Rodriguez (pictured below), President and Chief Operating Officer of Univision Networks and Chief Marketing Officer for UCI. “Our casting and storylines reflect our community’s world in vivid, compelling ways, addressing important topics that inspire the best kind of engagement.”