BVI romances Caracol in deal

'Amor a Mil' first telenovela prod'n in pact

By MARY SUTTER

MIAMI -- Buena Vista Intl. has inked to co-produce three Spanish-lingo telenovelas with Colombian broadcaster Caracol, BVI's first venture into soap operas.

"This agreement is yet another example of Buena Vista Intl.'s expansion in the development of original, local productions," said Fernando Barbosa, VP, Latin American sales.

The first soap, "Amor a Mil," a love story set on the racing-car circuit, is already on air in Colombia. BVI will distribute it in Argentina, Mexico and Peru. Miami-based Tepuy Intl. will handle other international territories.

BVI had already ventured into soap distribution with Colombian novela, "The Baby Sister," a co-production between Caracol and Teleset.

Telemundo has acquired "Amor a Mil" for the U.S. market and will launch it later this year.

Separately, Caracol has a 10-soap, multiyear co-production deal with the U.S. Spanish-lingo net. The two deals will contribute to a higher level of production at Caracol, one of Colombia's two private broadcasters.