U.S. HISPANIC
Production has been a challenge for the industry
Maribel Ramos-Weiner| 28 de enero de 2021
Cisco Suárez Productor y Director
Since Telemundo was one of the first companies to return to production during COVID, they have implemented strict sanitary protocols under the motto Manténte Saludable, Trabaja Seguro (Stay Healthy, Work Safely), both in Telemundo Center, in the Dominican Republic where they are producing Exatlón EE UU, and in Mexico, where they recently shot Buscando a Frida.
“Regardless of the location, we are following all the COVID protocols that have been established by NBCUniversal and CDC. Production in these circumstances has been a challenge for the industry in general. We have had to make changes and be patient since everything takes much longer than in “the old days”. We want to maintain the essence of this exciting competition for the whole family, but we are taking all the necessary precautions to make sure not only contestants remain safe, but also our team and personnel in general. It is a requirement to use personal protection equipment, including face protectors and masks, in addition to running covid tests and checking everyone’s temperature,” explained Francisco “Cisco” Suárez, EVP of Non-Scripted Programming of Telemundo’s primetime.
He commented that the new season is “unique”. It starts with 24 contestants, 12 athletes per team, instead of 10. “Half of the contestants are favorite athletes from past seasons who are returning for a second opportunity, while the other 12 are new competitors. There will also be new obstacles and more night contests. Frederik Oldenburg is the new host of the competition”.
