MTV Lat Am to ramp up original drama

MTV Latin America is ramping up its moves into local scripted programming following the success of its teen novela Niñas Mal (Bad Girls).

The Viacom-owned broadcaster has seen large ratings increases in Colombia and Mexico for the 70x1hour series, which is produced by Teleset in association with Sony Pictures TV.

Niñas Mal, which follows the story of a group of teenage girls, has also been picked up by a number of MTV’s international networks including in Italy and Spain and will also air on its US Hispanic channel MTYV Tr3s.

Carole Bardasano, director of programming and acquisitions for MTV and VH1 Latin America, told TBIvision that it hoped to launch more scripted dramas.  

“The backbone of MTV Latin America is the US shows but this gives it a local flavour. You can tailor the needs of local audiences through original programming. It’s definitely something we’re going to see more of,” she said.

The Latin American division is also looking to do local versions of MTV’s hit US formats. “16 & Pregnant is a format that is being pitched around Latin America; there’s lots of potential for a local production,” she added

Bardasano has also recently acquired a number of series as part of its programming strategy including Comedy Central’s Ugly Americans and Mark Burnett Productions’ Bully Beatdown.