Hayek makes pact for new shows

On the heels of the success of the ABC freshman dramedy "Ugly Betty," the show's executive producer Salma Hayek has inked an overall deal with the show's producer, ABC Studios.

Under the two-year pact, Hayek and producing partner Jose Tamez will develop new series projects for the studio through their company, Ventanarosa Prods.

"I share with the industry an incredible respect for Salma's passion and business insight for developing quality storytelling that appeals to a broad audience," ABC Studios president Mark Pedowitz said. " 'Ugly Betty' was just the beginning of what we hope is a long and successful partnership with Salma."

"Ugly Betty," which is based on the blockbuster Colombian telenovela "Betty La Fea," has been a passion project for Hayek, who was a famous telenovela star in her native Mexico before moving to Hollywood in the early 1990s, and Tamez, a former telenovela producer. Hayek was instrumental in casting America Ferrera to play the lead and also recurred on the show this past season.

"Working with Mark Pedowitz and his amazing team at ABC Television Studios on 'Ugly Betty' has been a successful and collaborative experience," Tamez said. "Both Salma and myself are happy to embark on this new chapter."

The deal with ABC Studios marks the first overall TV pact for Hayek and Tamez, who have been ramping up their producing efforts.

Last month, the duo launched a film company, Ventanazul, in partnership with MGM to develop, produce and acquire mainstream films that either draw on Latin themes or feature Latin talent. *