NBC and Electus in development for trio of telenovelas

NBC has partnered with multimedia entertainment studio Electus for three telenovelas to be developed with an eye towards airing one as a 13-episode series, with multiple episodes running each week, much like an actual telenovela.The first project in development, The Black Widow, from writer Sri Rao, is an adaptation of the highly popular Venezuelan telenovela La Viuda Joven produced by Venevisión, which premiered in 2011 and set ratings records. The 142-episode series was broadcast around the world.Rao’s most recent writing credit was for General Hospital: Night Shift. He will co-executive produce with Electus’ founder-creator Ben Silverman and Jimmy Fox, Head of Creative Development.The other titles for development will be announced at a later date.“We believe there is huge potential for telenovelas to be adapted and developed for American viewers. These stories clearly have resonance across all cultures and nationalities,” said Jennifer Salke, president, NBC Entertainment.“Already a hit overseas, we expect The Black Widow’s captivating and mysterious plot to attract a large audience domestically as well,” says John Pollak, president of Electus International.Electus International will control distribution of each series adaptation worldwide as well as the original format worldwide, excluding Latin America, Spain, and Portugal. Venevision International will distribute the format in those territories, as well as the original Venezuelan series worldwide.