Miami, FL – January 17th, 2024. Tio Papi The Series, a new scripted comedy set in Miami, and created by acclaimed actor, writer and producer Joey Dedio, was announced the Winner of
NATPE Global’s Pitch Showcase in the “Scripted Comedy” category. The project, based on the award-winning film Tio Papi, which aired on HBO, among other networks and platforms, is executive produced by Joey Dedio and Jose Luis Martinez, President of Lucky Seventeen Entertainment and co-founder of the Miami Media and Film Market (MMFM). Tio Papi was selected along with 3 other finalists by NATPE Global to pitch to a panel of expert judges at their 2024 Conference this week from hundreds of submissions.
According to NATPE Global, the “Pitch Showcase is an international live pitch event designed for mid-level and established creatives and producers. The goal of the program is to aid in the development of TV projects in scripted comedy, scripted drama & unscripted that can appeal to a global audience.”
Dedio said “being selected to pitch by NATPE Global was a tremendous honor, and actually winning in our category was a huge step in bringing this family sitcom to life. He added, “we hope to be shooting in Miami later this year.”
The series also boasts several community partners including CAMACOL, Florida’s largest Hispanic chamber of commerce, and the Greater Miami Conventions and Visitors Bureau (GMCVB). The series is currently being represented by Gustavo Aparicio, CEO of Spanglish Movies.
According to Patty Arias, Executive Director of CAMACOL and Chief Exec of MMFM, “we are so proud and delighted that we have been able to support this project, which will be a game changer for Miami-Dade County.” She added, “it will not only generate revenue for our County, but tourism dollars, which is so important to our economic growth.”
Tio Papi’s producers also look forward to engaging with FilMiami to discuss local incentive support for filming in Miami-Dade.