1	Telenovelas Latin American Soap Operas
2	Definition The telenovela is a melodramatic serial drama produced and aired in most Latin American countries. Sometimes called comedias. Tele = short for television + Novela = novel/soap opera
3	Popularity Among TV’s most widely watched genres worldwide Much more important in Latin America than in the U.S. Over 50% of Latin Americans between ages 12 and 64 watch telenovelas regularly In Brazil, 73% of the population watches regularly
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6	Plot The couple that is kissing each other in the first scene will encounter some sort of struggle, but will kiss again in the final scene.
7	Plot “A telenovela is all about a couple who wants to kiss and a scriptwriter who stands in their way for 150 episodes.” - Patricio Wills, Telemundo
8	History Roots in American radio soap opera developed by Colgate-Palmolive, Proctor and Gamble, Gessy-Lever 1950s: TV soaps began airing in Cuba 1960s–1970s: Spread throughout Latin America 1980s: Became a global export
9	“Los Ricos También Lloran” 1979: The first global telenovela Exported to Russia, China, U.S., and other countries Soviet audience estimated at 150-200 million! 7 out of 10 Russians watched regularly
10	“Ugly Betty” Began as Colombian telenovela “Yo Soy Betty, la Fea” Remade by Televisa as “La Fea Más Bella” Turned into a sitcom by ABC
11	Social Change Edutainment – entertainment designed to educate as well as amuse Sabido Method – named for Miguel Sabido, a Mexican TV writer who invented the “soap opera for social change” in the 1970s
12	Examples “Caminemos” (Mexico) – contraceptive sales increased 23% “Ven Conmigo” (Mexico) – a million new students signed up for literacy classes AIDS-related soap (Tanzania) – condom use rose significantly “Blood Ties” (Brazil) – bone marrow donations increased dramatically
13	U.S. Edutainment Telenovelas “Nuestro Barrio” – aired in North Carolina in 2006; aimed at new immigrants; health, education, and financial themes (diabetes, college, fair housing, etc.) “Destinos” – teaches Spanish and Hispanic culture via an absorbing telenovela; airs on UNC-TV weekday mornings at 4:00 a.m.
14	Where to Buy For a great selection of telenovelas, not to mention food, clothing, jewelry, and even tires (!), be sure to visit: El Mandado Supermercado 4020-148 Capital Blvd. Raleigh, NC 27604 878-1800