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Carlos Mencia goes wide with Comedy Central pact

Posted on: Monday, 31 October 2005, 01:49 CST

By Kimberly Speight

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - It's Mencia mania at Comedy Central.

The network is throwing its support behind comedian Carlos Mencia through a multifaceted deal that will see his comedy series "Mind of Mencia" officially renewed for a second season. Also as part of the deal, Mencia will shoot a one-hour stand-up special for the cable network and host a live-performance tour in more than 30 U.S. markets next year under the Comedy Central Live banner.

In addition, Comedy Central Home Entertainment is planning to release an uncensored DVD of the show's first season that will include bonus material such as deleted scenes, outtakes and never-before-seen backstage "diary" footage. The DVD will be released in conjunction with the show's second season, set to premiere in March with a 13-episode order.

Lauren Corrao, executive vp original programming and development at Comedy Central, said it was an easy decision to renew the series, which averaged 1.4 million total viewers for its 13-episode first season.

"Carlos really struck a chord with the audience this summer, which was very competitive in terms of launching comedies," she said.

Corrao said this is the first time that Comedy Central has given its support to one of its talent with "such a comprehensive plan," though the network has supported other on-air talent through tours, including Dave Chappelle, and with concert films, like Dave Attell.

"This was premeditated," Corrao said. "It's part of what we're calling multiplatform mania. The idea is to attack viewers from a number of different platforms so we can get behind the talent in a 360-degree way. People get their media and entertainment now from so many different places -- for us, this is a great way to market and build awareness for someone."

"Mencia" -- featuring Mencia opining on such topics as ethnic stereotypes, race relations, immigration, war and capitalism -- premiered July 6, taking over the slot previously occupied by "Chappelle's Show."

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter

Source: REUTERS

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