Silvio Horta

Writer / Show Creator

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation Presents

02:26

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About

About this interview

In his two-hour-and-fifteen-minute interview, Silvo Horta (1974-2020) talks about his early projects, including writing the pilot The Furies with Ryan Murphy and the series Chronicle. He discusses creating the short-lived series Jake 2.0 and the pilot titled West Side. He recalls becoming involved with Ugly Betty, which was a remake of a Mexican telenovela co-produced by Salma Hayek. Horta recalls many aspects of his Ugly Betty experience, including shooting the pilot and casting Vanessa Williams when another actress proved unsatisfactory. He outlines the social impact of the show, which featured a Latina lead and several characters who were gay. He talks about dealing with the network on Ugly Betty, as well as its star, America Ferrera. Horta also speaks of his writing process and gives advice to aspiring television writers. Nancy Harrington conducted the interview on October 31, 2013 in Los Angeles, CA.

All views expressed by interviewees are theirs alone and not necessarily those of the Television Academy.

"The challenge of the television industry is to generate hits and continue to be successful. It's a very tough business with lot of ebbs and flows. It is a constant challenge to do good work and it's lightning in a bottle when it finally happens."

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Silvio Horta

Highlights

Silvio Horta on the appeal of Ugly Betty

01:03

Silvio Horta on the issue of sexuality on Ugly Betty

01:11

Silvio Horta on the Latino heritage and social class of Ugly Betty

02:59

Silvio Horta on writing the pilot The Furies with Ryan Murphy

02:09

Full Interview

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Chapter 1

On his early life and influences; on the first script he sold; on writing the pilot The Furies with Ryan Murphy

On creating The Chronicle; on executive producing The Chronicle; on forming his own production company

On creating the series Jake 2.0; on being showrunner on Jake 2.0; on writing the pilot, West Side

On becoming involved with Ugly Betty; on the premise of Ugly Betty; on adapting the show for American audiences and striking the right tonal balance

Chapter 2

On the appeal of Ugly Betty; on shooting the pilot of Ugly Betty and casting Vanessa Williams; on being showrunner on the show

On the writing process for Ugly Betty; on dealing with the network on Ugly Betty; on the Latino, class aspects and sexuality of the show

On a typical production week for Ugly Betty; on the production design and wardrobe of Ugly Betty; on the shooting style of the show

On the character of "Betty Suarez" on Ugly Betty; on Eric Mabius as "Daniel Meade" on Ugly Betty; on Vanessa Williams as "Wilhelmina Slater" on the show

Chapter 3

On the cast of Ugly Betty and Ugly Betty's Emmy nomination; on favorite Ugly Betty moments; on the end of the show and its legacy

On his writing process; on challenges in the industry; on career highlights and regrets

Shows

Emmy Awards, The (Primetime and Daytime)

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Silvio Horta on Ugly Betty's Emmy nomination

01:04

Ugly Betty

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Silvio Horta on becoming involved with writing Ugly Betty