Stars welcome website meant to make them more accessible

ENZO Pineda at the launch.

Talents of the GMA Artist Center (GMAAC) welcome the recent launch of the network’s new website designed to help in promoting them and thus  “make their stars shine brighter.”

Actor Enzo Pineda said the creation of the GMAAC website (www.gmanetwork.com/artistcenter) was a good move. “Nowadays, people rely on the Internet to check on what’s happening to their idols,” he told the Inquirer during the recent “Connect: The GMA Artist Center Digital Launch” in Taguig City.

He added: “While TV plays a big part in information dissemination, you can search everything on the Net. In fact, when fans missed our shows on TV, they watch them online.”

Pineda explained that as a TV personality, he expresses his opinion on current issues via his Twitter account, which has been active for three years now.

“I try to be a good role model, to inspire people,” he pointed out. “I think bashers are people who just don’t want to admit that they are fans. In any case, I’ve accepted criticism as part of show biz. It makes me want to do better with my craft.”

NONTECHIE Max Collins was there, too.

Actress Max Collins, who admitted she wasn’t a techie, said the website nonetheless provided a venue for her to interact with fans. “I’m still trying to [learn to use] the Internet and social media networks because they are all new to me. Eventually, I know I’d like to express my opinions via these sites. I just have to make sure I’m careful about what I say. I don’t want to influence people the wrong way.”

Scientific marketing

Simon Ferrer, AVP for imaging and branding, said GMAAC would apply “more science in terms of marketing its artists. There’s really a directive to transform talents within our department into bigger stars.”

According to Ferrer, GMAAC has organized more acting workshops for its talents and hired more industry experts to style and train them.

“When it comes to casting for important roles, we really push for our talents to be given lead roles since it is through these shows that they get the exposure and followers they need,” he said.

According to GMA Films president Annette Gozon-Abrogar, GMA Films has been “synergizing” with other departments to help build up their artists.

She explained: “We’re creating a year-long plan for each of them that will include exposure not only on television but also in the movies and [through] recording.”

“Connect” was attended by Kapuso stars Aljur Abrenica, Kris Bernal, Rocco Nacino, Alden Richards, Louise delos Reyes, Sef Cadayona, Julie Anne San Jose, Max Collins, Chynna Ortaleza, Kim Rodriguez, LJ Reyes, Enzo Pineda, Diva Montelaba, Ken Chan, Ruru Madrid, Jeric Gonzales, Thea Tolentino, Juancho Trivino, Julian Trono, Joyce Ching and Zandra

Summer.

The event was hosted by Steven Silva and “My Husband’s Lover” cast member Bettina Carlos. Also present were executives Joey Abacan, Lilybeth Rasonable, Marivin Arayata and Tracy Garcia.

The GMAAC “Folio,” a coffee table book featuring Kapuso talents, was launched that night.

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