Not a part of rumored GMA 7-TV5 merger

“PSYCHOTIC” role allows her to stretch her range, says young actress/filmmaker.

GMA 7 talent Bianca King topbills TV5’s new weekly prime time drama series, “Obsession,” which airs Thursdays, starting tonight. Contrary to speculations, TV5 execs said signing up the 28-year-old actress wasn’t part of a “special arrangement” resulting from the alleged merger of the two networks.

“Does this have anything to do with newspaper reports that [TV5 chair Manny Pangilinan] is buying GMA 7? The answer is no,” TV5 president and CEO Noel Lorenzana told writers shortly after King’s contract signing recently.

“[Negotiations with Bianca] had been ongoing before that news item came out. There’s no link,” he said, thanking the Kapuso station’s “openness” in allowing one of its stars to appear in a TV5 show.

The network’s chief entertainment content officer, Wilma Galvante, said “borrowing” talents, like King, from other networks was a way of augmenting the Kapatid network’s still modest talent stable. “It would be to our advantage if we could source artists who are already popular,” she said.

Another example is Miss World 2013 Megan Young, who is still under contract with ABS-CBN’s talent firm, Star Magic.

Before winning the international beauty title, Young costarred in the TV5 series, “Misibis Bay.”

Smooth negotiations

King, who has been with GMA 7 for the past 10 years, said it was “a dream come true” to work for another channel.

“I’m so happy that negotiations went smoothly,” she said, adding that, as an artist, she naturally gravitated toward  good projects.

“I want to reach my full potential as an artist anywhere,” said the actress. “I want to try everything, spread my wings … step  out of my comfort zone. This keeps me on my toes.” King’s contract with GMA 7 is “up for renewal” this year.

Though she had no qualms about being associated with TV5, King said, she wouldn’t turn her back on GMA 7, which gave her a big break via “Mulawin” in 2004. “Both networks have been wonderful.”

Conniving

In “Obsession,” she plays Vanessa, a woman madly in love with a former lover (played by Martin Escudero). She described her character as “psychotic, conniving and scheming.”

“The role is risqué. I get to show my range,” said King, who was last seen on GMA 7’s “Maghihintay Pa Rin,” in which she also played the lead role.

Asked if she felt pressured about headlining her first TV5 show, the actress said: “I’m more … excited and grateful. I’m looking forward to doing my best.”

King has a degree in digital filmmaking from De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, and has shot music videos for several recording artists like Hale, Frencheska Farr and Somedaydream. She recently worked as an apprentice to director Erik Matti for Revolver Studios, a production house founded by Dondon Monteverde.

While she sees herself directing TV commercials and, quite possibly, drama series, King said she would like to explore to the fullest all the acting opportunities she could get. “I want to be ready before I transition to something else,” she said. “My degree is in my back pocket.”

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