SORIANO. Got his investment back after a year.
Director-Producer Paul Soriano gave a talk on “Producing an Independent Film” to the 2014 Cinemalaya finalists last Feb. 22 at the CCP. We were present the first time filmmaker Hannah Espia met Soriano, who ended up producing “Transit.”
Soriano shares, “When I produced ‘Transit,’ the logistical issues, like funding, hiring actors and arranging the shooting schedule, were a nightmare.” But, “Transit” has turned out to be a risk worth taking. Soriano explains: “We got into Cinemalaya and ended up winning 10 awards. Later, the movie was chosen to represent the Philippines in the Oscars.”
Distribution deals
Paul got his investment back after a year, and Fil-Am producer Dean Devlin has since bought the film’s worldwide rights. Soriano adds, “We were able to secure distribution deals in several countries. Mr. Devlin asked how much ‘Transit’s’ budget was and he doubled it! It encourages me to make more films.” (His production company, Ten17P, is producing four films this year.)
Paul says that filmmakers have to make their dreams happen: “We’re all dreamers, but we also have to be dream makers! Make it happen!”