Genre fest aims to spur film industry’s growth

PRESENT during the recent FDCP-initiated Genre Script Presentation and Awarding Ceremony were (from left) FDCP Executive Director Ted Granados; winning scriptwriters Hector Fernandez, Jose Eduarte, Ed Lejano Jr. and Agustin Sugatan Jr.; FDCP Chair Briccio Santos; winning scriptwriters Edgardo Vinarao, Reuben Canoy, Jerome Zamora, Juvy Galamiton and Mario Mendez Jr., and FDCP Executive Director Miguel de la Rosa.

Aimed at “enlivening and accelerating the growth of the industry,” the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) recently organized a film-financing meet that was attended by representatives of local and foreign production outfits, announced FDCP chair Briccio Santos.

The First Genre Script Presentation, held at the AIM Conference Center in Makati City on March 7, coincided with the awarding of certificates and cash prizes to the nine winners of the FDCP-initiated Genre Film Scriptwriting Competition.

Present were the winners, namely Juvy Grado Galamiton (“As One,” Horror); Edgardo Vinarao (“Bacao,” Thriller); Hector M. Fernandez (“Frat War,” Horror); Eduardo Lejano Jr. (“Habagat,” Hybrid); Agustin Sugatan (“Jeepney, Jeprox A Pinoy Rak,” Comedy); Jerome Zamora (“Maligamgam,” Comedy); Mario Mendez (“Misteryoklas: The Beki Files,” Hybrid); Reuben Canoy (“The Unbelievers,” Action) and Jose Alejandro M. Eduarte (“Wakasan,” Action).

Also in attendance were representatives from production companies ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc., APT Entertainment, GMA Films, Jemah Films, Quantum Films, Reality Entertainment, Solar Films, Unitel Productions and Viva Communications. Henry Luk, president of the China-based Ace Studios, was also present.

“I am optimistic that this innovative way of encouraging and fostering productive and profitable partnerships would work out,” said Santos in his opening speech. “I see the beginning of a successful partnership that goes beyond administrations and borders. You are all important players in the industry and I am sure that you will immediately recognize the value of this public and private partnership.”

Co-productions

The plan was for the FDCP to coproduce nine films, based on the winning scripts, with private production outfits, explained executive director Ted Granados. They will be screened in 40 SM malls nationwide during the 10-day 2014 Sineng Pambansa Film Festival in September.

“The first Sineng Pambansa in 2012 featured the creations of emerging directors. On its second year, the FDCP engaged the masters or veteran filmmakers to come up with their own stories and turn these into big-screen masterpieces,” shared FDCP cinema programmer Nonoy Lauzon.

This year’s Sineng Pambansa would be “producer-oriented,” he explained. “The FDCP wanted all the major players of the local movie industry, together with some partner institutions in the international scene, to play a part in this program.”

Chair Santos pointed out: “Today, we are witnessing just the beginning of this program. We are hoping that this will create a momentum for the creation of more stories, production of quality films, increasing the opportunity for employment, economic gains and worldwide recognition, and finally, the representation of cultural identities that can be shared with the world.”

Quantum Films’ Chris Liquigan said the stories presented were “all viable for present time.” He explained, “The storylines are good. There are horror and gay-themed stories that are timely. The ‘Beki Files’ is feasible. It’s similar to ‘Ekstra (The Bit Player),’ which we produced last year…

However, we still have to weigh our options, especially since producing this would mean tying up with a government agency. It will be a first for Quantum in case this pushes through.”

Wealth of talents

Madonna Tarrayo of Unitel said the story-pitching sessions was “a big help for the local film industry.” She said: “We are made aware of the wealth of talents we have. Now, there’s a venue for writers to submit their ideas, which would be turned into films. Not only does this encourage the production of indie movies, but also in their distribution and exposure to global networks.”

Tarrayo pointed out: “Organizing a script-writing contest based on genre is unique. Off hand, I see that there are potentials. A good part of the criteria is commercial viability. I think every producer would like to somehow monetize their projects.”

Film and TV director Mike Tuviera, who represented APT, said he liked that the scripts presented were “already audience-friendly and production-friendly.”

Tuviera stressed, “Nakakasa na ang mga ito. The biggest advantage that this program has is that it already has a relationship with SM Cinemas. These materials will be screened in theaters in September. The challenge now is to actually make the film. The only drawback is the tight working schedule.”

Asked whether he found any of the scripts interesting, the director said, “I’d have to confer with the other (APT) producers, but I already have my personal favorites. [Producing this] will require a lot of money and effort. Everything we’ve done so far, for Cinemalaya and Sine Direk, are projects we really believed in. We gave them our all—blood, sweat and tears.”

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