Deal makers– and breakers

SOTTO. Daily “reminders” on TV

What makes viewers decide to watch a particular TV show or film, instead of the dozens of other viewing options out there?

In the movies, the box-office leaders at the MMFF, “The Amazing Praybeyt Benjamin,” “My Big Bossing” and “Feng Shui 2,” are the preferred viewing choices significantly because their lead players have daily TV shows.

Their constant presence on the boob tube is a “reminder” to viewers to watch their latest films, as well, hence their strong showing at the tills.

Indeed, the stars involved have more than one TV show apiece: Vice Ganda has “It’s Showtime” and his Sunday program, “Gandang Gabi, Vice.” Vic Sotto hosts “Eat Bulaga” and “Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?” And Kris Aquino is seen daily on “Kris TV,” “Aquino and Abunda,” and weekends on “The Buzz.”

The three stars further build on their visibility by enthusiastically promoting their big-screen starrers on their shows—and on many other programs, as well.

The fact that their hard-sell efforts are successful is proven by their films’ popularity at the MMFF.

What about deal breakers? Even more examples abound: First off, “Two Wives” on ABS-CBN is a well-produced show that features a feisty portrayal by Kaye Abad, but it hasn’t made major waves, because it’s been preceded by another drama series about a man who has two marital partners (“Ang Dalawang Mrs. Real”).

Upping the ‘sexy’ ante

“Two Wives” tries to be different by featuring younger players and upping its “sexy” ante, but the shadow of “Mrs. Real” continues to hang over it.

Another TV series that’s having a relatively hard time getting viewers excited is “More Than Words.” What’s the problem in its particular case?

A key factor could be its young stars, Janine Gutierrez and Elmo Magalona, who are too squeaky-clean nice for their own good. Elmo is local TV’s current Prince of Bland, and needs to light a fire under himself to literally heat up his pat and predictable boy-next-door portrayal.

For her part, Janine does try harder to be more vital and even ditzy, but her gambits in this regard are as old as the movie hills, and are in fact pretty much what Gloria Romero resorted to a full 50 years ago, in films like “Kurdapya” and “Ang Dalagang Ilokana.”

Like the young Gloria then, Janine has gone the “uglifying” route, using stringy hair, thick eyebrows and awkward actions and gestures to create a really Ugly Duckling—before her woebegone character is to be handily transformed into a lovely Swan at the end of the series!

The ploy may have been effective for Gloria way back when, but it no longer works today for Janine, so better luck—and originality—the next TV time around!