Not all sexy flicks: New digital streaming service AQ Prime for general patronage, execs say

Aljur Abrenica in “Pula ang Kulay ng Gabi”

While AQ Prime’s initial offerings include a number of sexy flicks, they won’t necessarily be the defining feature of the new digital streaming service, executives said.

According to creative head RS Francisco, the platform currently has so far acquired more than 500—both local and international—including South Korean films and Spanish soap operas. AQ Prime will also deliver original content, which will be headlined by its contract artists.

“It’s not all about mature movies. The platform is for general patronage. We have comedy, drama and horror. The library is still in its infancy stage, but it’s continuously growing,” he said at the press launch of the AQ Prime app, which can be downloaded from the Google Play and Apple App stores.

“We also plan to work with agencies like the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) to produce educational and environmental projects,” he said.

RS also pointed out that the platform’s sexy movies will be carried by a separate app, called Director’s Cut by AQ, which is strictly for users 18 years and above and employs security measures to prevent access by minors. “AQ Prime is for general patronage, while Director’s Cut will have content that are bold and risque—literally and figuratively,” he said.

First batch

AQ Prime’s first batch of original titles, include the suspense thriller “Pula ang Kulay ng Gabi” starring Aljur Abrenica; the psychological thriller “Abandoned” (Mon Confiado); and the horror movies “Anatomiya” (Teejay Marquez) and “Huling Lamay” (Marlo Mortel). “Ligalig,” a film starring National Artist Nora Aunor and award-winning actor Allen Dizon, is also in the works.

Director’s Cut, on the other hand, carries the adult-themed titles “Adonis X,” “Bingwit” and “La Traidora.” Asked if they plan to compete with Viva Entertainment’s Vivamax, which is known for churning out sexy films, AQ Prime chief operation officer Honey Quiño said they see the former and other streaming platforms as allies.

Nora Aunor in “Ligalig”

“We don’t see them as competitors. We are one in our passion to create movies and provide jobs for people in the industry. We all share a common goal, which is to provide entertainment,” she said.

“We just hope to focus on our strengths and what we can do. And we will work to produce quality films and series and provide a platform for artists who are passionate about their craft,” RS said, adding that AQ Prime is also open to collaborations with other companies and agencies.

“We have contract talents, artists we co-manage and artists we get on a per-project basis. But we’re open to working with anyone,” he said. “In this age, it’s all about collaboration.”

Aside from digital films, AQ Prime also hopes to produce more movies for theatrical run, like its 2021 Metro Manila Film Festival entry, “Nelia.” “We won’t focus only on streaming,” AQ Prime president and chief executive officer Aldwin Allegre said. “If there’s an opportunity to join the MMFF again, why not?”

Allegre also said the platform will eventually expand to cover music, live interactive events, concerts and sporting events. “We have other long-term plans and goals. We want to offer a variety of entertainment choices,” he said. INQ