TV5 taps former GMA 7 exec for new reality talent search

Wilma Galvante. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

Putting up a school for people who want to work in television, whether on- or off-cam, has always been Wilma Galvante’s dream. So, after retiring from her post as senior vice president of GMA 7’s entertainment group last February, Galvante set out to pursue that goal.

In July, Galvante is opening the Asian Academy of Television Arts (Aata). The school will offer Tesda (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority)-accredited programs on performing arts such as acting, singing and dancing to prepare aspirants for potential careers in show biz.

The school’s first enrollees will be the 16 contestants of TV5’s coming reality talent search, “Artista Academy.” Galvante said the Kapatid network commissioned her to formulate a customized curriculum for the show.

She explained during a recent press con for the show: “Emphasis will be also given to subjects such as personality development, voice acting, language proficiency, and understanding contracts.”

Main takeoff point

Aside from Aata scholarships, TV5 will provide the hopefuls with expert mentors for the workshops, among them TV5 talent center head Mac Alejandre, director Joel Lamangan, composer-arranger Louie Ocampo and dance instructor Georcelle Dapat.

Perci Intalan, TV5 head of creative and entertainment production, said the curriculum-based training will make “Artista Academy” stand out from other talent searches. “We have here a real institution. We’re confident that after the workshops, all 16 contestants and not just the winners will be ready for stardom,” he said.

Galvante is no stranger to talent searches, having produced “Ang Bagong Kampeon,” “StarStruck” and “Protégé,” among others.

“In our country, television is the main takeoff point. When you become popular on television, you open doors to many other opportunities for stardom,” she said.

Galvante, who started in the industry as a production assistant in KBS Channel 9, said the Aata is also open to those interested in producing TV shows. “I’ll be teaching the nuts and bolts of creative production, and the language and business aspect of television.”

She described the partnership with TV5 as “timely.” Asked whether “Artista Academy” was a step to becoming a Kapatid, Galvante clarified that her involvement with TV5 was limited to the show.

“Kaklase ako!” she said, laughing.

In the past few years, TV5 has focused on signing up established names in the industry such as Sharon Cuneta, Nora Aunor and Aga Muhlach. Intalan said it was high time for the network “to look for untapped talent and invest in them.”

P20M in prizes

Thus determined to expand its stable, the Kapatid network has gone all out in terms of prizes. Two winners will each receive P10 million worth of prizes, including P1 million in cash, a P5-M guaranteed contract, a brand-new car and condominium unit, and a lead role in a teleserye.

“Artista Academy” will hold auditions at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on June 19 at 2 p.m. Aspirants from 16 to 21 years of age are each required to bring a copy of their birth certificate, a valid ID and a set of glamour photos.