Added platform: Local producers now collaborating with Prime Video

Anne Curtis, Prime Video ambassador

“It’s a welcome thing. It gives Filipinos an added platform, a chance to be seen by the world,” said Josabeth “Joji” Alonso on the content that is currently being coproduced by the American company Amazon Prime Video for the local audience.

The American streaming and rental service recently announced that it will be increasing its investment for customers not just in the Philippines, but also in Thailand and Indonesia. Alonso’s production firm, Quantum Films, is only one of several film outfits that Prime is collaborating with.

“When we had problems with people going to the cinemas, this gave us film producers a fighting chance, gave us some leverage to be able to come up with something substantial. Of course, budget has always been the problem. Will you be willing to spend P50 million if you know it’s not going to come back to you? It’s really a big risk. With Amazon Prime around, it levels the playing field in a lot of ways,” Alonso pointed out.

Quantum Films is working with IdeaFirst Company, along with CineKo Productions, on “a big project” for Prime. “Hopefully, we will be able to announce more details on this soon. We’re currently shooting it,” said IdeaFirst Company president and cofounder Perci Intalan. “It’s a big initiative of Amazon Prime that’s why we’re excited. We really wanted the project to happen. Amazon was the last piece of the puzzle. We now have a platform for it.”

Intalan said they are thrilled about the possibility of their project being seen globally. “When this will happen and how big the scope will be, we shall let Amazon be the one to say,” he pointed out. “This is because they have different deals when they acquire something. There are those that will be streamed only in the Philippines, while there are those that will be seen in all of Asia. I don’t know yet what the setup will be for this particular project, but so far, they have been appreciating everything that we’ve been doing in preproduction.

“It’s a production that’s so big it’s driving us crazy,” Alonso interjected. “Jun (Robles Lana) is directing.”

Incidentally, Lana’s award-winning black comedy “Big Night” has been streaming on Prime since August. “We’re thankful that it was Prime that has given the film a venue. Now, more people will be able to see it,” said Intalan. “What’s best about this group is that they have been closely communicating with us from the start. It’s an American company and it’s all about legalities, which is a good thing because now, we know what to do and not to do. We’re sure of our steps.”

Helping the industry

Another sure thing is that two titles from Reality Entertainment are streamed on Prime, namely Jade Castro’s romantic comedy “Ultimate Oppa,” starring Filipino star Bela Padilla and South Korean actor Kim Jun-woo; and Joey de Guzman’s action thriller “Day Zero,” featuring Brandon Vera.

“All these things are happy occurrences,” said producer Dondon Monteverde. “This will help the industry a lot, especially now that the cinemas are all quiet. This will mean more jobs for industry workers that’s what’s more important now.”

“Of course, we’re still hoping that people will resume going to the cinemas, but while the situation is like the present, let’s welcome opportunities like what Prime is giving us. I hope Reality will be able to cater to both the cinemas and streaming platforms,” declared Dondon.

Meanwhile, Regal Entertainment’s co-CEO Roselle Monteverde said the company has already “closed the deal” for more than 20 of its films to be streamed on Prime.

“It was Prime that picked the titles. The list is of mixed genres and they are also the more recently produced ones because there is a specific resolution required for streaming,” she explained.

Incidentally, Roselle said Regal, which is celebrating its 60th anniversary, is also working on restoring some of its older movies, particularly those shot on film (35mm camera), such as the 1984 Mike de Leon drama “Sister Stella L.”

‘Comedy Island’

Prime Video also recently announced that it will be producing its own “comedy challenge show” that will be titled “Comedy Island.”

It is a unique, off-the-wall situational improvisation show where the mysterious island of Tawa-Tawa reappears after 100 years to commence the so-called “centennial games” starring the best eight players, consisting of comedians and celebrities. Only one will emerge as the winner and will receive an essential gift that humanity needs.

“Comedy Island: Philippines” will be produced by Base Entertainment and launch in more than 240 countries and territories around the world in 2023.

Other local highlights include “How To Love Mr. Heartless,” a romantic film starring Sue Ramirez, and the award-winning surreal drama “Whether The Weather Is Fine,” with Daniel Padilla and Charo Santos-Concio in the lead.

The highly anticipated “The Lord of the Rings: The Ring of Power” premiered on Prime on Sept. 2. Also streaming are Korean titles such as “Nothing Serious,” a romantic film featuring Jeon Jong-seo, Son Seok-gu, and Gong Min-jung; anime hits such as “Demon Slayer” and “Jujutsu Kaisen 0;” as well as Hollywood blockbusters such as “No Time to Die,” and global Amazon Originals like “The Boys.”

Prime Video recently launched its marketing campaign titled “Worth the Wait,” with actress-TV host Anne Curtis as ambassador. It is available in the Philippines for P149 per month. INQ