‘Heneral Luna’ producer allots P500 million for more local films

MANILA, Philippines — TBA Studios, the film company behind hits such as Heneral Luna, Birdshot and Goyo, has earmarked P500 million over the next three to five years as it expects the continued expansion of the economy to accelerate the growth of the movie industry.

TBA Studios president Vincent Nebrida in a press briefing yesterday said the half-billion peso investment would be used primarily in producing and marketing original content.

Aside from local collaborations, the company is also eyeing to work with foreign companies to bring the local films to the global market.

“Now is definitely the opportune moment to make better films given that there are now more ways to generate revenues beyond traditional ticket sales. There is also the viability of selling the format and licensing content,” he said.

While many think the local film industry is struggling, Nebrida said opportunities abound for filmmakers today.

He said that as long as the Philippine economy grows, so will the movie industry.

“We also intend to produce original content for all these different platforms that are disrupting the industry.  Instead of seeing digital advancement as a threat, we see it as a growth opportunity,” he said.

As part of its efforts to embrace new platforms, Nebrida said at least three of TBA Studios’ top films (Heneral Luna, Birdshot and Goyo) are currently available in the world’s most popular media services provider, Netflix.

Its biggest box office record holder to date, Heneral Luna, has grossed more than P300 million.

“TBA was founded so we can create movies and projects that we love and be extremely proud of. And we are committed to investing more to champion the Philippines film industry as a whole,” Nebrida said.

TBA Studios is composed of Tuko Film Productions Inc., Buchi Boy Entertainment and Artikulo Uno Productions.

“There’s simply a demand right now, and more importantly, the desire to learn and become an industry professional,” Nebrida said.

To help local filmmakers, TBA is conducting short immersion programs for production designers, assistant directors, editors and production managers.