2 movie outfits join forces in P70-M fantasy epic

The Metro Manila Filmfest which kicks off on Christmas Day marks a momentous event as two studios join forces to bring to screen the P70-M fantasy epic, Exodus: Tales from the Enchanted Kingdom, topbilling Sen. Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. in what can be aptly described as "a role he was born to play."

The two fearless companies are Imus Productions, which has the tradition of producing blockbuster fantasy films, and Reality Entertainment, which is creating its own reputation as producer of films of the same genre.

Owned and managed by the Revilla Family, Imus Productions’ last hit was Agimat, also starring Bong Revilla who plays the title role Exodus in The Enchanted Kingdom, which also stars his father, former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. in a guest role as his slain father crying for justice; Bong’s half-brother Ram; and Bong’s children Brian and Jolo playing the young Exodus.

The brainchild of Dondon Monteverde, member of the industry’s pioneering Monteverde Clan (of Regal Films) and director Erik Matti, Reality Entertainment took a bow with the horror movie Pa-Siyam. As executive producer, Monteverde brings to Exodus his vast experience in line-producing films both in the Philippines and abroad. Matti, who directs Exodus is highly-praised both here and abroad with an impressive record as writer-director of Pedro Penduko 2, Gagamboy, Mano Po and Pa-Siyam.

It’s a dream team, a combination of forces that never before happened in the Philippines. It’s fearless in more ways than one.

The budget, for one thing.

Leaving no stone unturned in making Exodus, an event in Philippine Cinema, just like its predecessors, the dream team poured over P70 million in the project which showcases dazzling costumes and sets and spectacular special effects no local movie company has ever dared to do. The imposing costume and prosthetics alone of Tikbalang Tayho (played by Benjie Paras) cost much.

The movie’s special effects are processed by Ignite Media Productions headed by Dave Hukom, a newcomer in the industry’s elite production companies.

In-charge of cinematography is Lyle Sacris, an award-winning MTV director with two feature films to his credit. Sacris’ innovative imagery perfectly compliments Matti’s stunning visuals.

Serving as inspiration of the movie is Enchanted Kingdom, the country’s premier theme park. The name unmistakably spells magic.

Scriptwriter Dwight Gaston brings to life icons of Filipino folklore (the Tikbalang, the Manananggal, etc.) in breath-taking fight scenes with humans set against scenic locations in Cavite, Laguna and Quezon, including the mysterious caves of Tanay, Rizal.

Before the shooting, Bong Revilla was trained in fight routines by Philip Ko, the fight coordinator famous in Hong Kong and China. Ko flew in a team of 12 stuntmen who helped choreograph the intense battle scenes.

Exodus has generated global interest on the strength of its stars and producer’s reputation. Already, the movie is also scheduled to be shown in China, Hong Kong and Macau.

Besides Bong and Benjie Paras, the Exodus cast includes BJ "Tolits" Forbes, Aubrey Miles, Iya Villania, Phoemela Barranda, Paolo Bediones, Long Mejia and Jay-R in his first movie break as a kontrabida (playing an evil king).

Produced by Imus Productions and Reality Entertainment in cooperation with Ignite Media Productions and Reality Entertainment, Exodus also boasts of other A-list behind-the-scene talents like Von de Guzman, musical scorer; Edrie Ocampo, visual fx supervisor; Aleks Estrada, editor; Richard Somes, production designer; and Adrian Torres, costume designer.

The movie’s associate producers are Edwin Reyes and Joven Tan, with Rowena Mendiola and Grace Monteverde as supervising producers, Marlon Bautista, Dondon Monteverde, Dave Hokum, Andrea Bautista-Ynares and Dennis Mendiola as executive producers.