GMA-Mentorque’s debut collab puts Gen Z spin on horror

Collaboration is becoming a defining strategy in the local showbiz landscape, and the latest partnership to watch is between Mentorque Productions and GMA Pictures on the upcoming horror film “Huwag Kang Titingin.”

GMA Pictures’ recent films include “Firefly,” “Balota” and “Green Bones,” with the latter currently shortlisted as the Philippines’ official Oscars entry, while Mentorque is behind “Mallari,” “Uninvited” and the arthouse “Kono Basho.”

Fresh from winning “Producer of the Year” honors at the EDDYs and FAMAS, respectively, the two outfits are joining forces for the first time on a horror tale aimed at a Gen Z audience. Directed by Frasco Mortiz with a script by Ayz de Guzman — the team behind the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival hit “Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay” — the film “weaponizes the modern obsession with viral internet challenges and mashes it with deep-rooted folkloric fear,” the creators said at a recent storycon attended by The STAR.

“Huwag Kang Titingin” assembles a youth-oriented ensemble cast, featuring “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab” housemates Shuvee Etrata, Charlie Fleming, Michael Sager, Josh Ford and Kira Balinger, alongside Sparkle artists Sofia Pablo, Allen Ansay, Marco Masa, Sean Lucas, Anthony Constantino and veteran actress Sherilyn Reyes.

GMA Network senior vice president and GMA Pictures president Annette Gozon-Valdes reportedly handpicked the cast. “It’s an ensemble film, so inisip namin kung sino talaga yung OK na ipasok, na mukha talaga silang barkada na mag-ge-gel together. Siempre, dahil mai-ingay din yung ibang artists, lumaki din yung mga roles nila, in-adjust,” she said.

Bryan Diamante, president of Mentorque, noted the strategic casting. “They’re marketable, they’re the hottest also,” he said, particularly referring to the “PBB” housemates.

“Iba yung market ngayon. The audience has to be invested in the film and the stars for them to go out, despite time-consuming traffic, and pay (for the movie).”

Annette added, “At least, itong cast natin malakas on social media,” suggesting that the actors’ online presence is a big plus.

‘Win-Win’ move

The maiden project together fell into place almost instantly. Annette recalled, “Sa Facebook messenger ko nga first tinanong, ‘Meron kaming movie baka gusto niyo?’ Yes, (Mentorque was) top of mind because ang tagal na namin iniisip kung ano ang pwede namin gawin together… And why not this one? At least to test the waters.”

“Because I really want to foster it (collaboration), especially in the media industry — to work together. It’s better if everyone is cooperative, no competition, and then what happens is a win-win (situation) because the industry is small, not to mention the struggles that we have right now. Stronger together is better,” she added.

For Mentorque, the partnership offered an opportunity to learn from an established studio. “For me, it was collaborating with them understanding how they do it also,” Bryan said. “The company is there, but hinahanap pa namin yung direction namin because we’re pretty young… Iba pa rin ang reach ng GMA Pictures and GMA (network)… Their reach, their legacy, their mastery of what they’re doing also.”

The project arrives at a time when Mentorque is evaluating its next steps. “After two years of back-to-back projects, hinga muna ng malalim and (reflect) saan ba tayo talaga pupunta (next),” Bryan admitted.

The company is now eyeing formats beyond film, including a potential limited series to expand their MMFF 2023 box-office blockbuster “Mallari,” hopefully in partnership with GMA. “It’s a dream and you wanna see how it unfolds. But we have to start somewhere. We’re starting with this (‘Huwag Kang Titingin’),” he said.

And contrary to talk that the film was intended as an MMFF 2025 entry, the producers said they are not rushing it for the annual filmfest. “I told Ms. Annette, let’s not rush it, let’s do this one right,’” Bryan said. “Because at the end of the day, it’s a product. And what’s nice about this is they’re open to all of our suggestions, including taking the time needed with (the creatives).”

Complementary

Many things can work in favor of a collaboration — from pooled resources, to creative synergy to stronger marketing push.

Mentorque has earned a reputation for going all out, resources-wise, for their films, including generating buzz via high-profile media launches for “Mallari” (Piolo Pascual) and “Uninvited” (Vilma Santos, Aga Muhlach, Nadine Lustre).

“How can you stand out and how can people talk about your film if you don’t do something?” Bryan reacted. “Ang maganda naman, there’s a lot of ways on how you can raise funds to doing it and making sure na talagang pag-usapan ka.”

“Very impressive yung mga first ventures nila (Mentorque), as in ang lakas talaga,” said Annette. “I think yun ang kailangan ng industry: new blood, new ideas and new ways of doing things, which Mentorque has.”

Meanwhile, the collab announcement came during ghost month, traditionally considered inauspicious by some business people. Annette said, “I don’t believe in ghost month because I’m Christian. I remember ‘Mulawin,’ which propelled GMA to become No. 1, was launched on ghost month and wala kaming pakialam. So, parang it depends on your belief. Hindi naman affected.”

The STAR also asked the producers about their Oscar aspirations as the Film Academy of the Philippines prepares to name the country’s entry for Best International Feature.

Bryan believes that it’s every Filipino filmmaker’s ambition, saying: “That’s why we continue to join international festivals, not just for exposure, but to truly learn. For us, it’s a conscious effort, a series of small but deliberate steps toward that bigger goal. Libre mangarap, yes, but dreams only take shape when matched with hard work and real commitment. And that’s the path we’ve chosen: to keep pushing, keep learning and keep creating. Malay natin, we get there.”

Annette, for her part, said, “Actually, more than the Oscars, the dream is to be able to penetrate the theatrical markets abroad.”