Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Philippines media powerhouse ABS-CBN is launching “The Bagman” action drama series as a remake of its own “Bagman” digital production and will launch it at Hong Kong’s FilMart next week. The original “Bagman,” which ran to two seasons and sold to Netflix in The Philippines, follows a neighborhood barber who lands a job as the governor’s henchman and gets caught up in a dangerous web of crime, corruption, and political turmoil. That is a familiar story for ABS-CBN itself. The company was until 2020 The Philippines leading broadcaster. But it dared to criticize the policies of then president Rodrigo Duterte and found its TV licenses were not renewed. Since the loss of its TV broadcast operations, ABS-CBN has repositioned itself as a mass content company working as a producer with other producers and broadcasters and outputting news to its website, streaming service iWantTFC and YouTube channels. It also operates related businesses in talent management and events.
Raven Banner Pulls On ‘Trigger’ By The Philippines’ Richard Somes – EFM
19.02.2023 - 14:53 / variety.com
Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Action thriller, “Trigger” from writer-director Richard Somes (“We Will Not Die Tonight,” “Supremo”) has wrapped production and is beginning sales at the European Film Market. “Trigger” (aka “Tokakk”) tells the story of a lonely security guard (portrayed by Arjo Atayde) previously discharged from the military due to his post-traumatic stress disorder. He finds himself embroiled in a different kind of war when a young woman (Julia Montes) seeks his protection against a corrupt police death squad. While the pair fight for their lives, the man must confront his inner demons to earn his redemption. The film also stars Arjo Atayde (“Cattleya Killer”), Julia Montes (“Brothers”), Sid Lucero (“The End of History”) and Kokoy De Santos (“Game Boy”) and is produced by Wilfredo C. Manalang of Fusee (the company that co-produced Cannes Camera d’Or prize-winner “Plan 75”), Somes of Strawdog Studio Production, Ria Atayde and Sylvia Sanchez from Nathan Studios and Michaelangelo Masangkay, co-owner of Toronto-based post sound house Theo & Atlas Productions Inc. with Fernando Henna.
In addition to its sales role, Toronto-based genre specialist Raven Banner is executive producing. Production took place entirely within The Philippines and the film is considered to have Philippines nationality. Somes also has production design credits on his own “Supremo,” and “El Peste,” as well as a trio of nominations for Erik Matti’s “On The Job” and Tikoy Aguiluz’s “Tragic Theatre.” Other recent films on the Raven Banner Berlin slate include Andre Sigwalt’s “The Smoke Master,” Tyler Bourns’ “Desert Shadows,” and Pablo Pares’ “Pussycake” (aka “Emesis”).
'Love Is Blind' Star Raven on When She'll Debut New Boyfriend After Ending It With 'Voldemort' Ex SK
Raven Ross has a new man in her life, but fans will have to wait a while before she introduces him to the world. During her Amazon Live! «Workout Essentials» stream, the 30-year-old reality star and Pilates Body by Raven founder was asked about her new relationship following her very public breakup from Sikiru «SK» Alagbada, whom she met on the Netflix series. «Girl, I am traumatized. No, just kidding. Eventually, down the line,» she said of going public with her new guy. «We’re figuring it out. He is such a great human, and I’m literally so obsessed.
Netflix to Increase Asia Content Spending by 15% in 2023 as Revenue Growth Accelerates in the Region – Study
Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Global streaming operation Netflix is forecast to spend $1.9 billion on local content in the Asia-Pacific region this year as group revenue from the region accelerates to 12%, according to a new report. The content investment spending figure represents a 15% hike. Netflix will grow revenues this year by 12% year-on-year to exceed $4 billion compared with 9% growth in 2022, says a new report published on Monday by Media Partners Asia.
Alec Baldwin & ‘Rust’ Producers Slapped For “Negligent & Reckless Conduct” In Latest Suit From Crew Members; Claim Actor Pulled Trigger On Gun That Killed Halyna Hutchins
Once again, Alec Baldwin and Rust producers are being taken to court by crew members of the indie Western over the fatal 2021 on-set shooting of cinematographer Haylna Hutchins.
Oscar-Nominated ‘My Year of Dicks’ Writer Pamela Ribon Sent Her Animated Short to Dick’s Sporting Goods
own memoir for the 26-minute film and was also on the call, offered this tidbit: “I sent a link to Dick’s Sporting Goods. It’s not a lie. I slid into their DM’s and was like, ‘Hey.
Maisie Williams Reaches ‘The End Of An Era’ After Splitting From Boyfriend Of 5 Years Reuben Selby
Maisie Williams and her boyfriend have called it quit.
Robin van Persie praises two Manchester United stars after Europa League win vs Barcelona
Former Manchester United striker Robin van Persie has lauded the impact of both Raphael Varane and Casemiro in Thursday night's Europa League win over Barcelona.
‘Game of Thrones’ Star Maisie Williams Announces Split From Boyfriend Reuben Selby After 5 Years
star Maisie Williams has revealed she has split from her boyfriend Reuben Selby.The 25-year-old actress and Selby started dating in 2019, but after five years, Williams took to Instagram on Thursday to share news of their breakup. «The end of an era,» Williams posted to her Instagram Story along with a selfie with Selby. "@reubenselby_ and I have decided to end our relationship.
Game of Thrones’ Maisie Williams and Boyfriend Reuben Selby Split After 5 Years of Dating: ‘End of an Era’
Ending their chapter. Maisie Williams and boyfriend Reuben Selby have split after five years together.
Maisie Williams & Boyfriend Reuben Selby Split After Five Years of Dating
Maisie Williams and Reuben Selby have called it quits.
Robin Roberts inundated with support on the ten-year anniversary of her return to GMA following MDS battle
Robin Roberts know that they can always count on her wise words by way of her daily morning message and prayer.Her latest is nothing short of inspirational, as she reflected on a family miracle that saved her life when she needed a bone marrow transplant.In 2013, the Good Morning America star was diagnosed with bone marrow myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare form of blood cancer, which left her needing stem cells from someone who was a match.WATCH: Robin Roberts remembers emotional milestone as she celebrates 10th anniversary of return to GMA following her bone marrow transplantMORE: Inside Michael Strahan’s public fall out with former co-star Kelly RipaTen years later, she reflected on the miracle that was her sister Sally-Ann, whose stem cells she used for the life-saving treatment."There are people God puts in our path who are not going to win by themselves," she first said, adding: "They are praying for a miracle."MORE: GMA's Amy Robach's former stepson shares glimpse inside incredible homeShe continued: "Become that miracle for them. They need your encouragement, that hug, to know that you care.
Vesoul Festival Unveils Lineup of Asian Films – Global Bulletin
Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief The Vesoul International Film Festival of Asian Cinema has unveiled its 85-title lineup for the edition that starts later this month (February 28 to March 7, 2023). Elements include a 10-film competition section, a 10-film documentary film section, a tribute to the Turkish director Semih Kaplanoglu; a thematic section “Asian Diaspora Cinema” offering a panorama of works by directors from Asian countries living in exile; and a Philippines cinema sidebar. Fiction films in competition include: Azerbaijan’s “Cold as Marble,” by Asif Rustamov; China’s “In Our Prime,” by Liu Yulin; Korea’s “A Letter from Kyoto,” by Kim Min-ju; India’s: “Behind Veils,” by Praveen Morshhale; Iran’s “No End,” by Nader Saievar; Mongolia’s “The Sales Girl,” by Sengedorj Janchivdorj; The Philippines’s “Feast,” by Brillante Mendoza; Singapore’s “#LookAtMe,” by Ken Kwek; and Vietnam’s “Memento Mori: Earth,” by Marcus Vu Manh Cuong. The president of the jury is Lee Yong-kwan, president of the Busan film festival.
Subscription Video Enjoys Growth Surge in Southeast Asia, But Analysts Say Streamers Face Tougher 2023
Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Growth of premium video services in Southeast Asia accelerated in the second half of 2022, to reach 48.4 million paid subscriptions, according to a new report. But the same analysis sees growth slowing and costs accelerating. The latest report from Media Partners Asia, “SEA Online Video Consumer Insights & Analytics” shows 48.4 million paid online video subscriptions at the end of 2022 in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand. The full year saw 11.8 million net new customers, with 7.3 million of that total coming in the second half, including 4.6 million in the fourth quarter. Indonesia accounted for half of the increase.
Nicolas Cage Thriller ‘Longlegs’ & Musical Biopic ‘Fred & Ginger’ Score Key International Pre-Sales For Black Bear — EFM
EXCLUSIVE: Black Bear International has closed a raft of international deals on EFM titles Longlegs and Fred & Ginger, we can reveal. The two projects were among the most in-demand with foreign buyers and the deals account for the lion’s share of each film’s budget.
Jackie Chan’s ‘Ride On’ Saddles up Stable-Full of Sales Deals for Golden Network
Patrick Frater Asia Bureau Chief Hong Kong-based sales agency Golden Network Asia has amassed a large collection of advanced sales on upcoming Jackie Chan-starring film “Ride On.” The film, pitched as an action dramedy and one in which Chan pays homage to old-school stunt men, has recently been given an April 7 release date in mainland China. The date also mark’s the star’s 69th birthday. The film has already been licensed to: Well Go USA for North America; Plaion Pictures for Germany; Eagle Pictures for Italy; SPI International for Eastern Europe, Benelux and Israel; AN Media for CIS; ATV for Turkey; Phars Film for Middle East; Twin Co. for Japan; Contents Panda for South Korea; Shanghai Pictures for Malaysia; Shaw Renters for Singapore; Eagle International for Taiwan and worldwide Airline; Prima Cinema for Indonesia; Pioneer Films for the Philippines and Indo Overseas Film for India.
Robin Wright Explains the Reason Why She Reunited with Ex Sean Penn in Those Recent Photos Together!
A couple of weeks ago, fans went wild seeing photos of Sean Penn and Robin Wright out together.
Robin Wright reveals why she was spotted with ex Sean Penn in recent reunion photos
Robin Wright is revealing the real reason why she was spotted with her ex-husband, Sean Penn, last month – and it wasn't because they rekindled their romance. The couple made headlines in January after they were seen in their first public outing together in six years. Wright spoke to E! News and explained she was with Penn because of their children: Dylan, 31, and Hopper, 29.
Amber Ruffin Comedy ‘Non-Evil Twin’ Gets Pilot Order at NBC
Selome Hailu “Non-Evil Twin,” a comedy written by and starring Amber Ruffin, has received a pilot order at NBC. The multi-cam follows a woman who is forced to step in to her sister’s role as the leader of a Fortune 500 company despite knowing little about business and even less about the way her sister has been running the corporation. Ruffin is best known for hosting “The Amber Ruffin Show,” a late-night talk show on Peacock that she created after years of writing and occasionally appearing on NBC’s “Late Night With Seth Meyers.” Her other writing credits include “A Black Lady Sketch Show,” the 75th Tony Awards, the 76th Golden Globe Awards, the 66th Emmys and “Detroiters,” which she also acted in.
Amber Ruffin ‘Non-Evil Twin’ Comedy Pilot Ordered at NBC
NBC has given a comedy pilot order to Amber Ruffin’s “Non-Evil Twin,” which the late-night host will star in, write and executive produce. The multi-cam series is part of NBCU’s ever-expanding relationship with Ruffin and producing partner Jenny Hagel’s banner, Straight to Cards.The logline for “Non-Evil Twin” is as follows: “A woman is forced to step into her sister’s role as the leader of a Fortune 500 company despite knowing little about business and even less about the way her sister has been running the corporation.”Hagel serves as EP along with Kenny Smith.
Amber Ruffin To Star In NBC Comedy Pilot ‘Non-Evil Twin’
NBC has handed out its latest comedy pilot to Non-Evil Twin, starring and written by Amber Ruffin.