GMA Network inks agreement for collaboration of Filipino, Korean talents

GMA Network and ATP Entertainment teamed up with Hollywood film producers to establish a production company that promises a collaboration of Filipino and Korean talents.

Present during the signing at the GMA Network Center were GMA Network CEO and Chairman Felipe Gozon, GMA Network President and COO Gilberto Duavit Jr., CFO Felipe Yalong, ATP Entertainment Chairman Tony Tuviera, Korean producers David Shim and Choi Pyung Ho, among others.

"We're happy that we're teaming up with the best in Korea, and at the same time, the best local producer that we have, APT," said GMA Network CFO Felipe Yalong.

"Aside from that this will give us the opportunity to finally break international market," Yalong added.

Shim said they had previously been invited to create a project in the Philippines but were hesitant, deeming the timing "premature."

However, due to the promising trends in the Philippine film industry, the pair decided to take the leap.

"The film industry's recent trends in the Philippines, evidenced by the statistics and the movie-going population...now we feel strongly confident it's time," Shim said.

The team's launching project will be a romantic comedy but the producers hinted that it is not the only genre they will release.

While the details have not yet been fleshed out, Shim said the cast will be a combination of Filipino and Korean talents.

"We will have a joint cast. Filipino actors, Korean casts, also film locations in the Philippines, and Korea, and possibly other parts of the world," Shim said.

He revealed that they are looking into casting Korean actor Lee Min Ho as the romantic lead.

They have not selected an actress for the female lead but said that they were confident about the pool of talent in the Philippines.

They might opt for the public's participation in choosing the female lead, Shim said. — VVP, GMA News