With the temporary shutdown of showbiz productions and the closure of cinemas due to the coronavirus quarantine, what can we expect in Philippine show business post-pandemic?
When explaining the effect of the coronavirus pandemic on the local entertainment industry, veteran film producer Lily Monteverde did not mince words.
“We’re in paralysis, no business, no nothing.”
Monterverde shared that they had to stop the production of two of her upcoming projects, the “Mga Kaibigan ni Mama Susan,” starring Joshua Garcia and “Mommy Issues,” to be directed by Joey Reyes with Gloria Diaz, Pokwang, and Sue Ramirez.
“It is an end and a beginning for the industry.”
Other film executives shared that they’ve shifted focus onto the digital space while productions are on hold.
According to Jay Montelibano, Viva Entertainment Vice-President for Sales and Marketing, told ABS-CBN News that their thrusts changed both digitally and with their talent arsenal,
“The next big step is to be on that digital space. While production is on hold, we’re focusing on producing concerts and comedy shows online,” he said.
New lockdown sensations Ivana Alawi and DJ Loonyo seem to have seized this new opportunity.
But Roselle Monteverde, producer of Regal Films, is especially concerned about the actors’ fate.
“Stars are almost gone with the wind, they have to do something else!”
Monteverde said that as artists the should be creative and innovative to think of their own content and there is no time to be lazy about it.
“The challenge for artists is to be creative. They should shift from being just stars to become creators of their own content. We cannot be tamad at this time. In every obstacle there should be another way.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJQzcp8SBEo
Lastly, for Charo Santos-Concio, the new normal must inspire, not intimidate entertainment industry
ABS-CBN’s former president and CEO said that in the midst of uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, including when it will be regulated, it would also push filmmakers and artists to change the way they tell their stories.
“I don’t think anyone can predict kung kailan babalik sa normal ang sitwasyon. If things will normalize, it will be a new normal for all of us.
“But I don’t think dapat matigil ang value of storytelling, habang nabubuhay tayo, patuloy dapat ang paglalahad ng iba’t ibang kuwento.”
Lastly, Concio stressed that we shouldn’t be threatened nor fear the virus, instead look solutions for it.
“Hindi tayo puwedeng mabalot ng takot at pangamba. We honor it, but at the same time, harapin natin. Let’s not stop there. Let’s continue looking for solutions and let’s make these bold moves.”
