Promoting Davao City through Films and TV Shows
Countless Filipino movies have been shot abroad. Most recently, Star Cinema filmed in Milan and Dubai and used these places’ names as movie titles. GMA 7 has a show entitled I Luv New York. Cesar Montano made a movie set in Bohol. Productions companies and TV networks definitely have the means (financial and otherwise) to produce films and tv shows on locations outside Metro Manila. I think that this trend should be used by Davao City to our advantage.
There are countless picturesque locations within the city or nearby which production outfits can use for movies and tv shows. For one, we have both seaside and mountainside locations. Plus, these locations are very much accessible and near the urban center. There are also good amenities in these locations.
If and when a movie or tv show is shot here, it will definitely boost both tourism and economy. First, it will obviously bring in the cast and crew who will need food, materials for production (props, costumes, etc) and a place to stay. Secondly, it will promote Davao City to local (and possibly foreign) tourists. And since local films and tv shows are also watched by Pinoys abroad, Davao City will also be promoted to them.
The local government should make this a part of their agenda. They can offer tax incentives and logistical assistance so that producers will be enticed to film/shoot here.
Local digital film makers should also be encouraged to make quality films which highlight the places, people and culture of Davao City.
I know it’s quite a long shot considering all the negative publicity we get for being in Mindanao, but I think it’s a shot worth taking simply because it will definitely boost our tourism and economy and we have almost nothing to lose.
daug said,
July 6, 2006 at 7:33 pm
hello ria,
there is a full-length movie being worked out in davao city nowadays. it’s huling balya ng buhi, a film hyped up as the first full-length film to be produced, shot and made by davaoenos. it will be directed by sherad sanchez, a davaoweno. main actors are bembol roco and juliana palermo, a davawena. a casting call was made in davao last week. shooting will soon start in davao and in compostela valley. helmer sanchez won a grant from cinemaone. the money is around half a million, but he needs more funds since the projection might cost around 2 million.
the movie is supported by alchemy of vision and light, the group behind the annual guerilla filmmaking.
in case you don’t know what is the annual guerilla filmmaking, it’s a sort of seminar in making movie. their outcomes are shown at gaisano mall cinema.
it is very ironic that some city officials, instead of helping the infant industry, tried to put monetary burden. a councilor is proposing that filmmakers to pay one thousand a day while in production in the city. the move is a sham!
chris fabian
entertainment editor
mindanao times
http://imdb.com/name/nm1957755/
mydavao said,
July 7, 2006 at 1:04 pm
Hi Mr. Fabian! Maybe you can give my contact info to the filmmakers and/or producers. I might be able to help them a bit through this site.
They may reach me at riajose@yahoo.com.
wyzemoro said,
August 6, 2006 at 4:08 am
one thousand a day in a production? what? ??%@%!? shame on them!
we are having hard time to produce money for the production and this what they give? its really hard to be independent filmmaker and they suing us with unjustified fees for this young and triving film industry in davao.
maybe i’ll look for other place… to shot my future film projects? if there is. haha!
i’m part of last year Guerilla Filmmaking Workshop 3 (2005) and im thinking of joining again this year. budget is killing me but film is fun.
Moslemen M. Macarambon Jr.
http://blog.wyzemoro.com
wyzemoro said,
August 6, 2006 at 4:09 am
i forgot… this is the link of
Alchemy of Vision and Light
http://www.alchemyofvisionandlight.com/
Guerrilla Filmmaking Festival
http://www.alchemyofvisionandlight.com/guerrilla/
sam-sam said,
August 10, 2006 at 5:09 pm
hi ria,
update on ‘huling balyan ng buhi’ – instead of compostela valley, principal photography is now in arakan valley, north cotabato. we need all your support to make this film successful.
and alchemy of vision and light there is a big help in promoting the growing indie film scene in davao city.
sam-sam said,
August 10, 2006 at 5:11 pm
hi ria,
update on ‘huling balyan ng buhi’ – instead of compostela valley, principal photography is now in arakan valley, north cotabato. we need all your support.
and alchemy of vision and light there is a big help in promoting the growing indie film scene in davao city.
Gary said,
September 15, 2006 at 5:48 am
hi ria,
i LOVE your idea. and yes i agree that it’s a long, very long shot. but what filmmakers should keep in mind that films are artistic expression and if they really want to share their messages or entertain, don’t let anything stop you. i myself am struggling to break through the glass ceiling (so to speak) and become worthy of being called a filmmaker here in davao. no one can begin to imagine how much potential we Davawenos have! we can even use the negative publicity of being in mindanao to our advantage! being davawenos, mindanaons, we have lots and lots of stories to tell and not to mention we are known to be artisitc people.
in fact, i have a concept which i’m dying to put in to film. if only i have more time (and motivation! considering how the local gov’t is putting local filmmakers down) i’d be converting my concept to film script then shoot it as soon as possible!
MORE POWER TO DAVAO ARTISTS!!!
(i heard Juliana Palermo is no longer involved in the Huling Balyan project. Kaye Abad has replaced her daw)