PEP EXCLUSIVE: Regal Entertainment reveals lineup of movies for 2009

For 2009, Regal Entertainment is planning to produce a remake of the 1980 film Temptation Island, a spin-off of "Nieves," which was Marian Rivera's segment in Shake, Rattle and Roll X; and a launching movie for Carla Abellana (lower right frame).

Author: Jocelyn Dimaculangan

Now that Regal Entertainment is already finished with its co-production with GMA Films titled When I Met U, what other films can the public expect from the film production company that has been in operation for the past 49 years?

PEP (Philippine Entertainment Portal) scheduled an interview with Roselle Monteverde-Teo to discuss their line up of films for the Year of the Earth Ox. The daughter of Mother Lily Monteverde opened up about their plans during an exclusive interview held at the Regal office in Tycoon Centre, Ortigas, Pasig City last week.

Ms. Roselle said that they are currently in the process of shooting OMG (Oh My Girl!), a romantic comedy that stars Judy Ann Santos and Ogie Alcasid. This is being directed by Dante Nico Garcia, the same person behind Ploning.

After doing OMG, Judy Ann will be paired with Ryan Agoncillo for a romantic comedy that will tackle the post-wedding scene. "It's a collaboration with Judy Ann," she revealed. "Juday came up with the concept. It's something that she would like to do, na-inspire siya to do it and we respect that."

Another film that Filipinos can look forward to in the future is the remake of the 1980 film Temptation Island that starred Dina Bonnevie, Deborah Sun, Bambi Arambulo, Alfie Anito, Azenith Briones, and Ricky Belmonte. The 2009 version will be megged by Chris Martinez, the director of the Cinemalaya 2008 entry 100 and the theater version called Temptation Island...Live! Regal is still in the process of conducting auditions for the actresses who will play the beauty queens who get stranded in an island.

Love teams will be the focus in the upcoming movie titled Ultraelectromagnetic Love. Three segments will comprise this film, which will be based on three songs of the Pinoy rock band Eraserheads. As early as March 2008, PEP already reported that GMA-7 love teams were supposed to topbill this romantic movie. (Click HERE to read related article.)

For the month of October, moviegoers will be treated a movie filled with special effects. Tentatively titled Atang Family, this horror-comedy movie will be directed by Joel Lamangan.

"Talagang big production siya because every single movement, may special effects. At may isang character na animated talaga. The cast is a family of monsters...parang Addams family," she said.

"May major cast na kami diyan: Jose Manalo is the father; Francine Prieto is the mother and the kids include Iya Villania and Rayver Cruz. Five ang kids pero we're still finding the best persons to include."

Aside from these new offerings, Regal is also planning to produce new installments of Mano Po and Shake, Rattle and Roll.

The film outfit will also be producing movies for their new Regal baby Carla Abellana. The young actress reportedly signed a 12-movie contract with Regal but Ms. Roselle said that they are still working on the script of her launching movie.

Regal has big plans for Marian Rivera since they have lined up three movies for her. This includes a spin-off of the "Nieves" segment of Shake, Rattle and Roll X. The GMA-7 actress will reprise her role as the engkanto slayer named Nieves.

They also plan to pair Marian with a comedian and they are considering Vhong Navarro for the job. She is also slated to do the movie Tarot with Dennis Trillo.

Regal plans to have a co-production with GMA Films for a movie starring Dingdong Dantes and Marian. The love team partners were last seen together on the big screen for the romantic drama One True Love, which also starred Iza Calzado.

REGAL DIGITAL. In an effort to gain recognition in film fests abroad, Regal will be financing ten full-length digital films to be megged by new directors.

Ms. Roselle explained why they decided to spearhead this project. "Ang goal ko is to be able to help directors to have a feel of what moviemaking is really about. These digital movies will be a collaboration between new directors and Regal.

"Pinaka-main objective pa rin ay kung kikita ba 'yan? Pero we don't expect a big return. We would like to achieve something else here in Regal Digital: the merit. And we will also be able to explore international markets. When we read the script, it has to appeal, not necessarily the local but international market."

Aside from funding digital films, Regal will soon be offering training for Filipinos interested in the art of filmmaking.

"We'd like to create workshops for people," she declared. "Mother wanted to fund some free workshops...parang scholarships kasi she believes in people who have passion. There are some passionate people who may not have the fund to educate themselves. These will include acting workshops and all aspects of filmmaking."

DIFFERENT STROKES. When asked to differentiate her style from Mother Lily's way of running the family business, Ms. Roselle pointed out: "Siguro I'm more cautious, Because of course, its not my money. It's the family's money so I feel responsible. You are given a responsibility, that in every movie that you do, there should be income coming in. It should have a good return. That is always on my mind, so that's the reason why my style is different from Mother.

"I'm less autocratic because I can listen to everyone, even my driver. Every comment counts. But, of course, ako naman, wini-weigh ko. I just collect a lot of info from different people. Kahit sino pa yan, kahit friends ko, I collect information: kung sinong sikat, kung sino ang hindi. Hindi talaga ako autocratic," stresses the female executive.

Despite the economic slowdown in the Philippines, it seems that Regal Entertainment is not showing signs of slowing down as it celebrates its 49th anniversary this 2009.

Source: Philippine Entertainment Portal