GMA Network is set to pair up their Kapuso Primetime Drama Princess, Barbie Forteza, with a prominent leading man from ABS-CBN for an upcoming film project.
The news was confirmed by Annette Gozon-Valdes, GMA Network’s Senior Vice President for Programming, Talent Management, Worldwide and Support Group, during a press conference that marked the conclusion of their first-ever collaborative project with ABS-CBN, ‘Unbreak My Heart.’
This exciting development is not limited to television dramas, as the two former rival networks are poised to venture into filmmaking together. While specific details regarding the project remain in the planning stage, the producers are contemplating the on-screen partnership of Barbie Forteza with one of ABS-CBN’s well-known leading men.
“Wala pang cast or story but we’re hoping na meron pang collaborations. Sana next year. Sana may movies, makagawa na. We’ll start na makipag-usap. We’ll see,” commented Ms. Annette Gozon-Valdez.
The discussions regarding this joint venture were rekindled during the recent ABS-CBN Ball 2023, where GMA Network executives had the opportunity to meet with ABS-CBN’s key decision-makers.
“Nu’ng ABS-CBN Ball nakausap ko ulit sila Kris Gazmen pati sila Carlo Katigbak, Cory Vidanes. Sabi ko, ‘gawa na tayong movie.’ Kasi gusto na rin nila eh. Siguro matutuloy na next year,” Annette shared. “Yes, first co-production of movie ng Star Cinema and GMA. Wala pa (mga bibidang artista), pero parang iniisip namin, si Barbie, combined with one of their talents.”
If this collaboration comes to fruition, it will mark a historic moment in the Philippine entertainment industry, as it will be the first co-production of a film between Star Cinema and GMA Pictures. While the names of the actors involved have not been confirmed, Annette suggested that Barbie Forteza could potentially be paired with one of ABS-CBN’s esteemed actors.
This announcement follows the successful partnership between the two rival networks, which began on April 5, 2022. The initial agreement allowed selected Star Cinema movies to be aired on GMA Network channels. Subsequently, they jointly announced a collaborative TV series, ‘Unbreak My Heart,’ in January, including Viu Philippines. The series debuted on May 29, 2023, and became part of GMA Network’s Telebabad lineup.
As the discussions for the upcoming film project continue, the excitement builds for what promises to be a remarkable collaboration that transcends network boundaries in the Philippine entertainment industry.
