The Philippines is courting international film companies to invest in the country by granting competitive financial incentives.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) launched Expanding the Bridge Initiative in Los Angeles, Calif., home of Hollywood, on March 6.
Leading the event were Trade Secretary Cristina Roque, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, the DTI said in a statement Thursday.
The initiative offers a cash rebate of up to 25 percent under the Film Location Incentive Program (FLIP), and up to P10 million ($180,000) for international co-productions through the International Co-Production Fund (ICPF).
The Trade department said the initiative will tap into these programs to encourage major film and television projects to shoot in the Philippines and promote local talent and content.
Roque said the incentives would help position the Philippines as a premier destination for cinematic excellence.
“With these incentives, we are not just making the Philippines a cost-effective filming location — we are offering Hollywood a creative partnership,” Roque said.
“Our filmmakers, crew, and post-production teams are world-class, and our stories have universal appeal,” she added.
The DTI said the event drew Hollywood personalities with strong ties to the Filipino and Asian film industries, including Mark Dacascos, Tia Carrere, and Oscar-winning producer Lawrence Bender, alongside notable figures such as Crazy Rich Asians author Kevin Kwan and renowned director Marie Jamora. Producers Roger Goff and Mark Lagrimas, who are currently developing a historical epic set in the Philippines, also joined discussions on future collaborations.
In a separate briefing material, Roque said she talked to Prime Videos / Amazon Studios about the possibility of integrating classic and contemporary Filipino films and “teleseryes” (TV dramas) into the Prime Video platform.
“The objective is to significantly expand the global reach and accessibility of Filipino cinematic and television content. One of the objectives is to increase international viewership, exposing Filipino stories and talent to a wider audience.”
Roque said this could also create opportunities for Filipino filmmakers to collaborate with international film producers and studios.
The same report quoted Roque as saying she had discussions with Relativity Media, a consulting firm that offers specialized consulting services aimed at bridging the gap between Filipino filmmakers and suitable international partners.
“The company can provide valuable guidance and connections to help Filipino filmmakers navigate the complexities of the global film industry. This support can lead to increased opportunities for international co-productions, distribution, and financing,” she added.
The Philippine movie industry started in 1919 with the public showing of “Dalagang Bukid,” produced by Jose Nepomuceno. The Philippines’ movie industry grew strongly in the ‘50s and 60s, but due to economic difficulties hounding the country in succeeding decades, it lagged behind other Asian countries.
