In the evolving local entertainment industry, collaborations are becoming a significant trend, with the latest being between Mentorque Productions and GMA Pictures for the upcoming horror movie “Huwag Kang Titingin.”
Recent films by GMA Pictures include “Firefly,” “Balota,” and “Green Bones,” the latter being shortlisted as the Philippines’ official Oscars entry. Mentorque has produced titles like “Mallari,” “Uninvited,” and the art film “Kono Basho.”
Fresh from winning “Producer of the Year” accolades at the EDDYs and FAMAS, the two production companies are teaming up for the first time to create a horror film directed at a Gen Z audience. Directed by Frasco Mortiz and written by Ayz de Guzman, who previously worked on the 2013 Metro Manila Film Festival hit “Pagpag: Siyam na Buhay,” the film combines viral internet challenges with deep-rooted folklore, according to the creators during a recent story conference attended by The STAR.
“Huwag Kang Titingin” features a youthful ensemble cast, including “Pinoy Big Brother: Celebrity Collab” housemates Shuvee Etrata, Charlie Fleming, Michael Sager, Josh Ford, and Kira Balinger, alongside Sparkle artists Sofia Pablo, Allen Ansay, Marco Masa, Sean Lucas, Anthony Constantino, and veteran actress Sherilyn Reyes.
GMA Network’s senior vice president and GMA Pictures president Annette Gozon-Valdes handpicked the ensemble, ensuring they resemble a cohesive group of friends. Bryan Diamante, Mentorque’s president, emphasized the strategic casting, noting the market appeal of the “PBB” housemates.
Diamante added that today’s audience needs to feel a connection to the film and its stars to justify a movie outing. Annette remarked that the cast’s strong social media presence is an advantage.
The collaboration quickly materialized after Annette reached out to Mentorque via Facebook Messenger. She expressed her desire to foster collaboration in the media industry, believing that cooperation over competition benefits everyone given the industry’s current challenges.
For Mentorque, partnering with an established studio like GMA provided an invaluable learning opportunity about their approach, as Diamante pointed out.
As Mentorque evaluates its future direction, they are exploring new formats, including a potential limited series expansion of their box-office hit “Mallari,” ideally in partnership with GMA. Contrary to rumors, the film is not being rushed for the MMFF 2025, with producers prioritizing quality over festival deadlines.
Successful collaborations can leverage pooled resources, creative synergy, and enhanced marketing efforts. Mentorque is known for its resourceful film promotions, creating buzz through grand media launches for titles like “Mallari” and “Uninvited.”
Annette praised Mentorque’s innovative spirit, saying the industry needs fresh ideas and new approaches. The collaboration announcement coincided with ghost month, traditionally seen as unfavorable by some businesses, but Annette, citing her Christian beliefs, dismissed such concerns based on past successes like “Mulawin.”
Addressing Oscars aspirations, Bryan and Annette both highlight the importance of international presence and commitment to hard work, with a dream to reach global theatrical markets beyond just accolades.
