So you want to be a star?

A number of entertainment personalities get into trouble (especially with their respective contracts) because they have no managers to represent them or are ill represented (by managers who do not know any better). Young talents are particularly vulnerable to vultures that are all over the entertainment profession and it is lamentable that these newcomers are often open to abuses – with no one to protect them.

Fortunately, the two major networks each have their own departments that look after talents who want to be managed by their respective mother studios. ABS-CBN has its own Talent Center headed by Johnny Manahan, while GMA 7 has its GMA Artist Center – with Ida Henares as its head.

Below, I asked Ms. Henares, questions about the GMA Artist Center – its functions and how it deals with its contract stars.

How does one become part of the GMA Artist Center?

One is by auditioning. We also recruit talents. Sometimes we get talents through our reality TV competition shows (StarStruck and Pinoy Pop Superstar). In some cases, managers and agents bring their talents to us.

What kind of arrangement do you make with the talent?

We offer exclusive management, co-management and booking contracts.

Can a talent also maintain a manager while being managed by the GMA Artist Center?

If at the time of signing up he already has a manager, then he falls in the co-managed category. Some have personal managers or advisers, while being exclusively managed by the Artist Center. However, the only legal representative of the artist in all branches of entertainment is the Artist Center and whatever arrangement the artist has with his personal manager is between them.

How much edge does a GMA Artist Center talent have over a GMA talent who is not part of your organization? Do the GMA Artist Center talents get more projects in the station?

The Artist Center provides development programs, support services, promotional materials and projects for our talents – those are great benefits for any talent. And yes, Artist Center talents being signed up by the network naturally are always considered in upcoming projects.

How do you deal with stage parents?

You simply talk to them and explain, explain, explain.

Can you immediately spot a person who has star quality?

Yes, I can. Artists like gems sometimes get your attention at the first glance. However, there are those who need closer scrutiny to appreciate.

What does it take to be a star?

Talent, looks, appeal, attitude, passion, professionalism, a good management team and a network behind them – plus the Almighty’s blessings.

What do you require of your talents once they have joined the GMA Artist Center stable?

To participate in our development programs, to perform their duties professionally and attend all the necessary activities we have for them.

What are your usual problems with them?

Some stage parents and co-managers are too eager to get bookings without considering other aspects of how a transaction can eventually affect the career or future marketability of artists. Some artists don’t see how their actions can impact the direction of their careers. The biggest problems are the know-it-alls.

What are the rules they have to follow?

Just proper work ethics.

What will you do if a young female talent gets pregnant or if a young male talent gets somebody pregnant?

For the female, we will let her take a leave until she is ready to resume and we are ready to find a vehicle for her re-entry. If she breaks any provisions of any contract, then we find proper solutions. For the male, the same in terms of any violations of contracts. These sorts of problems are discussed with parents and we try to help as much as we can.

Do you also interfere with affairs of the heart?

Not really interfere. But if the love life is destructive to the career, then we will point out the consequences and try to help them sort out better decisions.

What is the real story behind the Mark Herras/Jennylyn Mercado split-up/makeup?

The usual boyfriend/girlfriend stuff. Anyhow, the bottom line is that they love each other and are ready to try again.

Is the Rainier Castillo/Yasmien Kurdi romance for real?

Something’s brewing there. Cute sila together, don’t you agree?

Don’t we have too many talents at the moment? Do we have room for all of them?

We have another channel opening soon so we will need some faces again. GMA is also active in producing films again. Aside from our own shows, we also offer our artists to movie outfits, ad agencies and all avenues of entertainment. So it’s also good to have a number of artists to offer.

What is your advice to youngsters who want to join the entertainment profession?

To first consider all their options – like school or career in other fields. To know about the industry they are entering. Prepare for it. Be flexible enough to adjust to the kind of work schedule show business offers. Be prepared to be considered public property. Regard this as a profession and not an ego trip adventure. Work hard. Know that fame is a great tool to impact other people’s lives so put that influence to good use.

What are the plans of the GMA Artist Center?

To continue discovering new faces, to offer more development programs for our artists and the public – like our Acting for Film and TV program, which is doing very well. This month, we will launch our Acting for Stage program at the CCP in a twin bill presentation entitled Mga Kuwentong Kalye. We have plans to launch another program last quarter of 2005 or first quarter of 2006. We also plan to enlist our artists in projects that will support worthwhile advocacies, dish out more albums, movies, tours and create new fun projects that will showcase our artists. Also, we want to do more provincial visits and engage our artists in more projects that will enhance other skills – like entrepreneurial and sports, for instance. Finally, we want to forge tie-ups with other agencies – both local and international. God willing, we want to do so much more.