Regal admits box-office fears for ‘Almost Us’ due to fuel crisis
Despite concerns over the fuel crisis’ impact on the box office, Regal Entertainment is pushing through with the theatrical release of “Almost Us.” Topbilled by JM Ibarra and Fyang Smith, under the direction of Dan Villegas, the romantic-comedy film opens in cinemas on May 6.
Nevertheless, Regal Entertainment CEO Roselle Monteverde (who also chairs the Entertainment Producers of the Philippines) couldn’t help but express her sentiments on how the already ailing movie industry is taking another hit from the high fuel prices.
On Facebook, she wrote: “How can we stay ‘business as usual’ when rising costs and crisis are changing how people spend?”
In a separate interview with The STAR, she explained her post and questioned the response that has been made so far to the crisis.
“Kasi alam mo tayo sanay tayo ‘pag may problema, we focus on solving the problem at least man lang parang you know, don’t try to pretend that there’s nothing wrong.
“You need to be ahead and plan ahead and be able to foresee the possibility of what might happen. Magkakaroon naman talaga tayo ng crisis but there should already be plans.
“Paano na yung mga ways, what are the measures we need? Actively ha not just words. We should see actions, do not react dun sa time na it’s too late, ‘di ba?
“So many are already affected by the rising cost of fuel. That’s what we also use for power outside shooting, pati mga logistics namin apektado and of course, the people working for the industry.”
Speaking further on how producers are currently affected, she said, “(Producers are affected because) you don’t really know... Hindi mo na alam eh will people spend pa ba? Nakikita na nga natin na hindi na masyado lumalabas mga tao. Mga malls medyo empty na, di ba? Hindi pa ba yan crisis?”
She readily acknowledged fears over the box-office figures, not just of their film. “Definitely, we are worried that this will affect the box-office performance.”
At the time of this interview, she said she had yet to convene with other film producers to discuss the matter and possibly issue a joint statement.
“Kasi it can’t be helped, the industry cannot move alone with just one producer... It has to be collective.”
Even with these challenges, Regal is choosing to stay the course when it comes to film releases.
“For us, like, we wanted to keep everything the same,” said executive vice president and lawyer Keith Monteverde. “We wanted to at least deliver for the people who are still looking for it na rin. So that there’s something, like, they can afford na to watch a movie that they’re interested in.
“At the same time, there are things like increasing cost, taas ng gas, that make it harder for people to go to theaters. So, ever since the beginning, myself, my mom (Roselle) and others have been in constant conversation with the theaters, the cinema exhibitors, trying to find ways to make it more affordable. So we have to make affordable pricing...”
Roselle echoed the same commitment. “Of course, we worry about what’s gonna happen. Who’s not, ‘di ba? But then, yeah, we’re committed. We’re committed na talaga. Actually, patapos na rin yung pangalawang pelikula.
“So, we’re hoping, as what Keith said talaga, na to lower the ticket price, to give them a chance through the crisis that’s happening right now. Para naman, in a way, na mapasaya pa rin natin yung mga tao.
“There’s a way for them na even a little time to feel something, that there’s a way to escape from what’s happening. Because even me, I’m affected.”
Roselle, likewise, noted that this quarter, there are efforts to adapt to the ongoing fuel crisis.
“Well, it’s a good thing that during this quarter (of the year), we see maraming cinemas nagbagsak talaga ng price. Which is good and I think it will continue to have that type of price.”
As of press time, tickets are priced from P150 to P230 in the provinces and from P199 to P275 in Metro Manila depending on the day.
But going beyond the current economic realities, Roselle expressed confidence in the film itself, particularly its lead cast and director Dan Villegas (“English Only, Please,” “Exes Baggage,” “The Breakup Playlist,” among other romcoms).
It’s the first time for the popular JMFyang duo to lead their film, which follows the story of RR (JM) who is in love with best friend Janine (Fyang), as the synopsis puts it. When he finds a way for her to meet the object of her fan fiction dreams, Kenzo (Dustin Yu), it puts their friendship to test.
Asked by The STAR why Regal decided to invest in the former “Pinoy Big Brother” housemates, the movie producer stressed, “Ang gagaling nilang artista, I’ve noticed! And tamang tama naman, there’s a good story and the director who I believe in doing this type of genre.
“I’ve been really dreaming of having Dan Villegas to work with Regal kasi wala pa. This is his first with us and then, at the same time, sa mga young artists, they’re (JM and Fyang) one of the best that I’ve seen since I’ve worked with a lot of them na rin.
“They’re just so genuine! Like Fyang, she is just her natural self. And when you watch them (both), they’re not acting. You see the chemistry on and off screen. I don’t know if they’re together (in real life)... because personal na nila yun. But there’s kilig off screen, meron talaga.”
Produced by Regal Entertainment with direk Dan’s Project 8 Projects, “Almost Us” rolls into cinemas on May 6.
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