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CELEBRITY EGOS, industry politics, and personal dreams swirl in the fast-paced world of showbiz, the backdrop for the Filipino series Call My Manager.
Directed by the talented Erik Matti, this show is a fresh take on the French series Call My Agent for HBO, though we’re still awaiting the release date. Eight exciting episodes were filmed back in 2023.
In the meantime, the first two episodes were transformed into a two-hour movie that premiered at QCinema on Nov. 15. It features stars like Judy Ann Santos, Edu Manzano, and RK Bagatsing as the three savvy managers running Shine Artist Management. Prepare for a fun ride with cameos from big-name celebs and juicy references to real-life showbiz gossip!
For Mr. Matti, this project has been a dream waiting to unfold.
“After the success of On the Job on HBO, they asked us what we wanted to tackle next,” he shared during a talkback after the premiere. “Creating a tribute to Philippine cinema and showbiz was a passion of ours, but many believed it wouldn’t be profitable because it’s meant for insiders.”
“When we discovered Call My Agent, we realized that we could make our own version reflecting everything we love about our cinema and showbiz. It’s both a love letter and a critique of our vibrant industry,” he added.
As the producer, Dondon Monteverde felt this series was the “perfect way to highlight our industry.”
“I’m well-acquainted with this industry. I grew up alongside some of the stars we featured, like Niño Muhlach, our comeback kid,” he reminisced. “Mother [Lily Monteverde] tried to push me into acting, but it just wasn’t for me. So I went the producer route instead!”
He mentioned how the character based on Mother Lily would experience some drama borrowed from real-life events. “She was still around when we were filming, so Erik [Matti] closely watched her mannerisms and interactions. She was very involved,” he said.
The show will also feature icons like Maricel Soriano, Snookie Serna, Kiray Celis, and Janine Gutierrez, all playing themselves. The music is crafted by Rico Blanco, with many episodes being directed by Mario Cornejo and Jade Castro.
Fun fact: some entertainment executives also make cameos, including Roselle Monteverde from Regal Entertainment and Vincent Del Rosario from Viva Communications. Mr. Matti shared it took “a bit of convincing” to bring them on board!
He added that each episode dives into various celebrity stories. “The large cast allows us to weave in multiple subplots, showcasing different angles each time,” he explained. “This offers a romanticized view of our showbiz, blending the online aspect that isn’t present in the French version, all while paying homage to what we adore about Philippine cinema.”
Mr. Monteverde noted that Call My Manager will unveil the real happenings in showbiz, from stage mothers to scandals.
For Mr. Matti, since the French concept has been adapted in different countries like the UK, South Korea, and India, their goal was to give it a unique Filipino twist.
“We aimed for a distinctive adaptation that screams Philippine culture. You’ll encounter exclusive, localized narratives later on, featuring guests like Laurice Guillen, Lav Diaz, Monsour Del Rosario, and the talented mother-daughter duo Zsa Zsa Padilla and Karylle,” he revealed.
“When you see the stories unfold, you’ll instantly know whom we’re referencing.”
The first two episodes of Call My Manager will be screened again at the French Film Festival on Nov. 28, at SM Aura in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig. HBO is yet to announce when the complete eight-episode series will be available for streaming. — Brontë H. Lacsamana
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