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Star Cinema
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ABS-CBN Film Productions, Inc., doing business as Star Cinema, is a Filipino film studio based in Quezon City.[2] Star Cinema is owned by the Filipino media and entertainment conglomerate ABS-CBN Corporation and was incorporated on May 8, 1993 as Star Cinema Productions, Inc. with the help of Lily Monteverde and Regal Films.[3] Since its inception, Star Cinema has produced some of the highest-grossing Filipino films of all time. Star Cinema has also been involved in the production of some TV series shown on ABS-CBN television network with Pangako Sa 'Yo in 2000 as its initial production.
Key Information
History
[edit]Vanguard Films (1982–1989)
[edit]Vanguard Films was formed in 1983. It was headed by Simon Ongpin and Charo Santos-Concio.
In 1985, the serial komiks by Nerissa Cabral, Hindi Nahahati ang Langit was adapted into a film and it stars Christopher de Leon, Lorna Tolentino, Edu Manzano, and Dina Bonnevie. The said film was directed by Mike de Leon.
Vision Films (1989–1993)
[edit]In 1989, Santos-Concio formed Vision Films, operated independently from ABS-CBN and Regal Films.[4] The first film offering of the company was Kailan Mahuhugasan ang Kasalanan? (1989), directed by Lino Brocka.[5] Throughout its short existence, all of the films produced by Vision Films are dramas based on radio serials and action thrillers based on true stories or comics.
In 1990, three films were released: Nagsimula sa Puso, Kapag Langit ang Humatol, and Bala at Rosaryo. The former two were adapted from radio dramas that were serialized via DZRH-AM, while the latter was adapted from a comics serial. In 1991, action thriller Ganti ng Api and crime thriller melodrama Kailan Ka Magiging Akin were released. Between 1992 and 1993, no films were produced as Vision Films was absorbed into Star Cinema. [6]
Star Cinema (1993–present)
[edit]
Star Cinema was founded on May 8, 1993,[7] with producer Malou N. Santos becoming the studio's managing director.[8] Even though it was still a new player in the film industry at that time, Star Cinema position itself to be a major competitor of big film studios like Viva Films and Regal Films. The studio collaborated with Regal Films for its first ever film production: Ronquillo: Tubong Cavite, Laking Tondo (1993), an action film starring Bong Revilla and Sheryl Cruz. Its strategies are to reflect the viewer's current taste and trends with a string of films targeted to mainstream viewers with film genres ranging from action, drama, comedy, horror, and fantasy.[citation needed] The films of Star Cinema in the 1990s have been well received with some earning critical acclaim with films like May Minamahal (1993), Maalaala Mo Kaya: The Movie (1994), Madrasta (1996), Magic Temple (1996), and Bata, Bata… Pa'no Ka Ginawa? (1998).[citation needed]
The 1990s also saw the pioneering works of the studio by integrating computer-generated images, special effects and special makeup and prosthetics on some of its films like Patayin sa Sindak si Barbara (1995), Magic Temple (1996), Kokey (1997), Magandang Hatinggabi (1998), Hiling (1998), and Puso ng Pasko (1998) among others. Other notable works were live-action adaptations of popular Japanese anime series like Sarah... Ang Munting Prinsesa (1995) and Cedie (1996), in turn, based on children's novels by English playwright and author Frances Hodgson Burnett, which incorporates stylish production designs and costumes and were shot abroad. From September 1997 to July 1999, former Viva Films executive Eric Cuatico Jr. briefly served as co-managing director of the studio alongside Santos.[8][9][10]
Star Cinema also produced a film adaptations of ABS-CBN's successful TV series like Mara Clara: The Movie, released in 1996 and Mula sa Puso: The Movie, Wansapanataym: The Movie, and Esperanza: The Movie are released in 1999. In 1997, 1998, and 2000, Star Cinema produced Goodbye America, Legacy, and Doomsdayer respectively under the banner of Star Pacific Cinema in an attempt to penetrate the Hollywood B-movie market.


The 2000s has been the most successful time for Star Cinema in terms of box office gross. Most of the all-time highest-grossing films in the history of the Philippines are either produced or co-produced by Star Cinema as reported by Box Office Mojo. In 2002, Star Cinema together with Unitel Pictures released the Filipino-American film American Adobo with mixed reviews in the United States. In late 2007, Sky Films, a distribution company previously acquired by ABS-CBN in 2001, was merged with Star Cinema.[11] In 2010, Star Cinema co-financed and released RPG Metanoia, the first 3D computer-animated Filipino film in history. In 2013, Star Cinema co-financed and released Erik Matti's On the Job with mixed to positive reviews abroad. Star Cinema films that were well received by critics in this period were Anak (2000), Tanging Yaman (2000), Bagong Buwan (2001), Dekada '70 (2002), Nasaan Ka Man (2005), Kasal, Kasali, Kasalo (2006), In My Life (2009) and On the Job (2013).
Star Creatives Television
[edit]Logo used since 2019. | |
| Formerly | Star Television (2000–2013) |
|---|---|
| Company type | Division |
| Industry | Television production Film production |
| Genre | Philippine telenovelas |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Founder | Malou N. Santos |
| Headquarters | ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center, Sgt. Esguerra Avenue corner Mother Ignacia Street, Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Olivia M. Lamasan Henry King Quitain Lourdes de Guzman Ginny Monteagudo-Ocampo (formerly) Roda Catolico-Dela Cerna (formerly) |
| Products | Television programs Film production Content provider |
| Owner | ABS-CBN Corporation |
| Parent | Star Cinema ABS-CBN Studios |
| Divisions | Star Creatives Digital |
In 2000, Star Cinema started its television production venture by producing the drama Pangako Sa 'Yo for the now-defunct ABS-CBN television network with the studio coining the term "teleserye" to promote the series.[12] Its ratings peaked at 64.9% on its finale episode, marking the highest rating for any series finale episode on Philippine television. Pangako Sa 'Yo also became popular abroad, notably across Africa and Asia. It was followed by another successful series Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay (2002) and It Might Be You (2003).

In 2008, its most expensive television production Lobo (known internationally as She Wolf) received the Banff World Media Festival for best telenovela program and earned Angel Locsin an International Emmy Awards nomination for performance by a female actor - the country's first overall acting nomination ever on the awards show. Sana Maulit Muli (2008) also gained a following in Taiwan when it was dubbed in Taiwanese Minnan. Kahit Isang Saglit (2008) became a finalist in the 37th International Emmy Awards.[13] Its 2010 production Magkaribal became a finalist to the 2011 New York International Independent Film and Video Festival for best telenovela. Budoy (2011) is also a finalist to the 2013 New York Festivals International Television and Film Awards.[14] Bridges of Love (2015) is the first Philippine telenovela to be released in Latin American countries including Peru.[15] Soap operas produced by Star Creatives had been subtitled and dubbed to several languages including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Turkish, Khmer, Mandarin and French and most notably those that are targeted to Asia Pacific, Africa and Latin America. One of the programs dubbed in French is Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay which will cater to French-speaking audience in Africa and Europe.[16][17][18] Star Cinema has also produced TV promos, spots and specials for the ABS-CBN network. In 2011, Star Cinema spent ₱12 million for the Philippine National Anthem video clip of ABS-CBN network.[19][20]
Star Home Video
[edit]| Formerly | Star Records Video (2003–2007) |
|---|---|
| Company type | Division |
| Industry | Home entertainment |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Headquarters | ABS-CBN Broadcasting Center, Sgt. Esguerra Avenue corner Mother Ignacia Street, Diliman, , Philippines |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people |
|
| Products | Home video releases |
| Services | |
| Owner | ABS-CBN Corporation |
| Parent | Star Cinema |
Star Home Video is the home video and DVD distribution arm of ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc. It is the exclusive home video distributor of the Star Cinema film library, as well as ABS-CBN programs, and karaoke CDs.
Film distribution
[edit]Star Cinema distributes all of its films as well as movies produced by other production companies. In 2015, Star Cinema released the Cinema One Originals film That Thing Called Tadhana with critical and box office success. The film went on to gross over ₱134 million against its budget of only two-million pesos.[21]
List of television productions
[edit]- Maalaala Mo Kaya (1994–2018)
- Esperanza (1997 - 1999)
- Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako (1998 – 1999)
- Pangako Sa 'Yo (2000 – 2002) - Credited as a Star Cinema Production
- Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay (2002 – 2003)
- Darating ang Umaga (2003)
- It Might Be You (2003–2004)
- Sana’y Wala Nang Wakas (2003–2004)
- Hiram (2004)
- Ikaw Ang Lahat Sa Akin (2005)
- Panday (2005)
- Sa Piling Mo (2006)
- Lobo (2008)
- Dahil May Isang Ikaw (2009–2010)
- Magkaribal (2010)
- Imortal (2010–2011)
- Juanita Banana (2010–2011)
- Guns and Roses (2011)
- Maria La Del Barrio (2011–2012)
- Reputasyon (2011–2012)
- E-Boy (2012)
- Princess and I (2012–2013)
- Got to Believe (2013–2014)
- The Legal Wife (2014)
- Forevermore (2014–2015)
- La Luna Sangre (2017–2018)
- Pusong Ligaw (2017)
- Bagani (2018)
- The House Arrest of Us (2020 – 2021) - Credited as a Star Cinema production
- He's Into Her (2021 – 2022) - Credited as a Star Cinema production
- Tara, G! (2022)
- A Family Affair (2022)
- The Iron Heart (2022 - 2023)
- Can't Buy Me Love (2023 - 2024)
- Incognito (2025)[22]
- It's Okay to Not Be Okay (2025)[23][24]
Filmography
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Imee Charlee C. Delavin (March 21, 2017). "Election-related ads boost ABS-CBN earnings in 2016". BusinessWorld Online.
- ^ "Growing family: ABS-CBN Films no longer just Star Cinema". ABS-CBN News. June 13, 2018. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
- ^ "FAST FACTS: The big 4 of Philippine Cinema's 'Golden Era'". Rappler. October 22, 2019. Retrieved November 9, 2021.
- ^ Villanueva, Nena (April 27, 1989). "Snooky produces own show!". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corporation. p. 25. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
- ^ Libo-on, Eddie O. (April 8, 1989). "MOVIE SPICE: Lorna ― a Brocka believer". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corporation. p. 25. Archived from the original on June 14, 2024. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
- ^ Epoy Deyto (April 7, 2025). "Film Review: Kailan Ka Magiging Akin (1991) by Chito S. Rono". Asian Movie Pulse.
- ^ Fernandez, Maritoni (May 4, 1993). "EKSENA: A merry mix-up". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. p. 19. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
In reverse order, ABS-CBN, the TV giant, is entering the movies via its film division Star Cinema...
- ^ a b "Viva exec joins Star Cinema". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. September 28, 1997. p. 20. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
- ^ Red, Isah V. (June 8, 1999). "Star Cinema turns six, claims market dominance". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. p. 22. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
Star Cinema's managing directors Malou Santos and Eric Cuatico
- ^ Red, Isah V. (July 21, 1999). "Is Elizabeth over Danny?". Manila Standard. Kamahalan Publishing Corp. p. 22. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
Eric Cuatico has officially joined Seven Crown Ventures, Inc., the movie production company owned by Jesse Ejercito, the President's brother.
- ^ Dela Peña, Zinnia B. (November 26, 2007). "ABS-CBN to merge its film production units". Philstar.com. Philstar Global Corp. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
- ^ Sicam, Edmund L. (November 4, 2000). "ABS-CBN's 'teleserye' to run for one year". Philippine Daily Inquirer. The Philippine Daily Inquirer, Inc. p. C5. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
- ^ "Angel Locsin, 'Kahit Isang Saglit' bag International Emmy nominations". abs-cbnnews.com. October 5, 2009.
- ^ "NYF: Television & Film Awards finalists for 2013 competition". bizcommunity.com. February 1, 2013. Retrieved February 15, 2013.
- ^ "'Bridges of Love' to be shown in Peru". news.abs-cbn.com. January 23, 2016.
- ^ Valisno, Jeffrey (June 14, 2012). "Pinoy TV goes international". BusinessWorld. Archived from the original on September 23, 2015. Retrieved November 13, 2012.
- ^ Martinez-Belen, Crispina (March 23, 2010). "ABS-CBN soap operas now captivating non-Filipinos worldwide". The Manila Bulletin. Retrieved February 15, 2013.
- ^ "Premiere source of Filipino dramas in Asia". Manila Standard Today. January 30, 2013.
- ^ Charo Santos-Concio (producer) (June 13, 2011). ABS-CBN Lupang Hinirang (Television production). Philippines: StarAd Prom.
- ^ ABS-CBN releases new music video of the national anthem, retrieved July 13, 2011
- ^ 'Tadhana' is top grossing local indie film of all time
- ^ "Action series Incognito 'dream' project for cast, director". NewsWatch Plus Staff. NewsWatch Plus. January 17, 2025. Retrieved July 16, 2025.
- ^ NewsWatch Plus PH [@newswatchplusph] (May 22, 2025). "LOOK: Anne Curtis, Joshua Garcia, and Carlo Aquino — the lead stars of the much-anticipated Philippine adaptation of "It's Okay to Not Be Okay" — pose for a series of photos" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ NewsWatch Plus PH [@newswatchplusph] (July 19, 2025). "LOOK: Joshua Garcia shares behind-the-scene photos of the pilot episode of the local adaptation of 'It's Okay to Not be Okay,' which streamed on Netflix on Friday, July 18. Garcia leads the series with Anne Curtis and Carlo Aquino" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
External links
[edit]Star Cinema
View on GrokipediaHistory
Predecessors: Vanguard Films and Vision Films (1982–1993)
Vanguard Films represented ABS-CBN's initial foray into feature film production, with operations commencing by 1982.[7] The division was headed by Simon Ongpin and Charo Santos-Concio, who oversaw its activities through the 1980s as part of ABS-CBN's diversification beyond broadcasting following the network's relaunch in 1986.[8] Under their leadership, Vanguard focused on domestic market films, adapting popular komiks narratives to capitalize on established storytelling formats amid the Philippine cinema's transition from Martial Law-era constraints.[3] By 1989, Vanguard's efforts transitioned into Vision Films, Inc., founded by Charo Santos-Concio to operate more autonomously from ABS-CBN's core broadcasting and external partners like Regal Films.[8] This entity extended ABS-CBN's production capabilities, emphasizing original Filipino content with an emphasis on commercial viability through targeted releases. Vision Films produced a modest slate of titles, including early outputs that tested independent distribution models before the formal consolidation into Star Cinema in 1993.[9] Together, these predecessors laid the groundwork for ABS-CBN's structured film arm by building internal expertise in scripting, casting, and post-production tailored to local audiences.Formation and Early Expansion (1993–1999)
Star Cinema was established in 1993 as the film production and distribution arm of ABS-CBN Corporation, succeeding Vision Films, an independent outfit founded in 1989 by key figures including Charo Santos-Concio.[10][8] The new entity integrated more closely with ABS-CBN's operations, enabling synergies with its television division for talent sourcing and promotion. Its inaugural release, the action film Ronquillo: Tubong Cavite, Laking Tondo (also known as Adan Ronquillo), premiered on May 13, 1993, in co-production with Regal Entertainment and starred Bong Revilla Jr. alongside Sheryl Cruz.[11][12] Early productions emphasized mainstream genres to build audience appeal, including the romantic drama May Minamahal, released on December 25, 1993, as an entry in the Metro Manila Film Festival and starring Aga Muhlach and Aiko Melendez—ABS-CBN television talents whose involvement highlighted the studio's strategy of cross-media leverage.[13][14] Subsequent films in the mid-1990s, such as adaptations from ABS-CBN's anthology series like Maalaala Mo Kaya: The Movie, further diversified output into family-oriented dramas and comedies, capitalizing on familiar narratives and stars to compete in a market dominated by established producers.[15] By the late 1990s, Star Cinema's expansion was evident in its scaling of productions and box-office achievements, culminating in 1999 with Isusumbong Kita sa Tatay Ko, directed by Boots Plata and starring Fernando Poe Jr. with Judy Ann Santos, which grossed over ₱100 million—the studio's first such milestone and a marker of its growing market dominance.[4][16] This success reflected improved distribution networks and audience trust built through consistent output, positioning the company as a key player in Philippine cinema amid industry challenges like piracy and economic fluctuations.[16]Commercial Peak and Diversification (2000–2019)
During the 2000s and 2010s, Star Cinema solidified its position as the leading Filipino film production company through a series of commercially successful releases that capitalized on popular genres such as family dramas, romances, and comedies, often featuring top talents from ABS-CBN's roster. Films like Tanging Yaman (2000), directed by Laurice Guillen and starring Gloria Romero, achieved significant box office performance and critical acclaim as an official entry in the Metro Manila Film Festival, contributing to the company's growing dominance in local cinema.[4] This era saw consistent output of high-earning titles, with Star Cinema leveraging established stars and holiday releases to maximize audience turnout amid competition from imported Hollywood films. Diversification efforts intensified post-2000, extending beyond traditional live-action features into animation and co-productions. In 2010, Star Cinema co-produced RPG Metanoia, the first full-length 3D computer-animated film in Philippine cinema history, in partnership with Ambient Media and Thaumatrope Animation, targeting family audiences with a story inspired by online gaming culture.[17] This venture marked an expansion into digital animation technologies and youth-oriented content, reflecting adaptation to global trends in visual effects and merchandising tie-ins. Additional diversification included strategic collaborations with other local studios, such as Viva Films for select releases, and explorations in genre experimentation, including horror and fantasy, to broaden market appeal while maintaining focus on domestic theatrical distribution.Impact of ABS-CBN Shutdown and Recent Developments (2020–present)
The shutdown of ABS-CBN's free-to-air broadcasting operations on May 5, 2020, following the denial of its franchise renewal by the Philippine House of Representatives, imposed significant financial pressures on the conglomerate, including reduced advertising revenue and operational cutbacks that indirectly affected its subsidiaries like Star Cinema.[18] Despite this, Star Cinema maintained production continuity by shifting toward digital-first distribution strategies, releasing films on platforms such as YouTube, iWantTFC, and international streaming services including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Viu, which allowed access to audiences without reliance on traditional broadcast or theatrical exclusivity.[19] [20] This adaptation mitigated some losses amid the concurrent COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on cinemas, enabling free streaming of select titles like older hits during quarantine periods to sustain viewer engagement.[21] In response to limited theatrical opportunities, Star Cinema forged unprecedented partnerships with rival networks for content licensing, notably a 2022 agreement with GMA Network to air its film library starting April 2022, which expanded reach to free TV audiences and generated new revenue streams.[22] By late 2022, the division announced a return to cinemas with a refreshed slate of three films in the fourth quarter, signaling a hybrid model blending theatrical releases with digital options.[23] These moves contributed to ABS-CBN's broader pivot, with Star Cinema playing a central role in revitalizing local film output through collaborations that included co-productions and cross-network distribution, helping to offset the shutdown's long-term revenue dip estimated at billions of pesos annually for the parent company.[24] Recent developments from 2023 onward highlight Star Cinema's resilience, with releases such as A Very Good Girl (2023) and Hello, Love, Again (2024) achieving commercial success via mixed theatrical and streaming models, alongside upcoming projects like Incognito and It's Okay to Not Be Okay slated for 2025. However, ABS-CBN's film restoration initiative, Sagip Pelikula—which had preserved over 240 classic Filipino films since 2011—ceased operations on March 31, 2025, due to ongoing financial constraints post-shutdown, though responsibilities were partially transferred to Star Cinema and affiliate Cinemo for future heritage efforts.[25] [26] This closure underscores persistent challenges in sustaining non-revenue archival work amid ABS-CBN's reduced scale, yet Star Cinema's focus on contemporary productions and strategic alliances has positioned it as a key driver in the conglomerate's digital transformation and industry recovery.[24]Organizational Structure and Operations
Leadership and Key Executives
Kriz Anthony Gazmen has served as Managing Director of ABS-CBN Film Productions Inc., the entity operating as Star Cinema, since May 1, 2022.[27] Gazmen, previously involved in production roles such as executive producer on films like The Trial (2014), succeeded Olivia Lamasan in the position.[27] [28] Under his leadership, Star Cinema has focused on strategic film releases amid industry challenges, including co-productions like Meet Greet and Bye set for November 2025.[29] Olivia Lamasan continues as a creative consultant to the division, drawing on her extensive directorial experience with Star Cinema hits such as In My Life (2009) and Barcelona: A Love Untold (2016).[27] [30] The film unit reports to ABS-CBN Corporation's President and Chief Executive Officer, Carlo L. Katigbak, who also serves as an executive producer on select projects.[31] [32] Other key executives include Marizel Samson-Martinez, Head of Content Production and Operations, who oversees production workflows and partnerships.[33] Additional figures such as Mico del Rosario (AdProm Director) and Carmi Raymundo contribute to marketing and creative development.[34] This structure supports Star Cinema's operations within ABS-CBN's broader media ecosystem, emphasizing content creation despite regulatory constraints since 2020.[31]Related Divisions: Star Creatives Television and Star Home Video
Star Creatives Television functions as a key production unit within the ABS-CBN ecosystem, specializing in drama series and telenovelas that frequently intersect with Star Cinema's film output through shared talent and story adaptations. It handles scripting, directing, and production for primetime television content broadcast on ABS-CBN platforms. Notable projects include the 2018 fantasy series Bagani, featuring Liza Soberano and Enrique Gil as leads.[35] More recently, in 2025, it co-produced the suspense series Incognito alongside ABS-CBN Studios and Studio 360, starring Kaila Estrada, Richard Gutierrez, and Ian Veneracion.[36] This division supports Star Cinema by providing a pipeline for cross-media storytelling, where successful TV narratives often transition to theatrical releases under Star Cinema's banner, enhancing audience engagement across formats. Production efforts emphasize high-stakes genres like action, romance, and mystery, aligning with ABS-CBN's content strategy to maintain viewer loyalty amid shifting media consumption.[37] Star Home Video operates as the dedicated home entertainment distribution arm linked to Star Cinema, focusing on physical media releases of films including DVDs and previously VHS tapes. It exclusively handles retail packaging and sales for Star Cinema titles through outlets such as SM Department Stores, Astrovision, and ABS-CBN's own stores.[38] This division emerged as a successor to earlier labels like ABS-CBN Video, which integrated into its operations around 2005 to streamline home video offerings. By providing accessible on-demand viewing options pre-digital streaming era, it extended Star Cinema's revenue streams beyond theaters, though its role has diminished with the rise of platforms like iWantTFC.Production Processes and Partnerships
Star Cinema's production processes emphasize a streamlined workflow that integrates script development, often originating from ABS-CBN's television successes or original pitches, with casting heavily favoring in-house talents to capitalize on established fanbases. Pre-production includes budgeting and location planning tailored to Philippine settings, while principal photography and post-production leverage ABS-CBN's facilities for efficiency, though detailed internal protocols remain proprietary.[39] The company's partnerships have become integral to its operations, particularly following the 2020 cessation of ABS-CBN's free-to-air broadcasting, enabling resource sharing and expanded market access. A landmark agreement in April 2022 allowed GMA Network to license and air select Star Cinema titles, the first cross-network deal between the rivals, facilitating mutual content distribution.[40][41] This evolved into direct co-productions with GMA Pictures, starting with the 2024 romantic comedy Hello, Love, Again, directed by Vincent de Jesus and starring ABS-CBN's Kathryn Bernardo alongside GMA's Alden Richards, which marked their inaugural joint film effort and contributed to Star Cinema's dominance among 2024's top-grossing local releases.[42][43] Subsequent collaborations include the 2025 project Love You So Bad, featuring cross-network talents like Will Ashley and Bianca de Vera, underscoring ongoing production synergies in scripting, casting, and promotion.[44] Earlier, in July 2021, Star Cinema teamed with digital platform Kumu to develop hybrid content blending traditional cinema with live-streaming innovations, adapting to streaming demands amid regulatory challenges.[45] Star Cinema also pursues international co-productions to diversify output and access global markets, as indicated by its outreach for foreign collaborators.[46] These alliances mitigate production risks by pooling creative and financial resources, with joint efforts often yielding higher visibility through combined promotional channels.Productions and Distribution
Major Film Productions and Box Office Hits
Star Cinema has produced numerous commercially successful films, predominantly romantic comedies and dramas featuring prominent ABS-CBN talents, which have dominated Philippine box office charts. These productions often leverage established actor pairings and themes of love and relationships, contributing to their appeal among local audiences. Key hits include sequels and original stories that have set revenue records, with several surpassing the ₱500 million mark in domestic or worldwide earnings.[47] Among the highest-grossing entries, Hello, Love, Again (2024), directed by Cathy Garcia-Sampana and starring Kathryn Bernardo and Alden Richards, became the first Filipino film to exceed ₱1 billion worldwide, ultimately reaching ₱1.6 billion in global sales three months after its November 13 premiere. This sequel to 2019's Hello, Love, Goodbye achieved the milestone in under two weeks, with ₱520 million from Philippine cinemas alone by November 18 and a record single-day haul of ₱131 million on November 16.[48][49][47] Preceding it, Rewind (2023), a time-travel romance starring Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes under Direk Onyok Tibagan's direction, grossed ₱845 million, briefly holding the record as the top-earning Filipino film before being overtaken. Earlier blockbusters include The Hows of Us (2018), a Kathryn Bernardo-Daniel Padilla vehicle directed by Garcia-Sampana, which earned ₱810 million domestically and marked the first local film to surpass ₱600 million locally within weeks of its August 15 release.[50][51][52] Hello, Love, Goodbye (2019), also from Garcia-Sampana with Bernardo and Richards, previously set the benchmark at ₱880 million worldwide following its July 31 debut, emphasizing overseas Filipino worker narratives that resonated broadly. Starting Over Again (2014), reuniting Bernardo and Padilla under Olivia Lamasan's direction, amassed ₱579 million, solidifying the "KathNiel" tandem's draw after their earlier success with One More Chance (2008). These films highlight Star Cinema's formula of star-driven romances yielding outsized returns, often exceeding ₱400 million for entries like 2024's And the Breadwinner Is... starring Vice Ganda.[53][54]| Film | Release Year | Director | Key Stars | Worldwide/Domestic Gross (₱) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hello, Love, Again | 2024 | Cathy Garcia-Sampana | Kathryn Bernardo, Alden Richards | 1.6 billion (worldwide)[48] |
| Rewind | 2023 | Onyok Tibagan | Marian Rivera, Dingdong Dantes | 845 million[50] |
| Hello, Love, Goodbye | 2019 | Cathy Garcia-Sampana | Kathryn Bernardo, Alden Richards | 880 million (worldwide)[53] |
| The Hows of Us | 2018 | Cathy Garcia-Sampana | Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla | 810 million (domestic)[51] |
| Starting Over Again | 2014 | Olivia Lamasan | Kathryn Bernardo, Daniel Padilla | 579 million[54] |
