A Filipino TV channel is betting on the Robert Pattinson mania and phenomenal Twilight film success by buying the rights to the vampire novel for a local TV version of Twilight.
ABS-CBN paid over US $1 Million with Ignite Media as co producer for the local TV movie rights. Local Filipino actor Rayver Cruz will fill up Robert Pattinson’s shoes as Edward Cullen and Shaina Magdayao will play his love interest Isabella Swan.
The movie, which is to be directed by directed Cathy Garcia Molina, will start shooting in Fenruary 2009 both in the Philippine and abroad.
UPDATE: The news turned out to be a hoax. Read the follow up article below.
Asian Adaptations of Blockbuster Movies
Twilight Gets Filipino TV Version
Trend Themes
1. Asian Adaptations of Blockbuster Movies - Opportunity for international production companies to license and produce localized versions of popular movies for specific regions.
2. Filipino TV Version of Twilight - Opportunity for local actors and production teams to create a localized version of a globally popular franchise.
3. Investment in Local TV Movie Rights - Opportunity for TV networks to invest in acquiring and producing adaptations of popular movies for their audiences.
Industry Implications
1. Entertainment - Disruptive innovation opportunity for entertainment companies to create localized versions of popular movies to cater to specific cultural markets.
2. Film Production - Opportunity for film production companies to collaborate with international partners to acquire and produce localized adaptations of successful movies.
3. Broadcasting - Opportunity for TV networks to acquire the rights to popular movies and create localized versions to attract viewers and increase ad revenue.