Executive Director Will Fredo says FDCP’s rating system not in conflict with MTRCB
The Film Development Council of the Philippines under Chair Liza Dino Seguerra is one of the most admired agencies under President Duterte’s administration.
It has implemented several programs aimed to boost our local filmmakers and revitalize our industry.
Part of its thrust is building regional cinemas and cinematheques nationwide to encourage creative movie enthusiasts to showcase their talents through producing films.
Sharing this vision and mission is Will Fredo, FDCP’s Executive Director.
But prior to his assumption in office, Will admitted that it took him quite some time to accept his new role in Liza’s cabinet.
“Hindi ko siya agad tinanggap kasi may mga projects ako noon pero naisip ko, opportunity na rin siya para matulungan ang ating mga kababayan at ang ating industriya,” he opened up.
As FDCP’s executive director, he says that he complements well with Seguerra because they have the same objective.
“Well actually, na-launch na namin ang PPP at the same time, we’re doing a Film Workers Summit sa August 30 to 31. Ito iyong project namin from the gaffer, to the bit players to the artista at sa mga industry workers. Sana, masuportahan iyong event dahil pag-uusapan natin ang mga benepisyo ng ating mga manggagawa sa industriya. Kasi, in reality, pinag-aaralan natin sa DTI at sa gobyerno, by standards kasi, culture lang talaga siya, wala pa siya sa level na tinatawag na industry. Para matulungan kasi tayo ng DTI, SSS, Pag-ibig at iba pang agencies, kailangan nating maging industry,” he said.
Just like in other countries,FDCP hopes to limit the showing of foreign films in the country to protect our local outputs.
“Actually, iyan ang tina-try naming ginagawa. May ipinu-push kami through an Executive Order na gawing National Film Month ang August. So, kaya tayo may Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino. Alam namin na medyo matagal ang proseso kasi legislative iyan. Goal namin by next year mga two weeks siya o probably a month na puro local films ang palabas. Sa ngayon, tinutulungan naman kami ng mga sinehan kaya okey lang. Sa kalagayan natin kasi ngayon, nilalamon tayo ng mga Hollywood films. Sa ibang bansa kasi like sa Shanghai noong pumunta ako, two months na walang puwedeng Hollywood (films) na ipalabas at lahat ay sinusuportahan nila at pinanonood iyong kanilang sariling pelikula,” he explained.
Compared to previous administrations, FDCP seems equipped with the funds and resources to roll out its projects.
“Ang totoo niyan. Maliit lang ang budget ng FDCP kaya we make it a point to partner with different agencies para maitawid namin iyong mga projects namin. Kung marami mang nagagawa ngayon ang FDCP, siguro dahil malinaw iyong vision niya at marahil dahil sa will power na rin ng nakaupo,” he pointed out.
He also clarified that although they have their own rating system, this does not impinge on MTRCB’s regulatory power.
“May agreement kasi kami with MTRCB kung saan puwede kaming mag-rekomenda ng rating. So far, consistent naman siya sa vision at guidelines ng ahensiya. Iyong rating naman ay pang-festival lang. Kapag ipinalabas na ang pelikula outside the festival , hindi na siya maituturing na cultural engagement at kapag may money-making component o pagdating sa pagkakakitaan, MTRCB na ang puwedeng mag-rate noon,” he quipped.
Will also says that he misses doing movies and teleseryes.
“May usapan kasi kami ni Liza. Puwede naman akong mag-direk kahit once in a year dahil bago pa naman ako napunta sa FDCP, filmmaker na ako,” he concluded.
Will Fredo is the acclaimed director of “In Nomine Matris” that gave Liza Dino-Seguerra her best actress award in the 2012 MMFF New Wave and “Caregiver” that earned him his best director trophy at the 2012 Manhattan International Film Festival in New York. He is also the master filmmaker behind “Compound”, “Traslacion: Ang Paglakad sa Altar ng Alanganin” and “Filemon Mamon.”
The last teleserye he directed for ABS-CBN was “Bridges of Love” which bagged an International Emmy nomination last year.
