Hollywood in RP: Clark to give Cebu problems

CLARK FIELD, Pampanga - This former US facility, now converted into a special economic zone, will soon become the "Hollywood" of the Philippines, as plans to put up world-class film studio here have been firmed up.

To be known as the Clark Shogee Studio, it will be set up in a 40-hectare land in the Clark Special Economic Zone.

In three to five years, the project is expected to become a major tourism destination, similar to the Universal Studio in Los Angeles.

The $2-million investment on the computer-generated imaging and visual-effects venture is projected to reach $10 million for the three-phase expansion project to build a globally competitive filmmaking studio in the Philippines.

The Hollywood-style studio will have 2D and 3D animation capabilities and full pre-production and post-production capabilities.

President Arroyo announced the signing of a joint venture between the CyberCity Teleservices Philippines Inc. and the Shogee Studios during a visit here Friday.

The President said the joint venture is an answer to the Filipino movie industry’s dream of having a studio to cater to small film producers.

"This is part of the business process outsourcing, so they will have a studio that will provide not only a sound stage and ordinary laboratory facility for ordinary movies, but also for special effects," Mrs. Arroyo said.

Charles Lawrence, Shogee president, and Jonathan Rosenberg, CyberCity chairman, signed the memorandum of agreement on the joint venture.

Around 400 to 500 Filipinos will be employed during the initial operation of the studio. This number will increase to 4,000 when operations go full blast.

"The use of sound stages, props and set design will result in a first-class outsourced support services for the television and film-production industry worldwide," Rosenberg said.

"We are excited to enter into this venture with CyberCity. With their proven record in the Philippines and Shogee’s industry expertise, we shall be creating a new era in film and studio services in the region," Lawrence added.

Mrs. Arroyo said the local movie industry will benefit from the filmmaking technology transfer and upgrading of skills and techniques that the new venture will offer.

Chinese and Canadian experts will share their knowledge in filmmaking with Filipino artists through an intensive training program.

Among the famous films that used Shogee’s technology are King Kong and Lord of the Rings.

"That is a very important investment, not necessarily just for Clark, but for the whole movie industry," the President said. PNA/The Manila Times