No to program clones—GMA 7
First posted 10:48pm (Mla time) June 14, 2006
By Nini Valera
Editor's Note: Published on Page A2-1 of the June 15, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
FIRST there was ABS-CBN’s “Pinoy Big Brother,” a local franchise of the Netherlands-based Endemol Productions, which specializes in reality-based talent searches. Now comes “Pinoy Idol,” the local version of the wildly popular “American Idol.”
In the next few weeks, “Pinoy Idol” is expected to collide with the latest reincarnation of “PBB.” Coming up is “Dream Academy,” another talent search show that would have the contestants stay in the controlled environment of Big Brother’s house while they are primed for competition.
In this scenario where foreign franchises are gearing up for battle, GMA 7 says it has opted to bat for homegrown talent search shows.
Wilma Galvante, GMA 7 senior vice president for entertainment TV, says the network “doesn’t need to buy [a foreign franchise and] to get other people’s ideas.”
She is referring to the licensing fees that other networks have to pay to produce and air local versions of foreign material.
“These are talent search shows. Before this licensing [trend] came, we already had ‘Starstruck,’” Galvante points out.
“Starstruck,” which Galvante conceptualized in 2002, is a reality-based talent search show whose winners (a pair) is built up by the network as matinee idols.
Back in time
“It’s like bringing back to the public this generation’s Guy and Pip, and Vi and Bot,” explains Galvante.
The first “Starstruck” edition produced the tandem of Jennylyn Mercado and Mark Herras, who later became off-screen lovers but later broke up supposedly to concentrate on individual careers. But the pairing seems to have remained a hit. The network says “I Luv New York,” where the love team is in the main cast, is rating well.
Galvante notes that keeping the network’s original talent search shows has given her flexibility to improve them and also to maximize resources.
“The talent shows have evolved in keeping with new technologies like texting,” she says. “Viewers vote by SMS—this makes them involved. At the end of the day, a show’s success is hinged on audience acceptance.”
Unlike foreign franchises, Galvante points out, their homegrown shows make their own rules.
“I don’t have to follow any bible of franchise owners,” she says, referring to the program clones. “For example, along the way, we can factor in other features.”
“Pinoy Pop Superstar,” another talent search on GMA 7, has expanded to include Filipino talents based abroad.
“Next year, the search may extend to the Middle East,” Galvante says.
GMA 7’s shows also include a talent development deal for the winners, who are guaranteed a minimum income of P1 million a year.
Commitment
“That is our commitment to the winners,” says Galvante. “We also sign up the other contestants.”
Winners like Jennylyn Mercado and Mark Herras have become part of the industry, she adds. “I can’t say that of the winners in other networks’ talent search shows.”
“Starstruck” enters its fourth season this year. As in previous years, Galvante says, she expects to discover another set of matinee idols.
“We don’t need to be a franchise to do that,” she says. “We’ve already done it.”
Ms. Wilma Galvante, may I remind you of the Captain Barbell ripoff? That's one of a hell 2nd rate, trying hard, RIPOFF of Smallville! Now you call yourselves innovators?
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