With Family History, a co-production between Mic Test Entertainment, Inc. and GMA Pictures, comedian Michael V just became the latest television star to go behind the cameras and direct himself. But wait, there’s more. He’s also the one who wrote the story and being part of Mic Test with his wife Carol Bunagan, that means he’s also the producer.
The award-winning comedian and TV host has been in the industry for many years but this is the first time that he’ll be wearing different hats for a project.
“I really wanted to make a film but I was waiting for the right timing and for me to have enough knowledge to support my theory to make a project such as this,” Michael V told the press after the contract signing between GMA and Mic Test Entertainment on March 15.
According to the 49-year-old comedian, it took him one year to prepare the story as it involved not just writing the actual script but also searching on the means to make the film.
Talking about the film’s premise, Michael V could only reveal so much but he promised that it’s going to be something “different” in a sense that the film can fall under different genres. And with his partnership with GMA Pictures, whose people have been on the lookout for the best material just to resume making movies, the audiences are definitely in for a treat.
“As with the past contracts and projects that we did, walang problema. It’s good na parang feeling ko deserve namin ang isa’t isa. Mic Test Entertainment, Inc. and GMA Pictures deserve each other because they are very compatible. Marami kang bagay na natutunan before na maaari mong i-apply dito sa partnership na ito. I think hindi lang ito magtatagal ng isang project lang, hindi lang dalawa, it will spawn multiple projects,” the comedian said of the partnership between his production company and GMA Network’s production arm.
Carol Bunagan, who is the Executive Producer (Mic Test Entertainment, Inc.) of Family History, shares it’s a breeze working with GMA 7 for this film, “Everything is going as planned. We are very happy because we are partnering with GMA. We are being taken care of. The artists are enjoying. Bitoy is parang naglalaro lang siya. At the same time, yung mga artista naman they are really having fun doing the film. Good vibes and good people talaga.”
GMA President and Chief Operating Officer Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr. revealed the management were quick to green light Family History and they fully trust and support Bitoy on his latest endeavor where he will have full creative control.
“We can’t deny Bitoy’s immense talent. The I read the story of Family History I told myself that this story has to be made into a movie.This is one of those very, very rare instances. It is very rare na I see a story, na isang basa pa lamang ay kailangan na maisapelikula ang kwentong ito,” Duavit enthused.
GMA Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Felipe S. Yalong, in turn, is looking forward to the tie-up that will excite the moviegoers.
“We are excited because it will be co-produced between Bitoy and GMA and this will be a full project under the control of Bitoy in terms of script, he wrote it, it terms of directorship siya ang nandiyan. So everything will be controlled by Bitoy as a co-producer of GMA. And we are so excited that after several years ngayon lang ata babalik si Bitoy sa big screen and this is a project na we co-owned,” Along said.
Family History is a heart-warming movie which celebrates the value of life, family and marriage. Joining Michael V. are John Estrada, Paolo Contis, Bianca Umali, Miguel Tanfelix, Nonie Buencamino, Ina Feleo, Kakai Bautista, Mikoy Morales, Nikki Co, Vince Gamad, Jemwell Ventinilla and Dawn Zulueta. Dingdong Dantes and multi-awarded comedienne and TV host Eugene Domingo play special cameo roles.