-By Darwin G. Amojelar
The content acquisition and distribution subsidiary of GMA Network Inc. on Tuesday said that it signed a three-year output deal with an international cable channel.
In a statement, the Gozon-led GMA Worldwide, Inc. (GWI) said that the deal comprised a minimum of 350 hours worth of locally produced programs and 25 feature films for airing thru FOX International Channels’ this year. FOX, which is among GWI’s top global partners, is a subsidiary of a global media conglomerate that reaches millions of households worldwide.
Among GMA productions delivered to Hong Kong for airing over FOX’s Philippine feed include hit fantasy series Encantadia, Darna, Dyesebel, and Super Twins; Filipino television adaptation of renowned dramas Stairway To Heaven, Trudis Liit, and Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita; and News and Public Affairs programs Wish Ko Lang, Pinoy Meets World, and Pinoy Abroad.
GWI also distributed best-selling films like My Best Friend’s Girlfriend, When I Met You, Yaya and Angelina, Temptation Island , and the 1998 award-winning biopic film by Marilou Diaz-Abaya, Jose Rizal.
Other than FOX, GWI made strong sales in Africa, Brunei , Korea , and China in 2011 with more than 2,000 hours worth of programs to these countries. According to GWI VP Roxanne Barcelona, GMA’s programs do not only appeal to domestic viewers but are steadily gaining interest and popularity among international viewers as well.
In fact, GWI recently made a landmark achievement thru licensing an all-original drama production by the GMA Entertainment TV (ETV) Group for the Chinese locals. The production will run for 50 episodes.
GWI achieved record sales in 2011 on strong syndication of programs and acquisition of canned programs for GMA’s two free-to-air channels.