AFTER directing his first series, Gerald Anderson has stepped into a new role behind the camera as a first-time producer of the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Rekonek,” but he admitted that managing the budget is one of the major challenges of the job.
Anderson talked about the financial struggles that come with bringing a project to life during the press conference of the partnership launch between his The Th3rd Floor Studios and Reality MM Studios headed by Dondon Monteverde on Monday, Oct. 20, in Makati.
“If you want a good or big project, you also need money. Money, that’s one of the biggest challenges as a producer. So I was hoping that this would be our first project and that it would be successful,” he said.
The Kapamilya actor noted that he’s not one to ask anything from other people, but investors helped to bring the project into production.
“I don’t like asking anything from other people, but as a producer, we need to [ask], so when someone trusts you with their money, you want to give the best project for them,” he explained.
Despite the challenges, Anderson admitted that he’s one to embrace them with open arms, which was one of the reasons he decided to venture into producing following his directorial debut with “Sins of the Father.”
“Mahilig ako sa challenge (I like challenges). Hindi rin basta-basta makapasok ng MMFF (It’s not easy to get into MMFF). So I think this is the best time to test the waters as a producer,” he said.
Aside from being the producer, Anderson also stars in “Rekonek,” which features Filipinos from all walks of life as they scramble and stumble through a world suddenly stripped of Wi-Fi, screens and constant connectivity.
Directed by Jade Castro, “Rekonek” stars the Legaspi family (Carmina, Zoren, Cassy and Mavy), Andrea Brillantes, Bela Padilla, Kelvin Miranda, Charlie Dizon and Gloria Diaz.
The Th3rd Floor Studios and Reality MM Studios’ first film collaboration with “Rekonek” aims to bring the meaningful spirit of Christmas and connection to the MMFF this year. (Jessica Ann Evangelista © Philippine Daily Inquirer)
