Top US film equipment company invests $100M in PH

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque—NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines – American film equipment firm Birns & Sawyer Inc. is investing an initial $100 million in a local movie production venture that will be launched in June.

In an online interview on Tuesday, Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque said Birns & Sawyer would set up a studio and a production company in Clark, referring to New Clark City in the province of Tarlac.

“Their focus will be on attracting foreign firms,” Roque said.

READ: https://globalnation.inquirer.net/267515/ph-offers-180000-grants-to-hollywood-filmmakers

“We’ve given them incentives so they are actually very excited,” she added.

‘Expanding the Bridge’

Earlier this month, Roque told reporters in a chance interview that the government is offering grants of up to $180,000 (P10 million) to attract Hollywood filmmakers to shoot in the Philippines.

These incentives are part of the “Expanding the Bridge” initiative, a government-led effort designed to position the Philippines as a prime destination for major film and television productions.

The program aims to attract international projects and highlight the country’s diverse landscapes, skilled local talent and rich cultural heritage in global cinema.

Roque also said that the DTI alone has a budget of P300 million to give out as incentives for the local film industry.

She said that they intend to double the budget this year and to partner with the private sector to raise funding.

Beyond the financial grant, the initiative also provides additional benefits to filmmakers such as rebates. INQ