Unitel Pictures

Unitel Pictures is a Philippine independent film production company.[1][2]

Unitel Pictures
TypeFilm production
IndustryMotion pictures
Founded2001
Headquarters
Makati
,
Philippines
Key people
  • Tony Gloria (Chairman)
  • Maria Madonna Tarrayo (President and CEO)
  • Bel dela Cruz (CFO)
  • Grace Quisias (VP-Operations of Client Services and Production)
OwnerTony Gloria
WebsiteUnitel Straight Shooters

History

The film company was established in 2001 by Tony Gloria. American Adobo, co-produced with Star Cinema, was its maiden movie.[3]

Prior to establishing Unitel, Gloria served as supervising producer of Viva Films from its inception to 1987 and executive producer of Viva's subsidiary Falcon Films in 1988. In 1988, he left Viva and established his own film company Filmstar, known for releasing a slew of Joey de Leon's hit movies Elvis and James (1989) and Barbi for President (1991). In 1993, Filmstar closed and Gloria focused solely on TV commercials.[4]

In 2003, Unitel began producing and distributing its own movies. Among its critically-acclaimed and award-winning movies are Crying Ladies, Santa Santita, La Visa Loca, Inang Yaya and Peque Gallaga's directorial comeback film Pinoy/Blonde.[4][5]

In 2004, Imelda was banned from Philippine cinemas for 20 days, as requested by Imelda Marcos to the Makati Regional Trial Court. However, it was canceled after Unitel filed a petition to reverse the ban. Upon its release to cinemas worldwide, it became a hit, earning more than Spider-Man 2 in the Philippines.[6]

In 2005, Unitel acquired worldwide rights to the Filipino-American thriller film Cavite.[7]

In 2010, MediaQuest Holdings acquired a 30% stake of Unitel Group.[8] As part of Unitel's alliance with MediaQuest, it ventured into TV production with the 2010 series Inday Wanda, starring Eugene Domingo.[9] Among its co-productions are I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nAPO Sila! (2012) and Maledicto (2019).[10][11]

In 2016, Unitel and MediaQuest launched an annual indie film festival CineFilipino.[12]

References
  1. "Production Companies". The Hollywood Reporter. MRC. 407: 8. 2008. Retrieved September 5, 2021 – via Google Books.
  2. Pe, Roger (April 29, 2017). "Men who make TV commercials, movies and vice versa". BusinessMirror. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
  3. Tariman, Pablo (January 13, 2002). "Laurice Guillen's American Adobo: The pain of homelessness". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
  4. Tomada, Nathalie (December 4, 2006). "Film Producer Tony Garcia on pushing boundaries". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
  5. Gatdula, Lyndon (April 2, 2005). "Old Films Are New Again". The Philippine Star. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
  6. "Philippine distributor appeals ban on 'Imelda'". Los Angeles Times. July 2, 2004. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
  7. Kay, Jeremy (October 31, 2005). "Unitel acquires international rights to kidnapping thriller Cavite". Screen Daily. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
  8. "MediaQuest forms strategic alliance with Unitel". The Philippine Star. November 23, 2010. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
  9. "Eugene Domingo topbills TV5's fantasy series Inday Wanda". Philippine Entertainment Portal. August 24, 2010. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
  10. Calderon, Ricky (August 13, 2012). "Director fulfills dream of doing a musical film; I Do Bidoo Bidoo will feature songs of the APO Hiking Society". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
  11. "Fox PHL gambles on exorcism film". Business World. April 23, 2019. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
  12. "CineFilipino showcases the best stories told in a uniquely Filipino way". The Philippine Star. January 3, 2016. Retrieved September 5, 2021.
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