MANILA (Philippine Daily Inquirer/Asia News Network) Crazy Rich Asians writer Kevin Kwan (pic) and legendary Hollywood producer Lawrence Bender are teaming up for a brand new movie project that will be filmed in the Philippines.
A lot of money, and especially clout, is at stake, which is why an opportunistic and very well-connected government official with ties to the local entertainment scene is aggressively angling for a prominent place within the production, Biz Buzz learned.
This has raised the eyebrows of peers in the public service who are aware of this official’s sly moves, especially on matters that do not involve his government role.
For example, the movie producers are looking for incentives and private sector partners for the project, which will be shot in Palawan.
That is partly the responsibility of the government office that handles investments and economic affairs.
The request for assistance was sent to that office but somehow the opportunistic government executive is brazenly letting foreign investors know he can assist them and meet their requirements.
“He’s making it appear he’s a co-producer or he brought this project here. He brought in zero money,” a source told Biz Buzz. (A quick online search will also reveal both Kwan and Bender were talking about filming a Philippines-based project even during the previous administration.)
The motives of this government executive are apparently quite plain. This official is using his position to gain Hollywood connections and secure future jobs for himself and his family since relocating to the United States would be easy, we’re told.
Speaking of money, the movie will generate around US$40 million—about P2.2 billion—in Philippine investments.
The tab will be split among US investors and Filipino businessmen.
We’re told the local real-life crazy rich Asians who expressed interest are two powerful senior tycoons who are almost the same age—and who, coincidentally, have the same first name—and the young heir to one of the country’s biggest real estate and consumer conglomerates.
