Double Vision and Astro Shaw in Malaysia and ABS-CBN in the Philippines have entered into a co-production pact, with three series in development.
The deal calls for the production of three new drama series over the next two to three years. Each will consist of ten episodes and be made available as originals on iWant, ABS-CBN’s streaming service, and Astro in Malaysia.
The first of the the three shows, going into production in the second half of next year, is a remake of the romance drama A Time for Us (Kahit Isang Saglit), produced in 2008 by Double Vision and ABS-CBN. The original landed an International Emmy nomination for best telenovela in 2009.
Besa, in development, is a crime thriller based on an original idea by Srđan Šaper and created by British writer Tony Jordan. It is based on the show of the same name from rights holder Adrenalin in Serbia, made in collaboration with Red Planet Pictures, PRVA, Planet TV and RTL in Croatia. tly killing the daughter of a Malaysian gang boss.
Šaper commented: “As a story that plays out across international borders, Besa is a format that lends itself well to such a co-production partnership. We are excited at the vision for this Malaysian-Filipino adaptation and at the commitment to the series from each of the three companies. We look forward to following its progress to the screen.”
Habitat, based on an original idea from Double Vision, is a YA science fiction/adventure drama.
Jamie Lopez, head of digital at ABS-CBN, said: “While each of the series on this co-production slate is very different, the common thread of brilliant stories, engaging characters and excellent production values makes them all perfect for our newly revamped iWant streaming platform—and the large numbers of discerning Filipino viewers it attracts—both at home and overseas. Premium programming is at the very heart of our offer, and I am excited that this new co-production partnership will deliver 30 hours of top-quality content over the next two to three years.”
Min Lim, head of production at Double Vision, noted, “We are on the cusp of a very exciting time for Southeast Asian content and for Double Vision, now in its 40th year, we are honored to work with ABS-CBN and Astro Shaw. Not only are they trusted partners today, but more importantly, they have been with us on this journey over the last few decades. With a new original story, the reboot of a popular classic and a scripted adaptation—something we have done very successfully in the past with Liar and The Bridge—this varied co-production slate will be the perfect platform for us to continue delivering premium drama that resonates with wide-ranging audiences at a national, regional and global level.”
Raja Jastina Raja Arshad, head of Astro Shaw, commented, “For Astro Shaw, meaningful co-productions are the catalyst to elevate regional storytelling. Working with trusted partners enables us to scale our Astro Originals ambition, deepen our creative capabilities, and deliver premium Southeast Asian content to a wider global audience.”
The co-production agreement is being supported by FINAS, Malaysia’s National Film Development Corporation. Dato Hans Isaac, chairman of FINAS, said: “FINAS welcomes this co-production agreement as an important step in strengthening regional collaboration and expanding the reach of Malaysian content. This partnership supports our efforts to enhance the creative economy and elevate Malaysia’s presence in the global entertainment landscape.”
