Unitel Pictures
{{Short description|Philippine film production company}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Unitel Pictures
| image =
| image_size =
| type = Film production
| fate =
| owner = Tony Gloria
| foundation = 2001
| defunct =
| location_city = Makati
| location_country = Philippines
| key_people =
| industry = Motion pictures
| website = [https://www.unitelstraightshooters.ph/ Unitel Straight Shooters]
}}
Unitel Pictures is a Philippine independent film production company.{{cite journal|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RbMqAQAAIAAJ|title=Production Companies|pages=8|date=2008|journal=The Hollywood Reporter|volume=407|publisher=MRC|access-date=September 5, 2021|via=Google Books}}{{cite web|url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2017/04/29/men-who-make-tv-commercials-movies-and-vice-versa/|last=Pe|first=Roger|title=Men who make TV commercials, movies and vice versa|website=BusinessMirror|date=April 29, 2017|access-date=September 5, 2021}}
History
The film company was established in 2001 by Tony Gloria. American Adobo, co-produced with Star Cinema, was its maiden movie.{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2002/01/13/146881/laurice-guillen146s-american-adobo-pain-homelessness|last=Tariman|first=Pablo|title=Laurice Guillen's American Adobo: The pain of homelessness|website=The Philippine Star|date=January 13, 2002|access-date=September 5, 2021}}
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.{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/cebu-entertainment/2006/12/04/373297/film-producer-tony-garcia-pushing-boundaries|last=Tomada|first=Nathalie|title=Film Producer Tony Garcia on pushing boundaries|website=The Philippine Star|date=December 4, 2006|access-date=September 5, 2021}}
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.{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2005/04/02/272383/old-films-are-new-again|last=Gatdula|first=Lyndon|title=Old Films Are New Again|website=The Philippine Star|date=April 2, 2005|access-date=September 5, 2021}}
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.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2004-jul-02-et-e11filler2-story.html|title=Philippine distributor appeals ban on 'Imelda'|website=Los Angeles Times|date=July 2, 2004|access-date=September 5, 2021}}
In 2005, Unitel acquired worldwide rights to the Filipino-American thriller film Cavite.{{cite web|url=https://www.screendaily.com/unitel-acquires-international-rights-to-kidnapping-thriller-cavite/4024915.article|last=Kay|first=Jeremy|title=Unitel acquires international rights to kidnapping thriller Cavite|website=Screen Daily|date=October 31, 2005|access-date=September 5, 2021}}
In 2010, MediaQuest Holdings acquired a 30% stake of Unitel Group.{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/business/2010/11/23/632200/mediaquest-forms-strategic-alliance-unitel|title=MediaQuest forms strategic alliance with Unitel|website=The Philippine Star|date=November 23, 2010|access-date=September 5, 2021}} As part of Unitel's alliance with MediaQuest, it ventured into TV production with the 2010 series Inday Wanda, starring Eugene Domingo.{{cite web|url=https://www.pep.ph/guide/tv/6632/eugene-domingo-topbills-tv539s-fantasy-series-inday-wanda|title=Eugene Domingo topbills TV5's fantasy series Inday Wanda|website=Philippine Entertainment Portal|date=August 24, 2010|access-date=September 5, 2021}} Among its co-productions are I Do Bidoo Bidoo: Heto nAPO Sila! (2012) and Maledicto (2019).{{cite web|url=https://www.pep.ph/guide/movies/10689/director-fulfills-dream-of-doing-a-musical-film-i-do-bidoo-bidoo-will-feature-songs-of-the-apo-hikin|last=Calderon|first=Ricky|title=Director fulfills dream of doing a musical film; I Do Bidoo Bidoo will feature songs of the APO Hiking Society|website=Philippine Entertainment Portal|date=August 13, 2012|access-date=September 5, 2021}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bworldonline.com/fox-phl-gambles-on-exorcism-film/|title=Fox PHL gambles on exorcism film|website=Business World|date=April 23, 2019|access-date=September 5, 2021}}
In 2016, Unitel and MediaQuest launched an annual indie film festival CineFilipino.{{cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2016/01/03/1538929/cinefilipino-showcases-best-stories-told-uniquely-filipino-way|title=CineFilipino showcases the best stories told in a uniquely Filipino way|website=The Philippine Star|date=January 3, 2016|access-date=September 5, 2021}}
In 2024, Unitel and TVJ Productions co-produced the Eat Bulaga! Lenten Special.
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{official|https://www.unitelstraightshooters.ph/}}
{{MediaQuest}}
{{Philippine television production companies and film studios}}
Category:Philippine film studios
Category:Film production companies of the Philippines
Category:Entertainment companies of the Philippines