ABS-CBN’s “The Bagman https://www.instagram.com/p/C09UIZGx4Gn/,” the
2024 action-packed drama series targeted for international release starring
Arjo Atayde, John Arcilla, and Judy Ann Santos, is shaping up as one of the
most awaited offerings of the company as several distinguished Filipino
actors have been tapped to join the cast.
Besides the award-winning trio of Arjo, John, and Judy Ann, “The
Bagman,” a premium spin-off of the iWant digital series “Bagman,” will also star
Tirso Cruz III, Ryan Eigenmann, Charlie Dizon, Gela Atayde, Joem Bascon, Art
Acuna, Chai Fonacier, Sheila Valderrama, Ana Abad Santos, Al Tantay,
Nino Muhlach, Jeffrey Santos, and Ynez Veneracion.
Produced by ABS-CBN International Productions, Dreamscape Entertainment,
Rein Entertainment, and Nathan Studios Inc., “The Bagman” will have
eight (8) one-hour episodes. The series also started its principal photography
last February 25 and is now headed to this year’s FILMART, Asia’s
biggest film and entertainment content marketplace, to actively seek
co-production partners and pre-sales from March 11-14, 2024 in Hong Kong.
“ABS-CBN’s track record as a storyteller and content creator is one of
our key assets that makes us a solid partner in international
co-productions, as seen in our growing slate of global titles. As a pioneer and leader
in globalizing Filipino content, we are pleased to be offering The Bagman
at this year’s FILMART as it further strengthens our position as advocating
for Filipino representation in today’s global marketplace. With the
phenomenal cast now complete, coupled with the recent start of
production, we have no doubt The Bagman will be a hit among buyers and co-prod
companies in Hong Kong,” ABS-CBN head of International Productions Ruel
S. Bayani said.
In “The Bagman,” Arjo reprises his role as Benjo Malaya, a neighborhood
barber turned governor’s henchman who is now a convicted prisoner. When
Benjo learns that his family has gone missing, he is left with no choice
but to return to the criminal underworld he once left behind and take on
a new mission as a bagman for the sitting president of the Philippines to
stop an impending civil war.
Meanwhile, as part of ABS-CBN’s journey as a global storytelling
company, ABS-CBN International Productions also wrapped up the first ABS-CBN
Hollywood Bootcamp wherein select creatives from ABS-CBN Films, TV
Production, and International Productions had eight-week online industry
masterclasses that were facilitated by Los Angeles-based Development
Executive for International Productions, Lea Dizon, featuring guest
executives from Hollywood.
It was then followed by a five-month hybrid Project Incubator wherein
the creatives got to work with Dizon to develop their personal passion
projects that culminated in a Pitch Fest activity last February 22-23, 2024. A
total of 26 original film and series projects were pitched to ABS-CBN chairman
Mark Lopez, president and CEO Carlo Katigbak, COO for Broadcast Cory
Vidanes, Development Executive for International Productions Lea Dizon,
International Productions head Ruel Bayani, ABS-CBN Films head Kriz
Gazmen, head of Digital Jamie Lopez, and head of Transformation and Innovation
Mark Nepomuceno.