Los Angeles, USA — The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is ramping up efforts to position the Philippines as a prime destination for film production and creative industry investments, with a substantial investment pipeline emerging from discussions with Hollywood-based Birns & Sawyer.

On March 5, DTI Secretary Cristina A. Roque met with executives from Birns & Sawyer Inc., a leading provider of professional film production equipment based in Los Angeles 5 to discuss potential partnerships, and a significant investment plan aimed at in expanding film production opportunities and upskilling Filipino filmmakers.

“The Philippines has an incredibly rich pool of creative talent, and it’s time we fully harness that potential by strengthening our film production capabilities,” said Secretary Roque. “With Birns & Sawyer’s legacy in Hollywood and its existing presence in the Philippines, we see great opportunities to expand our collaboration to benefit Filipino filmmakers, create jobs, and grow our creative economy.”

During the meeting, Birns & Sawyer CEO Mari Acevedo outlined a substantial investment plan for the Philippines, with an initial investment ranging from USD15-17 million. This investment will include the construction of a state-of-the-art soundstage within the Filinvest property in New Clark City. Furthermore, the company plans to develop two additional soundstages in other key cities across the Philippines, bringing the total investment pipeline to approximately USD 50 million.

Aside from the direct FDI infusion into the country’s economy, the trickle-down effect of the investment would be exponentially high. The company also plans to work with local schools and universities to train fresh graduates and polish their skillsets to world-class standards.

Acevedo also provided insights into the company’s ongoing initiatives in the Philippines, including cinematography workshops, co-production grants, and its involvement in the FilAm Creative Film Festival, which supports emerging Filipino-American filmmakers. The company already operates an Asia-Pacific office in Quezon City, offering sales, rentals, and system integration services.

The meeting also explored co-production opportunities between Filipino and Hollywood producers, as well as the possibility of providing grants and equipment support to local filmmakers. With Birns & Sawyer’s expertise in camera and production equipment rentals, the company is well-positioned to assist in upgrading the country’s film production infrastructure.

In the meeting, Secretary Roque reaffirmed the Marcos administration’s commitment to developing the Philippine creative sector, citing the availability of tax incentives for film production, government grants, and training programs. Under the Bagong Pilipinas campaign, the government is prioritizing investments in creative industries, recognizing their potential to generate employment and boost economic growth.

“The Philippines is home to some of the most passionate and talented filmmakers in the world. By fostering stronger partnerships with industry leaders like Birns & Sawyer, we can provide them with the tools and opportunities they need to compete on a global scale,” the trade chief added.

The meeting concluded with an invitation for Birns & Sawyer to expand its engagement in the Philippines, including finalizing investment plans, participating in film-related events, and deepening collaboration with Filipino filmmakers. The Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PTIC) in Los Angeles will facilitate follow-up discussions to advance these opportunities. ♦

Date of release: 10 March 2025

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