When 2020 began, the entertainment industry was brimming with enthusiasm. Movie companies were preparing their lineup for the year, a summer film festival was all set, and productions were on the way. But everything changed in March when, almost 6 weeks after the first COVID case in the Philippines was confirmed, lockdowns were introduced in different parts of the country.
Productions, both for TV and movie, stopped almost immediately. It took more than quarter for things to go back to “normal” – only this time, normal meant new rules, protocols, and lock-in shoots. Distribution was also a huge question. In 2020, Philippine movies began streaming almost exclusively online.