Bigfoot Entertainment

Last updated

Bigfoot Entertainment
TypePrivately held company
Industry Entertainment
Founded2002
Founder Michael Gleissner
Headquarters
Miami Beach, Florida
,
United States
Area served
 Asia-Pacific
Key people
Ashley Jordan (CEO)
Products Motion pictures
Television programs
Services Film production
Television production
Education
Community outreach
Number of employees
250
Website Official website

Bigfoot Entertainment is the American parent company of Bigfoot Films, Bigfoot Productions, Bigfoot Production Services, Bigfoot Partners, the International Academy of Film and Television, [1] New Cebu Films [2] and Fashion One Network. The Bigfoot Group operates as an independent feature film and TV production and distribution company that develops, produces, and finances media content, including independent feature films, television series, reality shows, filmmaking education, and community outreach. [1] [3] [4] The company's studios is in Cebu, Philippines, while its headquarters are located in Miami Beach, Florida, United States.

Contents

Background

Bigfoot Entertainment was founded in 2002 by German entrepreneur Michael Gleissner to finance and develop feature films, documentaries, and reality TV shows. [4] [5] Productions have been filmed at the company's Bigfoot Studios in the Philippines as well as on location in the United States, Hong Kong, China, Africa, Europe, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

The studio facilities includes six sound stages and a post-production site. It was initially constructed in 2004 to serve as a production facility for Bigfoot Entertainment and Bigfoot Films. The company also acquired the franchises for Fashion TV (FTV) in Singapore and Philippines. [6]

The company's facilities was expanded in November 2008 after Bigfoot negotiated a 25-year lease, marking Bigfoot Studios as the first international movie studio in the country. [7] It consists of the six sound stages, an underwater filming tank, [8] editing suites, sound mixing, and Foley studios. [4] [5] [9]

Bigfoot also founded the International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT) as an international film school providing aspiring filmmakers with a competitive education under the mentorship of industry professionals. [4] [10] [11] [12] IAFT is located in Mactan [13] with offices in Los Angeles. [4] [10] In April 2009, Bigfoot Entertainment, through their subsidiary Bigfoot Films, made its first offering to Chinese movie audiences with the release of Hui Lu in over 700 theaters across China. The film was shot on location in Hong Kong, and underwent post-production at the Bigfoot Studios in Mactan, in Cebu, Philippines. [14]

In April 2010, Bigfoot Entertainment launched Hong Kong based 24/7 fashion network the "Fashion One." [15] [ citation needed ][ contradictory ]

Bigfoot Entertainment also owns the Majestic Crest Theatre in Westwood, Los Angeles, [5] a building that, in 2008, was designated as an Historic-Cultural Monument by the City of Los Angeles. [16] They purchased the facility in October 2010, [17] as a venue in which to screen mainstream independent releases and to showcase their own films. [18] [19]

In September 2010, it was announced that Bigfoot was acquiring an interest in the Miami Film School in Hollywood, Florida, and the Palm Beach Film School in West Palm Beach, Florida. [20]

In November 2010, Bigfoot acquired Ascendent Pictures and formed Bigfoot Ascendant Distribution as a theatrical and home entertainment division to offer theatrical, home video, and video on demand distribution, as well as foreign sales representation and domestic television sales representation. [5] [21]

Facilities

The company's main production facilities are located on the island of Mactan, in Cebu, Philippines, [4] [5] with its Asia-Pacific headquarters located in Hong Kong, China. [22]

Its facilities also include the Underwater Studio, an underwater film production unit, equipped with its own insert tank, film gear with under water housing, marine platform, crew and on-site construction facilities for building and rigging underwater sets.

Bigfoot also operates Cleverlearn, an educational division to provide web-based English language instruction and test preparation. After having secured licensing agreements with television's The Apprentice and Baywatch in 2006, Cleverlearn launched Movielearn, [23] which uses DVDs of the two series to teach conversational and colloquial English not normally found in the classroom.

Community Outreach

Bigfoot Entertainment founded the Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation (BAPF) [24] as a non-profit organization to provide IT education to underprivileged youth through technological grants [25] and teacher training. [1] Currently, 33 schools have received funding and training from the foundation, and 22 Bigfoot Learning Centers have been established at public high schools in the Visayas, Philippines, with plans for further expansion.

In 2004, the Bigfoot Asia Pacific Foundation was selected as the Mayor's Special Awardee at the 67th Cebu City Charter Day Celebration in recognition of its continuing work with the city's schools, and in 2005, Bigfoot Global Solutions received a special citation by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry. [11]

Filmography

Projects produced

Features
Documentaries
Television
Educational

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cebu</span> Province in Central Visayas, Philippines

Cebu, officially the Province of Cebu, is a province of the Philippines located in the Central Visayas (Region VII) region, and consists of a main island and 167 surrounding islands and islets. Its capital and largest city is Cebu City, nicknamed "the Queen City of the South", the oldest city and first capital of the Philippines, which is politically independent from the provincial government.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Battle of Mactan</span> 1521 battle between Ferdinand Magellan and Lapulapu

The Battle of Mactan(Filipino: Labanan sa Mactan; Spanish: Batalla de Mactán) was a battle fought on a beach in Mactan Island between the forces of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and local allies, and Lapulapu, the chieftain of the island, on the early morning hours of April 27, 1521. Magellan, a Portuguese-born commander serving the Spanish Empire who led an expedition that ultimately circumnavigated the world for the first time, commanded a small Spanish contingent in an effort to subdue Mactan led by Lapulapu under the Spanish crown. The sheer number of Lapulapu's forces, compounded with issues on the location and armor, ultimately resulted in a disastrous defeat to the Europeans and the death of Magellan. Surviving members of Magellan's crew continued the expedition under the command of Juan Sebastian de Elcano, who completed the journey in September 1522.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cebu City</span> Capital of Cebu, Philippines

Cebu City, officially the City of Cebu, is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. It is the capital of the Cebu Province, where it is geographically located but is one of three cities that are administratively independent of the provincial government. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 964,169 people, making it the sixth-most populated city in the nation and the most populous in the Visayas.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lapulapu</span> Datu of Mactan in the Visayas

Lapulapu or Lapu-Lapu, whose name was first recorded as Çilapulapu, was a datu (chief) of Mactan in the Visayas in the Philippines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lapu-Lapu City</span> Highly urbanized city in Cebu, Philippines

Lapu-Lapu City, officially the City of Lapu-Lapu, is a 1st class highly urbanized city in the Central Visayas region of the Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 497,604 people.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cebgo</span> Regional airline in the Philippines

Cebgo, Inc., operating as Cebgo, is the regional brand of Cebu Pacific. It is the successor company to SEAIR, Inc., which previously operated as South East Asian Airlines and Tigerair Philippines. It is now owned by JG Summit, the parent company of Cebu Pacific which operates the airline. The airline's main base has been transferred from Clark International Airport in Angeles City to Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila. On April 30, 2017, Cebgo planned to move out from Manila and transfer its main base to Mactan–Cebu International Airport in Cebu City because NAIA has already maxed out its capacity. Currently, it operates an all-ATR fleet, with a total of 16 in service.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metro Cebu</span> Metropolitan area of the Philippines

Metropolitan Cebu, or simply Metro Cebu,, is the main urban center of the province of Cebu in the Philippines. Metro Cebu is located along the central eastern portion of the island including the nearby island of Mactan. It accounts for 19.9 percent of the land area and 61.5 percent of the population of the entire province of Cebu.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cinema of the Philippines</span> Film industry of the Philippines

The Cinema of the Philippines began with the introduction of the first moving pictures to the country on August 31, 1897, at the Salón de Pertierra in Manila. The following year, local scenes were shot on film for the first time by a Spaniard, Antonio Ramos, using the Lumiere Cinematograph. While most early filmmakers and producers in the country were mostly wealthy enterprising foreigners and expatriates, on September 12, 1919, Dalagang Bukid , a movie based on a popular musical play, was the first movie made and shown by Filipino filmmaker José Nepomuceno. Dubbed as the "Father of Philippine Cinema," his work marked the start of cinema as an art form in the Philippines.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">General Santos International Airport</span> Airport in Soccsksargen, Philippines

General Santos International Airport, also known as Tambler Airport, is an alternate international airport located in the city of General Santos, Philippines serving the greater area of Soccsksargen. Situated in Fatima, General Santos, it is the largest airport on the island of Mindanao and is officially classified as an international airport by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), a government bureau which is responsible for the management and operations of General Santos International Airport and all other airports in the country except regular international airports.

The International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT) is a trade film school offering diploma and certificate programs in filmmaking, acting, and 3D animation. IAFT includes significant amounts of hands-on practical experience under the care and guidance of recognized industry mentors in its programs. IAFT Cebu was also voted as "one of the best film schools in the world" by the Hollywood Reporter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kacy Andrews</span> American film producer

Kacy Andrews is an American film producer and CEO of Bigfoot Entertainment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Fashion One</span> Television channel

Fashion One is a 24-hour New York City-based television network founded by German entrepreneur, Michael Gleissner and owned by the Miami Beach, Florida-based entertainment company, Bigfoot Entertainment. Launched on April 8, 2010, the New York City-based television network broadcasts programming related to fashion, entertainment and lifestyle.

Michael J. G. Gleissner is an entrepreneur, film producer, director, screenwriter, and actor.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tamara Benitez</span> Filipina cinematographer

Tamara Benitez is a Filipina Cinematographer and camera operator, based in Metro Manila, Philippines. Known primarily for her underwater videography, Benitez has worked extensively for the ABS-CBN Corporation and under its production companies Star Cinema and VIVA Films, and has worked with such directors as Lav Diaz, Wenn Deramas, Sig Sanchez, Paolo Herras, and Martin Aviles. She has also worked with Cinematographer Arvin Viola on numerous occasions. Benitez is one of few female Cinematographers working in the cinema of the Philippines. In 2006 she was Director of Photography for the featured pictures Heremias and Lambanog, and in 2011 shot footage for the TV series Survivor India and served as Director of Photography for the TV series Where's Tony.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Anna Fegi</span> Filipino singer and actress

Anna Fegi is a Filipino singer and actress. She has performed internationally in over seventy countries and is known for her work on the popular show ASAP on the ABS-CBN television network and The Filipino Channel (TFC), her performances in the Himig Handog competitions, as well as her two solo albums released under the Sony BMG label. Fegi is recognized by her powerful voice, high vocal range, and trademark curly hair.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Central Visayas</span> Administrative region of the Philippines

Central Visayas is an administrative region in the Philippines, numerically designated as Region VII. It consists of four provinces: and three highly urbanized cities: Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mactan–Cebu International Airport</span> Commercial airport located on Mactan Island, Philippines

Mactan–Cebu International Airport is an international airport serving Cebu and serves as the main gateway to the Central Visayas region in the Philippines. Located on a 797-hectare (1,970-acre) site in Lapu-Lapu City on Mactan, it is the second busiest airport in the Philippines. The airport serves as a hub for Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines, and as an operating base for Philippines AirAsia.

Almost Paradise is an American-Philippine crime drama television series produced by Dean Devlin and Gary Rosen. The series is the first American television series to be filmed entirely in the Philippines. It premiered on March 30, 2020, on WGN America in the United States. The series was renewed for a second season on Amazon Freevee, with all 10 episodes premiering on July 21, 2023.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Sadiri, Walden (August 27, 2006). "Incentives for foreign productions will earn more dollars for the Philippines". Manila Bulletin . Archived from the original on July 28, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  2. ↑ Abunda, Boy (June 13, 2008). "The head of Bigfoot". The Philippine Star . Archived from the original on January 31, 2013. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  3. ↑ Lustre, Monjie (November 12, 2005). "Bigfoot brings Hollywood to Cebu". The Philippine Star . Archived from the original on January 31, 2013. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 staff (July 29, 2005). "Hollywood in Cebu?". Manila Bulletin . Archived from the original on July 28, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Landreth, Jonathan (November 2, 2010). "Bigfoot Entertainment Expands, Launches Distribution Company". The Hollywood Reporter . Archived from the original on December 31, 2010. Retrieved February 8, 2011.
  6. ↑ staff. "Bigfoot Entertainment Combines Forces With Fashion TV". PR News Wire. Retrieved April 4, 2011.
  7. ↑ staff (November 9, 2008). "Bigfoot inaugurates P2B facility at SRP". The Philippine Star . Archived from the original on January 31, 2013. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  8. ↑ staff (April 20, 2005). "Learn The Art Of Underwater Photography". Manila Times . Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  9. ↑ staff (January 16, 2007). "Saipan firm inks deal with RP media group". Saipan Tribune. Archived from the original on April 5, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  10. 1 2 Avila, Bobit S. (November 23, 2005). "Turning Cebu into Cebuwood!". The Philippine Star . Philippine Headline News. Archived from the original on July 27, 2011. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  11. 1 2 staff (July 19, 2005). "The Grand Chamber Awards". Manila Bulletin . Archived from the original on July 28, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  12. ↑ staff (January 16, 2006). "IAFT extends scholarship fund to aspiring filmmakers across the globe". Manila Bulletin . Archived from the original on July 28, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  13. ↑ Nepales, Ruben V. (October 16, 2005). "Hollywood Goes To Cebu". Philippine Daily Inquirer . Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  14. ↑ staff (April 21, 2009). "Bigfoot Entertainment takes first bold steps into China". The Philippine Star . Archived from the original on January 31, 2013. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  15. ↑ staff (April 9, 2010). "One TV Makes World Debut". Observ. Retrieved April 4, 2011.[ permanent dead link ]
  16. ↑ "Majestic Crest Theatre". Cinema Treasures. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  17. ↑ Mayberry, Carly (February 7, 2011). "Will Westwood Moviegoing Majesty End?". Westwood-Century City Patch. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  18. ↑ Verrier, Richard. "Indie filmmaker Bigfoot has an inside track to theater". Los Angeles Times . Google cache. Archived from the original on March 3, 2011. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  19. ↑ Cunard, Corrine (October 7, 2010). "A Majestic Revival". Daily Bruin . Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  20. ↑ Gale, Kevin (September 1, 2010). "Bigfoot coming to South Florida". South Florida Business Journal . Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  21. ↑ "Bigfoot Entertainment Launches Bigfoot Ascendant Distribution Unit". Wireless News. November 4, 2010. Retrieved February 21, 2011.
  22. ↑ Dagooc, Ehda M. (September 8, 2008). "Bigfoot cuts manpower redundancy". The Philippine Star . Archived from the original on January 31, 2013. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  23. ↑ "Singapore company sets up in Cyberport". Hong Kong Trade Development Council . January 8, 2006. Archived from the original on July 11, 2011. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  24. ↑ staff (December 31, 2007). "Bigfoot reaches out to orphans". Cebu Daily News . Archived from the original on September 11, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  25. ↑ "Bigfoot extends further support to boost IT education in Cebu". Manila Bulletin . March 12, 2006. Archived from the original on July 28, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
  26. ↑ "Midnight Movie: The Killer Cut On its Way!". Dread Central . August 13, 2010. Retrieved March 4, 2011.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.