DEADLINE: Filipino Prison Drama ‘Sellblock’ Wraps Production & Heads To MIPTV With Blue Fox Entertainment
April 3, 2024
EXCLUSIVE: Upcoming Filipino crime drama series Sellblock has wrapped principal photography and is headed for MIPTV. You can see four first-look images above.
Slated as a three-season series, Sellblock chronicles the activities of one of Asia’s biggest drug empires operating from inside a Philippines maximum-security prison. LA’s Blue Fox Entertainment has boarded the show and will launch it at the final ever MIPTV next week in Cannes, France.
The series is produced by Manilla-based BlackOps Studios Asia, headed by Pedring Lopez, who is known for Netflix’s Maria, Darkroom and Geisha of Death and also leads Psyops8. Lopez directs all eight episodes of the first season.
Blue Fox is handling sales, including the Philippines, and will be screening the pilot episode for buyers at MIPTV as it moves into TV distribution. Filipino producer ABS-CBN was initially attached to the show, but we hear it is no longer involved.
The company is best known as a domestic and global film distributor, and its recent U.S. theatrical releases include Uproar, starring Minnie Driver, Rhys Darby and Julian Dennison; Molly McGlynn’s Fitting In, starring Maddie Ziegler and Emily Hampshire; and Hard Miles starring Matthew Modine.
Sellblock stars Philippines actor Jericho Rosales (Basurero, Siargao, Pacquiao: The Movie) with Empoy Marquez (I See You), Ronnie Lazaro (Affliction), Mon Confiado (Heneral Luna), Sylvia Sanchez, Ria Atayde (The Hows of Us), and Jaclyn Jose (The Flor Contemplacion Story) rounding out the cast.
“Sellblock is more than just a series,” said Rosales. “It’s an immersive experience that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Working alongside such a talented team has been an absolute privilege, and I can’t wait for viewers to see the magic we’ve created.”
“We are thrilled to have reached this milestone in Sellblock‘s journey,” said Rex Lopez, co-showrunner alongside Lopez. “We are excited to showcase the series to international buyers and build anticipation for its release. Director Pedring Lopez’s uncompromising focus on quality has ensured that Sellblock stands out as one of the most ambitious projects to emerge from the Philippines.
“With its gripping storyline and top-tier production values, talented cast to the committed crew, each member has contributed to crafting a series that promises to captivate audiences worldwide.”
Los Angeles-based producer Scott M. Rosenfelt, who is part of Sellblock production team, added: “Sellblock is a testament to the power of collaboration and creativity. I am honored to be a part of bringing this gripping series to audiences worldwide, and I have no doubt it will leave a lasting impression.”
Last week, we revealed MIPTV will open then close its doors for the last time later this month after 61 years in Cannes. A new MIP-branded event will launch in the UK next year, running alongside the London TV Screenings.
