ABS–CBN adding 2 new sound stages next year

ABS-CBN Corp. expects its two sound stages to be operational before the end of next year, a move that would allow the firm to generate about 10 to 15 percent savings in production costs.

ABS-CBN chief financial officer Aldrin Cerrado told reporters the media and entertainment firm expects to start testing the sound stages by the first quarter of next year.

The company’s two sound stages are located in Bulacan, covering 1,500-square meters each.

“So, we’re testing the processes for sound stage but definitely, before the end of second half of next year, our first two sound stages will be operational,” Cerrado said.

Cerrado said the company intends to shoot the new Darna film in the new sound stages.

Once the company begins using the sound stages, ABSCBN expects to generate savings in production costs as it helps increase efficiency.

“When we tested it, we said (savings would be) between 10 and 15 percent, but we haven’t tried shooting in a sound stage. So, these are all table computation. But once we are all doing our testing and we are actually taping on a sound stage, we should be able to give you a better number. But definitely, there will be savings,” he said.

Cerrado said it is difficult to shoot in streets because of the need for crowd control, as well as the need to keep on moving equipment.