Veteran director Matthew Rosen, who has been a pillar at Unitel for over two decades, made a final break with the film production house and signed up for an exclusive arrangement with 88 Storey Film.
Rosen is sought-after talent in advertising, known for his storytelling skills, deft hand with special effects and congenial demeanor. He first moved to Manila in the Eighties as a young upstart who taught Philippine TV networks how to produce music-based TV programs, but he eventually moved to TV advertising and signed up with Unitel. With the exception of short break in the Nineties, he worked with the production house on retainer until 2009.
Citing his growing interest in feature film production and other non-advertising projects, he eased off Unitel’s retainer. When he made the break at the beginning of the year, he soon found several production houses at his door. At the head of the line was 88 Storey Films.
"It was very strange…a whirlwind thing," said Rosen.
From the initial inquiry to the closing of negotiations, the process took all of one week.
"88 were the first people that asked to talk to me, and I liked 88. I didn’t want to go in-house because I have my own shop, but if they want to look after me, then I’m well up for that. They’re a very good shop."
Sid Maderazo, director and managing partner at the 88 Storey Films said, "We are all very excited with Matthew’s move to 88! Personally, I’ve always looked up to him as a director, have worked with him before when I was still an art director in McCann. I love his visual style, and his strength in technical projects, and he’s supernice guy, to boot!"
Indeed, he so congenial that Unitel has nothing but nice words for the director. Its vice president for Client Services and Operations, Maricel Royo, said "It’s phenomenal that we were together for more than 20 years. I think it’s more than what we can ask for."
When asked if Rosen’s departure will have a negative impact on Unitel, she replied, "While we will surely miss Matthew, I don’t think so. Aside from Jun Reyes, we have other directors."
Unitel’s stable currently includes directors Martin Arnald, Erin Pascual, Nicolo Reyes and Paolo Abella.
