Los Angeles-based film production company Birns & Sawyer, Inc. is planning to invest USD50 million (PHP2.87 billion) in the Philippines in the coming years, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) announced Monday.

DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina Roque met with Birns & Sawyer CEO Mari Acevedo in California on March 5, where discussions centered on expanding the company’s film production services in the Philippines to boost the local creative industry.

The company’s initial investment will range between USD15 million and USD17 million for a soundstage at the Filinvest Innovation Park in New Clark City, Central Luzon. Two additional soundstages in other parts of the country are planned in the future.

Birns & Sawyer already operates an Asia-Pacific hub in Quezon City, offering sales, rentals, and system integration services.

“The Philippines has an incredibly rich pool of creative talent, and it’s time we fully harness that potential by strengthening our film production capabilities,” Roque said. “With Birns & Sawyer’s Hollywood legacy and existing presence in the country, we see great opportunities to collaborate, create jobs, and grow our creative economy.”

Roque also assured the company of the Marcos administration’s commitment to developing the local film industry through tax incentives, government grants, and training programs.

“The Philippines is home to some of the most passionate and talented filmmakers in the world. By partnering with industry leaders like Birns & Sawyer, we can equip them with the tools and opportunities they need to compete globally,” she added.

Meanwhile, First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos promoted the Philippines as a filming destination during the Manila International Film Festival in California on March 8, encouraging foreign filmmakers to shoot their projects in the country.