Popular Filipino BL (Boys Love) web-series “Gameboys” is set to have a global premiere as “Gameboys Level-Up Edition” next month.
This, after streaming giant Netflix said it will release the 13-episode “Level-Up Edition” that will feature never-before-seen scenes for the worldwide audience on December 30.
Its creator, The IdeaFirst Company, also announced this on its social media accounts.
It's now official! Gameboys Level-Up Edition on Netflix this December 30! https://t.co/TDAWHXeUty
— The IdeaFirst Company (@theideafirst_co) November 23, 2020
“Gameboys Level-Up Edition” follows two live-stream gamers, “Cairo” portrayed by Elijah Canlas of internationally acclaimed film, “Kalel, 15” and “Gavreel,” played by Kokoy de Santos” of Cinemalaya hit “F*ccbois.” They are rivals online but get matched in the game of love.
The two gamers find connection while beating digital and personal obstacles.
It also stars Adrianna So as “Pearl” and Kyle Velino as “Terrence.”
Fans new to this digital series can expect a “fresh kilig-generating romance,” while existing fans can look forward to refreshed and re-shot scenes, additional footage, new correspondence and “vidgram” stories from the characters throughout the series
This digital series written by Ash Malanum and directed by Ivan Andrew Payawal premiered on YouTube May 22.
READ: Filipino BL digital series ‘Gameboys’ gets international love
It was shot remotely during quarantine period.
On global premiere
Executive Producer Jun Robles Lana he is excited to share “Gameboys Level-Up Edition” with the world through Netflix.
“Our goal with Gameboys was to create a truly Filipino BL while also delivering universal themes and messages about two boys who find themselves connecting during the pandemic using the all-computer-screen format,” Lana said.
Lana produced this series with Perci Intalan.
“The global health crisis basically forced us to rethink how we were producing stories, and institute a work-from-home shoot, involving actors recording themselves using their personal phones, supervised by a small crew attending the set virtually,” he added.
“Gameboys” Director Payawal is also proud of the upcoming global release.
“At a time when the world literally paused and people had to step back from all the daily routines they’ve gone used to, Gameboys was born. The show served as a glimmer of hope for us especially when we, the people in production, thought we were going to lose our jobs. But taking the challenge that is Gameboys is no easy feat. It has definitely expanded our creativity to deliver content that we’re truly proud of despite the quarantine and safe distancing measures,” Payawal said.
He said the show’s message is to carry on no matter how hard the challenges were, citing that it also shows a love that is universal and speaks one language, no matter what the gender orientation and physical connection is.
“It is the kind of love that encompasses virtual connection as we prove that love indeed has no boundaries. Now it is going to be on Netflix for the world to discover as Gameboys Level-Up Edition, and I am very proud of what our team has achieved,” the director added.
Netflix said the original version of “Gambeboys” series will continue to be available on YouTube channel of The IdeaFirst Company where it garnered millions of views. —Rosette Adel
