Cherie Gil, Viva claim rights on movie line

Cherie Gil (Facebook photo)

MANILA – Award-winning actress Cherie Gil, who portrayed the antagonist Lavinia Arguelles in the hit 1985 film “Bituing Walang Nining,” recently requested that one of her iconic lines from the movie be discontinued from being used in the film’s musical adaptation.

Viva Entertainment, on the other hand, who mounted the play adaptation “Bituing Walang Ningning: The Musical,” did not yield to Gil’s request as they explained that they owned the rights to the movie and its script.

“You’re nothing but a second-rate, trying hard copycat” was the disputed movie line.

According to Gil, the particular line was not on the script and she was ‘the one who came up with the words, thus making her a co-author of the script.’ She then sent a cease and desist letter to Viva.

Viva, however, claimed that it was in fact director Emmanuel H. Borlaza who wrote the line in the script and all Gil needed to do was ‘act it out.’

Borloza, for his part, confirmed Viva’s claims, saying the line was indeed already in the script. He, however, hoped Gil and Viva settle their rift.

For the sake of argument, Viva also said that if, for instance, Gil incorporated the line, they still owned rights on the directors’ and actors’ outputs.

With both camps still not engaging in a dialogue, the musical remains shown at Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater. Gil’s role is played by Cris Villonco.