Pedring Lopez
- Director
- Producer
- Writer
Pedring Lopez, a maverick Filipino filmmaker with a penchant for pushing boundaries, has carved a remarkable path in the world of Philippine cinema. A true outsider to both the independent and commercial film scenes, Lopez has been instrumental in shaping the landscape of Philippine genre cinema with his diverse and innovative works.
Lopez burst onto the scene with his first low-budget horror film, "Binhi" (The Seed), showcasing his raw talent for creating chilling narratives on a shoestring budget. This early success laid the foundation for a career marked by experimentation and audacity.
One of Lopez's standout achievements was the internationally acclaimed Filipino-Japanese action-horror hybrid, "Nilalang." Notably, he made waves by casting a Japanese adult actress in the lead role, challenging traditional casting norms and captivating audiences worldwide. His groundbreaking approach earned him accolades and set the stage for his ascent in the film industry.
Further solidifying his international presence, Lopez directed the successful Netflix Original film "Maria," which garnered attention and praise for its thrilling visual storytelling, high-octane action and captivating characters.
Lopez's innovative spirit led him to explore the found-footage phone cinematography genre with the horror film "Darkroom," pushing the boundaries of storytelling and technology. He further demonstrated his creativity during the COVID-19 pandemic, directing "Byernes Santo," a faith-bending horror film shot entirely during the height of the crisis, showcasing his resilience and adaptability.
However, Lopez's latest endeavor is perhaps his most ambitious yet with the big-budget television series "Sellblock" with acclaimed actor Jericho Rosales.
Lopez's visual style is a unique fusion of influences ranging from Roger Corman's ingenuity, 80's action films, and Johnny To's Hong Kong gangster classics to Gareth Evans' Indonesian action in "The Raid" and Junji Ito's Japanese horror. This eclectic mix has allowed him to create a distinctive and captivating cinematic language that leaves an indelible mark on his films.
Pedring Lopez's journey in the film industry is a testament to his unwavering determination and self-taught expertise. As a college dropout, he entered the industry as a post-production runner, eventually evolving into an editor and visual effects supervisor. His ability to teach himself visual effects and editing propelled him to help establish three of the most influential post-production companies in the Philippines.
His trajectory continued to evolve as he transitioned into directing TV commercials, gaining recognition for his creativity. Lopez's talent was further acknowledged through accolades from MTV Asia Music Awards and NU Rock Awards, solidifying his status as a top music video director in Manila.
Fueled by a desire for more creative control, Lopez founded his own production banner, Blackops Studios Asia. This move allowed him to pursue projects with global appeal, reinforcing his commitment to bringing Filipino stories to a global audience.
In recent years, Lopez has fostered co-producing partnerships with independent Hollywood veteran producer Scott Rosenfelt and collaborated with global distribution companies like BlueFox Entertainment. His exclusive partnership with acclaimed creative Rex Lopez of content and literary agency Psyops8 has established a content incubator, reflecting his dedication to elevating Filipino storytelling to international prominence.
Pedring Lopez's unique journey from a college dropout to a visionary filmmaker is a testament to his unrelenting passion and determination to create captivating stories that transcend borders. His works continue to reshape the cinematic landscape in the Philippines and beyond, and audiences eagerly await his future creations.