Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of social media superstars and explore the thin line between fame and reality with the upcoming series, "Online in Love."
Set to premiere this November on YouTube and various streaming platforms, the series offers viewers an exclusive look into the lives of aspiring influencers.
Director Jag Cruz explained that his vision is to showcase the diverse experiences online influencers go through in life.
"We truly want to portray the various struggles people go through. We all face challenges in life, even when we don't know what's real.
Sometimes, we see social media influencers appearing happy, but we don't really know what's happening in their real lives. This influencer series aims to shed light on that theme," Cruz shared in a press conference.
"Online in Love" introduces characters Thadz, Lance, Hannah, and Aira, the first-ever contestants of "The Influencer Academy," a groundbreaking reality search for the Philippines' next biggest social media sensation. Each contestant is vying for the grand prize of P10 million, but little do they know that this journey will test not only their skills but also their hearts.
Inside The Influencer Academy, contestants are housed in the Viral Villa and provided with state-of-the-art equipment for content creation, including cameras, ring lights, and backdrops. Their ultimate goal is to accumulate i-points, the social currency fans can buy to support their favorite influencer.
Each episode features a different challenge, led by a guest artist as a facilitator/mentor. Fans can gift i-points to their favorite contestants after each challenge. The unseen Headmasters have the power to add or deduct i-points, constantly shaking up the leaderboard.
The winner of "The Influencer Academy" receives P5 million in cash, P1 million worth of gadgets, and a one-year contract valued at P4 million.
The cast includes Gab Rosales as Thadz, Daniel Bautista as Lance, Jassy Calupitan as Hannah, Jewel Gines as Aira, Marissa Joelle as Elizabeth Aragon, and Pink Rose Santiago as Madam Pink Rose.
Special guests include Oreo Libios as Game Master Kent Roldan and Elsa Droga as herself, offering guidance and challenges to the contestants.
Screenwriter Eldrin Veloso delves into the series' creative process saying, "We have been able to draw inspiration from the real-life experiences of our cast. Viewers will discover many elements rooted in their true lives, such as their characteristics, attitudes, and relationships. However, we are not crafting a documentary about their actual lives. We intend for the series to be entertaining and relatable for both influencers and influencer-hopefuls who tune in."
"There hasn't been an online series with this concept yet. We've also introduced several plot twists in terms of characteristics, and while this adds complexity to the story, it has been an incredibly enjoyable process," he added.
Prepare to be enthralled by the drama, competition, and personal growth in "Online in Love" produced by MJ in partnership with Mabuhay PH Media Production.