Industry

At ATF, Malaysian production company Double Vision and studio Astro Shaw have teamed up with the Philippines’ ABS-CBN to co-produce three new drama series over the next two to three years. The 10-hour series will debut as iWant Originals on ABS-CBN’s OTT platform iWant and as Astro Originals on Astro platforms in Malaysia.

The first project, entering production in the second half of 2026, is a reboot of the landmark romantic drama "A Time for Us" ("Kahit Isang Saglit"). Originally produced in 2008 by Double Vision and ABS-CBN, the series became one of the first major Filipino-Malaysian co-productions and earned an International Emmy nomination for Best Telenovela in 2009.
Development is underway to reimagine the cross-border romantic suspense story for today’s global audience. 

The other two scripted titles are "Besa" and "Habitat". "Besa" is a smart, gritty crime thriller based on an original idea by Srđan Šaper and created by Tony Jordan. The new series is an adaptation of the original show produced by Adrenalin and international partners, later sold worldwide and adapted for Arabic audiences by MBC. The Malaysian-Filipino version follows Gabriel Diaz, a Filipino man pulled into an underground mafia world after accidentally killing the daughter of a Malaysian gang boss.

Srđan Šaper says: “As a story that plays out across international borders, Besa is a format that lends itself well to such a co-production partnership… We look forward to following its progress to the screen.”

"Habitat", based on a Double Vision original idea, is a YA sci-fi/adventure drama about misfit teens who must save the world from their boarding school teachers — who are actually body-snatching aliens.

ABS-CBN’s Jamie Lopez says: “While each of the series… is very different, the common thread of brilliant stories, engaging characters and excellent production values makes them all perfect for our newly revamped iWant streaming platform… Premium programming is at the very heart of our offer.”

Min Lim, Head of Production at Double Vision, adds: “We are on the cusp of a very exciting time for Southeast Asian content… this varied co-production slate will be the perfect platform for us to continue delivering premium drama.”
Raja Jastina Raja Arshad of Astro Shaw comments: “Meaningful co-productions are the catalyst to elevate regional storytelling… and deliver premium Southeast Asian content to a wider global audience.”

Supported by FINAS, Malaysia’s National Film Development Corporation, Chairman Dato Hans Isaac concludes: “This partnership supports our efforts to enhance the creative economy and elevate Malaysia’s presence in the global entertainment landscape.”