HBO IS LOOKING into a possible collaboration with local producers. A top official of the movie cable channel expressed confidence that it would soon produce original short films in Asian territories, including the Philippines.

?We are constantly talking to potential partners,? said Robert Lyons, senior VP for programming, in an interview with Inquirer. He clarified, however, that ?nothing concrete? has been reached.

Lyons was in the country recently to announce the repositioning of HBO?s movie channel, Cinemax to cater to the male audience. The rebranded channel, Max, starts airing March 29.

Max will also present ?HBO World Boxing,? which will showcase memorable ring matches, including those of Manny Pacquiao.

Specific markets

Other cable channels serving the country?s male population include Makisig Network and SkyCable?s Maxxx.

?Cinemax has not changed for a time and ? suppliers of channels in this region are changing,? Lyons explained.

Of late, HBO has divided its channel offerings to target specific markets, offering these as premium packages with cable providers, for example, HBO Signature, HBO Family and HBO Hits.

HBO bagged the most Primetime Emmy Awards last year with original movies ?John Adams? and ?Recount.? Gerry Plaza, Contributor