How important are online views in the making of a TV or movie hit?

Some people swear by the numbers reflected therein, yet others don’t.

There had been many times in the past when so-called online views, likes, and shares would hit the sky, but when the movie opened, the result was a monumental flop.

And for that matter, how vital are the reported number of followers amassed by self-styled influencers? Can they really influence the public to go and watch certain TV shows or movies?

And who are these influencers? What are their credentials? Why would anyone want to be influenced by them if we know nothing about their background or accomplishments?

In the old days, people would be influenced by the books they read, by thinkers, philosophers, statesmen, veteran journalists, legal minds, achievers, and model personalities.

They didn’t dare call themselves influencers, yet their body of work, their thoughts and ideas, affected or helped shape the opinions, tastes, likes and dislikes of the public that knew of them.

Whatever happened to them? Better still, whatever happened to today’s ‘influenced’ public?

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Others are special. The trailer leading to the new chapter of “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” has reportedly scored more than 10 million online views in less than 24 hours only.

It introduced some new characters in the series, namely Jaclyn Jose, Ivana Alawi, Robert Seña, Soliman Cruz, Lao Rodriguez, Jess Evardone, Vandolph, Romy Romulo, Zeppi Borromeo, Michael Rivero, Pambansang Kolokoy, and Haprice.

ABS-CBN reports that since its premiere in February, “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” has had over 2.7 billion total online views worldwide.

More than being an action-drama series, the primetime hit is sprinkled with comic scenes that keep viewers entertained. I, for one, am quite amused by Joel Lamangan’s colorful Rhoda character, especially during his catfight scenes with Charo Santos and Cherry Pie Picache.

“FPJ’s Batang Quiapo” is inspired by a movie of the same title produced by Regal Films in the 1980s, starring Fernando Poe, Jr. and Maricel Soriano.

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PASSERBY: ‘Past Lives’ is a hit, and is now on its third week.

The 1-hour-46-minute romantic drama tells of two deeply connected childhood friends who were separated when they were 12 but who reunite for one fateful week in New York “where they confront destiny, love and the choices that make a life.”

Past Lives captured the hearts of audiences and critics worldwide, starting from the time it was shown at the Sundance and Venice film festivals. Daphne Chiu, GM of TBA Studios, says the Korean-American film is still showing at Rockwell Makati, Greenhills, and Cinema 76.

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Former ABS-CBN talents William Thio, Nina Corpuz, and Rep. Erwin Tulfo are just three of the new additions to PTV-4’s roster of news anchors and TV hosts.

PTV announced its revitalized programming in a mediacon on Sept. 8, where GM Ana Puod said the government network’s goal is to be known as a competing commercial station. PTV will attempt to create a balance between news, public affairs, and entertainment in the coming days.