Actress Lovi Poe has recently ventured into the world of Hollywood producers. This remarkable achievement is a testament to her exceptional skills and unwavering determination. She has proven that her name is synonymous with excellence in the entertainment industry.

During a recent media conference, Lovi announced the establishment of C'est La Vie Productions in the US with her husband, producer and scientist Monty Blencowe.

"The primary objective of C'est La Vie Productions is to spotlight Filipino talent and potentially elevate it on the global stage. This is a vision I've nurtured over my years in the industry," Lovi said.

"Marami tayong magagaling na actors, directors, and writers. It would be nice to see the best of the best globally. I've been working on this horror film, and that's one thing we are producing now. It is written and directed by Jerrold Tarog. We are in the middle of casting. I'll talk about it again the moment it is complete.

"It will be produced and collaborated with an international production. Monty and I are doing  C'est La Vie Productions together. Then, we co-produced with another international production company," she said.

Lovi expressed her excitement about the creative side of the production outfit. "I'm in the industry, and I've been active for a while. One of the things that truly ignites my passion is creating projects. So my husband Monty is the expert on the finance side," she shared.

She added she already has people in mind whom she wants to bring with her on this journey.

"Right now, I have people in mind I want to bring on this journey. It's a huge project every time we do something. Again, our goal is to introduce Filipino talents abroad, and hopefully, we will get to do that."

Incidentally, Lovi was cast in the independent Hollywood film "Bad Man."

Deadline.com reported that the indie feature "Bad Man" stars Seann William Scott (American Pie) alongside Johnny Simmons (The Perks of Being a Wallflower), Rob Riggle (21 Jump Street), Chance Perdomo (After We Fell), Andre Hyland (Barry), and Lovi Poe (Chelsea Cowboy).

"Inspired by a true story, the action-comedy follows a wild man state cop (Scott) who shows up in a small town with a big meth problem and immediately butts heads with a strait-laced local deputy (Simmons) as they attempt to solve a murder," the same report added.

Creating stories

Lovi admitted she's passionate about creating stories and doing creative sides in the production.

In 2023, the actress co-wrote the Netflix series "Seasons" with Dwein Baltazar, making it a memorable experience.

"Since I did 'Seasons' on Netflix, I have loved creating stories. So, I do the creative part of the production. 'Yung pag buo ng story is something that I am passionate about. So why not create stuff I want to do and tell good stories?

"Meron akong binubuo na story. Actually yung Seasons parang may balak pa ngang gawin na 'Seasons' 2. Yun ang ginagawa ko ngayon: creating stories and do the creative side of things," she said.

Married life

Lovi and Monty married in an elegant wedding ceremony at the Cliveden House in Berkshire, United Kingdom, on Aug. 26, 2023. Eight months later, Lovi has yet to decide where she'll be based, as she enjoys being on both sides of the planet.

"Next month, I'm needed there and then here. So pabalik balik talaga ako. Mindset na lang is everything na parang walang jet lag for me. I make sure I stay healthy and strong. 

"So in between talaga ako ngayon. Whenever I'm needed in terms of my work and husband, which is what I'm trying to do now to balance everything out, I try to make sure I will excel in every aspect," she said.

Asked if she's ready to accept another TV series in the Philippines, Lovi said: "It's hard to say because I'm going to choose one that's worth my time. Kasi nga, I'm married now, and there are projects that I want to do internationally or here. There are so many things to consider."

Lovi mentioned that she is still getting used to marriage, which she considers a new experience. According to her, she is putting in her best effort to be Monty's best wife.

"So now, waking up in the morning, doing things, and being a wife is different. Naninibago ako to be honest na gigising ako and say, 'Ano ang gagawin ko today? Oh, I'm going to cook! I'm going to do my laundry.' It's new. It's brand new. But then it's a great experience. This is life, anyway. It's nice, and it's a great feeling.

"Let's put it this way: I'm doing my best. I hope I'm doing a great job. One-month pa lang akong wife. I want to make sure I'm present. I want to make time and balance everything," Lovi said.

Lovi also describes Monty as a caring husband.

"Monty is a great husband. He's amazing. I can't thank him enough because he understands my job. I cannot find someone as understanding or as supportive as he is. I have my goals, and he wants to see me achieve those goals. I'm grateful for that. Sobra siyang maalaga. Hindi ko na kailangang sabihin pa. Meron siyang kusa," she said.

Lovi mentioned that she is balancing her career and being a loving wife. She disclosed that she and Monty are intending to start a family soon.

"I wish to balance life perfectly, but it will be hard. I hope to achieve my goals and nurture relationships," she said.

On the prospect of having a baby, Lovi said: "In the future. But right now marami pa kaming gustong gawin. We want to enjoy our married life. But of course, if it happens sooner, I would be very happy."

When asked if she was ready to become a mom, she answered, "It's hard to say. My friends would always say they were prepared when it was there. So, I cannot fully say I'm ready. When that happens, I will make sure I'm ready."

But Lovi said she would always be grateful for a show business career.

"Since I was 15, I've been working—even today—work lang talaga. I know nothing outside of work. Hindi talaga ako sanay na babangon ako at wala akong gagawin. And thank you, God. I'm so grateful for that. I'm very lucky to do what I love. What I am most passionate about is that I get to do it. I call it my job when it doesn't feel that way."