Sunday, August 5, 2007

After much anxiety shooting Walang Paraiso, finally it'll be seen on screen on Cinemanila. I couldn't be any happier about it =)

Endless months of pre-prod and storyboarding with enzo. The daily location hunt, casting calls are the sweat, blood and tears of Elisse our PM. Nerissa's very steady wrangling on set was crucial and the two are just great! The principal photography was a juggling act but well executed by the three: Albert, Maisa and Ruel. Albert bringing on so much luck at the MRT sequence, the whole scene was an experiment in serendipity including the guerilla shoot in downtown Manila at almost midnight. Joy who arguably wanted to kill me between days for providing her a measly budget for PD surprisingly delivered more: a full-functional wardrobe team, set design and tons of props. So lucky!

But after 27 hours together, energies and tempers just languishing, the actors are still riled up for their scenes. Perry seems to be on so much adrenaline, I dunno, he never gets tired at all and easily slips into character like second skin. Therese is just funny, she's so wind up, she's so madaldal! my gosh! like an energizer bunny between takes. and Rham? well everybody just agrees, Rham is just intense! Kuya Amante is so consistent and seriously, he's not the guy you should cross, he brings on the pretty serious stuff on set. Just back from a funeral from an 8 hour road trip and still he's ready for anything.
Now the whole project of finally getting to shoot your first short is not for the fainthearted. This is the result of years being behind-the-scenes fervently waiting for the right time. It will really strain a number of relationships, burn holes in your pockets (not just yours) and emotionally drain your whole being. Friends will fight for you, linger around or just pat you in the back and say "I hope you know what you're doing now." I think what is crucial is getting a good team of people who believe in the project you're doing. And in the end, all the hardwork is worth every notion of a dream realized.

No comments: