Showing posts with label My First Romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label My First Romance. Show all posts
June 06, 2004
Funny
Like you, I'm also tired of my "laughing at My First Romance to avoid people thinking that I'm too serious with my screenplay but in truth I'm really proud of that screenplay" act but this just got in. I got a text from Tim, our DOP in All My Life. He's making the primer for this year's annual Film Academy of the Philippines Awards and he told me that our screenplay for My First Romance is included in the shortlist of 10 screenplays up for nominations. They will narrow down the field next week and of course (this is honest speak), I'm not expecting that it will be included in the final 5. BUT still, to be part of the "for your consideration" scripts (considering Tessa and I are not even members of the Writers Guild that's why I doubted Tim's text at first), while funny, is something to be proud of. I guess. :)
November 11, 2003
Harsh Attack!
If you're one of the 13 daily readers of my blog, then you must fairly know I had been fully prepared for the harsh reviews of the formula movie I wrote. I spoke too soon. A harsh review hurts. Plain and simple.
I was doing some work yesterday for the DVD release of My First Romance when one of the Creative Researchers of the company interrupted me to give her opinion about the movie. She first told me about the positives (we all do this) then proceeded blurting out the numerous negatives. I was astounded. She asked me if it's okay if she continues and I said yes coz I did was curious. She continued by telling me what the Cinema One reviewer said about the movie. ("I wanted to walk out from the flick!", "Heart is overly sweet!", etcetera.) In fairness, the reviews were all valid. I completely agree with the negative comments. Had I not been a part of the movie, I would have said the same things, BUT it doesn't change the fact that hearing the reviews really hurt especially when they make it appear that we seriously believe that we have an art film. (For the record, we dont!:) ) I'm not putting a defensive stand here (well I guess I am) but if only they KNOW the POLITICAL ECONOMY of mainstream moviemaking, they would have been kinder and more appreciative with our work. (But of course, that's why it's called a review, not a study! :) )
My good friend and cinematographer Neil Daza texted me last week to tell me that he enjoyed our episode. I was ecstatic of course, coz Neil is a god, but nonchalantly told him that it's a "mababaw" movie. "But enjoyable" was his reply and I did not contest anymore. I then told him "good luck on Boobita Rose!". (Boobita Rose is the tentative title of the movie he's doing for Viva, a comedy starring Ruffa Mae Quinto under Joyce Bernal's direction.) He must have thought there was sarcasm in my greeting when he texted back that his colleagues have been heckling at him for accepting the project. He told me that he took the offer because it's a challenge for him to provide new visuals to a relatively lightweight genre. I told Neil that I completely understand.
Methinks that it's actually far more difficult to make a formula/genre movie than a freeform/art film. In the latter, you are free to explore. Free to be creative. Free to do what you want. I mean, where's the difficulty in that? Whereas in doing the former, you have to find something new out of something old. You cannot be extreme. You have to find a middle ground. You have to please the bosses (with emphasis on bosses.) You have to think of the box-office. You have to think of the fans. You have to think of the star's images. All these, while trying to keep your creative sanity. Now tell me if that's easy!
I told my good friend Arah (UP Film graduate/Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay writer) about my text exchange with Neil. Arah told me she's been teased also by her batchmate friends and it's really frustrating on her part. Being a UP grad (who've been taught about what's art and what's not) and former soap opera writer myself, I relate with her (although lucky me, my blockmates are more understanding and appreciative). Arah said that she retorts back by telling them that proud and conceited that they are, she's very sure they couldn't do what she's doing. They'd quit (or get fired, I might add). Hearing that, I was like, "Go Arah!" Sige nga, gawin nyo nga ginagawa namin at tingnan natin kung kaya nyo! :)
Come to think of it, the word "quality" is very subjective. (Semiotics!) Who has the authority to say that your standards of "quality" is better than mine anyway? Moreover, the sadder fact is that our idea of what is "quality" is taken from the Western perspective. I guess this is the main reason why most of us always compare Pinoy art forms to the Western kind and only if these Pinoy works adhere to the Western "formula" of what's "sublime" or "beautiful", that's only when they can be deemed of "high quality". It's sad.
I know I sound snotty and defensive so forgive me. Still, this is my blog. :)
I was doing some work yesterday for the DVD release of My First Romance when one of the Creative Researchers of the company interrupted me to give her opinion about the movie. She first told me about the positives (we all do this) then proceeded blurting out the numerous negatives. I was astounded. She asked me if it's okay if she continues and I said yes coz I did was curious. She continued by telling me what the Cinema One reviewer said about the movie. ("I wanted to walk out from the flick!", "Heart is overly sweet!", etcetera.) In fairness, the reviews were all valid. I completely agree with the negative comments. Had I not been a part of the movie, I would have said the same things, BUT it doesn't change the fact that hearing the reviews really hurt especially when they make it appear that we seriously believe that we have an art film. (For the record, we dont!:) ) I'm not putting a defensive stand here (well I guess I am) but if only they KNOW the POLITICAL ECONOMY of mainstream moviemaking, they would have been kinder and more appreciative with our work. (But of course, that's why it's called a review, not a study! :) )
My good friend and cinematographer Neil Daza texted me last week to tell me that he enjoyed our episode. I was ecstatic of course, coz Neil is a god, but nonchalantly told him that it's a "mababaw" movie. "But enjoyable" was his reply and I did not contest anymore. I then told him "good luck on Boobita Rose!". (Boobita Rose is the tentative title of the movie he's doing for Viva, a comedy starring Ruffa Mae Quinto under Joyce Bernal's direction.) He must have thought there was sarcasm in my greeting when he texted back that his colleagues have been heckling at him for accepting the project. He told me that he took the offer because it's a challenge for him to provide new visuals to a relatively lightweight genre. I told Neil that I completely understand.
Methinks that it's actually far more difficult to make a formula/genre movie than a freeform/art film. In the latter, you are free to explore. Free to be creative. Free to do what you want. I mean, where's the difficulty in that? Whereas in doing the former, you have to find something new out of something old. You cannot be extreme. You have to find a middle ground. You have to please the bosses (with emphasis on bosses.) You have to think of the box-office. You have to think of the fans. You have to think of the star's images. All these, while trying to keep your creative sanity. Now tell me if that's easy!
I told my good friend Arah (UP Film graduate/Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay writer) about my text exchange with Neil. Arah told me she's been teased also by her batchmate friends and it's really frustrating on her part. Being a UP grad (who've been taught about what's art and what's not) and former soap opera writer myself, I relate with her (although lucky me, my blockmates are more understanding and appreciative). Arah said that she retorts back by telling them that proud and conceited that they are, she's very sure they couldn't do what she's doing. They'd quit (or get fired, I might add). Hearing that, I was like, "Go Arah!" Sige nga, gawin nyo nga ginagawa namin at tingnan natin kung kaya nyo! :)
Come to think of it, the word "quality" is very subjective. (Semiotics!) Who has the authority to say that your standards of "quality" is better than mine anyway? Moreover, the sadder fact is that our idea of what is "quality" is taken from the Western perspective. I guess this is the main reason why most of us always compare Pinoy art forms to the Western kind and only if these Pinoy works adhere to the Western "formula" of what's "sublime" or "beautiful", that's only when they can be deemed of "high quality". It's sad.
I know I sound snotty and defensive so forgive me. Still, this is my blog. :)
October 31, 2003
Shameless Plugging
Allow me again to shamelessly plug My First Romance still showing in theaters nationwide. It's a long weekend so I hope you find time to catch it. Last I heard, we're doing very good so thank you to those who watched already as well.
The premiere night last Tuesday was a blast, by the way. There was a cast party in Cibo after and I got to mingle with the "artistas" again. I am such a fanatic! :) I was surprised John and Heart still remember me from the original (shelved) My First Romance project. It was also good making "chika" with Lloydie and Bea again. But the highlight of the evening for me? Having my picture taken with Tita Glow! LOL! :D Ang saya saya noh?!
The premiere night last Tuesday was a blast, by the way. There was a cast party in Cibo after and I got to mingle with the "artistas" again. I am such a fanatic! :) I was surprised John and Heart still remember me from the original (shelved) My First Romance project. It was also good making "chika" with Lloydie and Bea again. But the highlight of the evening for me? Having my picture taken with Tita Glow! LOL! :D Ang saya saya noh?!
October 29, 2003
We got a B!
Oh my God! This is really insane! This is crazy! My First Romance got a B rating from the Film Ratings Board. This means our film got their seal of approval and is subject to 65% tax rebate. I totally did not expect this. Wow. WOW! :) I am so happy! I am totally ecstatic! :) And I'm sorry for being unabashedly proud but I guess, I did write a "quality" flick. :)
My First Romance opens nationwide today. Please watch! :)
October 24, 2003
So I Wrote a Teenybopper
The first movie I wrote (co-wrote actually) that has my name actually credited on it (I've done some ghost writing in the past as part of my previous job) will finally be shown next week. And I'm bracing my heart and ego out for all the reactions (harsh or otherwise) that I will be getting.
As I told you, I didn't really think much when I accepted the offer to write the movie. I know it's a big deal to others but the thing is, I don't really consider myself a writer (yeah, I know, what an ingrate! :D ). All I thought of that time was how to earn money and survive that's why I immediately said yes not remembering the ghosts of past from my Pangako Sa 'Yo writing days. True enough, writing the script brought some major hassle (which I have no intentions of disclosing), but I know I will also be lying to myself if I'll tell you that I didn't have fun writing the movie.
It was a blast! My partner Tessa is a brilliant and fun writer. I like to believe we complemented each other and she brought out the best in me. What I like about us is that we were AWARE we were writing a teenybopper, so instead of being artsy-fartsy or in denial about it, we embraced the formula, pushed it to its maximum and looked for novel ways to tell the story (pop culture references, blatantly aware characters, no holds-barred storytelling, a knowing wink to the audience, almost parody situations, the works!). Once you let go of your inhibitions and not think about the perception of others, that's when the fun of writing starts. I don't wanna be the writer who complains that mainstream media oppressed my creativity because I do am satisfied with our finished draft and fully know that I'm not writing a film for Cannes. :D
A scriptwriter friend once told me that when you write a script, pour your heart and soul in the first draft coz after that draft, the script will never be yours again. Inputs from the director, the stars handler, the creative department, the producers and who's who will be poured in. Moreover, once you submit the final draft, you will leave everything to the hands of the production people - the director's direction, the actor's acting, the postproduction process. Mainstream moviemaking is a team effort and that's something writers should accept, my friend added. True enough, my friend's right.
That is why even if I still haven't seen the final cut, I'm ready to expect the unexpected (but hoping that even a semblance of our vision is retained.) Because what's important to me is that I know Tessa and I did our best to freshen up the teenage romance genre and write the best that we could out of the tried and tested formula; hoping of course, that everyone will appreciate our work.
Yes, I wrote a teenybopper movie and critics and detractors be damned, I am DARN PROUD OF IT! :D
*My First Romance One Love episode starring John Prats and Heart Evangelista is written by yours truly and Theresa de Guzman. The movie opens in theaters October 29 with a premiere night on the 28th in SM Megamall. Help save my non-existent career. Go watch the movie!
As I told you, I didn't really think much when I accepted the offer to write the movie. I know it's a big deal to others but the thing is, I don't really consider myself a writer (yeah, I know, what an ingrate! :D ). All I thought of that time was how to earn money and survive that's why I immediately said yes not remembering the ghosts of past from my Pangako Sa 'Yo writing days. True enough, writing the script brought some major hassle (which I have no intentions of disclosing), but I know I will also be lying to myself if I'll tell you that I didn't have fun writing the movie.
It was a blast! My partner Tessa is a brilliant and fun writer. I like to believe we complemented each other and she brought out the best in me. What I like about us is that we were AWARE we were writing a teenybopper, so instead of being artsy-fartsy or in denial about it, we embraced the formula, pushed it to its maximum and looked for novel ways to tell the story (pop culture references, blatantly aware characters, no holds-barred storytelling, a knowing wink to the audience, almost parody situations, the works!). Once you let go of your inhibitions and not think about the perception of others, that's when the fun of writing starts. I don't wanna be the writer who complains that mainstream media oppressed my creativity because I do am satisfied with our finished draft and fully know that I'm not writing a film for Cannes. :D
A scriptwriter friend once told me that when you write a script, pour your heart and soul in the first draft coz after that draft, the script will never be yours again. Inputs from the director, the stars handler, the creative department, the producers and who's who will be poured in. Moreover, once you submit the final draft, you will leave everything to the hands of the production people - the director's direction, the actor's acting, the postproduction process. Mainstream moviemaking is a team effort and that's something writers should accept, my friend added. True enough, my friend's right.
That is why even if I still haven't seen the final cut, I'm ready to expect the unexpected (but hoping that even a semblance of our vision is retained.) Because what's important to me is that I know Tessa and I did our best to freshen up the teenage romance genre and write the best that we could out of the tried and tested formula; hoping of course, that everyone will appreciate our work.
Yes, I wrote a teenybopper movie and critics and detractors be damned, I am DARN PROUD OF IT! :D
*My First Romance One Love episode starring John Prats and Heart Evangelista is written by yours truly and Theresa de Guzman. The movie opens in theaters October 29 with a premiere night on the 28th in SM Megamall. Help save my non-existent career. Go watch the movie!
October 17, 2003
It's A Wrap
Have you seen that Making the Video teaser on MTV wherein Britney (or was it Shakira?) screamed the words "IT'S A WRAAAAAP!!!" ?!? :-) I've seen it too many times and always, I get irritated with the way Britney (or Shakira) screams them. But hearing those words live and for real last Wednesday, during our last day of shoot, it actually felt bittersweet. I mean, I felt happy and relieved because the pressure from work is already over but I also felt sad because I know I'm going to miss the people I've worked and became friends with from shoot. Forgive me for another Survivor parallelism but again, I felt like I just survived 39 days on the island and even if the experience brought me many ups and downs, and I didn't really like all the people involved; fact is, I'm still going to miss the experience.
So instead of focusing on the negative, I am going to talk about the positive for a change. Heh! :) These are the things that made My First Romance shoot a fine and memorable one.
- The cast. They are all easy to work with. No primadonnas this time. All professionals. I particularly bonded with Bea, Anna and Allyson. They seem mature for their age. Or am I the one childish for my age? :)
- Mico and John Lloyd doing the gay talk. This is just so funny. Imagine hunky hunks Mico and John talking in gay lingo?!? :)
- Shani and Mich, the stylist and the designer respectively. In real life setting, there is no way I would be friends with them (they're way too cool and I'm way too jologs!), but I really bonded with them (especially Shani) during the shoot. Mich is also the epitome of FUN. I will definitely miss my angst moments with Shani.
- Direk Don. He may be a bit OC but I love him! He doesn't curse like the others. Magaan katrabaho.
- The Batangas shoot. We hardly slept during the shoot but I didn't even notice it. I will particularly remember Tita Lisa being drunk and singing Beatles songs (riot!), Dominic showing his butt to the fans (I'm serious!: ) ) and me and Shani carelessly leaving our room key inside. The ending: we had to knock on Direk's room and sleep with him.
- The terms "kaon, Edna, kaon", simplicity (meaning "pa-simple") and "kapitbahay" (meaning "epal") creatively coined by our AD Omar and make-up artist Edna. And of course "you really rocks!!!" :D
- I may have annoyed them but I secretly find satisfaction every time I refer to John Lloyd as Koolits, Bea as Kristine Hermosa, Mico as Bernard Palanca and Anna as Threena (her character in Batang X). Hehehe :D
- Atenean soccer "coach" Alvin and his obvious star-struck mode towards Bea. Also, all the gays on the set were flirting with him and he didn't even notice it. LOL! :D
- Bea and John Lloyd's fans when they're so "galante" and bring food for the staff every time they visit. I love them! :D
- Speaking in "sh" using the colegiala accent. "Kashe, pumunta pa shang shtarbucksh sheh!" "Enzsho! Enzsho!" It never fails to crack me up whenever I hear Omar, Anna or John Lloyd talk like this.
Anyways, we celebrated the last day of shoot via a cast party in Pork Barrel, Timog. It's a beerhouse in the truest sense of the word. Haha! :) I had so much fun singing karaoke and dancing with Mich and Bob, our art director. We sang "jologs" songs like Boom Shak A Lak (winner!) and Barbie Girl. :D
After which, Direk Don (with Direk Manong) treated us to a gay bar. Mich correctly captured the experience in her live journal. A fun read, I swear! :)
Meanwhile, below are my pictures with the three stars of My First Romance - Bea, Allyson and Mich! :D Oo na, showbiz na ako! :D
So instead of focusing on the negative, I am going to talk about the positive for a change. Heh! :) These are the things that made My First Romance shoot a fine and memorable one.
- The cast. They are all easy to work with. No primadonnas this time. All professionals. I particularly bonded with Bea, Anna and Allyson. They seem mature for their age. Or am I the one childish for my age? :)
- Mico and John Lloyd doing the gay talk. This is just so funny. Imagine hunky hunks Mico and John talking in gay lingo?!? :)
- Shani and Mich, the stylist and the designer respectively. In real life setting, there is no way I would be friends with them (they're way too cool and I'm way too jologs!), but I really bonded with them (especially Shani) during the shoot. Mich is also the epitome of FUN. I will definitely miss my angst moments with Shani.
- Direk Don. He may be a bit OC but I love him! He doesn't curse like the others. Magaan katrabaho.
- The Batangas shoot. We hardly slept during the shoot but I didn't even notice it. I will particularly remember Tita Lisa being drunk and singing Beatles songs (riot!), Dominic showing his butt to the fans (I'm serious!: ) ) and me and Shani carelessly leaving our room key inside. The ending: we had to knock on Direk's room and sleep with him.
- The terms "kaon, Edna, kaon", simplicity (meaning "pa-simple") and "kapitbahay" (meaning "epal") creatively coined by our AD Omar and make-up artist Edna. And of course "you really rocks!!!" :D
- I may have annoyed them but I secretly find satisfaction every time I refer to John Lloyd as Koolits, Bea as Kristine Hermosa, Mico as Bernard Palanca and Anna as Threena (her character in Batang X). Hehehe :D
- Atenean soccer "coach" Alvin and his obvious star-struck mode towards Bea. Also, all the gays on the set were flirting with him and he didn't even notice it. LOL! :D
- Bea and John Lloyd's fans when they're so "galante" and bring food for the staff every time they visit. I love them! :D
- Speaking in "sh" using the colegiala accent. "Kashe, pumunta pa shang shtarbucksh sheh!" "Enzsho! Enzsho!" It never fails to crack me up whenever I hear Omar, Anna or John Lloyd talk like this.
Anyways, we celebrated the last day of shoot via a cast party in Pork Barrel, Timog. It's a beerhouse in the truest sense of the word. Haha! :) I had so much fun singing karaoke and dancing with Mich and Bob, our art director. We sang "jologs" songs like Boom Shak A Lak (winner!) and Barbie Girl. :D
After which, Direk Don (with Direk Manong) treated us to a gay bar. Mich correctly captured the experience in her live journal. A fun read, I swear! :)
Meanwhile, below are my pictures with the three stars of My First Romance - Bea, Allyson and Mich! :D Oo na, showbiz na ako! :D
October 01, 2003
We Are All Made of Stars
A pause for some shameless plugging for the movie My First Romance (to tentatively open on October 29). The movie stars Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz. Needless to say, I work in the movie. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)