Cebuano cast, producers back out of horror-comedy by US screenwriter

CEBU, Philippines — An English-language horror-comedy film starring local talent was set to begin rolling this month after the Sinulog festivities in Cebu, but trouble ensued when producers and cast members reportedly left the production.

 Sam Costanilla, who served as the film’s public relations representative and was also one of its cast members, resigned from his duties, accusing the production behind “Echoes in the Dark” of being a scam.

“Me, Cheryl Rosales, Osvald Padagdag, and a handful of others are no longer actively involved in the production,” said Costanilla in a series of Facebook posts yesterday, January 3. “We purposely left the production team — not kicked out — because we feel and see that those behind it are all amateurish in their approach and demeanor.”

Without mentioning names, Costanilla added that the production wanted to start filming without a budget or the work permits needed to facilitate shooting.

“They are still looking for investors, even if they have not secured the necessary permits and other vital documents,” he said, adding that a certain “American writer and producer” did not provide snacks during meetings.

Costanilla also claimed that several cast members had backed out of the film. He said, “When they asked the producer regarding their talent fees, the guy berated them instead of answering them honestly. To my understanding, the producer doesn’t want to pay them in exchange for their service and effort.”

He further alleged that cast members were asked to look for investors to help finance the film. “If you are a film producer, you should have millions ready, not have your artists find your investors or sponsors,” Costanilla further wrote.

“That’s one of the reasons why I resigned as a publicity and promotions person because its producer didn’t have the budget to make such films and didn’t have a working permit and other documents needed before filming began. I hope those artists he hired don’t continue to be exploited,” he added.

A netizen wrote, “I have not seen one film produced by him. He asks us to look for investors. I think he’s a scammer!” to which Costanilla replied, “Asking talents to look for investors is crazy.”

Prior to the fallout, The FREEMAN attended the film’s press conference in December, where the American screenwriter and producer was present.

The screenwriter-producer explained that he was inspired to write the script — which is set in Cebu — because he is a fan of paranormal investigations and of Elgie Oberes, known for his YouTube show “Cebu Demon Hunter,” who was slated to appear in the film as part of the cast.

He said the film, to be directed by a Manila-based Cebuano director, was intended to emulate the tone of 1980s horror films such as “Evil Dead,” known for their distinctive campy balance of scares and laughs.

The FREEMAN has reached out to the producer and screenwriter for comment on Costanilla’s accusations.