Direk Dante is starstruck

MANILA, Philippines - I have been working with direk Brillante “Dante” Mendoza since his first film Masahista. I am quite familiar with his work attitude, choice of material and his pickiness when it comes to selecting actors for his films. He prefers to work with a small group of actors which we sometimes call the “regulars.”

When a staff of the reality based program StarStruck on GMA 7 inquired if direk Brillante could direct the acting test of the remaining survivors, I did not quite know how to approach him with the idea. 

He is yet to make a mainstream film and direct a TV program and suddenly, an offer to direct a segment for StarStruck V was offered. 

When I finally found the perfect time to ask him about the offer, he just said, “Why not?” I was finally relieved.

He said after eight films and working with almost the same set of actors, maybe he will eventually find new set of actors that he can possibly use in his future films. So that started the story of how direk Brillante became a part of this season’s StarStruck.

The taping was set last Monday. There were two batches. The boys’ call time was at 5 a.m. in a house in Quezon City and the girls at 9 a.m. in a slum area not too far.

A script was given to each talent to read. Prior to the individual shooting, each batch was introduced to him and he gave them directions and pointers.

I am a regular viewer of the program and I thought when they have a guest actor for the acting test, it is pre-announced to them who is their guest actor. But it’s not. 

The boys (Ian Batherson, Piero Vergara, Rocco Nacino, Enzo Pineda and Steven Silva) were taken outside of the location. One by one, they were taken inside the room and when direk Brillante shouted action, the surprise guest star, in this case it was topnotch young actress Glaiza de Castro, would open the door to the actor’s surprise.

The same thing happened with the girls (Sarah Lahbati, Princess Snell, Diva Montelaba, Nina Kodaka and Rox Montealegre).

It was a very physical scene. There were lots of screaming, slapping and hair pulling (for the girls). 

Direk Dante was surprised that they were able to deliver impressive performances. There were others who stood but no major disappointment. He was happy with the results considering they never acted before.

Prior to meeting them, I have heard rumors and controversies about their attitude. On the contrary, all of them were professional and well-mannered. They were courteous, articulate and very polite.

We did not hear any complaint from them even if they got hurt when Glaiza slapped and tortured them. 

After each scene, direk Dante would talk to them and even if they were still crying or hurting, they would tell him that they were very happy and grateful that they had the opportunity of being directed by the Cannes winning director. 

I can certainly say that this is the best batch of StarStruck in its five-year history.