Director Roman Perez Jr. on ‘protection,’ ‘safe space’ for Vivamax actors
In the midst of sexual abuse and harassment issues currently hounding the entertainment industry, director Roman Perez Jr. said that he ensures the "protection" and "safe space" of Vivamax actors, especially those under his wing.
The STAR initially asked, during the presscon of direk Roman’s film “Paluwagan,” one of its actors Victor Relosa about the qualities of what makes a “Vivamax King,” a title that was associated with Vivamax sexy actor Benz Sangalang.
Victor answered that one should take the responsibility of uplifting others and protecting your co-actors on set.
“Don’t let newbie actors feel that they are new on set or they are not on your level. Apparently, there are people who are like that,” he added. “Like he would tell the newbie actor, ‘Sorry, you’re not on my level or mag-practice ka pa muna or you should do more films.’”
He went on to recall an incident where he witnessed an awkward situation while taping. “There was this actor. It was his first time to do a love scene. He didn’t know how to put on a plaster. So, ako naggupit ng plaster niya.” He told the actor to go to the comfort room and gave him instructions on how to wear the plaster.
“I was on my phone and fixing my stuff. I was surprised when someone rushed to the CR. Sinilip ko. I was surprised to see someone on his knees, holding his (private part) while fixing the plaster. So, I called the prod. ‘Was this right?’ I called it out because for me it was wrong,” he said.
“Although he said that the actor didn’t complain about it. I asked, ‘Did the actor give (the) permission?’ Of course, the actor didn’t know his rights. So, I’m thinking it is important to protect other people on set.”
Direk Roman then chimed in, “There are a lot of issues going on in the industry recently — whether you’re a male or female actor. Kaya napupunta dun yung kwento na, na-po-protektahan ba mga artists? Yes, especially on my set.”
The filmmaker added he would usually do one-takes with his actors because they would conduct an intimacy workshop before filming. “No need for an intimacy coordinator, as what people are saying, because before we start filming, conscious kami sa ginagawa namin and we take care of our actors. I don’t know about others. Pero hindi ko alam yun and ayoko ng puntahan yun.”
“What we are trying to point out here is, it’s our responsibility na walang na-agrabyado, walang namamaltrato or walang na-a-abuse when making erotic films. Before they entered this kind of industry, they already signed a contract. There are restrictions, ano ang pwede at hindi pwede. That’s why it never happened on our set,” he shared.
“A lot of versions from different actors, directors, etc., etc. have surfaced,” he observed, claiming that they really took care of both their male and female actors.
Direk Roman likewise emphasized the importance of a dialogue to establish “safe space” among the actors, directors and producers, especially helming sexy film genres.
“There should be a dialogue among directors, producers, even actors before making the film,” he asserted. “With the things that (are) happening around, dumadaan lang ng dumadaan. Like what I said earlier, we already have plenty of Vivamax films. But lahat ba ‘to napag-uusapan? Of course, not all. So, we should take care of this genre if we want to stay long in the industry. This is our culture. We already have this kind of film even before.”
He reiterated that one should look after the actors, directors and such a line of industry. “Kahit hindi naman ganito, kahit hindi naman erotica, hindi nga nanggaling sa amin ang mga abusers, eh. They came from drama, comedy, music, so it means we’re safe.
“We’re safe because pinag-uusapan namin, eh and it’s not a taboo. The other space is a different discussion. We are planning to mount an eroticon, where we will do film talks, history and literature to talk about these things.”
Direk Roman’s “Paluwagan” streams exclusively on Vivamax starting Sept. 17. It is about “accepting an unusual offer that is not about earning wealth or material things but rather an unforgettable sexual experience.” It stars Victor, Micaella Raz, Sheina Yu, and Chad Solano.
Direk Roman is also the creative director of another Vivamax film “Throuple,” available on the platform starting today (September 6).
The girls love flick is directed by Aya Topacio (associate director of “Pulang Araw,” second unit director of GMA Network’s “Royal Blood,” “Hearts on Ice,” “Mga Lihim ni Urduja,” among others).
The cast members of “Throuple” include Sahara Bernales, Audrey Avila, and Aerol Carmelo.
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