December 27 ------ In her decades-long career, which began when she was a child star, Judy Ann Santos has worn multiple hats — actress, host and now, film producer. However, stepping into the roles of both lead star and co-producer in the horror/family drama “Espantaho” — her first Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry in this dual capacity — came with its fair share of challenges and lessons. Under the direction of master horror storyteller Chito S. Roño from the screenplay of Chris Martinez, “Espantaho” is veteran producer Quantum Films’ 20th-anniversary offering. Judy Ann’s Purple Bunny Productions with husband Ryan Agoncillo served as co-producer.
“Sa pagpo-produce, nag-o-observe lang talaga yung entire team,” Judy Ann told The STAR during a recent press interview. “Wala naman kaming alam technically, especially sa movies. We just really wanted to try it out and see what is out there when it comes to producing. (I would always ask myself) kaya ko ba (can I do it)? Parang hindi ko masyado kaya (laughs).”
Prior to “Espantaho,” her first and last experience at producing happened to be accidental. This was in 2008 for her film “Ploning,” also the Philippines’ Oscars submission that year. “We had a good run. I really had a great experience. Yun nga lang ‘di pa ako ready maging producer kasi wala na akong ibang alam kundi maglabas ng pera (laughs). Hindi nga ako nagtanong, ‘May mababalik pa ba?’ Kasi naka-focus ako mabalik yung pera nung ibang investors.” While she enjoyed the experience with “Espantaho” this time, Judy Ann’s nature sometimes made it difficult to make tough decisions. “Masyadong makatao yung puso ko… For example, bumabagyo — automatic para sa akin, sige, huwag na lang tayo mag-shoot ngayon kasi kawawa naman yung mga tao.”
Prioritizing safety and the well-being of the crew over deadlines and expenses, she acknowledged, might not really align with the expected mindset and job of a producer. “Hindi ko pa naiisip yung part na ‘yun — yung producers’ brain na (dapat iniisip mo) yung deadline, nabayaran mong tao, yung location… Umo-automatic ako talaga ng kikitain naman din natin yan and at some point, mas importante yung safety ng mga tao.” For “Espantaho,” she recalled they had to pack up the shoot at times with their schedule disrupted by successive typhoons that hit the country this year. “Kung napanood niyo yung ‘Espantaho,’ nakita niyo ang mga eksena na may ulan, basa, hindi naman dapat kasama talaga (laughs). Pinanindigan na rin namin kasi hindi kami aabot. Umabot na kami sa punto na gusto namin ipa-CG (computer graphics) ang basang kalsada. So hindi nga ako pwede maging producer kasi nga, ‘Sige i-CG natin.’ ‘Juday, mahal ang CG.’ ‘O sige, ‘wag natin i-CG (laughs).’”
Despite the challenges, Judy Ann seized the opportunity to learn on the job. One of the things she took pride in was helping create a “happy set.” Following direk Chito’s directive, she said the “Espantaho” set adhered to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regulations on work hours — from call times to break times. Aside from that, she also made sure her crew is well-fed and comfortable. “Gusto ko kasing busog sila, nakakain sila… For me, if the people are not happy working in our set, it’s not worth it. I want a happy set. For me, you can’t buy happiness on set,” Judy Ann explained. “Pagod kasi sila lahat and ang tindi ng mga sets namin. Ang pinaka-bawi nalang sa kanila is yung makakain sila ‘pag nakaupo sila. Or for example, ‘pag nag-tse-change ng setup, may ibang nakakasubo sa kanila para walang magreklamo.”
Finding the right partners
When asked about any producing plans after “Espantaho,” she shared that it’s hard to say for sure, but for now, she plans to focus on studying the process more. If she decides to be a producer again, acting might have to take the backseat. “Mahirap magsalita ng patapos… pero sa ngayon aaralin ko muna ng matindi. Kung mag-focus sa pagiging producer, siguro may isang mag-ste-step back. Kung magiging artista ako, artista ako. Maybe I can produce a project wherein I’m not the actor,” she said. “Kung ako man, maybe by then dapat alam na alam ko na yung capacity ko bilang artista.”
Source: philstar.com
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