WISH FULFILLMENT
Turning every actor’s fantasy into reality
Hollywood, home of the stars, a place synonymous with glitz and glamour, fortune and fame. Even for most actors, Hollywood exists only as a dream state, a fantasy world that, no matter how near it may seem, is always a little too far beyond their reach.
For Filipino actors, to be able to step into a Hollywood studio and actually be a part of a movie or television show is like the be-all and end-all of a fruitful showbiz career. Never mind that, as time and time again has proven, most who seek their fortunes in that glitzy world end up flat on their backs. How to penetrate the American film industry remains a question with yet no forseeable answer for many local actors.
Now, however, a local reality show called Hollywood Dream, produced by an independent part-Filipino movie producer, Romeo Joven, with ABC-5 and Next Generation Productions, is hoping to make that impossible fantasy into a reality.
Hollywood Dream was first conceived by Romeo when he visited the Philippines in search of local thespians to audition for a movie entitled Wrinkles, produced by his own outfit, As We See It Productions. “A lot of local actors auditioned,” Romeo says. “And I was surprised at the wealth of talent present during the proceedings. Clearly, they are very good.”
And so he thought to himself, why not give these local actors a real break in Hollywood? What with the abundance of talent available, it was only fair that the world see the true capability of the Filipino. Initially, it was suggested that he bring around 20 actors to the US to meet casting directors, directors and producers. But when the daunting task of housing, feeding, and taking care of so many people put a dent in that plan, Romeo came up with another idea.
He thought of focusing on bringing just one person to Hollywood—one actor who would be the product of rigorous challenges and intensive training. And, of course, what better way to find that special person than on a reality TV show. “I’d really like to help as many Pinoy actors as possible, and perhaps this show is just a start,” he explains.
Throughout the grueling first-audition stage, the call-back, and the selection of the final 15, each of the hundreds of hopefuls who auditioned, both movie, TV, and stage veterans and newbies, experienced nerve-wracking situations. In the initial episode, many were cut in the very real, very unforgiving way that gave those who turned out mediocre performances a real taste of the competitiveness and seriousness of showbusiness.
However, after the battering set of auditions, when only 15 remained, it was indeed the cream of the crop, with the likes of Jamie Wilson, Julia Clarete, Raymond Bagatsing, Pinky Amador, Minco Fabregas, Monica Llamas, Baron Geisler, Roxie Barcelo, John Arcilla, Andrea del Rosario, Rafael Rosell, Hillary Isaac, Miguel Vasquez, Mickie Hyatt and Juddha Paolo, trudging on.
One candidate will be booted out every week in the next 15 weeks. Under the format, each will face more difficult challenges that come in three phases. They will be judged on general talent (looks and musicality), versatility (different acting genres: drama, action, comedy, horror, and romance, even TV ads), and, finally, through auditions under casting directors in the US, who will take turns with the final two remaining contenders. (During the last two weeks, Miguel and Minco were cut, while Andrea pulled out for still unknown reasons.)
The resident judges are directors Boots Plata and Armida Siguion-Reyna, with a guest judge joining each week. Lined up for future episodes are director Joel Lamangan and actress Gina Alajar, stage veteran Audie Gemora, movie/stage/TV actor Jaime Fabregas, and singer/comedian Mitch Valdes, among others.
In the end, only one will be granted that ticket to Hollywood—an enviable package that includes significant roles in two Hollywood films, one of which is Romeo’s Wrinkles, and the other, a film entitled UN Murders. Also included are appearances in a CBS-produced TV drama, and, more important, the Screen Actors Guild card, which every actor, whether US or foreign, needs in order to work in Hollywood. There also will be one-on-one meetings with casting producers, directors, and movie producers.
Romeo hopes that Hollywood Dream would move aspiring actors to take their craft more seriously. “With the show, I hope to inspire other actors to perfect their craft, to keep them focused on what they’re doing, to keep them improving, and more important, to not lose that fantasy, that dream of finally making it to Hollywood as an actor.”
Ramon Vicente “Arvie” de Vera, program manager for ABC-5, expresses elation that the station was chosen by Romeo as the platform for the future Pinoy Hollywood star. “It really gladdens us that we can help such a show. This is the kind of show that would benchmark us against local TV stations and the rest of the world in terms of quality programming.”
Arvie adds that the show is proof positive that ABC-5 is, indeed, the home of TV shows that are truly “naiiba,” reflecting the station’s mantra “iba tayo.” “The show matches our vision of bringing world-class programs to local audiences. That is the kind of impact we want to create, and with Hollywood Dream, where we can help realize a Pinoy actor’s fantasy about Hollywood, we have proven that.”
Hollywood Dream, Sundays, 9 pm on ABC-5. The final episode, announcement of the winner and reunion of the finalists, will be aired live.
[source: Manila Bulletin article by Rory Visco]