GMAAC turns down daring role for Kristoffer Martin

It was a successful Nominees Night that the SPEEd (Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors) had last Sunday, June 3, at the 38 Valencia Place in San Juan City.

Hosted by Rhian Ramos, the event was attended  by some of the nominated stars and producers like Mary Joy Apostol (Best Actress nominee for “Birdshot”), Arnold Reyes (Best Supporting Actor nominee for “Birdshot”), Aga Muhlach (Best Actor contender for “Seven Sundays”), Edgar Allan Guzman (Best Actor nominee for “Deadma Walking”), Sid Lucero (Best Supporting Actor contender for “Smaller and Smaller Circles”), Dido dela Paz (Best Supporting Actor nominee for “Respeto”), Mikhael Red (Best Director nominee for “Birdshot”), producer Rex Tiri of “Deadma Walking” (Best Picture nominee), screenwriter Eric Cabahug (Best Screenplay and Best Original Song nominee for “Deadma Walking”) and Vanessa de Leon (Best Editing nominee for “Deadma Walking”).

We had a chat with Ms. Vanessa de Leon and she said the whole “Deadma Walking” team is happy and proud with the nominations and awards that their film has received.

“That is why are in full support of the Eddys. We are truly proud of the seven nominations that we got. And we are likewise thankful to the audience who loved our film. Up to now, it gladdens our hearts whenever we hear or read comments about ‘Deadma Walking,’” said Vanessa who had been involved in the making of the movie since day one: from script conceptualization, joining the Palanca Awards, getting a producer and finally, producing the film.

“It was like our baby,” said Vanessa. “Kaya the film is very special to us.”

The Eddys gave “Deadma Walking” a total of seven nominations including Best Picture, Best Director (for Julius Alfonso), Best Screenplay and Best Song for Eric Cabahug and Best Actor for Edgar Allan.

The awards night of the 2nd Eddys will be held at The Theatre at Solaire on July 9. It will be in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines headed by Ms. Liza Dino, and Globe, represented by Senior Vice President Yoly Crisanto. Paolo Valenciano will be directing the show.

A glittering after-party, The Eddys Mega Party to be hosted by OneMega Group, will happen after the awards night.

The 2nd Eddys is presented by telecom giant Globe and produced by the fastest growing FM station, Wish 107.5.

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We are sad for Kristoffer Martin as he is no longer part of the movie “School Service,” the Cinemalaya entry of filmmaker Louie Ignacio set to be shown in August.

GMA Artist Center (GMAAC), who manages Kristoffer’s career, did not give him the go signal to do the project. GMAAC turned down the project since Kristoffer’s role needs to engage in delicate scenes (fellatio and kissing scenes with the same sex) as he plays the lover of Joel Lamangan, who plays the gay syndicate head in the film.

It would have been an interesting role that would showcase Kristofffer’s untapped acting talent that is wasted in inane roles in teleseryes that offer no challenge. Unfortunately, GMAAC doesn’t see it that way.

Direk Louie said he has moved on and chose not to feel bad not having able to get Kristoffer for the pivotal role. “It would have been a great acting piece but move on na tayo. I have found my star in Kevin Sagra and I believe he can do wonders for the role. He is game with the delicate scenes and is ready to be challenged,” said Direk Louie.

Playing the lead actress in “School Service” is Ai Ai delas Alas as the female head of a syndicate who uses children for their illegal activities.

“You will see a different Ai Ai in the film, a far cry from the role she played in ‘Area’ where she won two international acting awards. She is deglamorized in this film and she’s playing a very bad character. Bulag ang isang mata niya but she is so menacing in her role, you’d hate her until the end,” Direk Louie said of Ai Ai’s role.

Direk Louie feels Ai Ai has a chance to win an award for her performance in “School Service” if and when the movie is sent to compete in a festival abroad.

Direk Louie is producing the movie under his Ignacio Films, with BG Productions International of Ms. Baby F. Go as his co-producer.