Tsismis: Latest gossip from the Pinoy world

The road to Hollywood

Filipino director William "Yam" Laranas scored a major breakthrough in his young career when his 2004 film Sigaw (Shout) was remade in Hollywood as The Echo, starring Jesse Bradford (of Swimfan and Bring it On fame). Last year, he directed a horror-suspense movie The Road, which again caught the eye for Hollywood producers. Laranas achieved another milestone when his latest movie premiered in theatres in North America, becoming the first Filipino film to be commercially released in the US and Canada.

So far, the reviews have been positive, with the likes of New York Times critic Jeanette Catsoulis saying the movie is "a powerfully atmospheric blend of ghostly encounters, horrific situations and missing-persons mysteries".

Laranas spoke to tabloid! about his rising profile in the US.

Congratulations on another major accomplishment. How do you feel about this latest milestone in your career as a filmmaker?

I am very happy, of course. And hopeful that more Filipino directors and films will be given the chance to have a broader market abroad. This film has gone a long way, literally. I first began writing the story for The Road in 2005, and production only started middle of 2011.

Now, it's being shown to a huge market in the US and Canada — it's long journey, but well worth the wait.

The Echo almost made it to Hollywood theatres. It was produced with an American crew and cast, but was never shown commercially in the US. What happened?

Honestly, I got a bit depressed about that. It was shown in Europe, Asia and South America, but was never released in theatres in the US. It was basically because of the economic downturn in the US, which was at its lowest in 2008. So, when The Road was finally released, I was relieved and delighted — a dream has finally come true for me.

Reviews have generally been positive — it's fresh, creative, and a deviation from the current crop of horror films. Your reaction?

I'm very pleased that they see the film the way we envisioned it. Horror films need not be gory for it to be frightful; it's more of tapping into real fears of people, the mystery of things which is what "the road" is about — the characters who find themselves on this road don't know whether they've been here before or it's unchartered territory for them. There lies the mystery, the suspense.

You've been typecast as a horror film director. Will we see another horror/thriller flick after The Road?

I'd be happy to do another horror film; it's an exciting and challenging genre. But I think I'll also be exploring other themes.

I'm currently working on a concept that is more rom-com [romantic comedy], but it's still in my head.

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Will Dingdong and Derek unite?

Dingdong Dantes and Derek Ramsay, two of today's hottest male celebrities, could be doing a movie together later this year.

The concept has already been pitched to Viva Films, who is said to be seriously considering the idea, and will most likely start production in the third quarter. Ramsay's manager, Jojie Dingcong, first broached the idea of a drama-action film to Dantes, who is said to be keen on working with Dingcong's ward.

Also being considered to star in the project are Dantes' and Ramsay's real life girlfriends — Marian Rivera and Angelica Panganiban.

Finally, it's show time for Sharon

Sharon Cuneta's much awaited TV show on her new home studio, TV5, will finally be aired.

It will be shown this week in the Philippines, and will be broadcast in the Middle East on OSN.

At a media conference announcing the show's airing date, Cuneta expressed relief that the hard work she and her staff put in will finally be shown.

It's an Oprah-inspired programme, so expect Cuneta to be at her best, with her natural gift of gab. Titled Sharon: Kasama Mo Kapatid, it will air daily and will have an explosive telecast with guests Lolit Solis and Cristy Fermin, two of the most feared entertainment journalists known for their clout in the industry.