What makes direk Yam different? - DIRECT LINE by Boy Abunda

Young director Yam Laranas could have been there when God said, "Let there be light." To him, light creates mood and he likes it. Born in Davao City a few weeks before Christmas, there was a conflagration beside the hospital where he was born. Fire was everywhere. You could see it from all the windows of the hospital. Newborn Yam must have had his first outing with light – and fire.

Balahibong Pusa (which opens in theaters everywhere today) is Yam Laranas’ first commercial film. Some say it’s a hot film – exciting, fresh and different. The film’s stars, Joyce Jimenez and Jay Manalo both say that Yam is brilliant. He smiles at the compliment but would rather make the film speak for himself.

In the following conversation, he talks about being a director, his dreams and expectations, sex in cinema, what makes him different from other young directors. He talks about God, the Director of All Time. Read on.

What does a director do? Is he like God who can transform sunrise to sunset?

In a sense he/she is God. The director creates a world in film. Everything will cease to exist when the director shouts "Cut!"

Did you always want to be a director? Why?

No. I wanted to be a cinematographer. I like lighting and how it affects a person’s mood. I like looking at the paintings of Rembrandt, Amorsolo, Vermeer and Hopper.

What makes a good director?

A good director is a good storyteller – one who is very good in translating the "written" to "filmic" form.

Film is a director’s medium. Is this still true?

Yes, it is still true, but a film is a product of the collaboration of many minds: Actors, designers, writers, cinematographers, music sound editors.

Rate yourself as a director.

Let’s ask the audience (smiles).

What are your expectations as a director today? Dreams? Are you hopeful?

Maybe less of the "formulas." I have high hopes in the industry. I just wish they’d give more breaks to new filmmakers like me.

You’ve directed numerous commercials. What is your favorite and why?

All of them are very different from each other. But working with Jean-Claude Van Damme was a very good experience.

Which is more difficult to do – ads or movies? Why?

I don’t find doing both ads and movies difficult. I like doing them. I enjoy it and the funny part is I’m being paid.

How much are directors paid?

Advertising? Very good. Movies? Can be better! Ha ha ha!

Most important break?

As co-cinematographer for Raymond Red’s Bayani

Given the power to choose the (local) actors you can work with, who are they? Why?

Richard Gomez, Christopher de Leon, Julio Diaz and Robin Padilla. Elizabeth Oropesa, Rosanna Roces, Maricel Soriano and Amy Austria. I can go on forever. They are just a few of the best that we have.

Idols? Why?

Akira Kurosawa, Stanley Kubrick, Woody Allen and Sergei Eisenstein. They are the reasons why I want to be a filmmaker.

Any actor you wouldn’t want to work with?

Hmmmm…tricky. Next question your honor.

Theme you’d never tackle.

Melodrama.

Sex in the movies, your thoughts.

There is nothing wrong with sex in film if it’s in context – depending on how it’s presented.

Censorship?

I hope that they will look at movies with a more open mind.

What is a good film?

One that plays with the emotions of the audience – one that shocks or even disturbs you as a viewer.

Why should I watch Balahibong Pusa?

Because it has some new things to offer in terms of its visual and content.

What do you think of Joyce/Jay as actors?

What can I say? It’s a privilege to work with them.

What’s next, Yam?

I am writing a new screenplay for another film.

Favorite movie. Why?

Wow! There’s more than one. But Annie Hall (Woody Allen) and Rasho-mon (Kurosawa) really stand out. They are both cinematic achievements. Masterpieces!

Describe your style of work.

I work very fast and I am cool in the set.

What makes you different from the rest?

In my movie, I am the writer, cinematographer and the director. It is a very independent way of filmmaking. Three in one, not instant ha! Just different.

If you were not directing, what do you think would you be doing?

Nothing. Probably play dead.

Do you believe in God? Why?

I believe in the Creator. He is still the record holder of numerous awards as the best director. Let’s be ready when he shouts, "Cut!"