Victor: Longevity does matter

It’s payback time for Victor Neri. A bumper crop of awards, a slew of box-office hits and critically-acclaimed films after, he’s not about to hide his light under a bushel. He’s ready to let it shine far and wide for others to see.

Victor plans to share what he knows to young actors (among them former Pinoy Big Brother housemate Jamila Obispo) when he directs the romantic film Your Song.

"This time, I will act as mentor to young blood. If I can develop young actors’ talents, that for me, will be a big achievement," says Victor.

After all, he can always rest easy and attend to the family business (a Hong Kong-based brokerage firm where he takes charge of the communication department) if he wants to.

Fifteen years in showbiz has allowed him to create a niche of his own.

But Victor still chooses to face the cameras simply because "I want to be an actor for as long as I can."

To do that, Victor would rather play the bad guy in a movie or TV series (the way he did Panday) than the lead character.

"Screen villains last longer in the business. If you notice, every actor wants to be a screen villain. The role allows for more freedom, more creativity," he points out.

Playing meanie also gives you a better chance of remaining top of the mind among moviegoers for a longer time.

Popularity is good, yes. But longevity, for Victor is much better. It’s the benchmark of success in the business.

And so, his face lights up and his eyes sparkle when talking about his role in Regal Entertainment’s upcoming fantasy film, Super Noypi.

As the wicked Diego, Victor kidnaps the parents of six childhood friends who discover that they have super powers. Their parents – known as the Super Noypi – are responsible for keeping peace in the land and saving lives. Thus, life without them is chaos with a capital C.

Victor is working with a young team, starting with director Quark Henares. Each of the young characters Victor (as Diego) is up against has super powers on which the salvation of a futuristic Philippines hangs.

Mark Herras (who welcomes this chance to prove himself as a solo actor) has telekinesis. Jennylyn Mercado can travel through time. John Prats has supernatural powers. Polo Ravales is a magician. Rian Ramos (Richard Gutierrez’s leading lady in Captain Barbell) combines the forces of fire and ice. Even cute and chubby Aaron Junatas won’t be left behind. The boy has the power of elasticity.

One look at the cast and you know direk Quark might have a hard time finding a common shooting schedule for them. These stars are on TV, and their shows keep them tied up day in and day out.

No wonder Regal has decided to start working on Super Noypi even if it’s still slated for a December release.

Because it targets a largely young crowd in the Metro Filmfest, Super Noypi has special effects galore. Jeepneys and trikes hover over flyovers and buildings in the Manila filmmakers foresee many years from now.

"Sixty percent of the film is special effects. The rest consists of stunts," says direk Quark.

And since the characters are young people, the story will also touch on issues today’s teenagers grapple with. Sibling rivalry, falling in love and parental problems are foremost among them.

Regal has commissioned Geebo Digital for the special effects and hired people from Hollywood for the special makeup and prosthetics.

Mother Lily is not saying how much she has earmarked for the ambitious project. But one look at the trailer and you know it’s not a measly sum at all.

The effort is everywhere, and so, too, Regal hopes, will be the effects on the box-office come festival time.