‘Dead Kids’ are alive in a new film that is loosely based on a real-life incident that involves high school students who plot a kidnap-for-ransom scheme targeting a wealthy narco-politician’s son.
Mark Lopez Sta. Maria is a scholar enrolled at the Academy of St. Escriva, a private high school. Living alone while barely supported by a stipend, he earns extra by renting out his apartment to a schoolmate for sexual trysts, as well as by doing homework for his foul-mouthed, vape-smoking sex-addict and misogynist classmate, Paolo Gabriel.
Sta. Maria is eventually absorbed into the inner circle of Paolo, where he meets Uy (a closet homosexual), Yssa (Paolo’s girlfriend), and Blanco (son of corrupt police chief).
He was then coaxed into joining a kidnapping scheme when his apartment is used as a safe house to store an abductee.
That’s basically the premise of Dead Kids, an upcoming full-length feature produced by Globe Studios and helmed by millennial filmmaker Mikhail Red. But there’s more to the familiar story than what we already saw in the trailer. There are interesting characters, school misfits, that everyone can easily relate to.
“Every project is an opportunity to learn so it’s a super fun experience and the Filipino audience will enjoy this because we are changing the barkada film. It’s not your typical teenage movie,” Red told Manila Standard during the film’s last taping day in an exclusive school in Quezon City.
“We wanted to do something that was not seen yet — a heist, youth kidnap thriller set in high school. And because it’s a Filipino movie, hindi maiiwasan yung subtext na political climate dito so it’s a perspective coming from the privileged kids in the age of EJK or crime in the Instagram generation. It’s a black comedy youth thriller which I conceptualized,” the young director carried on adding that his brother Nikolas wrote the screenplay.
According to Red, the film’s core message is simple: “Life is bigger than high school in a very general sense. It’s a cautionary tale.”
Meanwhile, during the set visit, members of the press had a chance to talk to the cast about their experience working with young director. Most of them agreed that it was an easy and smooth process as they only had nothing but encouragement and praises from the already multi-awarded director.
“You won’t feel tired at all because he’s easy to work with. Direk Mik doesn’t get mad. Sasabihin niya sayo nang maayos if he has suggestions so you would really understand,” said Kelvin Miranda, who plays Star. Maria.
“Even when we were talking about the script and the characters, he really gave us freedom as actors. Sobrang collaborative and I enjoy working with him and the super talented crew. Si Direk Mik, chill lang soya,” shared Khalil Ramos.
For Sue Ramirez, she said that they feel “appreciated.”
“Although it’s our job as actors to do well during tapings, he would always thank us if we did something good. I think it’s unnecessary but we’re thankful nonetheless.”
“The way he affirms us that we are doing something right gives us encouragement. It feels good as an artist at mas makakabuhay na mag-perform that’s why we’re so thankful to him,” Vance Larena said.
In turn, the 27-year-old director commended the cast for doing a great job, for making his work easier, and for turning their set into a collaborative environment.
“It was fun working with them,” Red stated, “ Doing this film is definitely a new experience for me. I enjoy the challenge of exploring different genres or giving twists to existing themes like teen movies.”
