How director Alejandre makes his actors feel comfortable shooting sensitive and sexy scenes
Acting isn’t an easy profession. In every scene, actors exhibit appropriate emotions, move according to the story, and memorize dialogues. Just like any craft, it requires dedication to climb the rungs of the industry.
Erotic scenes require a similar level of commitment from the actors. Yet the actors’ performance isn’t enough to make a sequence effective; it also needs the support of the director.
When Vivamax approached award-winning director McArthur C. Alejandre for the eight-part erotic drama series Wag Mong Agawin Ang Akin, he prioritized his actor’s safety and comfort while shooting nude and sensitive scenes.
“Hindi ako nagpapapasok ng ibang tao on set. Kung sino lang yung kailangan, sila lang yung nandoo. May lapel naman yung mga actors. Minsan yung assistant director ko na babae yung naghahawak ng mic,” he said during the official media conference for Wag Mong Agawin Ang Akin.
The critically-acclaimed director, known for his work in Rendezvous and Ang Panday, added that he doesn’t add anyone new to his team when working on erotic projects. He trusts his existing production team to know the rules and boundaries he implemented on set. After all, he values the confidence his actors give him. He even stays alone in the director’s booth to secure the actors’ safety while guiding them through the act.
Angeli Khang, who worked with Alejandre in Silip Sa Apoy, witnessed firsthand how the director treats his cast during complicated love scenes. Despite her success in Mahjong Nights and other Vivamax films, Angeli sometimes can’t believe she can perform well in such sexy scenes.
“Wala akong pinapagawa na hindi nila gusto. Hindi ko sila pinipilit. Bago ang mga scene dine-demonstrate ko din kung paano gawin. Lahat ng movements [ay] choreographed kasi kelangan maging maingat din sa mga anggulo,” Alejandre said.
He added that he doesn’t use sex and nudity just for its surface value or because sex sells. Instead, he uses them to convey messages of oppression, longing, and more to elicit a stronger reaction from the audience.
During the media conference, he admitted that Angeli will always have a special place in his heart because she gave him creative control of her scenes in Silip Sa Apoy so he could efficiently send his message.
“Sabi niya ‘Direk, parang hindi ko kaya.’ Pina-try ko muna sa kaniya tapos pinakita ko. Sabi ni Angeli, ‘Direk, ang ganda. Lahat ng gusto mong ipagawa sa akin, ipagawa mo na para masabi mo kung anong gusto mong masabi,’” Alejandre recalled.
Yet Alejandre isn’t the only one concerned with the safety and comfortability of the cast on set. Leading man Felix Roco also exhibits his chivalrous side to his female co-stars, Angeli and Jamilla Obispo, by ensuring they cover up first after the scenes.
He shared that he covers the girls up first if they haven’t gotten their clothes yet, not paying any mind to his situation.
Felix’s venture into sexy films surprised everyone in his immediate circle. Although he doesn’t talk about it with his family, his friends seem supportive of his endeavors. Eventually, he hopes to make a name for himself in the showbiz industry instead of just being “the son of Bembol Roco.”
Wag Mong Agawin Ang Akin’s first episode of eight will stream exclusively on Vivamax on July 31.
