Mark Meily, Movies, TVCs

(Interviewed Mr. Meily last week. Found out that he’s an old friend’s brother. Anyway, this is a slightly longer version of the article published June 7. Also, would like to clarify that one sentence--“Crying Ladies,” which starred Sharon Cuneta, received acclaim locally and in film festivals abroad. --somehow ended up as: “Crying Ladies,” which starred Sharon Cuneta, and which received acclaim locally and in film festivals abroad. Um… anyway, here’s the article.)

Mark Meily: Movies easier to make than TV commercials

By Oliver M. Pulumbarit

Contributor

Mark Meily started directing TV commercials in 1991, and still enjoys the job 18 years later. He says he loves the creativity involved in making ads, although he does get the itch to express himself in another medium occasionally.

In 2003, he started directing movies. “Crying Ladies,” which starred Sharon Cuneta, received acclaim locally and in film festivals abroad. More recently, Meily won Best Director in the 25^th Star Awards for his historical drama “Baler.” The 41-year-old currently has four film scripts in development, and continues to freelance as a TV commercial director.

Describe your rapport with actors during ad shoots.

It’s always easier to work with actors, mainly because they’re experienced. They’re very flexible. Mas madali nilang naiintindihan. Meron ding magagaling na non-actors, but my experience with actors is different.

Would Greenwich’s “Cheesy” TV commercial fall in this category?

You have two experienced actors, John Lloyd Cruz and Bea Alonzo, who have worked together for a long time. May chemistry na sila. Wala silang diva attitudes. During breaks, nakikipaglokohan pa rin. It was very low-pressure; we weren’t stressed when we were shooting.

How has directing TV ads helped you as a filmmaker?

TV commercials are harder because you have stricter standards to follow. I’m not saying mas mababa ang standards ng feature film. You play within certain parameters. The advantage in doing feature films is that it’s your own creation. You can apply all your artistic principles. TV ads are always a collective effort. Doing TV commercials is the best film school in the world. It’s always great to start your career in directing as a TV commercial director, because you get the best equipment, you work with the most creative people, and of course, you have the best food!

What can you say about actors you’ve worked with?

Jericho Roles, Sharon Cuneta, John Lloyd and Bea are intelligent actors… You’ll know an actor is intelligent when you mention a film or a scene and they know what you’re talking about. Like, “It’s Angelina Jolie in ‘A Mighty Heart,’ when her husband died.” Si Anne Curtis, nagulat ako, kuha niya. Si Sharon Cuneta, I tell her, “Gong Li in the film ‘Ju Dou.’” Sagot ni Sharon, “Alam ko na ‘yan, Direk.”

How have indie films changed the local film scene?

Back in the advent of independent films, independent filmmakers started getting actors that are known but not necessarily famous because they could not afford big name stars. Eventually, they became famous. In effect, mainstream actors and actresses see roles that they want to do. So unti-unti, si Judy Ann Santos, Piolo Pascual started doing independent films. It’s a badge of success, “I’m not just a star; I’m an actor.”

Content-wise, how are movies changing?

The audience has become intelligent. The problem sometimes with mainstream cinema is, nauuna ‘yung artista. “We have to make a film for so-and-so. Love story, set in an advertising agency.” Doon nangyayari ang scriptwriting. Sa independent films, the screenplay comes first, and then they look for actors.

Describe your dream project.

My dream project is a historical film about the voyage of Magellan, from the point of view of a slave who came from Southeast Asia, probably the Philippines. When Magellan arrived in the Philippines, this slave was able to communicate with the locals. Also, there were seven mutiny attempts in Magellan’s voyage; many Spanish sailors didn’t join the Battle of Mactan because they knew it’s a suicide mission.