It’s Part of the Job: An “Ekstra” Film Review

A film with an extra as the lead role? You got it. The 9th Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival’s Best Screenplay, Jeffrey Jeturian’s Ekstra, is about Loida Malabanan’s life as an extra in a television show, hoping to get her big break as an actress, as well as to earn enough money to fund her daughter’s tuition. Based on real-life events, this drama-comedy film shows the harsh reality of being in a television production, no matter what position you have: an extra, director, production staff, and the like, using a comedic take to show it.

From left to right: The assistant director (Vincent de Jesus) watching Venus (Tart Carlos) and Loida’s acting chops to get picked as a maid in the show.

Loida’s life throughout the film is very relatable, especially to those who are trying to find their way in the film industry. When asked who they can relate to besides Loida, Graphic Head Joshua Asi answered that he could relate to Marian Rivera because at times, “nakakalimutan ko rin ang linya ng aking sinasabi” when it comes to spilling lines during a scene. Finance Manager Dean Pineda and Media Head Sam De Asis said that they could mostly related to Olga, a newbie in the extras. Dean said that “she’s doing everything in order to excel in her field by taking up acting classes even if it’s expensive. That’s why I see myself in Olga.” Sam added, “because just like her, almost everyone in the film industry would really work a lot for the passion that we have in us.” As for Assistant Secretary Chris Holgado, he states that “I can find a part of myself on the director who takes up on his job without question, even if it burns himself out being a glue that tries to stick everything together because the minute I find something that I know gives me purpose, I’ll pour myself into it, even if it drains me.” Business Manager Zel Salcedo talks about how she could relate to Josie, the talent manager, because of how she really cares about her talents. “Kahit kailangan niya iplease yung mga director by being on time and assigning the perfect people for the role, she puts herself on to her people’s shoes kahit minsan siya na rin na papagalitan.” She added that one of the things she likes the most about Josie is how she takes the blame of the problems instead of putting the blame on her extras. “‘Pag may problema, andiyan na ‘yan. ‘Di kailangan dramahan ‘yan para mawala, inaayos ‘yan.”

Loida and Ms. Amanda (Pilar Pilapil) shooting a scene for the tv show.

 

For most people, they would think that shooting a show or a film is just simple as showing up, taking the video, editing the show, and premiering it on TV. When, there’s a lot of work behind a show. So, did the film portray what happens in a production? Sam answers, “it portrays how things really go inside a set or a shoot and stressful things could be”. She added that despite the problems, a production team would still push through no matter what happens. Joshua agrees that the film is portrayed realistically. “Hindi maiiwasan ang ano mang uri ng problema at dahil may hinahabol na deadline ay kakailangan talaga magawan at baguhin ang mga nakatalagang plano. Kung sa maliit na set ay may problema na, paano pa kaya sa malalaki?” Chris stated that the film was portrayed perfectly, “from the minor roles up to the major ones, everyone that makes up the set, takes an equal amount of tension on themselves. That means everyone is a victim of the work that they shoved themselves into.” Dean explains that the production in the film is accurate, especially in our country. “They handle their “extras” like livestock. They get paid little money and get treated poorly. The film in the movie looks like a highly budgeted film, even getting a sponsorship from a well-known brand (GSM Blue). But with all that, they still fail to treat their crew right, like how the “extras” was made to ride a packed low budget car.” And lastly, Zel stated that it was accurate by how it portrayed the handling of the budget for the production, deadlines, casting, production design, and even catering. “It was all real when creating a film kahit school stuff lang ang production ko. I experienced all the hassle at hirap sa paghahandle ng lahat na yan, behind the prod palang yan!  Mahirap.” Furthermore, she said that the portrayal of the production is accurate, however, she hopes that how they treat people in the film isn’t the case. “May posibilidad na ‘yon ang realidad pero may konting pag-asa ako baka ‘di naman ganon kalala. Lahat naman tayo naghihirap at ‘di mawawala ang mga taong mas naghihirap sa’yo. I just think it’s unfair for being treated poorly from people who are selfish for their own entitlement.”

Overall, being in the film industry is something that almost everyone desires to be in. But with a film like this, showing the struggles of every character in the film, it just goes to show that this industry is not all glitz and glamor. That’s what makes this film worth it to watch.

 

Stay tuned for more film reviews every Wednesday and follow the social media sites of 24 Frames on Facebook and Instagram to keep updated with their latest news and events.

 

 

24 Frames: A Fresh Year, A Fresh Start

 

“Have a fresh start, ignite your passion for film, and have the power to empower.”

24 Frames is making a fresh start with a new theme and new recruits this term. For this term, the officers have decided on being “fresh” as the core theme of its events and ethics moving forward. If you’re wondering what fresh means to us, Graphic Head Joshua Asi says that it’s about “a new start or there is something new”. Visual Head Zia Nape added that it’s about “coming back from our previous phase with a progressive mind”. Creative Head Denmark Mallillin said that being fresh is about “breaking all barriers of tomorrow to lead and to create a better student body, also taking this chance to breathe new colors, experiences, and opportunities this semester.”

Evolving in the organization is an important thing. When asked how do you evolve in the organization by being fresh, Media Head Sam de Asis said to evolve with the org by “sharing my fresh ideas, creative thoughts, and being open to learn new things”. Publishing Head Ella Mariano added that “stepping out of my comfort zone and exploring new things will help me evolve as an officer and a filmmaker”. For Production Head Gel Pande, “we evolve differently, but the idea of holding on to the positive effect of being new helps us inspire ourselves to develop more further each and every day.”

With the new term of officers in line, External Head Martin Pastor says that he expects great things from the new batch of officers.  “I really do believe that we have successfully put together people who share the same passion and love for filmmaking and will do whatever it takes to spread the beauty of films”. Internal Head Lloyd Canilang says that “I’m expecting fun activities in the organization to help the new and old members”. In addition, he wants everyone to be more hands-on on the activities to come. Marketing Head Marvin del Barrio shares the same thought on having more activities to engage with the members. “I would always love to interact with the members so I’m just excited for what our org, 24 Frames, can really bring to the table this year”, he added.

A fresh start comes with exciting activities and opportunities to learn more about filmmaking. Assistant Secretary Chris Holgado says, “being involved in the 24 Frames organization is a great opportunity for individuals to learn, discuss, and get their hands on filmmaking along with their fellow CIIT students because the first step into the growth zone is learning with others.” For Business Manager Zel Salcedo, “being a member of 24 Frames is a vital factor to gather various talents and by being involved in the organization, they are able to enhance and discover their unique talents to evolve as a team, as a production, and as a family.” Moreover, Finance Manager Dean Pineda says that “members should be involved in 24 Frames for them to grow in their field because we help members to evolve as filmmakers.”

As our family grows year by year, the future shines bright for 24 Frames. Vice President Angela Apostol says that “I can still see 24 Frames opening doors to new opportunities and building new relationships for aspiring filmmakers”. Secretary Melissa Garcia adds, “I see the future of 24 Frames with talented students who will continue to do their passion and reach their goal for film no matter what it takes.” And lastly, President Josh Roque says that “the future of 24 Frames is bright and clear with the fresh message we want to deliver: the time to start is now to be a filmmaker capable of change to empower lives of the people. I believe that the student leaders in this term will not only excel as overseers but as directors individually, and that they are just the beginning of a new generation coming together for the pursuit of Philippine cinema.”

Follow the social media sites of 24 Frames on Facebook and Instagram to keep updated with their latest news and events, such as its upcoming General Assembly.