On November 18, actor-director Christian Paolo Lat recounted how Viva gave him the creative freedom to work on his movie with Vivamax.
At the media conference for ‘Sugar Baby,’ which LionhearTV covered, Lat cited how his experience as a writer-director in the US differs from the creative freedom Viva gave him as a filmmaker.
“Kanina nga I was in a news article interview and na-mention ko po na I’m really thankful sa Viva. Kasi, I [actually] worked in the US as a writer-director for a network, and ang na-appreciate ko sa Viva is there–they gave me the creative freedom to [really] use your own voice.”
He also appreciated getting the talented cast for ‘Sugar Baby.’
“So I– na-appreciate ko ‘yun when it comes to this cast–as you said, these two (Azi and Robb) are such talent– and, of course, Direk Jeffrey [and all], and everyone can act on set. So, I’m really grateful that I have such a great ensemble. Like I said, I’m an actor myself, so that’s our dream–to have [amazing] actors in your team.”
He talked about his background as an actor-director from the International Academy of Film and Television in Cebu.
“Nag-move po ako dito back in — I believe 2013. And if you guys are familiar with po doon sa film school in Cebu, International Academy of Film and Television in Cebu, I really took up acting when I first moved here. And then, eventually, transitioned into directing.Â
“So ‘yung journey ko po, mostly started in Cebu as an actor-director. And doon ko rin po nakilala si Miss Chiqui from Viva Records and then she introduced me to– sila Miss Dins, and then I pitched the concept of Sugar Baby. It’s been a concept since two years ago. Kasi I think around pandemic pa lang din. Dine-develop ko na ‘yung concept ng ‘Sugar Baby,’ and [now] it has come to life.”
‘Sugar Baby’ stars Azi Acosta and Robb Guinto with Jeffrey Hidalgo, Josef Elizalde, Mon Mendoza, Zsara Laxamana, Archi Adamos, Sahil Khan, and Shiena Yun.
Under the direction of Christian Paolo Lat, ‘Sugar Baby’ premiered on November 24 under Vivamax.
