It’s not often that an action-drama film about policemen and firemen gets the green light from both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
The emotionally-charged feature film, “Beyond the Call of Duty,” pays tribute to the extraordinary courage to the men and women in uniform.
With Jose “JR” Olinares at the helm, the film is rooted in real-life stories and inspired by true events.
“This (film) has been one year and two months in the making to date,” said Direk JR, who is so thankful to his actors for not accepting other projects and kept their schedules open to finish the film.
The actors had tapings for other projects, but the cast loves the storyline and they want to play policemen and firemen in the film.
Lead cast are Martin Escudero, Devon Seron, Maxine Trinidad, Paolo Gumabao, and Martin del Rosario, with Christian Singson, Jeffrey Santos, Mark Neumann, Alex Medina, Simon Ibarra, Teejay Marquez and Migs Almendras.
Supporting cast are Ramon Christopher Gutierrez, Valerie Concepcion, Lovely Rivero, Bella Thompson, Dindo Arroyo, Lance Lucido, Cyrus Imperial and Rob Sy.
Direk JR thanks the government agencies for assisting him in the story of “Beyond the Call of Duty,” with the screenplay written by Eldrin Veloso.
The “very ambitious” film is proudly bankrolled by PinoyFlix Entertainment and LCS Film Production. Executive producers are former Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, with his daughters – Stephanie Singson and Rep. Richelle Singson.
Stephanie said “Beyond the Call of Duty” is an important project for her dad, who was the chief of police in Vigan back in the seventies.
“That was his first time to really do public service that’s why this film is close to his heart,” Stephanie said. “Direk JR came to the house and presented the script and the story. It was easy for my dad to decide.”
The timeline for “Beyond the Call of Duty” is May 28. “We will be showing in all regions of PNP,” said Direk JR.
“We have been approaching agencies concerning public safety, like the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government), from whom we requested assistance to ask help from Philippine National Police (PNP)
The PNP and BFP even allowed their uniforms to be worn by the actors in the film. To the actors, it was such a big honor to don those uniforms for their roles.
“Bilang artista, what you wear for your role, it helps to characterize your role,” said Martin del Rosario. “Wearing this uniform gives me a sense of honor to portray my part.”
Direk JR insisted the actors need to have a clean image for their respective role. “Kailangan clean ang physical image as a police officer. Bawal ang may bigote. Bawal ang hindi malinis ang gupit.
“Like Martin del Rosario, who needs to follow continuity in his teleserye, he also strictly observes the things needed for his role here in ‘Beyond the Call of Duty.’ He cannot wear a moustache, nor wear his hair long.
“Maxine Trinidad even agreed to shave her hair and I was happy for that commitment.
“Even Paolo waited for our shoot. He sacrificed not getting other projects while we were waiting to finish this. He really devoted his time for ‘Beyond the Call of Duty.
“Devon auditioned for her role and she was happy when she was taken in. I am happy that she is included in the cast of this film.”
“Teejay Marquez marks the first time to act as a law enforcer. He did love stories and dramas in the past. He also sported a cadet hairstyle.
“Martin Escudero loves to portray his character and loves to wear his uniform as Major Benitez. He probably loves his role now compared to playing a cop previously in a teleserye, where he merely wore production wardrobe and not a real uniform.
“Lance, whose mother is also a real police officer, is in character playing his role as a SWAT officer.
“Mark Neumann returns to acting and plays a villain role here in ‘Beyond the Call of Duty,’ although his face doesn’t look like a villain. This is his comeback film.”
Majority of the storyline of “Beyond the Call of Duty” – or 80 percent of the film – came from the PNP and Direk JR is thankful for the officers’ input for the screenplay.
“This project is not meant to glorify the PNP,” the director insisted. “Kung ano man ang totoo, hango sa script that is fiction.”
Direk JR keeps the faith that after its regular run in local cinemas, “Beyond the Call of Duty” will be shown on Netflix or other platforms, so the film will have a worldwide audience.
The genre of “Beyond the Call of Duty” is action-drama. “The movie is a rollercoaster ride,” said direk JR. “This is super action-packed. That is my genre and that is what I want to do as of now.
“That is what I’m focusing as a film director. We want this film to level with other Hollywood projects. That is our goal and we are thankful to the PNP for supporting us in doing this film. Allowing us to use the uniform is already a big help, also the important locations.”
