By Jemuel Cainglet Salterio
Twenty-seven year old screenwriter Ellis Catrina Camarillo cannot be any prouder now that her sophomore writing assignment, “That Kind of Love,” will be shown July 10 on the big screen.
The film marks the debut of the successful #BarDa loveteam of Barbie Forteza and David Licauco that became a TV sensation when they were first paired in “Maria Clara at Ibarra” two years ago, followed by “Maging Sino Ka Man” also on TV.
Two months ago, Ellis came out with her screenwriting debut, “Chances Are, You and I,” with Kira Balinger and Kelvin Miranda.
“Making the project for the family-owned company, Pocket Media Productions, was like having fun during work,” Ellis said. “Bonus na nga ang love story. But who doesn’t want a good love story?
“Audiences will discover that it’s more on the development of the characters after their fated meeting.”
The film is also the second project for director Catherine “CC” Camarillo, who praised the cast, including Kaila Estrada, Divine Aucina, Arlene Muhlach, Al Tantay, and Ivan Carapiet. Like “Chances Are, You and I,” this project is a family affair. Director CC is the executive producer, her husband Eric handles finances, their paralegal son Kyle drafts contracts, and their chef daughter Erika manages catering.
Earlier this year, “That Kind of Love” was an entry at the Jinseo Arigato International Film Festival in Japan, where part of the film was shot.
“We’ll find out if ‘That Kind of Love’ will make Pocket Media Productions a success. You can expect a sequel for this one,” said director CC.
The confrontation scene of love coach Mila (Milagrosa Maharlika, played by Barbie) and rich businessman Adam De Dios (David) was the hardest for director CC to execute.
“I don’t want to mention any spoilers, but let’s just try to support this film so we can reach more audience who will appreciate the rom-coms that we offer and they will return to the cinemas to watch movies again,” said the director.
“That Kind of Love” is not just a rom-com for the teeny-boppers. Audiences will not just be thrilled to watch “That Kind of Love.” There are sub-plots that are also heavy and real.
Two different individuals searching for love. However, they cannot face reality. That’s the magic of love.
“I had fun directing Barbie and David because they are brilliant and intelligent actors. They listened and they really respected my vision.
“They followed my instructions. Maybe, for any director, if your actors are like them, you will not have any problem. It won’t be hard for me. We had fun doing the film.”
Director CC has worked as assistant director for ABS-CBN for more than two decades before she dauntlessly ventured into directing with “Chances Are, You and I,” with Kelvin Miranda and Kira Balinger that was shown last May.
It just so happened that when director CC planned for “That Kind of Love,” she considered Barbie and David to star in the project.
“But I didn’t know they were that big as a loveteam,” admitted director CC. “When GMA entrusted a phenomenal loveteam to me, I was truly honored.”
The star-studded premiere night of “That Kind of Love” was attended by Kelvin Miranda, Rhian Ramos and Sam Versoza, Gabbi Garcia and Khalil Ramos, Alice Dixson, Michelle Dee, RK Bagatsing, Jeric Gonzales, Rabiya Matteo, Martin del Rosario, Ashley Ortega.
From “Maria Clara at Ibarra” to “Maging Sino Ka Man,”the #BarDa (Barbie and David), loveteam went on to make their first big screen project, “That Kind of Love,” that had Pocket Media Productions and Pocket Media Films as producer.
The film is in cooperation with Happy Infinite Productions, released and distributed by Regal Entertainment.
“I am very grateful to all my stars because they embraced the concept of ‘That Kind of Love,” said director CC. “I didn’t see anyone who gave less of their passion and effort. I didn’t see anyone who invested less of their time to this film.”
Barbie and David will be seen next in the period teleserye, “Pulang Araw,” with Dennis Trillo, Alden Richards and SanyaLopez.
“That Kind of Love” is produced by Pocket Media Productions, Incorporation and Pocket Media Films in cooperation with Happy Infinite Productions, Incorporation. Released and distributed by Regal Entertainment, with special thanks to Digital Out Of Home, Inc.
“That Kind of Love” opens in cinemas nationwide on July 10.
