Known for online content, now exploring and expanding, SMAC TV Production comes with first ever TV series “The Prodigal Prince” set to air this October 7 at Net25. The korean inspired drama is directed by newbie IJ Fernandez who loves K-Dramas.

“The Writer’s inspiration is from a K-Drama, obviously. So when the producer ask me to direct this series I got really excited because I grew up watching and loving K-Dramas and Films, I love their style in story building and plots, cinematography and their acting is so convincing and touching. From “My Sassy Girl” until todays K-Dramas and Films, I really enjoy watching their works.”

Feeling blessed, IJ first directed “Magkadugo,” a short film that bagged 2nd Best Picture and Best Cinematography at Gawad Sining Short Film Festival 2017. His second work was “The Badboy In Love,” a web series first uploaded on Youtube, also created by SMAC TV. Directing always excites him. It’s a way of releasing his creative ideas that everyone needs to see.

On style

“If you can watch my previous works, I intend to take many shots from a variety of angles depending on what the scene needs and I always make my close-up shots special.

“I also like putting visual subtext to create depth. I’m very strict in Cinematography but not on actors memorizing their dialogue.

“I just need them to hit the points of the conversation or their characters dialogue, because I want the actors to get out of the acting zone and be the character that they are portraying.

“I want them to talk natural like what a conversation really is in real life.”

VMiguel Gonzales (as Arthur), Isaiah Tiglao (as Joey), Mateo San Juan (as Prinsipe Alfred), and Justin Lee (as Prinsipe Reymund) headline “The Prodigal Prince.” The director takes pride as this series is the first Korean inspired but represents Pinoy culture. Admittedly, Kpop culture dominates the world but the director remains truthful to Pinoy culture and values that are visible in the series.

“Yes it is Korean-ish in Pinoy culture, but the setting is in a fictional nation or kingdom called Agbaria. So, I personally like to address the characters as Agbarian they are not korean or pinoy. However, Agbaria is also a representation of our nation the Philippines.”

Truly first of its kind, SMAC discovers newbie actors that the audience needs to witness. Another venue for newbies to showcase what they got. Mentioned his name earlier, Mateo won New Movie Actor of the Year at the Star Awards for Movies (2017) for his film “Magkadugo.” Direk IJ not just a good cinematographer, he’s a good motivator to his actors to always go outside the box, to always act naturally.

On pressure

“Yes, actually a lot. Because this is my first TV-Series but I also feel excited and blessed for this opportunity. This is my dream ever-since. God has always been good in my life, so I’m just gonna enjoy this pressure and give all my heart out to all of these opportunities and to the projects to come.”

IJ knows that this industry is tough. His job is tough one. Not an easy job too. But a director with message and core always shines. Sometimes, an inspiration works. But don’t be a copycat.

On pegs

“David Fincher, Christopher Nolan and Quentin Tarantino. These directors are my heroes in filmmaking. I am studying their work ever since I started to love filmmaking. From storytelling to using visual subtext to choosing what kind of camera movements to use to a scene. That’s why they are the best for me.”

As his camera and career rolling, IJ still has dreams to work on. From directing here in the Philippines, he wants to try Hollywood. It takes a lot of passion and dedication. But for now, he continues making films and telling stories that touch and move Filipinos.

“The Prodigal Prince” this October 7 (7pm) at Net25.

Leave a comment