Troy Montero embraces his new role as film producer
By: Archie Liao
Nag-enjoy ang former model-actor na si Troy Montero sa kanyang bagong role bilang isang film producer. Together with some business partners, he now owns We Love Post, a full production house based in Makati.
This year, his group in partnership with Haunted Tower Pictures, Parallax Studios and Viva Films is fielding “Nilalang” as their entry to the 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival. Nakapanayam ng Philippine Showbiz Republic (PSR.ph) si Troy kamakailan lang at narito ang kabuuan n gaming interview sa guwapong hunk actor.
Where did you get the inspiration in producing “Nilalang”?
“Actually, my business partner, Pedring Lopez, the movie director, had this script a few years ago. We wanted to do a film that would set a standard for Filipino films, that is, in terms of storytelling, production values and all other elements that go into a picture and we believe “Nilalang” is that type of film. We believe Pinoys deserve a kind of stuff like this,” he says. “It’s about a supernatural entity mixed the past and the future, and with Japanese Yakuza that has a gang influence.”
Do you have inputs in the material?
“Ako, basically, more of the support ako. In case of “Binhi,” I had a lot of inputs pero dito, konti lang. I’m more of support doon sa business side.”
Why did you choose a supernatural action thriller to field in the 2015 MMFF?
“I think yung story ang isa sa mga selling points ng movie. The script alone is really something different. We’re pretty much excited as to what direction the movie is going to take.”
Why did you have to import and employ a foreign actress to play the lead where in fact, we have an abundance of local actors around?
“Actually, the material is about a daughter of a Yakuza leader. When we were casting, Ozawa was in the Philippines and she signified her interest of doing a movie in our country. We thought that she would be perfect for the role of Miyuki, a daughter of a Yakuza leader whose family is akin to a dark secret that spans generations.”
The project almost did not materialize when it encountered problems in casting, particularly with the withdrawal of Robin Padilla in the project. Did you see it coming?
“We never think of things happening that way. It’s like we’re here to do business. It does not deter us to go on,” paliwanag pa ni Troy.
Did you have apprehensions in employing Robin Padilla in your future projects?
“Not really. Actually, we are open to working with him in future projects. It’s just that sometimes in your decisions, there were things that interfere like family matters and that’s where priorities come in.”
How did Maria Ozawa accept Cesar Montano as a replacement for Robin Padilla in “Nilalang?”
“At first she was surprised, but then she accepted in stride. We explained to her that she’ll be working with an action superstar and an award-winning director and she became excited with the idea of working with him.”
The interest of Pinoy viewers in action movies has long waned. Do you think that “Nilalang” will revive the interest of Filipino viewers in action flicks?
“Hopefully, it would. This is hopefully a quick start to reviving action in our industry. We are confident that we have a good movie with topnotch cast and crew and superb technical production values.”
Do you have plans of directing a movie someday?
“Yes. I have already directed commercials.”
How did you get interested in directing?
“I got involved with Reality Entertainment put up by my former manager Dondon Monteverde. I had long been immersing myself to their post production activities. I was observing how Erik Matti directs and I got hands-on experience somehow.”
What is your dream project?
“My dream is to act, produce and direct in one of my projects. I think that would be nice.”
Troy has a 12- year old relationship with model-sexy actress Aubrey Miles to whom he has a son named Hunter.
With two kids in the family (Maurie, Aubrey’s son from a previous relationship and their son Hunter), Troy says he and Aubrey always keep their communication lines open and this is the secret to their successful relationship.
