"Culion" producer explains why John Lloyd Cruz appears in trailer
22 Oct – "Culion" producer Shandi Bacolod recently defended the decision to put John Lloyd Cruz in the official trailer of the said movie despite the latter's unwillingness to be in the spotlight.
As reported on Push, the producer, who was asked to comment on Cruz's previous statement that he was used to promote the movie, stated that he agrees with the notion because of the fact that the actor himself is a brand.
"But I have to clarify that we always respected his request not to become the focus on the promo. After the teaser was released many called me for a sit-down interview. I always said that John Lloyd would not do an interview because he's not part of the lead cast of "Culion" and he doesn't have an obligation to promote our film," he said.
The producer added that when they decided to put the actor in the trailer, Cruz was on holiday in the United States, and couldn't be contacted.
"I called Iza [Calzado], I called Meryll [Soriano], everyone involved and asked, 'Guys, I'm putting John Lloyd in the teaser, what do you think? Will John Lloyd be angry?' So we all decided that, okay let's use it. And because MMFF is a business in addition to showcasing quality films, you know, you have to put out all your ammunition, all the avenues," he continued.
In a previous interview, Cruz stated that his appearance in the trailer was the opposite of what he wanted.
"As much as I am drawn to the idea of letting my work, of any kind, have its own life and take its own course in terms of output (unmindful of how it mutates, grows and sometimes gets diminished) I am also wary of misleading an audience. That wouldn't be fair. Hence, I felt compelled to clarify my participation in the film," he added.
(Photo Source: Philstar)
