Written On A Canvas

Chapter 00

Chapter 00

"Direk Lavidar!" Ramil Alvarez, a rising actor chosen to be a lead cast member, entered the studio. He was sporting enthusiasm and excitement as he came to me. He has with his assistant on his right, while a middle-aged woman who appears to be his mother on his right.

"Good day," I greeted with a smile on my face.

"I'm so honored to be chosen, Direk! I can't wait to work with you," he said with sheer excitement.

"Likewise, Mr. Alvarez. I'm looking forward to working with you, too."

Today is our first reading of the script for an upcoming film. I'll be meeting the cast and discussing with them what I want to happen and listening to what they have to say, as well. It's like a simple meet and greet.

We always do this before the start of production.

As the director, I want everyone to feel comfortable with each other so when it's time to work, filming would just be easy and smooth.

"I've seen you in 'Hindi Magiging Tanga' and I'm very impressed. When you were auditioning, you sounded natural. That's why we chose you to be the lead," I insightfully said further as I broke off the hand contact.

My gaze roamed to the women beside him and flashed them a welcoming smile. I just don't want them to feel intimidated by me, at least while I'm not on work mode. I want them to feel at ease.

I received a smile back from them, so I figured we're all good.

"Thank you, Direk. I'm also amazed by your works. Kaya sobrang excited ako para dito!" He was even rubbing his hands together at his last sentence and smiled sheepishly.

It's true when I said that this man in front of me has potential. I was also the casting director and what I want to see from the auditionees is the authenticity. I want a natural delivery. This guy understood the assignment.

His Mom, which I confirmed just now, spoke to me with excitement in her eyes. "Sobrang saya ko nang malaman na ikaw ang director ng pelikulang ito, Direk! Kaya nang tawagan ako ni Sir Ali, talagang nag-umapaw ang tuwa ko!"

I chuckled. "I'm taking that as a compliment, Ma'am...?" I trailed and raised my eyebrow to ask her what I should address her as.

"Eunica Alvarez, his mother and his manager," natatawang untag nito.

"Ma'am Alvarez," pagtapos ko ng aking pangungusap.

"I was so invested in your latest film, Direk Lavidar! In Each Hues is so emotional I couldn't stop crying even after the premiere!" kwento nito. That brought a bittersweet smile on my lips.

In Each Hues.

It was a movie I wrote and directed. It's a film so dear to me. Isa iyon sa mga librong naisulat ko noong highschool palang ako. It was a short film―an entry to a film festival way back. And when I risked it to be a full-blown movie, I never thought it would get that much praise.

"I'm glad you loved it, too, Ma'am," I humbly muttered.

Biglang may tumabi sa akin kaya naman ay nilingon ko ito. A staff.

Isang babaeng nakatali ang buhok na sa tingin ko'y abot beywang ang haba kung nakalugay. Her skin is brown yet fair. Walang kung anong make-up na nakalagay sa kaniyang mukha kaya naman masasabi mong may angking ganda talaga.

She's wearing a black polo shirt and a black pants which almost all the production staff wear. May ID itong nakasabit sa kaniyang leeg at nakalagay roon ang pangalang Jennica.