Wilbert Ross says Korean crew taught him to value time on ‘The Guardian’ set

Wilbert Ross said working with Korean filmmakers on the upcoming action-thriller “The Guardian” taught him the importance of discipline and making every minute count on set.

Ross, one of the film’s lead stars, shared his experience working with the Korean production team during the film’s press conference on Aug. 14, in Quezon City.

“I think they value time. Sa kanila po talagang every minute counts. So, walang nasasayang na oras. Dapat naka standby po lahat,” Ross said.

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The Filipino actor described the Korean actors and crew as “responsible” and “punctual” when it came to their schedules.

Producer Micah Fernandez, meanwhile, said that Korean filmmakers were particularly passionate and disciplined when it came to their craft.

“We were able to learn from each other and come up with our own system,” he said. “I think mid-production we started finding our own stride.”

“There were, of course, challenges as with any production, but when we hit our stride, it felt great. It was a very good experience for all of us,” Fernandez added.

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Producer Wesley Villarica, on the other hand, pointed to the similarities between the two filmmaking communities.

“The systems, they are different. But I think what would be similar is that we all want to just make impactful films that have an international appeal and that would cross borders in terms of what the market would be,” Villarica said.

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The film collaboration began after Villarica met a friend while playing golf and discussed their work in virtual production. His friend then introduced him to Korean filmmakers who eventually traveled to the Philippines and presented the idea for “The Guardian.”

Instead of simply serving as a location for a Korean production, Villarica said they proposed making the project a full Korean-Filipino co-production.

“I really like the idea of that, you know, being able to step on the Korean stage as Filipinos,” he said.

Villarica said negotiations and script development took about six months, with the screenplay going through roughly seven drafts before the teams agreed on the final version.

The production also encountered challenges in securing locations and permits.

The producer said some local government units were difficult to work with after learning that the project was an international production, while another LGU later proved more supportive. He specifically praised Quezon City for its assistance.

“I think it really depends on where, siguro, which area, and how willing the people would be to help,” Villarica said.

Fernandez, meanwhile, described government support for filmmakers as “a work in progress,” noting that authorities have become more aware of the needs of the local film industry.

“They’re more aware of what the community needs. They’re at least trying to dialogue with filmmakers more now,” she said. “I won’t say it’s a perfect system right now. It’s definitely a work in progress.”

Directed by Jeong Jang-Hwan, “The Guardian” follows a son who races against time to save his mother from a ruthless criminal syndicate. The film combines martial arts action with themes of family, sacrifice and survival.

Aside from Ross, the cast also includes Yassi Pressman, Jeric Raval, Joko Diaz, Eric Ejercito and Ashtine Olviga, alongside Korean stars Nam Woo-hyun of INFINITE, Park Eun-hye and Han Jae-seok.

“The Guardian” opens in Philippine cinemas on Sept. 2. /edv