How to reinvent a classic show
SAM YG
Director Dante Nico Garcia admits that “reinventing” the classic sitcom “Iskul Bukol” required great effort.
“After all, the show boosted the popularity of TVJ (comedians Tito and Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon),” Garcia points out. “Viewers, especially those who watched the original sitcom, expect so much from the new one.”
“Iskul Bukol,” which aired on IBC 13 from 1977 to 1988, tells about the lives of students in the fictional Wanbol University. The reimagined sitcom started airing on TV5 on May 24.
Unlike the original, which centered on only three characters (Tito and Joey Escalera and Victor Ungasis), the new version evolves around seven personalities: the good-looking but nerdy Rude Valentino (Frederick Lo), the youngest professor to teach at Wanbol University; the often notorious Balidosa twins, Easy (Sam YG) and Chill (Alwyn Uytingco); the dean’s “closet gay” son, Wacky Roque (Keempee); the student janitor Itor (Jerald Napoles); sporty chic Shawie Cunanan (Erika Padilla); and the ultra-conservative province lass Barbie Que (Regine Angeles).
“In spite of all the challenges, I leave for work everyday feeling excited and go home happy and fulfilled,” says Garcia, who is also known for his critically acclaimed film “Ploning.” “I’m hoping that this will be enough to connect to the viewers.”
Garcia tells Inquirer Entertainment how tough it is working with all seven actors at the same time. He shares the lessons he learned from co-director Soxy Topacio and his shocking discoveries about the youth of today.
What’s your biggest challenge in directing the show?
We don’t have a main actor, walang poste. This is unlike having a Vic Sotto or an Ai Ai de las Alas who, we know, have long been doing sitcoms. Most of our actors are young and new. We treat them equally, even Keempee, who was handpicked for this project. Each character has his own story to tell. We attempt to tell these stories one by one.
There is also the issue that viewers expect more from us because we’re using the “Iskul Bukol” title. There’s pressure to please the older viewers, who got to watch the original. This was why we opted to come up with something different rather than recreate the old one. Our target audience are the college students 20 years and above.
What is it like codirecting with Soxy?
ALWYN Uytingco
Whenever I watch him work, nababaliw ako. I realize that I really still have a lot to learn, but since I accepted this project, dapat panindigan ko. There were jokes that I found really funny but Direk Soxy didn’t—I needed to adjust to that fact. I’m humble enough to admit that Direk Soxy would know better. After all, he’s a veteran theater director, a comedian and someone who’s been in the TV business for a long time.
Does he give you pointers?
We support each other. I see the wisdom in his words whenever we talk about what show biz was like during his time. But when we discuss the show, he treats me like a colleague.
I felt more comfortable when I tried to get in touch with Bert de Leon (director of the original sitcom). I just had to ask for his blessing. He told me that more than anyone, he’s happy that I was chosen to direct the new sitcom. He even joked and made me promise to make him appear on it soon.
What made you say yes to this?
The directive from the producer (Archangel Media Inc.) was to translate how funny I am in real life to the small screen. I thought it was easy until I realized that one has to know me first to appreciate my sense of humor. Only my close friends find me funny.
At what point did you realize this about yourself?
When we were already taping. You see, we were trying to do away with slapstick comedy. We wanted the actors to be able to deliver punch lines, not just act them out. I observed that every time we tape, they improve, they slowly learn about their characters. That’s what we’re doing, slowly introducing each character to the audience.
How complex is each character in the show?
Regine’s character is a provincial lass who is very naïve. The problem here is that, at this time and age when we already have access to cell phones and the Internet, how much of what’s out there was she deprived of when the whole world is just a click away?
Sam YG and Alwyn’s characters Chill and Easy, aren’t like the Escalera Brothers, who always agree on things. These boys may be partners in crime, but they don’t always share the same beliefs.
Keempee’s character is a closet gay. In past sitcoms, gays have always been portrayed as screaming faggots. Now, not all gays are cross-dressers.
Frederick’s character Rude is a young professor. Since he looks totoy, there’s a tendency for his students to bully him. The problem here is determining how far the bullying can go na hindi nababastos ang mga teachers. We also have to show the difference in a teacher’s behavior when he is communicating with colleagues and with his students.
How do you make sure the issues you tackle are up-to-date?
We sit down with college kids twice a week to ask for their comments. Direk Soxy admitted that it’s been a long while since he went to college (laughs). I try to go out with younger friends and observe how they behave. Ibang-iba na.
Were you shocked by your discoveries?
It used to be that you call or go out with a person if you want to know her well. Now, all a boy has to do is read the comments the girl posted on her Facebook account and he can already form an opinion about her. This is also why, on their second date sila na agad.
“Iskul Bukol” airs Tuesday nights after “Nagbabagang Bulaklak” on TV5.
