LAUREN at the recent CineFilipino awards. ARNOLD ALMACEN
Kapuso actress Lauren Young is no stranger to indie films.
She has done four so far—Krizzie Syfu’s “Tahanan,” Kevin Dayrit’s “Catnip,” Jade Castro’s breakthrough hit “Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington” and the recent CineFilipino winner, Mike Alcazaren’s “Puti.”
Alcazaren commended Young for her willingness to tackle a role that was out of the box.
Young was supposed to play costar Jasmine Curtis-Smith’s character, an artist’s apprentice, Alcazaren recalled. But because of Curtis-Smith’s hectic schedule, Young had to take over the part of the enigmatic nurse.
Lauren welcomed the switch. “She said she wanted to do something unfamiliar and challenging,” Alcazaren told the
Inquirer.
“I fought for that part,” Lauren said. “I am ready for something different. I wanted to push myself.”
Shifting gears
She praised director Alcazaren: “He came up with all sorts of crazy, creative ideas on the set. He’s a good storyteller.”
On the small screen, she is shifting gears as well—in the GMA 7 Sunday afternoon show “Dormitoryo,” directed by acclaimed filmmaker Jun Robles Lana.
In this new teen drama, she portrays Hazel, a girl bullied by meanies in her new school.
“In my old show (“Mundo Mo’y Akin”), I played Darlene … [who is] manipulative and nasty. Now, I’m playing a good girl. The change can be tricky, but I’m sure my director will guide me every step of the way.”
She praised Lana, calling him “an amazing director. I am so happy that I get to work with him on this show.”
Observers have noted that “Dormitoryo” seems a tad similar to the US series “Pretty Little Liars.”
Young addressed the intrigue: “There may be similarities, but we have our own take.”
She said the network was taking a risk with “Dormitoryo.” “It’s not the usual youth show that’s full of romance and kilig (thrilling) moments. There’s a love angle, but there’s also drama, mystery, suspense and horror. It’s fresh and new for that time slot.”
She hopes the gamble will pay off. “We have to keep evolving. We cannot remain stagnant, dishing out the same formula series all the time.”
Responsible artist
That is precisely why she makes it a point to do indie movies, she said. “I want to offer something exciting and unique every time. In indie movies, you are able to tackle roles that we seldom get to do on television. Plus, you get to work with talented artists. In indie movies, I also get to experience a different style of working.”
On the set of mainstream projects, stars are often pampered, she admitted. “Sadly, because of the low budget, indie films can’t offer the same perks. We can’t bring assistants, stylists and makeup artists. I’ve learned to adjust and be independent in the real sense of the word. It taught me to be a responsible artist. That’s why I enjoy doing indies.”
On a different note, Young is pulling out all the stops to support sister Megan Young’s bid to win the Miss World crown.
“My brother Victor, mom Vicky and I are going to Bali, Indonesia, to watch the coronation night (tomorrow),” she said. “We’re promoting her online, too. I’m so proud of my sister. Finally, her dreams are within reach. Whatever happens, she’ll always be a winner to me.”
(bayanisandiegojr@gmail.com)