No qualms, it’s all about the craft

JOEM Bascon takes risks.

For an actor who had his start in a major studio, Joem Bascon has very indie sensibilities. An Urian Best Supporting Actor winner (for “Noy” in 2011), this ABS-CBN talent is versatile, tackling risky and conventional, lead and supporting roles in mainstream and indie films, with equal commitment and intensity.

He has no qualms about portraying all sorts of characters—from gay rebel (Joel Lamangan’s “Lihis”) to revolutionary colonel (Jerrold Tarog’s “Heneral Luna”), from an older woman’s lover (Adolfo Alix Jr.’s “Padre de Familia”) to a vengeful convict (Val Iglesias’ “Ang Bagong Dugo”).

“I want to show that I can do any role: bida or kontrabida, gay or straight.”

Joem explains that he makes it a point to do indie films “to hone my craft.”

“On TV, there are lots of limitations. In indie films, I am free to do different kinds of roles. I love collaborating with young directors who offer new ideas, and veteran filmmakers who teach me the basics of the craft.”

He gets to “merge” the best of both worlds, he says.

In the Cinema One entry “Blue Bustamante,” by newbie Mike Livelo, Joem plays an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who gets hired to portray a costumed superhero in a Japanese TV show. “Blue Bustamante” was shown recently at the Osaka and Los Angeles Asian Pacific festivals.

Sacrifices

“I am happy that foreigners get to see our culture through our films. In ‘Blue Bustamante,’ we show the sacrifices that an OFW makes for his family. It’s important for foreigners to know these Filipino values.”

In “Blue Bustamante,” Joem plays a superhero for laughs, but in the coming movie “Ang Bagong Dugo” (which opens May 28), he gets to perform death-defying stunts in a serious action flick.

“I first worked with Direk Val in (Joyce Bernal’s) ‘10,000 Hours.’ He was our fight instructor,” Joem recalls.

A la Rudy F

The seasoned director points out, “I saw Joem’s potential in that movie. I told him that he could become an action star in the mold of Rudy Fernandez.”

To prepare for the action flick, Joem underwent rigorous training. “I took up shooting and Close Quarters Combat. I had to learn how to jump properly and handle firearms convincingly.”

He learned to ride a motorbike, too.

“I had to drive a motorcycle while firing a gun,” he recalls. “That was a big challenge.”

He also had the chance to immerse himself in a real jail setting, in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

“I spent time with prisoners who played bit roles in the film. They have good facilities in there. They have livelihood programs and a vegetable garden. They are permitted to play basketball in their free time.”

He learned a lot from the prisoners’ stories. “Many of them told me that their biggest mistake was allowing their emotions to push them to commit crimes. You have to be smart in order to survive inside. You can’t show fear; you have to be poker-faced. But they were all nice to us throughout the shoot.”

Another learning experience was acting with award-winning actress Nora Aunor in “Padre de Familia.” Making matters extra-challenging, she was supposed to be his lover in the indie drama that also features Coco Martin, Rosanna Roces, Anita Linda and Joel Torre.

Loves Ate Guy

“At first, I was ill at ease,” he recounts. “I think Ate Guy noticed that, so she invited me to chat and have a smoke.”

It’s easy to get star-struck when sharing a scene with the legendary superstar, he says. “You can get lost staring in her eyes. She taught me that less is more. You don’t have to overact; it’s better to be subtle. I love Ate Guy!”

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