Alessanda De Rossi is the scriptwriter of her new movie ’12’

Image: Instagram/@msderossi

Fresh from the blockbuster success of her sleeper hit “Kita Kita”, award-winning actress Alessandra De Rossi now takes on the dual role of writer and actor in the new movie “12”.

De Rossi gives life to the character of Erika, a former band member who is best friends with Anton, a commercial director, played by newbie Ivan Padilla. In the movie, the two are initially best friends for five years and eventually become a couple, living together for seven more years, hence the title “12”.

De Rossi made it clear that the story was not based on her real life.

“Marami eksena dyan na nasabi sakin or wish kong sinabi ko pero hindi sa akin based ‘yung kwento, maraming tao sa paligid ko ang nakaranas niyan, whether close sakin o hindi,” De Rossi said in today’s media launch for the movie.

(There are lots of scenes [or lines] that were said to me in real life, or I wish I said, but the story is not based on me; a lot of people in my circle had experienced that, whether close to me or not.)

The actress also shared that the process of writing and finishing the story was a challenge, given that she was never professionally schooled in scriptwriting. She said he sought the help of writer friends who advised her to make a sequence guide. But she opted to do it “mano-mano.”

“Kung ano ‘yung maisip ko mangyare, ‘yun isusulat ko,” she said. 

(Whatever gets into my mind, I write.)

On choosing the male lead

De Rossi also revealed that she was very hands-on in choosing the male lead for the movie. As they were scouting for the perfect guy to play Anton, different male actors applied. However, she had a hard time looking for the one guy who would give life to the character exactly the way she envisioned him.

They then stumbled upon newcomer Padilla who happens to be related to the famed Padilla clan in showbiz. His acting debut came when he played actress Bela Padilla’s boyfriend in the hit movie “100 Tula Para Kay Stella”. They made him act some scenes and that’s when De Rossi said she found the guy for the role.

The actress also believes that a film’s true success lies on its story and the actors’ acting, and not necessarily on anyone’s popularity.

“Consider niyo ‘yung ibang tao, give them a chance dahil pwede. Hindi porke’t sikat, hindi kikita yung pelikula mo,” she said. “Naniniwala ako sa kwento, naniniwala ako sa acting, hindi ko kailangan ng pangalan o reputasyon ng kahit na sino,” she said. 

(Consider other people, give them a chance. Your actor being not famous does not necessarily mean your film won’t earn. I believe in storytelling, I believe in acting. I do not need the name and reputation of someone else.)

Produced by Viva Films, “12” is showing in cinemas nationwide starting Nov. 8. JB

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