Canadian portrays Titanic’s ambitious metallurgist

KEVIN Zegers

“This doesn’t deal with the sinking of the ship,” clarified Canadian actor Kevin Zegers, who stars in the History miniseries “Titanic: Blood and Steel.”

“It’s more about the culture of Belfast in that era and a lot of political things that were going on,” he told the Inquirer in a phone interview.

Zegers, 27, plays a young metallurgist, Dr. Mark Muir, who worked on the ambitious but doomed RMS Titanic ship.

“There’s a love story; there’s a class struggle,” he said. “It’s a period drama. Titanic is sort of the backdrop of the story.”

The actor grew facial hair for the role and worked with a voice coach to prepare himself for the 12-hour series. “I wanted to get the accent right,” he said. “It’s something I really quite enjoyed and would like to do again.”

Zegers appeared in commercials as a kid and landed roles in movie and TV projects such as “Air Bud,” “X-Files,” and “Smallville.” In 2005 he played the teen son of Felicity Huffman’s character in the acclaimed film “Transamerica.”

Prior to “Blood and Steel,” he had a recurring role on “Gossip Girl.” He considers himself fortunate for the opportunities to portray diverse characters.

“I started as an actor when I was 12, doing Disney movies and stuff,” Zegers recalled. “I always want to get better and do more. I’m very fortunate to be working; I try not to ask too many questions. I kind of just go with it!”

Co-starring with Neve Campbell, Chris Noth and Derek Jacobi on “Blood and Steel,” Zegers said working with the cast was “quite incredible.” Shot in Serbia and Dublin, the series centers on his character’s complicated life during the construction of the ill-fated

Titanic.

“[Dr. Muir’s] a very strong-willed guy who wants to change the system,” Zegers said. “It’s a very old system that he doesn’t think is conducive to things moving forward. He likes to challenge authority; he’s very ambitious. I like that.”

Zegers revealed that he’s not exactly the type of actor who’s comfortable repeatedly watching his own movies: “‘Transamerica’ was definitely one of my favorites among movies that I’ve been in; I was 20 when I did that. I don’t really like to watch things that I do, to be totally honest.”

The actor now counts “Blood and Steel” among his favorite projects. He worked on the series for over five months, and found the experience very rewarding. “We worked six days a week, 14 hours a day,” he said. “Just the workload was a lot. Just being consistent every single day was a challenge. Over the course of half a year, people got sick, tired and grumpy. But as an actor you have to be very driven and consistent… This is what I’m probably most proud of in terms of what we accomplished. People will see this when they watch; it’s an incredible story to tell!”

(“Titanic: Blood and Steel” airs Sundays, 9:00 p.m. on History.)

Knockout treat

Manila Hotel offers a sure knockout treat for P1,500: a Filipino brunch buffet while watching a live feed of the Manny Pacquiao-Timothy Ray Bradley match for the World Welterweight title on June 10.

Vouchers are available at the hotel lobby. Call 527-0011 local 1260.

Coco on ‘ASAP’

“ASAP 2012” cuddles up to its loyal viewers today with the back-to-back special production numbers of the lead performers in Star Cinema’s “Born to Love You,” Coco Martin and Angeline Quinto; and those of the newest drama series “Hiyas,” Zanjoe Marudo and Megan Young.

Also on today’s show: back-to-back birthday celebrations of ZsaZsa Padilla and Sam

Milby; a special rainy-day treat from “teleserye princesses” Nikki Gil, Jessica Mendiola, and Julia Montes; and a face-off between Kapamilya leading ladies Iza Calzado and Cristine Reyes.

‘Protégé’ auditions
GMA Network has begun nationwide auditions for “Protégé: The Battle for the Big Artista Break.”

The network says the competition is open “to all male and female Filipinos, 13-21 years old, with a unique and striking personality, compelling story to tell, immense likability factor, and with artista looks.”

Filipinos born and/or currently residing abroad may join the search, provided they make it to the audition venues on the specified dates, and with all the requirements.

Tryouts started Saturday in SM Naga, SM Baguio and SM San Pablo. On the following dates, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., auditions will resume: June 1 in SM Bacolod and SM Cagayan de Oro; July 2 in SM Iloilo and SM Davao; June 7 in SM Cebu; June 9 in Capitol Grounds, Laoag, Ilocos Norte; June 10 in SM Sucat; June 14 in SM Batangas; June 16 in SM Pampanga; and June 20 and 21 in SM Mall of Asia.

Aspirants need to bring the original and photocopy of their birth certificate and two recent photos (1 close up, 1 full body shot). Those who are below 18 years will also need a written consent from their parents together with the original and photocopy of their parents’ valid ID in order to qualify for the auditions.

They also have to prepare at least two 2-minute performances for the audition (sing, dance, rap, beat box, act, play musical instruments, or any extraordinary performances).

Log on to www.gmanetwork.com for more information on the audition dates and requirements.

‘Pinoy Adventures’

Today, “Pinoy Adventures” takes viewers to the breathtaking town of San Fernando in Sibuyan, Romblon.

The show, hosted by Richard Gutierrez, showcases the beauty of the town and features cliff jumping which has become the craze among locals and tourists.

The weekly public affairs program also discovers a five-hectare island called Cresta de Gallo owned by Mang Treboy, who takes care of the place by scavenging and hoarding all the garbage inside a small hut.

But under the waters of Cresta de Gallo, one can see shattered corals caused by dynamite fishing a few decades ago.

“Pinoy Adventures” airs after “I-Bilib” on GMA 7’s Sunday Grande.