Mark Neumann returns to show biz with new film ‘Beyond the Call of Duty’
Mark Neumann. Image: Hannah Mallorca/INQUIRER.net
Mark Neumann admitted that returning to the entertainment industry via the upcoming film “Beyond the Call of Duty” made him anxious at first, although being 30 and going through the different stages of life allowed him to let things be.
Neumann, who started his showbiz career in “Artista Academy,” will make his showbiz comeback in the Jose Olinares Jr.-helmed film after a six-year break. During his break, he had been going back and forth between Batangas and Cebu, and been raising his six-year-old son on his own.
“I just want to take a break and [it is] for me to raise my son peacefully,” the actor told reporters on the sidelines of the film’s story conference. Since it’s been quite some time since he acted on the big screen, he is aware that the “butterflies in the stomach feeling” will always be there.
“I missed it [but] I did have some anxiety. Other than that, I’m 30 years old,” he said. “You’ve been through life na. There is always that butterflies in the stomach feeling when you go back.”
While getting back into the showbiz grind — especially when it comes to filming schedules, promotional activities, and other parts of the job — can be overwhelming, Neumann said he is used to having a stacked schedule due to his other pursuits outside of the entertainment industry.
“Before I joined show biz, when I was in England, I was a factory worker and a warehouse cleaner. It’s nothing new. Well, in terms of working in a management position and as an operations worker, so day-to-day operations, I have to handle, train, so [it’s nothing new],” he said.
The actor will portray the onscreen younger brother of Jeffrey Santos, who will be the head of a syndicate. “I’m part of a professional syndicate, bad boy, so hindi kami barumbado (we’re not rough),” he said of his character.
“We have a plan and everything, so that when we do the heist, everything has already been set up. As much as possible, no violence unless needed,” he continued.
One of the factors that made Neumann accept the role is his friendship with Olinares. “Me and Direk JR have been good friends for a while now, even before I lay low. We had a few projects, and he [came up] to me if I wanted to be part of the movie. I said, ‘Sure, why not?’”
The actor also considers the upcoming film as an “answered prayer” since he had been praying for a good project.
“That’s the thing. I prayed that I would get a new project, and it just came. So, parang prayer answered. It’s really important that whatever God gives you in terms of blessings, be a good shepherd,” he said.
Also part of “Beyond the Call of Duty” are Martin del Rosario, Maxine Trinidad, Paolo Gumabao, Jeffrey Santos, Devon Seron, Martin Escudero, Alex Medina, Teejay Marquez, Migs Almendras and Simon Ibarra.
According to Olinares, the film is not meant to “glorify” the Philippine National Police (PNP) but to remind viewers of the importance of service and empathy. Proceeds will be given to the PNP-OLC Foundation Inc. (OLFCI), which supports the education and welfare of the families of PNP officers.
