Richard Gutierrez wants to go indie

Richard Gutierrez. INQUIRER PHOTO

Richard Gutierrez wants to act in an indie film.

“I’ve been doing the same type of movies all these years,” he said. “I want to make something different.”

The Kapuso actor told Inquirer Entertainment that he’s raring to produce this independent venture himself.

“I already have a concept in mind,” he explained. Without revealing too much, he said it’s “character-driven and nonlinear.”

“It’s a concept I’ve been planning to do for so long,” he said. “It comes straight from the heart.”

His twin brother Raymond, he said, “has given a lot of input on the dream project.”

He’s still shopping around for a director, though. “It’s all in the timing, but I’m determined to do it.”

After hosting a string of environmental specials on GMA 7 (“Signos,” “Wildlife for Sale” and “Planet Philippines”), Chard also dreams of making a big-screen documentary on his pet advocacy, a la Leonardo DiCaprio’s “The 11th Hour.”

“I’m pitching an environmental show for prime time, too,” he said.

This month, he’s hosting a new docu special “Oras Na.”

He’s pretty hands-on when it comes to the docu specials, said Anj Atienza, program manager.

“He attends our brainstorming sessions and would even drop by during the editing,” said Atienza.

Green cause

A Green Peace member since 2007, Chard said that doing the docus is his modest contribution to the cause. He related that boxed sets of the docus’ DVDs have been donated to various schools and barangays.

“As celebrities, we have a responsibility to our audience,” he said.

Back in the mainstream, he is now revving up for his second stint as host of the reality show “Survivor Philippines: Celebrity Edition.”

He joked that his dream destinations for the show are Maldives and Jamaica.

“I have to be ready, mentally, physically. I know it won’t be easy on the island. But I’m more prepared now since I’ve already done it before.”

In preparation for the gruelling taping, he has gone on a triathlete’s intense regimen.

Recently, Chard joined a relay division in the Iron Man race and a marathon sponsored by Senator Pia Cayetano.

“I plan to join a full marathon next year. Cross-training in running, swimming and biking is the best. Working out doesn’t get boring and you get to master three disciplines.”

Another item in his to-do list is a reunion movie with erstwhile screen partner Angel Locsin. “It looks impossible because we’re with rival studios now. But I really miss working with her. Hopefully, it’ll push through soon,” he said.