Lauren Dyogi on taking a gamble on new acts: Future depends on the young

Lauren Dyogi–CONTRIBUTED

ABS-CBN TV production head Laurenti Dyogi says of the many who auditioned, the roles for the five leads of the new youth series “Zoomers” were given to Harvey Bautista, Criza Taa, Ralph de Leon, Krystl Ball and Luke Alford, “because of their strong personalities, their grit and tenacity to go through the process.”

The series, directed by Chad Vidanes, tells of the struggles of senior high school students Jiggs (Harvey), Hope (Criza), Kokoy (Luke), Tania (Krystl) and Atom (Ralph), who forge a special bond of friendship during the pandemic. As they find their footing in this postpandemic reality, their friendship is tested by their own pains, struggles and dreams.

“It’s important that these young actors go through the (casting) process. If we’re working on material for new acts, we make sure that everyone is given the right role. It’s a make-or-break thing for them. Your one-time opportunity can be your last opportunity, so casting should be right,” Lauren told reporters during a recent media gathering.

Krystl Ball as Tania–ABS-CBN ENTERTAINMENT YOUTUBE

“The cast has to be able to build chemistry, especially for a love story. There has to be compatibility in terms of physicality and personality. Conducting auditions is not easy, but this process also helps the people behind the scenes. They are able to see potential because they get to interview the actors. They get the actors’ point of view on things that they could discuss on the program.”

Lauren explained that, ideally, new actors should be made to play characters that are close to their personalities. “This way, they act more naturally in front of the camera. The casting process is a good way to gauge someone’s competence. This is also the point when a person discovers if he really wants to become an actor, because it’s not an easy job,” he pointed out.

Long, difficult process

“We get asked, ‘Why do you gamble on new actors when you can get someone with experience?’ We say we should because the future of the industry depends on the young. You think they’re new in this business, but the process they went through to get to this project was a long and difficult one. Criza started at age 13, Harvey started at 8,” he added.

Harvey Bautista and Criza Taa —HARVEY BAUTISTA /INSTAGRAM

Meanwhile, Criza, now 19, tried to recall her experience during the auditions. “It was hard for me because I didn’t know what to expect. When I arrived, I was surprised because it felt like a reality show. There were cameras all over,” she said. “The night before, I was told that Direk Lauren wanted me to be there. I’m used to being asked to go to ABS-CBN, but for him, I’d do it with no questions asked. When I arrived, I was given only 15 minutes to memorize the script, and it was intense. That’s actually what made the audition challenging for me.”

Lauren explained that Criza felt challenged because she performed opposite Harvey who was “giving her something.” He added: “She didn’t back out from it. In fairness to Criza, I knew she was going to deliver. I knew that she’d look good paired with Harvey. It was just a formality because I also needed to test what was already in my mind.”

Harvey, 20, said he has already played Jiggs for several actresses trying out for the role or Hope prior to doing it with Criza. “When I met her on the second day of auditions, I was surprised with how Criza chose to play Hope. Through her, I finally understood the character. I already knew she would be Hope because it finally felt right.”

‘Ready to explore’

At the media gathering, Criza and Harvey were asked if they’d be open to working as a love team. To this, Criza said: “It’s been five years since I joined PBB (‘Pinoy Big Brother’), and I’ve always been independent. This time, I’m ready to explore new things. I don’t mind doing it with Harvey because he’s such a good actor and a gentleman.”

Criza Taa, Luke Alford, and Harvey Bautista as Hope, Cocoy, and Jiggs–ABS-CBN ENTERTAINMENT YOUTUBE

Harvey said he feels exactly the same as Criza. “I’m down to anything. This is new for me, and it’s exciting. Wherever this pairing brings us, I’m game.”

Lauren said he’d be “happy if the two would flourish and do more projects together. Honestly, I see potential in them to become recognized as a good love team, but individually they are strong, too.”

“Zoomers” airs nightly after “Can’t Buy Me Love,” at 10:15 p.m., on the Kapamilya Channel, A2Z and TV5. INQ