A FILM that pays tribute to the extraordinary courage of men and women in uniform
IT’S not often that an action-drama film about policemen and firemen gets the green light from both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP).
Although not one among the characters in the story is real, the emotionally-charged feature film, “Beyond the Call of Duty,” pays tribute to the extraordinary courage of the men and women in uniform.
With director Jose “JR” Olinares at the helm, the film is rooted in real-life stories and inspired by true events.
“This (film) has been one year and two months in the making to date,” said direk JR, who is so thankful to his actors for not accepting other projects and kept their schedules open to finish the film.
Lead cast are Martin Escudero, Devon Seron, Maxine Trinidad, Paolo Gumabao, and Martin del Rosario, with Christian Singson, Jeffrey Santos, Mark Neumann, Alex Medina, Simon Ibarra, Teejay Marquez and Migs Almendras.
Supporting cast are Ramon Christopher Gutierrez, Valerie Concepcion, Lovely Rivero, Bella Thompson, Dindo Arroyo, Lance Lucido, Cyrus Imperial and Rob Sy.
Direk JR thanks the government agencies for assisting him in the story of “Beyond the Call of Duty,” with the screenplay written by Eldrin Veloso.
The “very ambitious” film is proudly bankrolled by PinoyFlix Entertainment and LCS Film Production. Executive producers are former Narvacan, Ilocos Sur Governor Luis “Chavit” Singson, with his daughters – Stephanie Singson and Rep. Richelle Singson.
Stephanie informed “Beyond the Call of Duty” is an important project for her dad, who was the chief of police in Vigan back in the seventies.
“That was his first time to really do public service that’s why this film is close to his heart,” Stephanie said. “Direk JR came to the house and presented the script and the story. It was easy for my dad to decide.”
The timeline for “Beyond the Call of Duty” is May 28. “We will be showing in all regions of PNP,” said direk JR.
“We have been approaching agencies concerning public safety, like the DILG (Department of Interior and Local Government), from whom we requested assistance to ask help from Philippine National Police (PNP)
“Maraming salamat po sa DILG dahil sila po ang nagtulay sa amin para sa PNP,” said direk JR. “We also want to thank the Bureau of Fire Protection National Capital Region (NCR), Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC) and PNP Officers Ladies Club (OLC) Foundation.”
Majority of our storyline – 80 percent of the film – came from the PNP and direk JR is thankful for the officers’ input for the screenplay.
“This project is not meant to glorify the PNP,” insisted direk JR. “Kung ano man ang totoo, hango sa script that is fiction.”
The PNP and BFP even allowed their uniforms to be worn by the actors in the film. To the actors, it was such a big honor to don those uniforms for their roles.
“Bilang artista, what you wear for your role, it helps to characterize your role,” said Martin del Rosario. “Wearing this uniform gives me a sense of honor to portray my part.”
Direk JR insisted the actors need to have a clean image for their respective role. “Kailangan clean ang physical image as a police officer,” said direk JR. “Bawal ang may bigot. Bawal ang hindi malinis ang gupit.
“Like Martin del Rosario, who needs to follow continuity in his teleserye, he also strictly observes the things needed for his role here in ‘Beyond the Call of Duty.’ He cannot wear a moustache, nor wear his hair long.
“Maxine Trinidad even agreed to shave her hair and I was happy for that commitment.
“Even Paolo waited for our shoot. He sacrificed not getting other projects while we were waiting to finish this. He really devoted his time for ‘Beyond the Call of Duty.
“Devon auditioned for her role and she was happy when she was taken in. I am happy that she is included in the cast of this film.”
“Teejay Marquez marks the first time to act as a law enforcer. He did love stories and dramas in the past. He also sported a cadet hairstyle.
“Martin Escudero loves to portray his character and loves to wear his uniform as Major Benitez. He probably loves his role now compared to playing a cop previously in a teleserye, where he merely wore production wardrobe and not a real uniform.
“Lance Lucido, whose mother is also a real police officer, is in character playing his role as Corporal Trinidad, a swat officer, a role that challenged him as he grew up in a household of police officers. He was a former ‘Goin’ Bulilit’ mainstay.
“Mark Neumann returns to acting and plays a villain role here in ‘Beyond the Call of Duty,’ although his face doesn’t look like a villain. This is his comeback film.”
The creative team is led by direk JR, who started conceptualizing this project, made an effort to talk to the people involved and assembled a creative team to start this production.
“I want this film to level up with Hollywood productions, in terms of PNP SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) and the Intelligence Unit of CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) and even the Command Center.”
Direk JR is known for his character-driven stories with themes of service, leadership and love for country.
Co-director is Billy Ray Oyanib, a former businessman-turned-filmmaker, while assistant director is MJ Balagtas and Sam Faj Calaca is line producer.
Known cinematographer is Eldrin Francisco Flores, the Director of Photography (DOP). Location manager is Evangeline Torcino, all-around thespian who’s also an actress and line producer who worked in “John Denver Trending” and “Clarita.”
Wardrobe and costume consultant is Eric Villamor, while production designer is Cyrus Khan.
