DIRECTOR Rember Gelera embarks on his first sexy film for Vivamax, ‘Wanted Girlfriend,’ that brings together Shiena Yu, Yuki Sakamoto and Reina Castillo.

“Viva called me up and asked if I was available for this project,” shared direk Rember. “For this one, they already had a writer and the script was presented to me. Like my other projects, kailangan ma-in love ka muna sa story.

“They asked me what my treatment was. That’s what I love about Viva. They always love collaborating on the treatment with the creative people.

“Viva also asked me about the cast after I was showed the recommendations. This is my first for Vivamax. We have Reina who’s also a first timer willing to learn.”

The lead stars underwent a workshop before they started working on ‘Wanted: Girlfriend.’ “Normally, I would even make them do a dance workshop, but we didn’t have the time,” said direk Rember.

“We wanted a content that’s relatable. I guess in a relationship, ‘yung obsession pwedeng mag-work against you. So I think ‘yung obsession ng pagmamahal ng male lead, nagiging sobra. Ayoko ng spoil ang kwento. Both boys and girls, makaka-relate dito.”

After direk Rember received the project, he was already given the shooting dates. “I prepared my stars to give their energy, especially in the major scenes,” he said. “I told them, let’s treat this as a dance. The script would be the music and I allowed them to do the movement.

“During the big scene, I gave them pointers before we start any scene, but I allowed them to perform. It’s their show once I shout ‘action.’ Tuloy lang ang trabaho sa set. We need to be collaborative and creative.”

Yuki cannot be thankful enough that they were really given freedom to express their characters. “More often, we were told to just stick to the script,” Yuki shared. “Hindi kami free mag-express. I want to thank direk for giving us freedom.”

Yuki started with a boy band, but he is open to learning a new skill whenever there is an opportunity.

“I’m into singing,” Yuki said. “Naging model din ako. Now, I’m pursuing acting. After I joined Bida Man on It’s Showtime, I took this opportunity to go sexy on Vivamax.

“I have a partner, but I explained to her my decision to explore my craft. I know, isa ito sa kailangan kong gawin.

“Vivamax is a big opportunity for me because I was readily given a lead role dito sa Wanted: Girlfriend. Kailangan palaban ka, although sa tingin ko, dapat one at a time. Now, I did butt exposure, but I’m not sure if I can do frontal (nudity).”

At present, Yuki is doing acting and at the same time singing. “Pinagsasabay ko,” he proudly said. “I’m often out of town for my singing. I perform in festivals. Kaya ko naman.”

He didn’t have second thoughts after ‘Wanted: Girlfriend’ was offered to him. “I was overwhelmed when this project was offered to me,” admitted Yuki. “Palaban din ako. Going sexy is part of my job, as well. Our director gave us the freedom to portray our characters.”

Shiena got her first title role in Wanted: Girlfriend. “When this project was offered to me, I know this is something new that I can explore,” said Shiena. “I get to work with co-stars who are also good. I’m so glad I get a chance to work with them.

“That’s why whenever Viva offers me a project, I grab the opportunity. Hindi ko hinahayaan mapunta sa iba. I love my work.”

‘Wanted: Girlfriend’ is Shiena’s second project after Room Service, directed by Bobby Bonifacio, Jr. early this year.

“I want to thank direk Rember because he always gave instructions and explained to us what was needed to be done, especially in the big scene,” said Shiena. “I would ask my co-star if what we would do was okay with him.”

Since the scenes Shiena executes are good with Yuki and direk Rember, shooting was a breeze for the cast. “Hindi mo iisipin na nagta-trabaho ka,” said Shiena.

“Para lang kaming mga bata na naglalaro, but you need to express your emotions sa shoot. Hindi ako nahirapan. Magaan ka-trabaho sina Yuki at si direk.”

In the film, the lead stars did a three-some sex act, something that they never did in real life. “Wala pa akong nakikitang nag-three-some,” Shiena disclosed. “Hindi ko rin ginagawa ‘yun.”

Reina, who is also making her first Vivamax film, was a student when she was discovered as Jojo Veloso‘s Face of the Week in 2022.

“Laban lang ako ng laban,” Reina admitted. “As long as makakatulong at makakaganda sa career ko, go lang ako.”

‘Wanted: Girlfriend’ is now streaming on Vivamax.