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Paulo Avelino on producing Ivana Alawi’s movie ‘Aswang’ during the pandemic: ‘Mahirap, parang nakakatakot’

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Rhea Manila Santos

With his latest film project Sitsit now available online, Paulo Avelino said he enjoyed playing the real-life role of producer for one of the two film’s in Sitsit called Aswang starring Ivana Alawi. When in acting mode, Paulo is busy playing the lead in the action drama teleserye <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/whp2020">Walang Hanggang Paalam</a> with Angelica Panganiban, Arci Muñoz, and Zanjoe Marudo where he also experienced shooting during the new normal.“Simula August nag-shu-shoot na kami for <a href="https://ent.abs-cbn.com/whp2020">Walang Hanggang Paalam</a> and kakatapos lang nitong third round namin of shooting which was the longest. Masaya siya, may pros and cons. Isa sa mga pros yung strict 12-hour shoot namin. Kasi after 12 hours talaga, kahit yung mga boys sa set, kahit sino sa set puwede mag walk out na. Pero hindi naman nangyayari pero puwede nilang gawin yun (laughs). Isa sa cons nalalayo ka sa mga mahal mo sa buhay at nakakalungkot pag tumatagal. Kung nangyayari sa amin paano pa kaya sa mga ibang nagtatrabahong kasamahan namin, sa mga staff, sa crew na mas matagal pa sa amin na nasa Subic,” he shared.The 32-year-old actor and producer also shared some of the challenges he has encountered with production delays trying to schedule shooting during a pandemic.“Medyo may mga naka-line up na pero fina-fine tune pa namin kung paano yung gagawin kasi medyo hindi talaga madaling mag-shooting nitong times na ito dahil mahirap, parang nakakatakot, para safe din yung lahat at medyo mahal kung susundin talaga yung buong protocols. Medyo mahal so hinihintay pa na gumaan,” he said.After co-producing the film Ngayon Kaya earlier this year, Paulo said he will not stop looking for good material for his film company, which is not limited to just doing film production.“Kung mapapansin niyo, yung logo ko WASD Films. It’s also because nasa gaming side rin yung production. So we also do live productions for gaming. If you are familiar with Lupon, WXC (a live gaming broadcast), yun yung ginagawa ko buong pandemic live productions para running pa rin sila kahit hindi na sila lumabas nabubuo nila yung productions,” he said. Paulo admits he also does not want to focus on just one genre or area of interest. In Aswang, Ivana Alawi plays a money-hungry prostitute named Joyce who is desperate to escape her life after being used and abused by different people. One day, she meets Nala, a stray dog who becomes her companion for life and ends up turning all her insecurities and worries into life-changing opportunitiesSitsit is a two-bill movie with the episode Aswang starring Ivana Alawi and directed by Erin Pascual. Co-produced by Paulo Avelino. Sitsit is available on the iWant TFC app (iOS and Android) or on iwanttfc.com.

Actor-turned-producer Paulo Avelino shares his thoughts on working behind the camera for his latest project.