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Learn more about what it takes to bring this underwater telefantasya to life with Direk Mark Reyes and Mike Tuviera.
As the wonders of Atlantika start to unravel this week, learn more about what it takes to bring this underwater telefantasya to life with Direk Mark Reyes and Mike Tuviera. Text by Jillian Q. Gatcheco.
Direk Mark says that what makes him excited about Atlantika is having the chance to work with the Encantadia family once again. “(We have the) same production team of Encantadia. Dingdong and Iza (are) there, and some other characters (as well). That’s what makes it exciting. And then it’s a whole new ball game, because coming from Encantadia’s success, you get the chance to do something similar, but totally not the same. And you have to add the elements of the open sea and underwater, so that’s what makes it (different). And it’s science fiction-fantasy kasi, e. I’m a sci-fi buff. I’m a Trekkie and a sci-fi freak, so those influences, I could translate them and use them for Atlantika.”
He adds, “After Encantadia, that’s the level that we will go. It can’t go down that level. I’m not even thinking of equaling what Encantadia did, that’s like trying to catch lightning twice. I just hope (na kayang pantayan), or abutin man lang. But to outdo Enca – that’s a tall order.”
Atlantika’s production designer is Rodell Cruz, who worked on Born on the Fourth of July, Plateau, and all the other Oliver Stone films. He was also the one who designed the costumes for Encantadia, which Direk Mike refers to as “the best costumes on television.”
For Atlantika, however, the costumes are quite different, because they have to be practical in terms of using them underwater. They actually started from the Speedo sharkskin suits that Olympic swimmers use. It looks like sharkskin, and even brings out the appearance of having scales. From that base, they added stuff like weights underneath the suit to aid the actors to stay submerged when acting underwater. In effect, the weights give the appearance of armor. The costume team also took care of technicalities such as how the oxygen goes through the back of the suit, and how to avoid unnecessary bulk that could accidentally show on screen.
Another thing that Direk Mike loves about Atlantika is the plot’s ability to switch from one world to the other, and to allow interaction between the mortal and Atlantikan world. “I think this invokes that kind of…the drama set in fantastic worlds that Encantadia did so well. It’s very, very different from for example, Majika, you really don’t have the mortal world there. Most everything happens in that magical world, except in the first month, I think, it was in the mortal world. But now, what we’re planning to do with Atlantika is to constantly go from world to world. There’s an interaction, so that the people, the audience, they can really relate to everything. It’s not just the royal bloodline, (the) Atlantikans. The problems they have in this fantastic world also connect to the drama that happens between human beings.”
He adds, “Then also…we’ve never seen anything like this before -- a world made of water, and these creatures. Down to the design of the spacecraft, and the props, the guns, the costumes, everything is brand new. We’ve never seen anything like this. It’s a little ironic, because we’re a group of islands surrounded by water and only now do we have a show that kind of evokes that. So instead of this borrowing from the look of any foreign production, it really is…Filipino in its very heart, in its very source; it’s very Filipino in nature.”
Direk Mark also has a handful of stuff to brag about this new project: “(There are) so many things (to be proud of), from the dramatic elements, to the storyline, to the mystery, to the action. You know, we have stunt work, special effects, to the fantastic costumes, to the wonderful new sets, to the first submarine set in Philippine television! The works talaga! It’s the first show of Cherry Pie Picache for GMA, What else? (It has) romantic love stories, Dingdong-Iza, Jean Garcia-Gardo, and so many others, and comedy (as well!)
Witness what direk Mark and Mike have been raving about! Catch Atlantika every weeknight, right after
Asian Treasures!
Do you want to share with Dingdong or Iza your thoughts on their new TV series? Text Dingdong (your message) or Iza (your message) and send to 4627 for all telcos.
