It may seem effortless when actors portray a character on a teleserye, especially since viewers at home only get to see the end product. But transforming into someone else is a complicated process. After decades in the industry, this is something that Make It With You star Ian Veneracion is all too familiar with.
The Process
“Hindi siya ‘yung, step one, step two,” he started off. Getting to know your role could take months. Behind the cameras, actors and writers collaborate on how to bring life into the character. Once in front of the cameras, there are more factors to consider like who you’re sharing a scene with. “It’s always a dance between two actors, and the camera, and the lighting,” he explained.
Every actor has their own way of getting into character. Figuring out your style requires years of experience. After decades in the industry, Ian now prefers to internalize right before shooting the scene. “Gusto kong malaman kung anong kukunan lang for the day. And ayaw kong mag-internalize hangga’t hindi nandyan na kasi napapanis,” he stated. It also helps him to come from a state of laughter and then transition into whatever emotions he needs to feel.
The Character
Ian shared that Ted Villarica on Make It With You is different from his previous roles. He is very formal—always wearing a suit and usually only seen in the office. But while the physical appearance is important, the most crucial part in playing the persona is the delivery of lines. “Lalo na ‘yung mata, ‘yung iniisip mo habang dini-deliver mo ‘yung lines,” he added.
Gabo’s father is self-centered, but the Kapamilya star teased that he is not a black and white villain. There are still parts of the character that have yet to be explained, particularly why he acts the way he does. “Madaming nangyayari sa isip niya na hindi natin alam kung ano ‘yung background. Some justified kung bakit siya ganito. Some hindi na eventually siguro ipapakita,” he said. At the end of the day, Ian is excited to discover what will happen to Ted and his relationship with the other characters on the primetime teleserye.
The Lesson
While Ian is not as cold as Ted, there are instances when he is not fully able to let go of the role after the shoot. “During the show, sometimes it happens that you become your character. Minsan nauuwi mo talaga sa bahay ‘yung traits nung character mo. It’s part of the job,” he revealed.
This could be one reason why he believes that the “self” is only a concept. There are traits of the actor in every portrayal. “It’s just a matter of choosing which aspects ang i-compile for the day,” he shared.
The process of transforming into different personas and living the life of others is his favorite part about being an actor because it helps him learn more about himself. “Kaya ko gusto ‘yung trabaho ko kasi it allows me to explore aspects of myself,” he ended.