John Arcilla reminds younger actors that acting is more than memorizing lines

“Haunted Carnival” star John Arcilla said he has no restrictions for his younger co-stars on set, but prefers that they come prepared. 

Arcilla explained that memorizing lines on the spot can possibly delay filming. 

“Pinapalaya ko co-actors ko kung ano gusto nila gawin in preparation to the scene. Ang medyo critical ako… medyo sinasabi ko agad through my management: Yung mga nag-memorize on spot. Kasi tumatagal eksena pag doon ka lang nag memorya on the spot,” Arcilla said during the press conference held for the Metro Manila Film Festival entry.

The veteran actor shared he personally requests his script at least three days before the shoot, as he believes acting goes beyond simply a memorized dialogue. For him, it also requires understanding the story and the character’s motivations.

“Ayoko nagmememorya sa set. Kasi acting is more than just memorizing. Kailangan alam mo buong kwento at bakit mo sinasabi… Kailangan malinaw sayo bilang actor nangyayari sa character — doon automatically lalabas lines mo ng hindi mo memoryahin. Dahil alam mo kwento at saan siya nangagaling,” he reasoned. 

Arcilla, however, clarified he understands getting the script in advance is not always possible. 

“Minsan may script a night before or a day before ang dating,” he noted.

The Kapamilya artist added that he makes an effort to create a comfortable environment on set, reassuring his co-stars that making mistakes is part of the process.

“Pinapakita ko sa kanila, everything is OK. Magkamali is OK, I don’t say it literally but I make them feel it is OK, walang problema. We can work on it,” he said. 

Arcilla, meanwhile, praised the cast of the horror slasher for their energy and enthusiasm on set. 

“OK naman sila… kanya kanya sila ng disposition,” he recalled. “Sobra ang kanilang energy. Ganon din ako. Nakakahawa lang. ‘Yung excitement sa pag gawa ng trabaho, nakak-arelate ako sa mga bata. Very engaging sila. Sobrang inspiring. Energy nila nakaka-relate ako.”

“Haunted Carnival” will be shown in cinemas Nationwide beginning Christmas day as part of the 52nd Metro Manila Film Festival.