Annette Gozon-Valdes reveals what inspired killer story, concept for ‘Red Crown’

MANILA, Philippines — GMA Pictures president and CEO Annette Gozon-Valdes had been wanting to create a movie that would bring together the many former and aspiring beauty queens under GMA’s talent management arm, Sparkle.

That idea eventually evolved into “Red Crown,” a dark comedy about a pageant where the crown is, literally, to die for. Now showing in cinemas nationwide, the film based on Atty. Annette’s story and concept is under the direction of Dominic Zapata with a screenplay from Kit Villanueva-Zapata and Ken de Leon.

In an exclusive e-mail interview with The Philippine STAR, the GMA boss talked more about how “Red Crown” came about.

“It all started when I noticed that Sparkle had a lot of ex beauty queens and future beauty queens in its roster of talents. I wanted to create something where we could place them all so I thought of doing a movie about beauty queens,” she said.

She also wanted the film to satirize pageantry while celebrating the women who ventured into this industry.

“Yes, I wanted to do a beauty pageant movie that is satirical, one that would poke fun at the truths behind the pageant industry. Something that pushes the limits of competition. So I thought of having the contestants ‘eliminated’ literally after every category of the competition,” she further told The STAR.

At the same time, she added, “I also wanted to pay homage to the true courage and strength of each and every person who dares to join beauty pageants… to show that it celebrates woman empowerment.”

“Red Crown” follows 25 contestants who are set to compete on the 25th anniversary of the fictional Queen of the Islands Philippines pageant. After signing contracts and boarding a yacht to the secret and secluded venue, the delegates find out that they are constantly being monitored by cameras and guards. No one is permitted to leave the premises.

When one contestant challenges its mysterious organizer, a puppet figure also known as Queen Mama, a deadly “accident” occurs. But the show, or pageant rather, must go on.

The contestants then find out that losing in an elimination round means dying. And as the remaining delegates uncover the truth behind Queen of the Islands Philippines, they must work together for their survival.

“Red Crown” stars, as contestants, Sanya Lopez, Ashley Ortega and Faith Da Silva, alongside real-life beauty queens Michelle Marquez Dee, Ahtisa Manalo, Gazini Ganados, Ara Arida, MJ Lastimosa, Herlene Budol, Shuvee Etrata, AZ Martinez, Yllana Marie “Yana” Aduana, Alethea Ambrosio and Tarah Valencia.

Also in the cast are Rein Hillary, Vanessa Peña, Haley Dizon, Skye Chua, Jade Tecson, MJ Encabo, Sandy Riccio, Aira Lopez, Yza Thalia Uy, Yna Angela Uy and Maika Kemmochi.

The ensemble also includes Ruffa Gutierrez as Charito Macapagal, the former national director, as well as Epy Quizon and Michael de Mesa, who are “employed” with the new owners of the pageant.

Making guest appearances in the film are Bianca Manalo, Tim Yap, Patricia Ysmael, Betong Sumaya, Vince Maristela, Jay Ortega, Pinky Tobiano, Cat Arambulo, Anna Magkawas, Sam Panlilio, Christian Singson, Datu Kevin Limjoco, Javi Valdes and Iken Ramirez.

Asked how they managed to assemble such a large cast, Atty. Annette said, “Of course, the first (to be approached) were the Sparkle artists who were former beauty queens such as Michelle Dee, Ahtisa Manalo, Gazini, Herlene, Shuvee, AZ, Bianca Manalo, Alethea Ambrosio, Rein Hillary, Ysa Uy.

“Then, we also wanted to tap real beauty pageant winners such as Ara Arida, MJ Lastimosa, Yana Aduana, Tarah Valencia and of course, Ms. Ruffa Gutierrez. We also handpicked our dramatic actresses who look like beauty queens such as Sanya, Ashley and Faith.”

She admitted that coordinating everyone’s schedules was a logistical challenge.

“It was so, so hard juggling the schedules of all the cast members during the shoot. I think this is the most number of cast members we’ve had in one movie.”

Meanwhile, “Red Crown” not only showed that actresses like Shuvee and Faith have beauty queen potential, but also proved that real-life beauty queens possess acting chops. Special mention must go to Ahtisa, who was a revelation with her comedic timing.

Asked about GMA’s plans for the former Miss Universe Philippines, the network executive said, “She is currently in ‘Master Cutter’ and we want to show her chops in action. She is a natural actress and it is seen in ‘Red Crown.’ We are excited to showcase her versatility in more projects in the future.”

With Sparkle having an impressive lineup of beauty queens in its stable, Atty. Annette was also asked whether the network was considering more projects featuring them.

“I hope that we will do a Part 2 of ‘Red Crown.’ Let’s see,” she teased, just as the film’s ending is, likewise, open to interpretation.

“Red Crown” is R-16 due to its share of blood and gore. Atty. Annette, nevertheless, stressed that more than those scenes, the movie carries a bigger message about the hard work of women who pursue their dreams via a pageant stage.

“Pageantry is not all glitz and glam. What goes on behind the scenes is no joke. It is hard work,” she said.

“We want to celebrate the inner strength and courage of women, and the sisterhood pageant candidates build. As the opening line of the movie says: ‘There are 6 Bs — beauty, brains, body, breeding, bearing and bravery.’”

“Red Crown,” which opened in Philippine cinemas on Oct. 28, is executive-produced by Atty. Annette, Luis “Chavit” Singson and William Yu.

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