Hotel guests may witness special performances of Loboc Children’s Choir as they are scheduled to sing at the lobby of Manila Prince Hotel on April 30, 2023 at 2:30 PM and at the grand lobby of The Manila Hotel on May 1, 2023 at 2:30 PM.
Admission is free.
The renowned Loboc Children’s Choir has captivated audiences far and wide with their musical talent. Having won national and international competitions, the choir has grown into one of the Philippines’ most outstanding choirs today.
Loboc Children’s Choir was founded in 1980, and within its forty-three years of existence, the choir has received accolades around the world as they held concerts in Austria, Belgium, China, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, and United States of America. They took home the gold medal in both the Youth Category and Grand Prize at the 6th International Folksongs Festival “Europe and its Songs” held in Barcelona, Spain.
For inquiries, please call (63 2) 5328-2222 for Manila Prince Hotel and (63 2) 8527-0011 for The Manila Hotel.
Boasting its world-class hospitality standards and services in its flagship restaurant, Spiral, its 3 luxury dining destinations and highly acclaimed banquet services, from state and national events to social and corporate celebrations, Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila proudly presents Mr. Eric Norbert as the hotel’s newest Director of Food and Beverage.
Coming up to lead one of the metro’s biggest food and beverage team, Mr. Norbert is a self-drivenand self-determined individual withmore than two decades of experiencein restaurant andhospitality,thathas aninspiring success storyof building up one’s career from the bottom whileaspiring to be a leader that he is today.
Early in his career, Mr. Norbert jumpstarted his passion in Food & Beverage in the exclusive five-star, Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, France while learning century-long hospitality practices and traditions of French luxury and elegance. He was able to progress his career when he worked for La Bernardin, a three-star Michelin restaurant in New York City. In 2006,Heentered the hospitality-chain industry at the world-famous Glass Brasserie in Hilton Sydney, Australia as its Assistant Operations Manager.
In 2012, Mr. Norbert workedwith Chef Cyrille Soenen, Maître Cusinier De France,at the well-knownBrasserie CiÇou as its Restaurant Manager. Because of the exemplary skillshe had shown, BrasserieCiÇou was awardedas the Best French Restaurant of the Year at the Manila’s Best KeptRestaurantSecrets Awards2012.
Mr. Norbert started his career at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in 2015 as a restaurant manager of the hotel’s lobby lounge and patisserie, Le Bar. It was not long that he was promoted to be the manager of Asia’s most interactive dining destination, Spiral. He presented his expertise in world-class dining and service that made Spiral one of the most multi-awarded international buffets in the metro. While Spiral remains to be the country’s top dining destination, He pursued his passion to provide excellence in service as he became the hotel’s Food and Beverage Manager in 2019.
3 years ago, as the world went on a hiatus, Mr. Norbert remained resilientand strived to revive thehotel’s food & beverage dining outletsthroughadaptingthe changes in the hospitality service andempoweringhis team not to be discouraged with the limitations during those times. His drive andeagerness for the rise of the industry and his rapport and care for his people, earned his promotion tobe the Assistant Director of Food & Beverage in 2022.
Now reaching his career goal, Mr. Norbert aims to continue his legacy and principle of providing world-class experiences to guests and patrons. As the new Director of Food & Beverage, he aspires to create a modern approach on hospitality experience to connect with guests through food, beverage and service while still upholding French art de vivre and the heartfelt warmth of the Filipino spirit
Dismantling the Crooked World Crafted by Cheonmyeong Group,Dreaming of an Equal Society
The upcoming series, Black Knight, promises to be an action-packed, adrenaline-fueled adventure that will leave you breathless. The recently released main trailer offers a tantalizing glimpse into a post-apocalyptic universe where the Korean peninsula has become a desert wasteland and only one percent of the population clings to life. The devastated look of Seoul seems outright surreal.
Screenshot from Netflix Black Knight Trailer
The legendary deliveryman 5-8 (Kim Woo-bin) works as a lifeline to mankind, delivering oxygen and other necessities in the daytime. At nightfall, however, he transforms into a Black Knight with a plot to upend the order created by Cheonmyeong Group, the de facto ruler of the devastated world. Ryu Seok (Song Seung-heon), the ruthless heir to Cheonmyeong Group, clashes with 5-8 as he defends his vision of a world with no place for the refugees. Seol-ah (Esom), a major at the Defense Intelligence Command, warns 5-8 that chaos may spiral out of hand, while Sa-wol, a refugee who aspires of becoming a Black Knight, boldly climbs onto 5-8’s truck, eager to join the fight.
“That’s exactly what we’re trying to change.”
Screenshot from Netflix Black Knight Trailer
On top of all the drama is the exhilarating action sequences, including heart-stopping car chases on sand dunes, intense firefights, and expertly choreographed hand-to-hand combat. Director Cho Ui-seok aimed to create “more down-to-earth and lively” scenes compared to the original webtoon. While 5-8 plots to overturn the crooked world order, Ryu Seok’s dark ambitions, Sa-wol’s pursuit of becoming a Black Knight, and Seol-ah’s investigation into the sinister secrets of Cheonmyeong’s dirty secrets are all in play. All eyes are on the expansive universe that Black Knight is set to unveil.
Clear your schedule and prepare to be captivated: Black Knight will be available worldwide on May 12, exclusively on Netflix.
Just in time for Christian Bautista’s celebration of his now two-decade music career, Sam Concepcion reimagines his 2017 hit song “Kapit” and did not just one, but two versions of it!
The multitalented singer recently made his return to his Universal Records family and released two brand new mixes of “Kapit” that impressively took the song to even greater heights with its infectious groove.
Sam’s homage to Asia’s Romantic Balladeer is indeed one-of-a-kind. Sam Concepcion flawlessly puts his own spin on the track, infusing it with his signature sound and energy.
Recalling how he accepted the offer to cover a Christian Bautista hit, he shares, “It just happened. I learned that there’s a compilation album that’s being made for Christian Bautista and as some people may already know, we spent a lot of time together in our careers especially during the beginning. We have the same management, same network, and all that.”
“So fast forward, when the opportunity presented itself to remake a song that I really like, that I am aware of, and I’ve listened to countless times before, I took the opportunity to record and sing it, syempre,” he adds. Sam also said that he’s also happy about the longevity of Christian’s career.
When asked about the reason why he worked with two producers to make two mixes of “Kapit”, the singer said that there are two effective ways of interpreting the song.
“There were two ways of approaching it and I worked with two different producers to come up with two different versions of the song. One is a bit more chill and laid back. The other has a faster tempo. So you get two, which is great because it completely changes the whole mood and it creates a different context for the song,” Sam explains.
Feast your ears on Sam’s “Kapit” and “Kapit (The Other Mix) on your favorite digital streaming platforms today.
Digital art continues to grow globally with the Philippines rising as an emerging market for artists and collectors. A study by Finder in 2022, showed that the Philippines ranked seventh in the world for NFT (non-fungible token) adoption.
Filipinos can now explore the world of NFTs, as GCash, the #1 Finance Super App, introduces the GCrypto NFT Hub. Users can now easily discover and purchase NFT art, and support their favorite homegrown artists.
GCash has partnered with homegrown NFT marketplace, Likha, and the popular art gallery, Vinyl on Vinyl, for the release of its first GCrypto NFT collection: The House of Ohlala, from Filipino contemporary artist, Reen Barrera.
“We are thrilled to partner with the esteemed artist, Reen Barrera, for his first ever NFT collection as we unveil the new GCrypto NFT Hub,” said Jong Layug, GCash Head of Wealth Management. “Through the GCrypto NFT Hub, we hope to provide Filipino artists a platform to bring their digital art to a wider audience, while also enabling more Filipinos access to buy their first NFT art.”
“I personally use GCash on a daily basis, and for sure, a lot of Filipinos also trust the app for their hard earned money. To acquire NFT, you need a digital currency. And what’s the most trusted e-wallet app? It’s GCash,” said Reen Barrera. “For someone like me who’s afraid to venture into something new like NFTs, I would be at ease knowing that I’m with a company I trust.”
During the House of Ohlala launch in The Astbury, Makati, hosted by NFT enthusiast Mikael Daez, members of the NFT and art community came together to celebrate, and get first dibs on Barrera’s first NFT collection.
Barrera’s NFT project features a collection of 1,000 NFTs built on the Polygon blockchain, with each NFT being sold for 80 MATIC. The House of Ohlala includes unique utility features. NFT holders have a chance to win one of the four Ohlala statues to be raffled every quarter, they can gain exclusive access to artwork and merchandise, and get to join a whitelist for future collections. Owners of the 10 editions of 1 of 1 NFTs will also receive free Giclee prints of their digital collectible.
The collection is based on Barrera’s most popular character, Ohlala, who is a soft commentary on socio-economic classes. Ohlala’s head is covered in canvas cloth to symbolize that each one of us, no matter our economic backgrounds, has the ability to design our own fates. Ohlala’s face is also decorated with symbols and patterns, based on the idiom “it is written all over your face.”
Get first dibs on legit NFT through the GCrypto NFT Hub
The GCrypto NFT Hub will feature digital art created by famous and up-and-coming local artists, such as National Artist Larry Alcala through a partnership with Scarletbox.io, Superordinary Friends x TRNZ, and Monster Mayhem by Distort Monsters. Upcoming collections include artworks by contemporary artist Bitto, and national artists Botong Francisco and Vicente Manansala.
Are you ready to own your first NFT artwork and discover more artists? Get first dibs on curated and legitimate NFTs through the GCrypto NFT Hub (https://www.gcash.com/services/gcrypto/nft)! Kaya Mo. I-GCash Mo.
Get ready for a high-octane thrill ride as the new trailer for Transformers: Rise of the Beasts drops! This adrenaline-pumping adventure from Paramount Pictures is set to hit Philippine cinemas on June 7.
A ’90s Adventure with the Autobots
Witness the Autobots return to the action and spectacle that has captivated moviegoers across the globe. “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” takes you on a nostalgic ’90s journey, following the Autobots on a globetrotting adventure. But there’s a twist – they’ll be joined by a new breed of Transformer, the Maximals, as allies in their ongoing battle for Earth.
The Visionaries Behind the Scenes
Under the skilled direction of Steven Caple Jr., “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” promises to deliver a fresh and exciting take on the beloved franchise. With a screenplay by Joby Harold, Darnell Metayer, Josh Peters, Erich Hoeber, and Jon Hoeber, the film is based on Hasbro’s iconic Transformers™ Action Figures. Produced by Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto, Don Murphy, Michael Bay, Mark Vahradian, and Duncan Henderson, it’s a powerhouse team bringing this exhilarating story to life.
An All-Star Cast Ready for Action
Featuring a stellar ensemble, “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” stars Anthony Ramos, Dominique Fishback, Tobe Nwigwe, Peter Cullen, Ron Perlman, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, Liza Koshy, John DiMaggio, David Sobolov, Michaela Jae Rodriguez, Pete Davidson, and Cristo Fernández.
Stay Connected with “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts”
As the Philippine distributor, Paramount Pictures brings “Transformers: Rise of the Beasts” to local audiences through Columbia Pictures. Stay updated on the latest news and buzz by connecting with the hashtags #Transformers and #RiseOfTheBeasts, and by tagging @paramountpicsph.
For all the great filmmaking in Ben Affleck-directed ‘Air’ – from the exquisite tight shots and the deep dive into the zeitgeist of the 80s, as well as fantastic performances by Viola Davis and Chris Messina – there is something that is completely empty in the film that dramatizes probably one of the greatest sports deal in history. The movie is about the deal that partners up Nike with the basketball legend Michael Jordan. The 112-minute film is really just a pitch that a talent scout in the sports brand attempts to make with a very promising rookie back in 1984. The film benefits from everyone knowing the legacy of the legendary basketball player – even someone like me who is not familiar with basketball, even I know who Michael Jordan is – and are all aware of how much the sneaker industry makes a year.
Basically, we all come in knowing this is going to be a happy ending. So all the film has to do is to create the stakes and try to make it all fun to watch. Affleck goes full-on with his depiction of the 80s – the fashion, the production design, even the picture quality has that saturated 80s look – and it helps create that world. We are so steeped into it.
The story follows Matt Damon, who plays Sonny Vaccaro, who has to help Nike find an athlete to endorse their show, or they’ll have to close down their basketball division and focus just on their running shoes. In 1984, Nike was not the powerhouse that it was then and was only third to Adidas and Converse. They don’t have prime picks and Sonny must make magic or the whole division gets shut down.
Instead of spending their small budget on three mid-level players, Sonny insists on spending the whole budget on just one player: a rookie called Michael Jordan. And this is where the film fails to truly capture the imagination of the audience and proves that the film might be nothing more than an expensive, star-studded Nike commercial: the story, with a screenplay by Alex Convery, only creates one scene that shows us that Vaccaro has found THE player to endorse.
After watching one short clip from one of his games, Vaccaro is sure that Michael Jordan is going to be the greatest player ever. We know it. We saw it happen and it’s truly the stuff of legend. But the film relies on this and leaves the rest to our stock knowledge.
Sonny then spends the rest of the movie convincing everyone at Nike to put everything on this one rookie and then, later on, spends the second half convincing Jordan’s mother (played by a fantastic Viola Davis) that they should sign up with Nike. That’s it. That’s the whole movie – it’s a movie about a pitch, and a successful one at that – and while the movie tries to show us the stakes that was at play and the risk that so many people took – expressed beautifully in a scene between Damon’s Sonny Vaccaro and his co-worker Rob Strasser played by Jason Bateman – at the end of the day it’s a movie about a big million-dollar company making even more millions.
There is an attempt to put the importance in Michael Jordan’s legacy – that the deal Deloris Jordan, Michael Jordan’s mother, insists upon giving her son a huge amount of benefits that was unheard of at that period of time – but this doesn’t ring true because never once the film take the time to show us what a great player he is. We know it. The film knows we know it but by not giving any screen time to Jordan on the court everything becomes hearsay. Millions and millions of dollars and the jobs of so many people are at stake because this athlete is supposed to be worth it, and they never bother to show us this.
In fact, they never even show us Michael Jordan’s face. They get an actor, Damian Delano Young, to play the young Michael Jordan but they never show his face, shooting always at an off angle favoring Davis or Damon, and never letting him speak. If this story is about his greatness as an athlete, if the push was to show us that the skill and the promise of this young basketball player was enough to cause this much trouble, how come we never get to see him play or see his face?
No, what is given emphasis here is the money: how much were they willing to risk, and how much they were going to make. There’s no real character development here – Sonny Vaccaro, Rob Strasser, Deloris Jordan – they are exactly the same people when this movie started but they just ended up much richer. At the end of the film, they put down some facts about how much Air Jordans, the shoe that is at the center of the film, sold that year and the years to follow and how much Michael Jordan makes every year because of this deal – and it’s a lot – and, sure, it talks about how Deloris Jordan has opened up charities and gives back.
But it is a whole lot to do about money. They put so much emphasis on the possible loss of the basketball division but also mention that the company was already making so much in running shoes. They weren’t going to go bankrupt at all.
Yes, great performances – Viola Davis, Chris Messina, and even a wonderful cameo turn by Marlon Wayans – and some snappy dialogue and great camera work (though the music is so intrusive and overselling the 80s vibe way too much) but at the end of the day, it feels like a commercial or a product placement.
My Rating:
— Airis now showing in cinemas nationwide. Buy your tickets here
Made to be experienced best in cinemas, the larger-than-life true story of “Big George Foreman” and the viscerally chilling “Evil Dead Rise” will open on May 10 exclusive at Ayala Malls Cinemas. The films are part of the A-List Series, a curation of films exclusively offered at Ayala Malls Cinemas where film enthusiasts and movie fans enjoy the best cinema viewing experience.
See and feel the grit, passion and drama unfold at Ayala Malls Cinemas, taking you back in time into the journey of one of sports’ most admired figures in history in “Big George Foreman”. The inspiring true story of George Foreman in “Big George Foreman: The Miraculous Story of the Once and Future Heavyweight Champion of the World” is based on one of the greatest comebacks of all time and the transformational power of second chances.
Fueled by an impoverished childhood, Foreman channeled his anger into becoming an Olympic Gold medalist and World Heavyweight Champion, followed by a near-death experience that took him from the boxing ring to the pulpit. But when he sees his community struggling spiritually and financially, Foreman returns to the ring and makes history by reclaiming his title, becoming the oldest and most improbable World Heavyweight Boxing Champion ever. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker George Tillman Jr. from a story by Dan Gordon and Frank Baldwin & George Tillman Jr, and a screenplay by Baldwin & Tillman, the film stars Khris Davis (Judas and the Black Messiah) as Foreman and also stars Academy Award® winner Forest Whitaker as Foreman’s trainer and mentor Doc Broadus.
A chilling experience is about to take over this summer with “Evil Dead Rise”. As the movie’s action moves out of the woods and into the city, Ayala Malls Cinemas brings to life in cinematic detail the film’s nightmarish experience of the twisted tale of two estranged sisters whose reunion is cut short by the rise of flesh-possessing demons, thrusting them into a primal battle for survival as they face the most frightening version of their family imaginable. The movie stars Lily Sullivan (“I Met a Girl,” “Barkskins”), Alyssa Sutherland (“New Gold Mountain,” “Vikings”), Morgan Davies (“The End,” “Storm Boy”), Gabrielle Echols (“Reminiscence”) and introducing Nell Fisher (“Northspur”).
Following a routine can help us keep our days organized, but sometimes doing the same tasks can make our days feel repetitive. This is something actor Donny Pangilinan is familiar with, but he makes sure to keep his days “magical.”
“When you’re doing things over and over again, it’s going to feel like a cycle. So the most important thing is to be around people who won’t let you get sucked into showbiz and to make sure that you don’t lose yourself. Do things that remind you of who you are. At the same time, you shouldn’t forget to prepare for work,” he says.
The actor shared how he finds ways to turn even the simplest moments into magical ones, such as munching on his favorite Magic Creams snack when he’s at work.
Just like Donny, you can make your repetitive days more exciting. You can get inspiration from the magic man himself:
Relax and stay away from loudness It’s important to relax your mind and body when taking a break, so it’s best to stay away from loud places first. What Donny does to relax is go on food trips or have game nights with his friends.
Spend more time around nature Donny is an outdoorsy person, and spending more time around nature helps him wind down. One of his favorite hobbies right now is golfing. “It’s the best way to get away from the city and be in nature. My siblings got me into golf, so it’s a great bonding activity as well,” he says. He also likes going to the beach and scuba diving (fun fact: he’s building a beach house near the best diving spots in Anilao, Batangas!), hiking, and camping.
Try something for the first time The best way to break out of a routine is to step out of your comfort zone and do something you’ve never done before. For Donny, he felt “magic” when he went skydiving for the first time in Dubai. “It was a magical moment for me because it gave me a feeling I’ve never felt before. I’d definitely try it again,” he says.
Get out and travel A change of scenery is always a great idea when you want to want to add excitement to your repetitive days. If you haven’t gone on a trip abroad yet, this year might be the perfect time to do it for the first time. This is also what Donny wants to do once he’s done shooting his teleserye. “I want to travel more and be able to go to countries for the first time,” he says. Make sure to have a pack of Magic Creams in your carry-on as well so you can snack while waiting to board your flight. Donny’s personal favorite Magic Creams flavor is Chocolate because it energizes him.
These are some of the ways Donny enjoys and have fun even on repetitive days, so that he still feels motivated and inspired.
Just like Donny, the endorser of Jack ‘n Jill Magic Crackers, you can have a magical day with Magic Creams and its five sweet Linamyum Palaman flavors: Chocolate, Butter, Peanut Butter, Condensada, and Cheese. You can also switch things up by munching on Magic Chips – Donny’s go-to snack wherever he goes. There’s also his other favorite snack, Magic Flakes, which he enjoys with cheese, ham, and fruits.
Watch Donny as he stars in the newest kilig-worthy commercial of Magic Creams. Check out Magic’s Facebook page and this YouTube video to find out kung ga’no kasarap ‘pag may Magic!
Stock up on Magic Creams and other Jack ‘n Jill Magic products at your favorite stores and supermarkets, and online.
Get ready to sink your teeth into some fascinating facts about the movie “Renfield”! This unique blend of horror, comedy, and action sets out to make a splash in theaters, so let’s uncover what makes this film stand out from the rest. Here are five intriguing things you should know about “Renfield.”
1. A Fresh Take on Dracula’s Loyal Servant
“Renfield” explores the untold story of Dracula’s infamous henchman, R.M. Renfield. The film takes a creative approach to Bram Stoker’s classic Dracula, published in 1897, offering a fresh perspective on the character while keeping the spirit of the original novel alive.
The film’s premise was conceived by Robert Kirkman, the creative force behind The Walking Dead and Invincible. Kirkman’s innovative approach to the Dracula story was to focus on a character in Dracula’s orbit, rather than the vampire himself. Renfield, a character from Bram Stoker’s classic novel, became the center of this new narrative, blending black comedy with horror movie mayhem to explore the codependent relationship between Renfield and Dracula.
Nicolas Cage as Dracula in Renfield, directed by Chris McKay.
“Renfield” takes a fascinating approach to its opening sequence by compositing Renfield (Nicholas Hoult) and Dracula (Nicolas Cage) into classic Universal vampire films, beginning with Tod Browning’s black-and-white “Dracula.” Director Chris McKay, a lifelong horror fan, was a perfect match for the material, with a comedic sensibility that aligned with the script’s tone. He envisioned this homage to the original 1931 film as a way to connect the backstory of Renfield’s relationship with Dracula. The actors and the VFX team worked meticulously to recreate those classic moments, offering audiences a seamless blend of old and new. This innovative opening sets the stage for the rest of the movie, hinting at the unconventional and creative storytelling to come.
Expect the unexpected as the movie unravels the mysteries surrounding Renfield’s life and adventures.
2. A Stellar Cast and Crew
The movie boasts an impressive ensemble of actors, including Nicholas Hoult as Renfield, Nicolas Cage as Dracula, and Awkwafina in a mysterious role. Ben Schwartz and Brandon Scott also join the star-studded cast, adding their unique flair to the film. Helming the project is director Chris McKay, known for his work on “The LEGO Batman Movie” and “The Tomorrow War,” with a screenplay by Ryan Ridley of “Rick and Morty” fame.
(from left) Tedward Lobo (Benjamin Schwartz) and Dracula (Nicolas Cage) in Renfield, directed by Chris McKay.
To prepare for the part, Hoult studied Stoker’s Dracula and watched the 1931 film adaptation to draw inspiration from Dwight Frye’s performance. Despite the film’s comedic and action-packed tone, Hoult aimed to pay tribute to the original character while bringing his unique interpretation to the role.
In addition to immersing himself in the source material, Hoult underwent extensive fight training to perform the stunt work required for the part. One particularly memorable aspect of his preparation was consuming various bugs, both real and confectionary-made by the props department, in order to stay true to Renfield’s insect-eating habits from the original novel.
This dream team of talent is sure to deliver a memorable movie experience!
3. Bridging the Past and Present: A Timeless Aesthetic
Alec Hammond, the production designer, dove headfirst into a treasure trove of classic Universal horror films and modern vampire flicks to create the right atmosphere for “Renfield.” The goal? To craft heightened environments that would have a timeless appeal, merging the period sensibilities of the old classics with the modern cinematic language. And boy, did they hit the nail on the head!
For the opening flashback sequence, Hammond designed an impressive library set that pays homage to Bela Lugosi’s era, complete with centuries of accumulated wealth. In present day, Dracula is no longer living in a castle. Rather, his lair is found in the basement of New Orleans’ defunct Charity Hospital. Instead of shooting inside the real Charity Hospital, the production recreated a larger, grander version on a soundstage, resembling a crumbling old cathedral.
Renfield’s devotion to Dracula knows no bounds, and the film’s “blood throne” is a testament to that. The creative minds behind the movie, McKay and Hammond, came up with the idea that Renfield might attempt to revive Dracula intravenously. So, they concocted a homemade contraption using an antique oral surgery chair as a base, adorned with dozens of blood bags. Now that’s what we call a killer design!
Renfield’s journey towards independence is reflected in his first-ever home since leaving his family in the 1930s. Initially drab, the apartment soon bursts into a kaleidoscope of bright colors and inspirational posters, symbolizing Renfield’s newfound freedom and inability to live as an autonomous person. As the saying goes, you can take Renfield out of Dracula’s lair, but you can’t take the Dracula out of Renfield.
If you thought Renfield’s apartment was over-the-top, wait until you get a load of the Lobo family’s ostentatious compound. Covered in gold leaf and guarded by grotesque walls, this crime lord’s lair is the epitome of tasteless grandeur. It screams hubris and flaunts the family’s belief that they’re above the law. Talk about having more money than sense!
4. A Bug Buffet: The Art of Creating Edible Bugs
The devil is in the details, and in “Renfield,” prop master Gary Tuers and his team went the extra mile to create realistic, life-sized bugs for our protagonist to munch on. Using 3D printed models of real insects, they crafted food-grade silicone molds to bring these creepy crawlies to life. In the end, close to 100 of each bug was created. Talk about dedication!
Finding the perfect material for each bug mold was no small feat. After extensive research and development, they settled on injecting melted caramel into the molds. And for the finishing touch? They added legs after the caramel dried. Deliciously creepy, isn’t it?
Before the cameras started rolling, Tuers met with director Chris McKay and actor Nicholas Hoult for a “bug Show-and-Tell.” This event showcased everything from drawings of the planned bug molds to actual candy and real edible bugs available for purchase online. The smorgasbord included flavored crickets, beetles, potato bugs, and even tarantulas. Now that’s a feast for the eyes (and stomach)!
Ever wondered what it’s like to chow down on a cricket? Just ask Nicholas Hoult, who, over the course of the three-month production, consumed approximately 100 crickets! It’s safe to say that his commitment to the role was truly “insect-sational.”
5. From Tattered Suits to Timeless Vampires. Costume Secrets of “Renfield”
Renfield’s wardrobe is a testament to his personal journey, and costume designer Lisa Lovaas didn’t miss a beat. Initially donning a tailored brown suit from the 1930s – worn and mended from years of service – Renfield’s attire takes a bold turn as he breaks free from Dracula, embracing vibrant sweaters, chinos, and sneakers in a bid to fit into modern society. Out with the old, in with the new!
Drawing inspiration from icons like Bela Lugosi, David Bowie, and even Liberace, Lovaas created a stunning red velvet suit and cape for Cage’s Dracula. Custom-made with embroidered “CD” initials, this outfit exudes aristocratic elegance. And what’s a vampire without a little bling? A diamond-and-ruby-encrusted medallion, featuring a miniature portrait of Cage as Vlad the Impaler, ties this captivating look together.
Nicolas Cage as Dracula in Renfield, directed by Chris McKay.
So, are you ready to dive into the world of “Renfield” and uncover the secrets behind this unique vampire comedy-action film? Grab your garlic and wooden stakes, and prepare for a cinematic adventure like no other!
Renfieldis now showing in cinemas nationwide. Buy your tickets here.
