Last night, a few fortunate souls (some press and bloggers) got the chance to see an early 20 minute sneak peek of Erik Matti's upcoming horror-action-survival film, Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles. We are invited on a close door event at the Post Manila office to to have a first look of the movie. Of course we are not allowed to take photos and videos so I'll try to share some details about it.

Sonia's (Lovie Poe) family house in Pulupandan is part actual structure and part CGI.  This is where most of the action will take place.

Sonia's house without CGI

The film's 20 minute opener is composed almost with opening credits. The opening credits is in a magnificent 3D cell shaded fashion. With this style they did established that they are really getting the comic book feel of the movie. Other than the opening credits, we are also treated with scenes that are executed like comic book panels and boxes. The sounds are still on a placeholder stage. Production is still recording some dubbing for some of the actors and the scoring is still under negotiations for some rights holder. The special effects shown on the sneak peek is not that much. Obviously, the trailer has more of that but what is good about this teaser is we are indeed teased because it ended so fast.  Acting wise, you don't really need to expect pang FAMAS execution in acting.  If you want one then go watch something from Cinemalaya or the likes.  The mix of actors like what I mentioned before is unconventional for most of them don't really have good chemistry.  But despite the lack of chemistry, the cast exhibits immediate tension and dynamics which is I think a very good ingredient for such genre.  Hell just seeing Horror veterans Janice de Belen and Joey Marquez and some action movie legends like Roi Vinzon, Mike Gayoso, and Roldan Aquino on one movie is already a big nostalgic delight.

Makoy (Dingdong Dantes) waiting with his Father-in-law Nestor (Joey Marquez) on an owner type jeep.  Though not really 100% pinoy since jeeps are left by the Americans when they left Philippines years ago, Owner type jeep has become the basis of our most well known basic transportation Jeepneys.  Stainless Owner type Jeeps are also an staple vehicle for some of the masses.

We are also treated with the creative process presentation focused mainly on the CG. Direk Erik Matti honestly revealed that despite all the advancement, they still have limitations in the production like the problem of covering a whole warehouse with Green Screen due to limited budget. Of course in the end they managed to overcome this obstacles and transformed this huge empty warehouse in to a world that practically don't exist in the country. Though they are creating a whole new environment through CG, Direk Erik makes sure that he creates a very pinoy look from houses, landscapes, sky and trees.

3D untextured models of the "minion" aswangs inspired by Baboy Ramo (Wild Boar) and Askals (Mongrels)

An Aswang scene before and after initial rendering

The Marketplace in Pulupandan.  Strongly and definitely pinoy ;)

As of now Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles is still not rated by MTRCB but Direk is hoping for a PG-13 so that many can actually see it on the cinemas. The movie's total run time is 105 minutes including credits.



Finally opening on October 17, 2012, Tiktik the Aswang Chronicles is produced by Reality Entertainment, Agosto Dos Pictures, Post Manila, Mothership and GMA Films.

With dark shades on and a burning cigarette between his lips, Makoy (Dingdong Dantes) will do whatever it takes to get back his girlfriend Sonia (Lovi Poe), who's pregnant with their child. He makes the trip to remote Pulupandan, her hometown, and is quickly rebuffed by Sonia's mother Fely (Janice de Belen). Tired of his laziness, and devil-may-care attitude, Sonia refuses to see him as well. But Makoy has never been one to give up. With the help of Sonia's father Nestor (Joey Marquez) and his ever-dependable helper Bart (Ramon Bautista), Makoy stays in town to surprise Sonia on her birthday. But alas, Makoy gets into trouble with a group of townsfolk who transform into tiktik—horrific, man-eating creatures with a taste for fetuses that are still in the womb! They are angry, and they are hungry for revenge. Will their thirst for blood and retribution be quenched? Will Makoy finally get his act together, protect Sonia and their baby, and once and for all prove himself worthy of their love? Who will win in the battle between men and monsters?