MANILA - Awarded film and television actor Joel Torre has finally embarked on movie production to ventilate his ideas and sustain the local filmmaking by investing in digital films.

 Torre, who is also an enterprising businessman, chose moviemaking as his business concentration next to his food and restaurant concerns. He said he believes his vision and passion for the arts are best expressed through motion picture.

“Napaunlad ko na ang JT Manukan ko kaya may iba naman akong concern ngayon,” divulged the Visayan actor at the special preview of the inspirational visual “Isang Lahi: Pearls from the Orient” at the Blue Water Spa in Ortigas recently.

“Marami pa akong gustong gawin sa showbiz na makakapag-ambag ng kahit na konting idea in filmmaking,” said Torre.

He is not alone, though, in the film venture. He is joined by his fellow Visayan thespian Ronnie Lazaro, the 2009 Urian Best Actor.

The film is “Ang Beerhouse,” which tells a story of watering holes in the country which cater mainly to the males and their adventures in nightlife.

How much capital did he pump into the project?

“About one million and five hundred pesos,” Torre answered without mincing words.

“This is not your art film in digital format yet. This is just a simple film with commercial ingredients,” he explained.

But because Jon Red is directing it, the film is considered to be a no-nonsense one, he added.

“It’s a crossover between ‘Utang ni Tatang’ and ‘Motorcycle’,” he exclaimed, referring to the two films directed by Red in the past.

Torre is also wrapping up a co-pre-production plan with Hollywood actor Chris Cooper.

“I am excited to co-star with Chris who was also featured in ‘The Bourne Identity,’ ‘Seabiscuit,’ ‘The Patriot’ and so many more,” he announced.

The movie is titled “Amigo” to be directed by famous Hollywood filmmaker John Sayles. -Boy Villasanta, abs-cbnNEWS.com