From firing gunshots to calling the shots
After watching Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein,” all Richard Gutierrez could think of was, “Oh my goodness, we have a lot of work to do.” That wasn’t so much a lament about the state of Philippine cinema as it was a challenge to himself. After more than 30 years in showbiz, he’s now at a point in his career where he’s no longer content just acting out someone else’s stories—he wants to help mold the projects he’s part of and, eventually, produce his own concepts with global potential.
“I have always believed that we can elevate the industry and our game, especially with all the platforms available to us now,” he tells Lifestyle Inquirer. “It’s a really challenging time to produce for film and television, but it has also become my advocacy moving forward to provide audiences with the best possible shows and movies.”
Laying the groundwork
While that might sound like a pipe dream for now, particularly in light of the problems that beset the local film industry, Gutierrez is holding on to hope that exciting possibilities still lie ahead. And despite the uncertainties, the 41-year-old actor had already taken it upon himself to lay the groundwork to make his dreams a reality.
“You have to be ready when opportunities come,” he says.
Gutierrez’s deepening involvement in behind-the-scenes work was most apparent in his two most recent action dramas. In “The Iron Heart,” in the hopes of staging action sequences on par with those from other Asian countries, he actively contributed to improving stunts and fight choreography using his tactical training.
Driven by his childhood dream of becoming a soldier and his fascination with stories about private military contractors, he conducted research that became the springboard for—and ultimately shaped—the core concept of “Incognito” together with director Lester Pimentel Ong.
“I’m more aware of the kind of work I want and should do,” stresses Gutierrez, who has built a deceptively diverse body of work—starting out as a child actor, then a teen heartthrob, a romantic and dramatic lead, a “fantaserye” staple, and now an action star.
“With all my experience in film and television, I believe I’m now better equipped to offer my input and work closely with creatives and directors,” he says.
Post-apocalyptic survival
This newfound passion for collaboration is something he now brings with him to every set he goes to—the latest being the Metro Manila Film Festival 2025 entry “Shake, Rattle & Roll (SRR) Evil Origins.” He stars in the third and closing segment, “2050,” where he plays Rosdan, an unwitting hero who leads his community in a post-apocalyptic Philippines ruled by aswangs.
As in his previous outings, Gutierrez gave special attention to the overall and finer details of the action scenes, while making sure they were visually distinct. The plot isn’t focused on military or special forces tactics, but survival against all odds.
“It’s a mix of horror and action. But this time, the focus is on survival—we’re constantly rushing, running away, and trying to escape from creatures we can’t defeat,” he says. “That’s why our camerawork and the shots we used are different. We want to create tension and fear.”
“It’s also a time and place where money and possessions no longer hold value. Water is scarce, food is scavenged, shelter is whatever place you make of it,” he adds. “There’s a rawness to it. I arrive on set freshly bathed and dressed, and by the end of the day, I’m all dirty and disheveled!”
The more he stretches his creative talents, the more people take notice and ask, “Why don’t you try directing?” His “SRR” producers, Keith Monteverde and Roselle Monteverde-Teo of Regal Entertainment, have been especially supportive.
“There’s a right time and a project for that. When I commit to something, I want to give it my best. For now, I want to continue working with great directors,” he says.
Taking the reins
He sees himself as a student in a never-ending learning process. And every person you meet, he says, can teach a thing or two to help you grow—from the cameramen to the production designers, and even the young new actors he works with.
“I once had mentors I looked up to, but now there are people who look up to me. I was in their shoes before, but now it’s my responsibility to help the next generation, to give them words of wisdom, and push their creative limits,” he says. “But in sharing what I know, I also learn something in return.”
Once Gutierrez has honed his abilities and grown confident enough, perhaps that will be the time he finally takes the reins. Given the chance, his first major production or directorial debut will have to be an action project—something true to who he is now. “But maybe with a touch of comedy,” he says.
“It’s hard being a producer and creator nowadays. It’s always an uphill battle. But it’s our passion for film that gives us the energy and drive,” he adds. “We in the industry have to support each other, and hopefully, we can bring audiences back to the cinemas.”
