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'Wiro Sableng' producer reveals details behind production, casting
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Soon in cinemas: A remake of Wiro Sableng is set to be released in 2018. (Lifelike Pictures and Fox International Productions/File)
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ifelike Pictures production house recently announced its collaboration with Fox International Productions (FIP), a division from Los Angeles-based 20th Century Fox Film Corporation, to produce a movie based on Bastian Tito’s novel Wiro Sableng 212.
The serial novel, which follows the journey of fictional character Wiro Sableng, is very popular among Indonesians.
The production house's producer Sheila Timothy told The Jakarta Post that she had been toying with the idea to remake Wiro Sableng 212 since two years ago. Prior to the start of production, Sheila and her team had done research on the book’s characters by reading the entire 185-book series, as well as conducting a digital survey.
Upon realizing that the Indonesian film industry lacked scriptwriting and post-production talents, Sheila decided to turn to the international stage for help.
It was there that the movie’s executive producer, Michael Werner, introduced Sheila to FIP president Tomas Jegeus last year. At that time, Jegeus was looking to get involved in the production of Indonesian films. “He was previously based in Hong Kong and has great knowledge about the Asian [film industry],” said Sheila.
Read also: 'Wiro Sableng' remake gets Hollywood treatment
Now, FIP is responsible in assisting Lifelike Pictures in the scriptwriting and post-production phases, specifically when it comes to computer-generated imagery (CGI). “We are in the midst of the script-doctoring process,” said Sheila.
Despite FIP contribution in those processes, final creative decisions will be made by Lifelike Pictures. Sheila revealed that this specific request had delayed the two companies from coming to a legal agreement. “Fortunately, Jegues understood,” said Sheila.
According to Sheila, actor Vino G. Bastian, the novelist's son, was chosen to play the role of Wiro Sableng due to his dedication in acting. “The project is huge; it would be to naïve to say I chose Vino because he is the son of Tito," she said.
“We also conducted research on social media, asking who should play Wiro, and Vino came out [as the winner] in the polling."
Wiro Sableng 212 is set to be released next year and plans are already in store to create the film’s sequels. (kes)
