In a recent media conference, directors FM Reyes and Jojo Saguin talked about the distinctive aspects of Linlang when comparing its original series with the Prime Video version released last year.
According to the directors, only 40 percent of the original script was showcased on Prime Video.
The mystery thriller, which enjoyed widespread popularity in over 240 countries, consistently ranked as the top show on Prime Video Philippines, stars Kim Chiu, Paulo Avelino, and JM de Guzman.
Reyes said that the entire series was initially written as a weekly show with episodes lasting approximately 30 minutes each. The total script amounted to around two and a half hours.
However, when presented to Prime Video, they were asked to condense the series into one-hour episodes, resulting in just 60 percent of the original story being aired. This structural change, according to Reyes, has influenced the viewing experience significantly.
“So you can just imagine, roughly 60 percent of the original story has not been seen. That’s why the experience is different,” Reyes said.
“If you have a 30-minute show, which is roughly less than 22 minutes per day, the experience is also different. Now, you will observe what holds your attention, and how the actors will fare in this kind of time. Because, isn’t time important in storytelling? But the happier thought is that 60 percent hasn’t been seen yet,” Reyes added.
The directors stressed the importance of understanding the nuances of storytelling and structure, pointing out that the one-hour format on Prime Video effectively engaged viewers. Nevertheless, Reyes emphasized that a 30-minute show provides a different experience, prompting viewers to contemplate what captures their attention and how actors perform within that concise timeframe.
Saguin, on the other hand, highlighted that the teleserye version would provide viewers with a glimpse into the backstory of certain scenes, offering explanations absent in the Prime Video rendition. He also drew attention to the distinct editing styles between free TV and Prime Video.
“Yes, some scenes have explanations and backstories. ‘Ah, so that’s what it is, that’s why that scene unfolded that way.’ Also, the editing style on free TV is different from Prime,” Saguin pointed out.
Linlang also stars veteran actresses Maricel Soriano and Ruby Ruiz, and fast-rising star Kaila Estrada.
Completing the stellar cast are Jaime Fabregas, Raymond Bagatsing, Albie Casiño, Jake Ejercito, Heaven Peralejo, Adrian Lindayag, Race Matias, Benj Manalo, Lovely Abella, Frenchie Dy, Ross Pesigan, Hanna Lexie, Juno Advincula, Connie Virtucio, Lotlot Bustamante, Meann Espinosa, Danny Ramos, Bart Guingona, Marc Mcmahon, Anji Salvacion, and Kice.
Linlang premiered on free TV on Jan. 22 and airs on Kapamilya Channel, A2Z, TV5, iWantTFC, and Kapamilya Online Live on ABS-CBN Entertainment’s YouTube channel and Facebook page.