In a surprising move to immerse herself in a new role, acclaimed actress Jodi Sta. Maria recently worked at a bar in Japan as part of her preparation for an upcoming film project.
Sta. Maria, known for her dedication to her craft, undertook this hands-on experience to authentically portray her character, who works in a similar setting. The actress shared details of this unique preparation during an appearance on the talk show "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda," revealing that she wanted to understand the nuances of the job beyond just acting.
"I believe that to truly become the character, you need to live their experiences," Sta. Maria explained during the interview. "Working in that bar environment gave me insights I couldn't have gained from just reading a script."
The film, details of which remain under wraps, reportedly features Sta. Maria in a role that requires her to navigate the challenges of working in Japan's service industry. Her temporary employment allowed her to observe customer interactions, learn basic Japanese phrases relevant to the workplace, and understand the daily rhythms of bar staff.
This method acting approach isn't new for Sta. Maria, who has previously undertaken similar immersive preparations for other roles. However, this marks her first international work experience specifically for a film project.
Fans and industry observers have praised her commitment, noting that such dedication to authenticity often translates to more compelling performances on screen. The film is expected to begin production later this year, with Sta. Maria's preparation already generating buzz about what promises to be another transformative role for the versatile actress.