CEBU, Philippines (July 17, 2008) - At 30 years old, Cebu native Kristoffer Villarino is making a mark on the film industry in the Philippines and abroad. He has edited four international films, the most recent of these being Midnight Movie, a slasher film set for distribution in North America, Germany and Thailand.

Villarino was handpicked by the film's director, Jack Messitt, for the role of head editor. The two met while working on Irreversi, where Jack held the position of director of photography. Villarino commented on the opportunity, "[ Midnight Movie ] was Jack's first movie... he is very skilled. For him to put his trust in me felt really good."

While in L.A. working on the film, Villarino remained objective by keeping his distance from the set, it is essential that editors see the footage from an outsider's point of view.  Each week he would meet with the director and show him the edits.   Villarino valued the experience working with Jack and commented on his role: "It is a huge responsibility being an editor.   Editors can make huge decisions about the flow of the film and have to argue with the director if something doesn't work."

Although more a fan of suspense than slasher films, Villarino enjoyed the script and engrossed himself in the genre to prepare for his work on Midnight Movie. The film is an homage to '80s slasher films such as Jason, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Psycho and other teen horror movies of that time. Shots were purposefully created to emulate iconic scenes from these cult classics to provoke a nostalgic reaction from viewers familiar with the classic thrillers. Although technology has advanced significantly in the last twenty years, the special effects remained purposefully traditional. Along with the "teen horror movie factor," the film attempts to garner recognition as a commentary on viewer enjoyment of violence.