Actor Zoren Legaspi, who is making his directorial debut with the screamfest “Shake, Rattle & Roll 12,” avoids horror flicks like the plague.

He recalled: “I saw ‘The Exorcist’ as a kid and promised never to watch horror movies again.”

Until he was assigned to direct “Mamanika,” one of three episodes in the Regal Films franchise which is an entry in this month’s Metro Manila Film Fest.

He didn’t get to watch previous editions of the “Shake” series, but hopes that his “Mamanika” would live up to the standards set by previous directors Ishmael Bernal and Peque Gallaga, among others.

He pointed out that the bigger challenge is coming out with a film that reflects “[my] taste and style, without interference from the producer.”

Is this too strong a statement from a debuting director who’s working with Regal Films?

“I hate long debates,” he admitted. “I tend to add and delete scenes without permission. I think it worked because [Regal producers] Mother [Lily Monteverde] and Roselle [Monteverde-Teo] never called my attention.”

It was a “gamble,” he conceded. “I put in a few gimmicks to make sure that the franchise would remain fresh and exciting.”

For someone who “hates” horror, he is somehow drawn to thrillers.

“My first directorial job with GMA 7 was [for the horror show] ‘Huwag Kukurap.’ If I get frightened and the terror sticks in my mind for a week, then I knew I was effective.”

Like fish to water

He insisted that he didn’t have to make a big adjustment, moving from the front to behind the camera. “Like fish to water. I felt very comfortable and was certain the cast and crew understood my rules on the set.”

He recounted that the cast members were a pleasure to work with.

“They know that I don’t like wasting time. I’m punctual and precise,” he said.

As early as the story conference, he put his foot down: “I told the cast not to call me Direk. I hate that. Zoren is my name and that’s what you should call me.”

Lead star Shaina Magdayao listened to his instructions, he related. “It gave me the confidence to push her further.”

The vets in the cast—Rita Avila, Jackie Lou Blanco and Ricky Davao—were patient and respected his authority on the set.

Partner Carmina Villarroel even consented to make a cameo.

After previewing a rough cut of the film on his computer, he said that he’s excited for the “Shake fanatics” to see it.

“I told Carmina to take her friends to the premiere. She won’t lose face,” he quipped.