Why doesn't Ricky Lee direct films? 'Nahihirapan akong sumigaw'

Ricky Lee has told stories across a variety of genres with his epic screenwriting and novels.

But how come he never tried his hand at directing films or TV series despite the many offers to do so?

“Sabi ko one reason kaya siguro hindi ko kaya mag-direct dahil nahihirapan akong sumigaw sa set,” Lee told GMA News Online with a smile. This was in between his book signings at the Manila International Book Fair.

“Kailangan ang magalit ay 'yun pang [assistant director],” he added.

Lee looked back at frustrations when leading his writing workshops.

“Na-i-impatient ako at some points dahil hindi pa nila nagagawa 'yung pinapagawa ko, at nagagalit ako, nag-se-sermon. Later, I found out na hindi pala nila alam na nagagalit ako,” he said with a laugh.

The National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts said that he is a very patient person and only loses his temper when it’s the last straw. “'Yung mga salita ko medyo cutting. Pinipilit ko ngang baguhin na 'yun, ['yung pagiging] medyo sarcastic,” he said.

With Lee’s strong patience when dealing with people comes from his past, he said that he has been through a lot. In turn, he is more understanding of others.

“Siguro dahil sa buhay ko, ang dami ko nang napagdaanan na hatred, and negative emotions from other people, and other incidents and events,” he said. “Dami-daming trahedya na mga nangyari, so alam ko how it feels eh.”

Lee added, “Kaya napunta ako dun sa kabilang side na wag nang mag spend ng time na mainis o magalit, maging mas pasensyoso.”

Ricky Lee is the writer of the films “Cain at Abel,” and “Himala,” as well as the books “Para Kay B,” “Kulang na Silya at Iba Pang Kwentong Buhay,” “Si Amapola,” the scriptwriting manual “Trip to Quiapo,” and many more.

In the same interview, Ricky also talked about his passion for music, and revealed the series he wishes he wrote. —JCB, GMA Integrated News