Singaporean Film Pitch Puts $100,000 Corpse in Freezer to Sell Gap Financing
Director Huang Junxiang presents 'Build to Order' at TCCF, seeking funds for post-production of a dark comedy about real estate agents and a wealthy client.
By Sakura Ellis ·
A Singaporean couple sells photos of the wife's feet online to cover the cost of their public housing flat. When a wealthy client with a foot fetish offers a large sum for an in-person session, the couple accepts. The meeting ends in death after an allergic reaction, and the panicked pair hides the body in their freezer.
This premise anchors 'Build to Order,' the debut feature by director Huang Junxiang. The film is currently in post-production and is being presented at the Taiwan Creative Content Fest in Taipei. The team is using the festival to raise gap financing to complete the picture.
In the story, the husband and wife are real estate agents who married early to secure government housing. Despite their efforts, rising property prices leave them financially tight. The foot photo business provides the extra income they need. After the client dies, his widow hires the couple to list her luxury mansion. This new assignment pulls the couple deeper into guilt and greed as they attempt to cover their tracks.
Huang says the project stems from his own experience buying his first home. He notes that agents advised him to make logical, not emotional, decisions. He argues that in an expensive society like Singapore, many choices are made rationally, often at the expense of personal identity and relationships.
Producer Macarius Chia describes the film as a dark comedy with genre elements. He says the script takes surprising turns while maintaining focus on the characters' journey. Executive producer Lim Teck calls the project reasonably budgeted and commercially viable. He believes the story of climbing the social ladder in a high-cost environment resonates with Asian audiences.
The team is seeking partners for audio post and color grading. They are also looking for an international sales agent who understands the accessibility of the story. Lim says the film has the potential to become a breakout hit from Singapore. He views the festival as an opportunity to connect with industry partners across Asia.
The Taiwan Creative Content Fest runs from Nov. 6 to 9 at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center. It is organized by the Taiwan Creative Content Agency. The festival serves as a platform for content creators to find production and distribution partners.
