Filming has wrapped on Build To Order, a dark comedy thriller that marks local producer Huang Junxiang’s feature directorial debut. Exploring Singaporeans’ aspirations to upgrade their HDB flats and pursue the “Singaporean dream”, the film is slated for release by Golden Village in the third quarter of 2027.
Jointly produced by Clover Films, Throne Inc and Dropkick, the film received funding from the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) and the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA). Centred on the much-discussed subject of Build-To-Order (BTO) housing, it follows a married couple, both property agents, who resort to extreme measures when they find themselves out of options in their quest to upgrade from a BTO flat to a private condominium.
Huang, who previously produced the local film PACE, weaves dark comedy and moral dilemmas into a story about housing in Singapore. Explaining his inspiration, he said: “In many ways, Build To Order is a film about who we are as Singaporeans. It’s got a crazy narrative filled with genuine tension, comedy, and heart.” He added with a laugh that he woke up every morning feeling energised and excited, eager to bring the story to the big screen.
High praise for his two leads
Influencer Amy Ang and local actor Herman Keh play the young married couple, Penny and Allan, respectively. Hong Kong actress Sisley Choi plays Evelyn, a wealthy socialite who offers the couple a chance to change their fortunes — one that is hard to resist but extremely dangerous.
Huang praised Choi’s dedication and professionalism during filming. “Having Sisley Choi joining our indie Singaporean film has been a real endorsement. I am very moved by her commitment to the role and the film.” He also enthused about having “unearthed two gems”, referring to his leads, and teased a mystery guest whose cameo would be “sure to shock”, urging audiences to look out for it.
Ang said the character Penny is highly career-driven. “Like many young Singaporeans, she got married upon graduation so she could buy a BTO flat. She is also constantly working towards life goals such as buying a car, in pursuit of the so-called ‘Singaporean dream’.”
She acknowledged that, like her character, she tends to be more assertive in relationships and needs a partner like Allan to complement her. While she admires Penny’s perseverance, she noted that the character “sometimes becomes so fixated on the outcome that she forgets to enjoy the process and neglects those around her”. She hopes to portray the character’s complexity and authenticity. She also praised co-star Keh for his humour and versatility.
Keh’s character Allan is the quieter, deeply loving husband. He said: “Allan represents people in real life who struggle to express their love. Through him, I hope audiences can see the emotions behind the silence. Sometimes, what is most heartbreaking is not that someone does not know how to love, but that he is so considerate of others that he forgets to care for himself.”
Sisley Choi took a reduced fee for the film
Clover Films managing director Lim Teck said he had been introduced to Choi through a friend, and that the team’s sincerity had persuaded her to join the cast. “Junxiang and the producer spent a lot of time discussing the script with her. She really liked the concept behind the film and wanted to come to Singapore to experience making a film here. In the end, she accepted a goodwill fee that was much lower than her usual rate.”
Lim added: “She is very nice and gets along well with all the cast and crew. She also often treats everyone to food.”
