‘Buy Bust’ 2018: 10 Things We Know

Anne Curtis’ upcoming movie “Buy Bust” by Erik Marri is one filled with action to the brim. The story revolves around two teams deployed by an anti-drug enforcement agency. Their task is to conduct a drug bust operation in the slums of Manila. However, everything goes wrong when they get trapped inside a drug lair. The movie was set to be released last February 28 but, Viva films decided to release it at a later date. Here are ten other things that you should know about this action-packed thriller movie.

Anne Curtis on Buy Bust

1. “Buy Bust” Ensemble

Anne Curtis takes the lead role of Nina Manigan, a rookie police officer who joins an anti-narcotic elite squad. Her main co-star is Brandon Vera, a Fil-Am mixed martial arts expert. He will play Rico whose role is not yet specified. The other stars joining them to complete the “Buy Bust” ensemble are Victor Neri, Joross Gamboa, Mara Lopez, AJ Muhlach, Levi Ignacio and Noni Buencamino.

2. Erik Matti’s First Full-On Action Film

Director Erik Matti is an acclaimed director with numerous award-winning shows under his belt. His recognition started in 1996 with his film “Magic Temple.” Then he became one of the Philippines’ top leading directors of the films “On The Job” and “Honor Thy Father.” He is also the man behind the horror thriller movie “Seklusyon.” Despite the wide range of genres he’s touched in his career, Erik Matti admits that “Buy Bust” is his first full-on action film.

3. Two Years of Production

It was no ordinary feat to shoot “Buy Bust.” The total production started in 2016 and took 2 years for completion. In November last year, Director Erik Matti posted a behind the scenes compilation clip of the whole production process on his Facebook page. In the caption, he admitted that “Buy Bust” was his toughest shoot. But, he’s determined to get what he envisioned for “Buy Bust.” According to Matti, it was scary, strange and crazy but it was the most fun set he’s ever had. 

4. No Doubles

In a report by Journal, Anne Curtis said that shooting “Buy Bust” was a big sacrifice. The actress chose to do all her stunts by herself. In June 2016, Curtis began her rigorous boot camp training in a school for real life scout rangers. She had to learn how to handle and fire weapons and fight with knives. She also built strength to run around with 12 kilograms on her shoulders. The other actors were cast and also began their training in August 2016.

5. MMFF 2017 Rejects “Buy Bust” Script

Initially, Matti had no intentions of submitting his film to the Metro Manila Film Festival last year. However, his producers urged him on. On the first tier of the selection process, the three-person executive selection committee rejected “Buy Bust’s” script. The committee was composed of three new members who replaced the previous team who was forced to resign because of issues of corruption. Along with “Buy Bust,” other movies also rejected last year on the first round of selections was “Ang Larawan” and “Smaller and Smaller Circles.”

6. Matti Knew “Buy Bust” Wouldn’t Make Into the MMFF 2017

In a press conference held last July 2017, Matti spoke out against the MMFF. He had no problem with the chosen entries but, he was angered by how they were selected. The criteria for selection is supposed to be 40% commercial appeal, 40% artistic excellence, 10% global appeal and 10% promotion of Filipino cultural and historical values. Matti contradicted saying that the entries of that year were judged based on “30% artista, 30% producer, 30% theme song and 10% lighting.” He also pointed at the occurring hypocrisy with the criteria. That is why he knew “Buy Bust” wouldn’t get in. Matti also admitted that he had no plans to submit the finished film either way. The director said that he returned to the industry with a promise to do commercial films. But, he does not aspire to create films that are just a waste of money.   

#MMFF 2017 first four entries are: Ang Panday, The Revengers, Almost is not Enough & Love Traps; read: https://t.co/avZfg5YWZZ pic.twitter.com/hU4j0cv985

— Official PEP.ph (@PEPalerts) June 30, 2017

7. February Release Date Canceled

“Buy Bust” was scheduled to be released in Philippine cinemas last February 28. However, it was postponed due to Well Go USA purchasing the rights to distribute and show the film. Well Go USA is the same company that showcased the worldwide hit Korean film “Train To Busan.” Despite low hopes, Matti and Curtis were both surprised and overjoyed at the purchase. In a report by ABS, Curtis said that it was a good chance for a quality Filipino film to be showcased in other countries.

8. “Buy Bust”: Not Matti and Curtis’s First Movie Released Worldwide

Both director and actress are veterans in the entertainment industry so it’s no surprise that “Buy Bust” is only one of their movies released worldwide. For Anne Curtis, “Buy Bust” is her second movie to achieve worldwide recognition. Back in 2014, she also played the lead role in the film directed by Francis dela Torre “Blood Ransom.” The movie was bought and produced by Tectonic Films. For Erik Matti, “Buy Bust” is the next movie to be added to a long list of films praised and recognized worldwide. The director’s first film to reach the worldwide platform is his 2002 film “Prosti.”

As we near wrapping up BUYBUST (last 2 days 👌🏼) this artwork made by @paul_sarmiento is just too good not to share with everyone! Thanks Paul! BUYBUST. COMING SOON. 🎥 #BuyBust

A post shared by Anne Curtis (@annecurtissmith) on Jan 12, 2018 at 8:49pm PST

9. Paving the Way for Filipino Filmmakers

“Buy Bust” is already receiving a lot of talk and excitement even before the announcement of its official release date under Well Go USA. Though there is immense pressure being put on the director of the film by critics, Erik Matti sees this as an opportunity for higher quality Filipino films. In a report by Inquirer, Matti said, “Selling foreign film nowadays isn’t easy…Aside from the financial reward that can get back the investment and allow us to continue making films, this sale will pave the way for Filipino cinema to be seen by many across cultural boundaries.”

In a report by Hollywood Reporter, Well Go USA’s Dylan Marchetti praised Matti highly. He said that the director was always top class when it came to Filipino genre films. “But with “Buy Bust,” Matti has outdone himself. If you lose your mind for an amazing action film, the last hour of [this film] is going to blow your head clean off.” he added.

10. Buy Bust movie New Release Date

Well Go USA hasn’t released an official release date yet for the film. According to a report on ABS, there is a possibility that “Buy Bust” will be shown first off in North America before the Philippines. It’s either the film will be released at the same time. The new target date of the film is set in August this year.

Watch Buy Bust official trailer via Viva Entertainment official YouTube.