How a Filipino graphic novel became a global supernatural noir hit on Netflix
In short: Trese, an anime-influenced series based on the Filipino comic by Budjette Tan and Kajo Baldisimo, follows a healer-warrior protecting humanity from underworld threats. Released globally in 2021, the show blends urban grit with Filipino folklore, achieving top-ten status on Netflix in 19 countries shortly after its debut.
The journey of Trese from page to screen began in 2009 when producer Tanya Yuson sought material for adaptation. After pitching to various studios, Netflix agreed to develop the project. By May 2018, director Jay Oliva joined the team, famously beginning his work on the series while flying to Manila. The production was a collaborative effort between Singapore-based BASE Entertainment and the United States-based Lex+Otis Animation, with animation services provided by Tiger Animation in South Korea.
The series adapts the first three volumes of the original comics, weaving them into a single narrative arc. To maintain authenticity, the production utilized three distinct dubs: English, Filipino, and Japanese. In non-Filipino versions, specific phrases like 'tabi tabi po' were retained to preserve the show's cultural flavor. The voice acting process was rigorous; for instance, Liza Soberano, who voiced the lead character Alexandra in the Filipino dub, worked with a dialect coach to adjust her accent and lower her vocal pitch to suit the character's intensity.
Beyond the screen, the show's marketing generated significant buzz in the Philippines. Promotional tactics included billboards designed to look vandalized and the temporary rebranding of the ABS-CBN headquarters in Quezon City. The musical score, composed by Sean and Deana Kiner, features the ending theme 'Paagi' by the band UDD. Written during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, the track blends contemporary sounds with traditional Filipino instruments. Critics have lauded the series for its stylish, paranormal noir aesthetic, with director Jay Oliva noting that the show's success in the Philippine market opens the door for potential future seasons.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Trese (TV series)
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