From its world renowned beaches, to ancient temple ruins, the diversity of filming locations in Thailand is endless. Coupled with a multi-lingual, professional production services industry, modern backlots and equipment AND an economy which offers "value" for production budgets, it makes sense to film in Thailand.
Thailand Film Office Urges Filmmakers to Unleash Their Imagination in Thailand
Bangkok, Thailand – May 6, 2011 – Film and television personnel around the world know of Thailand’s fantastic locations, backdrops and world class production services’ industry.
The Thailand Film Office, Department of Tourism (Thailand’s Film Commission) in its new ad campaign for 2011 is urging film makers to “Unleash Their Imagination in Thailand” replicating other international locations here in the Kingdom.
Many films, TV commercials and dramas, music videos and still shoots have doubled Thailand for other locations: New York, 1940’s Shanghai, modern day China, Mardi Gras in New Orleans, Medieval Europe, a mysterious underwater world, you name it and it has been filmed in Thailand.
Most recently a Tamil film crew filming in Thailand, director A R Murugadoss’ 7 am Arivu erected a set that resembled a Chinese landscape, and shot an important scene that was actually supposed to happen in China, according to Senthil Kumar, a production executive with Red Giant Movies.
“We are really pleased that international film and TV producers havehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif come to realize the professionalism of our crews and expanse of our production facilities,” said Wanasiri Morakul, Director of the Thailand Film Office. “We want studio executives and producers that have not thought of shooting here to realize there are no boundaries for their imagination to come alive in Thailand.”
Thailand will unveil its “Unleash Your Imagination” ad campaign at the upcoming Cannes International Film Festival, May 11-22 2011, in France and at the Association of Film Commissioners Produced by Conferences/Location Show (held this year in conjunction with the Producers Guild of America) which will be held at the Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California June 3-5, 2011.
For Additional Information Contact: fit@thailandfilmoffice.org
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Bangkok, Thailand (January 17, 2011) – On December 29, 2010, in an auspicious sign of support for Thailand's foreign production services industry and the Department of Tourism, Thailand Film Office (Thailand's Film Commission) for the New Year ahead, Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva visited the set of Warner Bros' and Legendary Picture's The Hangover Part II that was filming in Bangkok.
Joining PM Abhisit at the MoonStar studio were Director-General of the Department of Tourism, Mr. Supol Sripan, Ms. Wanasiri Morakul, Director of the Thailand Film Office, Ms. Sasisupa Sungvaribud, president of the private sector Foreign Film Production Services Association (FSA), Mr. Daniel Goldberg, Producer, Mr. Todd Phillips, Director, Mr. Chris Lowenstein, Line Producer (Thailand based Living Films) and others.
The Hollywood production shot 40 days in Thailand, 38 on location and 2 in MoonStar's sound stage. Approximately 500 million Baht (about US $16.7 million) was spent on the production which employed over 450 local crew and 100 Western crew who stayed at over 12 different hotels around town. 176 various production vehicles were hired including vans, trucks, cranes, motor homes, mobile toilets, mobile offices, etc.
With those assembled the Prime Minister discussed tax incentives and rebates for foreign film productions filming in Thailand which had already passed the Thai Cabinet and were being considered for final implementation.
Thanking the Prime Minister for his support, Mr. Lowenstein encouraged him to try and have the incentives fully approved by May 26, 2011. May 26th being the day The Hangover Part II will be released world wide – right after the Cannes International Film Festival (May 11-21) and right before the Association of Film Commissioners Location show in Los Angeles which will run June 3-5, 2011.
The Prime Minister liked the idea of setting a specific date and using the movie's world wide release date as a marketing platform for promoting Thailand's locations and production services industry.
Photo Courtesy Living Films - Melinda Sue Gordon Photo: l to r Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva shaking hands with The Hangover Part II director Todd Phillips with Living Films managing director and movie line producer Chris Lowenstein, center foreground.
Bangkok, Thailand (January 10, 2011) - Thailand earned Bt1.8 billion (US$60 million) from foreign film production teams shooting in the country last year, according to the Department of Tourism.
Department of Tourism Director-General Supol Sripan announced January 4 2011, statistics of the Thailand Film Office showed that 578 productions were filmed in Thailand in 2010, earning the country Bt1.87 billion baht ($60 million) in 2010, double the more than Bt900 million ($30 million) earned in 2009.
The greatest number of foreign production teams was from India and Japan with European and Korean productions following close behind, according to Ms. Wanasiri Morakul, Director of the Thailand Film Office (Thailand's Film Commission).
Acknowledging the strong Baht may cause production services costs to increase slightly, Ms Morakul said Thailand's lower costs were only one factor for the rise in foreign film production in Thailand last year.
"Foreign film makers consistently note the availability of top quality equipment, exotic locations and multilingual/cultural Thai crews that work extremely hard," said Ms. Morakul.
Director-General Sripan added that he expected additional growth in the industry in 2011 because the Thai government has approved incentives to film makers.
The Cabinet approved the exemption of film shooting fees in areas owned by seven state offices including the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, the Department of Fine Arts, the State Railway of Thailand, the Treasury Department, the Royal Forest Department, the Royal Irrigation Department and Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Both local and foreign film production teams are subject to receive the incentive. The Cabinet approved additional incentives which are still under review by the Revenue Department.
"We hope additional growth will come from roadshows in Europe and Russia later in 2011 and also an inbound roadshow of top studios, producers and location coordinators that will spread the word about Thailand's industry", said Ms. Morakul.
Contributing to the "word of mouth" on the growth of Thailand's successful production services industry is P3Update magazine who in their February 2011 issue will designate for the second year in a row, Thailand as one of three top film location destinations in Asia.
I don't often get pissed enough to go on a negative "cyber" campaign however, treatment at the De Naga Hotel in Chiang Mai last week has me at that point. After not hearing from the COO of the Unique Collection Group (who I was told was quite conscientious and would get back to me, this notice is being posted.
I must clarify form the beginning as well, I want nothing from the hotel accept and explanation and an apology. The company offered to refund money and comp future visits but I turned them down. The hotel is offering classic bait and switch promotions on its (and other) websites and I feel wronged by the way my staff and I were treated last week.
From one that travels to Chiang Mai several times a year on business at the elephant camps, there are MANY good places to stay in Chiang Mai but "where" is of course dependent on your budget and needs". The De Naga is NOT one of those good accommodations.
DON'T stay at the DeNaga Hotel. What used to be a good 3 star hotel has turned into a nightmare.
Here is the story:
Stayed at De Naga last year but apparently this year went through management change to "The Unique Collection" group. Hotel has gone from nice little place to awful.
We booked a premier deluxe room and got a good rate from a manager. When we arrived, first room they gave us, bathroom smelled like a sewer. We also got into a bit of a tiff with front desk staff who, when asked about their web stated "Free Mini Bar" policy (quite frankly we were surprised - last year they also had free mini-bar but only water and soda - this year they had sparkling water, Evian and two types of beer - not that we drink beer but I wanted an Evian).
We were told only house water was free - everything else had to be paid for. Well that set a very negative tone - even as they checked with night manger on duty (by phone) who confirmed the confusing policy - only thing free was local water.
This also started a tiff between my Thai staff who was with me and a housekeeping supervisor that had gotten off work but was still hanging out at the front. She complained to my staff (in Thai) that "the foreigner" (me) was just causing trouble (What trouble - we asked about a policy AND reported a sewer smell in our room).
Only thing about our stay (besides their food which is very good)that made me happy was next day we were assured by the hotel general manager that woman was given a disciplinary warning.
We were moved to another room however in that room, the wooden door between the bathroom and the bedroom was warped and would not close. We asked them to fix it as I did not appreciate my toilet activities being observed by my staff or anyone else that may have been in the room.
They could not fix the door so they offered to show me other similar rooms to change to (would have been my 3rd change). I reluctantly agreed only to have two other rooms I was shown still have feces in the toilet. Yes, you read correctly. How disgusting!
You also would think they would upgrade the room but they did not try to do that - was a small point but just added to "bad feeling" that was created.
At that point I was exasperated. If it were not late night we would have walked out.
Minor problem but problem none-the-less in this non-secure world: security at the hotel is very lax. Doors lock but safety chain can easily be broken as well as locks picked.
Next day, after talking with Mr. Limprasutr, the hotel general manager about all the problems, we decided to book a car (for 200 Baht) from their tour desk to take us to the airport. The car arrives and after we load our bags in the car, my staff opens the drivers passenger side of the car only to find a woman sitting there.
Ugh, safety rule number one, never get in a car where there is more than just the driver - man or woman. Point number 2, when I hire a car to take me from point A to point B - it is "my" hire car" - no one else should be in it except for those I invite.
We decided to take a tuk-tuk instead (80 Baht to airport).
Folks, when considering accommodations in Chiang Mai, don't even consider the De Naga Hotel!. I had to pay to teach them how to have their staff treat guests as VALUED guests and how management should handle customer problems.
Maybe the new management group will get the message and bring back the old De Naga that I remember.
Strange, management group mission statement says, "Our Mission is to offer our guests a Unique experience by providing the finest in location, accommodation, dining, recreation, leisure, culture sports.
We have a passion to exceed the expectations of our guests through personalized, gracious, friendly service, accented by the best cultural values of both the East and the West, and offer an experience that our guests will remember always."
Offering guests to stay in rooms with "floaters" in the toilet and having hotel staff berating (in Thai) guests does not uphold their mission statement. OR, maybe it does in some weird reverse universe.
And one last thing, if you go to a buffet where you pay one price and everything is "free" on the buffet line - that means EVERYTHING is free not some dishes are free and you have to pay for others.
Unique Collection Group, stop being so lazy (or is it cheap) and change what it says on the web site if you don't mean it OR clarify with a table top sign on top of each fridge in the rooms your "Free Mini Bar" policy.
See, they really should pay me for training.
PS In this economic downturn, Thailand has enough problems attracting and retaining tourism - we don't need private sector companies like The De Naga and its management group that rip off the public.
Bangkok, Thailand July 26, 2009 - Recently, as the economic recession hits home across the globe, tax incentives for film location shoots are coming under question. Are they worth it? Do state coffers register on the plus side from film shoots or is revenue being lost? This article will take a look at some of the issues.
First we have to understand that of the over 74 countries and 83 localities offering benefits, incentives and tax credits for foreign location shoots NO 2 are the same. This makes it very difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of such measures.
The State of New Mexico (USA) has been providing tax incentives to film companies since 2002. The program has been successful in the sense that companies are coming to New Mexico to make movies. In the first fiscal year of incentives, two companies received credits for qualified projects. For fiscal year 2008, thirty-one projects qualified for tax credits totaling $38.2 million. Since the credits are for production related expenses in New Mexico and the credit for the time period was twenty-five percent, this implies that the industry spent $152.8 million on production in New Mexico during the year.
New Mexico offers not only a 25% Film Production Tax Rebate on all qualified direct production expenditures in the state but also a Film Crew Advancement Program - an on-the-job training program which offers a 50% reimbursement of wages paid to New Mexican crew members in below-the line job positions to provide them with work experience to assist them in obtaining continual work in the industry.
On the other hand, The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston's New England Public Policy Center released an analysis of Connecticut's film tax credit program that's costing the state almost $90 million per year. The research suggests that the state's tax incentives may do more harm than good.
Some of the key points:
1. The credit does not pay for itself. 2. The economic benefits generated by the credit are likely to be short-lived. 3. The film tax credit may be less cost-effective than certain other business tax incentives offered by the state such as the research and experimental expenditures credit. 4. There is a race to the bottom among states competing to offer the greatest film industry incentives. It may be difficult to establish a sustainable film industry.
In Ireland, a whole different scenario is taking place. Recently a group has been calling for the scrapping of the Irish Film Board which would axe 16 people and save the government US$ 32 million.
The group calling for the dissolution of the Film Board proclaimed, "Given the scale of tax expenditure ($679 million since 1993 and $46.5 million in 2008) via the tax incentive scheme for this sector, and given the level of international competition in this market space, there is no objective economic case for subsidizing the Irish Film Industry.”
And the list goes on and on.
So what does this mean for the Thai production services industry which has been lobbying the Cabinet for tax credits to increase its competitiveness in the world market in attracting international production shoots to its shores?
Deputy Commerce Minister Alongkorn Ponlaboot announced on July 23 the Commerce Ministry would propose to the Cabinet in August a tax refund of 15-20 per cent for international production houses using Thailand as a film location.
The Kingdom now earns approximately Bt 2 billion (US$ 58.9 million) a year from international firms using Thailand for shooting, but if an incentive policy like a tax refund were in place, that would rise to Bt 20 billion ($588.4 million), the Minister maintained.
In addition, a White Paper on Advantages of Foreign Production Filming in Thailand developed by the private sector Foreign Production Services Association claims that presently there are an estimated 50,000 people working directly and indirectly in the filming industry. That number is estimated to increase to 65,000 after the introduction of filming incentives as the filming industry will have an overall positive growth.
The problem is how will Thailand measure the results of such tax-credits? The West has very specific based economic modeling systems to measure results. Even the very positive New Mexico study maintained that each modeling system has well known advantages and disadvantages and results could alter depending on which is used. Are such forecast an measuring models utilized here? I don't think so.
It is true Thailand needs to remain competitive in a VERY competitive international marketplace but can't this be done by more specific bi-lateral audio visual treaties with individual nations?
True you have the same measurement difficulties but with varied benefits and the fact that "two heads are better than on" it may be easier to track results. Thailand is already one of the most popular international locations for foreign production shoots – the Thai "brand" is strong.
Let's not move hastily but spend a bit of time studying the situation first.
Bangkok, Thailand July 19, 2009 - Why should you believe me? I'm just an entertainment journalist. Despite my many years reporting the news, attending and participating in film festivals and markets, and meeting with "players" in the film industry of the World, I've never written a screenplay or made a movie.
But I have interviewed hundreds of people and for the last sixteen years domiciled here in Thailand, have found that EVERYONE likes to come to Thailand to make movies.
Could the answer be as easy as Academy Award winning director Danny Boyle (pictured) maintained when I asked him why he liked filming in Thailand (The Beach 2000): "I like working with the Thai people," he said.
Certainly, Thailand is renowned for the smiles, the warmth and the hospitality of its populace but that can not be the only reason for taking a production on the road to film in Thailand.
Another Academy Award winner, William Hurt who was in Thailand shooting Shadows, when asked what he thinks of Thai production services said, "They are phenomenal!"
Tom Waller, is managing director of De Warrenne Pictures one of the leading international production companies in Thailand. De Warrenne provides full production services and logistics support for foreign films shooting in Thailand.
Tom says, "The main strengths of the film industry here are that Thailand offers excellent value for money in terms of the cost of crew labor and services for foreign films wishing to shoot here.
By coming here to shoot your production using local equipment and crews, you can expect to save money on your budget and achieve high production values - the skillset and work experience is here and there is already an infrastructure as Thailand has its own healthy film industry. It is also easy to accommodate crews and provide logistics support - almost everyone involved in the film industry here has some grasp of the English language.
Chinese director Zhimin Sheng (Fu sheng, Bliss 2006) agrees the lower cost of shooting in Thailand is a factor for shooting here: “If I’m making a thriller, for example, I’ll shoot in Thailand, not China, in order to cut costs.”
Hong Kong based Pulse Films director/producer Patrice Paujal answering the question of why he likes to shoot here said, "Thailand is a tapestry. You have everything here – Bangkok itself is like a movie set".
One of the most prolific British directors (now domiciled in Thailand), David Winters (The King Maker 2005) who produced and directed over 70 films in an 8 year period agrees with Tom's assessment: "There are many opportunities for shooting films in Thailand: mainly because of the cost of the labor in producing films here. Another main reason is there is already an infrastructure existing here as there are many local films made each year. You have a choice of many post-production houses, as well as many labs.
Thailand is the only real center for film making in all of South East Asia. Many other countries talk about making International films, but they do not have the opportunity to work on many and so it is more of a dream than a reality.
For me Bangkok is the center of all serious business in this country and so I prefer to base myself here. Plus there are many more people to choose from when you are making a film. Also, all of the equipment houses are here, so if you need some equipment or lights right away you can get it without stopping the production. Bangkok to me is like the LA of Thailand."
Other film makers agree that film making facilities in Bangkok are world class.
Singaporean director Jack Neo (I Not Stupid 2002, Money Not Enough 2006) said on a recent trip to Thailand: "The theaters and facilities in Bangkok are excellent. I do my post-production work here. ... I’m ...amazed by the facilities!"
Agreeing with Jack was Malaysian actor-director Hans Isaac (City Sharks 2003): "We always come to Bangkok for our post-production work, but it was on this trip, that we realized how advanced, the film facilities are, and how many options we have!
So what more can I say?
Yes, Thailand has beautiful landscapes, from mist covered mountains to pristine beaches and underwater wonderlands – from "moonscaped" riverbeds to eons old dinosaur grave yards. Whatever you are looking for in your film shoot – whatever your budget level, you can find it and film it here in Thailand.
But as I said earlier, don't believe me – believe them!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Bangkok, Thailand – July 9 2009 - In an ongoing effort to inform and upgrade standards of the private sector foreign film production services, the Thailand Film Office, Department of Tourism Development, Ministry of Tourism and Sports held a training program July 1-3 2009 in Bangkok.
The Seminar brought together representatives of the Immigration Bureau and Department of Labor (visa types and application process for working foreign crews); Bureau of the Royal Household (filming in locations under the Royal Household's care); Customs Department (process and procedure for import of equipment and materials used in filming); Fine Arts Department (rules and regulations for filming within its jurisdictions); Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (rules and regulations for filming within National Parks); Revenue Department (tax rates, payment methods and double taxation laws); State Railway of Thailand and Airports Authority of Thailand (rules and regulations for filming within their jurisdictions); Civil Affairs Department (filming in military jurisdictions and request for weaponry support) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (filming in Bangkok).
Over 200 representatives of the film production services sector attended the meetings, information from which will help increase their understanding of processes for foreign production filming in Thailand so they can advise foreign productions better.
In her opening statements, Ms. Wanasiri Morakul, director of the Film Office noted that foreign productions in Thailand generate income of over US$ 56.8 million a year plus an undetermined amount that gets spent and filters into the grassroots economy in the provinces.
In addition, it was announced that the number of foreign productions filmed on location in Thailand in 2008 was at an all time high (526 productions which include documentaries, TV & film, music videos and commercials) with 2009 numbers at the half year (236) looking to meet if not beat last year's total. Overall foreign location shoots contributed US$49 + million annual business in the Kingdom.
In '08 Japanese (134) and Indian (123) productions led the way followed by European productions (106) and others.
The Office of Tourism Development (OTD) under the Ministry of Tourism and Sports (MOTS) is exploring effective tax incentive schemes aimed at making Thailand more attractive to foreign film producers to shoot productions in Thailand.
In a meeting with members of the production services private sector on May 5, 2009, MOTS Permanent Secretary Dr. Sasitara Pichaicharnnarong, indicated the OTD would analyze plans submitted by a the Foreign Film Production Services Association (Thailand) (FSA) and develop a two-year plan which will be put forward to the Cabinet.
(picture: Dr. Sasitara Pichaicharnnarong)
Two options being considered are a VAT refund (presently 7%) on import duties on equipment or film equipment rentals and tax breaks for foreign production companies that set up temporary office in Thailand while making a film here.
FSA has been urging the government to provide more incentives for foreign film production companies to encourage them to make more films in Thailand.
The private sector estimates that the proposed tax measures could boost the country's revenue from foreign film production by 20 per cent from Bt 2 billion in 2008. Revenues were forecasted to jump by up to Bt 5 billion if spending by employees of foreign film productions on shopping and living expenses were included.
Dr. Pichaicharnnarong said that offering tax privileges to encourage foreign production houses to film in Thailand would not only help boost confidence in Thailand, but would also help promote tourism in the country.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thailand Film Office Picks-up Second Place Best Theme Award at Locations Show
The Thailand Film Office was selected second Best Theme booth at the AFCI Locations Trade Show held April 16-18 2009 in Santa Monica, California.
The AFCI Locations Trade Show is the world's premier tradeshow for location filmmaking. The Show offers a unique opportunity to connect with a targeted audience and participate in discussions on issues facing the locations industry today.
Booth presentations were judged on overall physical presentation, design and creativity, and a number of other criteria. Judges were Larry Goebel – president of Imagination Worldwide; John Orland, president of Crossroads Productions and Wendy Williams, executive VP operations, Premier Entertainment.
Hawaii was the first place winner while Canada followed Thailand in third place. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Meet Ministry Officials: Dr. Seksan Narkwong, Director General, Office of Tourism Development, Ministry of Tourism and Sports
The new Director General of the Office of Tourism Development of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports is Dr. Seksan Narkwong, former Inspector General for the Ministry. Dr. Narkwong has been with the Ministry for over 30 years.
As Director General, Dr. Narkwong oversees the Thailand Film Office.
Dr. Narkwong was kind enough to sit with FiT staff to discuss the proposed tax incentives for foreign film makers.
Film in Thailand (FiT): What is it about Thailand that attracts foreign film makers?
Dr. Seksan Narkwong (SN): First, I must say, I have been lucky as Inspector General for the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to have traveled the width and breadth of Thailand to inventory our array of tourism attractions.
What does Thailand have to offer? Everything! From sci-fi "moon scapes" and prehistoric dinosaur caves and rock carvings to our famous beaches, modern cities and tropical rainforests – Thailand has a wealth of locations to shoot and stories to tell.
FiT: Tell us something about the incentives for foreign film shoots being discussed.
SN: Please understand we have been discussing these incentives for awhile, trying to find common ground on revenue streams that help develop Thailand's economy and those that make us more competitive for production companies shooting off-shore. What has changed now is the understanding on the part of the government to not only fast track implementation of incentives but to offer other promotional opportunities for the industry itself to grow and prosper through foreign investment.
FiT: So foreign production companies shooting in Thailand are good for the economy?
SN: Yes, very much so. In 2008 international film location revenue increased approximately 88% over the same period in 2007 (US $57.8 million vs. $30.63 million). The best thing about revenue obtained through film shoots is that it largely goes directly into the grass roots economy.
Production Company: Location Thailand Co Ltd Line Producer: Ric Lawes Client: Taxi Films Australia TVC: 'Getaway' - Flight Centre - Australia
The Challenge - to be able to achieve a POV shot from a bouncing boat at full speed yet be close enough to frame the Flight Centre Representative in a Parasailing chute being blown from side to side 50 metres above the boat - not a studio shoot and impossible with long lens and steadicam.
Problem Solved - a rig on the sand, counter balanced by a crane and the parasail filled by wind machines, perfect match of ambient sky and light to the wide shot.
The Cost? - 60 tonne mobile crane, 15 riggers and 8 hours work – US$ 4,000
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Maetaman Elephant Camp in Chaing Mai Thailand hosted a crew from the National Geographic Channel who came to do a program on Elephant Artist Hong and her mahout (handler) Noi. Hong caused an "explosion" in interest in elephant art in 2008 when her "Self Portrait" paintings went "viral" on the internet.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This year Oriental Post has post produced several Thai feature films including "Ong Bak 2" and "Best of Time". For both films, Oriental Post was involved in Conforming, Color Correction, Digital Output, and Mastering.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- De Warrenne Pictures Co. Ltd. partnered with GMA Networks (Manila) Inc. last year to produce 65 episodes of the popular reality television show "Survivor Philippines", based on the hit format owned by Castaway Television Productions Ltd. (UK). The location chosen by Executive Producer Donna Medina and Program Manager Neil Gumban of GMA Networks was Tarutao Maritime National Park in Satun province, Thailand.
Ko Tarutao was also used by the fifth season of the US version of "Survivor" for CBS six years ago. Thai Producer Tom Waller and Production Supervisor Oscar Kahar of De Warrenne Pictures recruited more than 100 local carpenters, boat captains and production crew to supplement the 90 strong Filipino team.
18 castaways competed for money and prizes during the 13 week show in two tribes 'Naak' and 'Jarakay', living in isolation on Ko Tarutao's pristine beaches. The staff and park rangers of Tarutao Maritime National Park assisted the production in providing logistics and accommodation for the local and foreign crew during the shoot which took place in August/September 2008.
Film Me
With the release of Paramount's new Star Trek movie, a revival in the sci-fi genre is eminent.
But you don't have to stand in front of a green screen or go to the Moon or the International Space Station to film space shots, all you need to do is Film in Thailand.
In Thailand's Northeastern province of Ubon Ratchathani are geological formations that are more "Moon-like" than what you would expect to see along the banks of the Mekong River in tropical Thailand.
The Tourism Authority of Thailand, in an article by Steve Van Beek describes the area north of Ubon Ratchathani which they call "Moonscape on the Mekong": "One enters the 80 square kilometres of Kaeng Tana National Park. Bisected by the fabled Mun River, this is a region that portends the alien landforms to come. Black rocks and broken sandstone slabs are jumbled together along the riverbanks, their solidity crafted and displaced by cosmic forces. Water has etched the sandstone plates into intricate patterns; looking down on them is like viewing earth from space. In the swirling waters, grit, propelled by the currents has, over eons, pitted and pocked the ebony stones and ground potholes into the rock surfaces, scouring depressions that lend the stones the look of meteorites."
Nearby in Pha Taem National Park where the sun rises first each day, remnants of ancient cultures can be found painted on towering sandstone walls. Recently discovered archaeological evidence suggests that humans settled in the region between 14,000 to 6,000 years ago.
Remind you of opening scenes from "2001: A Space Odyssey"?
In the Park atop a water fall you will find fields of beautiful wildflowers, Lan Hin Thung Dawk Mai, as they are called. They bloom from late October to late February. Their colors range from silver to pink and include the Dusita, a purple insect-eating blossom.
Situated three kilometres from Pha Taem is another intriguing formation: a series of stone “mushrooms” comprising columns and caps. The columns date from 180 million years ago while the umbrella-like capstones comprise harder sandstone of the later Cretaceous period, 150 million years ago, a phenomenon common in the mountains of Northeast Thailand. Local people call these mushroom-like columns sa-liang, meaning "stone pillar."
These are just some of the thousands of fascinating locations you can Film in Thailand.
Pitch It to Me
"The air hung thick in the early morning rainy season downpour.
Elephants lined the mountain ridge: a thousand, probably two. Scantily clad warriors atop, yelling, waving colorful flags and banners, as if to threaten the cannons booming from the pirate Macassar warships offshore.
Phaulkon raised his hand. Suddenly, as if heeding their commander, the rains stopped: there was silence.
Siam's prime minister under Narai the Great of Ayutthaya let his hand fall swiftly.
The elephants raised their trunks and let out a bloodcurdling bey that caused a chill to run along his neck.
Arrows flew through the air finding their way into the armor of the advancing foreign troops. A smile crept across the Greek born Phaulkon's face as he considered the irony of leading the Siamese forces against the great armies of Europe. But after all, he was the Phaulkon, Lord of the Kingdom under King Narai of Siam." (all rights AMW International Co. Ltd.)
Sound like a scene from a movie to you?
Well, maybe a bit dramatic but it is all a part of Thai history.
In 1659, an unhappy young Greek boy, Constantine Hierakis (Phaulkon in English), signs on an English merchant ship to run away from home, works his way to Siam where he becomes a spice and silk trader as well as a gun runner, but is then betrayed by his concubine and threatened with bankruptcy.
He uses his considerable charm and powers of persuasion to work his way into the good graces of Narai, King of Siam (reigned 1656 – 1688) who makes him his Prime Minister, but also forces Phaulkon to marry Maria, a spoiled and willful, but beautiful, Japanese heiress to please the Japanese bankers of his Court.
Narai entrusts him with receiving an embassy from King Louis XIV of France, but unbeknownst to Narai and Constantine, the sole purpose of the embassy is to convert the King to Catholicism. The King and Phaulkon were hoping for military support to protect Siam from the imperialist designs of the British and Dutch.
French troops eventually land in Bangkok, but the whole scheme backfires, as the Siamese feel threatened by the presence of any foreign army, and blame Constantine, accusing him of attempting to destroy their religion and turn Siam into a French colony.
Meanwhile, marauding Macassar, Muslim residents of the Indonesian Archipelago city of the same name, continued to attack foreign vessels along the Spice Route off of Siam's coast.
Narai dies, a virtual prisoner in his palace, Maria becomes the slave of the Siamese crown prince, and Constantine is executed (some reports say thrown to tigers), at the age of 41.
Siam closes upon itself for over a hundred years, vowing never to trust a foreigner again-- which may be a reason why the kingdom has never been colonized.
So, now you know the story, come to Thailand WRITE IT and FILM IT!
GREETINGS from Thailand and WELCOME to our new monthly e-magazine.
In an ever increasing competitive market and a media world which emphasizes the negative, the Thailand Film Office, (Thailand's Film Commission) under the Office of Tourism Development , Ministry of Tourism and Sports, recognizes the need to provide factual, up-to-date information about Thailand as a filming destination.
Why?The answer is simple, like hundreds of other Film Commissions around the world, we recognize that filming in Thailand creates revenue for the country.
In fact, in 2008 Thailand's international film location revenue increased approximately 88% over the same period in 2007 (US $57.8 million vs. $30.63 million).
In 2007, we saw 523 films produced in Thailand while in 2008 526 were produced. So far, in 2009, 119 productions have taken place (productions include features, documentaries, music videos, commercials, and TV series).
So why are we telling you this?
Because we want you to know that Thailand is "Open for Business" and the problems of the past are – problems of the past.
Our democracy is a young 76 years and problems you hear about and read about, how are they different than government changes in Italy or union strikes in France or in other nations?
They are different in that the backbone of political change here in Thailand has always been democratic.
So whatever you hear, check with us first, we'll tell you what's really going on!
One last thing, our government has set 2008 – 2009 as Thailand Investment Year.They outlined new incentives for international investors in several different industrial areas, including tourism and filmmaking. These areas of investment are still not quite clear but you can be sure the Thailand Film Office will announce this information to the international film community when appropriate.
In the meantime, we urge you, when thinking about filming on location, think of Thailand.
Our genuine warm hospitality and value for money economy can, depending on the project, be as much as 20 - 30% savings from filming on your home turf.
WELCOME TO THAILAND!
What people are saying about filming in Thailand?
When asked what he thinks of Thai production services, Academy Award winning actor William Hurt, who concluded shooting "Shadows" in Thailand in early March said, "They were phenomenal!"
Hong Kong based Pulse Films director/producer, Patrice Paujal, described the atmosphere in Asia among film makers as "pulsating"."There is a buzz happening all over Asia", he said.
As for Thailand, answering the question of why he likes to shoot here, Patrice said, "Thailand is a tapestry. You have everything here – Bangkok itself is like a movie set".
Tom Waller, director of Bangkok based -De Warrenne Pictures who did location work for "The Prince and Me 4", works closely with Hollywood based Millennium Films and Nu Image Productions.
Tom said that these two companies like Thailand because "As long as productions can be brought in on schedule and under budget - they are happy. You can do that filming in Thailand."
Meet Our Staff
Every month in an attempt to have you learn more about our office and our staff, we will introduce a staff member from our office or the Ministry. This month it is our privilege to have interviewed the director of the Thailand Film Office, Ms. Wanasiri Morakul.
Film in Thailand (FiT): Has the Thai government initiated any new developments to support Thailand as a Filming location?
Ms Morakul (WM): The government is considering a number of measures to make Thailand more competitive in line with other popular film location destinations. While the cost of filming in Thailand is cost effective compared to other countries, the Cabinet has assigned relevant agencies including the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Tourism and Sports to establish a set of appropriate measures which create incentives such as tax returns, etc.
FiT: Please tell us something about yourself.
WM: Well let's see, I have a Master of Arts in Mass Communication from Chulalongkorn University. My first
professional position was in 1982 at the Radio Thailand, National Public Relations Policy and Planning Division and the Thailand Film Office which was then in the Government Public Relations Office.
In 2002, the Thailand Film Office came under the Office of Tourism Development, Ministry of Tourism and Sports where I was named Chief of Film Business Promotions.In 2006, I became the director of the Thailand Film Office .
I guess you can say I have seen the Office evolve/grow over the years.
As for hobbies, I am afraid they are all work related, watching movies and spending time on-line.
FiT: Tell us something about your staff (how many, broken into what departments, etc.)
WM: We have a staff of 13 people.They are divided into 3 work groups
1. General Affairs Section
2. Cooperation and Special Affairs Section
3. Film Business Promotion Section
4. Shooting Permit Consideration Section
But of course, filmmakers will hardly interact individually with staff behind the scenes as
they will interface first with our "One Stop Office" where all information about filming in Thailand can be found.
FiT: Does the Film Office have any plans for staying competitive during the world economic slowdown?
WM:The competitive nature of our business is such that we need to constantly watch trends and advance our location.It is not only during the economic slowdown.
We do plan on being more visible at international film festivals, exhibitions and film markets.
I think the very liberal attitude the government is taking on investment into the film industry here in Thailand is good in that it will allow for a greater number of facilities to be established throughout the country, especially outside of Bangkok in other heavily filmed areas such as Phuket and Chiang Mai.
As well, we want to build confidence in our location destination.We know that everyone knows Thailand.But we want everyone to know that we have highly trained crews, modern equipment and a hospitable culture that welcomes foreigners. We will be working on ways to provide quantifiable information to those that wish to film in Thailand proving we are value for money.
What's Up Private Sector?
Recently Mustard Films (J Dejprasert - topp.mf@gmail.com) assisted Japan's EPOS Visa credit card commercial. Created by Japanese advertising agency Enjin, shot in Bangkok by Mustard Films and Kirameki Inc and directed by Cannes finalist F with special effects and done at CG house foret-bleue with post assistance from Bangkok's Oriental Post.
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Legend Films (Mutita Na Songkla - air@legendfilms-thai.com) provided full production services for Three Needles, Rambo IV and Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun Li.
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In April 2009, China International (Eric Chu - cipathai@gmail.com) worked on a documentary drama about a fishing village in Ranong, which is in the southern part of Thailand.
Those of you in the USA, watch the Travel Channel this Spring for "Bridget’s Sexiest Beaches" which in February 2009, filmed in Phuket Thailand with the assistance of Persona Travel Ltd. (persona@phuket.ksc.co.th) based in Phuket.The series covers the most beautiful beaches in the world.
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Full service post production facility Technicolor Bangkok launched its new Digital Imaging department in Bangkok March 19, 2009 providing digital intermediate (DI), HD mastering and restoration services.
Film Me
Many of you have been to Thailand before and know our most filmed locations (Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Ayutthaya). Each month, our "Film Me" section will try and focus on a new, interesting and attractive location for filming.
For example, in this edition, we would like to briefly mention a couple of railroad shoot opportunities.
In April, Thailand-Lao opened the first railway service linking the Thai border and the Lao border – an interesting opportunity for filming over or along the Mekong River.
And speaking of trains, filming a "Who Done It" murder mystery or a turn-of-the-century love story, or want to relive life in the late 19th century? Don't miss the Eastern & Oriental Express which runs throughout the region from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand to Vientiane in Lao. (http://www.orient-express.com/web/eoe/eoe_a2a_home.jsp)
This year, The Thailand Film Office will introduce new film locations in the North-Eastern part of Thailand including Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Nong Khai, Udon Thani and Ubon Ratchathani since there are a variety of historic, natural and man-made sites in these areas.
Some of the areas are not well-known by tourists and sparsely populated making it easy for crews to shoot, especially with modern vans available for transport of equipment and crews.
Apart from the benefit of the locations themselves working in these rural areas is worthwhile as expenditures are less than Bangkok and the hospitality of rural people is so much like the Thailand of yesteryear.
Watch for our May issue as we introduce Thailand's own "Moon Scape" in Kaeng Tana National Park north of Udon.
Pitch It to Me
In this section of our e-magazine every month, we will get a little creative. Since this publication is going out to screen & TV writers as well as film directors and producers from around the world, we want to offer up positive story lines about Thailand and things Thai.
Whenever we turn on the TV or watch a movie and Thailand is the subject, the story line is undoubtedly about prostitution, pornography, pedophilia or drugs. No one denies that these things exist here. BUT no more here than anywhere else. Why always write about the negative, why not the positive?
As a matter of fact, Thailand has a very conservative culture where the above mentioned 3 "p's" and a "d "are unlawful.
So, accentuating the positive may we suggest the following story lines:
1. Instead of sending out for Chinese food, Thai food, we know, is as popular. Pad Thai (Thai fried noodles), Tom Yum Goon (Spicy shrimp soup), Khao Pad Boo (Fried Rice with Crab) are all popular, filling dishes that make as much sense eating with your partner or family in front of the "tube" as any you see on TV.
And hey, all Orientals DO NOT look alike. Having a Chinese person play Thai, even if they speak the language – don't you think we can't tell the difference.It's like having a person raised in UK trying to play someone from New York.
2. Did you know that insurance companies in Europe and the USA are now paying people to have operations done here in Thailand?Yes, medical tourism is quite popular here, to the point that all major hospitals have international patient departments where hospital service personnel speak several languages.
So, why not a visiting intern from Thailand in the ER honing up on latest technology and skills? Or a story about a heart patient that will soon be transferred to Thailand for a heart operation or a young heart transplant patient that received the transplant from a Thai. Could the calm, peaceful, tranquil life he/she now leads be the result of their donor's strict Buddhist lifestyle?
Please Film Thailand but also please include Thailand in your scripts.
