Bangkok Film Biz?

[Cowboyshoe]

I'm a Producer/Director moving from Los Angeles to Bangkok in September and I'd be interested to hear anything about the film biz in Thailand.

I've done some preliminary research through the BOI and I know about the proposed 'movie town' in Tambon Bangkrachao, but I'm interested in any first hand experiences expats have had working with Thai filmmakers or production companies.

Should I expect to be welcomed with open arms or shunned as a farang sniping Thai jobs?

[OldAsiaHand]

There are no foreigners working in the Thai movie industry. Never have been, never will be. No Thai would ever run the risk of a Caucasian getting credit for having accomplished something worthwhile. It would only prove that Thais couldn't do it themselves. Stay in LA. You have no chance whatsoever here.

[Lordfoul]

There are no foreigners working in the Thai movie industry. Never have been, never will be. No Thai would ever run the risk of a Caucasian getting credit for having accomplished something worthwhile. It would only prove that Thais couldn't do it themselves. Stay in LA. You have no chance whatsoever here.

Maybe not in Thai Movies, But there certainly are foreigners working in Thailand on Foreign productions. I know this first hand as I am one of them.

/SM

[OldAsiaHand]

My understanding was that the poster was asking about his chances of 'breaking into the Thai movie industry.' Apologies if I was reading him wrong. While I know that foreigners do work on foreign productions here, and he might somehow find work on one of them, I don't know of any scuh productions that have actually originated here -- i.e. within what one would normally call 'the Thai movie industry.' They are all, as far as I know, imported shoots. Thais don't make English-language films for the foreign market, only Thai language films for the local market.

[Lordfoul]

My understanding was that the poster was asking about his chances of 'breaking into the Thai movie industry.' Apologies if I was reading him wrong. While I know that foreigners do work on foreign productions here, and he might somehow find work on one of them, I don't know of any scuh productions that have actually originated here -- i.e. within what one would normally call 'the Thai movie industry.' They are all, as far as I know, imported shoots. Thais don't make English-language films for the foreign market, only Thai language films for the local market.

Yep, That is what he wrote. I am assuming though, that he desires to work his craft in Thailand and most likely doesn't care if it's a Thai or Foreign production.

/SM

[dkstoney]

Can I compose your first soundtrack?

[Sarawudt]

There are no foreigners working in the Thai movie industry. Never have been, never will be. No Thai would ever run the risk of a Caucasian getting credit for having accomplished something worthwhile. It would only prove that Thais couldn't do it themselves. Stay in LA. You have no chance whatsoever here.

I'll 2nd that. Quality is not an issue in Thailand, it's fairly irrelevant. Nationality is, laws even differ according to nationality of individual.

So better stay home, just visit Thailand in your holiday. If you are famous you may buy the Elite card, only one million baht and every year Thailand will take some benefits away from you. You'll belong to a select elite group of individuals.

[Cowboyshoe]

Stay in LA. You have no chance whatsoever here.

Thanks for the pep talk.

Jaded pessimism aside I think I'll follow through on my plans.

I'm not picky as to whether I work on Thai productions or foreign ones. (BTW - I know for a fact that there ARE farangs working in the Thai film industry, that's why I asked for the opinions of people with such experience.)

I appreciate your POV - and I'm empathetic. I've seen a certain protectionist, xenophobic nature at work in many industries around Thailand, hence my query. But the assertion that the situation is hopeless and I should give up without trying is just empty cynicism.

[thaihome]

empty cynicism.

No lack of that around here.

TH

[penelope]

I've got a friend working on contract for a few international news networks.He is based in BKK because of it's central location.Does news,documentaries a bit of freelance film. Not thai movies or tv though.

[Lordfoul]

Cowboyshoe,

Check your PM

/SM

[OldAsiaHand]

But the assertion that the situation is hopeless and I should give up without trying is just empty cynicism.

You asked a question and several of us who have had an involvement the local film industry took the time and made the effort to tell you what we had learned about it.

And now our joint experience is 'empty cynicism?'

For someone who by his own account knows little or nothing about how things work here, you seem awfully ready to dismiss -- and rather high-handedly, too -- others who have far more experience than you. Come to think of it, you may feel right at home here in Thailand.

[Cowboyshoe]

And now our joint experience is 'empty cynicism?'

Actually, O.A.H. I wasn't referring to anyone but you when I noted empty cynicism. (That's why I quoted your post.)

I've already been in touch with several contacts generated by my post, and I've yet to meet one who shares your opinion; "Stay in LA. You have no chance whatsoever here."

In that same brief post you also took the time to note that "There are no foreigners working in the Thai movie industry. Never have been, never will be." - something which I know to be untrue, as do some of the others posting on this very page, and they were kind enough to email me to confirm it.

So please don't think that I'm 'high-handedly' dismissing the opinions of all the people who were kind enough to respond to my post. The only opinion I'm dismissing is yours.

[johnk]

cowboyshoe, I would give it a shot. Despite what some of the other individuals have said, foreigners can break into the thai movie business. I'm an American and I've been in a couple movies with another one starting soon.

Also, I know a farang director who just completed a thai movie. He was the first non-thai director to direct a thai movie. In most countries, its difficult to get your movie distributed, but in Thailand, its a different story. His movie is in post production, and should be released soon. I also know a farang camerman who has worked on numerous movies in Thailand.

In summary, dont believe what you have read here. Feel free to contact me if you want more details. I can also give you email addresses for some non-thais who are in the movie biz here.

Rgds,

John

[dr_Pat_Pong]

I'm a Producer/Director moving from Los Angeles to Bangkok in September and I'd be interested to hear anything about the film biz in Thailand.

I've done some preliminary research through the BOI and I know about the proposed 'movie town' in Tambon Bangkrachao, but I'm interested in any first hand experiences expats have had working with Thai filmmakers or production companies.

Should I expect to be welcomed with open arms or shunned as a farang sniping Thai jobs?

Cowboy. I wish you luck. Do a thorough check. Western movies HAVE BEEN produced in Thailand ( albeit despite a Union that kinda licenses things like on set food etc. Movieworld on Australia's Gold Coast did a couple.

[andyadam]

QUOTE (OldAsiaHand @ Wed 2004-07-28, 11:44:09)

There are no foreigners working in the Thai movie industry. Never have been, never will be. No Thai would ever run the risk of a Caucasian getting credit for having accomplished something worthwhile. It would only prove that Thais couldn't do it themselves. Stay in LA. You have no chance whatsoever here. 

I'll 2nd that. Quality is not an issue in Thailand, it's fairly irrelevant. Nationality is, laws even differ according to nationality of individual.

So better stay home, just visit Thailand in your holiday. If you are famous you may buy the Elite card, only one million baht and every year Thailand will take some benefits away from you. You'll belong to a select elite group of individuals.

Please forgive my ignorance of Thai names, I have only been here for a year, but have still to meet a Thai with the name of Igor!!!!!!

Working in the industry here has no issue with nationality or law, last time I looked the film industry didn't have many jobs that fall into the restricted employment catagory!

The truth is, it's who you know that gets you jobs, you may not get a credit but who cares as long as you are working!! (and yes, legaly, with a work permit)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0290879/fullcredits

[The Gentleman Scamp]

I'm a Producer/Director moving from Los Angeles to Bangkok in September and I'd be interested to hear anything about the film biz in Thailand.

I've done some preliminary research through the BOI and I know about the proposed 'movie town' in Tambon Bangkrachao, but I'm interested in any first hand experiences expats have had working with Thai filmmakers or production companies.

Should I expect to be welcomed with open arms or shunned as a farang sniping Thai jobs?

What sort of welcome you'd get as a prod/dir I can't say.

My only experience over here was as an extra in a Thai GI movie... So much for my performing arts diploma.

[JohnnieWalker]

Plenty of expat actors in Thailand.

Find them here on Thai Visa forum.

[IamMaiC]

There are no foreigners working in the Thai movie industry. Never have been, never will be. No Thai would ever run the risk of a Caucasian getting credit for having accomplished something worthwhile. It would only prove that Thais couldn't do it themselves. Stay in LA. You have no chance whatsoever here.

Why do you tell him this "Legend Of Suriyothai" was thai and farang made movie

Was it not? I have the DVD US version and they have documentery on it I saw some farangs working with the director.

[JohnnieWalker]

Suriyothai was directed by Chatrichalerm Yukol in 2001. (He is out of Royal Family)

To my knowledge, no foreigner was involved (except maybe the dead Burmese )

In 2003 the movie was cut shorter and changed slightly in a number of scenes to be more accessible and better fitted to western tastes. This was done by American (well-known) Director Francis Ford Coppola, and in the West, the movie was/is called Suriyothai: Presented by Francis Ford Coppola.

But I don't give a hoot (sorry Mr. Trink )

[andyadam]

Suriyothai was directed by Chatrichalerm Yukol in 2001. (He is out of Royal Family)

To my knowledge, no foreigner was involved (except maybe the dead Burmese  )

The DOP credited on IMDB is Not dead, not Burmese and most of all NOT THAI!!

Limited knowledge is a wonderful thing!!!!

BTW Prince Chatrichalerm Yukol is due to start another big movie within the next 2 weeks, and yes there are farang working on it!!!!!

[JohnnieWalker]

Limited knowledge is a wonderful thing!!!!

Limited lack of humor is a sad thing!!!!!

[nickbkk]

Wow, the level of cynicism on these boards can be staggering. I'm not surprised, though, as there are far too many farang in Thailand who need to get out of here for awhile so they can appreciate the place again. Yes, I do understand where the cynicism originates so no need for a flurry of replies wasting this board's resources.

The statement that there are no, and have never been any, farang working in the Thai film/TV industry (and no I'm not including foreign productions shot here or the seeming millions of farang extras who nicely brought the going rate down) is just ridiculous. They're not very common but there are farang working on Thai productions in Thailand.

As far as moving here and hoping to continue your career is concerned, I recommend first working on a project that brings you here as foreign crew. You'll get better money, better living/working conditions (generally....) and be able to get some first-hand experience without having thrown your lot in. It can range from wonderful to hilarious, frustrating, appalling, shocking and very gratifying working with Thais in the film and TV business here. Perhaps more than any other place I've lived/worked, this place works on contacts, backhanders, etc., so be prepared for that as well.

Oh, and learn to speak/read/write Thai! That will put you ahead of all but maybe .5% of farang who work in the business here and the ability to communicate (including thinking) in both languages/cultures is perhaps the skill in most demand here. For some reason, "roll the tape forwards" in English means "rewind the tape" in Thai and vice versa....

feel free to email me: [email protected]

[IamMaiC]

Suriyothai was directed by Chatrichalerm Yukol in 2001. (He is out of Royal Family)

To my knowledge, no foreigner was involved (except maybe the dead Burmese )

In 2003 the movie was cut shorter and changed slightly in a number of scenes to be more accessible and better fitted to western tastes. This was done by American (well-known) Director Francis Ford Coppola, and in the West, the movie was/is called Suriyothai: Presented by Francis Ford Coppola.

But I don't give a hoot (sorry Mr. Trink  )

Isn't Mr Coppola a Farang Director?? I saw the thai version of this movie and it was over 3 hrs long some parts were pretty boring so i think that is why he edited it to make it more appealing

[steadirob]

While working in Thailand in the film industry is very well possible, it doesn´t come easy.

I am only a short time here in BKK and have done some stuff, but there are a lot of obstacles in the way.

One of them is the language, as others mentioned. While all production houses have english websites, in fact the knowledge of that language is very limited, the people in the office and on the phone are almost always speechless.

That´s a big problem when it comes to getting work. You really need the few that you can communicate with.

The other problem could be money. In general, the average daily rate is very low, compared to more "western" countries, US, Europe.

I´m working as Cameraman and Steadicam operator and this is regarded as a better job in this business but it doesn´t make much more than 35-45% of what is considered normal in the other countries.

True, the cost of living is lower too, but if you need to buy or maintain equipment (as I have to do) than you have to pay the foreign prices + import taxes!

Thai competitors can always quote under your price, no matter how low. Quality of you and your work and equipment is hardly a selling point, I found out the hard way.

But life can be very good, for sure attach yourself to a company (you won´t get a permit if you stay freelance), I enjoye it here more than in Amsterdam!

Steadirob

[ksoze]

Hey John - I'm moving to Chiang Mai in October and I'm also trying to get a job in the film industry. I just graduated from the New York Film Academy. Can you give me some advice?

[simon43]

Thailand used to be a great place to shoot hard-core porn movies, (well, so I hear...) Not sure if that is your line of business??

..joke, by the way

Simon

[ilyushin]

You will need to network as usual and do lots of homework on the movie industry in Thailand.

There is room for some new movie productions and without conflict or insult to any party. I welcome any new comers with open eyes.

Here is a helpful link Thai Film

Good luck!

[HowardJohnson]

Just as a point of interest, is there a requirement to be a member of Equity or the Thai equivilant to get acting work there?

Ta

HoJo

[steveromagnino]

Just as a point of interest, is there a requirement to be a member of Equity or the Thai equivilant to get acting work there?

Ta

HoJo

Theoretically you need WP or Thai ID card with tax ID to pay tax, but in practice you can work without paying any tax as extras, models, etc. It is illegal, you stand the risk of deportation and so on, but I don't know of any clampdown here yet (unlike say Hong Kong, Malaysia).

If playing a lead role, then you might need to worry someone chasing you up; but even then probably not. AFAIK there is no union I have ever belonged to; not sure what the Equity is?

Having experience within this industry for several years I can guarantee:

- there are MANY foreign directors in the industry; while almost all the Thai movies are directed by THais, there is at least one (999-9999) that was directed by a foreign born Thai with no Thai passport (effectively a foreigner) and for soap operas for foreign markets, for local and foreign advertising, for foreign movies; there are Thais and foreigners doing these; especially commercials

- a number of foreigners working in post production e.g. video editing

- not sure how useful or effective a foreign non Thai speaking producer would be without a Thai to help them; but have seen some co-producers on set for Japanese/foreign productions

- limitless numbers of foreign 'talent' (used euphamistically, since most showed nil talent, and came straight outta Khao San roadside; an acting degree from the west will probably be useless here watch some Thai soaps to understand my point; also chances are you haven't studied sit com/soap opera style acting; plus you'll probably only be playing a minor role anyway unless you can speak Thai, not being rude and arrogant then actually getting on with the cast and crew of any production would probably have a far greater value for a farang than the most high end acting degree from Julliard or somewhere - a lesson that a few of the farangs I have had the displeasure to be on the set with would do well to learn)

The odds of getting anywhere in this field are fairly low anywhere (especially LA where everyone is a WAM and is looking for someone to turn their treatment into a porno/blockbuster/arthouse film). IF you speak Thai and go for the commercials market (i.e. not film or TV) you stand a better chance of getting somewhere perhaps; how you do this without a reel I have no idea; perhaps you can talk to some of the following firms to learn about how things work:

Triton

Phenomena

Siam Studio/Moontime

Matching Studio

All of these firms have staff or hire staff that have degrees from USC/UCLA/etc and speak english just fine; offer a few coffees or whatever and maybe a couple will take the time to speak to you. Kantana were trying to set up a few things; follow them up too; they have some book about the film industry here I recall seeing a while back.

All these production houses focus more on commercials than TV/movies; to be honest, the budgets of local TV stuff is too low to afford a foreign director, or in fact any decent local director of note. You will be ineffectual producing; however commercials are a different kettle of fish; you might bring something to the table there. These companies can tell you who the big players are in the industry.

The better way is is to attach yourself to a company as Steadirob points out; some of the same conglomorates operate here and where you are now; you MIGHT get an internship then do your time here and learn learn learn Thai as fast as you can. Foreigners are pretty hopelessly stuck here in most industries if they cannot speak Thai at least at a basic level.

Best of luck, if too many people are tearing you down, go watch 'The World's Fastest Indian' for inspiration.

You will have to be in BKK though; not much happens in the provinces in terms of sourcing work; they go there to shoot but you won't find work out there easily.