Shooting a slightly offkey music video in Thailand - advice needed please!

[Benjani]

Hi guys,

Happy new year to you all.

I am heading to Thailand in the next month for two weeks, after spending 9 months in the country two years ago. On my previous trip I had lots of funny experiences, none more so than one which ended up with me in the clutches of a questionable professional, if you know where I’m coming from.

Anyway, I have written a song about this and am heading over to film the ‘setting’ scenes in Thailand, while also enjoying a lovely holiday in my favourite country.

We are planning to ‘guerrilla’ film, as in we will film shots as and when we can, of me singing to camera with authentic scenes in the background etc.

I had planned to try to get a recording license, however the process seems extremely convoluted, with the procedure being that I have to send the song / lyrics to the government to approve! I think the request would be turned down due to the subject matter.

I guess what I’m asking is that do you think this will be plain sailing? To confirm, we will ONLY be filming in the daytime, we will in no way be disrespectful or antagonistic towards the locals and we will be appropriately dressed at all times. We will not be anywhere near any temples. We will not be trying to film adult workers in bars. We will only be filming shots of me out and around in different settings in the country.

Due to the small camera rig, which is attached to the cameramans shoulder, we will be noticed by the locals. I am planning on saying that we are filming a holiday diary, I’m just slightly concerned if someone tries to take our camera and asks for money for me to claim it back.

Has anyone ever filmed a documentary / music video in Thailand before? What was the reaction?

Any help / advice would be really appreciated.

Thank you!

[cyberfarang]

Where do you intend to upload the completed production? If you are only making a novelty video for showing on Youtube there shouldn`t be any problems, but if there is more to this, you need permission and probably a work permit.

[Benjani]

Thanks for your reply.

Yes, exactly that. It will be a YouTube release that I'm expecting get between 5-10k views, so nothing major.

Do you reckon a policeman over in Thailand would turn a blind eye to the filming? Very nervous about having the camera / footage taken away, it would ruin the whole thing that I have paid a lot of money for!

[SoiBiker]

Every other tourist here has some sort of camera setup. I've seen hiso Thai tourists with camera rigs that tv shoots back home couldn't afford. I doubt anyone will bay an eyelid. It's your time, waste it however you choose.

[naboo]

Don't stress about it. If the police catch you, tell them your romantic story. I'm sure they will love it. Whisky all around and off you go.