Thailand's Locations and Production Services Sector Open for Business
Despite the problematic flooding in Bangkok over the last few weeks, foreign film makers continue to show confidence in Thailand’s locations and production services sector by filming in provincial destinations unaffected by the floods.
Suvarnabhumi Airport, Thailand’s main international and domestic gateway remains open and is operating normally. Bangkok’s second airport, Don Meaung Airport has closed but the two domestic airlines operating from there have moved to Suvarnabhumi and are operating on schedule.
The main commercial and financial center of Bangkok remains unobstructed by the flooding and is expected to continue to be dry.
Popular filming locations in the central provinces such as Kanchanaburi, Pattaya and Hua Hin have NOT been affected by floods. Southern provinces also NOT affected by flooding include Phuket, Krabi, Sarathani, Ko Samui, Hat Yai, Phang-Nga and Ko Chang.
Film makers are also taking advantage of the cool clear weather to film in the northern provinces of Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Sukothai.
“At present, we have about 8 or 9 productions filming or getting ready to start production,” said Wanasiri Morakul, Director of the Department of Tourism’s Thailand Film Office.
“We know that many international film makers are presently in pre-production for 2012 shoots and we want to assure you, Bangkok will bounce back very quickly from this tragic situation. Please don’t count us down and out – we are now and will be in the future, open for your filming business.”
Ms. Morakul mentioned that the incentive offering no cost permits to film in Thailand’s national parks and on Goverment agency land which was slated to end at the New Year will probably be continued into 2012.
“The period during reconstruction in Bangkok will probably see great values on hotel accomidations in the capital city and in the provinces,” Ms. Morakul added.
Ms. Morakul also urged film makers to contact the Thailand Film Office directly with any questions or concerns they may have.
“We are open for business as usual,” said Ms. Morakul.
The Thailand Film Office website can be accessed at www.thailandfilmoffice.org.
Contact:The Thailand Film Office Contact TFO via email
“Ǝvolution” Comes Full Circle At The Chelsea Film Festival
The Chelsea Film Festival, running from October 16th through October 20th, 2024, at Regal Cinemas here in Union Square, is set to host the East Coast premiere of Ǝvolution, a thought-provoking experimental micro-short film that proves big ideas can come in small packages and in perfect circles.
In just 1 minute 16 seconds, this cinematic gem by Award-Winning Director Romina Schwedler, with original music by Argentine Composer Ignacio Montoya Carlotto, explores a cycle as old as time: life leads to progress, progress leads to destruction, and destruction, well, leads back to life. But is this vicious circle unbreakable? Ǝvolution suggests the answer is yes, unless we decide to open our eyes.
Inspired by the overwhelming number of recent events that threaten human existence, Ǝvolution, possibly the shortest film in this 12th edition of the festival, plays out entirely through the symbolism of circles, cleverly illustrating —in the blink of an eye— the repeating patterns of history, and confronting viewers with the uncomfortable truth that our so-called “progress” may, in fact, be guiding us to our own ruin.Premiering at the Regal 14 Union Square, New York City, on October 18, 2024, at 11 a.m., Romina Schwedler's micro-short, featuring Leah Young with cinematography by Alan J. Carmona, will be sure to spark conversations longer than the film itself! Forcing viewers to reconsider the true meaning of evolution, not just as a biological process, but as a reflection of our collective journey as humans.
With a string of festival appearances across the globe, including CineGlobe at CERN (Switzerland/France), Oscar®... Read More