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On November 6, 2015, HRH Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi kindly attended the opening ceremony of THAI NIGHT 2015 at the American Film Market & Conference 2015, Los Angeles, USA, organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion, Ministry of Commerce - at Pacific Room, JW Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot.
Mr. Winichai Chaemchaeng – Vice Minister for Commerce, Mrs. Malee Choklumlerd – Director-General, Department of International Trade Promotion, distinguished guests of the film industry and related business, and members of press were at the venue to welcome Her Royal Highness.
On this special night, HRH Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi was welcomed with a performance entitled “Chang (Elephant)” which gave a small glimpse of the connection between the elephant and Thai people, focusing on the Elephant as featured in Thai films.
The entertainment featured a Thai ballad performed by “Keng Tachaya Pratumwan”, a well-known singer from television's The Voice Thailand, together with an elephant puppeteer, “Wannasak Sirilar” who won Best Supporting Actor in Supannahong National Film Awards.
This was followed by the screening of a showcase of recent Thai productions, highlighting the strength of the Thai film industry.
HRH Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi gave her remarks
Films are a valuable part of culture, exploring our past, present and future.
Films are an art form, which can be as beautiful as a painting.
Films are a form of communication, that can spread a message to the world.
In Thailand, we are fortunate to have a number of directors who have represented these ideals, and attracted honours on the international stage such as Mr.Apichatpong Weerasetakhul, whose film 'Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives' brought home the Cannes Palme d'Or. Pen-Ek Ratanaruang, whose films have won awards at festivals from Berlin to Seattle.
Following the footsteps of these illustrious film makers, new young directors are making their impact felt on the screen such as Nawapol Thamrongrattanarit, Nithiwat Tharathon, and Mez Tharathorn whose work is already attracting international recognition.
Her Royal Highness also payed tribute to Thai crews which excel in the international film market
Thai highly skilled film crews have provided excellent support to a number of US film productions such as the recent movie “No Escape”, released in August, and “Gold” by director Stephen Gaghan. A strong infrastructure, highly skilled and hard-working film crews, and reasonable costs have made Thailand a popular venue for international film production for over three decades.
This year is on track to become Thailand's strongest year ever, with more productions and higher revenue from international productions than ever before. In recognition of the success of the industry, Thailand will shortly be introducing an incentive program, which will enhance the appeal of Thailand yet further.
Mr. Winichai Chaemchaeng, Vice Minister for Commerce gave his remarks about the film industry in Thailand:
In recent years, the Thai film industry has continued to strengthen its position both at the local box office and in the international market. The final statistics for 2014 show that 631 international productions came to shoot in Thailand, creating revenue of over $60 million. In the first half of 2015, the total revenue reached over $50 million and we look forward to a record-breaking year. Thailand continues to be a very popular destination for films from Japan, India, and European countries.
Last year, Thailand’s film industry produced over fifty domestic films, the most successful film earning
over $10 million. Moreover, between years 2014-2015, several Thai directors and Thai films earned creative respect at the international level. 'Thai Night' is a perfect venue to pursue Thailand's aim towards greater international co-operation.
Forthcoming Incentive Program
In recognition of the success of the industry, Thailand recently announced an incentive program to promote foreign film production in Thailand. In consultation with private industry and advisers, the details of the program are currently being formulated. The incentive will take the form of a cash rebate at the rate of 15% for feature films, TV programs or TV series with a local Thai spend of over 30 million Baht. A further 5% cash rebate will be triggered if the international production also does post-production in Thailand. The incentive program will become effective in 2017.
In the 36th American Film Market & Conference, some of Thailand's top film and animation studios, production companies, production services providers and distributors will be represented at Topanga Suite, 7th floor, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel. These include Benetone (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Film Frame Production Co., Ltd., G2D Co., Ltd., Imagimax Co., Ltd., Kantana Sound Studio Co., Ltd., Klongchai Pictures Co., Ltd., Mono Film Co., Ltd., M Thirty Nine Co., Ltd., The Monk Studios Co., Ltd., and Yggdrazil Group o., Ltd. A Business Matching program will be held from November 4 – 11, 2015.
Two other Thai companies will also exhibit in AFM 2015; Sahamongkolfilm International Co., Ltd. and Five Star Production Co., Ltd.
Moreover, The Department of International Trade Promotion will be at 5th Floor Atrium, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel throughout AFM to give information about Thailand’s film and entertainment industry, pre and post production as well as incentives and other benefits of films to be produced in Thailand.
The Thai Night celebrations and the business matching program will ensure that Thailand has the strongest presence ever at AFM, and will give maximum opportunity for Thai companies to create new business and forge new international relationships.
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