Single body to oversee film industry a step closer to reality
The government and the local film industry have reached an initial agreement to set up a central body to provide turnkey support and services to local film-production companies and foreign companies using Thailand for a shooting location.
Under the agreement, which is still being considered by the government, an Entertainment Business Committee would be set up under the Prime Minister's Office. The local film industry is currently under the purview of several government bodies, including the Culture Ministry, the Tourism and Sports Ministry and the Export Promotion Department. Consolidation would provide better unity and pool all support and services under a single entity. The new body would be in charge of all activities related to filmmaking and related services. It would coordinate support for Thai film producers making movies for domestic and international consumption. Thailand has become a popular location for international film producers. So far this year, location shoots have generated Bt1.16 billion in revenues for the Kingdom, with 311 projects shooting here, including 14 feature films. Japanese producers are the most active in choosing Thailand as a shooting destination. The agreement was discussed yesterday at a seminar called "The Potential Development of the Film Business and Related Services", hosted by the Thailand Film Office, the Office of Tourism Development and the Tourism and Sports Ministry. Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Suwat Liptapanlop called on all players, both public and private, to work out the details of establishing the new body. "I've already approved a one-stop service centre for granting permission to, coordinating with and supporting foreign film-production companies shooting in Thailand. "The issue will be forwarded to the Cabinet for approval in the next week or two," said Suwat. He said Thailand should have a world-class film studio, post-production facilities and an acting school, similar to Universal Studios in Hollywood. For instance, Hollywood star Nicolas Cage is here now filming "Time to Kill", a remake of the Thai film "Bangkok Dangerous". Sasisupa Sungvaribud, president of the Film Production Services Association, said members of the new committee "must have a good vision and an in-depth knowledge of the film industry".
Kwanchai Rungfapaisarn The Nation
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