Considering Thailand for your next shoot?

Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya and entourage.

Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya and entourage.

Whether you’re in commercial production or a Chicago indie film producer looking to get more out of your skimpy $3m budget, perhaps it’s time to think outside of the box when it comes to location.

At least Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi of Thailand would like you to.

At the Thai Night American Film Market 2017, which was attended by several hundred industry professionals and filmmakers, The Princess stressed the major accomplishments of Thai filmmakers and actors.

During her speech, Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya stressed several major accomplishments of Thai filmmakers and actors who are breaking through on the international scene, such as Director Nattawut Poonpiriya’s exam cheating thriller Bad Genius, which not only broke the $100 million Baht mark (US $3 m) at the domestic box office, breaking Thai B.O. records in several Asian countries including China. In addition, the film performed at international festivals, winning multiple awards, including Best Feature at the New York Asian Film Festival and Best Director at the Fantasia International Film Festival.

Shot in Thailand - "Changeland"
Shot in Thailand – “Changeland”

Vice Minister for Commerce Winichai Chaemchaeng also spelled out the strategy of the Ministry of Commerce, Royal Thai Government which is to turn Thailand into the leading regional center for film production and post-production. The ASEAN region, a community of over 600 million consumers, will become one of the most dynamic entertainment markets in the world, and Thailand is ideally positioned to take a major role in the growth of the regional industry.

Shot in Thailand - "Mechanic Resurrection"
Shot in Thailand – “Mechanic Resurrection”

As part of this plan, a new film incentive program was launched earlier this year. The program offers up to 20% cash rebate for local production expenditures that exceeds the U.S. $1.5 million. The first international film to benefit from the tax rebate initiative is Changeland, the directorial debut of actor Seth Green, starring himself and Breckin Meyer, and featuring Macaulay Culkin.

This new incentive is poised to further increase the attractiveness of Thailand as a shooting destination. Thailand is already one of the most popular destinations for international productions, due to its state-of-the-art technical facilities, highly experienced crew, beautiful locations and top hospitality services. Last year, the number of foreign films produced in Thailand increased by 15%. Over the same period, China lead with 65.

Other recent Thailand-produced films include Gold starring Matthew McConaughey, Edgar Ramírez and Bryce Dallas Howard; Mechanic Ressurection starring Jason Statham and No Escape starring Lake Bell and Pierce Brosnan.

Sooo producers, start planning that Thailand trip for your next film or campaign!

Contact Colin Costello at colin@reelchicago.com or follow him on Twitter @colincostello10.