Casting Call


Hey All,

In the last 3-4 years Thailand has developed into a major filming destination for Bollywood & Indian TVC production. Benetone Films alone has lined produced for over 30 Bollywood Films and 50 Indian TVC and a dozen still photography campaigns.

The biggest frustration we and the Indian producers face is the lack to organize based of Indian talents, models and character actors. Most of the shoot here involving Indian characters they would need to bring them from India.

Therefore, Benetone Films has decided as far as possible to try and develop a database of local & regional talents of Indian and other non-Thai. So, if you are an out going, fun loving, experimental kind of person looking to spice your life, new hobby, discover your hidden talent or get a chance to rub your shoulders with Stars why don’t you email us your photos and contact address for our database.

Whenever there is a requirement that fits your profile for still photography, TV Commercial or Feature films, we will contact you immediately for a casting session.

We are looking for:-

· All age groups – Male & Female from 6 months baby to 70 years old grandparents

· All types of looks characters, models, teenagers, normal day to day people

· All ethnic group – Punjabi, Hindu, Tamil, Sindhi, Sadars, etc.

Please email us your photos and general contact details to BFcasting@gmail.com

Note From A Friend: Ashvin Kumar


Hi there,
My film Little Terrorist was the first short film from India to be nominated for an Academy Award® and also the most recent Oscar® nominated film from India. Two days ago, it became one of few shorts in the world to be selected by Apple iTunes and made available to the wired world for download.Little Terrorist has been shown at over a 120 film festivals around the world, picking up 15 top honors in them. Now, with a click of a button you can own a copy of it, on your computer and iPod. It has got a five star rating from all its viewers. In a single day (yesterday) it moved from the number 16 to the number 11 spot out of the top 100 on iTunes.If you like what you see, please write your own review and rate it; you could also forward this email to your friends and associates and help change the way the world watches movies.

GO TO - the USA version of iTunes music store
GO TO - movies
GO TO - short films or short films just added
CLICK ON - SHORTS (yellow) button, award winning short films.
OR click on the link below which takes you to the site directly.
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewMovie?id=212781411&s=143441

More on Little Terrorist
Many thanks!!

Ashvin.

********

Benetone Films had the pleasure of being appointed the Online Producer - Thailand for Dreyfuss/James Productions production of Ashvin Kumar's The Forest which was partly shot at the Khao Kiew Open Zoo. For more of Ashvin's thought on The Forest, his film and saving the tiger check out his blog -

AshvinKumar: The Forest, my film and save our tigers
THE FOREST: A thriller feature film set in the Indian jungles of Kumaon, TheForest is currently in post production. Watch the trailer now!
To read more about Ashvin, The Forest & Little Terroist please visit: http://www.alipur.com/

Headline: Thailand wants to lure film shoots

Government speeds up applications, permits
By PATRICK FRATER

HONG KONG -- The Thai government said Tuesday it would slash bureaucracy to make Thailand a more attractive location for international film shoots. Moves, announced by the ministry of sports and tourism, however, fell short of introduction of new financial incentives.

The interim government's cabinet meeting approved the establishment of a service center that will process filming applications and issue shooting permits within 24 hours. Currently, these must be submitted to the Thailand Film Office at least 14 days before lensing. Country fears competition from neighboring Vietnam and Malaysia, which offer low-cost locations and less red tape.

Spokeswoman Natepreeya Chumchaiyo said that Thai authorities would, however, continue to monitor movie content and production practices to ensure cultural sensitivity and to protect the environment. With its rich diversity of locations ranging from tropical jungles and mountains to bustling modern cities, Thailand is one of the most favored international locations and in 2006 attracted some 400 movie, TV and music videos. However, the value of inward spend dropped to some Bt1 billion ($28 million) in 2006, compared with $39 million in 2002. Decline occurred before the September military coup and recent wave of bombings in Bangkok and the far south of the country.

With film policy in Thailand closely allied with tourism, environmental concerns run high. Twentieth Century Fox's "The Beach," which was shot in 2000 in a National Park, has been embroiled in years of court cases. In November the Supreme Court upheld an earlier ruling that the production had damaged the environment and ordered a cost study. Recent Nicolas Cage starrer "Bangkok Dangerous" shot largely in the country. Next big incoming production is expected to be Sylvester Stallone starrer "Rambo IV: In the Serpent's Eye," which will lense in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai and bring in an estimated $5 million.

Thornsiri Manoharn, who started her first term as Tourism Authority of Thailand governor last Thursday, said she was confident that the tourism industry would bounce back by 2010 and hit revenue target of $15.3 billion from foreign visitors. TAT is also the largest provider of coin for the Bangkok Film Festival, which was postponed from later this month to July.

This week there were mixed opinions about strength of local film sector from other quarters. Influential research and policy institute, Kasikorn Research Center said Monday that it expects Thai movie industry to grow by 10% in 2007 to some $154 million at retail prices. Institute pinned most of the growth on the expansion of country's theatrical exhibition sector and ever-improving facilities.

However, it warned that film is facing stiffer competition from other forms of entertainment, that movie-going is not increasing and that higher ticket prices could put off viewers. It urged hardtop operators to modernize ticketing outlets, introduce flexible pricing and, following the Dec. 31 bomb blasts, to increase security at multiplexes.

Source: Variety Web Exclusive
Posted: Thurs., Jan. 18, 2007, 3:17pm PT
http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117957703.html?categoryid=13&cs=1

Why Film in Thailand?

An article on the Ministry of Foreign Affair of Thailand website about the Advantages and Benefits for using Thailand as you next Filming Location: -

Fast approval for filming and efficient government pocedures

Permission to film in Thailand is granted by the Film Board of Thailand, comprised of representatives from many government agencies. These representatives formed the Sub-Committee on the Review of the Request for the Permission for Foreign Film Production in Thailand (SRF), appointed by the Film Board. Their review facilitates a “one-stop” service for filmmakers, assuring fast-approval for permission to film, given that all required information and documents are in order.

An unmatched diversity of locations/scenery

Thailand’s diversified geographical characteristics, historical sites, and lifestyle of our people offer unmatched diversity of locations, and storylines. All locations are conveniently accessible via our modern and convenient transportation mode. Thailand geography presents a system of mountainous region in the north, the uplifting of plateau in the northeast, the central plains, and coastlines paralleled by the Andaman Sea, and the Gulf of Thailand in the south.

Historical sites are found throughout Thailand. These historical sites are the remnants of the different eras in Thailand dating back to the Sukhothai (600-14000 AD), and the Rattanakosin (1782 A.D.-present). The lifestyle of our people is a synchronization of ancient, and modern, and a harmonic blend of rural and urban, to provide an unparalleled filming experience. At the Chao Phraya, and Mekong River Basins, traditional ‘ancient’ lifestyles along the waterfronts synchonize with ‘modern’ day living.

Equipped with the most advanced technology

Thailand is ready to provide to international filmmakers with talented crews and technicians, filming equipment and studios. Due to the competitive nature of the entertainment and technology industry, our entertainment equipment, and the skills of four technicians are all keeping pace with rapid international advancement. World-class pre-production, production, post-production and communication equipment is thus at low cost.

Abundant skilled and creative human resources

Renowned to the world as the “ Land of Smiles, our people are gentle, friendly and are widely recognized for their hospitality. This nature has nurtured Thais into being service-minded, hard working and flexible. Local production crews have worked in many international productions over the years developing the skills in the domestic industries. We are now ready to expand our services to serve international film and television markets.

Our skilled and creative production resources, specialists in pre-production, production and post-production processes are now confident to work in international environments helping you transform your dream onto film.

Low costs of production and living expenses

A.T.A Carnet Law applies in Thailand. This means that temporary admission exempt of import tax is allowed for all professional equipment. This includes production equipment provided that all equipment brought in for filming provided that all equipment brought in for filming is brought back out again when the filming is concluded. In addition, Thailand has signed Double Taxation Treaties with many foreign countries. These treaties are designed to prevent foreigners from countries legislated under the taxation treaties from taxation in their home country and again in Thailand.

Living expenses are low, whether it would be accommodations, food, transportation fees, recreation, and every other kind of living expense. When working with tight budgets, you will find your money stretches much further in Thailand.

All round convenience

A variety of accommodation, food, transportation, and services for filmmakers can be found in Thailand. Accommodation from five-star hotels to guesthouses can be selected to meet your budget. International cuisine is available from the finest restaurants or more convenient dishes can be found at roadside vendors. In addition, our transportation infrastructure facilitates travel and provides convenience for film crews. Vehicles such as motor homes, tour buses, helicopters and marine crafts are for rent at an extremely reasonable cost.

Filming in Thailand is hassle-free, as local coordination companies handle all arrangements. These companies provide assistance for all legal documentation from filming and work permits to contact and coordination with all related agencies. Local coordination services include recruitment of production crews and talent, location scouting and fulfilling clients’ specific needs for equipment, special effects and other technical services.

Headline: One-stop centre for foreign films


Wed, January 17, 2007 : Last updated 20:43 pm (Thai local time)

The (Royal Thai Government) Cabinet yesterday approved the establishment of a one-stop centre to promote foreign film production in Thailand.

Netpreeya Chumchaiyo, assistant government spokesman, said the centre would approve any filming proposal within 24 hours from one to two days at present. The centre is being established following declining revenue from foreign film production over the past four years.
In 2006, Thailand reaped only Bt1.04 billion, compared to Bt1.13 billion, Bt1.22 billion and Bt1.4 billion in the three preceding years.


Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/01/17/business/business_30024330.php

Resources: List of Films That Use Thailand as Location

Alexander the Great goes up against a war elephant.

Scaramanga (Christopher Lee) and James Bond (Roger Moore) face off in The Man with the Golden Gun in a scene filmed in Phang Nga Bay.

Robert De Niro in The Deer Hunter, made in Thailand.

"James Bond Island", in Phang Nga Bay, featured in The Man with the Golden Gun.

Dozens of films have used Thailand as a location, with the kingdom either playing itself or standing in for a neighboring country, such as Vietnam or Cambodia.

The availability of elephants, exotic jungle and beach settings, relatively low production costs, and a mature film industry that provides a legion of experienced crew members, have made Thailand an attractive location for films.

Films set in Thailand include Around the World in Eighty Days, The Big Boss, The Man with the Golden Gun and The Beach. And Thailand has been used as a stand-in setting for such Vietnam War-era films as The Deer Hunter, Casualties of War and The Killing Fields.

In addition to providing work for Thai film crews and extras (including the Royal Thai Army), films that use Thailand as a location help Thailand promote itself as a tourist destination. As a result, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is keenly interested in attracting studios to make films in the Kingdom.

Source: Wikipedia

For more detail check -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_films_that_use_Thailand_as_a_location

Production Stills: Tiger TVC - Neo Sports







Production stills of TVC titled "Tiger" for Neo Sports Channel of Nimbus Communication to be aired in India during a Cricket Tournament between India & Sri Lanka. The main lead for the film is of course the Tiger. Its a Siberian male tiger aged 1 year 2 months old.

Production Stills: Macroman Ad - Featuring Hritik Roshan


First look at behind the scene of the making of Macroman TVC. One of the largest undergarment manufacturer in India is introducing a new Brand of undergarment target towards men. They have select Hritik Roshan as the Macroman. Hritik Roshan is the current sensational hearthrob of Bollywood cinema. The ad was shot entire on location in Bangkok's Chinatown. The above photos are from one scene of many action sequence in the Ad.

The TVC is directed Jeff Balsmeyer. Jeff was the Writer/Director of Danny Deckchair, a feel good comedy shot entirely in Australia. http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0337960/

More Production Stills from Macroman Shoot:-






Production Stills: Livon 'Silky Hue' Ad


Behind the Scene of Hair Shot for Livon 'Silky Hue' Ad. Check out the TVC Clip below. For more of TVC and Music Video clips produced in Thailand with Benetone Films check out Benetone Films channels at www.youtube.com/benetonefilms



Production Stills: Chik Anti Dandruff Shampoo - Biker

Behind the Scene of a 15 seconder ad for Chik Anti Dandruff Shampoo title Biker. The location was a beautiful park in Bangkok city center.

Happy New Year

Wishing you all a Very Happy & Prosperous New Year.

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