On November 5, the production team was shooting a complex action scene that involved actors jumping from a bridge onto a moving canal boat in Banglamphoo district, even as the flood was hardly one kilometer away on the Thonburi side of the city across Pinklao bridge. Everyone involved in the production, from the Thai crew to the US crew as well as the actors, was 100% focused on the task at hand and got the shots they needed. The atmosphere on the set was relaxed but professional, with star Colin Egglesfield buying Thai popsicles for the entire unit to help with the stifling heat.
“Some people were nervous about shooting in Thailand because of the flood issue,” said Benetone Films producer Kulthep Narula. “But everyone loved the script and knew that it had to be shot here. Certain locations weren't accessible so we had to go with alternate plans, but everyone involved was extremely cooperative and we are managing to get what we want for the film.”
A Stranger in Paradise is Benetone's first foray into Hollywood filmmaking after years of producing successful Bollywood films and international TV commercials. “This is the first Hollywood film that we are investing in. It's a nice little project, small independent film. We managed to secure some great cast. The films is looking fantastic. We have a sales company attached to the film and they've started marketing it to the American Film Market in Los Angeles. We've been getting some good response and we're all very excited.”
A Stranger in Paradise stars Colin Egglesfield (Something Borrowed, Beautiful Dreamer), Stuart Townsend (The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Chaos Theory), Catalina Sandino Moreno (Oscar-nominated for Maria Full of Grace, Fast Food Nation), Byron Mann (Red Corner, Catwoman), and Gary Daniels. Thai casts includes some A list actors Sonia Couling, Tui Teerapat and Moo Somphob.
The feature is written and directed by Jay Boccia, and produced by 24/7 and Hillin Entertainment. It is executive produced by Benetone Films and Marengo Films, line produced by Benetone Films, and Cinema Management Group (CMG) is the worldwide sales agent.
