Bollywood action-adventure film, Thugs Of Hindostan, filmed in Thailand

Benetone Films is honored to be the supervising producer in Thailand for one of Indian cinema’s biggest films this year, Thugs of Hindostan.

Yash Raj Films Production has pulled off an incredible casting coup by bringing together two of the biggest legends of Indian cinema, Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan on screen for the first time.

The team filmed in never-seen-before jungles of Thailand, which adds to the scale of the movie. It will be a visual spectacle for audiences when they see the scenes filmed in these exotic locations.

Thugs of Hindostan is directed by Vijay Krishna Acharya and also stars Katrina Kaif and Fatima Sana Shaikh.

The film is an adaptation of the 1839 novel, Confessions of a Thug that explores the life of a gang that posed a serious challenge to the British Empire in India.

For more information about filming and production service in Thailand, feel free to contact us.

Commercial Shoot for HBL Bank – Behind The Scenes

Below are some photos from a video project for HBL Qatar Airways Credit Card. HBL Qatar Airways Credit Card is one of the most rewarding cards from the existing HBL Cards portfolio. This card is packed with Qmiles that can be earned while shopping, fueling up your car or buying a Qatar Airways ticket.

Video Shoot for Visa Myanmar - Behind the Scenes

Visa Myanmar has launched a set of videos featuring different local entrepreneurs in the country.

The testimonial videos were used as a powerful communication tool to showcase how Visa helps them have access to funds when they need them, and how having options of payment methods helps them attract more clients and customers.

To watch the final videos, please visit this page.

Finding the right production services company in Thailand

So much more than just a 'fixer'

As the world film market has developed and regional film industries have grown, film-makers have a choice of destinations across the globe - from desert to jungle - from high-rise cityscapes to pastoral beauty.

In the old days, when Tarzan movies were filmed in the RKO Forty Acres backlot and in Sherwood Forest, filming in far-flung locations was a massive logistical challenge.

Nowadays, the international air network, high-speed communications, and the availability of local resources has meant that not only can film-makers achieve authenticity and added production value, but they can even save money.

Communicating in a different language, dealing with different cultures, and negotiating local deals has always needed a local 'fixer' - a man on the ground who can guide a production through the local system.

Nowadays the role of the 'fixer' has evolved into an industry of well-established and experienced production services companies.

Whereas before, it was common for a film to bring in the entire crew, and rely only on a minimum local team to handle the logistics, nowadays producers find that they can often hire local crew, local equipment, local cast, and even local creative department heads.

The increased responsibilities of the local production service company make it more important than ever to find the right production services company.

Thailand recognised the importance of the role of production service companies, and the Thailand Film Office trains, monitors and regulates Thailand's production service companies to ensure that visiting film productions can expect a high standard of service.

But with over a hundred production service companies registered in Thailand, how do you pick a production service company for your film?

1. It is always a good idea to speak to a number of different companies. Every production is different, with its own set of requirements, its own scale and budget. 'Shopping' for the right match is always beneficial.

2. Find a company that has experience at the level that you are working. Some production service companies specialize in commercials, television, or feature films. Some companies have systems in place that enable them to deal with big-budget productions, whilst others can draw every last cent of value from a low-budget film.

3. If you are using a completion bond, it's important that your local production services company is 'bondable'. If you are working for a studio, there may be a large burden of FCPA reporting requirements. In these cases, you will need a production services company with legal and accounting experience.

4. Financial transparency is an area which the Thailand Film Office has prioritized. You should expect a full, transparent accounting system, which withstands both internal and external auditing.

5. Ensure that your production services company has relationships with a number of different local facilities and equipment suppliers, so that you can get competitive quotes.

6. Find a company that is prepared to give you the bad news as well as the good news! When you want to shut down a main road at rush hour, a production service company sometimes must advise you that this is not possible. But a company who truly understands your creative goal can suggest alternatives.

7. The right company will not just take orders, but will suggest ways to increase efficiency and value. They will understand your vision and work with you to achieve the best possible result.

Benetone Films to line produce Unveil Studios' "She Has A Name"

Another EXCITING NEWS from Benetone Films!!

We recently had the pleasure of line producing the film "She Has A Name" with Unveil Studios from Canada. It was a fantastic 16-days of shooting and collaborating.

"She Has A Name" is based on the critically acclaimed stage play by Andrew Kooman. It tackles the chilling subject of human trafficking in South East Asia and explores the layers of corruption that enable the sex tourism industry to thrive.

Unveil Studios is working with different human trafficking organizations for the film, so stay tuned as we keep you posted on its progress.

Thailand Location Series: Beaches

Thailand is famous for its tropical islands. Beautiful white sand beaches and stunning, clear blue seas - all await your exploration. In today's article, we discuss top 7 beaches of Thailand. Notably, these beaches are popular locations for film and commercial shoots. With more than 2,000 miles of coastline and 8,000 islands, it's no wonder why many production companies love to shoot in Thailand.

1. Phi Phi Islands

Made famous by Leonado DiCaprio starrer The Beach (2000) and later devastated by the disastrous Indian Ocean Tsunami of December 2004. The island Ko Phi Phi is now almost fully restored and once again seeing an increasing number of shoots thanks to its scenic beauty.

Breathtaking beaches, stunning rock formations and tranquil turquoise waters, Phi Phi Islands presents an exquisite location filled with natural splendour.

2. Nai Harn Beach

One of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket, some 18 kilometers from the town, Nai-Harn lies at the southern end with a beautiful stretch of white sand and picturesque views. Nai Harn Beach is a lovely gem for a relaxing and serene experience. It is also famous for romantic getaways, family vacations and backpackers.

Nai Harn Beach is also popular for surfers, which makes it a perfect location for your adventure-sports production..

3. Phang Nga Bay

Known for its limestone rock formations vertically out of the emerald-green water and can be explored in a one-day tour, Phang Nga Bay is one of the most beautiful bays in Thailand.

Made famous in a 1974 James Bond movie, 'The Man with the Golden Gun' where some scenes showed the bay’s splendor. It also offers plenty of great photo opportunities with scenic views of rock formations, hidden lakes, tiny beaches and caves.

Sea canoeing is also a famous activity in Phang Nga Bay, where you get to discover more wonders as you paddle their way around the bay.

4. Kata Noi

Lies at the southwest side of the island of Phuket and just a few minutes’ drive from the Kata Beach. This cozy and beautiful beach is great for soul searching and relaxation. Its quiet location is the main attraction for tourists who want to just admire at this amazing hideout.

Snorkelling, swimming and beach walks are the activities in this beach. Moreover, this island is also very famous for surfers.

5. Railay Beach

The coast is located in the south of Thailand. This isolated peninsula is a heaven on this earth - with crystal clear water, absolutely clean beach with cliff views. These cliffs attract famous rock climbers from different parts of the world. It is accessible only by boat due to high limestone cliffs cutting off mainland access.

Railay Beach is a perfect location for adventurous scenes and also makes a scenic place to chill out in paradise.

6. Koh Yao Yai

It means “Big Yao Island”, Koh Yao Yai is a pair of large islands in the middle of Phang Nga Bay. The islands became popular after receiving the World Legacy Award for Destination Stewardship from Conservation International and after being featured in National Geographic Traveler magazine for the friendly home stays offered by the locals.

Koh Yao Yai is often described as one of the last islands in the region to not be overly developed. It is something of a secret among the regular travelers. It is few of the truly finest natural spots in the country with beautiful and pristine beaches. 

7. Phra Nang Beach

Voted as one of the 10 most beautiful beaches in the world, this lovely beach, surrounded by limestone cliffs is at the southern end of the Railey peninsula.

  

This is also home to the famous "Princess Cave" or Tham Phra Nang Nok - where local fishermen come and place interesting wood sculptures as offerings. It is believed to be the home of a mythical sea princess. 

Benetone Films have also had line produced many commercials and feature films shot in these beaituiful beches. Notable projects include the Bollywood multi starrer Blue and commercial of Spring Tea from Israel.

For more locations in Thailand, check out our website www.benetonefilms.com. For any specific location needs, feel free to contact us at contact@benetonefilms.com

Benetone Films latest commercial for Yamaha is out of this world!

Marking the first futuristic commercial to be line produced by Benetone Films, the largest, most prolific production servicing company in Thailand and throughout Southeast Asia, the Yamaha RevStation commercial brilliantly highlights the world class standard of the arts and sets capabilities available in the country.

Shot in a studio in Bangkok over three days, the work for the Benetone Films team began weeks before on the meticulously crafted present-day and visionary sets for the future.  Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, creativity and a vast assortment of led lights, green and blue screens, rubber, wood, slick and shiny surfaces and more, a total of five unique sets were constructed specifically for the commercial including the Moonstar’s Lab Screen, the Lab Hologram, the Meeting Room and the super smooth Test Tunnel.  The physical building of the sets took 10 days and more than 60 employees to complete.

Also masterfully made-up and impeccable, the final looks for the robots, following a creative collaboration between client, director and Benetone Films.

“Benetone Films is so proud of the Yamaha RevStation commercial,” said Kulthep Narula who co-founded Benetone Films with his brother Rachvin more than a decade ago.  “It is a timely reflection of the timeless results we are able to achieve, either on any one of our countless spectacular locations throughout Southeast Asia or in studio.  It equally demonstrates the tremendous pool of top tier above and below-the-line talent based in Thailand which is necessary to bring a commercial of this magnitude to life.”

Benetone Films, along with Taiyokikaku, the production house based in Japan that served as producer of the commercial, employed a crew of more than 150 people to create the commercial

You can view the Yamaha Rev commercial on Benetone Film's YouTube Channel here.