Thailand’s film shoots rise

BANGKOK Thailand earned a record THB1,393.14 million from on-location film shoots, January to September, according to a Ministry of Tourism and Sports’ Thailand Film Office Department update released Tuesday.
During the first nine months of the year, 441 documentaries, advertising slots, TV series, and music videos were filmed on location in Thailand generating THB1,393.14 million in tourism related revenue compared to 551 productions and THB1,414.63 million during the same period last year.
The 441 productions were categorised as 107 documentaries, 205 advertising spots, 59 television programmes, 34 music videos and 36 films.
Inside2European filmmakers topped the list during the first nine months with 85 productions followed by 81 from India, 77 from Japan, 29 from China, 18 from the United States, 17 each from South Korea and Hong Kong, 11 from Australia, one from Taiwan, and 105 from others.
In September alone, there were 57 productions circulated THB242.48 million compared to 56 productions earning THB155.10 million during the same month last year.
There were 18 documentaries and advertising spots, eight music videos and films and five television programmes.
India filmmakers led the field in September with 17 productions followed by 12 from Europe, 10 from Japan, three each from China and Australia, two from Hong Kong, one from the US, and nine from other countries.
Promoting film shoots comes under a department that is part of Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism and Sports based on the belief that films provide positive tourism awareness that encourages travel without a major investment in media or advertising.
While revenue earned from film crews is substantial as stated in the ministry’s data, the bigger picture is the positive awareness of Thailand once the films are circulated.
Film earnings in 2014 is expected to grow 15% from THB2,173.35 million last year.

sourced:ttrweekly.com