Income boost tipped from film location shoots

PHUKET: A Phuket seminar on making films in Thailand is a step towards doubling the nation’s income from film shoots, according to Dr Sasithara Pichaichannarong, Director-General, Office of Tourism Development. “We see this as a good opportunity to support the film industry,” she told the Gazette. “Next year, we expect to earn double the income we earned last year.” Thailand collected 1.4 billion baht from 481 movie shoots in Thailand in 2002 and has amassed income of 1 billion baht in the first six months of 2003. The “Location Shooting in Thailand” seminar, at the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket yesterday, attracted 136 participants from filmmaking companies, government departments and the media. Special guests were Pat Swinney Kaufman, President of the Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) and the organization’s Vice-President, Sarah Shaak. Thailand has just joined the AFCI. “Thailand is definitely getting organized more quickly than other countries in the region,” Ms Shaak said. Phuket Governor CEO Pongpayome Vasaputi said, “It’s a good opportunity for Phuket and the nearby provinces like Phang Nga and Krabi to be locations for film shoots.” He said modern filmmakers were sensitive to local environments and that exposure in films was good for Phuket tourism.