Production is set to begin in December, with a key scene scheduled to be filmed during a ONE Friday Fights event on 24 January at Bangkok’s Impact Arena, according to Sityodtong. The film, co-written by Crowe, will integrate ONE Championship’s events into its storyline, with the actor portraying an ex-fighter turned coach within the organization.

“This is not just a cameo,” Sityodtong stated during a press conference for ONE Friday Fights 81. He explained that Crowe’s character mentors a former world champion seeking revenge after his brother is injured in an illegal blow during a fight. The movie’s plot is closely tied to ONE Championship, with live footage from actual events being used.

The CEO highlighted his enthusiasm for the collaboration, noting, “A Hollywood blockbuster with Russell Crowe has the potential to be a massive global hit. We’re thrilled to be part of it.”

Sityodtong also stressed the authenticity of the film, confirming that ONE Championship had significant input on the script and that many of its athletes, along with gym owners and promoters, would appear in the film. The final scene will be shot in Thailand, further cementing the nation’s role in the project.

The Beast In Me will also film in the United States and Australia, expanding its international reach, Sityodtong told the Bangkok Post. He described the project as a personal and national milestone: “This is a dream come true for me and, I believe, for Thailand as well.”

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Thai photographer Watcharawit Ya-inta, also known as Koon, played a key role in the production of the music video. Sharing behind-the-scenes insights on Facebook, he expressed his pride in serving as the Steadicam and camera operator for the project.

“Behind the scenes of Lisa’s ‘Rockstar’ MV is here. I am proud to have been the Steadicam/camera operator for this work,” Koon wrote. He elaborated on his responsibilities, working under cinematographer Mauro Chiarello. Most shots were captured using a Steadicam with an AR Omega head and a remote head R2 on a crane, while Chiarello oversaw lighting and composition. Koon worked closely with director Henry, contributing creatively to the shot design, making the project a collaborative effort.

The music video employed special techniques, such as the time-slice effect seen from minute 0:55 to 0:58, utilizing a Bullet time camera rig by Pro-Toys. This involved multiple still cameras firing simultaneously to create a dynamic time-slice effect from various angles. Another notable segment from minute 2:00 to 2:14 featured a robot arm motion control operated by Rob Erik Van Gelder, which required multiple takes of Lisa in different positions, later combined to show multiple versions of her in one frame.

Koon highlighted the challenges of filming in the real location of Yaowarat Road, rather than a closed studio. Managing the site and maintaining confidentiality were significant obstacles. To prevent leaks, they used wireless in-ear monitors for Lisa instead of playing the song out loud. For larger scenes involving multiple dancers, a click track was employed to keep time without revealing the actual music, managed by Boy Inca.

The team had just three nights to complete the shoot, with no time for camera rehearsals. Security was stringent to keep Lisa hidden from the public, coordinating to clear vehicles and people during filming periods. The street was not entirely closed all night but traffic was managed around shooting times. The team also adapted to weather changes, switching scenes when it rained.

Koon commended the dancers for their flexibility and quick adaptation to on-the-spot choreography changes. He learned about working with Lisa only upon arriving on set, maintaining the project’s high level of confidentiality. Despite the challenges, he expressed excitement and satisfaction in collaborating with such a professional team.

Koon also expressed immense pride that Lisa chose to film in Thailand, utilizing local resources. He called for more government support for the industry, noting that Thai professionals have skills comparable to Hollywood but lack proper support and benefits like social security from the government, as reported by KhaoSod.

He invited fans to follow his work and behind-the-scenes updates on Instagram. The production also saw attendance from various officials and key figures, highlighting the collaborative effort behind the project.

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LISA, the Thai rapper and member of BLACKPINK, began teasing “Rockstar” in early June by launching her TikTok account with a video snippet of the edgy new single. The music video for “Rockstar” was filmed against the vibrant night backdrop of Yaowarat and the abandoned New World Bang Lamphu shopping mall in Bangkok, adding a unique visual appeal.

The promotional campaign has seen significant milestones, including LISA setting a Guinness World Record by gaining one million followers on TikTok in just two hours and 18 minutes. She continued to build excitement with a second TikTok post, revealing more about the song and its title with a brief audio clip where she says, “Baby, I’m a rock star.”

This single marks LISA’s first release since signing with RCA Records, a strategic move to support her solo career while maintaining ownership of her master recordings through her company, LLOUD. Previously, she released successful singles “Lalisa” and “Money” via YG Entertainment and Interscope Records, with “Money” becoming the first solo K-pop hit to surpass one billion streams on Spotify in 2023.

In a statement from April, LISA expressed her enthusiasm about joining RCA Records: “I’m super excited to be joining the RCA family, and I am confident they are the best team to create a bigger movement in my solo career. Looking forward to showing the world everything we have been preparing.”

The release of “Rockstar” is highly anticipated as LISA continues to expand her influence in the music industry, combining her global appeal with innovative musical projects.

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Over the weekend, Wong found himself inundated with friends praising the film, some hailing it as the best of the year. What’s particularly noteworthy is the trend of moviegoers sharing their emotional experiences on TikTok, recording their reactions before, during, and after watching the poignant narrative unfold.

Numerous viewers attested to the film’s emotional intensity, with reports of copious tissue usage during its two-hour runtime. One user even advised others to come prepared with multiple tissue boxes. Another recounted hearing people sobbing throughout the screening.

In Thailand, the film amassed a staggering Bt250 million within its first 14 days of release, underscoring its widespread appeal. It also secured its place as the second-highest-grossing Asian title in Indonesian cinema history, with over two million admissions in just 13 days.

Meanwhile, Free Malaysia Today (FMT) online delved into the film’s resonance in Malaysian households. Despite its seemingly simple plot, the directorial debut of Pat Boonnitipat strikes a chord with its portrayal of familial complexities. With Malaysia’s aging population, the themes explored in the film hit close to home, particularly the depiction of intergenerational dynamics and caregiving responsibilities.

According to FMT, scenes depicting the grandson’s involvement in his grandmother’s daily life are likely to strike a chord with local audiences. The film’s warmth emanates from its authentic portrayal of the bond between the protagonist and his grandmother, resonating with viewers of all ages.

While the generation gap is evident, the film emphasizes the possibility of connection and understanding between generations, showcasing the mutual care and support that transcend differences.

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Its press release read “Step into the sun-kissed world of the chart-topping ‘Mother of the Bride’ and live out your silver screen dreams in the very locations that charmed over 26.7 million Netflix viewers worldwide in its debut weekend. Directed by Mark Waters, who is known for his work on ‘Freaky Friday’ and ‘Mean Girls’, the hit romantic comedy was filmed at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort and Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas and is a love letter to the enchanting island of Phuket in Thailand.”

Minor Hotels’ also earlier this month released a press information, saying “Thailand has established itself as the go-to destination for Hollywood and international filmmakers, leveraging its stunning locales to boost tourism and support the local economy.”

In 2022, the Thai government took a bold step to waive personal income tax for foreign talent for five years, augmenting an already attractive film incentive system. Since then, the programme was further enhanced to offer foreign film productions a cash rebate of up to 20%, with Phuket emerging as a prime location for shooting overseas films.

Tourism authorities, the government and local businesses are confident that this investment will pay dividends, anticipating a surge in visitor numbers and a significant uptick in spending, as international productions like Mother of the Bride, introduce Thailand to new audiences.

Premiered on Netflix on 9 May, Mother of the Bride starring Brooke Shields, Miranda Cosgrove and Benjamin Bratt, narrates the tale of Lana, whose daughter Emma’s return from overseas with news of her impending destination wedding in Thailand. This sets off a chain of comedic events—especially since Lana is set to marry her ex’s son.

William Heinecke, Founder and Chairman of Minor International, who makes a cameo in the film, shared his enthusiasm: “Thailand is skilfully tapping into the ‘set-jetting’ phenomenon, where tourists flock to locations featured in films and TV shows. Our goal is to showcase Thailand as a vibrant cinematic hub that enriches the local economy while offering tangible benefits to production teams in terms of cost and efficiency. When Thailand thrives, we all benefit.”

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On May 14, 2024, Permanent Secretary for Tourism and Sports Arrun Boonchai stated that various government units have consistently worked to enhance the Thai film industry, viewing it as a strategic means to boost the tourism sector. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin also considers cinema a vital tool for cultural diplomacy and economic stimulation.

Arrun emphasized that Thailand’s appeal to filmmakers stems from its renowned tourist destinations, which have served as backdrops for numerous international film and TV productions in recent years. To further attract these productions, Thailand offers financial incentives, including a 15% cashback on production costs, recently increased to 20%. This increase has contributed to the economic growth of Thailand’s film industry, which has risen from approximately 3.1 billion baht in 2017 to about 6.7 billion baht in the previous year.

The broader economic benefits of these incentives include job creation in related industries and increased tourism in lesser-known locations due to their exposure in films. Notable films shot in Thailand include “The Meg 2,” “The Creator,” and “The White Lotus,” featuring Thai K-pop star Lalisa Manoban.

The initiative is supported by efforts from various government units and the participation of key stakeholders. The success at Cannes underscores the potential for further growth in Thailand’s film industry, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a desirable destination for international filmmakers.

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Scheduled for August 24-25, Summer Sonic is set to grace Southeast Asia for the first time, with its venue at Impact Muang Thong Thani, marking a geographical expansion from its Japanese roots. Meanwhile, the world-acclaimed dance music extravaganza, Tomorrowland, is poised to introduce its magic to Thailand in 2026, hinting at the start of a decade-long series of events within the country.

This ambitious venture echoes Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s economic rejuvenation plans, incorporating tourist-attracting measures like visa waivers. Amidst a backdrop of a sluggish economy, growing at an average of under 2% over the past decade—a figure trailing behind regional standards—the government is setting its sights on lengthening tourist visits and making Thailand a year-long festival destination.

Event organizers and government officials are optimistic that hosting such globally recognized festivals will not only spike foreign tourist numbers but also provide a significant uplift to the national tourism sector, steering the country towards its goal of recapturing its pre-pandemic visitor count of 40 million.

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Since his emergence onto the music scene in the 1960s, the Welsh-born Jones has left an indelible mark on the industry, dominating charts and television screens alike. His eponymous TV show, This Is Tom Jones, from 1969 to 1971, further solidified his status as a global sensation. Known for his versatility, Jones has collaborated with a plethora of music legends including Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Dolly Parton, earning multiple Grammy and Brit Awards along the way. In 2006, he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to music, as reported by Bangkok Post.

Notably, Jones’s latest album, Surrounded By Times, made history by reaching number one on the UK albums chart in 2021, establishing him as the oldest male artist to achieve this feat with newly recorded material, surpassing even Bob Dylan. Fans eager to witness this living legend in action can secure their tickets, priced between 2,800 to 7,400 baht, at all Thaiticketmajor outlets or by calling 02-262-3838.

In related news, Live Nation Tero has also unveiled ticket prices for the upcoming Bruno Mars concert in Bangkok, scheduled for March 30 at Rajamangala National Stadium. The Grammy-winning American artist, known for his electrifying performances, is set to deliver a musical extravaganza that promises to be unforgettable. Ticket prices range from 2,000 to 11,000 baht, catering to fans of all ages eager to groove to the beats of the 38-year-old singer-songwriter. This concert marks Mars’s third appearance in Bangkok, following his debut in 2014 during the Moonshine Jungle Tour and a subsequent visit in 2018 as part of the 24K Magic World Tour.

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The awards reflect votes cast back in the summer, with some nominated shows premiering up to 18 months ago. Despite this, HBO’s “Succession” emerges as a frontrunner, boasting 27 nominations and strong predictions to secure top prizes, including Best Drama.

The critically acclaimed series, unraveling the cutthroat dynamics of the ultra-wealthy Roy family, presents a formidable presence with three out of six nominees for Best Actor, Sarah Snook expected to clinch Best Actress, and Matthew Macfadyen likely to secure Best Supporting Actor.

Facing off against “Succession” are contenders like “The Last of Us,” a stellar video game adaptation, and “The White Lotus,” a satirical take on wealth and hypocrisy set for a second season in Sicily. Jennifer Coolidge from “The White Lotus” is a frontrunner for Best Actress.

The delayed January slot, however, poses challenges for the Emmy Awards, historically struggling with declining TV viewership. Host Anthony Anderson will navigate the complexities of honoring seasons that aired months before, hoping to captivate audiences despite the ceremony coinciding with Hollywood’s film awards season.

In the comedy category, “The Bear,” chronicling the chaos behind a dysfunctional Chicago restaurant, is a strong contender. This belated recognition also provides a chance for stars from “Ted Lasso” to bid farewell, with its final season making its last bid for glory.

In the limited series category, Netflix’s “Beef” and “Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story” lead with 13 nominations each. Pundits predict accolades for Ali Wong in “Beef” and Evan Peters in the chilling portrayal of serial killer Dahmer.

The Emmy Awards ceremony, commencing in Los Angeles at 5:00 pm (0100 GMT Tuesday), will be broadcast on Fox in the United States.

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This eagerly anticipated celebration in 2024 holds special significance, marking 49 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, coupled with 19 years of cultural and tourism cooperation between the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and China’s Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool of the TAT has voiced her excitement about this event, emphasizing its pivotal role in fortifying bonds between Thailand and China while simultaneously bolstering the travel and tourism sector. As the celebration unfolds, it aspires to draw in an impressive 8 million Chinese tourists this year, a noteworthy contribution to Thailand’s thriving tourism industry.

The festivity will be a tapestry of captivating performances by both Thai and Chinese artists. A standout feature is the inclusion of a dance troupe from China’s Fujian province, specially curated by the China Cultural Centre.

China, once the largest source of foreign tourists for Thailand, witnessed a temporary lull due to the pandemic. To reignite the influx of visitors from China, the Thai government took strategic measures, introducing visa-free entry for Chinese tourists in September. In a significant move, starting March 1, visa requirements for Chinese visitors will be permanently lifted, streamlining travel procedures and fostering a renewed era of collaboration between the two nations.

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