Exploring Thailand’s Cinematic Landscape: A Visit to FX’s Alien TV Series Production
Imagine the thrill of walking onto the set of a highly anticipated TV series, with cameras rolling, actors in full costume, and the intricate magic of filmmaking in action. That’s exactly what unfolded when Tourism and Sports Minister Sermsak Pongpanich visited the shooting location for FX’s groundbreaking Alien TV series in Samut Prakan province. Flanked by Christopher Lowenstein and Apinat Siricharoenjit from Living Films, the local facilitators, Sermsak’s visit marked a significant milestone on the project’s final shoot day at The Studio Park in Bang Bo district.
The excitement in the air was palpable as Matt Magielnicki, Senior Vice President of Production at Disney’s FX Networks, greeted Minister Pongpanich, accompanied by the enthusiastic executives from Living Films. This historic shoot has certainly made waves, positioning itself as a giant stride in Thailand’s journey to becoming a global filming hub.
The Alien series, which began its journey in Thailand early last year, made the most of the country’s diverse and stunning locations, spanning from the bustling metropolis of Bangkok to the tranquil beauty of Surat Thani, Krabi, and Phang Nga. Over the course of 122 intensive shoot days, the production integrated Thailand’s essence into its narrative, cementing the nation’s appeal to international filmmakers.
Minister Sermsak was awestruck by the scale of the project, which was no small feat. Enlisting a local expenditure of over 3 billion baht, the production employed around 1,600 Thai crew members and involved extensive rentals of studios and equipment, as well as comprehensive travel and accommodation plans. In what can only be described as a record-breaking endeavor, FX’s Alien Series has become the highest budget foreign film production ever in Thailand.
The ripple effects of this venture were felt far and wide. Spanning more than 20 hotels in Bangkok and various provinces, the production’s stay from 2023 to 2024 significantly benefited the local hospitality and tourism sectors. It’s this symbiotic relationship between filmmaking and tourism that Minister Pongpanich highlighted during his visit. He emphasized the ministry’s commitment to supporting foreign filmmakers who choose Thailand as their canvas, thereby boosting revenue across intertwined sectors.
“We aim to make Thailand the go-to locale for international filmmakers. This not only stimulates our film industry but also creates an alluring trend for tourists to visit the locations they’ve seen on screen,” explained Sermsak, his vision clear and ambitious.
The statistics speak volumes about this growing trend. In 2023, over 466 films were shot in Thailand, generating a staggering 6.6 billion baht, up from 4.66 billion baht in 2022 from 346 film shoots. The upward trajectory continued as, in just the first five months of 2024, revenue from foreign film shoots totaled an impressive 3.41 billion baht. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports aims to reach a new milestone, targeting 7.5 billion baht in earnings from foreign film crews this year.
The synergy between Thailand’s captivating landscapes and its burgeoning film facilitation services has undoubtedly positioned the country as an irresistible destination for filmmakers worldwide. It’s a dynamic blend of natural beauty, professional expertise, and governmental support that sets the stage for Thailand to continue making headlines in the global film industry.
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