Since Pimchanok “Baifern” Leuvisetpaiboon sprang to fame in 2010’s coming-of-age romance Sing Lek-lek Tee Riak Wa Rak (Crazy Little Thing Called Love), she has had to settle into the shadow of co-star Mario Maurer. While Mario has gone on to secure superstar status, Baifern has been studying, and has done some solid but unspectacular work with stints in TV dramas and a string of endorsements deals.
But Baifern, 22, is having a second shot at the spotlight with two films in cinemas this month. Cat-A-Wabb (The Cat is Missing) and 2538 Alter Ma Jeep (Alternative Seduction) are both romantic comedies, the first starring one of Thailand’s most famous internet cats, Johnny, and the second following a similar idea to Back to the Future. Cat-A-Wabb is now showing, while 2538 Alter Ma Jeep opens in cinemas on March 19.
Wearing ripped denim dungarees, stacked boho accessories and locks of messy curls, Baifern is sporting a different, dare we say, hipster look.
After she revealed she was wearing a hairpiece and the look is the work of stylists, Brunch sat down and asked her what she has in store.
Can you tell us a bit about the movie ‘Cat-A-Wabb’ and your character?
The movie’s like a subtle mockery of the people in advertising agencies. It revolves around the office dynamics and explicitly reflects the lifestyles of ad people. I play Mayo, a new intern at the advertising agency. She likes to fantasise a lot about her love life — spending most of her time daydreaming about her office crush [played by Arak Amornsupasiri]. She may appear to be a bit goofy and clueless, but she does have a good heart.
How did you feel working with the cast and crew?
It was an eye-opening experience for me to work with a director who is so open-minded and willing to do creative work on the spot. Pi Pae [the director] is ego-free in terms of wanting a response and feedback. He always allowed us to improvise freely and go off script. And what do I need to say about the cast? Obviously, hilarity is guaranteed. Pi Teng [Terdterng] has done an especially great job transforming himself into a hipster. I think he looks just like one of those cool ad guys you want to hang out with!
What was it like acting alongside celebrity cat Johnny?
I have to confess that at first I didn’t know Johnny was an internet celebrity. I had a wonderful time playing alongside him during filming, though I have to confess again that I got startled in certain scenes where I had to hold or touch him. This surprised me because I thought I would get along with cats just fine. I assumed cats would require just the same treatment as dogs, but I was wrong. Cats are free-spirited, individualistic animals and rarely follow instructions. And that’s why we humans ended up following him instead. For example, in the scenes where Johnny has to stroll around, we decided to keep the cameras rolling and waited until he was in the mood to walk. This is a whole new experience for me, and for the Thai film industry, because, you know, just how often do we see cat-centred movies in the cinema?
Johnny plays the role of Cupid between Mayo and her crush. Do you think cats — or any animal for that matter — can help two humans fall in love?
Definitely. But not only for romantic relationships. At least that’s what I observe in my family. We have three puppies at home and they are the ones who bring the four of us human beings closer together. They are the centre of love and attention that encourage us to interact with one another more often.
Do you prefer being an actress or a student?
I love both. But I’ve got to say I love student life almost more than anything. I’ve learned so many things in university. And I’m majoring in acting and directing so I can actually put what I’ve learned from the courses into practical use.
Fame sometimes comes at a high price. Do you feel a lot of pressure from becoming famous at a young age?
I do sometimes, but I try not to let it eat me up. If someone tries to make a stir by spreading false rumours about me — which has happened a couple of times — I’ll just simply clarify it.
Some teen stars got distracted, lost their way and never found the way back. How do you keep yourself safe from the destructive side of stardom?
I don’t base my entire life on the entertainment scene. I always keep in mind that I still have other roles as a daughter, a friend and a student. I feel like the only thing I’ve ever really cared about in this business is becoming a good actor. I’m not too worried if my name disappears from headlines. I only focus on what I am going to do today and what I am going to do next.
How did you catch the acting bug?
When I performed in school plays I was given roles like a rabbit or a frog so often that I nagged my mum, “I want to be a human! When will I get to play a human?” [Laughs.] So, at a certain age I went to screen tests. I auditioned at every opportunity and for every 20 or so auditions I finally got cast in a role. At that point, I realised acting wasn’t just a job for fun any more. It requires effort and determination.
What do you love about acting?
I love how I can get outside of myself. That I am able to be someone else and explore different kinds of personalities. Acting helps me relate to people better, especially those who are the total opposite from me.
After five years, do people still call you ‘Baifern from Sing Lek Lek’?
Yes, they do. My close friends even made fun of it by calling me “Baifern Sing”, which at first confused me but now always cracks me up.
Some stars feel uncomfortable when people keep linking their name with past work. What about you? Have you ever been irritated by that?
I don’t mind it at all. I was so happy to be part of that movie, and I still am. It means so much when anyone comes up to me or recognises me from the role.
What were the international tours with Mario like?
The feedback was incredible. We went to China and the Philippines. I was so thrilled when I knew Sing Lek-lek would be shown in more than 6,000 cinemas in China. It was beyond my expectations, really. I didn’t expect that a Thai movie would receive that much love from a foreign audience.
What do you think of your international fans?
They are awesome. They still love the movie no matter how many years have passed. I always read the messages they leave on my Instagram and Weibo accounts. There are some language barriers, so for the parts that I don’t fully understand I’ll just be positive and take them all as compliments. [Laughs.]
What is the greatest lesson you have learned in the movie business?
I have realised that there is no shortcut for success. All work takes blood and sweat and tears. And that’s why I should take every opportunity seriously and appreciatively.
Some media outlets always refer to you as a sweet, girly girl. To what extent do you agree with that?
None. [Laughs.] My personality is not sweet and girly at all. I hear people referring to me as a sweet girl all the time, which to me is a shock. I don’t even try to look sweet to begin with, so I really have no idea where they get it from.
What are your goals for 2015?
Finishing my degree. Also, I hope Cat-A-Wabb and 2538 Alter Ma Jeep are hits and everyone likes the movies. Oh, I wished for a lot. [Laughs.] Sorry, I’m being a bit too greedy. n
