By the looks of things, the ever resourceful Takonkiet 'Boy' Viravarn, managing director of Exact and Scenario theatre and television production companies, has come up with another winner. Acts Studio was recently given its official launch with a mobile bash for industry insiders and media. Guests were taken on a tour of the vast facility by tram, with the cast of popular sit-coms taking turns entertaining them.
There was a lot of interaction and improvisation with the guests as well, as they were pulled in to join the fun every now and then.
Among the distinguished guests on hand for the unveiling were Paiboon Damrongchaitham, Busaba Daoruang, Surang Prempree, Lawan Kuncati, Vachara Vaewuthinand, Arunocha Phanuphan, Varayuth Milinthachinda, Panudej Wattanasuchart, Ron and Prathana Banjongsang, Mayurachat Muanprasitvej, Marut Sarowat, Ornapa Krisadee, Suteesak Pakdeeteva, Johnny Anfone and Kathaleeya Grachangnetr, to name a few. Resident artists at the Exact and Scenario ventures were on hand to welcome guests.
Located on a 33-rai piece of land in Pathum Thani, Acts Studio encompasses eight different sets that include building facades for various filming needs.
These comprise the Art Deco style of Ratchadamnoen Avenue, hiding a large studio, dressing rooms and crew facilities; the Erawan Building in contemporary European style, complete with a glass-panelled pool for underwater shoots; the Charoen Krung set; a contemporary Sukhumvit set that can be adapted as a hotel, hospital or office; Nang Leong-style shophouses; a set resembling the Udomsuk BTS station, which can also be adapted as a university, police station or other government building; the Rat Burana Building; and, last but not least, Ratchaphruek Palace, with its colonial style architecture reminiscent of the palaces of the fifth reign.
The mermaid scene in the filming pool.
Naturally there was a frenzy of photo- taking, with the superbly crafted sets providing a colourful backdrop.
Earning the most attention and applause was the mermaid scene in the glass-panelled pool, perfect for filming the divers/actors playing the parts. A screen showed the audience a vivid real-time view of the subterranean scene which truly looked as if it were shot underwater instead of through glass. The tour ended at Ratchaphruek Palace, where Mr Takonkiet pulled out all the stops for the grand finale. A virtual army of actors and actresses stood by to present a first-rate fashion show, a gesture that was greatly appreciated by eager media shutterbugs.
Earning huge applause from everyone in attendance was model turned actress Sinjai Plengpanich, who showed she hasn't lost her touch for the catwalk.
Mr Takonkiet said the studio was three years in the making, at a total cost of 700 million baht. The project was initiated from his own frustrations with finding the right film locations and the constant search for period backdrops, as well as good facilities for casts and crews.
He's in no hurry to recoup his investment, however. It might take him up to 16 years to break even, said Mr Takonkiet, but he views Acts Studio as a labour of love.
