Netflix and MPC host seminar on taking Thai content to the global audience

Today Thailand’s National Federation of Motion Pictures and Contents Association (“MPC”) and Netflix, the world's leading internet entertainment service, hosted a seminar for the Thai creative community in order to share their insights and philosophy on taking local content to the global audience.

The “Bringing Thai Content to the World” seminar was attended by more than 150 selected local film and television industry leaders and up-and-comers, including writers, producers, directors and post-production professionals.

The seminar included a special address by MPC secretary-general and former senator, Dr. Wittaya Masayna, and Mr. Ekachai Uekrongtham, Head of GMM Studios International's BRAVO! Studios at GMM Grammy, and the Executive Producer of the first Netflix Thai Original Series, “The Stranded”.

Seminar topics included pitching stories, story development, production and post-production requirements, as well as understanding global viewer trends and how to appeal to audiences around the world. The seminar saw several international Netflix executives discuss their insights on Netflix’s drive to increase local content production from around the world and their attention on Asia as an important production and customer hub. The event also provided an important opportunity for attendees to network with Netflix executives as well as Thai talent, including Ekachai, who have already experienced success on the global stage.

Addressing the audience, Dr. Wittaya said, “As the main professional and trade organization for Thailand’s film industry, the MPC is delighted that Netflix is increasing its investments and seeking to actively increase the quality and quantity of Thai content. We have seen that Thai film professionals are among the best in the world and, by deepening the relationship between the Thai creative community and Netflix, we can hopefully see more Thai content reaching a global audience; something which will benefit all parties.”

Erika North, Director of International Originals, Netflix, said, “Thailand is an important regional and global entertainment and creative hub. The country has a long and unique legacy of compelling storytelling. However, the industry is transforming and creating a lot of opportunities for creators to tell their stories in new and interesting ways. Partnering with MPC for this seminar is our way of supporting the vibrant community of Thai storytellers and to ensure these great stories find an even larger audience worldwide.”

Speaking from his own experience, Mr. Ekachai Uekrongtham, Head of GMM Studios International's BRAVO! Studios at GMM Grammy, and the Executive Producer of the first Netflix Thai Original Series, The Stranded, said, “Working with Netflix has been an invaluable experience for me. The industry is transforming, changing the ways content is produced, distributed and consumed. Now - more than ever before - it is possible for Thai creatives to tell our stories to the world. This is an extremely exciting prospect, not only for those involved in the industry, but for the country as a whole.”

Netflix recently announced it was developing The Stranded, executive-produced by Mr. Ekachai, along with Shimmers, as its first two Thai International Originals. The Stranded will be released in 2019, joining approximately 100 new and returning films and series originals from Asia in 2019.