The TMF MEDIA FORUM 2022, an online seminar (Webinar) focused on innovation, technology, and the global media industry, was held for the first time in Thailand by the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund on June 16 and 17, 2022. Under the theme World Collaboration, the forum aimed to enhance the potential of media producers and connect business opportunities in the Thai media industry to 'Hollywood' and global platforms. It also provided a new perspective on linking Thai creative media to the global stage by inviting experienced professionals from all sectors of the media industry from Hollywood and global platforms to share their knowledge on techniques, ideas, business opportunities, and methods for developing the media industry in all dimensions. This event served as an opportunity to elevate the Thai media industry to the global stage with pride, attracting a large number of participants from the Thai media sector.

At the opening ceremony on June 16, 2022, we were honored by Mr. Itthiphol Khunpluem, Minister of Culture and Vice Chairman of the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund, who presided over the event at the Swissotel Ratchada, Bangkok. Dr. Thanakorn Srisuksai, Manager of the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund, welcomed the speakers, participants, and media representatives.

During the two-day seminar, participants gained knowledge and techniques regarding various aspects of the media industry from experienced speakers from both Hollywood and global platforms, who shared their experiences, case studies, and insights into the media production process, covering everything from pre-production, production, to post-production. Key topics summarized include:

  1. Content Production and Intellectual Property (IP)

In this section, Thomas Polson, who has over 35 years of experience in the global entertainment industry, suggested that media producers should study successful developments from other parts of Asia. It is evident that we can choose diverse content that creates intellectual property. Thailand stands out in horror and action stories, and food-related content is also worth presenting. The key to impressing audiences is to tell stories that are authentic yet presented in a universal manner, easily understood across cultures. Media producers should study the structure of media to understand how to create easily comprehensible narratives.

  1. Media Production Management and Preparation for Fundraising

Michael Peyser, a film producer in Hollywood, noted that despite the abundance of streaming platforms today, the true content creators are the viewers. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze the target audience to understand whom to sell to, as each region has different viewers and markets. Conversely, if there is an interesting story to tell, one can estimate the potential audience. Another important aspect is to plan and set a clear budget, as agreements with streamers regarding compensation must be worthwhile for investment and profit. Funding can be sourced from various places, including banks, major studios willing to invest, or even government policies in some countries that support funding for the media industry. However, producers need to prepare interesting scripts first.

  1. Elevating the Thai Media Industry

Nicholas Simon, a producer and managing director of Indochina Productions, provided an interesting perspective that while the popularity of Korean content continues to rise, Thai content is also gaining traction. The key is to present stories about life, starting with narratives that producers are passionate about, which can then gain local popularity before reaching an international level.

  1. Utilizing Special Effects Techniques

EriK Weaver, who has succeeded in various fields within the media and entertainment industry, discussed the use of Visual Effects (VFX), stating that media producers must shift their production paradigms and stay updated with advancements. Nowadays, it is often difficult to distinguish what is real or not. The impact of COVID-19 has further pushed the advancement of VFX, as it helps reduce production costs.

  1. International Production Management

Pankham Wientrakul, one of the Thai filmmakers who has gained international recognition, shared that with nearly 15 years of experience in the film industry, we can now work with artists worldwide, even if they are in different locations. The core of collaborating in a virtual world is having the skills to use tools and technology, as well as the ability to design workflows that can function in both virtual and real worlds.

  1. Distribution of Works

Mom Rajawongse Chalermchatri Yukul, Director of Programming at Viu Thailand, revealed that streamers are looking for fresh content. Producers should study the platform's structure to understand why users choose it, which will provide effective insights for production. Meanwhile, Yolanda Macias, responsible for global media content licensing for various platforms, added that when selecting works for purchase, they consider whether it fits the mood of the channel. In cases where they aim to market in different countries, platform developers also hope to meet and exchange ideas with local creators, as well as create channels for local content.

Additionally, there were many other interesting topics discussed during this seminar, such as the changes and adaptations of the media industry in the post-COVID era for both producers and viewers, risk factors in production that should be considered, incorporating Thailand's Soft Power into works, and producing for various platforms.

All the information shared by the speakers serves as excellent fuel for inspiration and practical guidance for Thai media producers to apply and enhance their production works, aiming to elevate the potential of Thai media producers to bring Thai content to the global stage soon.

At the end of the seminar, we were honored by Dr. Chamnarn Ngammaneeudom, Deputy Manager of the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund, who thanked the speakers and all participants, summarizing the seminar by stating that everyone recognized the importance of creating Thai content for the global stage, learning experiences from various Asian countries, and seeing that Thailand has content and Soft Power in many areas that have a market ready to support these narratives. They observed the use of modern technology to support production, the role of film producers, suitable business plan formats, and new markets, especially the streaming market, as well as the content that viewers desire from a Thai context. Thai media producers need to learn what buyers want and what content is being published on their platforms, the uniqueness and differences of each channel, and participating in various festivals is essential. The Safe and Creative Media Development Fund already supports all these activities, especially content that is safe and creative, and the media fund can assist in funding production, aiming for the development of all types of Thai media to reach an international level.

Dr. Chamnarn further stated that 'the Safe and Creative Media Development Fund will continue to drive change to elevate the Thai media industry to be safe and creative, aiming for the global market. We have set missions in three areas: developing quality creators, enhancing funding sources for production and access, and expanding Thai stories to reach media consumers worldwide. In the future, we hope to be a One-Stop-Service that fully supports Thai media producers from idea development, funding sources, production, to distribution and access to international markets. Additionally, we will connect with various viewing platforms abroad more extensively, as this is crucial for enabling Thai media producers to showcase their works to the world. At the same time, we will provide knowledge and understanding to media producers about the international pitching processes that media producers worldwide practice.

 

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