Tom Waller Talking Thai Movies

Tom Waller's business card may say director, but even an A4 sized version would struggle to list all his titles. The director, producer, editor and manager - to name but a few - has just returned from the Cannes Film Festival and ten action packed days of promoting and presenting his latest production. Brodie Govan finds out how it came to pass.

The Thai film industry is a fickle one. Box office success has a shelf life of three weeks, with an independent film lucky to be shown in the same number of cinemas. Tom's latest film, Soi Cowboy, made the top twenty cultural films at the world's oldest, most influential and prestigious film festival last month. But despite the acclaim of the worlds press, Bangkok born Tom will be happy to see his movie screened in one Thai theatre.

"It was tough getting selected for Cannes," says Tom.  "We submitted the film in February and just had to wait and see for two months. But now the hard work begins as we start to lobby cinemas for a release in Thailand."

Tom's input on Soi Cowboy, and most of his projects to date, is in a producing capacity.

"The producer is the mechanic behind the film making process. I usually instigate projects, commission the script, find the money, the crew and oversee the process from script to screen."

Thailand Lags Behind in the Film Business

Despite Soi Cowboy's success at Cannes, popularity of independent films in Thailand still has some way to go to catch up with the Western world.

"I can't disclose the budget for Soi Cowboy, but it's safe to say it was the cheapest film made at Cannes this year," adds 34-year old Tom.

"If you stick to mainstream comedy or horror it's fairly easy to get a release here in Thailand, but it's a different question when it comes to art house films. So while we're hopeful Soi Cowboy will get shown, it'll probably only be in one or two cinemas."

Part of the problem surrounds the censorship rules in Thailand. Until recently the National Police were responsible for screening films and they had no qualms cutting large chunks of film if it contained nudity, sex or smoking. The Ministry of Culture now oversees operations, but like their predecessors, wasted little time stamping their authority, banning some forty titles in the first year.

So it's unsurprising Tom doesn't expect the changes to prove beneficial.

"They're currently changing the rules in Thailand and introducing the rating system. It might stop them (The Ministry of Culture) cutting all the scenes they don't like, but like most changes to the film industry here, I'm apprehensive."

Rich List Benefactor

Born to an English father and Thai mother, Tom graduated from the Northern Film School in Leeds where he studied film editing. His first project saw him write, direct and produce the acclaimed movie, Monk Dawson, at the tender age of 22.

Since then his portfolio of work has grown to include award-winning films Butterfly Man and The Elephant King, but Tom concedes he owes a great deal of his early success to a "business angel".

"After graduating I desperately needed cash to get my first project off the ground. After exhausting all friends, family and other avenues I stumbled upon the Sunday Times Top 500 rich list and decided to write to each of them. Shortly after a postcard arrived with a message scribbled on the back and I eventually met the gentleman (who Tom insists will remain nameless) in a London club and received a cheque for £5,000. He got the business going and was the first angel I ever encountered."

Return to Thailand Brings Success

In 1996, Tom founded the London-based movie production company De Warrenne Pictures. But despite the early success things were moving at a slow pace, so Tom decided to move most of the operations back to his native Thailand - a decision that has proved beneficial on many levels.

"Back in London I was a producer in the doldrums, so I decided to move and concentrate my time in Thailand. Being half-English has helped me corner a certain part of the Thai market, mainly low to medium productions. But we're not planning on building an empire overnight; we want to start slowly and learn the industry at every level."

And learning he certainly is, from some of the best in the business.

"I worked as Oliver Stone's personal assistant on the film Alexander in 2003. The film was shot in Thailand and it gave me a great insight into the workings of a large-scale epic."

Economic Movie Making

Nowadays Tom spends nine months a year in Thailand, with the rest in London, and says business is booming.

"It's an oasis of activity here. Bangkok is now clearly established as the hub for film in South East Asia. Even if someone wants to shoot in Vietnam or Cambodia they have to come through Thailand first for equipment and staff."

So the benefits of filming in Thailand far exceed the negatives, according to Tom.

"It's cheap, we have great locations and no restrictions. We can close down a street at short notice, and of course, your money goes a lot further. Also having no guilds or unions might sound like a negative, but for a producer it makes the whole process simpler.

"On the downside, well, there are no tax breaks from the Government. But given it's so much cheaper anyway that isn't too much of a problem. So while the Government can seem unhelpful and full of rules, money talks here and most things are relatively achievable."

Developing Prospects in Thai Film Industry

Away from the big screen, Tom is building the company profile and generating much-needed funds with forays into the commercial, corporate and music world. Some of his clients include MTV Networks, Unison Films and Sony BMG, the latter selecting Tom to direct the number one hit song from pop queen Tata Young. The song became an instant hit across South East Asia, and stayed at number one on MTV's video charts for several weeks.

The music success was produced on Tom's newly formed Tiger Entertainment - a television, video and film production company based in Bangkok.

"We recently did commercials for Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts and AIS 1-2-Call, and we're looking to start producing corporate films for business in Thailand."

The company offers its clients expertise in Thailand including full local crew support, script translation, project advice and important information regarding filming throughout the Kingdom.

Corporate Videos Lead to Movies

Currently, the company's focus is Thailand, with the London office dealing with administration – a situation Tom expects to change in the near future.

"All of the funds for our productions come from private investors, with most of the income generated in DVD sales.

"But producing is what helps pay the bills just now. All of the films, commercials and corporate work is really just to help me get closer to my passion of making and directing English movies. That's when the real reward will come for me."

In the meantime, Tom and his team will continue to sell and promote Thai films, develop scripts and gain valuable experience.

"My business partner is my wife," says the father of two. "It works well, especially in this business where you need people you trust wholeheartedly."

A point he says is paramount as he puts the finishing touches to filming plans on his new movie Bittersweet.

"My wife comes in handy when it comes to negotiating in Thailand," he says in his slight London accent.  "They take one look at me, or hear my accent, and they don't know whether to charge me double or the Thai price."

A scenario few could believe possible after hearing Tom negotiate on staff and location costs.