The Pattaya City Expats Club (PCEC) meeting on Sunday
March 14th at Henry J. Bean’s continued the trend of recent meetings with a
speaker with a difference.
The week’s MC Hawaii Bob introduced Steve Rouse, who has
25 years experience within the motion picture industry. Steve was originally
a child actor before progressing to the point where he is now directing
films and writing screenplays. Steve was an assistant director on such well
known films such as Superman 3 and 4, Empire of the Sun and Alien 2.
Steve Rouse, with 25 years in the motion picture
industry, shares his experiences and memories as assistant director of such
films as Superman 3 and 4, Empire of the Sun and Alien 2.
Steve described the complexities of the film making
process. He commented that directing was the most difficult part of the
process as the director was required to sign off all aspects of the
production.
Of considerable interest to the audience, he showed a
preview trailer of a feature film, Reclaim Pirates Curse, of which he
was the executive producer. It was filmed in Thailand. Steve explained that
the Thai film industry meets the escapist demands of Thai cinema goers
inasmuch as the films are more likely to portray horror, ghosts and other
grisly scenes rather than the relating of an historical story. Steve
provided examples of storyboards used for the film, a schedule for
production and budgetary statements for both above and below the line costs.
A large number of questions were put to Steve as the
interest in this subject was high. Packages were available for those wishing
to invest in the film industry.
Paul Strachan, production manager of Pattaya Mail TV,
shares with PCEC members his vision of ‘Ask the Expats’ (as distinct from
ask the experts) - Q & A about the everyday problems incurred living in
Thailand.
Next to speak was the more familiar figure of Pattaya
Mail TV’s own Paul Strachan. Referring to the previous speaker that he
was going from ‘Tinsel Town to Fun Town’, Paul announced that production
work had started on a new project portion of the PMTV show which will be
called ‘Ask the Experts’.
This would enable answers to just about any aspect of
living in Pattaya and Thailand in general to be put to those people who
actually have the knowledge to respond.
An example of this might be regarding the availability of
education visas. This would be asked by a member of the public then Paul and
his team would find an expert to give the correct response.
‘Ask the Experts’ is intended to give information, in a
fun way and with a huge range of topics to be tackled. This show will also
strengthen ties within the business community, who will be called on to
demonstrate their expertise, and that members of the PCEC would also
hopefully be willing to contribute their time to answer some of the FAQs
that need to be addressed such as “How do I get a Thai Drivers Licence’, all
of which can help facilitate a better and perhaps safer quality of life here
in the Land of Smiles.
Paul showed an example and preview of the proposed new
programme and due to the range of topics and filming it is hoped that this
new show will be coming to our screens within the next few weeks.
After some announcements, the regular Open Forum was then
underway led by Les Edmunds. Prior to the session Les announced that 6
kilograms of can ring pulls had been collected which can be used to
manufacture artificial limbs. He commented that 1 kilogram was required to
make one artificial limb. The future intention was to provide a unit which
would provide a mobile service, providing help where it is needed.
As always the Open Forum provided an opportunity for
questions about living in Thailand with an emphasis on Pattaya to be asked.
As always it proved to be the usual lively and entertaining session. For
more information regarding not only PCEC Sunday meetings but also the varied
mid week activities, please see the Community Happenings section of
Pattaya Mail or, for more details, visit the Club’s website at
pattayacityexpatsclub.com