With the successful mid-May release of the animated film, KHAN KLUAY, producer hope the films success with set the scene for more animated movies, reports THE CHINA POST.
Produced by Auchara Kijkanjanas, the film chronicles the life of blue elephant Khan Kluay (Banana Stalk) from his young days until he grows into the war elephant that led Siam's King Naresuan to victory over the Burmese in 1593.
Director Kompin Kemgumnird studied in the U.S., which led to two years with Walt Disney Pictures, then with Blue Sky Studios working on ICE AGE, after which he returned to Thailand.
"It's still very early for us. But it's coming on well and the artists have potential," he said of the Thai animation industry.
Production house Kantana Group appointed Kompin creative director of Kantana Animation to work on the project after he worked on successful television animation projects.
For many years the only opportunities for animators were in advertising, then five years ago they moved into television programs.
It's too early to tell if KHAN KLUAY will crack the 100 million baht ($2.5 million) mark at local theaters, but it will certainly re-coup its cost after foreign sales.
Seven corporations each contributed six million baht ($150,000) and funded a third of the 150 million baht budget. The Communications Technology Ministry threw its support behind the project as part of a government effort to promote the local animation and multimedia industry.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
