Thoughts on Moving to Bangkok

Introduction

• Recently relocated to Bangkok.
• Objective: Share insights and inspire those considering moving and exploring new markets.
• Addressing questions from an Instagram story posted earlier.

Reasons for Moving

• Comfort and Growth: Tendency to get too comfortable in one place, requiring a new challenge.
• Duration: Six years in Almaty, Kazakhstan; time for a new chapter.
• Uncertainty and Creativity: Seeking uncertainty to fuel creativity and career growth.
• Environment: Almaty is beautiful but desired a more vibrant, populated space with more business opportunities.

Choice of City

• Asia: Considered Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Bangkok.
• Bangkok: Chose Bangkok because it felt right during a visit in February.
• Advantages: Safe, international hub, high quality of life, luxury amenities (e.g., doorman, gym, swimming pool, tennis court, sauna).

Impact on Career

• Clients and Projects: Transitioning to understanding the fit for foreign filmmakers.
• Networking: Attended filmmaker mixer events; international productions and boutique agencies present.
• Cultural Acceptance: Thailand is welcoming to foreigners.
• Creative Influence: Thai commercials are creative and humorous.

Advice for Upcoming Directors

• Networking: Emphasize the importance of networking with local production companies and producers.
• Spec Work: Create projects you want to be paid for to showcase abilities.

Handling Director's Treatment

• Challenges: Difficulty in putting ideas in words.
• Solutions: Break down treatment into smaller, manageable pieces (intro, director’s approach, visuals, cinematography, acting, casting).
• Collaborate: Discuss ideas with friends and colleagues to gain clarity.
• Resources: Treatment Writing 101 guidebook available.

Future Projects and Goals

• Personal Projects: Focus on personal projects and short films enabled by the YouTube channel.
• Less Commercial Work: Shift from commercial jobs to creative freedom.

Personal Questions

• Kindergarten for Child: Exploring daycare with international staff for better communication.
• Market Comparison: Differences noted between Asia and Europe/States; smaller boutique and lifestyle brands observed.
• Work Relationships: Directors in Thailand work with multiple production companies, which is seen as healthy and sustainable.
• Regional Work: Local productions also shoot commercials across the region.

Future Plans

• Next Steps: Minimum one year in Bangkok, future locations uncertain (considering Dubai).
• Growth Opportunities: Focus on places offering growth opportunities at the right moment.
• Learning Thai: Enrolled in a language program to aid daily life and career navigation.

Closing Remarks

• Connection Invitation: Encourages viewers to DM if in Bangkok.
• Appreciation: Thanks viewers for support and engagement.
• Call to Action: Like, subscribe, share; links in the description.