GRANDMA GOING WIDE
Global streaming firm Netflix has picked up rights to Thai hit film “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies.” It will air in Southeast Asia starting Sept. 12 and become available in other territories later this year.
Produced by GDH 559, “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies” was written by Thodsapon Thiptinnakorn, who apparently drew inspiration from personal experiences, and was directed by Pat Boonnitipat (“Bad Genius”). Since its release in cinemas in April, the film has become the highest-grossing Thai film to date in multiple countries, including Indonesia, Singapore, Philippines, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
Driven by the desire for a multimillion-dollar inheritance, M (Putthipong “Billkin” Assaratanakul) puts aside his dreams as a hopeful game caster to care for his terminally ill grandmother (Usha Seamkhum). But winning Grandma’s favor is no easy feat, as she proves to be demanding and exceedingly difficult to please. To make things more complicated, M is not the only one vying for the fortune. He finds himself in a competition, going to great lengths to become the apple of Grandma’s eye before time runs out.
The film marks Boonnitipat’s debut as a feature film director and Billkin and Usha’s first leading roles in a movie. The cast also includes Sanya Kunakorn, Sarinrat Thomas, Pongsatorn Jongwilas, Duangporn Oapirat, Himawari Tajiri and Tontawan Tantivejakul.
NEW ZEALAND RETURN
Graeme Mason has been appointed as the new chair of the board at the New Zealand Film Commission. He was most recently CEO of Screen Australia, and was previously chief executive of the NZFC for four years (2009-2013).
Previously also based in the U.K., Mason was senior VP at Polygram Filmed Entertainment, president of worldwide acquisitions at Universal Studios, and held multiple film positions at Channel 4.
“Graeme brings a wealth of leadership skills as well as local and international industry experience that will be invaluable to the role. He has been the chief executive of Screen Australia for a decade, previously chief executive of NZFC itself for over four years, and has more than 30 years of international experience in film, television, and multimedia businesses,” said Arts Minister Paul Goldsmith.