SKIN TRADE (Ekachai Uekrongtham, 2014)

[Jox]

Here's a little behind the scenes featurette by yours truly
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=78 ... 852&type=2

[bomaz]

Nice
Thanks

[dude hallenbeck]

Is that a scar D will be wearing for most of the film? Cool, it's something different.

[Jox]

"All scars tell a story"... (Physical and/or emotional scars)

[Jox]

[shooby]

"All scars tell a story"... (Physical and/or emotional scars)

And so, Gunnar's scar ? lol

[Jox]

Director Ekachai Uekrongtham FB Q&A:

1. You have done a number of films that have received critical recognition, they were more in the drama genre. What interested you about Skin Trade ?
I tend to be attracted to character-driven materials. Even in its earlier drafts, Skin Trade had that quality. At that time, I also saw see a thematic core I could use to hold the film together creatively and drive it forward emotionally.

2. Skin Trade was your first experience with a mostly Western cast, did you find it different from the type of actors you had worked with before ?
When I worked with newcomers in some of my other films, my directing style tended to be more coach-like in nature. With this group of very experienced actors in Skin Trade, I had the pleasure of being able to explore deeper into the emotional depths of their characters. I like finding layers and shades so it's great to have actors who share your enthusiasm in this aspect, and have the abilities, discipline and experience to make it happen on camera for you.

3. The story line in Skin Trade is a hot topic worldwide, it was quite daring of you to undertake this. How did you balance an action film with such an important message ?
I subscribe to the idea that when one is entertained, one is more susceptible to paying attention to issues they may not have given much thought to otherwise. I certainly do not aim to preach through our film but hopefully, through the characters in this film, the audiences will be able to connect with human trafficking issues in an unexpected and illuminating way.

4. Skin Trade is targeted towards a broad international audience, did this require you to change your directing style ?
Creatively, I don't think so. I think all audiences are human beings who will respond when something speaks to their hearts. So for me, the challenge is more about finding the universality of what you're trying to communicate before communicating it. But on a more practical level, I had to make one important change. I tend to be quite soft-spoken on the set when I direct. But on the set of Skin Trade, I realized it's more effective when I communicated at a higher decibel with the team especially when we're shooting very big action sequences.

5. You had a cast with 6 Iconic action stars, Dolph Lundgren (Punisher), Tony Jaa (Ong Bak), Ron Perlman (Hellboy), Michael Jai White (Spawn), Peter Weller (Robocop) and Celina Jade (Shado) what was it like working with them, do you have any interesting stories for us ?
One thing that all of them have in common is a very strong commitment towards making Skin Trade a meaningful film. That makes me feel very blessed. It's a thrill for me to draw on their iconic status to good use in some scenes while allowing them to also show their other sides not often seen in their other films.
With Dolph, it was great to work with him to draw out his vulnerabilities and tenderness. I find his untapped persona quite refreshing when unveiled on screen. Tony is such a disciplined and focused actor who takes his job very seriously. He's a joy to work with. In addition to his unparallelled fighting prowess, we'll also get to see him flexing his impressive acting chops in Skin Trade.
Peter inspires me a lot. He's an accomplished director in his own right and I enjoyed chatting and learning from him during our breaks. He improvised something in a scene that instantly added gravita to his character and I just loved it!
Michael fights beautifully and has the intensity and the energy that work so well for the character he plays. Celina has a rich well of emotions that I could always draw upon. I like the emotional honesty she brings to the role. It gives the film its soul.
Ron humanizes his character so much so that we can't help but feel for him and his loss despite the dark nature of who he is in the film. With him, I could always get spot-on and layered performances. Having worked with him is a privilege.

6. What is your favorite moment that occurred during the Skin Trade shoot ?
There are many! I particularly like working on all the action sequences, and turning them into scenes that allow characters to communicate with each other - not unlike what they do in dramatic scenes, albeit with very physical actions.
I love it when actors are able to hit the emotional levels and bring out the characters' deeper layers the way I'd envisioned. And that happened a lot while shooting Skin Trade.
It's the first time I had to direct scenes with lots of explosions. Those take a great deal of good planning and I've enjoyed the process thoroughly.

7. What is next for you ?
I've been given a few scripts to read so I hope among those, I can find something I'm really excited about and can sink my teeth into soon. I'm also developing a couple of projects on my own.

8. We understand that you have quite a Muay Thai show that you are directing in Bangkok, can you tell us a bit about this.
It's a stage show called Muay Thai Live: The Legend Lives which tells the history of Muay Thai (Thai kickboxing) through the stories of Muay Thai heroes from 300 years ago till the present day. It's an action-packed live show featuring Thai kickboxing, sword-fighting, tricking, MMA, Taekwondo and other forms of martial arts. It stars a very talented cast comprising real-life kickboxing champs, prize-winning swordmen, ace stuntmen and extreme sports experts. The show is now playing at The Stage, a new purpose-built theatre at Asiatique The Riverfront in Bangkok. It was great fun creating that show and seeing audiences from around the world coming to see it in Bangkok.

9. Any plans for another action film ?
I'd love to do another action film. The basis of all drama is conflict. In a good action film, conflicts are so heightened that characters have to settle their emotional scores via physical means. Those primal urges become a powerful creative springboard that can lead us to discover soulful learnings.

https://www.facebook.com/SkinTradeMovie ... 66163892:0

[bomaz]

Good Interview Mr Uekrongtham seems like a genuine guy, and really open minded.

[Jox]

He's the nicest guy, big cinephile and cinephage (sees every movie that comes out) and always smiling, giggling, joking and being excited about everything. Seems a be very good at directing actors, adults and children alike, as well: no wonder he's a stage director first and foremost.

[dude hallenbeck]

Is this legit?



Both the test screening (For an incomplete movie) and the release date strike me as B.S.

[Jox]

Hummm... I didn't post it because I'm not sure how to take it given how everything is oversold on this page.

Test screenings are often held before movies are finished (actually preferably) but I don't know if what is referred here is an actual public test screening or just a screening get some industry or inside people's reactions. I didn't hear anything about it in my latest check-in. As for the release date, certainly nothing is set in stone and they don't even have a US distributor yet (and they will decide) but this seems what they are shooting for...

[Jox]

[dude hallenbeck]

Hummm... I didn't post it because I'm not sure how to take it given how everything is oversold on this page.

I really hope these bozos aren't causing the movie trouble.

[bomaz]

Little interview with Chloe Babcook.
Not really a spoiler IMO.

[Jox]

Bill Mellow
@BillMellow · 5h
Finishing up the mix for "Skin Trade" starring Dolph Lundgren and Tony January. Lots of action in this one!