Chiang Mai became massively popular with Chinese tourists after the Chinese comedy was filmed there in 2012.
Barefoot, an original screenplay by the movie maker, Jim Newport, is described as “a contemporary drama that follows an American schoolteacher (James Dumont,) a retired couple (Tommy Chong of Cheech and Chong, and Pepper Jay) and an ex-boxer (Max Ryan) on their journey to retirement in Phuket.
“Two northern Thai women and a child also travel to the island. Escaping poverty is their goal. Fate brings these wounded souls to a magical, thatched roof beachside bar in Phuket.
“Together, their lives are changed … forever.”
Emmy-nominated Writer/Director/Production Designer Newport (Mechanic 2, Lost, Bangkok Dangerous) will be hosting a “launch party” for the project on March 26 at Home restaurant in Kalim.
Together with Producer Les Nordhauser (Greenlight Films) they will share their film-making experiences around the world and specifically in Thailand.
A short promo film will kick the evening off. The story, setting, cast, history and future of the movie Barefoot will then be presented. This is an opportunity for all of Phuket to come together and participate in a rewarding, artistic adventure.
To make this low budget film, not only cash investors are needed – but also: transportation, lodging, caterers, office space, plane tickets, artists, craftsmen, graphic designers, office assistants, actors, extras, wardrobe people, etc.
According to Newport, the genesis of the project goes back at least six or seven years, when a group of writers on the island who met once a week at the Underwood Factory discussed the craft of screenwriting. The intended goal was to make a film in Phuket.
“I have spent a year and a half writing and developing Barefoot. I have lined up a terrific cast from the US and the UK and we will begin pre-production this summer. The film will be shot from October 15 to November 15,” Mr Newport said.
John Underwood, owner of Home restaurant, is investing in Barefoot, having agreed to lend his Underwood Art Factory and its artisans to the film as a soundstage and workshop for the sets and prop construction and filming.
This brings Mr Underwood’s career full circle; he started out in Australia in 1969 as an assistant to John Truscott, who won two Oscars for his work on the 1967 film Camelot.
Award-winning Chef Daniel Isberg will create a special four-course movie-themed ‘Chef’s Dinner” – for B650.
For more information or reservasions please call: 086 047 1474 or email Jim Newport jfamenewport@gmail.com or Les Nordhauser Les@greenlight.co.th