5 December 2012 - H.M. The King of Thailand - Happy Birthday

*

H.M. The King of Thailand

*

Happy Birthday!

*

G'day guys,

Today is the 85th birthday of the King of Thailand - an amazing man. One of many photographs on my lounge room walls is that of the Thai King, wearing a pink jacket. On my right wrist is a pink-coloured band that states, "Do good things for our King'. I bought it in Bangkok some years back. This man has always been depicted with a camera hanging around his neck. Yes, a photographer, and also a musician. So, who is the King?

Bhumibol Adulyadej is the reigning King of Thailand - known as Rama IX. Having reigned since 9 June 1946, he is the world's longest-serving current head of state and the longest-reigning monarch in Thai history.

Bhumipol Adulyadej (pronounced: Boomipon Adun Yadet) was born December 5, 1928 in Cambridge, Massachesetts, where his father was studying Public Health at Harvard. He returned to Bangkok briefly, but in 1933 his mother took him and his younger brother to Switzerland where they stayed until the end of the Second World War. Bhumipol ascended the throne, following the death of his brother, on June 9, 1946. He returned to Switzerland to complete his studies, leaving an uncle to act as regent in his absence. It was in Switzerland that he met and married his wife Queen Sirikit. Following this he returned to Thailand where the official coronation ceremony took place on May 5, 1950. This date is celebrated every year in Thailand as Coronation Day, a public holiday.

His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej ascended to the throne on 9 June 1946 and has reigned Thailand ever since. The birthday of King Bhumibol Adulyadej is observed as Father’s Day, as well as a national holiday in Thailand, while the birthday of Queen Sirikit, King Bhumibol’s birthday, is commemorated as Thailand’s Mother’s Day which is also a public holiday.

*

*

During the celebration of H.M. the King’s Birthday in Thailand, some large portraits of the King are displayed throughout the country. Flags, banners, and lamps, are also set as a decoration along many streets in Thailand to celebrate King’s Birthday as an honor to H.M. the King Bhumibol Adulyadej.

Besides those decorations, parades, musical concerts, festivals, and street market are also organized during H.M. the King’s Birthday celebration. Since the event is observed as a public holiday, most Thailand employees are granted a day off so that they are able to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the King’s birthday.

H.M. the King’s Birthday is known as Father’s Day in Thailand. Thus, many people in Thailand pay respect to their father during the day by giving the fathers gifts or taking them to dinner at a restaurant.

Royal Projects:

King Bhumipol has tried to move a once marginalized monarchy onto centre stage, partly by reviving public royal ceremonies like the Royal Barge Procession, and the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, but also through the pursuit of royal projects aimed at the development of Thailand and the improvement of people’s living standards. He is particularly associated with rural development projects such as the crop substitution program ordered to wean hill tribe people from the cultivation of opium poppies. Flowers and temperate zone vegetables from these projects are available for sale all over Thailand, but particularly in Chiang Mai. He also set up the Chaipattana Foundation to promote a self–sufficiency economy for Thailand.

*

*

Royal Children

King Bhumipol has four children, Princess Ubolratana, the Crown Prince, Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn (popularly known as Phra Teep or Princess Angel), and Princess Chulabhorn Walailak. .

Thailand Royal Powers

Compared to other constitutional monarchs, the King of Thailand enjoys additional reserve powers and can veto legislation by refusing to sign it into law. He also enjoys huge influence, partly through the system of patronage that characterizes Thailand’s political system, but mainly through his enormous popularity and personal prestige. On occasion he has used this power to influence events, for example during the coup of 1992, when the main protagonists were summoned to the palace for a televised lecture on the need for national unity.

I witnessed that event whilst in Bangkok. Two men entered the palace smiling, and left with ashen faces.

*

*

Lese Majeste Laws in Thailand

Another divergence from some, but by no means all constitutional monarchies, is that any criticism of the Thai King is absolutely forbidden and can attract harsh penalties through the prohibition against lèse majesté. The King himself is unable to defend himself, and there are no laws which provide him an opportunity to contradict any defamatory statements.

Foreigners in particular should avoid any criticism of the throne. For those foreigners who are in the habit of loudly criticizing their own monarchs, this will not go over well in Thailand. Thailand has a more respectful and face-based culture and direct criticism and negativity is seen as poor manners, or worse.

*

*

Clancy's comment: Happy birthday Your Majesty.

In all my travels, I've never come across a person who was, and is, so highly revered. Seventy million Thai people adore their King. Personally, I was very cognisant of the above law when I wrote 'Pa Joe's Place' - story of an eight-year-old girl I met many years ago - Boo. So, what did I do? Sadly, I withdrew all mention of the King. However, I will write a forward to honour the Thai King and have it approved by Thai diplomatic friends before my book is published.

My aim with 'Pa Joe's Place' is quite simple. I want it translated and published in Thailand.  A very good friend, Anchansiri Sriyananda, will translate it for me, and for some time, I have been working with officials in Thailand to have the book introduced to Thai kids. In so doing, I'm prepared to forego a majority of my royalties so that Thai kids can afford to purchase my book - to encourage them to read. Not only but also, I would love my plan to be one of the King's Projects. Wish me luck.

*

*

I'm ...

14 November 2012 - Book Trailers

Copyright Clancy Tucker (c)

*

Quote of the day:

"The value and joy of life consists in

being taken up into something bigger than yourself"

*

BOOK TRAILERS

*

G'day guys,

Lately I have been involved in producing book trailers. An interesting exercise and one I thought I'd never be capable of doing. However, it's been heaps of fun and I'm happy with the results. Fortunately as a photographer, I can use my own photographs. What is a book trailer? Well, it's a very short video clip that tantalises readers ... or seduces them to buy your books. However, notwithstanding the technical aspects, one has to be careful not to tell a perspective reader too much ... what really happens in the story. I guess a book trailer is a visual book blurb - that 100 words you write on the back of a book.

How did I get started? Well, a former guest on my blog, Melissa Wray, kindly shared some information which you might find helpful. 'Windows Movie Maker' should already be on your computer. I used 'Photo Story for Windows'. If you do not have it, Google it and download - free!

*

Introduction:  http://kingdomelectlady.hubpages.com/hub/Create-Your-Own-Book-Trailer-Free

*

Music:  http://www.music4yourvids.co.uk/

*

The instructions are easy to follow - just be patient. Here are a few points worth considering.

1. Prepare you images or messages before you start.

2. Number them in order of how they will appear on the screen.

3. Choose a soundtrack that suits your story. That is, one that gives your video and story some meaning - tension - build-up - drama - slow and peaceful?

4. Choose a soundtrack that will be long enough to cover all of your images as they appear. That is, you don't want the music to cut out half way through your video. I chose no more than 21 images which worked well.

5. Do not write too many words on one image. It will move too fast for people to read. Be succinct and sharp.

6. You can preview your work as you go through it, so do it!

7. Be patient. It's your name on the block.

8. Don't forget to give credit to the musicians who helped to make your video so delightful.

9. Put it up on YouTube with relevant information for people to contact you: blog and web address, email address etc.

*

*

Here are two I made and placed on YouTube. Let me know what you think of them. One is for 'Gunnedah Hero' - a story based in 1910 Australia. And, because of the time period, I made most of my pictures in black and white or sepia to give it some authenticity - pictures I took after I finished the manuscript.

The second is a video about me as an author. Why did I make it? Well, most authors do a book trailer but they forget that many readers like to know something about the author - the 'face behind the words' as I put it.

Let me know what you think of them:

*

'Gunnedah Hero': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPVEpan_Yxk&feature=youtu.be

*

Clancy Tucker: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B72Rd8IMN2I&feature=youtu.be

*

Good luck!

I'm ...

*

Soon to be published!

18 September 2012 - Fenon J Rodriguez - Guest Film Producer

Copyright - Clancy Tucker (c)

'Pirate radio station - Amsterdam'

Quote of the day:

"You can if you think you can."

*

FENON J RODRIGUEZ -

GUEST FILM PRODUCER

G'day guys,

Today I have the pleasure to introduce a film producer and line producer at Strawberry Productions in India - Fenon J Rodriguez.  SP (Strawberry Productions) is a Mumbai based film production company, which works towards developing a meaningful ambiance to produce high quality feature films in Hindi and Tamil - which appeal to an international level of audience.

With an experience of more than 12 years in this line of Production, Fenon has branched out and entered into Line Production, providing production services for production companies across the globe, to shoot their AD films & Feature film projects in Thailand & Indonesia. In a very short span of time, SP has grown to become one of the comprehensive media production services providers in Thailand & Indonesia, with its marketing team in Mumbai. SP provide's concept-to-completion for feature film production, advertising, advertising production company and fully fledged equipment packages. SP is owner-operated and also liaises with other countries other than Thailand and Indonesia.

Welcome, Fenon. Tell us how it all began.

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR FILM-MAKING JOURNEY.

I come from a simple Middle Class family, based in Chennai (Madras) in Tamil Nadu, South India. Though, my roots are from Kerala, South India. None of my family member's or near relatives are part of media or anything to do with a media background.

I completed my pre-college (12th) and got into doing my basic Architectural course, I was always a bit different from others in my class, getting involved with my stream of course, I was more eager to gain practical knowledge, rather just restrict myself into just theory. And seeing my excitement, my professor who also was a renowned Architect in chennai, offered me a job to work has his apprentice. While working I happen to meet a lot of high profile clients and worked on their projects and that's when I met Mr. ManiRatnam. one of India's popular and renowned feature film Director, who's films have been internationally acclaimed.

After few interactions with him, he offered a job under his new company "Madras Talkies" a production banner, which was yet to be started. I have no clue, how did I manage to say yes to his offer and joined his company leaving behind my Architectural career.

I completed my course, immediately joined "Madras Talkies" his company in the year 1997 at the age of 19. Started from grass root level, from Production Co-ordinator to Executive Producer in matter of 8 years and completed 8 feature film in Tamil and Hindi Language.

I started working with Mani Ratnam, I also managed to completed my graduation in Economics and MBA in marketing.  My practical knowledge of film making and journey started there under the guidance of Mr.Mani Ratnam, Mr. G. Srinivasan and Mrs. Suhasini Mani Ratnam.

In 2006 I moved to Mumbai, the city of Bollywood, to explore my dreams, I started from scratch and slowly made my own contact and connections and managed to start my own company.

Copyright - Clancy Tucker (c)

WERE YOU INTERESTED IN FILMS AS A KID?

I was a never a film buff or watched movies in my childhood. It was never a passion nor a obsession to be part of this line of work. Its still a puzzle how I ended up here.

WHEN AND HOW DID YOU BECOME A PRODUCER?

I resigned my job under Madras Talkies in the year 2006 and moved from Chennai (Madras) to Mumbai (Bombay). It was practically a totally different scenario of working compared to where I came from. Bollywood was big and the responsibility and the struggle was even bigger. Again started from scratch, worked as Production Manager in Hindi feature films until I attained the title of Executive Producer. The day I felt I am confident to become a producer I wanted to make sure of what I am doing.

Finally in 2011, I joined hands with a very close friend Vishal Singh, we both started this partnership company under the name "Strawberry Productions".

 WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
There is something that pushes us to do what we do. Its never just the money that we earn. Some call it passion and its pure magic out here.

This line of business comes with its share stress and tensions. The adrenal and this chaos always pays back when see the final product. Its like giving birth to a child all the pain disappears when you see you baby in your arms.

WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING ABOUT BEING A PRODUCER?

The job profile is to get every single detail in place to make things happen. Its like a snow ball, if one single element goes wrong the following gets over lapped and becomes a chaos to handle.

DO YOU WORK FOR YOURSELF, OTHERS OR BOTH?
We work on our own terms and do feature films which we feel its proper and sensible and entertaining cinema with a pinch of its financial benefits.

Our Line Production department takes up work for others mostly, we take up projects which are ready to execute. And complete them at a budget that suites the client.

WHAT WERE YOU IN A PAST LIFE, BEFORE YOU BECAME INVOLVED IN MAKING FILMS?
I completed my pre-college (12th) and got into doing my basic Architectural course, I was always a bit different from others in my class, getting involved with my stream of course, I was more eager to gain practical knowledge, rather just restrict myself into just theory. And seeing my excitement, my professor who also was a renowned Architect in chennai, offered me a job to work has his apprentice.

While working I happen to meet a lot of high profile clients and worked on their projects and that's when I met Mr.Mani Ratnam. one of India's popular and renowned feature film Director, who's films have been internationally acclaimed. After few interactions with him, he offered a job under his new company "Madras Talkies" a production banner, which was yet to be started. I have no clue, how did I manage to say yes to his offer and joined his company leaving behind my Architectural career.

When I started working with Mani Ratnam, I also managed to complete my graduation in Economics and MBA in marketing.

 WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?

I won't say I have achieved anything yet there are a lot of things I want to accomplish.

WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AT THE MOMENT?

We are working on 2 feature film projects, one in Tamil language and 1 in Hindi Language.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU?

The art of story telling and entertaining never ends there is always something new that's grooves the media to different heights.

WHAT DO YOU PREFER TO FILM?

More realistic and less fiction, I feel that a person who spends money and time to watch your film should be satisfied and be able to relate to what you want to convey on the big screen.

DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR EMERGING PRODUCERS?

Start from scratch, spend more time in learning the process of this business. Be prepared to face problems and have a back-up plan for everything. Always plan and be ready with your homework for anything.

WHAT IS THE MOST EXOTIC DESTINATION IN WHICH YOU HAVE WORKED?

Every new location is exotic to me and every new location I go is breath taking in its own way.

DO YOU HAVE A PREFERRED SCHEDULE?

Start early and complete on time. Communicate clearly what you want to do and try to make sure everything is in place to complete them as per schedule.

DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE PLACE OR TIME TO FILM?

Anything out of the city is a favourite place and anytime starting early in the morning is the rite time.

WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST JOY IN YOUR WORK?
To see the completed film on the big screen and listen to the audience enjoy what you have created and delivered.

 DO YOU PRODUCE DOCUMENTARIES, FEATURE FILMS OR ANYTHING THAT COMES ALONG?

Though I love to do real life documentaries I haven't been able to do so till date.

Copyright - Clancy Tucker (c)

HAVE YOU MADE COMMERCIALS AND VIDEO CLIPS?

Yes, have managed to make a few.

HAVE YOU MADE UNDERWATER FILMS?

Not yet, but love to work on one soon.

WRITERS ARE SOMETIMES INFLUENCED BY THINGS THAT HAPPEN IN THEIR OWN LIVES. ARE YOU AS A PRODUCER?

We take our narration style and story telling on a script level which in some way co-relates and influenced by our personal experiences. The part of you will always remain in whatever you do that's why we call them signature pattern of work.

HOW MANY FILMS HAVE YOU PRODUCED?
Till date I have produced 3 feature films in Hindi.

HAVE YOU WON ANY PRIZES OR AWARDS?
Haven't struck the code yet but waiting for the right moment.

OTHER THAN MAKING FILMS, WHAT ELSE DO YOU LOVE?
I love Painting, listing to music and Gardening..

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DAY.
Wakeup early, my black tea, sit in my balcony enjoy the lovely sounds of nature and then start my day with a fresh mind to face the things that follow during the course of the day.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
Movies, Movies and more entertaining movies to produce.

 IF YOU MADE A FILM FOR THE LEADERS OF THE WORLD, WHAT WOULD IT BE ABOUT?
I think a lot of film makers have explored and experimented on this topic. I am sure nothing has changed anything nor will it change or make a difference to them. Now a days the common man knows more than he can chew. So let me serve him something he will enjoy, something fun, something new and different. Let him not curse me after paying his hard earned money to watch a film that I make on world leaders ...

*

So, you know who to contact if you need a hard working film producer who has worked his way up. Thanks for dropping by, Fenon. Love ya work! - CT

Keep writing ... and filming!


I'm Clancy Tucker.

*

Clancy Tucker’s Book Appeal – McGrath Foundation

Clancy Tucker - Victoria x 1 paperback

 Jasha Levi  - NJ, USA - x 3 eBooks

Kim Stedman - Western Australia x 1 paperback

Kathleen O'Dwyer - Western Australia x 1 paperback

Peter Frederick - Victoria x 1 paperback

Sylvia Massara - Sydney – 5 sets of 4 novels

Errol Broome - Victoria x 4 books

Cindy C Bennett - Salt Lake City, USA - multiple eBooks

M. C. V. Egan - USA - multiple eBooks

Dr. Judith O'Malley-Ford - Queensland - 1 x paperback

Julie Murphy – Victoria – 2 x books

Michelle Worthington – Queensland - 3 x books

Rune Woodman – Sydney – 2 x books

  Katie Flannigan – Victoria – 1 book

*

THIS BLOG SUPPORTS NATIONAL YEAR OF READING 2012.