Thai Oscar Entry ‘Not Friends’ Kicks Off Salty-Damai First Look Deal
Salty Pictures, a renowned film and TV studio based in Hong Kong, has recently inked a first look deal with Damai Entertainment, a prominent Chinese entertainment company, to collaborate on a series of Chinese-themed films with global appeal. The partnership commences with the development of “Not Friends,” a Mandarin-language adaptation of a popular Thai coming-of-age comedy-drama that was Thailand’s official entry for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards.
Leading the charge under this new deal is Gao Xiaosong, a versatile creative talent with a rich background in music, film, television, and producing. Gao, known for hits like “My Old Classmate” and projects such as “My Kingdom” and “3 Body Problem,” will serve as executive producer for “Not Friends.” Joining him on the production team is Baz Poonpiriya, the director behind acclaimed films like “Bad Genius” and “One for the Road.”
Damai Entertainment will provide financial support for the film, which is set to start filming in Hangzhou later this year. The project is being packaged by UTA, with casting currently in progress. The storyline of “Not Friends” revolves around a high school student who embarks on a project to create a memorial film for a deceased classmate, despite having little connection to the individual. The Chinese adaptation will reimagine the tale in a university setting within a fictional Chinese city while maintaining the essence of the original plot.
Salty Pictures’ CEO, Jonah Greenberg, expressed excitement about the partnership with Damai Entertainment, emphasizing the studio’s commitment to producing pan-Asian stories that resonate globally. Greenberg highlighted the significance of “Not Friends” as a narrative that transcends cultural boundaries and resonates with diverse audiences. Salty Pictures, known for projects like “Cave Rescue” and “Shadow,” prides itself on being a boutique studio dedicated to creating compelling film and television content.
Damai Entertainment, a technology-driven company specializing in immersive entertainment experiences, boasts a wide range of operations including film production, live performances, artist management, and more. The company’s newly launched mobile app offers ticketing services and content discovery features, further enhancing its reach in the entertainment industry.
The original film’s producer, GDH, is a renowned Thai studio with a track record of international success. GDH’s portfolio includes acclaimed titles like “Bad Genius,” “The Paradise of Thorns,” and “How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies,” which have garnered critical acclaim and accolades on the global stage.
Overall, the collaboration between Salty Pictures and Damai Entertainment signifies a strategic move towards creating culturally diverse and engaging content that resonates with audiences worldwide. As production on “Not Friends” gets underway, anticipation is high for the success of this Chinese adaptation of a beloved Thai film.
