Just a few episodes after its release, Alien: Earth has made a significant impact on the global entertainment industry, reaffirming Thailand’s potential as a top destination for world-class productions.
The decision to film in Thailand wasn’t a coincidence. It was a clear demonstration of the country’s readiness, from its international-standard infrastructure and highly experienced personnel to its efficient working systems, all of which can flawlessly support large-scale, complex, and high-investment productions. “This is the kind of opportunity that doesn’t always come by, So we knew this is something that we had to grab and work towards and make it happen.”, said Apinat ‘Obb’ Siricharoenjit, Line Producer of Living Films.
To transform Thailand into the futuristic headquarters of Prodigy Corporation, the world’s most influential technology leader, Living Films’ team of over 10 professional location scouts spent months meticulously searching for the most suitable locations.
Tunyod ‘Yod’ Kulviroj, the Location Manager, explained the process, stating, “We spent months scouting locations, blending imagination with experience while ensuring our vision aligned with the director and production designer to bring the world of our series to life.” He added, “Setting the series in a futuristic Thailand adds a fresh, unexpected twist to the look of future Earth.”
In the past, Thailand’s on-screen image was often linked to its stunning natural landscapes—lush jungles, azure seas, and pristine white-sand beaches—serving as backdrops for tropical-themed films or stories reflecting a developing world. However, Alien: Earth shatters this perception, fully transforming Thailand into “New Siam” and establishing it as a backdrop for a full-blown sci-fi future.
Bangkok
A major global metropolis, is a city of towering skyscrapers, luxury, and modernity. But what sets it apart is the unique way of life that is an inseparable part of the city, from street food to diverse architecture and an intriguing city plan. The seamless integration of road, boat, and rail transport makes the city a perfect setting. One scene that captivated audiences and highlighted the location team’s challenge was the Maginot spaceship crash sequence in the heart of the city. “We shot in a giant parking lot right in the center of Bangkok, with giant buildings all around us.” said Chris Lowenstein, founder and producer of Living Films, in ‘On-Set Dispatches: Creating the Crash Sequence’ on the FX Networks Channel. The city’s standout feature is its versatility, with a mix of historic buildings and modern high-rises, offering unlimited potential in every corner. If you’re used to seeing alien invasions in cities like New York or San Francisco, you’ll have to think again, because no other place is as perfect for an “abrupt landing” as Bangkok. “After Alien: Earth comes out, you will think of Thailand when you think of science fiction,” Chris added.
Audiences also get to see the interior of the Prodigy building after the crash. Even though it was an indoor shoot, it wasn’t easy to find a building that met the requirements and was also suitable for simultaneously building parts of the spaceship. “We weren’t just looking for a place that matched the director’s vision; we also had to consider its practicality for handling a production of this scale,” Rattachai “Max” Arunaditya, Assistant Location Manager, told Living Films about their method for scouting locations with potential.
Beyond Bangkok’s modern metropolis, the production team also utilized several natural locations. Khao Sam Roi Yot National Park, Ao Nam, and Ko Tao were used to create the awe-inspiring atmosphere of Prodigy Neverland Island, the experimental base where horror unfolds. This shows that there are numerous areas across Thailand with sufficient potential for creative art production.
Surat Thani
Known as the “City of a Hundred Islands” Surat Thani offers a diverse range of locations, from large, well-equipped islands like Koh Samui to lush, ancient rainforests and massive dams with world-class scenic views. With international airports in both Samui and Surat Thani, travel is easy and fast.
Krabi
A top destination for foreign tourists visiting Thailand drawn by the beauty of its southern seas. What many might not know is that Krabi is also called the “City of Limestone Mountains.” Amidst the turquoise sea, towering limestone cliffs stand majestically. People often fall in love with the fine white-sand beaches and endless coastlines. Krabi has it all, but it truly offers a breathtaking landscape where natural elements are perfectly arranged.
Samutprakarn
It’s not just about physical locations; Thailand is also equipped with world-class studios. “Thai people did it!” Chris Lowenstein said at the ‘In Conversation with… Creators of FX’s Alien: Earth’ event on August 5th, which was hosted by Disney to give over 100 Thai film students and aspiring filmmakers a chance to learn and get inspired by understanding the process of working with a global production. Inside the MAGINOT spaceship of the Weyland-Yutani corporation, viewers will witness intricate and stunning details. All of this was created under the roof of Studio Park, Thailand’s largest film studio, which is perfectly suited to support massive productions and bring to life both complex interior sets and large-scale scenes requiring precise control.
With the Thailand Film Office facilitating the process for foreign crews, the permit and paperwork process was seamless, allowing the production to focus on creative work without interruption. For nearly three decades, Living Films has stood as a trusted partner for global studios, offering comprehensive services, seamless coordination with government agencies, and deep expertise that ensures every vision is perfectly translated onto the screen.
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