A response from the producer, finally!" About "Belly of the Beast " !!
THE NATION
March 6, 2003
"A response from the producer, finally!
Published on Jun 3, 2003
John Thompson, producer of the “Belly of the Beast” starring Steven Seagal, currently being filmed in Thailand had this to say about my comments in the February 20 column.
Dear Ken,
Although I am not fully qualified to judge the present state of censorship for foreign productions in Thailand, I would like to set the record straight by correcting some major inaccuracies written in your column that directly relates to me and the film, “Belly of the Beast”.
First, we did not “bypass the system” and have applied for approval to the censorship board, as required by law, through the Thai production entity, AD Productions.
Secondly, Menahem Golan is not the producer of the film as you stated. Golan has no attachment to the film or to my company, and has nothing to do with this film.
My company, Nu Image UK Ltd, is financing this picture 100 per cent and directly employing AD Productions as the local service and production entity.
I might also add that the local co-operation and professionalism have been performed at a very high level, and that alone should be the key factor to attract foreign productions to Thailand.
As for Steven Seagal, he is presently in Thailand to do what he is best known for – to make a motion picture. The Mafia, the CIA, lawsuits with former partners and other negative innuendo are what you, the press, are best known for.
Not once has the above been part of our working relationship, nor interfered with the progress and good relationships that we are developing in this country, except in your article, which we respect and must learn to live with in harmony.
Thank you for accepting my response.
John Thompson
Producer of “Belly of the Beast”.
Dear John,
On checking with the Thai Film Office they are yet unaware of any application for the Steven Seagal film at this point. Thank you for correcting me on the fact that you are the producer.
As to media forays into the private lives of public figures, I guess that will always be an issue for open discussion.
As Seagal is presently in Thailand and the news is rife through the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand of his activities and associations, perhaps a visit by yourself, along with him, for a media conference could disburse any “rumours” you think are unfounded.
However, you being the producer, should be in a better position to know. I wish you, your crew and AD Production success and smooth shooting.
Ken"
********************************************
in oneness
THE NATION
March 6, 2003
"A response from the producer, finally!
Published on Jun 3, 2003
John Thompson, producer of the “Belly of the Beast” starring Steven Seagal, currently being filmed in Thailand had this to say about my comments in the February 20 column.
Dear Ken,
Although I am not fully qualified to judge the present state of censorship for foreign productions in Thailand, I would like to set the record straight by correcting some major inaccuracies written in your column that directly relates to me and the film, “Belly of the Beast”.
First, we did not “bypass the system” and have applied for approval to the censorship board, as required by law, through the Thai production entity, AD Productions.
Secondly, Menahem Golan is not the producer of the film as you stated. Golan has no attachment to the film or to my company, and has nothing to do with this film.
My company, Nu Image UK Ltd, is financing this picture 100 per cent and directly employing AD Productions as the local service and production entity.
I might also add that the local co-operation and professionalism have been performed at a very high level, and that alone should be the key factor to attract foreign productions to Thailand.
As for Steven Seagal, he is presently in Thailand to do what he is best known for – to make a motion picture. The Mafia, the CIA, lawsuits with former partners and other negative innuendo are what you, the press, are best known for.
Not once has the above been part of our working relationship, nor interfered with the progress and good relationships that we are developing in this country, except in your article, which we respect and must learn to live with in harmony.
Thank you for accepting my response.
John Thompson
Producer of “Belly of the Beast”.
Dear John,
On checking with the Thai Film Office they are yet unaware of any application for the Steven Seagal film at this point. Thank you for correcting me on the fact that you are the producer.
As to media forays into the private lives of public figures, I guess that will always be an issue for open discussion.
As Seagal is presently in Thailand and the news is rife through the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand of his activities and associations, perhaps a visit by yourself, along with him, for a media conference could disburse any “rumours” you think are unfounded.
However, you being the producer, should be in a better position to know. I wish you, your crew and AD Production success and smooth shooting.
Ken"
********************************************
in oneness
