Infrastructure development lures projects
The biggest driver behind the expansion of Cambodia as a location has been the upgrading of filming facilities. For the first time, lighting, grip, equipment and crew are available -- and are expanding shoot by shoot.
"The number of foreign projects in the country has multiplied by four over the last two years and demand is constantly rising." says Cedric Eloy, CEO of the Cambodia Film Commission.
In the past two years, Cambodia has hosted features, docus and skeins from France, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Australia, the U.S., India and Singapore.The biggest project by far was "Transformers: Dark of the Moon," the third in the franchise, which shot at the Angkor Wat temple complex.
The commission has been working to train Cambodians and enable more Hollywood and other foreign projects in the country, and focusing on providing the kind of crew that a production expects to source locally.
Cambodia now provides assistants for all departments and even some key crew people in a few areas. There is also an improved understanding of the benefits that foreign productions can bring.
"Cambodia offers a very authentic Asia that is now accessible as the production sector becomes more organized," says Eloy. "The CFC guides productions and the Ministry of Culture facilitates film permits and customs paperwork."
Casting has also improved, and Cambodia can offer good secondary roles.
Variety
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