Cambodia put its location services on display in Hong Kong this afternoon, drawing attention to iconic landmarks such as Angkor Wat, putting stills of Angelina Jolie on screen as proof of its attractions, and highlighting a new location scouting programme that covers on-ground costs, including accommodation and guide for five days.  

Under the banner of “Cambodia, Your Next Film Destination”, government agency the Cambodia Film Commission presented a list of pros, including easy visa and film permit application processes, low production costs, a “stable and peaceful land with friendly smiling people” and a “supportive government”. 

Indie producers Campro Film Productions and Mediaload Pictures drew attention to a cost-effective, high productivity film environment. 

Indie studio Campro Film Productions’ exec producer, Heng Sreypich, presented two current projects – “The Crocodile Flag” and “The Ghost of Banana Tree”. 

Campro Film Production has been involved in 15 features since it was founded in 2003. 

Mediaload Pictures’ founder, Vichet In, said the company produces one film a month, with average budgets of US$100,000 per film. 

He presented five titles at Filmart, including projects with Indonesia, and said Cambodia presented between two and five times cost savings. 

Cambodia is a small market so we need to work with partners, In said, adding that  the country presented an opportunity to stretch budgets and minimise risk. 

Filmmaking doesn’t have to “be a lottery anymore,” he said.  

“We make filming easy and secure,” said the Cambodian Tourism Board’s Hato Sathya during the showcase. 

Five leading production houses are at Filmart under the Cambodian Tourism Board banner.