Latest news with #BlingEmpire:NewYork
Bangkok Post
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Bangkok Post
Blueprint for global success
The Thailand Creative Culture Agency (THACCA) was established as a result of the success of Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA), which develops cultural and entertainment content that can achieve global influence and lead to economic benefits. THACCA aims to drive Thailand's creative economy in 14 industries including film, TV series, festivals, art and sports. Recently, the THACCA organised the event "Splash Soft Power Forum" at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) to drive the economy, to push soft power strategies and collaborate with local and international organisations. At the visionary stage, the forum "Actors Without Borders: The Role of Performers in a World Where Stories Know No Boundaries" revealed experiences of two Thai performers -- Pirat "Mike" Nitipaisalkul and Nam Laks on the international stage. Pirat, better known as Mike, rose to fame as Golf Mike during his teenage years. He became an established actor in Thailand with many successful TV drama series such as Full House and Kiss Me. In 2015, he started working in China on the TV series Wu Xin: The Monster Killer and has acted in many Chinese TV series since then. In 2018, he became the first Thai actor to win the Foreign Artist of the Year Award at the Weibo Fan Festival which highlights his popularity in China. With his acting talent, Mike became a supporting actor in a 2021 Hollywood action movie The Misfits; Pierce Brosnan also starred in the film. Meanwhile, Nam Laks was a cast member in the Netflix reality TV show Bling Empire: New York in 2023. The programme presents the opulent lifestyle of Asians and Asian-Americans in New York. Nam is the daughter of Nakorn Laksanakarn, a Thai millionaire in the real estate and hospitality industries. MR Chalermchatri Yukol, chairman of the National Soft Power Development Subcommittee for film, documentaries, animation and TV series, was one of the forum speakers who talked about THACCA's policies on how to develop an ecosystem in the film and TV industry to support Thai performers. The forum kicked off when Pirat spoke about his debut in China in 2015. Pirat said it was not an easy path and he went when he could not speak the language. "The barrier for me that time was the language and cultural assumptions, but I went anyway. My first series was a wuxia Chinese show, so the language was very hard. I did not know what was going to happen. I just took the risk and it was worth it because that led me to more projects in China, more fame and I got to be in a Hollywood film. An actor needs to set goals which makes them realise what they are doing it for. I enjoy working in China. To be honest, the system is better than in Thailand," said Pirat. Unlike Pirat, Nam was not in films. She revealed that she became a cast member of Bling Empire: New York because a friend introduced her to a scout. "I was studying in New York at the time. My friends were friends with the scout who was looking for cast members for the reality TV series. They hooked us up and there were interviews and auditions. It was a very long process and I think I was kind of lucky," explained Nam. Although called a reality show, viewers wondered whether it was scripted or not. "It was unscripted, but at the end of the day, a TV show is a TV show. There was a lot of improvisation. They kept the cameras rolling until they got what they wanted. If they did not get what they wanted, they would stop and moved on to something else. It was an interesting experience, but at this point, I prefer to transition into a fictional character rather than perform in a reality show." said Nam. There are only a few Thai actors who have made it to international TV series and films. Chalermchatri admitted that it is difficult for Thai actors to achieve international success because the Thai film and TV industry does not have adequate infrastructure to support actors on international platforms. "I attend an event in Singapore almost every year. Last year, I found that Indonesian, Filipino, Singaporean and Taiwanese actors are very good. They have good posture and speak three or four languages. Thus, they are able to match with other production houses. They have been in the industry long enough that they can land a job in other places besides their own country," said Chalermchatri. "However, Thailand does not have companies, agents and talent managers. We do not have the needed infrastructure for actors such as publicists, law firms and entertainment lawyers. These people are vital in helping propel an actor abroad. This is sad and we need to change." Pirat revealed that he enjoyed working in China more than Thailand because China provides structural support. "When I work in Chinese and Hollywood films, I do not feel as tired as when I film in Thailand. In Thailand, I used to work until 4am and at 6am they called me up again. In China and Hollywood, we only work 10 hours or 12 hours a day or eight hours some days because they have a budget. Therefore, actors do not feel tired and we can focus more on the acting, script and production. In Thailand, if I ask for a trailer, they will think I am high maintenance. However, I require it because it helps to have a quiet place to focus on the script and be ready for the next scene." As a cast member who worked in an international environment, Nam said there was someone to take care of her individually. "They asked for your opinion. They would push you, but they would respect your boundaries. There was someone that you could go to and they would speak to the director or the producers for you." Chalermchatri, who also has a role as a TV series director, said that he is working on a show and they film 12 hours rather than 16, so they have at least a turnaround of 12 hours. Moreover, he said it would take time for people to understand about reducing workload because crew members have to change their mindset. "It is a work in progress. Within three to five years, I think people will see a big transition from trying to push things very hard 24 hours a day, seven days a week until health becomes a concern. It doesn't come by just having a good mindset. It also needs regulations and education. The education system needs to change, so that people who study in film schools can provide this support," said Chalermchatri. "Additionally, we need to train more people. If we need someone to take care of actors and/or cast members one on one, this means we need to train more people to be able to support them. We also need to build ecosystems. We should have a competitive market, so that movie ticket prices go down. The production can reach out instead of having only one or two companies set their own ticket prices. We have to look at the big picture, so we can start to strategise and proceed step by step. Things are still in progress, because it is not like one size fits all. There will be many solutions, new policies and many changes. We hope to show how we can transform the industry and hope people follow us on
Daily Mirror
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
7 reality shows to binge if you can't wait for The Real Housewives of London
The Real Housewives of London has confirmed its line-up, but the series won't be hitting screens until later this year The Real Housewives of London is set to take the city by storm with its newly unveiled cast, promising a dose of high drama and opulent lifestyles. Following the phenomenal success of the original Real Housewives series that began in Orange County back in 2006, the franchise has finally made its way to London after captivating audiences worldwide with various local versions. Expect a whirlwind of fierce showdowns, enviable fashion statements, and a glimpse into the extravagant homes of six affluent figures as they navigate their high-society circles and the tumultuous events that unfold. Confirmed to grace our screens are Juliet Angus of Ladies of London fame, model Amanda Cronin, Karen Loderick-Peace from Real Housewives of Jersey, ex-beauty queen Juliet Mayhew, socialite Pantha Parker, and entrepreneur Nessie Welschinger. Although filming kicked off in March, fans will have to wait until later in the year to get their fix of the London elite's antics. Meanwhile, for those who've devoured every episode of the Real Housewives from Beverly Hills to Cheshire, here's a list of seven other reality shows to quench your thirst for more glitz and glamour. Bling Empire: New York The Netflix hit Bling Empire: New York offered viewers a peek into the lives of wealthy Asian-American New Yorkers showcasing their wealth and style. The show brought together a cast of fashion icons, heirs and heiresses, business moguls, designers, and magazine editors, earning the tag of "crazy rich Asians" in real life by Netflix. This spin-off from the LA-based series was a hit, but in 2023 it was confirmed that neither version would be returning for more seasons. Crafted by the creators of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, Bling Empire: New York showcased the stars splashing their cash on designer shopping sprees, attending glitzy parties and events, globetrotting, and managing their multi-billion pound businesses, all while uncovering the drama and secrets amongst them. Selling Sunset For some of the most eye-popping outfits ever seen on Netflix, Selling Sunset is your go-to. The series, which has aired eight seasons to date, trails the estate agents of the Oppenheimer Group and the scandals they find themselves embroiled in. Between drooling over jaw-dropping LA mansions, anticipate dramatic face-offs and endless tittle-tattle. Dubai Bling Dubai Bling delves into the lives of some of the city's wealthiest, revealing a group of millionaires flaunting their businesses, cars, designer labels and opulent homes. It wouldn't be a Netflix reality series without a dash of drama, as friendships crumble and alliances are forged amidst lies, envy and shocking disclosures. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives The second series of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives landed on Disney+ just last month, charting the volatile relationships of several Mormon content creators from Utah, known as Mom Tok. After allegations of swinging and affairs were made public in 2022 by Taylor Frankie Paul, a spotlight was cast on her friendship circle, who now air their dirty linen in a reality series. Featuring fiery rows and marital meltdowns, confessions and accusations of infidelity, the forthcoming third series promises to be as explosive as ever. Below Deck The Bravo series Below Deck, which has since spawned numerous spin-offs, first hit our screens in 2013, documenting the lives of crew members working on a luxury yacht. From guests moaning and criticising, to staff showdowns and heated arguments, there's never a dull moment on board. The Below Deck franchise has since won over audiences globally and received several Primetime Emmy Award nominations. Vanderpump Villa Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Lisa Vanderpump launched a series of her own spin-off shows following her dramatic exit from the Housewives. Vanderpump Villa, the fifth show after Vanderpump Rules, unveils the lives of her staff working in her posh French villa, Chateau Rosabelle, with drama stemming from the tensions of the crew living and working together. Ladies of London Over a decade before she started filming for The Real Housewives of London, Juliet Angus first appeared in Ladies of London. The reality series followed the lives of six British socialites and American expats juggling their families, businesses and social lives. Bravo declared in 2017 that there wouldn't be a fourth season of the show, only to surprise fans last month by announcing its return with "a new wave of British blue bloods, ambitious American expats and glamorous international socialites". The press release sparked interest with: "As tradition clashes with the fast-paced globalised world, these power players redefine what it means to be a woman of status in one of the most iconic cities in the world. Here connections are currency and the crown isn't the only thing up for grabs."
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Yahoo
Skier's death after crash at Keystone Resort investigated
DENVER (KDVR) — A man died after a crash while skiing at the Keystone Resort on Tuesday, authorities reported. The skier has not been identified. The death was reported by the Summit County Sheriff's Office on Monday evening, which said special operations technicians, who also serve as deputy coroners, responded to the resort at about 4 p.m. Tuesday. Father shares impact of Thornton traveling nurse's death in Montana river Preliminary information gathered shows the skier, who is from the Front Range, was speeding down the Haywood trail, which leads to the area near the base of the Peru Express ski lift. The sheriff's office said the male skier lost control, left the trail and collided with a padded light pole. The Keystone Ski Patrol responded to the crash and provided life-saving measures before he was transported to Keystone Medical Center. At the center, he was pronounced dead. 'Our hearts go out to the family and friends affected by this tragic loss,' said Summit County Sheriff Jaime FitzSimons in a release. The agency said that the skier was wearing a helmet and was the only person involved in the crash. There is no evidence of foul play or intoxication, the sheriff's office reported. It's far from the first snow-sports death during the 2024-25 winter season. Earlier this month, a snowboarder was found dead after he was missing for weeks at Vail Mountain. In January, a 22-year-old woman was killed after skiing into a tree on the Exhibition ski run at Aspen Highlands. Additionally, Lynn Ban, the star of Netflix's reality show 'Bling Empire: New York' died weeks after a skiing accident in Aspen, which prompted emergency brain surgery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Man killed in Aspen ski crash remembered for quiet demeanor, adventurous spirit
DENVER (KDVR) — A 76-year-old man of both Houston and Aspen died in a skiing accident on Feb. 26 in Aspen and is being remembered for his quiet demeanor and adventurous spirit. According to an obituary marking his life, Clifford Hastings 'Hasty' Johnson 'died doing something he loved in a place he loved.' Skier partially buried, injured in avalanche near Ophir as CAIC calls conditions 'spooky' An Aspen Skiing Co. spokesperson provided a brief statement to FOX31 after the Pitkin County Coroner's Office identified Johnson following his crash. 'We can confirm that Hasty Johnson suffered a fall in Highlands Bowl yesterday, February 26,' the ski resort spokesperson said. 'An Aspen Highlands paramedic patroller was on-site and responded immediately. The patroller called in a helicopter for assistance in transportation to Aspen Valley Hospital. Hasty had a long history here in Aspen and will be remembered fondly. Our hearts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.' Johnson retired from Hines, a global real estate investment management firm, as Vice Chairman in 2023, boasting a 45-year career wherein he initiated the firm's acquisition program and investment management business, according to his obituary, which was originally published in the Houston Chronicle. Johnson was remembered for his humor in the face of inclement circumstances, and for his adventures while hiking, skiing, rock climbing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, biking, fishing and bird hunting, as well as diving into the coral reefs of the South Pacific and fishing in Matagorda Bay. 'This quiet man will speak volumes to all who knew and loved him for the rest of our lives, as we attempt to model his competence, humility and adventurous spirit,' the family wrote in Johnson's obituary. Family of man killed in Berthoud Pass avalanche say his legacy of kindness will live on The obituary noted that Johnson is survived by his wife of 46 years, Edith 'Sis' Johnson; two daughters; and three siblings. A memorial service is planned to be held in Houston. This is not Aspen's first ski death of the season. In January, a 22-year-old woman was killed after skiing into a tree on the Exhibition ski run at Aspen Highlands. Additionally, Lynn Ban, the star of Netflix's reality show 'Bling Empire: New York' died weeks after a skiing accident in Aspen, which prompted emergency brain surgery. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Teddi Mellencamp, 'RHOBH' alum, has urgent brain surgery after multiple-tumor diagnosis
Teddi Mellencamp was scheduled for brain surgery Wednesday only a day after learning that recent headaches were the result of multiple brain tumors. "For the last several weeks I've been dealing with severe and debilitating headaches. Yesterday the pain was unbearable and required hospitalization," the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" veteran, who is also rocker John Mellencamp's daughter, wrote Wednesday on Instagram. "After a CT scan and MRI, doctors found multiple tumors on my brain, which they believe have been growing for at least 6 months." Teddi, who filed for divorce from second husband Edwin Arroyave in November, posted videos in her Instagram stories showing her having her blond hair shaved off in the hospital and later telling brother Hud Mellencamp that her new "lewk" was giving his close-shorn 'do a "run for [his] money." Read more: Lynn Ban, 'Bling Empire: New York' star and jewelry designer, dies after brain surgery Hud reposted the video with a note indicating he would "get her faded up" when she was ready. Teddi Mellencamp's final video, taken minutes before she was scheduled to head toward the OR, showed a handful of family and friends hanging out with her in her hospital room. In her statement, she thanked them and her healthcare pros — the doctors, nurses and surgeons — for doing "everything possible" to help her get better. "Two of the tumors will be surgically removed today," she explained in her statement. "The remaining smaller tumors will be dealt with via radiation at a later date." She checked in last summer with a report about the excision of a couple of new melanoma spots, writing on social media at the time, 'I have felt a little something in my neck and in my back, so anxiety is pretty high, because I didn't feel these things before.' Mellencamp was first diagnosed with skin cancer in 2022. She was a main cast member on "RHOBH" from 2017 to 2020 and appeared as a guest star for a few seasons after that. "The Real Housewives of Orange County" featured her as a guest on a couple of episodes as well. Sign up for Screen Gab, a free newsletter about the TV and movies everyone's talking about from the L.A. Times. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
