R.S. Promotion moves into TV land

Music company creates more affiliates to facilitate crossover

Bangkok Post, 7th May 2003
PENCHAN PHOBORISUT

When it comes to the name R.S. Promotion, we often think of beautiful young singers and the music that dominates the market and radio stations. But now the company has fully spread its wings into show business with _ believe it or not _ six subsidiary companies producing music videos, soap operas, game shows, variety shows and feature films.

Back in 1997, R.S. ventured into the television frontier with Insee Daeng (The Red Eagle), which aired on Channel 7. Shadow Entertainment and Magic Advertainment were the first two pilot companies that brought soap operas to Channel 3 and 7 with big hits like Tee Yai and Rak Prakasit-Puchitch Narisara, among others.

It is understandable why R.S. has moved into television. With a number of gorgeous singers on hand, it's easy for R.S. to cast them as leads in its TV productions when they are free from promoting their albums and concerts. The advantages of doing so are greater than the disadvantages. Audiences love it since they can see their idols on a daily basis.

Many singers have become busier with acting than with singing. Lead singer Somchai ``Tao'' Khemklad does five or six productions a year and has been seen in the recent dramas Suk Rob Suk Rak on Channel 3 and Fun Klang Tawan on Channel 7. Tana ``Oil'' Suthikamol of the famed duo Lift & Oil is so popular on TV that he returns again and again. He has recently been seen on Mae Khun Eeuy on Channel 7 and Neung Ruthai on Channel 3.

The success of the crossover has led the music company to invest more heavily in TV shows. After its debut four years ago, the company sprouted three more affiliate companies: Red Drama, Aladdin House and Film Search. Nakasia, which was founded last year, is the latest affiliate.

All six companies produce mainly soap operas. According to PR manager Sutthinun Sichaisak, ``The reason why we have this many companies is because R.S. would like to expand its business in regards to the growing number of the time slots offered by more channels.''

With more than 50 actors, R.S. now aims to produce at least 20 programmes for five different channels: Channels 3, 5, 7, 9 and ITV.

``For soaps alone we have time slots on Channels 3, 7 and ITV,'' Sutthinun added. ``More than half of the productions will be aired on Channel 3.''

Game shows and variety shows from R.S. affiliates:

- Channel 3: Shock Game, Wela Ta Sien, Zoo Peun Rak Sad Lok

- Channel 5: Buddy Ta Dual, Lok Seuy Wan Ung Karn, TV Relax

- Channel 9: Nine At Nine Variety, Ong Sa 9, Young Street

Upcoming soap operas from R.S. affiliates:

- Channel 3: Botan (Johnnie Enfone, Kulasatree Siripongprida), Pai Gum Ploeng (Somchai Klemglad, Natarika Dharmapreedanun), Buddha Nuparb (Sornram Theppitak, Sujira Arunpipat), Khu Kam (Sornram Theppitak) and Khu Kam 2 (Woradech Danuwong), Hak Liam Phrakarn (Sornram Theppitak, Rinlanee Sripen), Ga Wao Tee Bang Pleng (Pongpat Vachirabanjong, Kulasatree Siripongprida)

- Channel 7: Jone Plon Jai (Sornram Theppitak, Manatsanun Phanlerdwongsakul)

- ITV: Dao Mangkorn (Panu Suwanno, Deborah C. Vejajiva)