Robin's Thailand Blog

Focus: acting with my son Gandhi, father–son acting, acting with kids, acting in Bangkok There’s a special kind of truth that appears when you act with a child: they don’t perform, they play. In this video I step on camera with my son, Gandhi, to explore how play and presence turn simple moments into honest performance. Why acting with a child unlocks honest performance Children live moment to moment. Ask for “sad,” they don’t fake a tear—they feel one, then bounce back. That’s the craft: presence, breath, and listening. As Meisner reminds us, acting is truthful behavior under imaginary circumstances—and kids are naturals at truthful behavior. What we did in this session - Warm-ups that invite laughter: loosen the jaw, hum, and shake out the body so breath leads the scene. - Role-switch improv: Gandhi directs Papa; I take his notes (yes, he’s blunt—and right). - Listening games: say a line, let the eyes finish the thought before the next breath. Try this at home (micro-dr...

If you work across cultures, understanding Thai vs Western acting gives you an edge: you’ll adapt faster, perform with clarity, and book more roles.Actors in Thailand, Southeast Asia, and international markets often feel the style shift between Thai vs Western acting. Thai mainstream performance (especially Lakorn) loves high expression, musical timing, and bold stakes. Western screen acting leans into micro-behavior, silence, and close-up truth. This guide shows you the practical differences, common mistakes, and simple drills to blend both approaches so you can work confidently on any set. Watch: Thai vs Western Acting (Full Breakdown) Press play to see live examples and on-camera drills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMTO2QkBv0o Table of Contents - Expression Scale: Micro vs. Macro - Timing & Pace: Simmer vs. Sizzle - Status, Etiquette & Eye-lines on Thai Sets - Dialogue Rhythm & Breath - Common Mistakes (and Quick Fixes) - Practical Drill...

If you work across cultures, understanding Thai vs Western acting gives you an edge: you’ll adapt faster, perform with clarity, and book more roles. Actors in Thailand, Southeast Asia, and international markets often feel the style shift between Thai vs Western acting. Thai mainstream performance (especially Lakorn) loves high expression, musical timing, and bold stakes. Western screen acting leans into micro-behavior, silence, and close-up truth. This guide shows you the practical differences, common mistakes, and simple drills to blend both approaches so you can work confidently on any set. Watch: Thai vs Western Acting (Full Breakdown) Press play to see live examples and on-camera drills: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vMTO2QkBv0o Table of Contents - Expression Scale: Micro vs. Macro - Timing & Pace: Simmer vs. Sizzle - Status, Etiquette & Eye-lines on Thai Sets - Dialogue Rhythm & Breath - Common Mistakes (and Quick Fixes) - Practical Dril...

Acting for Different Genres in Thailand: Tips from Bangkok Film Sets (2025 Guide) Are you dreaming of acting in Thailand and wondering how to switch effortlessly between drama, comedy, and Thai soap operas? 🎬 In this post, I’ll share practical tips from my 20+ years working on film sets in Bangkok as both an actor and acting coach. You can also watch the full guide on my YouTube channel here: Why Genre Mastery Matters in Thailand’s Film Industry The Thai film industry is vibrant, fast-paced, and genre-diverse. As an actor in Bangkok, you might one day perform in a grounded drama and the next day land a part in a high-energy comedy or a lakorn (Thai soap opera). Directors and casting agents are looking for actors who can adapt quickly to different tones while maintaining truth and believability. That’s why mastering multiple genres is not optional—it’s essential. Acting in Drama: Emotional Truth on Camera Drama in Thailand often requires subtlety and depth. Unlike theater, the ca...

Shot in Bangkok, Thailand • July 2025 • Comedy • MasterClass Studio Alumni Watch the film: The End is a brand-new comedy short film created by talented alumni of MasterClass Studio Bangkok. Bringing together three powerful performers — Hélène, Geoff, and Bobby — the project delivers a unique and unforgettable take on comedy. Despite many challenges during production, the team’s passion and on-screen chemistry shine through, proving that creativity thrives under pressure. A Story Born from Collaboration One of the most inspiring aspects of The End is its collaborative spirit. From the first rehearsal, the connection between Hélène, Geoff, and Bobby was evident. That trust translated beautifully on camera, energizing each scene with timing, nuance, and bold choices that elevate the comedy beyond expectations. Behind the scenes, the film was supported by an outstanding crew — Guy, Mek, Man, and Bright. Their technical expertise in directing, camera work, and production ensured that th...

So you want to be an actor in Bangkok? But you're not sure where to start, your Thai is “work in progress,” and the only role you've played recently is “awkward foreigner #3 ordering noodles.” Well… cue dramatic spotlight. Your moment starts now. Watch the full video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYUOQuBui5k 🌟 Real Students. Real Success. Real Sass. At MasterClass Studio Bangkok, we don’t just teach acting—we launch actors. And sometimes with more drama than a soap opera (which is fitting, because one of our students landed a role in one!). - A complete beginner booked a national TV commercial after ONE showcase. - A quiet expat nailed improv and landed on a Thai soap set. - Many more now appear in student films, indie projects, and professional productions. These are real people who walked through our studio doors nervously… and walked out onto set. 🎭 What’s the Secret Sauce? It’s not mushrooms (though we’ve seen some wild scene work). It’s traini...

What if the safest place in the world suddenly felt dangerous? That’s the question The Babysitter asks – and answers – in just a few gripping minutes. This short thriller, directed by Jidapa Thassathan as part of her Independent Study for the Intensive Acting Course at MasterClass Studio in Bangkok, proves that passion, preparation, and vision can rival even big-budget productions. 🎥 Watch the full short film here: A Story Born from Dedication This was not just another student project. The Babysitter was crafted with care, patience, and countless rehearsals. Aim, as she’s known to her friends, didn’t just write and direct the film. She also stepped behind the camera as Director of Photography, alongside Rachanont Meethongklang. The result? A thriller that feels alive. Every shot breathes tension. Every moment counts. The Art of the Long Take In thrillers, timing is everything. The Babysitter uses long, continuous takes – shots that require perfect coordination between camera, ca...