Avant plans film-business revamp

"There are many risk factors hitting the economy this year, so it is very important for us to restructure our businesses, particularly the film division, to cope with the economic slump," Surachai Chetchotisak, CEO of RS, said yesterday.

Komsan Chetchotisak, managing director of Sky-High Network, the radio arm of RS, will also become the managing director of Avant and oversee both the movie and radio businesses.

Surachai said Avant would purchase movie projects from directors and distribute them to the film market.

Avant will conduct market research by surveying consumers' needs to guide the company's new film projects.

"The film-business revamp is part of our new business model to be an integrated entertainment network. Avant also plans to make four to five movies this year.

"I expect that the film business will generate revenues of at least Bt200 million this year, an increase of 57 per cent from last year. The film business accounts for 8 per cent of RS's revenue," he said.