ThailandInsider Interviews Actor & Director Seth Green of Changeland
Read for a chance to win a Changeland Trip of a Lifetime to Thailand
Oftentimes, traveling is a way to not only explore different cultures and places, but also get a new outlook on life. About 10 years ago, renowned actor Seth Green experienced just this on a trip to Thailand with his best friend. This trip would come to inspire his directorial debut film, Changeland. Recently released in the US, Changeland recounts the tale of two estranged friends Brandon (Seth Green) and Dan (Breckin Meyer), who visit Thailand together and learn that there is no rule book to finding happiness or purpose in life. With a star-studded cast, including Macaulay Culkin, Brenda Song, Clare Grant, Rose Williams, Kedar Williams-Stirling, and Randy Orton, Seth Green created a film that showcases the beauty of Phuket, Phang-Nga, and Krabi, Thailand while teaching us to forge our own path towards personal fulfillment.
ThailandInsider caught up with Changeland’s writer and director Seth Green for a Q&A on his experience of writing and directing this feel-good, Thailand-featured film. Read through to the end to learn about your chance to win a trip to Thailand inspired by Brandon and Dan’s trip in the movie.
What first drew you to Thailand to film your directorial debut, Changeland?
“I was inspired by a real trip I had with my best friend and all the places were strikingly beautiful. It was like I was already in a movie! We were mistaken for a honeymooning couple and everyone we encountered went out of their way to make sure that we had the best experience while there.
It was such a great destination and experience that I wanted to use it as a backdrop for a coming-of-age in your 30’s story. It was so far away from the familiar, yet full of vibrant life that it gave my character the ability to be at peace and reflect.”
What did you look for when picking your filming locations in Thailand?
“Well we got to explore and scout different locations, like the cave temple in the film. But most of the places we filmed were based on the places that I originally experienced with my friend on our trip. Since my first experience was so tied into the locations and groups of people that I met, I just wanted to put the camera in those places, so that our audience could see and feel what I felt.
One of the craziest experiences on my first trip was that we went kayaking, like in the film, and we picked a random, beautiful sea cave that revealed a lagoon inside. Then years later when location scouting, I wanted to recreate that scene and we picked the most picturesque sea cave we could find for the film. When I then compared the picture of the cave with one I took on my trip, it turned out to be the exact same cave!”
Was there a favorite place of yours to film?
“One of my favorite places to film was James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay. Most people are only on the island for only 15-20 minutes in total. We got to arrive before anyone, and got to see boat after boat of tourists from all over the world arrive and then leave. It was almost the same feeling as a camp counselor at a summer camp with kids coming and going. We saw the entire operating of the place and not just a quick site for a moment.
I think it’s fascinating that certain places only exist for tourists. We as people all over the world are bonded by the stimulus of these places, and not the place itself. We share this exact experience with millions of people over decades, yet we got to witness the behind the scenes of the magic, learn the magic, and then do the trick on stage, if you will, through our film.”
What ‘magic’ would you say you got to witness?
“The magic I’m referring to is imparting a feeling to someone through that location. Everyone arrives with a different set of circumstances and the baggage they are carrying. You see different stages of them unwinding and an overwhelm of stimulus. They suddenly can’t hold on to that baggage anymore and share life in real time with those around them at that moment. It’s an overwhelming feeling of life and awe.”
What advice would you give to someone who is visiting Thailand for the first time?
“Sunscreen and stay hydrated! But, I also asked a lot of people a lot of questions, and was able to have a unique experience. Thai people are very friendly and will help direct you to explore off the beaten path. And take your time!”
What did you take away from your experience in Thailand, whether filming or exploring on your own?
“I’ll hold on to the knowledge that it exists that those types of feelings (of awe) are possible and accessible. Overall, Thailand was full of such a positive vibe. What struck me the most, is learning that instead of saying that you changed your mind in Thai, you say ‘I changed my heart,’ which says a lot about the culture. It was definitely the land of smiles!”
Is there another visit to Thailand in the near future?
“I’d love to visit Chiang Mai, since I’ve heard a lot about it and also an elephant sanctuary there, since I didn’t get a chance to experience that.”
Finally, what would you love the audience to take away from watching Changeland?
“To me, the whole point of the movie is that your life is your own, and it’s important to live your own life how you want and not how someone else would want you to. No one is responsible for your happiness except you!”
Changeland is available now on Amazon Prime! We’re certainly thrilled for the chance to interview Actor and Director, Seth Green, and we’re even more excited to announce that we’re giving away a free trip to Thailand inspired by the film to one lucky fan and a friend!
Experience sights, sounds, and tastes of Changeland firsthand with an itinerary based off of the film. Follow along Brandon and Dan’s Thailand adventure with a trip sponsored by the Tourism Authority of Thailand New York Office, The Slate Phuket, Cathay Pacific Airways, and Chang Beer.
Check out the Changeland-inspired Trip itinerary below:
Day 1 : Welcome to Amazing Thailand
- Private airport transfer to hotel by The Slate Phuket (1st hotel Brandon and Dan stayed at in Changeland).
- Welcome drink and cold towels upon arrival by The Slate Phuket.
Day 2 : Relaxing Day at The Slate, A Phuket Pearl Resort
- Daily buffet breakfast at Tin Mine restaurant by The Slate Phuket.
- Join daily group activities including pilates, Muay Thai boxing, croquet.
- Daily lunch at Dirty Monstera or Tongkah Tin Syndicate.
- Enjoy beach time at The Slate Phuket.
- 45 minute traditional Thai massage at Coqoon Spa for two.
- Theme dinner at the Black Ginger restaurant for two.
Day 3 : Explore Phang Nga Bay (Phang Nga)
- Daily buffet breakfast at Tin Mine restaurant by The Slate Phuket.
- Depart from hotel to the pier by a private car with the guide.
- Depart from the pier to Phang Nga Bay by join speed boat.
- Sightseeing at Panak Island, Phang Nga Bay. Panak Island is located in the middle of the route between Phuket and Phang Nga. It has several caves to explore, such as the cave known as Ice Cream Cave which has several ice cream-like limestones inside. The only way to explore the caves at Panak Island is by canoeing. There is also an observation point for Phang Nga Bay here.
- Enjoy spectacular canoeing in a mangrove forest at Hong Island, Phang Nga Bay. Hong Island is also well-known for its limestone cliffs and white sand beaches.
- Sightseeing and trekking at James Bond Island (Koh Tapu). It has been one of Phuket’s main attractions since it was featured in 1974 Bond movie. It is known for its peculiar formation as it is big on the upper part and slim at its bottom.
- Have lunch at Panyee Island restaurant.
- Swim and relax on the white sand beach at Naka Island.
- English speaking guide will be assisting the guests throughout the program.
- National park fee included.
- *Note: Daily lunch at Dirty Monstera or Tongkah Tin Syndicate by The Slate Phuket is available should guests opt to stay on property for the day.
- *Note: Daily group activities including pilates, Muay Thai boxing, and croquet by The Slate Phuket are available should guests opt to stay on property for the day.
Day 4 : Phi Phi Island Excursion (Krabi)
- Daily buffet breakfast at Tin Mine restaurant by The Slate Phuket.
- The guests will be escorted to the pier for join Speed boat with private van and tour guide and depart to Phi Phi Islands (backpacking for 1 night).
- Visit Phi Phi Island – Hidden Beach (Ian’s boat tour). With its enchanting white sand beaches, blue sea, and the impressive rock formations, Phi Phi Island has always been one of the most popular getaway destinations of all time.
- Snorkel at Maya Bay, Phi Phi Lae Island. The bay is surrounded by high cliffs on the 3 sides with several beaches within it. Maya Bay is renowned for its clear water, beautiful coral reef, and colorful exotic fish. Moreover, it was made well-known by the film, “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio.
- Lunch at the local restaurant.
- Check in at the hotel on Phi Phi Island.
- Reggae Bar (Kick Boxing Bar), in walking distance from Banyan Phi Phi Resort Centre, Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand. The Reggae bar provides drink and Muay Thai matches for the guests. Everyone is welcome to enter the ring and fight against the rival!
- Overnight at Banyan Phi Phi or similar standard.
Day 5 : Monkey Beach (Krabi)
- Explore Phuket Monkey Beach and Khai Island. Monkey Beach is famous for being a habitat for the huge monkey population, and its clear water, suitable for snorkeling with schools of colorful fish. At the same time, Khai Island is definitely a place for parties or any sort of entertainment despite its small size.
Day 6 : Return to USA
- Daily buffet breakfast at Tin Mine restaurant by The Slate Phuket.
- Private van and guide on this day.
- Morning 08.00 depart to Suwannakhuha Cave Temple. This cave has the famous reclining Buddha and other Buddha statues located inside. With its tranquil atmosphere, it is one of the best spots for meditation.
- Lunch at the local restaurant.
- Visit Raman Waterfall/Forest Park Raman Waterfall, T. Krasom, A. Takuathung, Phang Nga (Ian’s boat tour). The waterfall is located near the golden temple. Guests are able to walk along the trail nearby the waterfall with clear water and plenty of fish.
- Return to hotel at leisure.
- Private airport transfer to hotel by The Slate Phuket.
- *Note: Daily lunch at Dirty Monstera or Tongkah Tin Syndicate by The Slate Phuket is available should guests opt to stay on property for the day.
- *Note: Daily group activities including pilates, Muay Thai boxing, and croquet by The Slate Phuket are available should guests opt to stay on property for the day.
Important Notes:
- The itinerary is subject to revisions or changes without prior notice should TAT feel such deviations are necessary to operate the trip smoothly.
- The winner is responsible for their own personal expenses.
Meals, as mentioned in the itinerary, do not include alcoholic beverages. - It is the winner’s responsibility to have a valid passport for entry to Thailand and that travel insurance is available, and it is their responsibility to inquire into medical precautions that should be taken prior to the departure of this trip.
To enter, follow @ThailandInsider and @SethGreen, and look out for Seth Green’s post announcing the Giveaway, reply to his question as a comment to his post, and be entered for a chance to win your own Changeland trip of a lifetime! Good luck!
Thanks to our partners Thailand Insider, The Slate Phuket, Cathay Pacific, and Chang Beer for making this trip possible.
