Industry Insider

Industry Insider

'Mr Projects' finds new inspiration behind the camera with a new team dedicated to film and television production, while also starring in a hit movie that shows the better side of Thailand's embattled far South

SOCIAL & LIFESTYLE
Industry Insider

Throughout the past two decades, Peter Corp Dyrendal has melted hearts with his exotic charm. Feeding Thailand's obsession for luk krueng _ or half-Thai _ celebrities, the half-Danish singer, actor and producer is making a comeback.

Whether he's behind or in front of the cameras, "Mr Projects", as he's known, isn't stopping anytime soon. He talks to Brunch about his new production company and what makes him such an unforgettable part of Thailand's celebrity landscape _ and the allure of marriage and fatherhood, which may soon be on the horizon.

What projects are you working on now?

I'm currently working on music production, a movie and a television drama. I'm beginning with songs that will be featured on Project Calling Love 2 _ Koh Kwam Sud Tai (Last Message) and Missed Call with Jugg (Chawin Jitsomboon).

How are you trying to reinvent your place in the music industry?

I formed a band in 2004, and have been working in the industry ever since. I've formed a production team with my friends Jugg and Golf Y Not 7 (Rungroj Ponwa), who are known for producing a lot of famous singers. I think getting together marked the beginning of a change in the industry _ we became known for producing alternative music that doesn't follow popular trends.

After we started music production, we also needed to make music videos; but no one could create videos the way we envisioned them. But Golf had worked on a TV show about travelling, and had an amazing perspective when it came to shooting. He came up with some really satisfying, beautiful videos. Our Thai production team has since made music and videos. The video for Koh Kwam Sud Tai and Missed Call have been produced by the team.

It sounds like you enjoy working behind the scenes?

I do. Since I've worked as a frontman, too, I've more perspective now on the whole process of production _ background, lighting, camera work. It fascinated me from the beginning, which is why I wanted to move behind the scenes. I have to say though, for me, being a frontman does have its special moments. Nothing compares to the feeling of standing on stage and singing for an audience, and getting that feeling right back. It's a very special feeling to connect with fans.

What was the first movie you played the lead role in?

My first lead was in Latitude Tee Hok (The Sixth Latitude), which just finished shooting and will be in cinemas around the end of this year or the beginning of next year. We shot it in Pattani province with the support of the Thai army, with the hope of giving people a better understanding of the political situation in the South.

However, it's not a serious movie. It's about a man from Bangkok, Ton, who is sent to live in Pattani, and then falls in love with a local woman of a different religion.

While so many in Thailand equate the South with violence, the army has supported our movie by showing that there are plenty of beautiful beaches and forests waiting for visitors there.

Do you think that getting started with TV's Nang Rai Sai Lap came too late for you?

I don't think so _ if I started any earlier than that, I may not have enjoyed it. I don't like to work only for the sake of new trends or making money. If I'm not good at a job, then I'm not going to do it. On the other hand, if it's something that I love and enjoy doing, that's a different story.

When I was younger, many people offered me TV roles, but I wasn't good enough. One show included 24 episodes, and there was a huge stack of scripts in Thai. But I grew up in Denmark and had learned Thai on my own, so I read three or four times slower than people who speak Thai as a first language and I need toed repeat it many times.

I turned down a lot of offers back then, too, because I might have had to stop producing songs.

Now I can read Thai a lot better and I have the production team, so I'm keen to learn more when it comes to TV production. I'm enjoying my role in TV now. TV dramas are an art, like singing. It's just a different form of expression.

So, can you speak Thai fluently now?

Even today, I still can't speak Thai 100% (laughs). I've been speaking Thai with my mother since I was young, but I can't remember all of the vocabulary. When I first arrived in Thailand, I had to ask people all the time, "What does that mean?" I still do sometimes.

Do you consider yourself an actor or a singer?

I think I'm an entertainer. I could do whatever, so long as it's enjoyable. However, I have to say that I'm more skilled when it comes to singing.

How do you keep your performances exciting?

I might be in the same place for a performance, but there's a different audience each time. It's always different every time I sing. Things were challenging when my songs first became popular. When I came to Thailand, the trend was for luk krueng. I thought this to be a weak point _ at concerts, I couldn't tell if fans were joining in to enjoy my songs or if they were coming just to look at me. After concerts finished and I took pictures with my fans, I asked them about my songs and some of them couldn't answer. But today, it's a lot better.

What do you think of today's music scene in Thailand?

The music industry has become very commercialised, while the art has gradually faded. This is one of the reasons why I don't push myself to release new songs. Music should be produced from the heart; artists should really love their work. For example, now, when a label thinks a song is going to be hit, the artist must release it _ even if the artist doesn't like it.

Who would you say is your inspiration?

I have many people who inspire me today, and I respect a lot of talents and skills. Ome (Chatri Kongsuwan) is a very talented music producer. He's a great lyricist and guitarist. And there are a lot of people working backstage, behind the scenes who don't get attention, but are an important part of the team.

Do you expect to keep working in the industry for the rest of your career?

I have spent my life working in the entertainment industry, so this has become my area of expertise. However, I do enjoy new experiences, like video production. It's fun and challenging.

What's the feedback been since your forthcoming wedding has been officially announced?

People were quite shocked, but everything is fine. I'm glad that people are congratulating us. On Instagram, about 90% of my followers congratulated me. It was a lovely moment. I'm excited to be a groom as well as a father. It comes together like a package.

I didn't prepare much for it but one thing I realise is that I can't just play around like before _ it's time to get serious with life. I'm "Mr ProjectS" _ I always have a lot of projects that haven't been finished, and now I have to seriously finish what I've planned to.

But most men love freedom. Why did you decide to get married?

This is right for me, and this is one of my dreams. My parents divorced early on, when I was seven years old. I was thinking that if I couldn't find the right one, or if I wasn't ready, then I wouldn't get married because I wouldn't want my kids going through their parents' divorce. It's a dream of mine to dedicate myself to making the perfect family. Earlier, I was confused and not too sure about having a family. But I realised that the right time comes when you find the right one.

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