Pear everywhere

TV host acts in a fantasy feature

By Suwitcha Chaiyong
Photos by Varuth Hirunyatheb
and courtesy of Logo Motion Pictures

After starting out as an actress on the romantic comedy series Lan Sao Khun Yai, Lan Chay Khun Ya (Niece and Nephew) in 2005, Pimlada Chaipreechawit (Pear) became famous as a co-TV host of the popular teen programme Strawberry Cheesecake.

With her friendly and energetic personality, the 31-year-old actress has a natural talent for hosting shows. Recently, Pear has been busy hosting five separate TV programmes, including the variety shows Sisterday and Mouth to Mouth, and the edutainment programme Nak Kid Ta Lui Asean: Asean Together. Pear has also somehow found time to work on the star-studded TV series’ Rising Sun I and Rising Sun II, as well as the drama Suea (Tiger).

Student Weekly recently met up Pear when she was promoting her first feature film, Pry Dib (Sprit War). The fantasy movie, which was made several years ago, is about a battle between good and evil. Pear told us about the movie, her acting and her work as a TV host.

Student Weekly: How do you feel about Thai fantasy movies like Sprit War?

Pear: Thai audiences usually don’t have much faith in fantasy movies produced locally, but I don’t think they should be compared with Hollywood movies. I want everybody to see how much progress we’ve made with fantasy CGI effects. When I saw the trailer, I was satisfied with the result. I initially had doubts about the movie, but it’s better than I expected.

Student Weekly: Can you tell us about your character in the movie?

Pear: I play a fairy that helps the main character Pry, played by Golf Akara. At the beginning of the film, the fairy is old and dies, but she’s then reborn as a young fairy. The role required a lot of imagination. There was a scene where I had to fly and help Pry when he was unconscious. We filmed it with a green screen, so I had to imagine everything in the background. It was really hard.

Student Weekly: What was atmosphere like while you were making the film?

Pear: It was tough. We filmed on sand dunes, and it was really hot during the day and freezing cold at night. We had to warm ourselves around a fire.

Student Weekly: Which do you prefer between hosting and acting?

Pear: They both have their own charm. Hosting requires me to be myself and deal with unexpected situations. I’ve had many opportunities to be a host, which has allowed me to sharpen my skills.

Acting is challenging, and I’m always happy when I really get into character. Actors have to adjust themselves to become the character they’re playing.

Student Weekly: Have you ever felt much pressure working with great co-hosts like Opal Panisara, Toey Jarinporn and Gypso Ramita on Sisterday?

Pear: I’ve never felt pressure working with these excellent hosts because before being a host myself, I was a reporter on the show. I already knew the main hosts, and they’re all nice. But I used to get a bit stressed out wondering if I was good enough. I always monitor my work and try to improve.

Student Weekly: Have you learned much from the other hosts?

Pear: A lot. They’re terrific, and I’m lucky to work with them. I like to take note of their strongest points and try to adapt them into my work. Opal is great at running the show. She advises me about work and my personal life. Toey hosts the show very naturally, and Gypso always comes up with her own perspective on things.

Student Weekly: What was it like working on Rising Sun?

Pear: I play Fumiko, who lives in a house with the main male character. I felt tense at first because I hadn’t worked on a TV series for a while. I consulted an acting coach, and she advised me to just let go and enjoy myself. The show allowed me to observe how famous actors work. I was impressed to see that Taew Natapohn could cry naturally.

Student Weekly: What can viewers expect from the movie Spirit War?

Pear: Don’t expect anything. Just enjoy it. It’s a Thai fantasy film that attracted interest from foreign companies who want to buy and distribute it. Thai viewers should give a try. You’ll be surprised what we can do!

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