“I had to prove myself to people a lot because of who I am. In the past, parents of artists were not so sure. However, my works have proved my abilities so clearly that artists’ parents have accepted me and called me ‘Mother’.
Preediyut Rattanangam (Kong), Senior Manager, Artist Management PR & Marketing from Channel 8
It has been nearly 20 years behind the success of artists under the roof of RS Group. Still, Kong – Preediyut still defines himself as just a “scaffold” used for a building construction and ready to be disassembled once the building construction is completed. Making artists shine in the entertainment industry keeps Kong delighted and fulfilled, not just as a Senior Manager of Artist Management PR & Marketing of Channel 8, but as a “teacher” and “mother” at the same time.
Because the world has changed, the Artist Management PR & Marketing Department has accordingly changed in the past 20 years.
“In the past, the Artist Management PR & Marketing consisted of casting, training, and live directors. I worked in the casting section with 5 other colleagues under my supervision. My subordinates were commissioned to recruit young talents to become our artist trainees. Today, we don’t need to do that anymore. Now, we search for new stars on social networks by navigating Instagram and sending them direct messages. Years ago, young stars would come to us, expecting to become actors and actresses, produce music, and become famous and rich. Kids today can be rich through social networks. So, this task requires someone with professional managerial skills to optimize the value of artists as the company’s asset. However, the essence of casting and training is something that we continue to do. The difference is that today we train them to answer questions, use social media, and create outstanding characteristics.”
From something that I only lent a hand to something that I love and take responsibility until I am being called “mother” and “teacher”.
“As an experienced casting manager, I know the nature of all artists. So, I start by training how to behave when they meet the press and how to answer interviewers. Or if an artist cannot entertain his or her fans when during the show, I also train them how to chat with the audience. From something that I only lent a hand to something that I take responsibility. Slowly, I have changed my role from a mentor, to a teacher, and concurrently a mother (giggling). But I had to prove myself to people a lot because of who I am. In the past, parents of artists would take care of their kids when they met people like me, probably because they were not so sure or they fear for the safety of their kids. However, my works have proved my abilities so clearly that artists’ parents have accepted me and called me ‘Mother’ like their kids.”
Proof of work, love, and sincerity broke down the barrier of gender diversity.
“So far, I have never experienced any problem in coordination because, if we are sincere and enjoy what we do, we will be happy contacting people. To this point, I can’t remember the last time I was bullied because I am grown up and strong. I don’t think anyone would dare to (giggling). In the past, I might have got bullied sometimes. But I was confident and stood strong. I focused on the task and believed that it would be successful.”
What kind of team members that the Artist Management PR & Marketing is looking for?
“As I said early, the world has changed, and the search for celebrities is not difficult anymore. Just recently, we just announced in a mail letter about new-generation stars for Channel 8, we have had over 1,000 applicants. So, we need someone to help screen, train, and manage our stars. We want this part of the process to be successful. This is the main responsibility of this position.”
