What’s the concept of the winning piece?
Chalotorn: We wanted to find new way to convey the message and came up with “Drugs are not good friends of yours.” We see that kids turn to drugs as a way out from their problems when they cannot turn to their parents, teachers or friends. It helps them forget the problem. We’re trying to say that drugs are not the answer.

How did you feel when you passed the first round?
Chalotorn: It was really good because all the finalists got to learn more about advertising from professionals. They taught us the thought process and how to interpret the theme and convey our idea. It was more like exchanging ideas than direct teaching.
Jintanuch: What they taught was very practical like what kind of image cannot be broadcast such as people injecting drugs and that sort of thing. After the learning session, every team was better in the final round.

Did you do all the work yourself?
Jintanuch: We brainstormed, came up with the concept, shot, played and cut everything ourselves. He played the main character and everyone commented on how well he did.

Why do you think they chose your work?
Chalotorn: Because it was funny.
Jintanuch: Others’ works were good, but our commercial focused on teenagers and we made it funny because that’s the best way to get the message heard.

What did you do with your prize money?
Chalotorn: One of us gave the money to his mom. But we all gave the actors a treat and put the rest in the bank.
Is this your first step into the advertising business?
Chalotorn: Yes. And we will keep producing more works and participating in competitions. We are not prize hunters—we just want to build up a portfolio.