It’s not every day that a young talent from Cha-am or Hua Hin gets to share screen space with Hollywood bigwigs like John David Washington and Gemma Chan. But for 10-year-old Harrison Phillips, this is exactly what has happened.
In the new American science fiction film “The Creator,” an epic tale set in a future where humans battle advanced AI, the pivotal role of a child AI weapon was deftly handled by Harrison, who was as a stunt and body double.
The plot, which centers around an ex-special forces agent tasked to hunt down the AI’s elusive architect, took filming crews all over Thailand and concluded in London’s famed Pinewood studios.
Harrison, who is half British and half Thai, moved to Cha-am, near Palm Hills, with his family in March 2021. An avid footballer for Hua Hin City and a student at Sarasas Witead-on-Sea School, Harrison’s entry into the movie world was anything but traditional.
His father, David Phillips, told Hua Hin Today via email, “Harrison got involved in this film in a pretty unconventional way I would say. We responded to an ad seeking a mixed-race child actor and sent in his pictures.” From being among the 50 kids at the first audition at Bangkok’s Column Hotel to being one of the ten finalists,the Phillips family then received the good news on Boxing Day, and by mid-January, Harrison was filming in Samut Prakan.
“For us, shifting from the UK to Thailand was a monumental decision,” David said.
“Seeing Harrison transition smoothly and then land the role in the movie was a very proud moment for me personally.”
The movie has garnered huge attention in Thailand given that it was filmed in multiple locations across the country, including Bangkok, Phitsanulok, Krabi, Phuket, Ubon Ratchathani, Pattaya (Sanctuary of Truth), Sangklaburi, Kanchanaburi, Chang Dao, and then finished off in Pinewood studios in London in May 2022.
The film’s release further underscores Thailand’s emerging presence in global cinema, in particular as a filming location.
David said he hopes that Harrison will continue acting and land more roles in the future, but for now just wants him to experience the simple joys of being a kid.
When asked about some of his favorite memories of filming The Creator, Harrison said: “Playing football with John David Washington in Chang Dao surrounded by mountains was unforgettable,” he said.
“Working with him and Gemma Chan was amazing. They even got me gifts on our last day in London and it was sad to say goodbye to them.”
Harrison also shared his admiration for director Gareth Edwards. “Meeting all the amazing people, including Gareth, who was very kind to me, was the best part about filming.”
However, every journey has its challenges. For Harrison, it was the extended periods away from his mother and sister.
As for the future, Harrison is looking forward to more roles in the industry.
“This was my first acting role and I feel very lucky to have been a part of this amazing production. I do want to do more in the future but whatever happens I will remember this forever.
“The Creator,” which hit theaters on September 29, is now being showcased across movie screens in Thailand.
