July 31, 2024 – In just two weeks since its debut, Master of the House became the first Thai series to reach the No.1 spot on Netflix’s Global Top 10 TV (Non-English) list. The drama also appeared in the Top 10 across 63 countries worldwide, joining the ranks of acclaimed Thai productions such as Hunger, DELETE and Ready, Set, Love.

Through evocative imagery and deep social commentary, award-winning director Sivaroj Kongsakul takes audiences behind the scenes in bringing Master of the House to life.

With a background in film, Sivaroj prioritizes “cinematic language” for universal appeal. “Master of the House doesn’t rely solely on dialogue; it weaves a tapestry of visuals, sound, and music that seamlessly intertwines with the characters, resulting in stunning aesthetics and a compelling narrative,” he explains.

The series also explores social inequality, a theme that resonates across cultures. “Regardless of nationality, we can all relate to these experiences,” he adds.

An empowered cast

Master of the House brought together an ensemble of rising stars and legendary Thai actors, fostering an environment where actors felt empowered to contribute ideas freely.

Sivaroj’s approach unlocked new levels of performance, using techniques like improvisation and deep character immersion to transcend the script. “Every actor meticulously crafted their character,” he reveals. “They poured their hearts and souls into their roles. This freedom, combined with open communication and collaboration, allowed them to reach their full potential, resulting in exceptionally authentic portrayals.”

The power of location

When searching for the main location, Sivaroj and his team deliberately picked a mansion that was perched on an elevated landscape surrounded by breathtaking vistas to emphasize the vastness of wealth and the insignificance of those who serve in it.

“Beyond mere beauty, do the ultra-wealthy purchase sprawling estates to literally breathe fresher air above others?” he ponders.

This led them to a setting where the grandeur of the surroundings overwhelms the human figures within it. “Even the simple act of a servant walking through the space evokes a sense of oppression. It’s like a painting where the underprivileged could never imagine themselves belonging,” he adds.

Subtle symbolism

Sivaroj found various “magic moments” during filming. One such detail was the English title’s abbreviation: MOTH. This aligned perfectly with the imagery of the moth, which naturally emerged in the screenwriting process and became a key motif.

In the series, the “moth” symbolizes the household servants, who exist under the dominion of the elite and are treated as playthings. The wealthy hold absolute power over these delicate creatures, captivated by their beauty but indifferent to their fragility. As Kongsakul points out, collecting moths is often a hobby of the affluent — a desire to own rare, beautiful objects, even if it means stripping them of their spirit.

During filming, Sivaroj discovered a powerful way to enhance visual storytelling through the interplay of natural and artificial light. “I noticed a distinct contrast between the two, so I decided to assign meaning to their use,” he explains.

Scenes featuring interactions among the servants are bathed in natural light, while scenes between the staff and their employers are often illuminated by artificial sources, such as spotlights. Sivaroj explains that this serves to either “celebrate the servants or, in other scenes, shine a light so intensely upon them that their very identities begin to dissolve.”

Creative freedom

When creators are given the freedom to explore their vision without constraints, their work transcends conventional boundaries, paving the way for diverse and exceptional storytelling.

“I’m grateful to Netflix for providing such an open and supportive environment,” Sivaroj says. “When creative vision is nurtured, the impact of the work is amplified. This wouldn’t have been possible without the exceptional team at Netflix and Kantana Motion Pictures. Their dedication reinforced my belief that there are no limits to what we can achieve together.”

Experience the scandalous and intriguing story of the premium Thai drama Master of the House, now streaming, only on Netflix.

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