Cambodia has entered into a partnership with Hollywood production company The Studio to produce films within the country, aiming for distribution in major international cinemas and streaming platforms. This marks a significant step for Cambodia’s film industry, which has traditionally focused on local markets.
David Ulmer, CEO of CBS, which recently signed a production agreement with The Studio—a well-known Hollywood video production company based in California—acknowledged that Cambodia's film sector is still developing compared to other countries in the region and globally. Most Cambodian films are currently produced for domestic audiences. However, Ulmer expressed optimism that this collaboration will position Cambodia as a key international film and television production location. He believes it will not only generate world-class content but also help build a creative ecosystem that supports local talent and contributes to Cambodia's economic growth.
Ulmer also noted that the partnership is expected to create additional job opportunities for locals, provide training for domestic professionals, and showcase Cambodia's vibrant culture and beautiful locations to the world, potentially boosting tourism.
Ken Rutkowski, co-founder of The Studio, highlighted Cambodia's rich heritage and rapidly developing production infrastructure as factors that make the country an attractive destination for global film production. According to Rutkowski, this collaboration offers numerous opportunities for Cambodia to enter the global market through the production of high-quality television programs and films that can reach audiences numbering in the billions worldwide.
Under this partnership, the two companies plan to begin filming and producing movies starting in 2026. Their goal is to create innovative series and films that portray positive aspects of Cambodian society for major international platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Shahid, and HBO Max. The Studio, based in Hollywood, California, is renowned globally, with many of its films receiving awards at leading film festivals such as Sundance and Cannes, and reaching audiences exceeding one billion people worldwide.
