"Pluto Series: Tales, Stars, Love" – When a Series Becomes More Than Entertainment, Aligning with SDG Goal 11
Introduction
Translation of Snap25 Interview Article from SD Perspectives.com
We would like to extend our gratitude to the SD Perspectives team for granting permission to translate and publish this interview article. Please note that the copyright for this interview article and its accompanying photos belongs to the SD Perspectives team.
January 17, 2025…Pluto: Tales, Stars, Love is not just a series about love and family. It is a significant step in demonstrating that entertainment can drive real change, creating a positive impact on society through the implementation of Universal Design. The production team, GMMTV, and Snap25 worked closely together to ensure that this series goes beyond mere entertainment.
Producers and screenwriters play a crucial role in bringing entertainment content to the public. Since Episode 2 of Pluto: Tales, Stars, Love aired, the series has gained widespread attention for its portrayal of Universal Design. In response, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration replaced outdated location signs at filming sites with new ones, adjusting their height for better pedestrian accessibility.
The SD Perspectives editorial team had the opportunity to discuss the concept of creating a “positive impact” through Pluto: Tales, Stars, Love with Katare-Saowakon Charuchinda, CEO of Snap25 Co., Ltd., the series producer, and Namwan-Walailak Somchinda, Marketing Director at Snap25 and one of the television script writers for the show.
Snap25's approach : to Art meets identity
Saowakon described the signature storytelling style of Snap25 as engaging, complex, and unpredictable.
“We work as a team, constantly sharing ideas. Whether adapting a novel or creating a new story, we always hold discussions and analyze every step. Snap25 focuses on crafting series with deep narratives that also reflect pressing social issues.”
She explained that even for novel adaptations, necessary adjustments are made. The team collaborates with writers to refine details, ensuring that key themes become highlights or thought-provoking points. Pluto: Tales, Stars, Love was originally a novel provided by GMMTV.
She continued by emphasizing that Snap25 aims to make every series they produce meaningful and socially impactful. To achieve authenticity, the scriptwriting and directing teams conducted workshops with visually impaired individuals to understand their daily challenges.
“The absence of Universal Design in public spaces is a challenge that people with disabilities must face daily. In one scene, May was supposed to fall, and Ai-oon was meant to help her. We searched for a suitable location and ultimately chose the bus stop in front of the Planetarium. We saw real accessibility issues there, making it the perfect place for the scene.”
Walailak elaborated on the significant scene that led to real-world changes. Initially, the team considered constructing a set instead of filming on location.
“However, our lead actress, Namtan, insisted that if we were telling this story, we should film in a real location. Our director, Title, agreed, so we ended up using the actual bus stop in front of the Planetarium.”
Bottom picture after EP.2 of the series aired for a few days (After)
Walailak emphasized that Universal Design was not just a storytelling element but something the team actively wanted to promote in society. Small details, such as adjusting the height of location signs for better accessibility, were inspired by real-world problems. The team consulted with P’Toffee (Sophon Thabklong), a visually impaired advisor.
“I had been aware of disability issues for more than 10 years before I even learned about the term ‘Universal Design.’ But I never thought this concept could create tangible change in society. It always seemed like a theoretical idea. Once we had the opportunity to put it into practice, we took action—and the results exceeded all expectations.”
She added that if even one viewer remembers the term Universal Design and later becomes a policymaker—perhaps a Prime Minister or a social leader—the concept could inspire significant, real-world changes.
“At first, we didn’t think about anything, we just hoped it would happen, but what we got back was really beyond our expectations,” she said proudly when the Universal Design concept, which is a theme in the series, was able to create real change.
Another noticeable detail in Pluto is how the main characters use reusable water bottles and lunch boxes.
“Including environmental themes wasn’t just a coincidence—it was an intentional choice,” Walailak explained. “We incorporate environmental issues naturally in every story. Ai-oon, as a delivery rider, carries a reusable water bottle, and May uses a lunchbox—these habits reflect real-life sustainability practices. Our question was, ‘If we can do it and it makes perfect sense, why wouldn’t we?’”
These small details not only enhance the realism of the series but also subtly encourage viewers to adopt environmentally friendly habits.
This is it!"Namtan-Film" perfect chemistry
Saowakon shared insights into the casting process, revealing that selecting Namtan and Film as leads was a joint decision between Snap25 and GMMTV, particularly with input from Aof-Noppharnach Chaiyahwimhon, the director who had worked with both actors before.
“Aof saw something special in their chemistry and suggested we try casting them together. The moment we saw their audition, we all said, ‘This is it!’”
Their selection was based not only on their chemistry but also on their individual talents and experience.
“Both Namtan and Film are exceptional actors. Once filming started, it was clear that they fit their roles perfectly. If you watch the first episode, you’ll see why we chose them. But if you watch all 12 episodes, you’ll realize that it had to be them. Every time we reviewed footage, it became even clearer that their chemistry was perfect.”
The choice of Namtan and Film as the lead actors of Pluto is not just about their talent, but also a decision that reflects the teamwork between Snap25 and GMMTV that emphasizes both the potential and the perfect chemistry of the actors to create a series that is powerful in both content and performance.
"Pluto Series: Tales, Stars, Love"– More Than Just Entertainment
“Snap25 is not just a production company; we are a team dedicated to inspiring change. The audience response to Pluto and the real-world impact—like the modified location signs—affirm that this series has created a genuine positive impact. We hope viewers absorb the Universal Design concept and integrate it into their daily lives. Even small changes can contribute to a better society.”
Saowakon concluded by emphasizing that Pluto: Tales, Stars, Love is not just entertainment but a mindset—a testament to how art and media can drive meaningful societal change. Snap25 and GMMTV collaborated to create a series that not only brings joy to audiences but also raises awareness and fosters long-term social impact.
“If you haven’t watched Pluto: Tales, Stars, Love yet, give it a try. You’ll see that Universal Design is more than just a concept—it’s a movement!”