Vietnam’s Film Industry: Striving for “Invisible” VFX
Vietnam’s film industry is rapidly advancing its visual effects (VFX) capabilities, prioritizing seamless integration with storytelling over flashy displays of technology. A recent project exemplifies this shift, demonstrating a commitment to detail and efficiency that rivals international standards.
the production team for this unnamed war film meticulously recreated environments, including Tacon airport scenes, through the addition of components, synchronized lighting, full block scanning, and 3D rendering. A key focus was the removal of any modern elements that would disrupt the historical accuracy of the scenes. Even seemingly minor details, like sculptures, were painstakingly modeled in 3D and animated to appear natural. This dedication to accuracy stemmed from the principle of “invisible art,” championed by Dang Tai Fuen - the goal being to immerse the audience in the narrative without drawing attention to the special effects themselves.
To achieve this level of realism, the 3D art team lived on location throughout the 81-day shoot, fostering close collaboration with the director and crew. This resulted in a remarkably swift turnaround: the project moved from initial stages in March to final review in July, with completion by the end of August. This timeline is particularly impressive considering that war film VFX typically require at least a year to produce.
This emphasis on in-camera work is a lesson learned from previous projects, as highlighted by Bui Tak Chuyan. He noted that relying heavily on post-production VFX can be costly and time-consuming - possibly requiring two years and $20 million. His approach prioritizes capturing as much as possible practically, collaborating closely with VFX experts to supplement with effects that are unachievable to achieve through conventional filming methods. “This is effective and can reduce costs,” he stated.
The growth of the VFX industry in Vietnam isn’t accidental, according to the Vietnam Visual Effect Animation Association (VAVA). Vietnamese studios are increasingly involved in international projects, showcasing their skills on a global stage. Though, challenges remain in areas like cost management, production timelines, and maintaining consistent quality, particularly ensuring VFX enhance the narrative without disrupting the viewer’s experience.
Recent films demonstrate this progress. Claw featured complex character creation, including honey bears with detailed anatomical structures, and brought fantastical elements to life. Kien Detective: Economy without Thousand utilized VFX in nearly 300 scenes, from subtle details to expansive landscapes. Linjiang: Incarnation of Devil employed four VFX companies to produce a maximum of 600 scenes using CGI. Furthermore, animated films like Demen: Adventure to Swamp Village and Chan-in Ni: Legend of Taurus indicate that Vietnamese animation technology is approaching international standards.
Ultimately, the industry is moving away from spectacle and towards using visual effects as a tool to create a believable and immersive backdrop for compelling storytelling. The ideal outcome, as the article concludes, is for the VFX to be “invisible,” allowing the audience to connect with the characters, events, and emotions of the film, rather then focusing on the technical artistry behind them.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/Ky-xao-phim-viet-huong-den-vo-hinh-ma-hu-huu-hiu-post861.html**
