Digital Art and Design Students Immerse Themselves in Minimalist Cinema Technology - Blackmagic Camera & Davinci Resolve

On the afternoon of June 18, 2025, nearly one hundred Digital Art and Design students participated in the academic workshop “Minimalist Cinema – Blackmagic Camera & DaVinci Resolve.” Organized by the Faculty of Arts and Design at Van Lang University, the program was designed to enrich students’ experiential learning and provide them with cutting-edge insights into contemporary cinematic technologies.

The workshop was delivered in collaboration with Blackmagic Design Vietnam, Vn Raw Production, and Nanlite Vietnam - renowned names in the field of professional cinematography and digital imaging. Through expert presentations and live demonstrations, students gained direct experience with advanced camera operations, lighting design, and the intricacies of post-production using DaVinci Resolve – a suite of competencies indispensable for aspiring professionals in the creative industries.

The event unfolded in a spirited and inventive atmosphere, accompanied by distinguished experts: Mr. Nguyen Bao Nguyen, Sales Director of Blackmagic Design Vietnam; Mr. Tony Luong Thien Hoa, Professional Colorist; and Mr. Tran Le Vinh, Founder of Vn Raw Production. Alongside them, a team of seasoned technicians offered direct mentorship, guiding students through practical demonstrations and real-world workflows.

The program was structured around three sessions: the introduction of professional cinematography equipment, hands-on filming experience, and post-production practice with DaVinci Resolve. Students operated state-of-the-art cameras such as the URSA 12K and PYXIS 6K, while also being guided through the construction of post-production workflows, color correction, and audio engineering in line with global industry standards.

Beyond being an opportunity to approach new technologies, the workshop also served as a bridge for students to transform theoretical knowledge into practical experience. Many eagerly shared their excitement at “laying hands” on professional-grade filming equipment for the first time, which helped consolidate foundational knowledge, strengthen visual thinking, and inspire many creative ideas for their future paths.

During the in-depth session, Mr. Nguyen Bao Nguyen from Blackmagic Design Vietnam offered an updated perspective on artificial intelligence (AI) in the film industry and shared how Blackmagic Design integrates AI into its products to optimize post-production and editing workflows.

While recognizing AI’s strong potential in supporting content production, Mr. Nguyen emphasized that the human element remains the soul of any artistic work: “AI cannot replace creators. It merely saves time, allowing you to dedicate your full attention to ideas and emotions. The human creator is who gives a work its unique identity.”

His remarks highlighted not only the complementary role of technology in artistic creation but also the imperative for students in the digital era: to blend mastery of modern tools with their own vision and identity, thereby producing works of enduring originality.

The student who posed the most outstanding question during the session was granted a special reward: the opportunity to spend a day on an actual film set with Mr. Tran Le Vinh, Founder of Vn Raw Production, working with the full PYXIS 6K professional camera system. With his guidance and mentorship, the student will gain invaluable first-hand experience of production workflows and the collaborative dynamics of a professional film crew.

In the spirit of “learning by doing,” the workshop became a pivotal launchpad for transforming theoretical knowledge into professional skills, broadening visual imagination, and equipping VLU students to take confident steps into the dynamic global creative industry.

News: Thuy Tram
Photos: Nguyen Hoang Hieu Hoa