VLU x Cinetour “Vietnamese 2025” – Leveraging Technology in Film Production

As part of the Vietnamese 2025 - Short Film Competition, Van Lang University collaborated with Thanh Nien News to host a talk show titled “Leveraging Technology in Film Production” on June 6, 2025.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Bich Ha, Meritorious Artist, Dean of the Faculty of Music, Theater & Film, shared: “In recent years, the remarkable advancement of digital technology has contributed to the creation of many impressive cinematic works, clearly reflecting the close link between academic theory and creative practice. Van Lang University highly values the integration of technology into learning, especially in the field of filmmaking, where innovation and creativity are key elements for students to keep up with industry trends”.

As the creator of the “Lat mat” film series, Director and Producer Ly Hai brought students valuable insights and real-world stories from his career. He noted that he always prepares thoroughly for each project, especially for large-scale scenes or sequences that require a refined combination of live-action and visual effects (VFX). To achieve this, he often spends 3 to 6 months on pre-production to plan each shot precisely. He emphasized the importance of visual effects but also advised young filmmakers not to overuse them, preserving authenticity in the film – a key to leaving a lasting impression on audiences.

In his talk, Mr. Tin Nguyen, Founder and Visual Effects Supervisor at Step One Studio, shared in-depth knowledge about the application of technological techniques during post-production. He affirmed: “Visual effects need to be planned early, aligned with the script, storyboard, and production schedule. A visual effect supervisor is not only responsible for the technical side but also acts as an advisor from the pre-production stage, providing feedback and adjusting the script to ensure feasibility”.

Echoing the above viewpoint, Director and Producer Hoang Long, who has served as on-set VFX supervisor for several notable films such as “Em va Trinh” and “Dat Rung Phuong Nam”, remarked: “During production meetings and fix-off sessions, thorough preparation for the on-set process is essential so that the whole crew fully understands the script and visualizes each scene in detail. The visual effect supervisor will provide reference shots, suggest concepts and compositions, and calculate necessary technical elements to support the shooting process”.

The event took place in an energetic and enthusiastic atmosphere, not only igniting students’ creative passion but also equipping Van Lang University students with valuable knowledge of VFX technology and a committed filmmaking mindset. The program offered an opportunity to bring short films closer to audiences, spreading passion for the seventh art and nurturing the first steps of young aspiring filmmakers on their professional journey.

News: Tran Phuc
Photos: An Khang