HCM CITY — Thien Ngan (Galaxy) Studios and its partners began shooting a 3D film yesterday, marking a new step forward in the industry's development.
Hon Ma Sieu Quay (Little Ghosts), the first Vietnamese film to use 3D technology, features an online author of thrillers who is haunted by a group of little ghosts.
Produced by Thien Ngan and LBT Entertainment, in co-operation with the Hong Kong-based Digital Magic, the comedy-horror film promises to contain lively image, sound and light effects.
"To prepare for my biggest project, I spent time to learn 3D film-making from specialist Chuck Comisky in Hong Kong," said the film's director Le Bao Trung.
Trung said he dreamed of making a 3D film after viewing James Cameron's epic motion picture Avatar last year.
"Although our software designers had years of computer experience and 3D technology they face challenges in filming."
To support Trung and his staff, the producer invited specialist Joel Spezeski to be the film's cinematographer.
The film's post-production will be completed in Hong Kong later this year.
Young, popular performers, such as pop singers Wanbi Tuan Anh, Truong Quynh Anh and Vinh Thuyen Kim, as well as fashion model Elly Tran, have had their biggest opportunities to play leading roles in the film.
Dinh Thanh Huong of Thien Ngan, the film's production manager, said: "We want our film to include beautiful photos and exciting words as well as include educational values for our youth."
"Through our film, we hope young audiences, particularly teenagers, learn bravery, honour and responsibility. They can improve their love for family, teachers and knowledge about life," she added.
Huong, Trung and their staff are not shy about concealing ambitions, and say they hope Hon Ma Sieu Quay will encourage Vietnamese filmmakers to make 3D films appealing to children and adults.
"By using 3D technology, we can make films completely different from 2D products, which have poorer images and music," said Huong, adding that high-tech, sophisticated productions would attract fans of different ages and backgrounds.
The film cost more than US$1 million to make, even though Huong said it could have been double that amount.
In 2004, 3D technology was first used in Phu Dong Thien Vuong (Saint Phu Dong), a cartoon produced by the HCM City-based LCKSoft Company.
The film was based on a legend of the character Thanh Giong (Saint Giong), who volunteered to fight foreign invaders when he was three years old.
Three-D cartoons like Tho Va Rua (Rabbit and Turtle) and Chu Heo May Man (Lucky Pig), produced by the Viet Nam Cartoon Studio and the 3D Sao La, have impressed children.
The need for sophisticated, interesting products for young audiences is too great for big film producers like Thien Ngan.
"I think making 3D cartoons and films are not difficult for our local filmmakers. But the problem is how to encourage movie producers to become involved in the new business," said Trung, who recently opened his studio, LBT Entertainment, to complete his dream. — VNS