One step: Singer Yen Trang (right) in the 30-episode TV series Buoc Nhay Hoan Vu, which begins on VTV3 on July 8. — Photo courtesy of Cat Tien Sa Company

HCM CITY — A series on the struggles and tribulations entertainers overcome to become stars begins next week on Viet Nam Television.

Nguyen Duc Viet, who made the 30-episode Buoc Nhay Hoan Vu (Dancing with the Stars) – a joint production by VTV and Cat Tien Sa Company – got the idea for the series from the TV reality show of the same name that has been popular in Viet Nam for the last several years.

Viet says the series focuses on the efforts of young artists to reach the limelight.

It analyses the making of the reality dancing show in which 10 celebrities are paired with professional ballroom dancers in a contest, and takes a look backstage at the stars who take part.

Viet said the contestants of the Buoc Nhay Hoan Vu show in 2013 were his first choice for the film.

He chose singer Yen Trang, who won the show in 2013 and is also well-known for her negative characters in movies like Cong Chua Teen va Ngu Ho Tuong (Teenage Princess and Five Bodyguards).

Trang said, "I was chosen for the role of Thuy Truc, a daughter of a rich family who has a passion for dancing and accepts sacrificing everything to pursue her target.

"Because I was trained in dancing [for] Buoc Nhay Hoan Vu, I felt comfortable playing the role."

The film also features singer Maya, another contestant from last year's show, and model Ngoc Quyen, who has acted in several TV series and movies.

Trang says: "Through the film, audiences will know about the hardships and pains youngsters suffer to achieve success in show business."

It begins on VTV3 on July 8. — VNS