Film industry struggles amidst COVID-19

Behind the scenes of “Tiec trang mau” (Blood Moon Party) (Photo: Lotte).

Hanoi (VNA) - Film-makers in Ho Chi Minh City are struggling with their “new-normal” plans though the local authority have allowed several sectors to resume operation.

Despite paying a deposit for director and performers, Vo Thanh Hoa’s film company had to terminate a project worth VND20 billion (over 862,000 USD). The outbreak has had a significant impact on 89s Group, Hoa's film and television production firm, especially during the four-month lockdown period in Ho Chi Minh City ending October 1.

According to the director, the company has only produced nine short episodes since the beginning of the year, compared to 40 films last year. During the same period, revenue fell from almost 36 billion VND to around 3 billion VND.

The film “Chia Khoa Tram Ti” (Rough translation: The hundred-billion key) he directed and co-produced with Orange Films was supposed to be released on April 30, but it had to be postponed.

 Director Vo Thanh Hoa (right), producer Nguyen Trinh Hoan and actress Mai Bao Ngoc sign a document asking Ho Chi Minh City to allow movie films to resume their operation (Photo: Vo Thanh Hoa’s Facebook).

Several film studios are in the same boat. BHD has postponed the screenings of four films: Ly Nha Ky's “Bi Mat Thien Duong” (Secret of Paradise), Luu Huynh's “Nguoi Tinh” (Lover) and “Tim Han Vet Seo” (The Scarred Heart), and Ham Tran’s Maika and “Co Be Den Tu Hanh Tinh Khac” (The Little Girl From Another Plannet).

Three more significant film projects have been pushed back. Ngo Thi Bich Hien, CEO of BHD in HCMC, said: "When the fourth epidemic struck, we were just getting back on our feet. All operations were halted as a result of the shutdown. Because the data is too large for technical staff to handle at home, even post-production operations are done in moderation."

Jung Tae Sun, general director of CJ HK Entertainment, stated the number of CJ films in cinemas declined by 30 percent from January to September compared to the same period last year, and by 60 percent compared to 2019.

In the last four months, revenue has been essentially non-existent. Because they had been delayed for too long, and some projects even had to cancel their screenings.

From the end of May, the Mar6 studio halted all unresolved filming projects, including “Tu Dai My Nhan” (Four Great Beauties). Many of the company's partners are now bankrupt, making it difficult to resume normal production," according to director Namcito.

"This is usually a busy time for the entire company. I don't think I'll be able to shoot again till next year," he said. "As a result, the release date isn't fixed and a number of our other projects have been postponed."

Film released online in adaptation to pandemic

A film about fishermen living in a coastal village in Binh Thuan Province has impressed audiences after its release on a YouTube channel owned by MCV Media. 

The work, “Hau Due cua Bien” (The Children of the Seas), focuses on the lives of fishermen and their children who face challenges in life and love, and their difficulties in developing the family’s traditional business. 

The film, produced by Mnet Media, stars Xuan Nghi and Khong Tu Quynh. 

The screening aims to attract audiences during the COVID-19 pandemic social distancing. 

“There’s no way to release films in cinemas as the fourth wave of COVID-19 since April 27 has still not ended. We decided to post our film on YouTube to entertain fans at home these days,” said a representative of the MCV Corporation.  

The film attracted more than 1 million views four days after its release on June 4. 

Another series, “Gia Dinh Cuc Suc” (Great Family), is a new web-drama produced exclusively for online entertainment. 

The first part of the show was uploaded on YouTube in May. It has attracted more than 8.3 million views. 

The film revolves around the daily life of a father, who works as a garbage man, and his two daughters. Love and family issues are highlighted. 

“Online distribution of movies and web dramas has met the needs of audiences as the COVID-19 pandemic has caused an increase in demand for such services,” said film director Vo Tat Phat, producer of “Gia Dinh Cuc Suc”. 

Movie producers’ profits depend on ticket sales and other forms of distribution such as DVDs, the internet and copyright sales to foreign markets. 

“However, with online entertainment, filmmakers cannot neglect the market anymore. Online movie streaming helps producers make the most of their products,” he said. 

In response to increased demand, film and music producers have worked with local entertainment platforms to create and release films, theatre shows and concerts for online entertainment sites.

They have also researched consumer habits and formed new business rules and standards./.