Completing procedures and models to support film crews
From the presentations of delegates at a thematic workshop at the 24th Vietnam Film Festival, it is possible to generalise some key groups of solutions for localities to be more proactive in attracting film crews. First of all, it is necessary to build an ecosystem to support the film crew - a factor emphasized in all presentations as a prerequisite condition. In Hue, the "one-stop-shop" model has proven effective in helping to shorten the time to handle procedures, especially in heritage areas and sensitive spots such as the Imperial City, mausoleums or conservation areas. This method helps the film crew save time, reduce overlap and create a friendly environment.
Meanwhile, international producers through RUNUP Vietnam's representative proposed a script evaluation process in two stages: Preliminary approval so that the film crew can come to survey, and submit a detailed plan after the station. In addition to procedures, on-site support is also a vital factor.
According to the Vietnam Cinema Development Promotion Association (VFDA), the launch of the PAI (Production Attraction Index) initiated by VFDA in 2023 helps create a transparent measurement framework, from which localities can identify strengths, areas that need improvement and development orientation to attract film crews to film in the locality.
Incentives, context data and local capacity
Another important group of solutions is building incentive policies and a context data system. Hue has committed to exempting or reducing fees for using relics for film crews with promotional contributions - a practical form of incentives that many localities can completely learn from.
In addition, PAI emphasizes the role of financial incentives for logistics, service or location costs - support that demonstrates the locality's commitment to accompanying manufacturers. Conclusion data has also been a long-standing bottleneck.
The delegate from Ho Chi Minh City, in his speech, clearly stated the reality that the city has many beautiful scenery but lacks an official introduction agency. Similarly, RUNUP Vietnam said that international film crews always ask about the list of locations, accommodation facilities, and technical human resources, but the information is often scattered, making it difficult to access.
Therefore, building a "cinema guide" or a set-piece - human resources - service data warehouse is a solution that needs to be implemented early to proactively introduce local capabilities.
The paper "Developing film tourism" gave a three-step model: Marking the setting in the film - maintaining media heat after the film is released - forming film tours.
In Cao Bang, this potential is even greater with nearly 200 geological heritage sites, Ban Gioc waterfall, Quay Son river, Mat Than Nui and Tay - Nung identity. This is a valuable source of material for historical, cultural and tourism film projects. In Hue, the combination of films and the Festival series creates a sustainable spillover effect, helping to maintain the local image for a long time after the films are released.
Promoting identity and expanding international cooperation
In addition to natural and cultural advantages, many presentations emphasized the role of identifying correctly to create a difference. Cao Bang possesses historical values associated with President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese revolution, along with a rich system of relics and intangible cultural heritages.
Ho Chi Minh City has a diverse modern ecological urban setting, with spaces like Can Gio that can accommodate many film genres from action, adventure to documentary. PAI also affirmed that local capacity lies not only in the context but also in accompanying infrastructure such as transportation, accommodation, equipment, studios, etc.
When there is a synchronous development strategy, the locality will not only welcome the film crew but also participate more deeply in the value chain of the content industry. Finally, international cooperation is a sustainable direction.
RUNUP Vietnam shows that when cooperating with Korea in the project "The Last Trait", the two sides shared their experiences, CGI techniques and production processes.This is proof that with convenient procedures, clear context data and good local support, Vietnam can completely become a familiar destination for international manufacturers.
