HCMC proactively creates a corridor for international film production
For the first time in Vietnam, a locality has built a Handbook with detailed instructions for foreign film crews when coming to survey and work. The handbook provides full information on the context, infrastructure, transportation system, support process, communication points, service providers... according to international standards. The document was developed with professional advice from foreign film experts and the support of the French Embassy in Vietnam.
This is the first step to prove Ho Chi Minh City's commitment after being honored by UNESCO as a Creative City in the field of Cinema. The city aims to build a professional film production ecosystem, in order to create a favorable environment for international film studios to approach the Vietnamese scene more quickly and effectively.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Tran Thi Dieu Thuy - Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee affirmed that the Handbook not only brings practical value to film crews but also marks the city's determination to become a dynamic film production center in the region. The City's leaders also emphasized that improving the quality of the filmmaking environment is a prerequisite for Ho Chi Minh City to attract large-scale projects, from movies, television to international advertising projects.
The Handbook announcement event took place within the framework of the Workshop "Current situation and solutions to attract film crews to localities", with the participation of leaders of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, film experts from France, Australia, Singapore, India and a large number of domestic film producers.
At the workshop, many international experts assessed that Vietnam possesses great advantages in diverse landscapes, competitive costs and young human resources. However, to increase competitiveness in the region, Ho Chi Minh City needs to promote improvement of administrative procedures, the inter-sectoral coordination system and the ability to provide on-site support for film crews.
Handbook - a stepping stone to make Ho Chi Minh City a film destination in the region
The content of the Handbook "Ho Chi Minh City - Film Production Destination" is designed clearly and concisely, in accordance with the actual process of international film crews. The document includes overview information on terrain, climate, accommodation, transportation, services; list of outstanding locations of the city; list of production and logistics service providers; working instructions with management agencies; quick contact information and direct support contacts.
The release of the Handbook is considered an opening step for the goal of establishing a "one-stop support mechanism for film crews" mechanism - a model that has been applied by many countries to shorten procedures, reduce costs and create more favorable conditions for film crews. Representatives of many international units assessed that Ho Chi Minh City's leadership in this model will help Vietnam join the group of friendly and potential film destinations in Southeast Asia.
In parallel with the completion of the information system, Ho Chi Minh City aims to expand international cooperation, promote the setting, develop film tourism and invest in upgrading infrastructure for production. International experts say that Ho Chi Minh City is fully qualified to become a new film center of the region, especially when the demand for Asian settings of international film studios is increasing.
The launch of this Handbook not only creates a useful tool for filmmakers but also contributes to strengthening Ho Chi Minh City's position on the international film map. With the orientation of developing the cultural industry and the title of Creative City, Ho Chi Minh City hopes to continue to attract large-scale film projects, while spreading the image of Vietnam to international friends through the language of cinema.
