Pham Vu Linh - from the first frame to the unforgettable journey
Although I have worked for more than 3 years at the Multimedia Communication Center - Lao Dong Newspaper, I still feel remiss every time I remember the first Talkshow recordings. The feeling at that time - excitement, pressure, excitement - seems to be as intact as ever. That year, I just turned 25, bringing enthusiasm and youth to the studio considered the "heart" of the Center, where news programs, Talkshows, and talks are produced with strong influence.
Taking up a Talkshow - at first glance it seems like it is just recording a conversation between two or more people. But behind the small screen that readers are watching is an entire complex and strict operating system. As a producer, I have to take on almost every stage - from lighting arrangement, camera setup, sound adjustment, sitting position choice, to carefully planning for any arising situations that may occur. Each filming session is a "match" in which I have to maintain a strong mentality, patience, caution and professionalism.
I still remember it as the first talk show I was in charge of. It was a late afternoon, the guest was a famous expert and quite demanding. Our Saturday Afternoon cafe studio is located at Hang Bo headquarters, just under 30 square meters wide, but it includes a miniature world of television: rotating machines, LED lights, microphones, and tangled ropes. I carefully check every small detail - the location of the device, headlights, audio lines, even the cup of water placed in front of the guest to avoid being stuck in the frame.
However, just a few minutes after filming began, the MC's audio signal reported an error and could not receive the sound. I was a bit panicked, my hands trembling and reattached the signal line. For the first time, I clearly felt the pressure of the two words "responsibility".
Fortunately, the problem was resolved quickly, but throughout that filming, I kept sweating. Every movement of the camera, every question of the MC, every expression of the guests - I caught my eyes watching through the preview screen as if holding my breath. Only when the MC's greeting rang out did I dare to breathe a sigh of relief.
Now, every time I step into the studio, I don't feel as nervous as the first time. Instead, it was a sense of intimacy, like I was returning home. Cameras have now become a companion; wireless microphones and lighting are no longer scary but are tools for us to convey information and stories to the public.
The first filmings, with so much confusion and effort, became the foundation for my career journey. Every time I adjust the framework, every stressful filming session, it helps me practice carefulness, perseverance and a professional working spirit. More than just a job, that process helps me learn to observe, listen and convey content in the clearest and most meticulous way. Those initial experiences not only helped me mature in my profession, but also formed a serious and responsible working habit - something I will always keep in mind in the future.
Xuan Hiep - a day that touches the soul of Vietnam behind the camera
The special Talkshow with a businessman who is passionate about antiques brought me - an image reporter - closer to the cultural values - national history. It was not just a recording, but an emotional journey when the camera faced the treasures with Vietnamese soul.
For reporters in the digital age like me, each talk show is not just a simple recording session. It is a journey to go deep into each story, each face, each eye - where the lens not only capture images but also capture the charisma, emotions and depth of the character.
Behind the camera lights are quiet, meticulous preparation hours: From behind-the-scenes surveys, equipment installation, sound and light adjustments to coordinating the pace of conversation on set. Each broadcast is only a few dozen minutes, but behind that is a dense behind-the-scenes scene. And there are filmings, for the profession, becoming an unforgettable memory.
The Talkshow held at the private home of businessman Nguyen Van Kinh - the first person in Vietnam to own a national treasure - was truly a special experience.
As soon as I stepped into this space, I felt like I was standing in front of a treasure trove of life - where culture, history and art were vividly present, without the layer of display glass or explanatory text.
In front of me are 5 national treasures including 3 bronze drums and 2 bronze tables of Dong Son culture. Not only that, Mr. Kinh also owns many rare antiques such as the dragon-shaped sword of King Ham Nghi, the phoenix-shaped sword of Queen Nam Phuong, and the lacquer painting collection of artist Dinh Van Dan - who was deeply influenced by Indochina fine arts.
When I turned the engine to get a close-up of the pattern on the drum surface, the sparkling field light under the rotating lights, I could not hide my excitement. For me, it was a rare moment to film details with Vietnamese soul, with the shadow of thousands of years of history.
In the Talkshow, Mr. Kinh shared very clearly about investment methods, numbers, and profit problems from orchard growing projects worth up to thousands of billions of VND. But when mentioning paintings, antiques, and Indochina art, his eyes seemed to light up, his voice was low, and full of emotions.
Witnessing that transformation through the lens, I was really impressed. What remains is not just the items, but the way he feels them. A businessman but with an artist's soul, a person willing to spend all his belongings to preserve the beauty of Vietnamese culture.
The filming ended in a quiet atmosphere. Not because of fatigue, but because the whole team seems to have touched a deep layer of culture - where the past, art and people resound in very private stillness.
