Behind the 'absolutely cinematic' frames of the September 2nd Celebration

Behind the scenes of VTV crew's work sessions. Photo: VTV Times .

According to VTV Times , preparations for the live broadcast of the 80th National Day Parade on September 2nd began in June. Director Bui Thai Duong, Head of the Director - Cinematographer Department, Culture - Entertainment Department of VTV, was assigned as the general director for this important event.

Unprecedented scale

"To 'set up' an efficient operating machine is a huge amount of work," the general director shared with VTV Times . The crew started by drawing a diagram of cameras and equipment for each parade and marching group. The workload included walking groups, vehicle groups, air force, and navy at sea.

Behind the scenes of VTV crew's work sessions. Photo: VTV Times.

The program uses more than 40 specialized cameras, 5-6 color vehicles and a central station. In addition, VTV adds special equipment such as flycam, buggy cam, segway cam, cable cam to create diverse perspectives. This is considered one of the times Vietnam Television mobilizes the largest workforce, with more than 100 people participating in the production.

Right from the beginning, the team had to calculate each route and each parade block meticulously. "We had to plan early, even when we didn't have detailed information about the participating blocks," director Thai Duong added.

Learn from international experience

To ensure perfect image quality at Ba Dinh Square, VTV Television Film Center technicians meticulously measured the light. They were on duty from 6am to 10am, monitoring the changes in light at each hour to prepare for situations.

Parade scene at sea. Photo: QCHQ.

A 3D model of Ba Dinh Square was built. The solution helped the entire crew study the terrain and make accurate decisions about camera angles. With Hanoi's unpredictable weather, the team of technicians is always on hand to maintain and check each device regularly.

VTV invited experts from Russia - who have experience in producing large-scale military parades - to consult. This helped the Vietnam Television team have a multi-dimensional view and develop optimal camera angles and techniques.

Each movement of the parade and marching groups was carefully studied. The team closely followed the practice sessions at the Mieu Mon National Training Center to determine the best camera angles and timing. This time, there was a special participation of the sea parade group. VTV deployed very early and for many days to prepare for this visual part.

Live TV pressure

"Doing live television is always a big challenge, because there is no chance to do it again," director Phu Tran, VTV's Arts Department shared.

"We understand that just one second of carelessness can leave us with regrets," Director Bui Thai Duong emphasized the close direction of the station's leadership. Deputy General Director Do Thanh Hai and the crew always directly handle the work. VTV mobilized a large number of human resources for this program. Besides key personnel, a backup team is always on duty to handle any situation promptly.

Mr. Do Thanh Hai, Deputy General Director of VTV, always closely directs all tasks. Photo: VTV Times.

Mr. Nghiem Ba Hoai, Head of VFC VTV Filming Department, is in charge of the images in front of President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum with 10 special camera angles. "I just want to bring the most beautiful and worthy footage so that the audience can fully feel the sacred atmosphere of the ceremony," Mr. Hoai shared.

To get the perfect shots, the crew had to prepare on-set months in advance. "There were some angles that I had already set but was still not satisfied with, so I had to change them," said director Ba Hoai.

In addition to conveying solemn images, VTV crew also wishes to convey humane messages about the close military-civilian relationship and the solidarity of the entire nation. For each officer and employee of the station, this program is not only a duty but above all, a spirit of determination and pride to contribute to the success of this important event.

Source: https://znews.vn/dang-sau-nhung-khung-hinh-tuyet-doi-dien-anh-cua-le-ky-niem-29-post1582042.html