Large-scale casting for Vietnamese films: What opportunities for young actors?

To find suitable actors for the characters in "Dat Do," the production team is holding continuous casting sessions, attracting a large number of young people to try out. Alongside experienced actors who have participated in previous film projects—such as Lam Thanh My, Ngan Chi, Hao Khang, and Ky Phong—the event has also drawn new faces, allowing the producers to consider and select the right fit for the film about the heroine Vo Thi Sau.

"We are looking for an actor who matches the energy, age, intensity, and purity of the character rather than just a box-office star. However, that does not mean we exclude familiar faces of Vietnamese cinema. Being the right fit for the role is the most important factor," said producer Hoang Quan.

Similarly, to select the cast for "Trai buon nguoi," the crew conducted a large-scale casting session, likened to a reality survival show. Instead of just reading lines or acting in front of the camera, candidates had to undergo a series of specially designed physical and mental challenges. This forced them to reveal their instincts and most genuine emotions. According to reports, the event attracted about 1,000 applications, including familiar faces such as Meritorious Artist Tuyet Thu, Long Dep Trai, Quach Ngoc Ngoan, and Quach Ngoc Tuyen, demonstrating the significant investment of a "blockbuster" scale project. "Perhaps launching a project with such careful preparation is also a way to promote the film—true to the spirit, the scale, and the type of actors we want to target," shared producer Meo Bich Trang (Nguyen Ngoc Bich Trang).

When asked about the criteria for selecting actors during the "Trai buon nguoi" casting, producer Meo Bich Trang stated that the team's goal is to find young faces with positive energy. "We have never held the view that stars create box-office hits; rather, talent, the script, and the final finished work are the true measures of a film's quality. In reality, many projects now prioritize competence and suitability for the character above all else," Meo Bich Trang shared.

In fact, many Vietnamese films still manage to attract audiences without relying on "box-office stars." According to Mr. Nguyen Cao Tung, producers today are more open to giving opportunities to young actors. Through the casting sessions for "Dat Do," Mr. Tung observed that the current generation of young actors has many advantages for development, such as self-confidence, access to international film knowledge, and modern acting techniques. Furthermore, many candidates possess good looks, strong visual awareness, and are not afraid to express themselves. However, what is missing is the depth of experience and professional discipline. "Many of them prepare very carefully for their appearance in front of the camera but have not prepared enough to become professional actors. Cinema requires not only emotion but also persistence, the ability to research characters, a team-oriented spirit, and a commitment to long-term training," Mr. Nguyen Cao Tung emphasized.

According to this producer, talent is a necessary condition, but perseverance is the sufficient condition for young people to have a "long-term career" in cinema. Mr. Tung expressed his view: "In a casting session, we don't just look for who acts the best, but we also look for those who have the potential to go the distance in the profession."

Meo Bich Trang also frankly stated that young actors today have the advantage of enthusiasm and a willingness to go all out. However, according to the producer, in acting, the virtues of "patience" and "faith" must be maintained. "Because not everyone is born at the finish line; a typical example is Steven Nguyen, an actor featured in 'Trai buon nguoi.' He spent 10 years struggling to shine as he does today. Dreams will not abandon anyone if you have faith; sometimes young people have enthusiasm, but that enthusiasm easily fades after a few failed auditions or small, unnoticed roles," shared Meo Bich Trang.