Filming in Vietnam

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I'm a senior producer. I produce English documentaries for Channel NewsAsia, an Asian news network that is viewed in 29 territories across Asia, the Middle East and Australia.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Filming in Vietnam, and what were your goals?

In 2018, I made a trip to Sapa and Minh to film for a series called "Champions for Change".

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor?

We selected the vendor after sourcing online and by word of mouth.

Describe the scope of their work in detail, including any steps and the final deliverables.

Prior to my trip, the vendor got all the necessary permits and approvals for filming at the required locations. He also booked the crew, equipment, accommodation and transport. During the trip, the vendor arranged for meals, served as translator and helped to troubleshoot any problems that occurred.

How many people from the vendor's team worked with you, and what were their positions?

I worked with Andy, who was my fixer-translator. He hired his team comprising a cameraman, soundman and camera assistant/grip.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The filming went smoothly and wrapped on time. The end result was a programme that was well-received by viewers.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Andy was responsive and helpful. He speaks English well so I did not have any communication problems with him. The crew are less proficient in English, but he helped to bridge the gap.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

The vendor was responsive, fluent in English, and had good PR skills.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

Would be easier to work with crew if they can speak better English.

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I was an assistant producer at Boundless Productions, a production company. The company had a long-running series for BBC Two.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Filming in Vietnam?

We needed help in video production.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Filming in Vietnam supported us in producing our TV show. They helped us access locations, find contributors, and get government permissions. In addition, since the show dealt with trains, they assisted us in booking tickets and understanding what routes would be good to get. They also helped us with all our needs on the ground, including translations. 

What is the team composition?

I worked with Andy (TV & Film Producer) and a government liaison. 

How did you come to work with Filming in Vietnam?

I came across Filming in Vietnam through word of mouth. They had such a good reputation that other people would reschedule their filming so that they could get a schedule with Andy. 

What is the status of this engagement?

We worked together from June–August 2019.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

We had to sell two hours of TV, and that involved going to various locations and filming different segments. We shot about 20 stories, and Filming in Vietnam was instrumental in every one of those. 

How did Filming in Vietnam perform from a project management standpoint?

Filming in Vietnam’s project management was perfect. I can’t recommend them enough. We communicated through emails and phone calls. 

What did you find most impressive about them?

Filming in Vietnam’s can-do attitude and ability to make things happen were impressive. They also had a wide range of contacts across Vietnam, and Andy was such a lovely guy. 

Are there any areas they could improve?

I can’t think of anything.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

Filming in Vietnam is the best, but make sure you give them enough time to sort things out. Once you have your schedule and permits set, you won’t be able to deviate from it. 

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and your position there.

I am a Berlin based freelance director working for the German-French TV Station Arte.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

For what projects/services did your company hire Filming in Vietnam, and what were your goals?

The company has done all the research, preparation and the film shoot in Hué and villages at the Tam Giang Lagoon.

SOLUTION

How did you select this vendor and what were the deciding factors?

A German colleague had strongly recommended Filming in Vietnam to me and the production company.

Describe the video(s) and the process in detail, including the project steps and all stages of production.

The team worked extremely fast and confidently. They were absolutely well coordinated and prepared.

Who did you work with and what was the feedback process like?

Andy Nguyen and his camera team.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

Can you share any outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

The documentary is scheduled to be broadcast in Decemeber 2022 and will be on display on the Arte Media Library.

Describe their project management style, including communication tools and timeliness.

Andy has everything under control and is very good in communicating to all relevant protagonists.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They are 100% reliable and have an extremely good scheduling. We managed everything in time.

Are there any areas for improvement or something they could have done differently?

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