Hoa Xuân Ca is one of VTV's many programs that were designed specifically for the Vietnamese 2023 Lunar New Year - the Year of the Cat. In October 2022, we were commissioned to develop and produce one of the show’s opening segments. As it is designed to celebrate Tết (Lunar New Year in Vietnam), the theme for the show was the union of the Earth and the Sky when the first moment of the new year arrives. In traditional Vietnamese folklore, the sky is represented by the shape of a circle, while the earth is a square. Building on this, we wanted the video to feature holistic choreography within Vietnam’s most stunning and raw natural landscapes, to present the human element alongside giant, surreal spheres and cubes that symbolize the earth and the sky. We wanted all of these elements to blend together and truly convey that special feeling you get when new year’s eve comes around. While the project was limited in terms of budget and time, we did not restrict our creativity. We were the most creative when time and money were scarce. We had only 4 days to scout dozens of outdoor locations and carefully allocated sufficient budget towards production so that the shooting days could proceed smoothly. We relied on cheaper but efficient alternatives like local manufacturers for props, local vendors for catering, and strategically used available equipment. Due to monetary constraints, we were extra careful about using equipment efficiently, particularly due to the extreme weather conditions where we shot the project (Phan Rang province). Despite all the difficulties that we encountered, Hoa Xuân Ca was one of our most memorable projects due to its uniqueness. Our efforts prove once again that creativity perseveres, and that challenges can be opportunities, which is exactly why we love what we do. Credits: Created and produced by Antiantiart Directed and written by Phuong Vu (Antiantiart) Project manager: An Khang (Antiantiart) Executive producer: Phuong Vu (Antiantiart) Director of photography: Dang Thinh Producers: Tien Duong, Huyen Tran, An Khang (Antiantiart) Art Director/Production designer: Dinh Dinh (Antiantiart) 1st Assistant Director: Thuc (Antiantiart Studio) Camera Operators: Dang Thinh, Trung Tit, Phuong Vu (Antiantiart), Minh Moc (Antiantiart) Phantom Camera operator: Hai Bac (Lumigrade Studio) Drone operator: Minh Nhi Focus puller: Phuc Bom Gaffer: Chien DIT: Ngoc Hoang, Vy Dong Nhat Location Manager: An Khang (Antiantiart) Chief choreographer: Huynh Hong Diem Choreographers: Vu Minh Tan, Hong Yen, Nhut Hoa Dance crew: Mai Trang Prop master: Hoang Nam Production design team: Tuan Anh (Antiantiart), Te Khoa (Antiantiart Studio), Tin, Phuong Vu (Antiantiart), An Khang (Antiantiart) Production assistants: Anh Quoc, Quang Anh (Antiantiart Studio), Tran Hien (Antiantiart Studio), Te Khoa (Antiantiart Studio), Tuan Anh(Antiantiart), Nhat Anh (Antiantiart Studio), Maiki (Antiantiart Studio), Minh Ngoc, Hai Dang, Tin, Phuong Vu (Antiantiart) Financial advisor: Viet Dung (Antiantiart Studio) Music produced by Antiantiart Music Studio Produced and composed by Maiki (Antiantiart Studio) Post-production and VFX by Antiantiart Studio Editors: Minh Moc (Antiantiart) x Pham Duy (Antiantiart Studio) Post-producers: Phuong Vu (Antiantiart) x Pham Duy (Antiantiart Studio) VFX Supervisor (stage): Ba Viet (Antiantiart) VFX artists: Zuy (Antiantiart Studio), Te Khoa (Antiantiart Studio), Tran Hien (Antiantiart Studio), Nhat Anh (Antiantiart Studio), Quang Anh (Antiantiart Studio), David Baldo (IN_VISIBLE_WORLD) 3D Lead: Ti Kay (Antiantiart) 3D Artists: Hoang Nam (Antiantiart Studio), Tran Hien (Antiantiart Studio), Ti Kay (Antiantiart) Colorist: Tieu Pham (Flex Films) Typography designer: Ti Kay (Antiantiart) Look Dev: Colour.Matrix Rental house: Bau House Our warmest thanks to: Ms. Nguyen Diep Chi, Ms. Phuong, Ms. Phuong Anh and Mr. Duong from Vietnam National Television (VTV), the People's Committee of Tri Hai commune, the People's Committee of Ninh Hai district (Ninh Thuan province) Managing committee of Nui Chua National Reserve (Ninh Thuan province) , Managing committee of Bidoup Ba Mountain National Reserve (Da Lat) Lan Phuong grape vineyard (Ninh Thuan province), Phi Kite School (Ninh Thuan province)
