Music videos are like movies.

Applying cinematic special effects to music videos is a popular trend these days.

The music video "Cánh chim phượng hoàng" (Phoenix Wings) by singer Tùng Dương has garnered attention for its perfection in musical quality, concept, message, and especially its stunning, cinematic special effects.

The audience couldn't take their eyes off them.

The music video "Phoenix Wings" tells the legendary story of Vietnam with Mother Au Co, then through the ups and downs of history with the examples of female generals, the heroic Vietnamese mothers who "bear all suffering for the Fatherland... Vietnamese women are the land, the water, the vast fields of maternal love," and up to the women in modern society today who "beautify themselves and beautify the world."

The music video "Phoenix Wings" by singer Tung Duong has attracted attention. (Photo provided by the subject)

To create a stunning visual effect for the music video "Phoenix Wings," directors Nguyen Truong Kien (Zodiac II) and Nguyen Huu Hoang filmed 114 shots across 8 different locations. All shots utilized advanced special effects. "Phoenix Wings" boasts the largest amount of VFX (Visual Effects) in Vietnam to date. The most important and impressive visual element is perhaps the phoenix, created by Duy Nguyen – Art Director of Riot Games (famous for games like League of Legends and Valorant), currently working in Singapore. The music video took 5 months to complete post-production, featuring many unique elements never before seen in a Vietnamese music video.

Previously, most viewers preferred the music video "Fire Song" - the theme song of the 2024 "Brothers Overcoming a Thousand Obstacles" program - and the music video "The Stars" from the 2024 "Brothers Say Hi" program. Both music videos were meticulously produced in terms of setting, with polished sets and effects. The close-up shots of the "brothers'" appearances and cool moves kept viewers captivated. The special effects in both music videos were considered on par with trending K-pop music videos like "Supernova" and "Armageddon".

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Singer Ngoc Khue's recent comeback with the album "Dao Choi" (Strolling) surprised audiences. This excitement stemmed not only from her return after 16 years of silence but also from the intriguing approach of the "Chuon Chuon Ot" (Dragonfly) singer. While still featuring songs associated with Ngoc Khue such as "Chuon Chuon Ot," "Ben Bo Ao Nha Minh" (By My Pond), "Giot Suong Bay Len" (Dewdrop Flying Up), "Ba Toi" (My Grandmother), "Co La" (Crane's Lament), "Beo Dat May Troi" (Floating Water Hyacinths and Drifting Clouds), "Xe Chi Luon Kim" (Threading the Needle), "Qua Cau Gio Bay" (Crossing the Bridge in the Wind)... the songs are more interesting, given a new look with electronic elements of ambient, deep house, word music, trap, and hip hop.

Not only that, Ngoc Khue also wrote rap lyrics for Quan Ho folk songs, bringing a youthful and fresh energy to these already familiar songs. Ngoc Khue also incorporated high technology into her products. "Dao Choi" is the first folk music album to combine with Dolby Atmos technology, creating a vibrant, multi-dimensional 3D sound space. The female singer said that instead of focusing her efforts on making music videos, she chose to invest in technology so that audiences could experience the music in the most exciting and enjoyable way. Currently, online music streaming platforms such as Apple Music and Tidal also support this technology, so audiences can conveniently listen in digital format.

An interesting direction

In fact, the application of cinematic special effects to music videos has been a choice made by singers for several years now. Singer Young Uno made a strong impression with his music video " Hanoi Chill," which was entirely created using 3D technology and cinematic special effects. In "The Last Rays," a collaboration between People's Artist Bach Tuyet and rapper Wowy, audiences were impressed by the use of AI (artificial intelligence) and 3D projector mapping to create a semi-real universe, containing a message of reincarnation. Director La Zung stated that this is one of the first music videos in Vietnam to use this advanced technology.

As audience tastes become increasingly sophisticated, investing in visual effects in modern advertising products is always a priority to generate the most positive feedback and interaction for brands. Therefore, VFX has become a useful method, delivering captivating and engaging visuals that have transcended the boundaries of film. To attract audiences, music videos by singers are also participating in this upgrade, such as the music video "See Tình" (Hoàng Thùy Linh), and the music video "Trời giấu trời mang đi" (Amee x ViruSs)…

VFX companies in Vietnam are now equipped with software such as Houdini, Unreal Engine, Maya, Nuke, ZBrush, and Blender – powerful and popular tools in the film visual effects industry. These software programs not only help create realistic effects but also optimize workflows, allowing for faster product completion while maintaining quality.

Vietnamese VFX companies also apply motion capture technology, which helps record the movements of people or objects in 3D space, thereby creating extremely vivid and realistic characters or effects. This technology is often used in film projects. And now it is being applied by singers to their music videos. As a result, music videos are now more attractive and eye-catching, drawing the attention of viewers.

Experts believe that AI is increasingly encroaching on the field of visual effects, and the Vietnamese music video market is no exception. AI technology is helping to optimize the visual effects production process, reducing time and costs. AI algorithms can assist in creating more realistic effects, especially in areas such as facial animation and motion tracking.

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Recently, on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Vietnamese Doctors' Day (February 27, 1955 - February 27, 2025), director Pham Vinh Khuong released the music video "White Coat After a White Night". This is an artistic work honoring the medical profession, and also marks a breakthrough in the application of AI in Vietnamese cinema. Director Pham Vinh Khuong said: "I want this film to not only be a tribute but also to help the audience better understand the hardships of doctors and medical staff. AI technology helps to recreate those stories in the most realistic and vivid way."

The highlight of "White Shirt After a White Night" is that the entire production process – from visuals to music – was done entirely by AI. Visual effects, set reconstruction, 3D effects, and post-production all utilized AI. The music video for "White Shirt After a White Night" is considered a stepping stone for the film project of the same name, scheduled for release on February 27, 2026.

According to experts, the application of VFX is essential for a product to easily reach its audience and achieve Top Trending status. Products that incorporate VFX always achieve high effectiveness – not only appealing in terms of content and sound but also visually. Thanks to VFX and the widespread use of special effects in music videos, products can connect with audiences more deeply, contributing to conveying the message and spirit of the producer to the public more effectively.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/mv-ca-nhac-nhu-phim-dien-anh-196250319213607068.htm