Nearly 20 years ago, Pham Hung opened his own workshop in Hiep Binh Chanh (Ho Chi Minh City) to paint and serve as a production center and source of props for film sets. At first glance, it looked like a makeshift workshop, sometimes resembling a carpentry workshop with shirtless workers sawing and chiseling tables, chairs, and cabinets in the midday sun; other times it looked like a painting studio with canvases, paints, and easels scattered everywhere; and at other times it transformed into an artistic space with meticulously crafted and refined items. But eventually, I gradually understood Hung's work at that time. It turned out he was creating props for the unique sets of the television series for which he worked as a set designer.
Artist Pham Hung during a scene selection trip.
Photo: Provided by artist Pham Hung
For Pham Hung, 2011 marked the beginning of his career, working alongside directors Nguyen Duong, Phuong Dien, Duong Nam Quan, and others. For many years afterward, Pham Hung diligently worked on film sets in various locations, designing film sets. A number of television series featured Pham Hung as the set designer, including "Dream of Love," "Mist and Smoke in the Wilderness," "I Wish We Could Fly Together," "Co Tham Returns to the Village," and "Green Rainbow."
From television to film
Not only did he try his hand at television, Pham Hung also ventured into the role of a production designer for feature films. He worked with many directors such as Bao Nhan, Nam Cito, Tran Buu Loc, Nguyen Huynh… Feature films like "The Heiress," "Mother's Happiness," "The Old Lady with Many Tricks V - Royal Lives," "The Girl from the Past," "My Father is a Playboy," "Luck and Prosperity," "Going Home for Tet," "Possessed by a Ghost,"… seem to have sparked his creative inspiration, leading him to come up with unique and innovative design ideas that make the scenes in the films much more vibrant.
The setting of the movie "Gái già lắm chiêu V - Những cuộc đời vương giả" (The Old Woman's Tricks V - Royal Lives).
Photo: Provided by artist Pham Hung
In 2021, at the Vietnam Film Festival held in Hue , Pham Hung won the award for Best Art Director for the film "Gai Gia Lam Chieu V - Nhung Cuoc Doi Vuong Gia" (The Old Lady's Tricks V - Royal Lives ). Pham Hung stated that this film presented him with many obstacles and challenges, as the two major sets had to be constructed within a special historical site in Hue, where no hammers, shovels, or other tools could be used. The work required him and his colleagues to meticulously calculate every detail and produce props with absolute precision for installation, as almost all the items in the palace were considered national treasures. Moving the items out and bringing the film crew's props into the set was a major undertaking. Ultimately, the sets created by the design team contributed to the truly luxurious and regal atmosphere of the film. The film also won the Jury Prize at the film festival.
The setting in the movie *The Corpse Possessed*
Photo: Provided by artist Pham Hung
Recently, the hit horror film "Possessed by a Corpse" also presented Pham Hung with some unforgettable challenges. He recounted that the film was primarily shot at night. Large-scale scenes such as a funeral procession in the forest at night, creating rain, and the gloomy, freezing weather in Bao Loc all inspired him to overcome difficulties.
Listening to Pham Hung recount his experiences in the profession, one can truly appreciate the patience and meticulousness of a production designer on each different film. Each film demands a different investment and a different way of thinking; no two films are alike. This quiet creativity forms the foundation that brings countless vivid and colorful cinematic images to the screen. Behind the glamour lies the sweat and toil of countless people.
Artist Pham Hung (left) on the film set.
Photo: Provided by artist Pham Hung
And so, as if it were his calling, the man continued to wander tirelessly, from remote mountains to cities, from south to north, in search of ideal locations for his films, because, as he said, "the more difficult it is, the more I enjoy doing it."
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/pham-hung-lang-bat-ky-ho-cung-phim-anh-185250503204457976.htm
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