On February 27, prestigious producer Lord David Puttnam, the UK Prime Ministerial Trade Envoy to Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar shared with local filmmakers how to get into the international film market.
At the age of 73 and having retired from a career in film for years, Lord Puttnam still showed a great passion for cinema. Watching him talking passionately about films, we understand why he had such a successful film production career and won 10 Academy Awards, 25 BAFTAs and Palme d’Or, an achievement of dreams for any producer.
In the talk with Vietnamese young filmmakers, Lord Puttnam advised the early-career colleagues not to be afraid of voicing their innovative ideas; also, he encouraged the young film makers to believe in their story and to try all ways to protect their brainchild despite huge challenges possibly awaiting them on their journey to realise an idea. Participants were fascinated hearing that Lord Puttnam himself was turned down a number of times at the beginning of his career; what was more important, according to the producer of the acclaimed Chariots of Fire (1981) film, is an optimistic attitude and a strong belief in one’s ambitions in life.
For Vietnamese film makers, they are advised to draw on the uniqueness of the country’s customs and culture to create a story that could attract the world. Rich in culture, Vietnam boasts a number of nature cultures and locations for shooting movies, awaiting talented producers to adapt for films.
‘To develop the film industry, there are some questions you need to answer. What images and stories you would like to sell to international audiences? What will you do to feature the essence of your cultural identity in your movies?’ said David Puttnam.
Attended by many well-known producers, directors and actors in Vietnam, the activity was part of a British Council series of events to support the development of the Vietnam cinema industry and the local potential creative economy.