Director Quang Dung has nurtured the idea for his animated film, "The Naked World", for over two decades, since before graduating from Ho Chi Minh City University of Theater and Cinema. For years, despite a gradually completed script, the project remained on hold due to insufficient production resources. Recently, collaborating with screenwriters Kim and ToTo Chan, Dung decided to launch the project. Initially intended as a short film, it was encouraged to be a theatrical release by investors. Dung credits AI for giving him the opportunity to produce his first animated feature.

Teaser for the film "The Naked World" - expected to be released in 2027. Video: Film crew provided

Producing an animated film traditionally often requires a budget and human resources that can exceed those of a live-action film, making it challenging for teams to meet demands. Dung estimates AI helps him save approximately 60%-70% of investment costs, equivalent to tens of billions of dong. This technology also accelerates the production schedule, aiming for a release next year.

Dung emphasizes that AI serves as a supporting tool, with humans remaining central to the creative process. This includes: directing, screenwriting, character design, and storyboarding. The film maintains traditional animation methods, being produced scene by scene. The team casts actors to record their performances, providing data for AI to learn expressions and acting nuances. Currently, Dung has completed the script and character design, preparing for the animation phase. Previously skeptical of AI's application, Dung observed its monthly progression after working with partners and conducting multiple tests. Limitations such as less fluid movements, inconsistent characters, and continuity errors (raccord) are gradually being resolved.

According to Dung, applying AI in feature film production is a growing trend. For "Dat Rung Phuong Nam Part Two", a film he is currently working on, AI assists the team with certain special effects, creating additional scenes, expanding settings, and facilitating difficult camera angles. However, the creation of main scenes on storyboards remains human-driven.

Director Quang Dung at the event announcing a series of AI application projects, on 29/9 in TP HCM. Photo: Airo

Nguyen Quang Dung, 47, is the son of writer Nguyen Quang Sang. He graduated from the film directing program at Ho Chi Minh City University of Theater and Cinema in 1999. In the 2000s, he became known for entertainment films like Nu Hon Than Chet and Giai Cuu Than Chet. Many of his films achieved high box office revenues, including Thang Nam Ruc Ro with 85 billion dong and Tiec Trang Mau with 175 billion dong. In 2023, he directed the feature film Dat Rung Phuong Nam, inspired by writer Doan Gioi's original work, starring Hong Anh, Tran Thanh, Mai Tai Phen, and Tuan Tran. Dung and singer Bui Lan Huong publicly announced their relationship in 6/2023, supporting each other at numerous events.

Several domestic entities are also entering the race to make films with AI. In late September, TFS – Ho Chi Minh City Television Film Studio – in collaboration with HTV, introduced Bai San, a short film series adapted from science fiction literature, with all visuals produced by AI. The film Hoi Thuc Khong Chien, directed by Pham Vinh Khuong using artificial intelligence technology, will be released online in 7/2025, honoring fallen heroes.

By Mai Nhat