During the parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and National Day on 2/9, viewers were captivated by the majestic footage of the event. The sweeping arc shot and close-ups capturing the soldiers' precise movements drew particular praise. The person behind these shots is 37-year-old Le Bao Han (also known as Bi Han), born in Ninh Thuan and currently working in Ho Chi Minh City. The behind-the-scenes video he posted on his personal page has attracted millions of views and tens of thousands of shares.

With 18 years of experience, Bi Han is a renowned steadicam operator. Steadicams are devices that stabilize cameras and eliminate shaking during movement. He has worked on one-shot scenes for films like "Bo Gia" (2021) and "Dat Rung Phuong Nam" (2023). He has also worked on commercials, trailers for Vietnam's Next Top Model 2025, and music videos for Hieu Thu Hai, Rhyder, and Anh Tu Atus.

In July, he accepted an invitation from Vietnam Television (VTV) and Vietnam Television Film Center (VFC) to bring a cinematic style to the National Day broadcast. He was tasked with capturing the dynamic scenes at the main grandstand using his steadicam, while VTV and VFC handled the remaining footage.

"After the team contacted me, I immediately canceled other projects to make arrangements to go to Hanoi. Having freelanced for many years, I never thought I would one day stand in Ba Dinh Square filming such a significant event," Bi Han said.

Le Bao Han using the Arri Trinity 2 steadicam system during a film shoot. Photo: Provided by the subject.

With limited time, he had to quickly develop his filming and movement plan. Three days before the parade rehearsal on the evening of 24/8, Bi Han and his assistant drove a 16-seat bus carrying the equipment from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. He utilized the Arri Trinity 2 steadicam system—valued at 150,000 USD (nearly 4 billion VND) and weighing 38 kg—along with a balancing vehicle to control his movement, capturing sweeping shots and keeping pace with the marching formations and military equipment.

The event had strict security protocols. During the first rehearsal, the team's operations were restricted as they discussed camera angles and conducted test runs. Safety regulations limited steadicam movement to within 30 m, restricting shot options. The presence of tanks and artillery required absolute focus to avoid errors. Bi Han had to meticulously present his camera placement strategy and movement plan, adhering to the parade's commands, to convince the director and security forces of his ability to meet the demands.

"In the parade's script, distances and paces are clearly defined. Even a half-meter deviation or a single missed step could disrupt the formation and impact the entire operation," he said.

Cinematographer Nguyen Trinh Hoan, director of HKFilm production company, described Bi Han as a dedicated and hardworking cameraman. In his early years, he took on various roles, including lighting technician, assistant cameraman, and equipment manager.

According to Mr. Trinh Hoan, operating a steadicam requires strength and balancing skills to control the heavy equipment. Operators wear a specialized vest with a mechanical arm to minimize shaking. This arm is attached to the camera frame, ensuring stability. Despite the number of cinematographers in Vietnam, there aren't many professional steadicam operators due to the high equipment cost and the time needed to hone the craft.

"The shots Bi Han captured at the National Day parade speak volumes about his talent. The smooth camera movements and the seamless transitions between the marching formations allowed viewers to fully experience the atmosphere of the ceremony," he said.

On the evening of 2/9, Bi Han packed his equipment and began the over one-day drive back to Ho Chi Minh City. He described filming the National Day parade as challenging and demanding but a proud milestone in his career. "I will never forget the moment I stood in Ba Dinh Square, capturing the synchronized steps of thousands of soldiers," he said.

Que Chi