VietNamNet Bridge – As the Vietnamese film industry grows, many state and private film studios find they are lacking actors and actresses. Tapping into the modelling industry to fulfil this need is a win-win situation;

Model-cum-actress: Model Thanh Hang (right) was a hit in the film The Hot Kiss.

A film featuring model-actors, Co Gai Xau Xi (Ugly Girl), is now airing on prime time. Director Nguyen Minh Chung has chosen many models for his films, such as Phi Thanh Van, Ly Anh Tuan, Trinh Kim Chi and Binh Minh.

“Audiences now are fond of good-looking actors and actresses,” says Chung, “models meet the demand, moreover, they have experience acting in front of the camera.”

“That’s the very reason why I and other directors tend to choose models as actors,” he says.

Many models become even more famous thanks to their roles on the silver screen. Model Truong Ngoc Anh is a prime example, now, she’s known as a famous actress, though she began her career on the fashion stage.

Other models have also attracted a following in the acting world: Ngo Thanh Van with her role in Dong Mau Anh Hung (The Rebel), Thanh Hang in Nu Hon Than Chet (The Ghost’s Kiss) and Anh Thu in Tuyet Nhiet Doi (Tropical Snow).

In order to be in the film, The Rebel, Van had to study martial arts for two months.

“My role in this film is Thuy who is good at martial arts. That’s the reason why I refused many fashion shows and music performance to practice acting,” Van says.

Not every model can act, so they have to audition for the directors. Almost all models have a few supporting roles before they’re given starring roles.

Anh Thu had a small role in only one film before she was given a major part in her next films.

“At the beginning, acting was an opportunity for me to try my talent. I didn’t really adore it,” says Thu, “when I won a prize for my role in Tuyet Nhiet Doi, I was confident that I can act well.”

Opening doors

Many models appear with an introduction as model-actress-singer, which doesn’t surprise their audience. Ngo Thanh Van and Ho Ngoc Ha are two models who have successful singing careers. Now, Phi Thanh Van will try her luck on the musical stage.

“Acting brings good income for models but it’s quite hard, while becoming a singer is cushy and the pay is attractive,” she says.

The models must have a good voice and unique style if they want to promote their career in singing.

The life-span of modelling careers isn’t long. When models hit middle age they no longer get the same offers, so many try to expand their career while they are still on top.

“If models just want enough cooking, income from the catwalk is enough for them but if they want to be wealthy, they should make a career in business,” says supermodel Vu Thu Phuong, who owns four fashion shops.

Anh Thu and Xuan Lan have made successful businesses with companies that train young models.

Breaking into television advertising is the career choice of many models because the work is not as strenuous as acting.

These models aren’t just fashion mannequins, but multifaceted performers willing to answer the door when opportunity comes knocking.

(Source: Viet Nam News)