HCM CITY – A quality script is one of the most important elements in capturing audiences for TV dramas, experts said at a recent workshop, which discussed trends and challenges of televised dramas.

The workshop was held in HCM City as part of the ongoing fifth Việt Nam International Exhibition on Film and Television Technology.

Đỗ Thanh Hải, director of Việt Nam Television’s Film Company (VFC), said scripts featuring the life of youth in urban areas are popular with viewers.

With good scripts about love, family and friendship, VFC dramas such as Zippo, Mù Tạt Và Em (Zippo, Mustard and You), Sống Chung Với Mẹ Chồng (Living with Mother-in-Law) and Người Phán Xử (The Punisher), have attracted millions of views on television and YouTube.

They have also received a positive response from critics and audiences, especially young people, and have won top prizes at local film festivals for best films, actors and directors.

Workshop participants, particularly filmmakers, emphasised the need for co-operation between TV stations and filmmakers to create good dramas.

Nguyễn Quốc Hưng, deputy director of HCM City Television’s Film Studio (TFS), said: “Vietnamese TV dramas are facing competition from foreign films, web dramas and reality shows. TV stations and film studios should focus on making quality productions to capture viewers, particularly young people.”

However, veteran actors said that actors were the most important factor in successful dramas.

People’s Artist Hoàng Dũng, who plays a leading role in popular drama Người Phán Xử, said: “Vietnamese dramas have young, beautiful actors, both professional and amateur, who attract audiences, but many of these actors only care about how many films they make, and do not pay attention to the quality of scripts.”

“I believe a good screenplay will contribute to an actor’s success,” Dũng said.

Director Hải of VFC agrees, saying that audiences are interested in dramas which have good plots and a quality cast.

He said that Vietnamese TV drama producers and directors should learn how to work professionally in choosing screenplays and casting actors to capture more viewers. — VNS