The International Movie Center opened in April this year in HCMC’s Tan Binh District advertising it had “renowned artists” on staff, including meritorious artist Lan Bich and actress Mai Thanh Dung.
Viet Ky Phong, the center owner, said he was an “expert” at casting training because he had studied acting in the US.
The center claims its graduates will be able to land internships at film studios and roles in the center’s future film projects. But Minh Lan, who sent her son Bui Thanh Phong to the school, said no such opportunities had arisen.
Film director The Phuong quit after two weeks as the center’s deputy director, forsaking the VND20 million (US$1,178) a month salary. He just could not continue to work there after he saw “many signs of fraud,” he said, without providing details.
Phong’s wife is the official company director as Phong is a Viet Kieu (Overseas Vietnamese), Phuong said.
The center’s leaflets read: “If you want to become a movie actor or actress, don’t worry about your age or appearance and don’t let any feelings stop your dream.”
To allow people to realize such a “dream,” the center offers a three-month primary course for VND6 million ($353), a six-month intermediate course for VND10 million ($589) and a 12-month advanced course for VND15 million ($884).
The HCMC Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs said enrollment and training at the center were “illegal” as it did not have any authorization from the department.
The Thang Long Film training center in Phu Nhuan District also hasn’t been given approval, according to the department.
In October, Thang Long Film claimed well-known singer Nguyen Phi Hung, model Binh Minh and actress/model Anh Thu were among its alumni. But the artists have said they’ve never heard of the center.
Several years ago, the center invited Thu to appear in a fashion show. “But the center used my name to advertise itself without asking me first,” she said.
Quang Hung, who introduced himself as the center’s human resources manager, said the center had a 10-year history and its trainers also taught at the HCMC Conservatory of Music and the HCMC College of Stage Performance and Cinematics.
However, HCMC College of Stage Performance and Cinematics rector Phan Bich Ha said her school didn’t allow teachers to work at private centers. Ha also said she had never heard of the Thang Long Film center before.
Reported by Do Tuan |
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