Recently, the program “For a Perfect Day” on VTV2 aired with guests from the 1977 Vlog group – consisting of two brothers, Viet Anh and Trung Anh.
In the program, 1977 Vlog opened up about the difficulties they faced to achieve their current success. At the same time, the group also shared their future plans for further development on their artistic path.
9 Years of Dreaming to Become an Actor
1977 is the number we use to express that we will create old films, and it also represents the journey we have gone through, which is pursuing our dreams for 9 years. The number 77 means that we will not fail anymore. The number 7 means “failure”; having 7 in front of 7 means denying that failure.
Those 9 years started when we finished high school; we were very excited to act, make films, and become actors.
Both of us applied to the University of Theater and Cinema, but we “slipped on a banana peel,” and our parents scolded us for a whole year. After that, we applied to Thang Long University, where we also worked hard, trying to participate in the school’s drama club, frequently performing on stage for our peers to see.
The passion was nurtured during those years. After graduating, we also tried to find jobs as scriptwriters or actors but received rather unfavorable results.
That period lasted until we established the 1977 channel, which was 9 years. We had failed once, so we were scared and always delayed because we feared creating a product that no one would watch.
But thinking back, life isn’t that long; we must pursue our passions, and if we fail, we accept it.
The first video we made wasn’t very difficult since it came about very unexpectedly. When we were thinking about starting a Vlog channel, we noticed a resurgence of interest in old films.
We came up with the idea to create vlogs similar to those from the past but discussing present-day topics.
At that moment, there was a debate about the film “Cậu Vàng,” so we decided to make it. Initially, there was no script; we just went there to film and improvised the dialogue. After filming, we spent about 2 days doing voiceovers and then uploaded it online.
At that time, we were happy to do what we loved. The hardest part was getting the audience to know about our product. Now, that clip on YouTube has over 12 million views, and combined with views on Facebook, it’s probably over 20 million views.
I think the appeal of these clips is due to our voices sounding like those from the past and the fresh humor. We also want to gradually change and challenge ourselves with different types of videos, not just black-and-white films.
Living Civilized and Responsibly as a Celebrity
When we became famous and more people recognized us, we found that many people recognized us on the street and asked to take photos, so the time we have for ourselves has decreased a bit.
We also can’t express ourselves as we did before. For example, in the past, I used to go shirtless, whistling on the street to watch chess, but now I can’t do that anymore. I have to live more civilized and responsibly because young people pay more attention to me.
Fame is also enjoyable because people recognize and appreciate our creativity. I think fame brings its own troubles and joys; the important thing is to negotiate, face it, and live with it.
We always remind ourselves not to be too arrogant because people adore and seek us out.
No one in my family is into the arts. When they found out their son was famous, my mom started washing dishes more often, and my dad grinds his teeth and sighs less at night.
Before being recognized as we are now, we did not have good jobs. My grandfather was a soldier, and my parents worked in the military, so they initially hoped their children would continue the family tradition.
But we wanted freedom to do what we love, so when we were doing stable but boring jobs, our parents were very supportive of us pursuing our own path.
When they found out their children were famous, I think we were as happy as they were, or even happier. They are also pleased that we will earn a better income.
We are quite shy when revealing our income. Regarding YouTube, initially, we didn’t earn much because our channel was only later approved for monetization. Additionally, we released very few videos, about one a month, with views only around 8-10 million. Google pays not very well for views in Vietnam.
Therefore, the money earned from YouTube shared between us is enough for both of us to pursue our passions.
We invest very little capital. For example, the recent episodes cost about 700-800 thousand VND, while in the past, it was about 300-500 thousand. Now that we have reached this level, we will have to spend more on filming.
Aspiration to Establish a YouTube Channel About Literature, Supporting Social Campaigns
We also have ambitions to create a YouTube channel different from everyone else. There, we will make 20-40 vlog episodes discussing literature, talking about old films that will unfold like a movie. When clicked on, viewers will find each episode enjoyable and funny.
Additionally, we want to create short or longer films. To accomplish this, we need to acquire knowledge to create films that are both humorous and visually appealing.
Audience preferences change very quickly, so we must adapt to meet the audience’s tastes.
When receiving criticism every time we release a new product, we find it quite normal because we cannot please everyone; we cannot force everyone to love us.
We take in criticism and gradually make changes. Each episode we create carries a different style and storytelling method to satisfy discerning viewers.
Soon, we will create a vlog episode to support the campaign to protect those who are bullied online, empowering women to be stronger and more confident in life.
Moreover, we also hope to collaborate with schools to present that vlog to students for broader dissemination of that message.
We want to remind young people never to procrastinate; just do it. Only by doing can you know what you are good at, what you enjoy, and whether you will succeed. Parents should trust their children, communicate more to understand their feelings, and support them on the path they have chosen.