Vietnamese actor Tieu Bao Quoc faces demanding physical and mental conditions while filming the detective project Karaoke Murder Case at age 64, balancing freezing mountain temperatures, overnight shoots, and rigorous daily exercise routines.
Tieu Bao Quoc Tackles Extreme Filming Conditions at Age 64
Vietnamese actor Tieu Bao Quoc, known by his real name Do Phuoc Hau, portrays Mr. Chin—one of the suspects in the murder of Ms. Thuy, played by Van Dung—in the detective film Karaoke Murder Case. In an interview with Thanh Nien, the 64-year-old artist detailed the physical challenges of the production, which required night shoots, travel across mountainous terrain, and continuous work in harsh weather. “Detective films, especially those with horror elements, often require a lot of night scenes,” Tieu Bao Quoc told the newspaper. “Therefore, actors must make use of the day to rest and maintain their health and mental clarity.” The actor noted that the period around sunrise is the most draining, leaving performers vulnerable to mistakes. To combat exhaustion, he relies on concentration, meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises.
Maintaining Endurance Through Daily Exercise and Mountain Lodging
To sustain his stamina during demanding production schedules, Tieu Bao Quoc maintains a regular fitness routine consisting of walking, jogging, badminton, and football. However, he explained that standard exercise differs significantly from the sustained physical exertion required by constant movement across uneven, hilly terrain. “After heavy filming days, it can sometimes take a week for the crew to recover their strength,” the actor said. During production in a mountainous forest area, the harsh climate and constant altitude changes drained the crew’s energy. Rather than descending to a hotel each evening, Tieu Bao Quoc chose to sleep on the mountain to experience local life and better understand his character. “In the beginning, I was the only one who stayed,” he said, acknowledging that the crew worried about his safety during the freezing night temperatures. Co-star Van Dung later joined him in staying on the mountain to accommodate the filming schedule, though she faced disruptions from forest rats and returned to her hotel after a nearly sleepless night.
Overcoming Setbacks and Production Hardships
The production took place around the New Year, intensifying the difficulties posed by cold weather, fake blood, explosive effects, and airborne dust. Tieu Bao Quoc revealed that after nights of filming, cast members frequently underwent traditional Vietnamese gua sha massages and drank ginger tea before returning to work. The physical toll extended beyond the wrap of production, with the actor noting that he remained confined to his house after filming concluded due to physical exhaustion and the side effects of medication. Despite these trials, Tieu Bao Quoc emphasized his commitment to the project, stating that once an actor accepts a role and reaches an agreement with the producer, they must dedicate themselves entirely to the character regardless of environmental hurdles.
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