Govee’s haunted light show: Vantage Pictures turns Vietnam suburb into a horror film set
When smart lighting brand Govee approached Vantage Pictures with a Halloween brief, the idea was as eerie as it was illuminating – a campaign inspired by The Shining.
“Govee gave us a great starting point,” says Executive Producer James Duong. “We loved the play on words between shining and light — it connected perfectly to Govee’s core product. From there, we built it into a full campaign: one hero film and three short Alexa co-branded spots.”
Shot entirely in Phan Thiết, Vietnam the campaign’s suburban setting was meticulously art-directed to feel like small-town America.
“We looked at multiple cities in Vietnam — Ho Chi Minh City, Đà Lạt — and finally found the perfect neighbourhood in Phan Thiết,” added Duong. “The architecture and street layout gave us that American suburban feel, and we could light and control an entire block.”
Nearly two tons of Govee lighting hardware were incorporated into the house: in windows, props, and furniture, allowing the light to move naturally through the scene.
Director Salihin Ramli recalls the surreal energy on set. “The joy was in finding that sweet spot where light, fear, and laughter all collide. I had an incredible time working with a cast and crew who brought this hauntingly fun world to life.”
“Lighting a light product is tricky,” said Duong. “You have to make it look beautiful while it’s performing in the scene.”
To pull it off, the crew rigged a massive truss above the house, combining traditional fixtures with Govee’s smart lighting systems. Most of the scenes were lit primarily by the products themselves — deep purples, blues, and golds that blended seamlessly with cinematic light.
“It was like running a live concert,” Duong says. “We synced the Govee app to DMX controls, pre-programmed every cue, and synced it all to choreography. Once it started, everything — lights, camera, and performance — moved together in rhythm.”
Rather than rely on CGI, Vantage leaned heavily on practical effects: full prosthetic zombies, silicone bone textures, and makeup sessions lasting up to eight hours.
“It gave the film that tactile realism,” Duong says. “The hardest part was timing — syncing light cues with the dancers and effects. When it all hit perfectly, it was pure magic.”
“Vietnam offers the best of both worlds,” says Duong. “You can build big, shoot fast, and still keep it high quality. The local crews are incredible — technical, creative, and passionate. Everyone goes the extra mile.”
He believes this project showcases Vietnam’s rising reputation as a global production hub. “It proves we can execute large-scale lighting and practical effects at an international level,” he adds.
After three straight night shoots, the wrap was emotional. “Seeing the rough cuts on set and realizing it all worked — that was a huge moment,” Duong recalls. “Everyone brought something special,” he says. “Our lead actor Rory added humor and personality that made it all come alive.”
For Vantage Pictures, it’s not just a Halloween campaign — it’s a benchmark for what’s possible in Vietnam.
Credits
Brand: GOVEE
Production House: Vantage Pictures
Executive Producer: James Duong, Clover Ho
Director: Salihin Ramli
Producer: An Hoang
Line Producer: Dennis Ha
PAs: Thanh Tran, Ha Thu, Vo Huu Phuoc
Casting PAs: Yura Hai Vuong, Cat Linh
Chaperone: Yen Vi, Phuc Phan
Runners: Tu Nhi, Bùi Gia Bảo, Sang Pham
DP: Kelvin Chew Wei Zhong
1st AD: Alexander Nguyen
Production Design: Microwave Soups
Steadicam: Tung Thanh Le
Cam-op: Nguyễn Lê Pha
Focus Puller: Hai Duy Nghiem
Gaffer: Pham Thai Tuan
Rental: PS Vietnam
Special Lighting: Grace Team
Soundman: Tran Linh Sound Team
DIT: Quách Hải Thọ
2nd unit DP: Nghia Minh Phan
2nd unit AD: Dennis Ha
2nd Unit Focus Puller: Huy Phung
Photographer: Chanh Nguyen
KV Producer: Tu Nguyen
KV Producer Assistant: Lyn Nguyen
DI & Retouch: Chanh Nguyễn
Choreographer: Hong Hanh Nguyen
Props Master: Le Loc Team
Stylist: Stylus
Makeup & SFX: Tri Nhan Team (Trí Nhân, Hằng Nguyễn, Nhi Nguyễn, Nguyễn Nhi, Thanh Huệ, Trâu Ngọc Thảo, Thư Phạm)
Storyboards Artist: Wang
Location: 618 Group
Product Technical Lead: Minh Thuan, Manh Khang
Product Tech Support: Dat Le, Cao Tien Huynh
Catering: Truong Vo Team
Talents: Brandon Lawrence, Sarah Preller, Vladimir Podoruev, Rory Keane, Allie Zamacona, Zoey Osborne, Trịnh Đồng, Bùi Thảo, Selene Alcock, Andrei Daysun, Fred Morgan, Михаил Полунченко (Mike), Trần Hồng Phúc, Huỳnh Dương
Cat: Baby Face
Post Supervisor: Thao Thach
Editor: Tuyen Tran
Colorist: Matthew
Sound Design & Mix: Pitch Audio+Magic
VFX: Flow Studio
BTS: Leo Nguyen