Vienna has sound ties to Chinese animated blockbuster

VIENNA — Just a few minutes' walk from Vienna's bustling Mariahilfer Street, moviegoers over a recent weekend were transported into a world of Chinese mythology as the animated epic Ne Zha 2 lit up the screen at the Apollo Cinema in late March, bringing dazzling visuals and a rich cultural legacy.

The Chinese animated blockbuster is thrilling global audiences with its bold fusion of ancient myths and cutting-edge animation. The film holds a local connection in the capital of Austria, as some of the film's orchestral tracks were recorded at Vienna Synchron Stage, a landmark building known for its state-of-the-art facilities and superb acoustics.

"Let me express my deepest compliments to the makers of Ne Zha 2," says Alexander Sacken, chief operating officer for the studio.

"It's an amazing hit and a very positive sign that there can be great movies shot outside the typical centers of movies like the United States. We are very happy and lucky to be part of its whopping success."

Sacken highlights the studio's unique features, noting that the main hall Stage A was purposefully built as a recording stage some 80 years ago without any 90-degree angles, which prevents sound reflections and enhances audio clarity. The equipment is state-of-the-art compared to other recording stages.

The venue's quiet air conditioning system and superior acoustics create optimal conditions for recording. The Vienna Synchron Orchestra, made up of musicians from the city's prestigious orchestras, provides high-quality performances.

With Ne Zha 2 continuing to earn international acclaim, Sacken sees growing momentum for collaboration with the Chinese film industry.

"I'm planning to go to China in the summer to meet some potential partners. We would be very happy to have more projects here and deepen the cooperation between Synchron Stage and Chinese movies and TV shows," he says.

In recent years, the studio has worked on several Chinese productions, including Looking Up and Lost in Russia.

Sacken believes there is more to come: "The Chinese movie industry is growing. It has a very distinct way of telling stories that work with our orchestra, so I see a lot of potential for future cooperation."

Xinhua