Co-writers/directors Kevin and Kelly Luu join us on Close-Up Culture to talk about their Oscar-qualified short film, Technicians.
David, the technician and Vietnamese American nail tech are at the centre of the story, how were these characters developed?
David and Tippi were developed as reflections of people we know and our own experiences. David, the automation technician, represents the modern creative facing job uncertainty, especially with AI’s rise. He’s a creative at heart but stuck in unfulfilling gigs, balancing personal goals with the pressure of providing for loved ones. Tippi, the Vietnamese-American nail tech, was inspired by our sister. She’s warm and caring but carries the weight of her community, common in immigrant families. Both characters are skilled ‘technicians,’ navigating survival and responsibility. They don’t realize their similarities until they open up, finding connection through vulnerability and empathy, which is central to the story.
Tell us more about the title ’Technicians’ – what or who does it represent?
The title Technicians represents both David, the automation technician, and Tippi, the nail technician, but it also speaks to something deeper. Using a single word for both highlights how, despite their outward differences, they share the same struggles. Both face the fear of being replaced or becoming obsolete, and both are under pressure to provide and care for others. As the story unfolds, they find connection and support in each other, realizing they’re on the same side.
Was there a specific reason you chose a nail salon as the setting to express the threat of automation?
We chose a nail salon as the setting because it’s deeply personal to us. Our family has worked in the Vietnamese American nail industry for years, so we’ve always had a connection to that world. The nail industry also holds significant cultural importance for Vietnamese Americans, many of whom found stability and community in these spaces after arriving as refugees. By setting the story in a nail salon, we wanted to explore how vital this industry is for our community while using it as a stand-in for small businesses everywhere that are vulnerable to being replaced by technology. We wanted to show how this shift isn’t just about economics. It’s about the emotional and cultural toll that automation can have on communities.
During the casting process, what qualities were you looking for in the actors playing the main characters?
During casting, we sought actors who could bring authenticity and vulnerability to their roles. David, the automation technician, and Tippi, the Vietnamese nail tech, represent the everyday struggles of those trying to survive in an ever-changing world. For David, we needed someone who could convey the internal conflict of feeling disconnected due to economic pressures and losing his creative passion, while still showing the capacity for empathy. For Tippi, we wanted an actor who could embody warmth and care for her coworkers, even while she privately worried about their future. Both characters experience a range of emotions, so it was crucial to find actors who could navigate those layers with depth and realism. J. Alphonse Nicholson and Cathy Bui exceeded our expectations, adding nuance and life to the characters that truly grounded the story.
How did the score contribute to the emotions of the story?
The score was essential in conveying the emotional core of the story. Since our film is about human connection, we wanted the music to reflect that. We collaborated with our incredible composer, Jon Ong, to create a score that felt personal and reflective of the characters. One unique element we incorporated was a vocal track in David’s theme using Jon’s own voice, but modulated to sound almost mechanical. This was a subtle way of showing David’s humanity being altered by the pressure of automation.
As the story progresses, the voice in the score mirrors David’s emotional state; more chaotic during the car chase, but clear and empowered by the final scene. By the end, the score embodies David’s shift from uncertainty to newfound hope, underscoring his personal transformation.
As the film has now been considered for an Oscar nomination, on reflection, what has been the most rewarding part of this journey?
Being considered for an Oscar nomination is surreal, but the most rewarding part of this journey has been seeing how the film resonates with audiences. The feedback has been incredible, and knowing that Technicians connects with people on an emotional level is the greatest validation we could ask for. We set out to tell a story that reflects real struggles and highlights the importance of human connection, and the fact that viewers are engaging with those themes is truly the most fulfilling part of this experience.
How did the choice of camera influence the visual storytelling elements of production?
It was actually our choice of aspect ratio that played a key role in shaping the visual storytelling elements of Technicians. Working closely with our brilliant cinematographer, Jackie Bao, we opted for a format that would visually reflect David’s emotional journey. We shot most of the film in a near 1.43:1 ratio, which created a pillarboxed frame that mirrored David’s guarded and closed-off nature. As the story progresses and David begins to open up emotionally, the aspect ratio expands to 1.85:1, symbolizing his personal growth and newfound connection with others. This shift in visual space adds a subtle but powerful layer to the storytelling, allowing the audience to feel his transformation.
How can the film contribute to a wider understanding of the Vietnamese American experience within broader discussions?
Our film shines a light on an often-overlooked aspect of the Vietnamese American experience, the nail salon industry. Nail salons have been a lifeline for many in our community since arriving as refugees. By setting the story in this space, we’re able to explore not only the economic realities but also the emotional and cultural nuances that come with being part of an immigrant community trying to survive in America. We hope the film opens up broader discussions about the unique challenges Vietnamese Americans face, especially in the context of automation and changing industries. It’s about showing the intersection of identity, labor, and resilience, and how those themes play out in everyday life.