Discovery Network

Project Overview

In 2019, Alchemist Films collaborated with the Discovery Network to produce the documentary “Beauty and the Feast” in China and South Korea. This captivating reality-style documentary, hosted by chef and foodie Aaron Craze, delves deep into the intriguing world of social eating (mukbang) and explores how Asian women use food and technology to defy social conventions.

The project took viewers on a journey across China and Korea, uncovering the stories of female internet stars who have amassed huge online followings by eating in front of the camera, as well as female bodybuilders challenging traditional stereotypes.

Project Scope and Challenges

The documentary required filming in different cultural settings, from bustling urban centers in South Korea to the gyms and streets of China. The focus was on capturing authentic moments in the lives of mukbang stars and female bodybuilders, both of whom are part of growing movements that use food and fitness as forms of self-expression.

In South Korea, we connected with pioneering mukbang hosts who shared their experiences of turning casual eating into a lucrative online career. These women opened up about the challenges they face, such as societal judgments and the pressure to continuously entertain and engage a large audience.

In China, the focus shifted to female bodybuilders who are utilizing technology and social media to break traditional stereotypes. Aaron Craze engaged with these athletes to explore how they balance their passion for bodybuilding with societal expectations of femininity. One of the key challenges was to build trust and rapport with the individuals being filmed, ensuring their comfort in sharing personal aspects of their lives on camera.

Another significant challenge was capturing the complex dynamic between food, technology, and social expectations, while providing viewers an engaging and entertaining experience. We needed to balance cultural sensitivity with the documentary’s objective of revealing the unconventional ways in which these women were navigating and redefining their roles within traditional societies.

Execution and Techniques

• Pre-Production and Research: Our team worked closely with the Discovery Network to identify the key narratives that would be most compelling to viewers. Extensive research was conducted on the mukbang trend in Korea and the bodybuilding community in China, including interviewing participants and understanding their motivations.
• Cultural Sensitivity: The documentary’s success hinged on portraying the subjects in a respectful and nuanced manner. We engaged local fixers and translators who were familiar with the cultural nuances and were instrumental in establishing trust with participants. Our local production fixers played an essential role in bridging communication gaps and building trust with the participants, assisting with translations, negotiations, and providing invaluable insights into local customs and regulations.
• Filming Techniques: The production employed a combination of fly-on-the-wall observational filming and interviews to create an immersive viewing experience. Our crew used handheld cameras to follow Aaron Craze as he explored the vibrant and sometimes surprising world of social eating and bodybuilding. Filming live mukbang sessions required a discreet setup to maintain the authenticity of the broadcast while ensuring high-quality audio and visuals. The cinematography aimed to highlight the humanity and strength of the featured women, capturing candid moments that illustrated their passion and dedication.
• Post-Production: During post-production, the focus was on creating an engaging narrative flow that seamlessly connected the seemingly disparate worlds of mukbang and bodybuilding. We used split-screen edits to juxtapose the different activities and added graphics and statistics to provide context on the rise of these trends across Asia. The documentary also delved into the psychological and emotional aspects of mukbang and bodybuilding, exploring themes of loneliness, empowerment, and the search for community in an increasingly digital world. Careful attention was given to pacing, ensuring that the documentary maintained a balance between entertaining and informing viewers.

Outcome

“Beauty and the Feast” received a positive reception, with viewers appreciating the insight into a subculture that is often overlooked. The documentary not only entertained but also highlighted the unique ways these women were pushing back against societal expectations, challenging stereotypes, and creating spaces for themselves in unconventional arenas. The visual storytelling and Aaron Craze’s personable hosting style were particularly praised, contributing to the documentary’s success in both local and international markets.

The project showcased Alchemist Films’ ability to handle culturally sensitive topics with nuance and care while delivering high-quality production that resonated with audiences globally. The final film is a thought-provoking and visually engaging piece that invites audiences to question their perceptions of food, body image, and technology’s role in shaping social dynamics. It highlights the intersection of tradition and modernity, and how individuals navigate these complexities in their daily lives.

Hear from Our Clients

“Alchemist Films brought their expertise and sensitivity to this unique project, helping us tell the stories of these incredible women in an authentic and engaging way. Their professionalism and understanding of local cultures made all the difference.” – Senior Producer, Discovery Network

Take the Next Step

If you’re seeking a production partner with the expertise to navigate complex cultural landscapes and deliver compelling narratives, our team is ready to support your vision. We offer comprehensive services, from pre-production planning to post-production, ensuring your project resonates with audiences worldwide through professionalism and meticulous attention to detail.

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