The potential for future seasons of the Emmy-winning series “Shogun” to film in Japan was discussed during a panel at the Tokyo International Film Festival. Emmy-winning producer Miyagawa Eriko expressed interest in filming in Japan for upcoming seasons, citing a desire to return to the country where the series initially wanted to shoot its first season.
Miyagawa explained that the decision to film in Canada for the first season was due to the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, which prevented the creators from scouting locations in Japan. However, she expressed a strong desire to pitch ideas and opportunities for filming in Japan for future seasons.
The panelists highlighted the need for Japan to address critical infrastructure and incentive gaps to attract large-scale productions like “Shogun.” While Japan has introduced film incentives to generate international interest, there are implementation problems that need to be addressed. Uncertainty around grant approval timing and tight deadlines for applications create challenges for productions.
One of the key infrastructure limitations discussed was the need for extensive soundstage space and diverse locations suitable for building elaborate sets, such as fishing villages and castle walls. Vancouver was chosen for the first season of “Shogun” due to its existing infrastructure and housing options that could support the production’s needs.
Panelists emphasized the importance of supporting local productions alongside international work to retain talent and create opportunities for local crew members. Addressing issues such as low wages and poor working conditions in the Japanese film industry was also highlighted as a crucial step in attracting and retaining talent.
Despite the challenges, there is a growing openness on both sides to collaborate and address the infrastructure and incentive gaps that currently exist in Japan. With the potential for future seasons of “Shogun” to film in Japan, there is hope that the country will work towards creating a more welcoming environment for large-scale productions in the future. Collaboration and Cooperation: The Future of Japanese Filmmaking
In the world of filmmaking, collaboration and cooperation are key components to producing successful and impactful content. This sentiment is echoed in the sentiments shared by industry experts regarding the willingness and eagerness to work with more Japanese crew when shooting in Japan.
Kusunoki, a prominent figure in the industry, highlighted the success of “Tokyo Vice” as a model for collaboration. She noted how location managers who worked on the show went on to join the American Location Managers Association, showcasing the positive outcomes of working together. She also advocated for more Japanese content made in collaboration with international partners, citing “Shogun” as an example of content that, while not traditional Japanese film, still embodies Japanese culture.
“As an island nation, it’s important to present Japanese content made in Japan,” Kusunoki emphasized. “But the next phase should be participating as Japan within the world.” This call for global participation and engagement sets the stage for a new era of filmmaking that transcends borders and cultures.
When discussing cross-border collaboration, Weiss highlighted Europe’s successful model of routine multi-country co-productions. He expressed a desire to see collaborations between countries like Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand not out of necessity, but out of a genuine desire to work together and create something impactful.
Siricharoenjit echoed this sentiment, pointing to Budapest’s success in bringing together crew members from across Europe as a model to aspire to in the Asia Pacific region. The idea of creating a collaborative environment where filmmakers from different countries can come together to create content that resonates globally is an exciting prospect for the future of Japanese filmmaking.
In conclusion, the enthusiasm for collaboration and cooperation in the industry signals a shift towards a more interconnected and global approach to filmmaking. By working together with international partners and embracing diverse perspectives, Japanese filmmakers have the opportunity to create content that not only reflects their unique culture but also resonates with audiences worldwide. This spirit of collaboration paves the way for a new era of creativity and innovation in Japanese filmmaking.
