“Explore Japan: A Window into Location Production”
2024/8/21
On August 16, the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles hosted “Explore Japan: A Window into Location Production” at JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles. The event had a full house with over 70 participants from the entertainment community joining to learn more about Japan’s film incentive program and hear from both Japanese and American production executives about filming in Japan.
Consul General Sone kicked off the event with opening remarks and an overview of Japan’s incentive program. Yuko Kaifu, President of JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, then moderated a panel discussion with production executives from who worked on Tokyo Vice (HBO/MAX), Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins (Paramount Pictures), and Rental Family (Searchlight Pictures). Jay Roewe from HBO/Max, Allegra Clegg from Paramount Pictures, and Joe Malloch from Searchlight Pictures discussed their experience filming on location in Japan, including using the film incentive program, issues with getting permits, and the strengths of co-producing with Japanese companies.
Following the panel discussion, guest speakers from Toho Tombo Pictures, a joint venture between legendary production house Toho and seasoned producer Georgina Pope, and Toei Studios Kyoto, which has a long history of co-production with international studios, came from Japan to give presentations. While Georgina Pope from Toho Tombo Pictures discussed her expertise in co-producing with international studios to navigate filming in Japan, Ken Takahashi from Toei Studios Kyoto introduced the charm of period dramas (“Jidaigeki”) to the audience and shared a wide range of production services for films, TV dramas, commercials, promotional services, and more.
The event concluded with a reception with Japanese companies’ booths by Toei Studios Kyoto, travel agencies HIS and JTB, and creative marketing company STORIES. The consulate also hosted a booth to share about various film incentive programs in Japan, including regional incentives by Himeji City, a film location of Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins, and Gunma Prefecture, home to Japan’s largest chroma-key green screen.
Link for Japan’s film incentive program (2024):
https://www.vipo.or.jp/en/location-project/
(L to R) Yuko Kaifu from JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, Joe Malloch from Searchlight Pictures,
Jay Roewe from HBO/MAX, Ken Takahashi from Toei Studios Kyoto,
Georgina Pope from Toho Tombo Pictures, Allegra Clegg from Paramount Pictures, Consul General Sone
Panel Discussion
Presentation by Ken Takahashi, Head of Production Services, Toei Kyoto Studio
Booths by Japanese companies during reception
Consul General Sone kicked off the event with opening remarks and an overview of Japan’s incentive program. Yuko Kaifu, President of JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, then moderated a panel discussion with production executives from who worked on Tokyo Vice (HBO/MAX), Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins (Paramount Pictures), and Rental Family (Searchlight Pictures). Jay Roewe from HBO/Max, Allegra Clegg from Paramount Pictures, and Joe Malloch from Searchlight Pictures discussed their experience filming on location in Japan, including using the film incentive program, issues with getting permits, and the strengths of co-producing with Japanese companies.
Following the panel discussion, guest speakers from Toho Tombo Pictures, a joint venture between legendary production house Toho and seasoned producer Georgina Pope, and Toei Studios Kyoto, which has a long history of co-production with international studios, came from Japan to give presentations. While Georgina Pope from Toho Tombo Pictures discussed her expertise in co-producing with international studios to navigate filming in Japan, Ken Takahashi from Toei Studios Kyoto introduced the charm of period dramas (“Jidaigeki”) to the audience and shared a wide range of production services for films, TV dramas, commercials, promotional services, and more.
The event concluded with a reception with Japanese companies’ booths by Toei Studios Kyoto, travel agencies HIS and JTB, and creative marketing company STORIES. The consulate also hosted a booth to share about various film incentive programs in Japan, including regional incentives by Himeji City, a film location of Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins, and Gunma Prefecture, home to Japan’s largest chroma-key green screen.
Link for Japan’s film incentive program (2024):
https://www.vipo.or.jp/en/location-project/
(L to R) Yuko Kaifu from JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, Joe Malloch from Searchlight Pictures,
Jay Roewe from HBO/MAX, Ken Takahashi from Toei Studios Kyoto,
Georgina Pope from Toho Tombo Pictures, Allegra Clegg from Paramount Pictures, Consul General Sone
Panel Discussion
Presentation by Ken Takahashi, Head of Production Services, Toei Kyoto Studio
Booths by Japanese companies during reception