“Shogun’s Future Seasons May Film in Japan, Says Producer”
The future of the acclaimed series “Shogun” may see filming in Japan if infrastructure and incentive challenges are addressed. This insight was shared by Emmy-winning producer Miyagawa Eriko during a panel at the Tokyo International Film Festival.
Potential for Filming in Japan
Miyagawa expressed her desire for future seasons of “Shogun” to be filmed in Japan. She remarked, “It’s not up to me, but I would love to, personally.” The producer highlighted ongoing discussions to bring this ambition to fruition.
Although “Shogun” initially aimed to film its first season in Japan, COVID-19 restrictions prevented the creators from scouting locations. The production ultimately shifted to Canada, a decision that faced criticism from the fans.
Challenges Faced in Japan
Miyagawa discussed the critical infrastructure limitations in Japan that compelled the shift to Vancouver. She elaborated, stating, “For a show like ‘Shogun,’ we need extensive soundstage space and diverse locations.” The compact infrastructure located near Vancouver met these requirements effectively.
- Vancouver offered broad housing options.
- Production locations were accessible within a short drive.
- Infrastructure was favorable for building necessary sets.
Incentives and Infrastructure Improvements Required
The panel emphasized several priorities for improving Japan’s film industry appeal. Kusunoki Junko pointed out issues with grant approval processes that create uncertainty for productions.
She suggested that faster approval timelines for funding could strengthen the local film industry. Currently, the fiscal year demands can hinder proper pre-production timelines.
Miyagawa noted that Japan requires larger sound stages to accommodate expansive productions like “Shogun.” In comparison, soundstage sizes in Japan are limited when measured against Hollywood standards.
Learning from Other Countries
Producers from Australia and Thailand shared experiences of their respective film industries. For example, Siricharoenjit highlighted Thailand’s experience when additional resources were needed for a recent production. He cautioned that Thailand was not yet ready for such large-scale requests.
Weiss reflected on how Australia benefitted from international productions, asserting they create local job opportunities while still nurturing homegrown talent.
Growing Collaboration and Future Prospects
Despite the existing challenges in Japan, there appears to be an increase in willingness to collaborate between Hollywood and local talent. Miyagawa noted improvements in relations, stating there’s an eagerness to work with Japanese crews.
She pointed to the production “Tokyo Vice” as an example of successful cross-border collaboration, where the American Location Managers Association welcomed Japanese professionals.
- Desire for co-productions among countries like Australia, Japan, South Korea, and Thailand.
- Increasing opportunities for Japanese content made with international partnerships.
The discussions reflect a beneficial shift toward more inclusive film practices and a potential bright future for productions like “Shogun” in Japan.
