Hi, this is Izumitani from the Ehime Film Commission (Ehime FC).
I recently attended TIFFCOM 2024, the content market held alongside the Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF). This year, the event took place in Tokyo from October 30 to November 1 for three days.
This year’s attendance stats were:
・4,088 total visitors
・1,722 overseas participants (about 42% of the total)
・42 participating countries/regions
・285 exhibitors
Japan FC at TIFFCOM
Japan Film Commission (Japan FC) had a booth at the event, attracting industry professionals interested in filming in Japan. We had meetings with a mix of Japanese and international producers, directors, location managers, and film commissions—many of whom were involved in independent productions.
Rather than major studios like Warner Bros., 20th Century Studios, Paramount, Disney, or Netflix, the people we spoke to were independent filmmakers handling their own planning and production. They were exploring the possibility of using Japan as a filming location.
The Big Question: Incentives for Filming in Japan
A recurring theme in our discussions was whether Japan’s filming incentives (financial aid) could apply to their projects. Many film commissions (FCs) in Japan offer incentives to encourage filming, but these programs come with eligibility requirements based on factors like:
・Length of stay
・Number of crew members
・Days of shooting
・Production budget
Some conversations progressed smoothly, while others stalled due to these conditions.
Unexpected Consultations: Music & Data Management
Aside from location scouting, I had some unexpected and fascinating discussions!
Original BGM for Films
One person asked us: “How about using our original background music for your projects?”
Smaller productions often struggle to secure quality music, so they offered original compositions worldwide to help filmmakers and FCs differentiate their projects. I had never thought about this need, but it makes perfect sense!
Data Storage & On-Set Management
Another discussion came from a film editor asking:
“Can I be part of the filming crew to handle data storage?”
They aimed to safely store and transport the massive data generated during filming, preventing data loss or corruption. I had never considered this aspect of filmmaking before, and it made me realize how critical proper data management is on set.
Takeaways from TIFFCOM 2024
Talking with independent filmmakers is always eye-opening because it gives insight into production processes that major studios often don’t deal with directly. Some discussions even involved potential filming projects in Ehime—so I’m excited to see how we can leverage these opportunities for future film location promotions!