Hi, this is Izumitani from the Ehime Film Commission .
On July 10 and 11, I attended the Japan Film Commission (JFC) Certification Training. While I currently serve as the Chairperson of JFC, I also took on the role of an instructor for Ehime FC.
This certification training is designed for film commission (FC) staff with less than five years of experience. It covers everything from the basics of FC operations, road traffic laws, legal matters, filming logistics, rights management, and leveraging film productions to revitalize local communities. The program is intensive, with 10 hours of sessions over two days.
This year, 120 participants from all over Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa, gathered for the event. Interestingly, about 75% of them had less than a year of experience in the field. By completing this training, attendees gain a fundamental understanding of film production support in their regions and receive an official JFC certification, which aims to standardize film support practices across Japan.
Day 1 Highlights
The first day kicked off with a history of film commissions, followed by methods for measuring the impact of film productions, a presentation by the National Police Agency on road traffic laws, and a legal compliance session led by JFC’s legal advisor.
Since many FC representatives are government employees from prefectural and city offices, they are already familiar with general laws. However, when it comes to film production-related legal matters, the nuances can be quite different. Many participants were taking notes and highlighting key points, showing their eagerness to absorb this specialized knowledge.
By the time we wrapped up the legal training session, it was already past 7 PM—but the day wasn’t over yet!
Networking & Exchange Session
We ended with a networking session, where participants could exchange business cards, discuss what they learned, and share real-life case studies. While attendance was optional, around 100 people took part, and the energy in the room was incredible. Even after the official closing at 8 PM, many participants were still deep in conversation, reluctant to leave.
This event was a great reminder of the enthusiasm and dedication within the Film Commission community. Stay tuned for my Day 2 report!