Hi, this is Izumitani from the Ehime Film Commission.
On July 10 and 11, I participated in the Japan Film Commission (JFC) Certification Training. As the Chairperson of the JFC, I also served as an instructor for Ehime FC during the sessions.
This certification training is designed for film commission (FC) staff with less than five years of experience. It covers various topics, including the basics of FC operations, road traffic laws, legal matters, filming logistics, rights management, and how film productions can contribute to regional revitalization. The program spans 10 hours over two days, making it an intensive but highly valuable experience.
Day 2: Training at Toei Studios
The second day of training took place at Toei Studios. Upon arriving at Oizumi-Gakuen Station, we were greeted by statues of famous Toei Animation characters, including Maetel, Tetsuro, and Joe Yabuki, which instantly heightened the excitement!
Toei Studios has a vast filming lot with multiple soundstages and outdoor sets. Since the area is so large, on-location shooting also happens, and while we were there, a film crew was actively shooting outdoors. Usually, we’re on the production support side, but this time, we were simply observers, soaking in the behind-the-scenes action.
One of the key discussions of the day was Japan’s position in the global film industry. According to the Toei Studios representative, Japan’s studio filming is lagging behind the rest of the world, but the company is determined to catch up and establish Toei as Japan’s leading production hub.
That statement was reinforced when we got a first-hand look at their cutting-edge “Virtual Studio.” This technology has the potential to revolutionize the traditional workflow completely, replacing matte painting and blue/green screens with real-time digital environments. Watching the live demonstration was jaw-dropping and is widely used in commercial shoots. Moving forward, it’s also expected to play a significant role in film and drama productions.
Will Virtual Studios Replace On-Location Filming?
A participant asked, “Does this mean on-location filming will disappear?” The answer was clear: No.
As advanced as Virtual Studios and AI-generated content are becoming, they still can’t fully replace the authenticity of real-world environments. While technology will enhance production efficiency, it won’t eliminate the need for physical filming locations.
Instead, we should blend technology with reality to create more effective and efficient productions. Film commissions must step up their game, discovering and refining unique local locations that can’t be replicated digitally.
With that message, our two-day training ended. It was an eye-opening experience, and I look forward to seeing how Japan’s film industry evolves in the coming years!