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Description
In this "series" seminar, we first view a few classics of Japanese Cinema with lectures to follow and Q and A with Japanese film producers, directors, and/or actors. We then explore the business and production side of the industry with lectures and readings prepared by film producers. We also visit a middle-sized independent Japanese film company, SPO for an in-depth look at how the Japanese film industry works. Last, we consider sub-genres of Japanese film to include anime. Fieldtrips include the Gibli Anime Museum, a film set, SPO, and Ozu's grave in Kamakura, the cultural heart of Japan.

Our key lecturer, Sensei Ariyoshi is one of the most experienced and practiced independent film producers in Japan. He will first discuss an overview of Japanese film with a series of clips from notable Japanese films. We will view at least four films in their entirety to include one anime feature (Sensei Ariyoshi has produced two anime features). Then we take an extensive look at the film business aspect, specifically the independent film business in Japan. You will see the "real" world of buying and selling films that goes on at places like Cannes or the Berlin Film Festival cached for the Japanese market. Further, you will be briefed on how buying/distribution teams work, the many hats they must wear, from securing their pick at a festival within a tight budget (hint: they usually partner up with other film companies and go for a percentage) to coming up with a realistic and detailed marketing and promotion campaign-within budget-that sells their film company's executives on the film's assured success.

Requirements

A) A detailed journal: Collected in Japan. To be used for copious note-taking during lectures and films, generating questions/observations/responses as well as ideation/formulation of your group project. Includes questions/observations/responses to field trips as well (15% of your grade).
B) Active Participation: Motivation, enthusiasm, and exemplary behavior are key (10% of your grade).
C) Group (team) project: you will form a buying/distribution team and will be given a budget for first buying your independent feature (To make this simulation more realistic and apropos to you, you will be presented with a mix of Japanese and European titles, which you will target to the U.S. market). Your team must then "package" their film, for marketing, promotion, and distribution in the U.S. (strategizing/brainstorming, etc. go in your journals). Your team will present their package to a panel of actual Japanese film producers presided by Sensei Ariyoshi. You must convince them you have a film not only that will sell but also how you will make that film have a successful run (50% of your grade).
D) Final exam essay: Collected in Japan (25% of your grade).

Required Materials:

Course packet provided by The Film Academy at Magic Hour
Journal/Notebook