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Asia Insider

[AFCNet Interview] Interview with Ruriko Sekine, Secretary General of Japan Film Commission

Japan Film Commission (JFC) is a national film commission covering the entire country of Japan. Since its establishment in 2009, JFC has been the first contact for directors and producers who want to shoot in Japan. With over 120 regional film commissions as well as various film and video industry guilds and organizations, it has supported various projects. Japan Film Commission joined as AFCNet Board of Directors, and the AFCNet secretariat had an interview with Ruriko Sekine, secretary general of Japan Film Commission, about what they do and what is available for directors and producers. AFCNet:Could you briefly outline the Japan Film Commission's role in supporting Japan's film industry? Ruriko Sekine: Japan Film Commission (JFC) is a national film commission covering the entire country of Japan. It is your first contact if you are interested in filming in Japan. With its main office in Tokyo, Japan Film Commission is a nonprofit organization comprised of over 130 regional film commissions as well as various film industry guilds and organizations, such as the Directors Guild of Japan. It is supported and endorsed by ministries and agencies of the national government, such as the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, the Agency for Cultural Affairs, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and Cabinet Office of Japan. AFCNet:How does Japan Film Commission cooperate with regional film commissions across Japan? RS:JFC has over 130 local film commissions as members and provides a variety of educational programs.We also have some events such as location markets due to strengthen the network among our members and contents industries. AFCNet:From which regions do your international clients primarily originate, and what strategies are in place to attract clients from specific areas? RS:Recently, the number of productions from ASEAN countries such as Thailand and the Philippines has been increasing in Japan. Since JFC was established, we have received inquiries from various countries, including Hollywood major studios, but we have often missed out on opportunities due to the lack of an incentive system. AFCNet:What financial incentives does Japan provide for filmmakers, both locally and internationally? RS:Japan has just launched a new incentive program that provided by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry since last year, and the second season has just started this March. This is for the largescale international projects.The Agency for Cultural Affairs provides subsidies for both domestic productions and international coproductions. Also, some regional film commissions and local governments provide incentive programs for both domestic and international productions. AFCNet:What are the Japan Film Commission's main priorities for the year 2024? RS:Traditionally, the dry season (April to October) offers the best filming conditions with sunny skies. The rainy season (November to March) can also be a good option for filmmakers seeking lush, rainsoaked visuals, particularly in jungle settings. Of course, global weather patterns have shown some variability in season lengths. AFCNet:What financial incentives does Indonesia provide for filmmakers, including programs for local and international productions? RS:Human resource development of both film commissions and film industry.And improving the onlocation shooting environment. AFCNet:How does Japan Film Commission promote and market Japan as a desirable filming destination on a global scale? RS:JFC operates a location database that allows you to search any locations in Japan at once, and also promotes various locations of Japan at international film markets. AFCNet:Does Japan Film Commission provide specific support or initiatives for emerging filmmakers within Japan or internationally? If so, could you elaborate on these programs? RS:Other organizations have such programs, but JFC doesn’t. Contact Japan Film Commission to inquire for more information.

04.04.2024

[AFCNet Interview] Interview with Deborah Gabinetti, Director of Bali Film Center

Bali Film Center (BFC) has been one of the most active film location and production service organizations in Indonesia since 2002. Films such as "Eat Pray Love" and "Savages" were shot in Indonesia, and BFC provided production service. In 2024,Bali Film Center joined as AFCNet Board of Directors, and the AFCNet secretariat had an interview with Deborah Gabinetti, director of Bali Film Center, about what they do and what is available for directors and producers. AFCNet:Can you briefly explain Bali Film Center's role in Indonesia's film industry and clarify if it serves beyond Bali? Deborah Gabinetti:I established Bali Film Center (BFC) in 2002 as operated as a fully licensed and registered company focusing on professional production support and internationally recognized as a trusted partner in handling any type, size, or scale of project filming throughout Indonesia. In 2005 BFC received endorsement from the national government in representing all of Indonesia for foreign film and television production. We actively participate in global industry events promoting Indonesia as a film destination, maintaining professional associations, while simultaneously having important professional affiliations with international institutions and organizations like that of our longstanding relationship with AFCNet. Moreover, BFC founded the Bali International Film Festival to serves as a vital platform to showcase locally produced films as a means of illustrating the country’s capabilities and support essential educational development through workshops and seminars. AFCNet: What key strengths does Bali Film Center offer filmmakers, and how does it stand out from other locations? DG:We offer a unique ecosystem designed to empower filmmaker’s vision and streamline their production process. Here's what sets BFC apart: • Unmatched Backdrops Scenes can be set amid literally one of thousands of temples, ancient tribal villages, palatial ruins, colonial architecture, lush tropical rainforests, a trail of extinct and active volcanoes, stone and moderncities, ocean cliffs, pink, gold, and black sand beaches, as well as the most biologically diverse underwater locations. An extraordinary array of flora and fauna adds to the uniqueness of the country. • Seamless Production BFC eliminates the logistical headaches typically associated with filming abroad. We offer a comprehensive suite of services including equipment rentals, postproduction facilities, and a highly skilled local crew at your disposal. • Local Expertise, Global Reach Benefit from our deep understanding of Indonesian regulations and cultural nuances, and a network of experienced local technical and creative talent. • CostEffective Advantage Bali offers a compelling alternative to established filming destinations, often at a more competitive price point. This allows filmmakers to maximize their production value without sacrificing quality. • Our dedicated team provides: Streamlined Permitting: We handle the permitting process, saving you valuable time and frustration. Location Scouting: Our experts will identify the perfect filming locations to match your specific vision. Production Support: From logistics and transportation to cultural guidance, we ensure a smooth and successful shoot. AFCNet:Can you share examples of past productions hosted by Bali Film Center and any specialized resources available? DG:For over 20 years, BFC serves as a professional liaison between filmmakers and Indonesian authorities. We assist in permit acquisition, visa processing, and customs clearance. Our extensive experience filming throughout in Indonesia, provides indepth local knowledge and expert support from the application phase, research, and prep to completion. Plus, we have a pool of worldclass creative and technical professionals able to support any type, size, or scale of project. Feature Film Universal Pictures, USA Savages filming in Moyo Sony Pictures, USA Eat Pray Love filming in Bali Feature Documentary Magidson Films, Inc., USA Samsara – filming in Bali and Java IMAX Warner Bros, USA Born to be Wild — filming in Kalimantan IMAX Warner Bros, USA Under the Sea 3D — filming in East Nusa Tenggara TV Series Monkey Kingdom Ltd, UK Made in Chelsea, filming in Bali Studio Lambert Ltd, UK Race Across the World, filming in Sumatra, Java, Lombok, Bali Lime Pictures Ltd, UK The Only Way is Essex, filming in Bali AFCNet: Where do your international clients mainly come from, and are there efforts to attract clients from specific regions? DG:Our clientele has been dominated by filmmakers and TV show producers from the US, UK, and Australia. However, recognizing the significant rise in regional shows on streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon presents a perfect opportunity for Indonesia to serve as a captivating backdrop for these productions. We're also actively targeting the burgeoning Indian entertainment industry. AFCNet: When is the best time for filmmakers to shoot in Bali, considering weather and other factors? DG:Traditionally, the dry season (April to October) offers the best filming conditions with sunny skies. The rainy season (November to March) can also be a good option for filmmakers seeking lush, rainsoaked visuals, particularly in jungle settings. Of course, global weather patterns have shown some variability in season lengths. AFCNet: What financial incentives does Indonesia provide for filmmakers, including programs for local and international productions? DG:Compared to other ASEAN countries, Bali offers filmmakers a costeffective production environment. Additionally, our partners in the local private sector can provide support for filming activities. While Indonesia does not currently offer official financial incentives for foreign filmmakers, the government is very supportive to the domestic film and cinema industry. The related ministries are discussing policies to encourage foreign production. AFCNet: What key aspects of Bali as a filming location would you like to highlight, and how does Bali Film Center cater to filmmakers' diverse needs? DG:Indonesia is a vast geographically, culturally, and ethnically rich country that offers abundant opportunities to film a variety of visual backdrops for any setting or era. Master craftsman able to recreate any set and props at low cost.Plus being the world’s fourth most populous nation, large numbers of extras can be available on short notice from different ethnic groups, including people of Polynesian, Central Asian, Indian, Middle Eastern, Papuan, Melanesian, Aboriginal, Portuguese, and Dutch descent, with a large expatriate population from across the globe. Bali Film Center represents all of Indonesia as your partner to a successful shoot anywhere in the country. Contact Bali Film Center to inquire for more information

04.04.2024