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Asia Insider

[AFCNet Interview] Interview with Jennifer Jao, Director of Taipei Film Commission

AFCNet: What is the appeal of your region for filmmakers? Jennifer Jao: A City with a Multicultural Heritage & Great Locations Taipei is in a basin surrounded by mountains and rivers. You can find steaming hot springs, lush landscapes, and a unique natural spectacle in Thermal Valley, a beautiful riverside park and 19thcentury street by the Danshui River. Within the city, Taipei offers a complete experience with landmarks like the towering 508meter Taipei 101 and vibrant night markets you can’t find elsewhere. Creative Talents Internationally acclaimed masters like Hou Hsiaohsien, Lee PingBing, Tsai Mingliang, Tu Duchih and the late Edward Yang were all based in Taipei. Ang Lee, Wong Karwai, Yip Kam Tim and Christopher Doyle are familiar with the city. Besides cinematic creative talents, Taipei is also the seat of some of the best animation studios in the world. Efficient Cost Compared to other East Asian cities, the living cost in Taipei is very low. It is that life in Taipei is much cheaper than in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Seoul, but the price standard in Taipei is also lower than in Beijing or Shanghai now. Given the high quality and low cost of production in Taipei, the city is the best choice for film production in East Asia. Flexibility of crews Unlike in many countries, you will find the Taiwanese workforce very open to different cultures and much more communicative and easygoing. In Taipei, you will meet local crews that are very professional, flexible, and diligent. You can count on their versatility and benefit from the low cost of services. AFCNet: How is 2024 looking? Jennifer Jao: J2024 is shaping up to be a promising year for the film industry in Taipei. We anticipate a continued growth in opportunities, diverse projects, and collaboration with talented filmmakers and production crews. The city's vibrant cultural scene and support for the film sector create a conducive environment for filmmaking. If you have any queries about Taipei or projects that might connect to the city, we'll be here to assist in making your filmmaking experience in Taipei a fruitful one. AFCNet: Can you tell us about any productions under way or in the pipeline? Jennifer Jao: There was a total of 612 productions in Taipei city last year in 2023, including 46 feature films, 41 TV series, 187 commercials, 107 music video, 125 short films,101 web series and 5 xxdocumentaries. As of late February, we have had 10 foreign productions this year in 2024, including 2 feature films, 2 short film, 1 commercial, 1 music video and 4 101 web series. In additionally, The Taipei Film Fund, which launched by Taipei Film Commission in 2018, attracts countless submissions from talented applicants every year. In 2022, there were 3 film projects selected: “NonHomicide Novel”, Hong Kong, ChenNien Ko ” 33 Days”, America / Singapore, David Holechek / Daniel Holechek “LeftHanded Girl”, England / France, ShihChing Tsou / Sean Baker Released Taipei Film Fund includes: Wet Season (2020, Singapore), Dream Raider (2020, Singapore), Memory Eclipse (2020, Hong Kong), Love Talk (2020, Japan), Adventure of the Ring (2020, Japan) GATAO The Last Stray (2021, South Korea), Island Nation Season 2 (2021, Japan), Seqalu: Formosa 1867 (2021, Switzerland), Moneyboys (2021, Austria/France/Belgium), Terrorizers (2021, France), Dead & Beautiful (2021, Netherland) Red Line (2023, Hong Kong), For My Country (2023, France), My Heavenly City (2023, Malaysia), Be with Me (2023, USA), Snow in Midsummer (2023, Malaysia) AFCNet: What’s the strategy for attracting foreign productions? Are there incentives in place? Jennifer Jao: International Productions Funding opportunities Taipei Film Fund, run by Taipei Film Commission, is a selective fund that exists to encourage international coproductions. Up to 30% cash rebate, Bureau of Audiovisual and Music Industry Development, Ministry of Culture (BAMID, MOC) of Taiwan offers cash rebate of up to 30% on a minimum local spend of $1m. Taiwan’s International Cofunding Program 2.0 (TICP2.0), TAICCA supports up to 49% of either the production budget or global marketing budget. AFCNet: Can you describe the variety of locations available? Jennifer Jao: Taiwan is a place of incredible variety. We have diverse locations, from mountain to shores, historical monuments to Metropolitan skyscrapers. To know more location details, this is our location Gallery: https://www.filmcommission.taipei/en/scenes_list.aspx AFCNet: Can you tell me about the skills and availability of production crews? Jennifer Jao: Filming often encounters unexpected situations due to different locations and coordination among partners. Production teams need the ability to adapt to the environment and well communication skills. Taipei Film Commission has been aiding with both domestic and international production teams, facilitating aspects such as location rentals, traffic control, and street closures, aiming to effectively address challenges encountered during filming. AFCNet: What the infrastructure like? For example, how easy is it to travel to and from major cities? Jennifer Jao: Taiwan is a small island, and most of the film industry is based in Taipei. Taipei as the capital city and the heart of Taiwan, we welcome productions to come to Taipei and Taiwan. With great public transportation systems, it is easy to travel between different cities, and from mountain to ocean. If production takes places in different cities, we could also refer it to other regional organizations for production assistance. AFCNet: Can you explain how the film commission helps visiting productions? Jennifer Jao: Taipei Film Commission provides location scouting, shooting supports, advertisement broadcasting as well as funding scheme. Given that most Taiwanese production companies and talents are centered in Taipei, we can certainly connect you with the appropriate collaborators. Taipei Film Commission is dedicated to ensuring that your moviemaking project in Taipei as rewarding and successful as it can be. Contact Taipei Film Commission to inquire for more information.

06.28.2024

[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