What's Happening in Tokyo?! Part 1

Hi friends!

Apologies for my silence since landing in Tokyo.  If you haven't heard, I'm making a short romance film about two women who move to Tokyo for different reasons and meet under completely random circumstances. The film started off as a collaboration idea with a small team, but it's quickly grown into a small international indie production. 

As the director of the film, I've been busy doing all sorts of pre-production work, including hiring crew, talent, helping write the script, securing locations, securing camera and lighting packages, fundraising, scheduling logistics, wardrobe, art department... I basically have my hand in every department. 

(Script, camera movement notes, storyboards sketches)

(Location scouting)

(Camera package: Arri Alexa Mini and Arri Master Animorphic lenses)

We have crew and talent coming in from all over the world. My co-Director of Photography is coming from London, acting leads and a producer will be coming from Los Angeles, my assistant director from San Francisco, steadicam operator from Chile, assistant camera from Australia, and of course we have local crew members helping out on the production as well. Many if not the majority are volunteering their time so we can collaborate on such a project in Japan.

As you can imagine, trying to make narrative film in a foreign country has been difficult due to language barriers, so I hired a fixer to help connect with local business and secure production items like locations and wardrobe. There have been other challenges like budget, finding out that construction is happening at one of the main locations, finding out that insurance costs 1/5 of the costs of the production, securing specific locations, and so much more that people don't think about when it comes to making films. 

Honestly it's a miracle anything gets made at all. But we're here now and we're going to make this happen. 

(Wardrobe)

(Sound meeting)

Everyday there is something to do and everyday there is a new challenge to consider. It hurts to say, but currently the film is entirely personally funded by myself. It is costing around $25,000. Much of the costs has gone towards equipment and flying and hiring crew and talent. Flights add up, and proper cinema packages cost a great deal. 

There are moments when I feel completely overwhelmed by what I'm doing and the fear of letting anyone down. And moments where I feel like cryin, but I truly believe in the script and the chance to make something special and beautiful. I'm proud of the diverse, talented team we've managed to put together. I'm proud that we're making a queer story with Asian leads. I really want to make something that touches people and something that underrepresented people can relate to and identity with. To feel more connect to. 

I want to slowly change mainstream media to be more accepting of diversity on screen by continuing to be present. Hopefully that will come in time. I'm excited to show you all what we'll be making here in Tokyo. Thank you for your support in making this happen. A Kickstarter will be coming later this month to help us finish the film. 

Thank you for reading this very long update!
Have a great day,
Jenn