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Updates on Japan Mode! I previously announced that I would be directing and producing this TV show back in July. A few things have changed since then. Panasonic wants more of a show aimed at the female population around the world. However, my directional skill set is mostly in the "pop culture" and "traditional Japan" field as you would have seen in 2 seasons of Culture Japan.
I called upon a comrade who is experienced in making a wide genre of TV shows and felt that he would be more suited to the task and have now left the direction and production to him. I am still however the main presenter of the show which has finally got a broadcast slot in December 2012 initially on Star World (owned by STAR TV and Fox International) across the whole of Asia.
This also means that I can focus on the immediate company goals and allows me to travel to the many anime events around the world without having to clone myself.
Japan Mode is a weekly 30 min show and will focus on bringing lifestyle topics mainly for women but produced in a way so that the lads can enjoy the content too. I also managed to sneak in some otaku related stuff in too ^^;
To help me on the show, we have called upon a few ladies to co-present with me. Its cheesy but just imagine that I'm charlie and that they are my angels ^^;;; I swear it was not my idea - but I like it because it meant I didn't have to go round getting my nails manicured, shaving my armpits or trying on ladies underwear - I only do that off camera.
Panasonic and now Toyota are sponsors of the show and I'm working with advertising agency Dentsu on this project.
Today we take a look at the studio filming that took place this week.
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The Japan Mode set for season 1. Panasonic wanted something futuristic-ish. Very different from the Culture Japan set!
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Our production team - camera, sound, lighting, art, producer and director.
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In the changing and makeup room. This room is alo known as "Gakuya" [楽屋[がくや]].
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Am not a fan of wearing makeup but am required to as my ugly mug has the potential to frighten viewers ><
But it looks like many men of late are wearing makeup...
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A look at our filming equipment - all digital SLR's this time round. Also plan to film Culture Japan Season 3 on digital SLR's too.
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Canon EOS 5D.
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Some of our cameras are all rigged up like this.
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No matter what time of year it is - its always boiling under those lights ><
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This is a rental studio and comes with a variety of stuff for folks to use.
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Yuki-chan joins me on the set and for two of the episodes. I end up calling her Mirai though ^^;
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All changed and ready to shoot 3 episodes. Felt really odd as I dont usually wear a suit - the last time I wore one was when I was a salaryman. A while back however I did always wear a black jacket and T-shirt though.
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This is Reisa-san - my 1st reporter.
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Our cameraman is very well known in the Japanese TV industry and shoots for popular TV shows like Sekai Fushigi Hakken [世界不思議発見[せかいふしぎはっけん]]。
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Hard work but lots of fun too!
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This is Mami-san - my 2nd reporter.
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This is Aya Vanessa - half Canadian and half British - speaks perfect Japanese. Speaking fluent Japanese opens many doors - so what are you waiting for?!
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Japan Mode features some CG work too - images are beamed from my "tablet device"
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I didn't take this dangerous shot! I has alibi!
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Director going over the next episode.
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Checking footage in Adobe Bridge.
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My filming for the day is done - packing up the chair.
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The art folks preparing for closeup filming of products used in the show.
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A quick game of Moekana while waiting for dinner.
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Dinner arrives for everybody - the traditional bento box.
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Filming continues into the evening.
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But I'm done and head back to base.
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The world deepest train station is Roppongi on the Oedo line. Not incredibly fond of taking the Oedo line as you have to take a ton of escalators to get to the platforms. They dont have elevators going all the way down either - presume its because of an earthquake related reason.
But its best to think of it as good exercise!
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There is a Psycho Pass on the subway.
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X marks the spot - caption that image.
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Kawaii is everywhere in Japan - even when fighting terrorism.
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Filming finishes early for a change ^^;
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Read more about Mirai Suenaga >>>
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