Japan Mode

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.

The Japan Mode set for season 1. Panasonic wanted something futuristic-ish. Very different from the Culture Japan set!

Our production team - camera, sound, lighting, art, producer and director.

In the changing and makeup room. This room is alo known as "Gakuya" [楽屋[がくや]].

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...

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.

Canon EOS 5D.

Some of our cameras are all rigged up like this.

No matter what time of year it is - its always boiling under those lights ><

This is a rental studio and comes with a variety of stuff for folks to use.

Yuki-chan joins me on the set and for two of the episodes. I end up calling her Mirai though ^^;

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.

This is Reisa-san - my 1st reporter.

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]]。

Hard work but lots of fun too!

This is Mami-san - my 2nd reporter.

This is Aya Vanessa - half Canadian and half British - speaks perfect Japanese. Speaking fluent Japanese opens many doors - so what are you waiting for?!

Japan Mode features some CG work too - images are beamed from my "tablet device"

I didn't take this dangerous shot! I has alibi!

Director going over the next episode.

Checking footage in Adobe Bridge.

My filming for the day is done - packing up the chair.

The art folks preparing for closeup filming of products used in the show.

A quick game of Moekana while waiting for dinner.

Dinner arrives for everybody - the traditional bento box.

Filming continues into the evening.

But I'm done and head back to base.

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!