MEGUMI joins BABEL LABEL as a producer. Sense of crisis and solutions for the domestic video industry [Director's Interview Vol. 286]

MEGUMI, whose presence has been increasing in recent years with films such as " Typhoon Kazoku " (19) and " One Nigh " (19) and " Reiraku " to be released on March 17, 2023, has been joined by Michito Fujii, Kento Yamaguchi, Hidenobu Abera, Participated as a producer at content studio BABEL LABEL, where creators such as Hirotoshi Hara gather.

In addition to planning, producing, and appearing in the TV drama `` Ichiko who is totally stuck, I have no choice but to become charismatic '' (22), and producing and appearing in `` Reiraku '', she is also active as a producer. What kind of chemical reaction are you trying to create with BABEL LABEL, which is promoting reforms such as joining the group and entering into a strategic partnership with Netflix?

We bring you a long interview with MEGUMI about his bond with director Fujii, his strong sense of crisis for the video and film industry, and his thoughts on entertainment.

Index

• The deciding factor is “resonance” with a sense of crisis. There is still a lack of workplaces where we can respect each other.
• The production scene in this country is too harsh. There are too few films starring women.
• Works that are close to women. I would like to refer to director Mike Mills.
• When I participated in an overseas film festival, I was shocked by the lack of sales consciousness.
• Being rejected by those around you is proof that you are taking on an unprecedented challenge.
• Think of the work as a set with the platform

The deciding factor is “resonance” with a sense of crisis. There is still a lack of workplaces where we can respect each other.

Q: MEGUMI has appeared in “ 10 Years to Live ” (21) and the currently airing drama “ Informa ” (23). How did you meet BABEL LABEL and director Michito Fujii? mosquito?

MEGUMI: Director Fujii saw " Day and Night " (18) produced by Takayuki Yamada and thought he was a very talented creator. After that, I met him for the first time in the VR work ``The Kindest Time in the Universe'', which is another story of ``The Brightest Roof in the Universe'' (20). The film was shot in Yamagata Prefecture for several days, and we had a lot of time to drink and communicate together.

After that, we worked together on `` 10 Years to Live, '' and around that time I was starting my producing business, and Fujii-san heard about it. When I said, ``I'd like to do more in the producing business,'' he asked, ``How about working with us (BABEL LABEL)?'' ``Okay, let's have a quick meal,'' and we had a meeting with Mr. Fujii for dinner, and the next day I contacted him and said ``I'd like to join.''

Q: What made you decide to participate in BABEL LABEL, MEGUMI?

MEGUMI: First of all, the big thing was that Mr. Fujii understood my pain very well. He asked me about the difficulties and worries that come with working with many people to create things, such as raising funds and staffing, and he said, ``We want to solve those problems,'' and that really hit home for me. I wanted to work with active people who had the same aspirations as me.

Also, the people at BABEL LABEL can work like no other. The arrangements were good, the creativity was high, and there was a sublime atmosphere. I also felt that he was at the top level in Japan as an actor, so being able to join as a producer was a dream come true.

Q: I was also working on the BABEL LABEL site until the other day, so I understand it very well. Everyone is young and lively, and it's easy to talk to them. Depending on the work, on-site writers have a hard time finding a place to work, but they created a comfortable atmosphere.

MEGUMI: Although he is stoic, he communicates in a way that is appropriate to the current state of society, such as respecting others and being considerate of others' circumstances. This kind of respect is something that companies in general are working on, but I feel that the entertainment industry is still lagging behind. There is still a concept that it is a virtue to speak out forcefully, and that ``you can only do good acting if you are pushed.''

That may be fine, but Mr. Fujii and others say, ``That's not true.'' Mr. Fujii always says, ``The best environment is one where we can perform well while respecting each other,'' and I feel like he's ahead of his time.

The production scene in this country is too harsh. There are too few films starring women.