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

When I participated in an overseas film festival, I was shocked by the lack of sales consciousness.

Q: Listening to your story, it seems like you are trying to supplement what is lacking in domestic content.

MEGUMI: Yes. As you mentioned earlier, I produce food and beverages in Ishikawa Prefecture, so I feel it is important to convey the charm of Japan's traditional culture and craftsmen. The current situation is that more and more craftsmen are disappearing. We have no choice but to get people from overseas to come and spend their money, so we would like to support them through video.

Q: Will it be regardless of the platform, such as distribution, TV, theaters, etc.?

MEGUMI: Yes. I think it's better to change the medium to suit what you want to do. Last year, I participated in the Cannes International Film Festival and the Busan International Film Festival, and when I was asked if the films exhibited were suitable for streaming, that was not the case at all. I like it too, but film festivals tend to prefer movies that have a ``waiting'' feel, where ``nothing happens''. However, it is an irresistible fact that when it comes to streaming, works that emphasize speed and develop like a roller coaster are the mainstream. I plan to think about it while taking into consideration these characteristics.

Q: Your "world perspective" must have become more concrete by participating in overseas film festivals.

MEGUMI: What surprised me when I saw the booths of each country was that Japan had no intention of selling their own products... Every country has set up insanely cool booths and even has welcome parties, but in Japan it feels like a school festival... Maybe it can't be helped because it's a success in its own country, but I was shocked to see how little enthusiasm there was for selling it overseas. Even though we are working so hard on the production site, that feeling has been cut off. Now that I realize that, I have no choice but to do it. I think it has to stay this way. First of all, I was like, ``Are we going to have a party anyway?'' (laughs)

Q: The problem is that "making" and "selling" are separated.

MEGUMI: When I visit overseas booths, the people handing out flyers are quite famous, and there is a lot of communication going on, like ``we became friends over drinks.'' Many Japanese people aren't good at English or are good at communicating, so it may be that they don't create such opportunities for themselves, but since I can drink, I thought I'd give it a try. I believe that results come from the accumulation of small things, so I would like to take such actions while creating high-quality work. I'm so motivated!

Being rejected by those around you is proof that you are taking on an unprecedented challenge.