"Winny" Producer Kanayama Routine only produces shrinkage [Director's Interview Vol.298]

The movie ``Winny'' received rave reviews upon its release. This story, which is based on a true incident, is made into a grand entertainment for adults under the strong direction of young Toshihide director Yusaku Matsumoto. The passionate performances by actors including Masahiro Higashide and Takahiro Miura are also worth watching.

This film was originally scheduled to be shown in a single mini-theater, but with KDDI handling distribution, the screening was expanded to nationwide. KDDI has invested in numerous films as a production committee, but this is the first time that it will be distributing a theatrical work. KDDI's producer Kanayama said that ``Winny'' was a work that should be distributed nationwide, and worked hard to expand its screenings. Why did KDDI decide to take on the distribution business this time? Also, what is the significance of KDDI, a telecommunications company, investing in a movie that is said to be high risk? From what I heard from Mr. Kim, I was able to see the problems and future of Japanese cinema.

Index

• Providing value to customers that enables them to invest
• Why “Winny”?
• Japanese movies have become polarized
• Routine only produces shrinkage.

Providing value to customers that enables them to invest

Q: You have been a member of the production committee and have invested in many films, but what are your intentions as a telecommunications company?

Kim: KDDI provides a service called "au Smart Pass Premium." By investing in a movie, we can offer benefits to our members, such as inviting them to a movie preview or allowing them to watch a movie for 1,100 yen. These benefits will also lead to the promotion of the works in which they have invested. Investing in movies creates such a positive cycle. Additionally, if the number of people contacting the portal increases by viewing bonus videos, new business possibilities will emerge. I myself love movies, so I also want to use movies to solve problems.

“Winny” (C)2023 Movie “Winny” Production Committee

Q: I had the impression that investing in film production was high risk, but I understand that it is possible to invest because of the aspect of providing value to customers.

Kim: Yes. However, since we are investing, we are still aiming for recoup. How can we create special benefits for our customers? Also, the real pleasure of being a producer is to make the movie a hit, so even if you use a lot of bonuses, you won't be very happy if the movie doesn't win. Movies are probably the only place now where people get together and watch the numbers. At the same time that many people come to the theater on the first day of release, we can share the joy with many people involved. I feel it's meaningful, and I'm completely addicted to it. Movies have the power to captivate people.

Why “Winny”?