What cultural differences did the "Rental Family" team encounter in Japan?

The team found that location agreements were not strictly binding and that respecting community concerns led to cancellations. They also adopted the practice of removing shoes before entering locations.

How does filmmaking in Japan differ from Hollywood regarding timing?

Filmmaking in Japan often operates at a slower pace, prioritizing respect and community over strict schedules. Unexpected natural events, like cherry blossom timing, also presented unique challenges.

What specific custom did the "Rental Family" crew follow in Japan?

The crew consistently removed their shoes before entering any location, a practice that signified respect for the space and its owners, even if it meant a slower pace.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Tokyo Shoots: Cultural Hurdles for Film Crews

Tokyo Shoots: Cultural Hurdles for Film Crews

8 Jan

•

Summary

Japanese location agreements are not binding, allowing short-notice cancellations.
Filming in Japan requires crew to remove shoes, slowing production but showing respect.
Unexpected cherry blossom timing caused chaos during a key scene's filming.

Tokyo Shoots: Cultural Hurdles for Film Crews

Filming a movie in Tokyo, Japan, involves navigating cultural norms distinct from Hollywood. In spring 2024, the production team for 'Rental Family' faced a location cancellation due to neighbor concerns, highlighting that Japanese property owners can withdraw consent without legal recourse, a rarity in the U.S.

This necessitated extensive contingency planning, a common practice for Japanese productions. Furthermore, the crew adopted the custom of removing shoes before entering any location, a detail that, while slowing operations, demonstrated deep respect for the community and property. This thoughtful approach extended to managing waste, with the entire crew composting food scraps.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.