Key References & Inspiration
- Style references: (add films, series, or directors whose observational / ethnographic style you want to emulate)
- Academic references: (civic infrastructure, Japanese community studies, rural sociology)
- Comparable series: (NHK documentary style, 72 Hours, etc.)
Key Concepts (Glossary)
| Term |
Japanese |
Meaning |
| Chōnaikai |
町内会 |
Neighborhood association — the basic unit of civic self-governance |
| Gomi bunbetsu |
ごみ分別 |
Waste sorting — dozens of categories, enforced socially not legally |
| Mujin hanbai |
無人販売 |
Unmanned sales stands — honor-system commerce |
| Bōsai |
防災 |
Disaster preparedness — community-organized drills and mutual aid |
| Mimamori |
見守り |
Watching over / checking in — informal elder care networks |
| Matsuri |
祭り |
Festival — civic rituals binding community identity |
| Kankō |
慣行 |
Customary practice — "the way things are done here" |
Assets & Files
Link to shared drive (scripts, treatments, shot lists)
Main folder: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/1/folders/1MpymBM4uQsC7ENyvkL0mNfLcwxDUw_RU
- [ ] Link to visual treatment / look book
- [ ] Link to release form templates
- [ ] Link to equipment list
- [ ] Link to Komoro location map / scouting photos
Overview
| Category |
Notes |
| Equipment (camera, lenses, audio, lighting) |
Bitsii: Fujifilm X-S20 with 18-55mm lense. |
Liam:
- Sony FX3 (Main Camera Body) with Sony XLR Handle
- 24x70 Sony G Lens ii
- ND Filters (Polar Pro 2-5 stop and 6-9 stop)
- Deity S-Mic 2 (with deadcat for outdoor use)
- Røde Wireless Pro Lavalier Mic
- 2 x SmallRig V-Mount Battery, VB99, 99Wh (with cage mount system)
- DJI Mini 3 Drone with RC-N1 Remote
- Various tripods and lights |
| Accommodation | Komoro: akiya property available ‣ |
| Timeframe | Month of October with potential for 1-2 more weeks for post-production
1 week: planning / meeting / site development
3 week: filming + interviewing |
| Post-production (editing, color, sound mix) | DaVinci |
| Subtitling / translation | Saki |
| Music / licensing | |
| Insurance (production liability) | |
| Festivals to submit to | |
| Presentation sites for facilitated conversations | |
Distribution Strategy
Facilitated screenings (priority): US-based screenings with discussion — ties to USJF and JUSFC grant framing. Universities, Japan societies, community organizations.
Online (priority): Open access (YouTube/Vimeo) vs. platform placement (NHK World, PBS, OVID.tv, MUBI). Open access maximizes impact for grant reporting; platform maximizes credibility.