‘Elvis’ and ‘Parasite’ Producers Lead Tokyo Market Seminar Lineup
The upcoming Tokyo Market TIFFCOM seminar program is set to feature prominent producers from acclaimed films such as Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” and Bong Joon Ho’s Oscar-winning “Parasite.” The lineup includes 14 sessions that will delve into various aspects of the global ambitions of Japanese anime, international co-productions, and the thriving drama trade in Asia.
Schuyler Weiss, the producer of “Elvis,” which received eight Oscar nominations including best picture, will be participating in a masterclass in collaboration with the Motion Picture Association and Digital Hollywood University. He will also be a guest speaker at TIFFCOM’s pitching contest, where the winner will earn a trip to Los Angeles for the Global Film & Television Immersion Program.
On the co-production front, Choi Yoonhee, the CEO of Barunson E&A and producer of “Parasite,” will be teaming up with Shinya Kawai, known for works like “Swallowtail Butterfly” and “Yi Yi: A One and a Two,” to provide insights into international collaboration. Additionally, a Japan-Korea producers exchange organized by VIPO and KOFIC will introduce 10 producers selected from both countries.
Japanese broadcasters will also be showcasing their global strategies at the event. BEAJ’s “Japanese Broadcast Content Goes Global” panel will feature broadcasters like Wowow, Ax-On, ABC TV, NHK Enterprises, and TV Miyazaki. Nippon TV will outline its “Gear up, go global” campaign, while TBS will highlight its partnership with Vietnam’s VTV and the activities of its studio The Seven.
The animation industry will take center stage with the Association of Japanese Animations presenting new data from its 2024 industry survey and case studies of overseas expansion. A panel on Hong Kong-Japan collaboration will include director Raman Hui, producer Polly Yeung, and Bliss Concepts’ Samuel Choy.
Other highlights of the event include discussions on Thai BL and GL dramas’ global success, a showcase of premium content by China’s Huace Film & TV, a Shanghai showcase of screen productions, a JETRO seminar on Turkish remakes, and KOCCA’s premiere of K-dramas “Love Phobia” and “Someday of Me.”
TIFFCOM, organized by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, and Unijapan, will take place from October 29 to 31 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center Hamamatsucho-Kan, coinciding with the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival from October 27 to November 5.
