Workshops

Techniques for screen-writing that can be used right away!

Let’s write good dialogues, let’s believe in the power of filmvisualism!

10:30 – 11:30 AM

Have you ever wondered how to solve problems like, “I am trying to tell a story through dialogues and it sounds like too much of an explanation. If I try to deliver visually then it just becomes too long..” This course might be just for you.

  • Writing succinctly
  • Words Dialogue vs stage direction
  • When? Where? Who?Our significance on earth
  • Using props & charades

Please bring: PC and/or papers, pencils, and flexible mind.
Not to bring: Leave behind your insecurities and closed mind.
*Lecture and practice details can be subject to change.

Sara Sawako Shiono

After receiving an M.A. from the University of Calgary, Sara worked in as a translator, editor and as a director of a translation and film for a production company in Vancouver. Since her return to Japan, she has been working as a freelance translator/script-writer, director in documentary, drama, theater and dubbing shows to name a few areas of her involvements.

Her notable works include: “Maruko, Next Door,” “Kokyo-The Good Earth”, a documentary called “Asano Hiroin wa Christian,” a TBS drama series called, “Shiawase no Okurimono” among many other works on Youtube and feature films.

The 1st TBS drama series scenario award finalist
Lecturer at Tohoku Shisha Eizo Techno Academia Translation dept
Lecturer at Scenario Center
Superbook, the animation is on-air @Tokyo MX, BS-TBS channels

Kanjiro Sakura

Kanjiro Sakura, Producer Kanjiro Sakura is a Japanese producer, who helmed a number of shows in Japan and internationally. His works include renowned films such as “Inception” (2010), “WASABI” (2001), “Tetsujin 28” (2005), “KURO-OBI” 2007, “Detective Mitarai’s Casebook – The Clockwork Current” (2016) and more.

Guest Presenter: Naoyuki Sakagami

Currently a Senior Managing Director at ARK Entertainment, Inc. (Previously Kadokawa Herald Pictures, Inc.) Naoyuki Sakagami has much experience as a distributor with films like “Emmanuelle,” “LEON,” “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring,” “Never Give Up,” “Ran,” “Aegis” among many other films.

Short films & Distribution

Kanjiro Sakura, film producer talks about short film marketing strategy with Naoyuki Sakagami, Senior Managing Director of Ark Entertainment.

12:30 – 1:30 PM

Director's panel and Q&A

MODERATED BY KYOKO AIHARA

Christopher Graham

Chris studied film directing at BIOLA University. He has produced and directed dozens of music documentaries, commercials, and comedy sketches. In 2012 he co-wrote and co-directed his first feature film, NOBLE FIR, with his creative partner Joseph Arney. In 2014 he co-produced the documentary MY NAME IS WATER with legendary actress Sharon Stone. He is currently in post production for a short film that he filmed entirely in Tokyo, Japan.