Netflix Producer Calls for More Reliable Film Funding in Japan

TVS News AI redaktionell betreut präsentiert Netflix-Produzentin fordert verlässlichere Filmförderung für Japan.

Two figures from the international film industry brought up the question of whether Japan's IP360 funding system provides international productions with enough certainty at the ongoing Tokyo International Film Festival. Alex Boden, the producer of “Tokyo Vice,” and Debra Richards, who oversees content and studio production matters at Netflix in the Asia-Pacific region, questioned the system.

For producers, the most important factor is a reliable basis for planning. Richards' point that incentives could be lower, provided they were predictable, shifts the focus away from the sheer scope of funding and toward planning certainty.

IP360 Is to Better Support International Productions

The IP360 scheme was introduced last year to replace the previously existing JLOX system. According to Deadline, its aim was to improve support for international productions in Japan.

The two industry representatives raised possible changes to this support system at an MPA seminar. The discussion therefore focused not only on individual projects, but also on the framework within which international teams can work in Japan.

What the Production Side Needs from the Funding System

The central demand is: incentives can be lower as long as they are secure. This is particularly relevant to productions whose budgets, locations and schedules need to remain as stable as possible from the outset.

International projects face immediate practical pressure in particular. Less generous but more reliable funding can, in the view of the discussion participants, give projects more room for planning. The report did not say whether or how the IP360 system would be changed accordingly.

What Specifically Emerged from the Debate

Boden and Richards made clear that international productions need support, but do not necessarily rely on the highest possible individual amounts or complicated conditions. The focus was on the certainty of the benefits.

The discussion took place at the ongoing Tokyo International Film Festival and brought Netflix, the “Tokyo Vice” production and the industry organization MPA together in the same room. Deadline reported on the exchange but did not name any specific changes to the IP360 scheme.

More value for you: Netflix is involved here not only as a streaming service, but also as a production partner. If you are looking for an overview of international projects, you can find further context in our TVS guides to film production and international productions.