Film Producer Shiho Akutagawa: A drama called filmmaking born from "passions"

■ Profile

Born in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. As a child, she was a member of the Himawari Theater Company and appeared in films. During her university years, she was affiliated with Hirata Office and worked as a model and actress. In 2012, she joined an apparel company, where she worked on e-commerce management and event content planning, before starting her career as a film producer in November 2015. In 2022, she founded CUPRO ENTERTAINMENT Co., Ltd.
His major works include serving as executive producer of the film "Grandpa Died" (director: Yudai Morigaki), Twitter drama producer, and promotion producer for the film "STAND STRONG." He is currently planning and producing a film scheduled for release in 2023.

"There is a work and a message that can be conveyed by making it into a film." A female film producer who handles everything from planning to making inquiries and gathering sponsors all by herself. Why did she go from acting and working in the apparel industry to becoming a film producer? What does she want to convey to students, having been active since she was a child? We spoke to this woman about her childhood.

■How to spend your student days

From kindergarten through the early years of elementary school, I was a member of the Himawari Theater Company, a child actor training agency. At the time, I joined at my parents' urging, not of my own volition, so I didn't try to learn on my own and thought that acting wasn't for me. However, once I became a university student, I decided that I wanted to act, so I joined an entertainment agency of my own choosing and worked as an actress and model. During my student days, I wanted to devote my time to things that I could only do at that time, so in addition to my entertainment activities, I enjoyed my free time by traveling to various countries.

■ I joined the apparel industry as a new graduate

Initially, I wasn't thinking about getting a job because I was working in the entertainment industry. However, I felt that I didn't have the ambition to work in the entertainment industry professionally. I also thought that it would be better to have the once in a lifetime experience of joining a company as a new graduate, so after much deliberation, I decided to join an apparel venture company. It wasn't so much that I was particularly attached to the apparel industry, but rather that I wanted to learn how to be a member of society in three years, so I chose an apparel venture company that was based on meritocracy, rather than age or experience, and where I could take on a variety of challenges.

■ Decided to become a film producer at age 25

Ever since I was a child, I had seen many film sets, and found the world full of dreams and very alluring. Having experienced acting and various jobs in the apparel industry, I eventually decided that I wanted to work in filmmaking, rather than acting. As a woman, I also had dreams for my personal life, such as marriage and childbirth, but I thought it was too late to try something new at 30, so at the age of 25, I instinctively decided to pursue the path of a film producer. The company I was working for had gone public, and it was a time when I had reached a turning point, so I thought, "Now is the time."

■ A producer who makes movies from scratch

When making a movie, I first come up with a plan from scratch, such as "I want to convey this kind of story or message," "I want to create this kind of project," or "I want to make a movie with this director." I then proceed through the process of planning, budgeting, fundraising, casting, selecting a distribution company, and filming, and am involved in all production-related aspects other than the creative aspects on set. Major production companies tend to adapt already-popular manga, anime, etc. into movies, so I want to adapt original works, things that haven't been released yet, and even if there is an original work, things that can reach a wider audience by being adapted into a movie for the first time, and things that have a message to convey.
Once the film's framework, including the director and script, is finalized and the casting image is solidified, talent agencies are approached. At the same time, sales pitches to distribution companies and sponsorship sales are also conducted. However, negotiations with talent agencies and distribution companies cannot proceed until the framework is more or less finalized and funding is secured. Conversely, it's difficult to sell sponsorships without casting and a distribution destination. This makes it difficult to decide which comes first, the chicken or the egg. Of all the tasks, the most difficult is undoubtedly finding sponsors. Compared to other countries, Japan has fewer companies willing to fund culture and the arts, including film. Especially in the early days with no prior experience, it can be difficult to gain the trust of companies. Ideally, filming should begin only after all sponsors have been finalized, but I've had the experience of struggling to find sponsors even after filming began, only to finally secure funding while on set.

The rewards of filmmaking come from connections and passion with people

The greatest reward is seeing a film come to fruition through the many connections between people. Because films are made through personal connections, it's crucial to communicate our passion to the people involved and the sponsoring companies who help us. For this reason, rather than relying on orders and commissions like advertising, we seek out sponsors who match each project. While it's certainly a business, I've come to realize that sponsors ultimately choose those who appreciate our passion for the film, rather than profits from the box office. The sponsors and local people who helped us on location were like extended family to me. We often work on a tight budget, and we often have to cut costs. At times like these, the restaurant and inn associations on location would often lend a hand. Creating a film together with the warm support of so many people is both rewarding and fulfilling. I remember crying tears of joy with the locals when filming wrapped up. Some of the people who helped me along the way have remained in touch for many years, even after the filming was finished. I also feel that the rewards of filmmaking come from the fact that my work can be screened all over Japan, and even travel the ocean to international film festivals, reaching countries I've never been to and receiving recognition.

■What I want to convey to society as a woman

I was single when I made my previous film, but I've now married, given birth, and am a mother of one. This has inspired me to want to work on a film that is a "mother-child story" that only a woman and a mother can make. There are still many old-fashioned ways of thinking that are deeply ingrained in the film industry, and while cultures with a long history are certainly wonderful, there are also aspects that I would like to change in order to deliver interesting entertainment. I would like to work on a film that I can produce in my current position.

■Message to university students

Don't overthink the risks, and try anything. In most cases, things that scared me 10 years ago because of the risks are not such a big deal when I think about them now. Even if you end up in debt, you won't die. The free time you have as a student is truly precious, so just try new things. No matter how many times you fail or how many risks you take, I believe you will be happier if you try. And always try to imagine in your head the success story of what you want to achieve. I personally feel that the more realistically I can imagine my success story, the more I am able to actually make it happen.

Student Newspaper Online, Tokai University 3rd year student, Misaki Otsuka