The history of cinematography spans over a century in Japan. And that places it among the most important filmmaking countries. The evolution of techniques and styles over the decades has left a mark on global filmmaking. Production services in Japan really set the standards. Meet one of the most innovative and inspiring film industries worldwide.
Cinematic History & The Evolution Of Production Services in Japan
By the time the French invented the cinematograph, the Japanese public already enjoyed moving images. Primary film forms included gentō and magic lanterns. Two years after its invention, the Lumière cinematograph reached Japan. And with it, the film industry here bloomed.
As filmmakers found new ways of expressing their creativity, it led to new filming needs. Production services in Japan have expanded, gradually diversifying. The first half of the twentieth century had a tradition as the core of filmmaking. Japanese movies were under the influence of kabuki. What made these films unique though was how they integrated the benshi (narrators). Inspired by the traditional theater, these silent movies came with live effects. Narration and live music made them far more popular. This continued until the early 1940s when films with sound appeared.
Japanese Directors
Japanese directors also wrote anew chapter in the history of cinematography. Yasujirō Ozu developed several innovative filming techniques, like ellipses, still used nowadays. He also changed the game by using a lower filming angle and static transitions.
Another remarkable producer, screenwriter, editor, and director is Akira Kurosawa. Authenticity and high attention to detail were key elements in his work. He was an inspiration for Hollywood filmmakers, like Scorsese or Spielberg.
Anime productions reflect how dedicated to perfection Japanese are. And their global success proves that is highly appreciated. Plus, the constant innovation in technology aims to improve the movie-making experience. Japanese state-of-the-art gear makes room for better results. So, you can always expect top-notch quality from production services in Japan as well.
Japanese Box-Office Hits
Japanese cinematography helped shape the global film industry. For real. Many filmmakers brought innovation to shooting techniques and more. Plus, some of the Japanese productions were worldwide hits and sources of inspiration.
For example, Akira Kurosawa’s film, The Hidden Fortress (1958) was more than a samurai story. The movie gave George Lucas a starting point for his first Star Wars (1977) production.
And how about the broad popularity anime gained across the globe? These manga adaptations now bring over 25% of the film industry revenue in Japan. There is some history here too, as the first full-length anime movie dates back to 1945. Besides Momotaro’s Divine Sea Warriors (1945),Hayao Miyazaki’s work impressed the public. Studio Ghibli became quickly known, especially with Spirited Away (2001).
From the anime genre, two main preferred approaches won the public. They are kaiju (featuring gigantic monsters) and mecha (starring robots). These sub-genres served as inspiration for international films like Pacific Rim (2013).Not to mention, the Godzilla (1954)franchise became a global phenomenon.
Given the large diversity of cinematographic projects, the industry is always evolving. So expect production services in Japan to cover an extensive array of filming needs.