Key Takeaways:
– The HBO Max series ‘Tokyo Vice’, filmed in Japan, faced numerous challenges due to strict regional practices and regulations.
– Filming was interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed in November 2020.
– The team had to cultivate relationships with locals to secure shooting locations, a task both complex and integral to Japanese culture.
– Despite the challenges, the team’s persistence ensured the series’ success, showcasing an authentic portrayal of Tokyo.
The path to success was paved with challenges for the team behind the HBO Max series ‘Tokyo Vice’. As creators of the crime drama series, set in Tokyo, they had to navigate an intricate labyrinth of regional practices, regulations, and, of course, a global pandemic to bring their vision to life.
Embracing Authenticity in Filmmaking
From inception, the makers of ‘Tokyo Vice’, led by creator J.T. Rogers, chose to eschew easy ways out by providing an authentic reflection of Tokyo’s crime-ridden underbelly. Striving for realism, the team sought to delve beyond the serene, picturesque portrayal of Japan often shown in pop culture.
When it came to shooting this series, the first season of which aired its second season in February 2021, the team was not deterred by the difficulties they encountered. Filming started in Tokyo in March 2020, only to be halted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the disruption, their dedication prevailed, and shooting resumed in November 2020.
Filming in Tokyo: A Challenge and An Opportunity
The heart of the project was to dive deep into Japan and illuminate its darker pockets, far from the familiar picture of Tokyo’s neon-lit streets or cherry blossom parks. Executing this vision, however, proved to be one of the most challenging aspects.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Max executive Sarah Aubrey explained, “This wasn’t going to be a story set in the American embassy with few excursions out into the rest of Tokyo. It’s an immersion into Japanese culture through that city’s crime world — and that was the main selling point for me and the network.” Therefore, relocating or substituting shooting locations was not an option.
Securing Shoot Locations: A Lesson in Cultural Sensitivity
Securing shooting locations involved navigating not just official regulations but also a complex cultural dynamic. Filming in Akasaka, for instance, involved an intricate, labor-intensive process of building relationships with local shop owners. Executive Producer Alan Poul explained the painstaking process, emphasizing the sacrosanct nature of neighborhood relations in Japan.
The team had to not only respect these cultural imperatives but also reassure the shop owners that their daily operations wouldn’t be disturbed. As a result, they approached over 300 bars and stores in Akasaka, armed with gifts and assurances, to gain permission to film.
Overcoming Red Tape with Persistence
Few other shows have faced such challenges. Foreign productions often find it hard to navigate Japan’s strict regulations, leading many to opt for alternatives. ‘Bullet Train’, a film set in Japan, chose to use sound stages and virtual production volume engines in Los Angeles for filming, due to the difficulty in obtaining shoot permits in Japan.
However, the ‘Tokyo Vice’ team was relentless in their pursuit of authenticity. They negotiated, navigated, and, most importantly, respected regional concerns and regulations. Despite the challenges, they were able to secure the locations necessary to bring ‘Tokyo Vice’ to life.
In the end, the grit and resilience of the ‘Tokyo Vice’ team not only paid off in an engaging series beloved by fans, but also an exciting, behind-the-scenes story that could inspire its very own drama series. Such a story, emblematic of the steep challenges in the filmmaking industry, amplifies the appreciation of the viewers for the series ‘Tokyo Vice’.
