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The 2023 Chanel X Biff Asian Film Academy has come to a close with the graduation ceremony and screening of the two short films produced by the fellows over the 20 days. This year’s edition presented a strengthened educational program by extending the program period from 18 to 20 days to secure additional time for pre-production and feedback, enhancing the quality of the projects, and introducing a ‘script doctor’, a screenplay specialist, to the line-up of instructors, in addition to the original faculty of dean, directing mentor, and cinematography mentor.

From hands-on training to get familiarized with filming equipment to a masterclass session by the dean, director Suwa Nobuhiro, which will provide insight into his experience and expertise, and workshops to better understand the film industry, such as MPA-bafa Film Workshop: Bridge to Hollywood, the practical programs and mentoring by the faculty, who are deeply invested in the future of the film industry,...

U.S. producer E. Bennett Walsh, who has made films including Mortal Kombat, Meg 2: The Trench and The Kite Runner across the Apac region, says he’s got his eye on Japan and Korea as the next hot destinations for footloose Hollywood productions.

“I think the opportunity in Asia is in Korea and Japan,” said Walsh. “Tokyo Vice recently had a great experience in Japan and there are more opportunities for productions like that. Some pieces of the Marvel movies have filmed in Korea, but that was just scratching the surface.”

Japan recently introduced an official production incentive to fund up to one half of the qualifying Japanese spend of international productions, while Korea has been operating incentives for several years. In addition, Japan’s largest studio Toho recently formed a joint venture production services outfit with established Japan-based producer Georgina Pope.

“The opportunities in Japan...