I’ve been shooting nudes all over the world for over 12 years and everywhere the industry practically always works the same way, so I thought we came well prepared and knew what we were doing. But the culture clash we experienced the first 3-4 days was shocking.
In Japan you are either a fashion model or a porn model - for them there are basically no nuances between the two. The whole porn, fashion, music and entertainment industry are run by organized gangsters.
And do not think we took on this Tokyo production lightly. In fact, it was the highest budget production we had ever planned. 2 months before our arrival a trusted colleague had spent a week doing research checking on accommodation and locations and meeting local photographers, production managers and model agents... and all seemed to be in order...
We had reviewed 100s of models online before we came to Tokyo and had handpicked many for our first big casting day. What we saw, however, was nothing like in the model composites we had been shown previously. Never before have I seen such manipulation. And the creepy agents with their “$$$” grins and stupid hats and mix of wall-street and hip-hop outfits just made it all even worse. What appeared to be big-eyed and slender girls with great features turned out to be "pygmy hogs".
Sorry for the lack of a more delicate description, but it was nothing but shocking and frustrating. It was then and there that I realized we had been blue-eyed, and that this was going to be a much bigger challenge then we would ever have imagined...
‘Till tomorrow
p
These were great models and an awesome shoot!
I figured it wasn't you. You generally have a more intelligent and easy-going approach, but there will always be morons and drunks out there looking to have their little snickers behind the screen.
Keep up very good works,
Best regards..
As a non-tourist to Japan for the past several years, I agree with the basic premise of your post but certainly not the presumptuous tone. While I would not question your business credentials, it's questionable for you to do the same onto others.
Anyone one who has tried to do business in Japan with other than large multi-nationals has gotten the same impression about it being run by organized crime. You may disregard comments from those who have only been there as tourists but want to seem like they know something. (Canadians & Angelinos) First time in any country is difficult. First time in Japan make others seem simple.
To whomever posted RE: Woof! as "The Guy": please grow some brain cells and think of your own nickname. I have been using that moniker for years. Perhaps your problem is more testes than brain cells. (Though clearly not much of either).
You've come to the conclusion that "[m]ost of Japan is run by organized crime" after only two trips? That's the problem: you've only been to Japan twice and therefore you're not really in any position of authority to make such a claim.
When doing any type of business in Japan, however, it is quite important to know the business culture and customs beforehand as well as have local representation. Petter, it would have been much much easier for you and your crew had there been a Hegre-Art Japan office already established. Although i fully realise this wasn't possible for this trip, it underscores how vital it is to establish a trusted presence in Japan for all business dealings in that country. You have to prove yourself first and then they'll trust you.
Anyways, as a professional, you've seemed to work your way past the initial tension. I look forward to seeing more of your work from Japan :)
best regards H
Unless you are speaking of the girl in pink in the last pic you desperately need a testosterone injection or a transplant to replace your ovaries with testes.
P.S. loose Konata
As they might say there: ganbatte Hegre.
Can't wait to see the rest of the travel journal for your visit to Tokyo. I spent many years there - fascinating and frustrating at the same time....