I was just brainstorming here,wondering what anybody would have for thoughts on this. hypothetically how would someone attempt to shoot a film that took place in ancient japan( like using green screen for the whole thing or would you try to construct a set that resembled ancient japan etc etc) , ie:a samurai film or something of the sort. what's everyones feedback. thanks
feudal japan
- Thread starter vtguy
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Um if I had the budget to do such a film, I would definitely use practical effects/ set building. And of course film in Japan or at the very least at one of the pagodas in the US (Redding, PA for example).
Green screen's good for some things, but creating a whole world looks fake more times than not.
Green screen's good for some things, but creating a whole world looks fake more times than not.
Welcome vtguy!
I don't know anything about feudal Japan, except what I googled. It really depends on how *big* of a story you want to tell. Do you want to say something about one of the four classes (ie Samurai), the classes above or below, their relationship to each other in a specific century. Do you want to tell the story of a couple characters attempting to breach their specific class, or army against army scenario? There's a very broad spectrum of applications....you could tell quite an intimate story set during that period with an agrarian background and some sort of exterior and interior set.
I don't think you could get away with a green screen here. Gotta build a set. Hopefully you've got the budget for a soundstage etc. 
Your only other option would be to update it so it's not longer a period piece, but I'm assuming that the time period is probably somewhat vital.
Your only other option would be to update it so it's not longer a period piece, but I'm assuming that the time period is probably somewhat vital.
Depending on the story, I think with decent costumes, actors and a few key props you could get away with something in the right kind of forest/mountain EXT. location. Possibly also use some stock footage that establishes the bigger picture of where it’s supposed to take place. Granted, there might be those that say certain trees or plants in the scenes aren’t indigenous to Japan, but oh well.
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Out of curiosity, are you a Kurosawa fan? The reason I ask is, in addition to being one of the film greats, I think that a lot of his movies could be shot today in a way that is relatively budget friendly (think Rashomon, not Ran) and they could be a point of inspiration...
BUut, if you are thinking something, say, Last Samurai scope (I know, that's Meiji restoration not Feudal
) I wouldn't do it unless you have a very healthy budget.
BUut, if you are thinking something, say, Last Samurai scope (I know, that's Meiji restoration not Feudal
) I wouldn't do it unless you have a very healthy budget.As I watched Seven Samurai I believe it is possible to do the things he did with a small budget. If you wanted to you can build a mock village of feudal Japan's style and keep the action there.
I do believe, however, you're going to have to put a lot of time and money into this if you want it to look genuine.
I do believe, however, you're going to have to put a lot of time and money into this if you want it to look genuine.
Thanks everybody, ya I hadn't really put much thought into the exacts about everything,I just know that I've been into the samurai or ninja(despite all the movies lately)last samurai is one of my greats,anyhow it was just a random question that I wanted to ask and to try and get associated with the forums. I posted a question in the newbie section titled new beginnings that hasn't seen any responses yet lol and it is a legitamate question this time ,