Awesome article on how Sofia Coppola’s new film, “Lost In Translation,” was conceived, financed and then shot in Tokyo. I’m impressed that a Japanese distribution company would take the first step to support Coppola and her vision, although knowing that “The Virgin Suicides” was a runaway success in the Japan market seems like enough to bank on. Aslo it’s interesting to hear Coppola’s father talk about the fact that film-based production will soon be gone, ÏYou might as well shoot film. ItÌs not going to be around very much longer.Ó
For the production, Katz blended American key crew members Û a U.S. line producer, production designer, costume designer, d.p., sound recordist and a New YorkÒbased Japanese a.d. Û with Japanese seconds and thirds. The a.d. translated for the Japanese crew, but some cultural differences werenÌt so easily glossed over. ÏRespect and honor are central to Japanese culture,Ó Coppola notes. ÏWe wanted to do [the movie] more Japanese-style, not walk in and say, ÎWell this is how we do it in America.Ì
ÏHowever, when we were at the shabu-shabu restaurant, we were only permitted to shoot till 4 p.m.,Ó she continues. ÏWe went about 10 or 15 minutes over, and the owner pulled the plug Û pulled the lights out. We were disrespecting the owner because we werenÌt done.Ó Coppola finished the take in the dark (and printed it too). But as they wrapped, the filmÌs location manager resigned. ÏWe had caused him to lose face with the owner,Ó Katz says.