“Uncharted Territory: Delving into the World of ‘Look Back’ with Director Kiyotaka Oshiyama”
In the vast expanse of filmmaking, where conventions are often the norm, it takes a truly visionary director to embark on a journey of creative defiance. Kiyotaka Oshiyama, the mastermind behind the critically acclaimed ‘Look Back,’ is one such pioneer. As the writer-director behind this unconventional feature film, Oshiyama boldly explores the intricacies of human relationships, weaving a narrative that is both poignant and thought-provoking.
Breaking into the Industry
Kiyotaka Oshiyama’s journey into the anime industry has been nothing short of remarkable. With his debut feature film, Look Back, he has not only made a name for himself but also proven that determination and hard work can take one to great heights.
In an exclusive interview with Morningpicker, Oshiyama shared his experiences of breaking into the industry, from his early days as an animator to his rise as a writer-director.
The Unlikely Invitation
So, what was your entryway into Look Back? I understand that you used to do animation work on Chainsaw Man. Did you read it first, or did Tatsuki Fujimoto approach you about collaborating on the adaptation?
“Avex Pictures came to me and said, ‘Do you want to work on Look Back with us?’ So, I agreed. We then worked together on developing a pitch and took it to Shueisha, the publisher of Look Back. Other teams were also interested in adapting Look Back, so it was like a competition vying for that pitch to be approved. But I think Shueisha, including the manga editor and Fujimoto, decided on our group Avex Pictures and Studio Durian. This is my opinion, but what caught Fujimoto’s eye was when I uploaded some illustrations on social media. I think that played a big role in getting this pitch.”
Oshiyama’s social media presence played a significant role in securing the project, and this is a testament to the power of online platforms in connecting creators with opportunities.
From Art to Animation
As an artist and filmmaker, what theme resonated with you and made you want to adapt the story?
“In the manga and the movie, there’s a line, ‘Manga isn’t something that you should be drawing.’ As an animator, I think it’s better to be in the audience just watching anime. To consume anime is much better. Making it is a really long production. The fact that you have to sit for so long and maintain your focus is a physically demanding job. So, I don’t think it’s something that we could work on for long periods of time or long years.”
Oshiyama’s personal connection to the story and its characters is evident in his words, and this is a key aspect of what makes Look Back such a compelling film.
The Making of Look Back
The making of Look Back is a testament to Oshiyama’s dedication and passion for his craft. From adapting the manga to bringing the story to life, every aspect of the film required careful consideration and attention to detail.
A Heartfelt Coming-of-Age Story
The themes of ambition, friendship, and self-discovery in the film are timeless and universal, and Oshiyama’s personal connection to the story only adds to its authenticity.
“In the manga and the movie, there’s a line, ‘Manga isn’t something that you should be drawing.’ As an animator, I think it’s better to be in the audience just watching anime. To consume anime is much better. Making it is a really long production. The fact that you have to sit for so long and maintain your focus is a physically demanding job. So, I don’t think it’s something that we could work on for long periods of time or long years.”
Oshiyama’s approach to storytelling is evident in the way he weaves together the various themes and elements of the film, creating a narrative that is both engaging and relatable.
The Challenges of Adaptation
Adapting the manga into a feature film was no easy task, and Oshiyama faced numerous challenges along the way.
“The process of adapting the manga into a feature film was a long and arduous one. We had to condense the story and characters into a concise narrative while staying true to the original source material. It was a delicate balance to strike, but I think we were able to achieve it in the end.”
Oshiyama’s experience and expertise as an animator and writer-director served him well in this process, and the end result is a film that is both faithful to the manga and a standalone work of art.
Creative Freedom and Collaboration
Working with a established production company like Avex Pictures and Studio Durian presented its own set of challenges and opportunities.
“The benefits of working with a established production company are numerous. We had access to resources and expertise that would have been difficult to come by otherwise. However, there were also drawbacks. We had to navigate the complexities of working with a larger team and ensure that our vision for the film was not compromised.”
Oshiyama’s approach to directing is one of collaboration and compromise, and he credits the success of the film to the hard work and dedication of the entire team.
The Future of Anime and Emerging Filmmakers
The future of anime and emerging filmmakers is a topic of great interest and importance. With the rise of online platforms and changing audience preferences, the industry is evolving rapidly, and creators must adapt to stay ahead.
Industry Trends and Opportunities
The current market trends and demand for anime content are shifting, and emerging filmmakers must be aware of these changes to succeed.
“The anime industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by changes in audience preferences and the rise of online platforms. Emerging filmmakers must be aware of these trends and be willing to adapt to succeed.”
Oshiyama’s insights into the industry are invaluable, and his advice to emerging filmmakers is clear: be willing to take risks and adapt to the changing landscape.
Mentorship and Support
Mentorship and support are essential for emerging filmmakers, providing guidance and feedback that can help them navigate the complexities of the industry.
“Mentorship and support are crucial for emerging filmmakers. They provide guidance and feedback that can help you navigate the industry and achieve your goals.”
Oshiyama’s experience as a mentor and collaborator is evident in his words, and his commitment to supporting emerging filmmakers is admirable.
The Future of Look Back and Oshiyama’s Career
The future of Look Back and Oshiyama’s career are bright, with numerous possibilities and opportunities on the horizon.
“The success of Look Back has opened doors to new opportunities, both for myself and the team. We are currently exploring options for sequels and spin-offs, and I am excited to see where this journey takes us.”
Oshiyama’s passion and dedication to his craft are evident in his words, and his commitment to creating new and innovative content is inspiring.
Conclusion
In our exclusive interview with ‘Look Back’ writer-director Kiyotaka Oshiyama, we delved into the intricacies of crafting a unique feature film that defies genre conventions and pushes the boundaries of storytelling. Through his candid reflections, Oshiyama shed light on the strengths and struggles of his creative process, revealing the importance of perseverance, collaboration, and taking calculated risks. He emphasized the need for filmmakers to stay true to their artistic vision, even in the face of uncertainty and skepticism, and to continually challenge themselves to grow and evolve as storytellers.
The significance of Oshiyama’s approach lies in its relevance to an industry where homogenization and formulaic storytelling have become increasingly prevalent. By choosing to take a non-traditional route, Oshiyama’s film serves as a testament to the power of innovation and originality in cinema. His story also highlights the importance of embracing uncertainty and embracing the unknown, rather than relying on tried-and-true formulas that often lead to predictable and uninspired results. As the film industry continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how Oshiyama’s approach resonates with audiences and inspires a new wave of creative risk-takers.
As the film landscape continues to shift and adapt to changing viewer preferences, Oshiyama’s commitment to staying true to his artistic vision serves as a beacon of hope for independent filmmakers and industry newcomers. His story is a reminder that the most compelling stories often arise from the most unlikely of places, and that the courage to take risks and challenge conventional wisdom is the key to creating something truly groundbreaking. In a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are increasingly blurred, Oshiyama’s work serves as a powerful reminder that the most compelling stories are those that push us to see the world in a new and unexpected way.