INTERVIEW with Shane Kosugi
This is the second installment of the SEEK Ninja Action Series. The world is now on the brink of collapse. When a ruthless terrorist group orchestrates World War III by posing as Russian extremists to destroy Japan. Kyohei Aizawa—an elite agent for the covert organization SEEK—must emerge from the shadows to stop them, proving that the ancient art of the ninja is still Japan's ultimate shield. Only SEEK can stop them!
9/2/20266 min read
Can you tell us about your latest film project and the process you went through in bringing it to life?
Yes, this was my 2nd Directorial Action Feature and 2nd of the series. We made the 1st one in 2024 and as we were shooting it our investors proposed making the next feature the next year. So we were lucky to have people around us that supported our vision and passion together!
What inspired you to become a filmmaker and pursue a career in the film industry?
My father made ninja movies in Hollywood in the 80’s and 90’s, and I had the opportunity to be in some of his films. Then after University, I moved to Japan to pursue my career in the film industry and continued to be in front of the camera…but I realized I had to learn more about things behind the camera. So little by little, I started learning everything I could about every position behind the camera and I got my lucky chance to direct a short movie in 2023 which we used to get funding for my 1st action feature film in 2024.
What challenges did you encounter during the filmmaking process and how did you overcome them?
It was very hard in the beginning but improving little steps at a time, learning from your mistakes, doing something you love, and enjoying every minute on set trying to get the best possible shot at that moment is so thrilling and fulfilling. You have to understand, adapting to the situation and the circumstances to find the best possible result is so challenging and fun!
What was the most memorable moment for you during the production of your film?
Can you share any interesting anecdotes or behind-the-scenes stories from the making of your film?
I have to say the most interesting and memorable moment during filming has to be the weather. So when filming outdoors, weather is so vital and if you are lucky you can get a perfect moment that was not expected. So when we were shooting a scene in the mountain area on a large bridge, we wanted to create a fog like atmosphere. So we had prepped smoke machines ready to create it for the scene. However, mother natured gave us an unexpected and amazing huge fog for about 2-3 hours. That made the scene spectacular and just amazing!!! Those amazing moments in filmmaking makes it worth while when you receive those amazing unexpected gifts.
How do you approach storytelling in your films? What themes or messages do you try to convey?
I have been brought through martial arts and with Asian parents, so I believe respect, honor and traditional manners is very important. So I try to implement those small messages in my films even though it might not be too obvious but it is very important. We as filmmakers must stay true to traditional values and cultural authenticity as a base but add our own style and flare to our films. That is what I would like to try and accomplish.
What is your preferred genre of filmmaking and why? Are there any specific directors or filmmakers who have influenced your work?
My preferred genre would have to be action. I have been doing action for all my life and have been in front of the camera, so I know what looks good and how to make it look good with the camera. Also, I would like to make action films in Japan as well as collaborate with other country’s to make spectacular projects.
My favorite directors are Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve and Sam Mendes. For action directors, Sam Hargrave, Gareth Evans, Chad Stahelski, David Leitch, Kenji Tanigaki, and so on…
How do you select your cast and crew for your film projects? What qualities do you look for in collaborators?
For the cast, we usually have a casting director and talk about people who would be good for each roles. Then we usually do go through headshots, video auditions and then face to face. I usually know if they are the right person for the role once I meet them, I think it is a feeling and a connection you get with them.
For the crew, I usually have set people that we work with all the time because the trust and vision are the same. But I like people who have passion in filmmaking and enjoy doing their jobs. When you work with your team, you are with them for like 3-6 months. I love people who come to work with a positive mentality and a smile, ready to make great things happen!
How important do you think film festivals are for independent filmmakers, and what has been your experience with film festivals so far?
I feel that film festivals are a vital part for independent and indie filmmakers. It helps us get our projects the necessary attention, get feedback from real audiences around the world, meet other filmmakers and industry people, and can help boost our project’s value in order for our movies to sell in the global market.
Personally, I started out sending my short action film to film festivals around the world and got great response and support from a lot of people. That only increased and blossomed on my next project which was my 1st action feature film. I think it is a great way to get your projects notoriety, support, necessary feedback, possible collaborations and increased networking potential. It is a MUST!
Can you tell us about any awards or recognition your films have received and how they have impacted your career?
First, for my short film we were officially selected for 12 film festivals and won over 20 awards. Our main goal was to show investors that this idea and our style would transition globally, that is how we got our funding for my 1st action feature film, SEEK.
Second, for my 1st action feature film, SEEK, we were officially selected for over 40 film festivals and won over 80 awards. This reinforced our vision to investors, producers and distributors to believe in us. I believe that was one of the keys that helped us get global distribution as well as Japan distribution. Furthermore, it has helped us gain more recognition, momentum and support from people of all walks of life.
How do you handle feedback and criticism of your films? How do you use it to improve your craft?
Any criticism is hard to take but it is necessary and it is always a learning experience in order to make your next project even better. I am not the best director but I listen to everyone’s advice and ideas to decide what is the best decision to make at that moment in time. Whenever and where ever I’m at, everyday I try to learn from the day before and improve, be more efficient and be flexible in my thinking.
What do you enjoy most about the process of filmmaking? Is there anything you find particularly challenging?
I love everything about filmmaking! I’m still trying to learn more areas in the filmmaking process, in order to hone my craft. Every aspect is difficult and challenging and each project has it’s own uniqueness…that’s what make filmmaking so interesting and fulfilling!
How do you approach the distribution of your films? What strategies do you employ to reach a wider audience?
Me and my other producers take the time to find the best distributors for our projects and it’s always a tough process. A lot of distributors just talk big and after signing the talk disappears and they don’t produce the results they promised. All global distribution goes through me and I’m basically in charge for finding global distribution…it’s hard, frustrating and you find out there is no one correct path or answer.
I think that in order to make your films successful you have to reach wider audiences around the world. The only way to do that is to make more contacts and spread your projects through the festival circuit so that you can get more eyes on it and gain attention. It takes time but I have seen great improvements in networking and introductions…I’m so grateful and try to always stay positive!
What advice do you have for aspiring filmmakers who are just starting their journey in the film industry?
Always have a game plan…don’t just think about how you are going to make your project but how you are going to sell it or promote it or connect it with your next projects. Another thing would be find at least 1 or 2 people that have the same passion and vision as you so that you have a core team to rely on and have that positive mindset to keep pushing forward! This is a tough business so having mental and emotional support around you is always a plus!
Finally, can you share with us your future plans and upcoming projects as a filmmaker?
So I just finished my 2nd Action Feature Film, SEEK II. We have locked in theatrical release in Japan for Spring 2027. So now I’m trying to get global distribution. Otherwise, we are planning to make the final installment to the SEEK series as well as some other action projects are in the works. I hope that I can bring a new cinematic twist and flavor to the action genre while keeping the bar of Big Hollywood Action quality at a low budget price.
