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Pre-production services in Japan
Pre-Production

Pre-Production Services

The team provides worldwide exceptional production planning and creative development and logistics services which protect your schedule and budget and maintain your creative vision.

Creative

Scriptwriting, storyboarding, and pitch-ready treatments.

Logistics

Permits, budgeting, scheduling, and crew coordination.

Delivery

Production-ready plans with worldwide coverage.

Planning with Precision

Comprehensive Pre-Production Services

From initial concept to production-ready plans, our team sets the foundation for successful films, TV, commercials, and digital content around the world.

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Creative Excellence

Writers and directors who've worked on NHK, TV Asahi, and international co-productions—shaping scripts, storyboards, and visual treatments for Japanese and foreign audiences.

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Strategic Planning

The budget uses yen currency to present Japanese vendor price quotes while the project timeline follows the Japanese holidays of Golden Week and Obon. The project requires special attention to Tokyo because of its unique logistical needs.'s unique filming restrictions.

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Japan Expertise

The Japanese Film Commission together with ward office permits and cultural consultation services enable international productions to operate without issues during their production in Japan.

Service Catalog

Our Pre-Production Services

Every phase is covered—creative development, casting, permits, budgeting, crew, logistics, and compliance.

Why Fixers in Japan

Why Choose Fixers in Japan for Pre-Production

Integrated creative, logistics, and compliance backed by seasoned producers and local fixers.

Proven Expertise

Industry-leading team across all formats and budgets, trusted by global broadcasters.

Fast Response

Rapid 24-48 hour turnarounds for quotes, permits, and scheduling updates.

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Global Network

On-the-ground partners in 100+ countries with local permits handled for you.

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Full Service

End-to-end coverage from concept and casting to legal, logistics, and delivery.

FAQs

Pre-Production FAQs

Clear answers on timelines, coverage, and how we tailor planning to your production.

What's included in pre-production services?

Our team provides complete production services which include script breakdown and scheduling and location searches throughout all 47 prefectures and Tokyo agency-based casting and crew selection from our approved network and budget development in yen with consumption tax calculations and permit submission to ward offices and the Japanese Film Commission. The production team receives their complete package at the start of filming.

How long does pre-production take?

The process of securing locations and completing Japanese permit paperwork and casting finalizations for feature films requires a minimum of 10 to 14 weeks. The production timeline for commercials remains short because they require three to five weeks to complete production when production sites have easy access. The total diversity of documentary projects depends on two factors which include the requirements for access and the schedule of their interview sessions. The Japanese permitting process requires longer periods than Western film productions so you should add extra time to your schedule.

Do you work with international productions shooting in Japan?

That's our specialty. We bridge the gap between international production companies and Japanese crews, vendors, and authorities. Our team handles everything from carnet requirements for equipment entering Japan to coordinating with Japanese crews who may have limited English. Most of our clients are US, UK, European, and Asian productions shooting on Japanese soil.

Can you work within a specific budget?

We create budgets in yen which include detailed line items that show the exact costs which Japanese vendors charge. The Japanese market operates at premium levels because Tokyo production costs exceed what other Asian nations need to pay. If you have a target number, we'll tell you honestly what's achievable and where you might need to adjust scope or shooting days.

What happens if permits get denied or locations fall through?

Japanese location owners can be conservative about filming, and permit timelines are often longer than expected. We plan for this with backup options for every primary location. Our location managers have relationships with property owners across Japan and know which locations have worked reliably for past productions versus which ones tend to fall through.

Ready to Start Your Pre-Production?

We will create a production-ready plan which includes detailed budgets and schedules and permitting requirements for your project.