Godzilla Movie

Clarification on Who is the "Lead" Director of Godzilla '16

1286 Views23 Replies
Forum Topic

G. H. (Gman)

AdminGodzillaJun-06-2015 3:54 PM

I've noticed here and there that some people are still confused about who has "more authority" over Godzilla '16, Shinji Higuchi or Hideaki Anno. Some people believe it's one while others think it's the other.

August Ragone chimed in on facebook to clarify how the co-directing system will work for Godzilla '16.

"Anno is Supervising Director. Meaning, he's hands-on overseeing the directing the film (which he's also writing) and supervising the visual effects, too. This is also a system frequently used in the Japanese animation industry, of which both men have worked, extensively (and together). Anno turned down the offer to be the director a couple of years ago, so this situation was set up for him. He also had the controlling authority to approve or disapprove of anything Higuchi does or is doing. The film is Anno's baby and essentially, Higuchi is like a First Assistant Director with creative input. I can't really think of a Hollywood equivalent to this Japanese set up."

"Higuchi gets directorial credit, because he's a director, now. So, Anno gets a Supervising Director credit — since he's in a higher pecking order — but it's his baby. I guess you could say that this is like a Russo Brothers film, but one of the siblings is in charge."

"While I completely understand this Japanese system, it's a dog trying to explain it to North Americans who are having a hell of a time attempting to wrap it around their heads — it's like describing a rainbow to someone who is colorblind."

"'Nostalgic' does not equal 'good,' and 'standards' does not equal 'elitism.'" "Being offended is inevitable. Living offended is your choice."
23 Replies

wolfguy

MemberMothra LarvaeJun-06-2015 4:04 PM

It sounds like a situation of "Director (In-name-only)." Honestly, sounds like an equivalent to having a director and a writer(s), yet the producer(s) have the ultimate say on the finalized product. 

Something Real

MemberGodzillaJun-06-2015 5:16 PM

GMAN2887 - Oh, thank you! I was having a great deal of difficulty dscerning which of these gentlemen was in fact the lead with regards to the film's direction. I agree with WOLFGUY; it does seem as if the producer/producers will have the ultimate authority over them. Regardless, this information is extremely valuable! Thank you! :)

G. H. (Gman)

AdminGodzillaJun-06-2015 5:43 PM

I think calling it "director in name only" isn't really understanding the position or situation.

August said, "This is also a system frequently used in the Japanese animation industry, of which both men have worked, extensively (and together)." Anno initially turned down the idea of directing Godzilla due to his current state of being. It's likely he also didn't feel comfortable going with the normal studio system outside of animation productions. (Which he usually directs.)


"Anno turned down the offer to be the director a couple of years ago, so this situation was set up for him." Why would Toho go after Anno again, after he turned them down, and even tailor the production closer to how he's used to doing projects if this were going to be a producer heavy film?

No doubt Toho will enlist executives to keep it Godzilla-esque, not unlike the 2014 film, but that's understandable. I think if this were a producer's vision we would see a repeat of the Heisei/Millennium series where Toho promotes assistant directors from within the studio to hammer out the next Godzilla flick. The fact Toho has gone outside their doors and re-written their system just to make a director feel more comfortable says otherwise.

"'Nostalgic' does not equal 'good,' and 'standards' does not equal 'elitism.'" "Being offended is inevitable. Living offended is your choice."

Something Real

MemberGodzillaJun-06-2015 6:13 PM

GMAN2887 - That actually makes a great deal of sense!  I was not aware of the pains Toho have taken to ensure their director is comfortable - how very interesting! Thank you for clarifying the issue! :)

Something Real

MemberGodzillaJun-06-2015 6:15 PM

GMAN2887 - As an aside, do you know the specifics of Anno's initial trepidation? :)

G. H. (Gman)

AdminGodzillaJun-06-2015 7:30 PM

Something Real,
Anno has slipped in and out of depression for most of his career. After he finished the third Rebuild of Evangelion movie two years back he slipped back into depression and couldn't find the will to go to work. Toho approached him back then about Godzilla and he turned them down.

In the months following Toho contacted Higuchi. The details are murky, but what's confirmed is that Higuchi's involvement made Anno want to come on board. It seemed like it was a luring tactic on Toho's part.

Since Anno is used to co-directing on animation projects, (the last three Evangelion movies positioned him with another director in the same way he is with Higuchi for Godzilla '16) it seems like re-arranging the system in his favor, with one of his best friends no less, made the project more appealing.

"'Nostalgic' does not equal 'good,' and 'standards' does not equal 'elitism.'" "Being offended is inevitable. Living offended is your choice."

Something Real

MemberGodzillaJun-06-2015 7:39 PM

GMAN2887 - That is incredibly interesing. I wonder, what it is that has brought him such psychological dysfunction? As I have observed, artistic skill and creativity often carry a fair possibility for mental turmoil. I suppose the ability to create and provide wonderful things carries a price at times. :)

G. H. (Gman)

AdminGodzillaJun-06-2015 11:34 PM

I don't know the specifics and there are plenty of rumors with little proof, but what is known is he suffers from clinical depression. He famously battled it during the mid-90s when he was working on Evangelion, apparently pouring all of his anxiety into the content of the series.

"'Nostalgic' does not equal 'good,' and 'standards' does not equal 'elitism.'" "Being offended is inevitable. Living offended is your choice."

KingKaijuGojira

MemberTitanosaurusJun-07-2015 4:52 AM

They're both directing the movie at the same time. I don't see what is so hard to understand about that.

\"SKREEONGK!\" -Godzilla

G. H. (Gman)

AdminGodzillaJun-07-2015 8:21 AM

KingKaijuGojira,
Yes, but even in America when co-directors are attached there's one director who has more authority than the other.

In this case Anno is the head director which Japanese productions call the "Supervising Director". According to August it's, "his baby."

"'Nostalgic' does not equal 'good,' and 'standards' does not equal 'elitism.'" "Being offended is inevitable. Living offended is your choice."

Jamaal

MemberMothra LarvaeJun-09-2015 12:27 AM

Assuming that filming is going to start in the Fall, I wonder what is happening right now in terms of the production timeline. I mean by this, what would Anno and Higuchi be doing right now?

Any thoughts, or insights?

All opinions are welcome.

 

Jamaal

MemberMothra LarvaeJun-09-2015 12:29 AM

Also, should we assume that the suits are ready?

Huge-Ben

MemberBaragonJun-09-2015 3:58 AM

@Jamaal,

Long time no see! Ok, first off, we really don't know anything else at this point! . Apparently, Toho is rumored to be "trying to compete with Hollywood ." 

 As for thoughts, I think they're still under construction with the suits. I've been googling the design and ain't found s### yet. As long as the directors push each other with different ideas, we could get a good film next year. 

http://hugeben.deviantart.com/  check out my gallery of Godzilla artwork! Follow me on Twitter@thebigbadben90.

Jamaal

MemberMothra LarvaeJun-09-2015 11:23 AM

This is the part of the train ride that is kaiju filmmaking, where we're all 'in the tunnel,' so to speak. Just waiting to get back 'out in the open' where there will be news, both officially released and leaked (some of it purposefully, perhaps). The anticipation is fun, in a way. It's good, i think, to let one's imagination wander regarding how Godzilla will look; will there be another kaiju; what will he film 'look' and feel like, etc. Then, when aspects of the film's production are made public, we can compare them with what we thought they would be. To me, all of this, just enhances the film's appeal. It's the art form we love as well, along with the character, the tradition and technique, and hopefully, God willing, the results. Everything I've read and seen up to now has made me cautiously optimistic. I'm really grateful that this film is being made: a Japanese Godzilla!

Oh, and good to see you, too, Huge-Ben. 

wolfguy

MemberMothra LarvaeJun-09-2015 3:51 PM

Not really in line with the original topic, but Toho should avoid the "A film a year" scheduling. Pull their resources, save the budget up so they can get more of a bang for their buck, actually have a good story ready instead of rushing one in a month or two, or rehashing the same story over and over again with a few name changes. A film every 3-5 years would be ideal. That way interest is still piqued without fans/audiences getting burnt out.

G. H. (Gman)

AdminGodzillaJun-09-2015 5:15 PM

^I agree a movie every so often would be a better way to keep Toho from souring the milk. One movie every winter holiday was not the way to go.

That being said, it really wouldn't change anything in regards to budget and resources. Japanese cinema just don't have the numbers in the industry to keep crew onboard a film for much more than a year. Keeping people onboard a film for that length in Japan seems to inflate budgets larger than most studios think they can make back.

Granted there are exceptions, but they're very rare and very special cases. Toho would need some sort of guarantee out of it.

"'Nostalgic' does not equal 'good,' and 'standards' does not equal 'elitism.'" "Being offended is inevitable. Living offended is your choice."

Huge-Ben

MemberBaragonJun-09-2015 5:43 PM

The thing is that back in the 50's, 60's, 70's and 90's it never stopped them before. I can understand the earlier years due to the fact that people didn't care what they saw on theatre screens. Now a days, people want everything in their point of view and reality doesn't work that way. Separating the films is best though. Look at Biollante. 5 years after 84 and it was and still is a great film. Didn't succeed at the box office like they hoped. But, the thing is, during the showa era some of the best films were made year after year. Mothra vs. Godzilla 1964, Ghidorah 1964, monster zero 1965 just to name a few.

http://hugeben.deviantart.com/  check out my gallery of Godzilla artwork! Follow me on Twitter@thebigbadben90.

Jamaal

MemberMothra LarvaeJun-10-2015 4:07 PM

I would hope that Toho, with this film, is entering a new phase in the Godzilla Series. This means that things will done diffrently, including the time alloted to producing their films as well as the time between their releases. I feel that this is best for the Series and morely like to result in it's continued success, God willing.

We don't need a film every year; want we need is quality filmmaking, that is visionary, bold and adventurous.

G. H. (Gman)

AdminGodzillaJun-10-2015 4:33 PM

We don't need a film every year; want we need is quality filmmaking, that is visionary, bold and adventurous.

I think that's why they went outside the studio for a change with this one. The last time they did that was for GMK-- Which was outstanding, but still under the Tomiyama era of timetables and restrictions.

Tomiyama and all of his writers/ADs are gone now. And with the Toho's Goji-Council in place it seems like the days of treating Godzilla like every other production at Toho is long gone.

"'Nostalgic' does not equal 'good,' and 'standards' does not equal 'elitism.'" "Being offended is inevitable. Living offended is your choice."

Jamaal

MemberMothra LarvaeJun-10-2015 8:32 PM

"And with the Toho's Goji-Council in place it seems like the days of treating Godzilla like every other production at Toho is long gone."

I hope this is true. This is the key, I believe. That Toho has a council dedicated to its most famous and important franchise is itself hope-inducing. Perhaps, the Legendary film and all that went into it as well as the hype around it, helped to make key people realize, or, rather, rediscover the uniquenss of the Japanese Godzilla, its relationship to the country, its culture and history, and the whole genre of tokusatsu films. 

 

 

Jamaal

MemberMothra LarvaeJun-14-2015 10:06 PM

“Japanese creators are more comfortable with abstraction,” he says. “Tokusatsu take a huge page from Japanese traditional arts like kabuki. Nobody would stand up and say in a kabuki performance, ‘This isn’t real.’ The entire (tokusatsu) concept of putting a guy in a suit has direct roots in kabuki theater, where giant monsters were actors in costumes.

“The situations in anime and tokusatsu couldn’t exist in real life. Just like woodblock prints utilize a 2-D portrayal of perspective that differs from the more ‘realistic’ forced perspective of Western art, yet are still considered masterpieces of illustration. It’s not about trying to compete with the realistic special effects in the West. It’s about feeling.”

From an article on tokusatsu:

http://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2013/06/12/general/preserving-a-classic-japanese-art-form-tokusatsu-magic/#.VX5Uhnzn_QU

This, is one of the main reasons why I am looking forward to Toho Godzilla 2016.

 

 

G. H. (Gman)

AdminGodzillaJun-14-2015 10:45 PM

^Funny. I drew comparisons between Toku and kabuki in the panel I did at the Pacific Rim convention this week.

"'Nostalgic' does not equal 'good,' and 'standards' does not equal 'elitism.'" "Being offended is inevitable. Living offended is your choice."

Jamaal

MemberMothra LarvaeJun-14-2015 11:54 PM

^And well you should.

The relationship between the two art forms is proven and obvious. It's the Japanese nature of Godzilla 2016 that resonates so well, even in pre-production.

I'm looking forward to following the production of this new, Japanese Godzilla.

Add A Reply
Sign In Required
Sign in using your Scified Account to access this feature!
Email
Password
Latest Images
Godzilla & Kaiju Godzilla & Kaiju Fandom
Godzilla Movie Forums
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire Discuss the Godzilla vs. Kong sequel here!
Godzilla Merchandise
Godzilla Merchandise Discuss Godzilla Toys & Literature
Godzilla Fan Works
Godzilla Fan Works Share Your Godzilla Fan Creations
Godzilla: Minus One
Godzilla: Minus One Discuss the Toho movie, Godzilla: Minus One here!
Godzilla
Godzilla Talk all things Godzilla, Pacific Rim, Gamera & more here
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters
Monarch: Legacy of Monsters Discuss the Monsterverse TV series on Apple TV here!
Godzilla 2014
Godzilla 2014 Discuss the Legendary Godzilla Series
Godzilla Video Games
Godzilla Video Games Talk and Compare Godzilla Games
Shin-Gojira
Shin-Gojira Discuss Shin-Godzilla here
Godzilla 2: King of the Monsters
Godzilla 2: King of the Monsters Discuss the Legendary Godzilla sequel here!
Godzilla vs. Kong (2020)
Godzilla vs. Kong (2020) Discuss the Godzilla vs. Kong Monsterverse movie here!
Hot Forum Topics
New Forum Topics
Highest Forum Ranks Unlocked
G. H. (Gman)
G. H. (Gman) » Godzilla
53% To Next Rank
Monsterzero9
Monsterzero9 » Anguirus
77% To Next Rank
Nicozilla
Nicozilla » Baragon
72% To Next Rank
KoldWarKid62
KoldWarKid62 » Baragon
43% To Next Rank
BigGMonsterMan
BigGMonsterMan » Baragon
33% To Next Rank
Latest Godzilla Fandom Activity
Godzilla Forum Teams

Godzilla-Movies.com is an information resource for fans looking to learn more about the upcoming blockbuster Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Providing the latest official and accurate information on Godzilla: King of the Monsters, this website contains links to every set video, viral video, commercial, trailer, poster, movie still and screenshot available. This site is an extension of the Godzilla Fandom on Scified - a central hub for fans of Godzilla looking to stay up-to-date on the latest news. Images used are property of their respective owners. Godzilla: King of the Monsters and its associated names, logos and images are property of and are in no way owned by Scified and its related entities. This is a fan-created website for the purpose of informing and exciting fans for Godzilla: King of the Monsters's release.

© 2024 Scified.com
Sign in
Use your Scified Account to sign in


Log in to view your personalized notifications across Scified!

Transport To Communities
Alien Hosted Community
Cloverfield Hosted Community
Godzilla Hosted Community
Jurassic World Hosted Community
Predator Hosted Community
Aliens vs. Predator Hosted Community
Latest Activity
Forums
Search Scified
Trending Articles
Blogs & Editorials