Netflix research found that 67% of surveyed members internationally expressed interest in visiting South Korea. For the streamer’s Sung Q Lee, the pull lies in the stories set there, rather than the scenery alone.
Moderated by Busan Asian Film School professor James Bang, the opening session, on how locations shape storytelling, also featured location manager Lauren Cooper and “Perfect Days” co-producer Kunieda Reiko.
Kunieda quoted Wim Wenders: “The artifice of a story can ruin a film.” The director resists imposing predetermined themes or concepts, she said. On “Perfect Days,” which was shot in 16 days, the story was allowed to develop organically from its locations.
“Location and storytelling are not separable,” Kunieda said, describing production’s role in translating creative ambitions into filmmaking.
Citing the Jeju-set “When Life Gives You Tangerines,” he said universal emotions connect audiences to unfamiliar places.
