Second Term of 'Cinematic Quantum (CQ)' Launches, Aiming to Cultivate World-Class Visual Talent

The Japanese Society of Cinematographers (JSC) has launched the second term of 'Cinematic Quantum (CQ)', a film education program for international talent development and cultural exchange, as part of the Creator Support Fund, starting in April 2026. The program aims to share comprehensive knowledge necessary for visual production and to produce talent that creates outstanding visual expressions transcending borders and races.

In the second term, the program will center on two educational lines: 'Master Class', where participants learn from world-renowned cinematographers, and 'Academy Class', aimed at nurturing the next generation.

Two Educational Classes

① Master Class (for current professionals) An advanced class for professionals working in films, dramas, commercials, and streaming content. Top cinematographers and creators from Japan and abroad are invited to share practical and artistic insights on visual philosophy, visual design, team communication, and on-set decision-making. ◎ Main educational themes ・Visual design ・Pre-production planning ・Relationship between direction and cinematography ・International co-production ・Leadership and communication, etc.

② Academy Class (next-generation development and step-up education) An educational class for young talent, students, and career-upgrade seekers who have not yet reached the Master Class standard. Participants systematically learn the basic skills required for world-class visual production and the communication skills demanded on set. ◎ Main educational themes ・Basics of film cinematography ・Understanding lenses and cameras ・Coordination between the camera department and other departments ・Budget management and production understanding, etc.

Second Term CQ Schedule (planned) ① July 2026: Master Class Tokyo ② August 2026: Master Class Mexico ③ September-October 2026: Academy Class (Tokyo) 12 lectures planned ④ January 2027: Master Class Kyoto * There will also be opportunities for information sharing such as overseas inspections and report meetings. Please check for further announcements. (Details are being adjusted)

Future Outlook CQ will develop as a continuous project, aiming for collaboration with overseas film festivals, international co-productions, and educational institutions, not only within Japan. It will also build a next-generation visual talent development model through collaboration with global visual companies and distribution platforms.

Last year's DP Master Class in Thailand: From left, Yoshihisa Toda (JSC), Su-yol Jang (JSC), Lawrence Sher (ASC), Tomoki Iwakura (JSC), Yuka Mandai (JSC)

Contact Japanese Society of Cinematographers Official website: https://www.thejsc.net 〒 157-8561 2F, Toho Studios Office Center, 1-4-1 Seijo, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo TEL: 03-6411-1690 FAX: 03-6411-1691 mail: [email protected]

About 'Cinematic Quantum: The Innovative Eye of a Cinematographer': This program started last year under the 'Cultural and Artistic Activities Infrastructure Enhancement Fund (Japan Creator Support Fund)' established by the Japan Arts Council with a subsidy from the Agency for Cultural Affairs. It supports the construction of training programs that include practical experience in international settings, enabling students and working professionals aiming for global success to acquire necessary skills. 'Cinematic Quantum' is one of the projects of the 'Creator Support Fund'. The Agency for Cultural Affairs, the Japan Arts Council, and the JSC will jointly build and implement a program to develop human resources who can play an active role internationally in the field of cinematography over multiple years.

Organized by: Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan, Japan Arts Council, Japanese Society of Cinematographers Secretariat: Japanese Society of Cinematographers