[VIPO Film Lab Application] In-Person "Film Planning and Screenwriting Workshop" on Sept 16-17 - Seminar for Developing Excellent Films - Instructor Masato Kato, Screenwriter of "Climbers High," "The Passing Clouds," "The Zen Diary"

The Visionary Organization of the Film Industry (VIPO) [Vee-po], headed by Chairman Takamasa Matsutani (Chuo-ku, Tokyo), will hold a "Film Planning and Screenwriting Workshop" focused on film project development from September 16 (Wed) to 17 (Thu), 2026.

This is a highly beneficial practical workshop for film producers, screenwriters, and film production staff. Applicants will submit a project proposal, and selection will take place if there are many applications.

〇 Objective - To understand the importance of screenplays, which form the foundation of films. - To learn the key points for developing a project into a screenplay.

〇 Theme - Polishing participants' original film project proposals submitted in advance. - The basics of screenplay creation for turning project proposals into excellent screenplays.

〇 Main Curriculum - Advice from instructor Mr. Kato on participants' original film project proposals (submitted at the time of application). - Lectures on "Motifs and Idea Generation" and "Themes and Loglines." - A critique session to refine all project proposals.

*Curriculum content is subject to minor changes. *A networking reception with the instructor and participants is planned at the venue after the workshop concludes on the second day. Participation is optional, so please use this opportunity for networking.

Application Form & Registration Here

◆ "Film Planning and Screenwriting Workshop" Overview

【Date & Time】 September 16 (Wed) - 17 (Thu), 2026, 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Reception opens at 9:30 AM on both days, with breaks as needed)

【Venue】 Visionary Organization of the Film Industry (VIPO) Hall 2F Higashi-Gekijo Bldg., 4-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku [MAP]

【Participation Fee】 20,000 yen (tax included)

【Target Audience】 Screenwriters, film producers, film staff, and aspiring individuals in the film industry.

【Capacity】 12 participants (Advance registration required, selection based on project proposal)

【How to Apply】 Please enter the required information and your original film project proposal into the application form via the link below. (Genre is open. Approximately 1000 characters, including project intent and synopsis)

【Application Deadline】 August 27, 2026 (Thu) at noon (Selected candidates will be notified of the workshop details and payment methods by September 2 (Wed).)

Application Form & Registration Here

【Instructor】 Masato Kato, Screenwriter

Selected Works: "Snow Woman" (2006, Tokyo Sakura Grand Prix at the 18th Tokyo International Film Festival [2005]), "Climbers High" (2008, Excellence Award for Screenplay at the 32nd Japan Academy Film Prize), "The Solitary Gourmet" (2010, Excellence Award for Screenplay at the 34th Japan Academy Film Prize), "Hayabusa: The Long Voyage Home" (2012), "A Class to Remember" (2013), "The Tale of Iya" (2014, Excellence Award for Screenplay at the 38th Japan Academy Film Prize), "Everest: The Summit of the Gods" (2016), "Spark" (2016 Netflix, Frontier Award for Television at the 54th Galaxy Awards), "Her Life Is No Mistake" (2017), "The Passing Clouds" (2019), "The Broken Commandment" (2022), "Love's Complicated" (2023), "G-Men" (2023),

"The Zen Diary" (2024)

About VIPO Film Lab (https://filmlab.vipo.or.jp/)

VIPO provides various human resource development programs, including practical training, workshops, and online courses, tailored to specific objectives, to foster industry professionals such as producers, directors, and screenwriters who can operate globally both domestically and internationally.

【Contact】 Visionary Organization of the Film Industry (VIPO) Seminar Secretariat E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 03-3543-7531 (When inquiring by email, please clearly state "Film Planning and Screenwriting Workshop" in the subject line.)