In Episode 1 we interview 2019 Kyotographie featured artist, the famed photographer Albert Watson on his career, life in New York, photography and the importance of lighting. The film takes place in New York, setting up Albert’s journey to Japan for Kyotographie. 

Kyotographie is very unique among photography festivals. The festival itself is designed as a discovery of great photography, but also as an exploration into the rich history and culture of Kyoto. The organizers design the festival each year much like a treasure hunt, with exhibits scattered around the city in both traditional and modern venues. The festival offers a thoroughly enchanting experience, which has led to it’s increasing popularity among both domestic and international guests since it’s start in 2012.

To do credit to the subject matter, the director’s vision was to create a documentary that doesn’t play like a documentary, but more an immersive piece of art. The interview was shot in a “black box” with a single light source, much like how Albert likes to shoot his subjects. This, coupled with striking abstract imagery of the city, and a visceral soundscape, the aim was for the viewer to not only watch and listen, but to feel and experience the film. Knowing time would be tight on the ground, the director and editorial staff developed a video storyboard in preparation for the shoot to align with greater team and provide a road map for the production. This helped eliminate costly variables and keep everyone laser-focused on the objective.