The Era of Filmmaking as a Hobby

A Hobby That Gets a “Wow!”

When I say, “I make films as a hobby,” most people respond with, “Wow, that’s amazing!”

But for those of us who actually do it, it’s no different from saying, “I build model kits,” or “I enjoy bonsai.” It’s not particularly impressive—it’s just a hobby.

Why does it seem so impressive? I think it’s because filmmaking involves technology.

Drawing requires skill, of course, but filmmaking uses:

• Cameras for shooting
• Computers for editing

That combination of technical tools and creative expression gives people the impression that it’s something extraordinary.

But in reality, it’s not.

Many Kinds of Filmmaking

I often say:

“Filmmaking is a fun hobby.” “It’s not as intimidating as it seems.”

In my filmmaking workshops, I explain how beginners can create their own video projects and even let them experience it firsthand.

But “film” is not a single, simple category.

There are so many genres, and each one has its own unique traits—sometimes with almost no overlap.

For example:

• A film made by someone who loves theater
• A film made by someone who loves model kits

These will be completely different in tone and style.

So even when two people say, “I love movies,” they might find they have nothing in common.

Any Hobby Can Lead to Filmmaking

On the flip side, anyone with a hobby can enjoy filmmaking—if they learn the techniques.

Let’s say you love sports—soccer or baseball. If you and your friends decide to make a sports-themed film and build a solid story, you might end up with a masterpiece.

Or if you’re into theater and want to create a film version of your performance that’s easy for people to watch, you could produce a high-quality drama.

The Charm of Special Effects

I personally love model building, so I’ve spent years exploring the potential of miniature-based filmmaking—what’s often called tokusatsu (special effects).

When people hear “tokusatsu,” they usually think of monster movies with miniature buildings and explosions.

But special effects are much more versatile.

Take the hit Japanese film Always: Sunset on Third Street, for example.

To evoke nostalgia, the film features old shopping streets and vacant lots. While it uses CGI, many of the buildings were actually miniature sets photographed and digitally composited.

The warmth of that film comes largely from its analog elements.

As a creator, I find it more satisfying to build miniature sets from paper and wood than to create everything digitally.

My Journey into Tokusatsu

Back in high school, I became fascinated with the behind-the-scenes world of special effects thanks to a film-loving classmate.

There was no internet then, so I relied on books to learn.

In old dinosaur films, it was easy to guess that the creatures were miniatures. But what really intrigued me was how those miniatures were composited with live actors in a single frame.

It was fascinating—and frustrating.

At the time, video cameras weren’t widely available, and the equipment needed to create composite shots cost millions of yen.

I experimented with what was possible on my own, but the scope was very limited.

Today’s Filmmaking Environment Is a Dream Come True

Now, everything has changed.

Computers are everywhere.

Video cameras are everywhere.

Even smartphone cameras can capture footage that rivals professional gear from a few decades ago.

What was once a dream setup is now standard.

In the 1980s, professional creators spent huge sums to produce special effects. Now, people like you and me can do it on a shoestring budget.

If you have a smartphone and a computer, you can start making special effects films almost for free.

With creativity and cleverness, you can make exciting, high-impact content.

Creative hobbies are all deeply rewarding, but I believe filmmaking offers one of the greatest senses of fulfillment.

And I’ll continue sharing updates from my own journey here.