the bridge
for overseas
production
in Japan
WOWOW BRIDGE is a comprehensive production services group, servicing film and television projects in Japan.
In 2024, WOWOW became the first broadcast company in Japan to expand into the international production services field with the launch of subsidiary company WOWOW BRIDGE, INC.
WOWOW is the biggest premium pay broadcaster with a streaming service in Japan. Having produced original TV series, films and documentaries for over 30 years, WOWOW has trusted relationships with all key vendors and is amongst the most trusted companies in Japan.
The launch of WOWOW BRIDGE was inspired by work done for “Tokyo Vice”, the unit provides a full fleet of services to support feature films, TV series, music videos, commercials and hybrid media projects in Japan.
The expertise and expansive capabilities of WOWOW are utilized and channeled into a suite of services benefitting foreign productions. Attracting more international projects to Japan, WOWOW BRIDGE provides a range of services to support the production of film, television, commercials, music videos, and other media projects and service international producers, studios and streamers.
WOWOW BRIDGE is fully equipped to handle local logistics and support on location and provide expertise and resources to ensure projects run smoothly and efficiently. The company has extensive knowledge of Japanese resources, regulations, and industry practices that significantly streamline the production process, and can help optimize budgets by utilizing Japan’s new tax incentives, which is 50% of production spending in Japan (Up to $6.25M).
Key service offerings include location scouting and management, including location permitting and local compliance; budgeting and financial management; crew and talent hiring (above and below the line); equipment rental, including transportation and setup; logistics coordination; legal and administrative support, reducing risks for those not familiar with Japan; and post-production services.
The WOWOW BRIDGE team is led by “Tokyo Vice” Executive Producer Kayo Washio, WOWOW’s Head of U.S. Operations and Chief Producer for International Co-Productions, Acquisitions and Distribution.