Interview with Nick Waggonner

Oct 21, 2009 

Nick Waggoner is the director of Signatures, and one of the collaborators behind Sweetgrass Productions. Niseko Tourism sat down with him to discuss his filming in Niseko , staying here over the winter and making a feature style film in Niseko.

1) Why Hokkaido?

1) Hokkaido’s been on our radar for years as a powder mecca. Beyond snow there’s the cultural element, the onsens, the food– there are too many reasons to list. The more we discovered about Japanese culture and the connection to the seasons, the more it meshed with our desire to make a film based in one location. The unique culture gave us the framework for telling a story, and sharing our art. Hokkaido is a fascinating place on so many levels– the proximity and influence of the ocean, the distinct seasons all under the shadow of Yotei. I’ve heard a couple people refer to it as a “power spot” and the idea that Yotei has a large impact on the local energy and people.

2) What is your filming set up?

2) We had three Panasonic HVX 200 cameras, which are ultra-delicious true HD cameras. It weighs in at about 6 pounds, plus a 8 lb tripod, plus batteries, walkie talkies, and the usual backcountry gear brings our pack weight to an awkward 25 lbs. It doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you’re hiking for every shot, it destroys your back and your soul.

3)What is the best thing about filming here?

3) The best part about Hokkaido is the consistency and quality of snow, for sure. As filmmakers, it’s a crucial part of the equation, and that and the people shape their lives around it are our currency. Likewise, in Hokkaido the mountains are friendly compared to our mountains in Colorado. It takes an hour to get on top of a peak rather than 3 or 4, and the snow is 100 times more stable avalanche-wise.

Umm, the onsens? Hokkaido was designed for backcountry skiing– good water, good snow, and relaxing onsens.

4) What are some challenges?

4) When it snows every day, flakes on the camera lens get old real fast. We just get destroyed by snow on a daily basis– we were literally drowning in it, and it’s hard on the mind and body to be that consistently challenged.

Likewise, making a film is like an endurance race fueled by ramen. 4 hours of sleep is sometimes a good night, and the work rarely lets up from December to April. 6 days a week, 7 days a week, 4am to 10pm. Exhausting, and definitely trying on relationships in and outside of Sweetgrass.
There’s so much that goes into a film that people don’t realize. We are doing it so much, that it consumes or life– there is nothing else but, ski, film, eat, sleep. In the heart of winter, it’s 100%, full commitment.

Signatures Premiere in Niseko Opening Day Niseko Village.

Posted by: Derek  |  category: Uncategorized |  Tag: