Junko Bailey is an artist/actor/writer/filmmaker, originally from Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan, and based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from Doshisha University in Kyoto. She has been a member of ACTRA since 2006. As an actor, she has appeared in several TV/Film productions. She is a filmmaker on the Japanese Cultural Association of Manitoba’s History Committee project Manitoba Moments. She is in pre-production on a documentary titled Arctic Sushi.
When and how did you start in the media production industry?
When I came to Winnipeg from Japan in 1998, right after I graduated from my university, I wanted to learn about filmmaking. So, I took a basic filmmaking workshop at the Winnipeg Film Group. Back then, we were actually cutting films physically and taping them together on the ‘cutting board’! This really opened my eyes, and I discovered my new passion in this industry.
What area of the film industry do you work in now and why?
I have been a member of ACTRA since 2007, (I think). I stumbled upon an opportunity to be cast in a TV movie called ‘Days of Destruction’, starring Randy Quaid, and since then, I have been in the acting industry on and off. From the end of 2019, I started to produce my own films. Currently, I am producing a series of Japanese language interviews, interviewing Japanese new immigrants in Manitoba. I am a host for the series, and I interview each guest with the same type of approach and ask them why they live in Winnipeg.
What has been a substantial change in the industry since you started?
I feel that there has been a huge change in diversity, more women, and BIPOC.
If you could give yourself advice today to yourself in the past, what would it be?
Just start doing what you love, and don’t worry about earning any money. You have nothing to lose.
What advice would you give to someone starting off in the media production industry?
Be authentic, be prepared to work hard 120%, always appreciate your surroundings, and be humble.
Why is learning and training important?
Life is all about learning something new and the only way to use your new knowledge is from training and applying the new learned knowledge.
What are some of the films, TV series or even books that have inspired you? How about anything new you’ve been into?
A book called ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron. This book is a MUST read for everyone who loves any type of art.
Is there something about you or an interesting past experience that you’d like to share with your colleagues?
I was cast as a famous ghost character in a movie, so now I am getting bookings for horror conventions in the US. It is such an amazing experience to meet your fans!
Is there someone within the film industry you would like to work with and why?
Sean Garrity – I always have a respect for him.
Where do you see yourself ten years from now?
It’s hard to imagine, but I would like to make more feature-length docs capturing minority society in Canada, their relationship with their homeland, and their identity. I would also like to collaborate with Japanese film productions.
FTM is a non-for-profit charity and member of the Province of Manitoba’s Sector Council program funded through the Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources. FTM builds a highly skilled and adaptable film industry workforce to support the activities of Manitoba production companies. FTM collaborates and partners with members of the film industry to identify training needs to support workforce development.