Filmmaker Burt Takeuchi is creating a web series based on the true story of a renowned Japanese American army unit. Here, he shares the background of the project and how readers can support the production of the rest of the show.
What is The Last Bugle?
The Last Bugle is a web series about a fictional platoon of Japanese American soldiers in the 442nd Regimental Combat Team serving in Italy during World War II. The 442nd is the most decorated unit in the history of the US military for its size and length of service. Over the course of the series, the platoon will fight fierce firefights with the Nazis, liberate Italian villages, and meet soldiers from different countries.
Two short episodes have already been completed, but we plan to produce dozens more. The long-term plan is to produce a short online miniseries or feature film.
How did the idea for the series come about?
The original idea in 2007 was to produce a short film on the 442nd. During the research period, I started interviewing Japanese American WWII vets from the 442nd. Many were in poor health, and some started to pass away during this time. So I decided to collect as many detailed interviews as I could to preserve their stories for the future. That collection of interviews became my first feature film, a documentary called Valor with Honor, in 2010.
In 2011, the 442nd idea was drafted into an outline of an epic film about the 442nd, but we determined that it would be far too expensive to produce on a low budget. So, we asked other filmmakers about the idea of producing a low-budget indie series or web series on the 442nd. With current the popularity of web series, I decided this would be a good way to develop the characters and build a fan base. A web series is much more economical to produce than a feature film.
The Last Bugle is also inspired by the 1960s TV show Combat and the Steven Spielberg film Saving Private Ryan.
What are the first two episodes about?
The first episode, called “The First Day,” was shot in one day. It introduces the members of the squad while on a patrol. The squad is pinned down by a German machine gun. The Sergeant outflanks the gun and kills the crew, saving the rest of the squad. Eddie is a replacement soldier from the mainland.
The second episode, “Last Minute Patrol,” was also shot in one day. The Sergeant and Mas go out on a patrol before sunset. They run into a sniper and take him out. The shots were all made at golden hour to take advantage of interesting natural lighting effects.
What have been the biggest challenges of the project so far?
Acquiring the necessary WWII-era reproduction props and costumes for the project has been a challenge. Renting costumes and props for historical films is extremely expensive since the originals are 70 to 80 years old. We need larger size costumes as well as more replica and blank firing weapons.
I’ve had to learn how to work on a small budget and keep a strict timeline. I was very lucky to meet a Hollywood-trained acting coach. I also met a few producers who worked in Hollywood and advised me. I would not be at this stage of production if not for their words of wisdom.
What about the successes?
I learned to shoot fast and on time, using the natural light of the locations with a small, skilled crew. The limited budgets guided me to work quickly and efficiently. It’s nice to have a huge set with lots of vehicles and equipment, but we’ve learned to work within a limited budget and still tell the essence or core of the story.
It has been an up-and-down journey. This is the beginning of a journey that will produce the first web series on the 442nd, a huge part of the Japanese American experience in WWII.
Right now, we are working with local actors from the San Francisco Bay rea. We plan to invite actors from LA and Hawai‘i to cast for various parts.
There are opportunities for different directors to work on various episodes. We are also looking for talent: actors, artists, tradesmen, writers, and makeup artists.
What is the goal for the series in the future?
We want to produce at least 20 web episodes ranging from 5 to 15 minutes in length. In the short term, we want to build a larger fan base so we can acquire funding to complete an online miniseries or an independent feature film. To produce a project with larger sets and bigger battles will require more costumes and equipment.
How has the project been funded so far?
In 2023, we crowdfunded with an Indiegogo campaign. Currently in 2024, the fundraising campaign is accepting tax-deductible donations.
Raising funds has been a difficult journey, but it is a big part of the filmmaking path. These lean years producing independent film have taught me to economize everything and prepare to the last detail. When our funding needs have been met, the production will be much easier to complete.
Currently, the production needs funding for updated camera equipment, WWII-era costumes, props, and supplies for the crew. Funding will be used to shoot scenes with bigger battles and sets. Once these funding goals have been made production can move ahead to completion.
How can people support the project?
My message to our supporters and fans is donate to our production and tell your friends and family about the project. You can find more details or make a tax-deductible donation at at www.thelastbugle442nd.com. All donations are tax-deductible through IAM Independent Arts and Media, based in San Francisco, California.
Thank you, Mahalo, and Go for Broke.
© 2024 Burt Takeuchi
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