Originally known as Hengaillaan, Finnish quiz show On the Right Track first aired in 1987. It quickly became one of the country’s most successful entertainment shows. It operates on clues related to music, geography, and general knowledge, challenging the two competing teams to identify travel destinations. With every new season targeting a different country, in October 2025 we joined the client in Japan to assist with production support in Osaka and Kyoto.
Project brief
The client needed help with identifying locations and attractions to include in the quiz show. Our team stepped in with ideas and a plan to get started. Additional service included:
- Itinerary planning
- Film permits
- Crew coordination & management
- Transport
- Location scouting
- General logistics
Challenges and solutions addressed
Osaka and Kyoto are two of Japan’s most well-known cities, each focusing on different elements of Japanese culture. Filming for the On The Right Track in both cities for was smooth, and we were fortunate to partner with skilled industry professionals for the project. Despite the clear rules and regulations for filming in Japan, we had to prioritize carefully as we only had three days to deliver.
Managing a short prep timeline
We only had three days to film, and considering the massive size of both Osaka and Kyoto, the decision making process happened at a fast pace. We recommended locations and activities, and surprisingly the client agreed on the spot. The limited prep timeline didn’t allow us to overthink things. The itinerary proposed was realistic from the get-go, and considering the local expertise of the team, we were able to explain to the client the reasons behind every selection and choice made.
Scouting train routes & securing permissions
On the creative side, the client wanted time-lapse video from a train. They wanted the capture to be filmed from the driver’s perspective. For our team, it involved scouting for the right train route, securing permission to shoot, and coordinating all of the processes in between. Expertise mattered a lot, and later on, the client praised our professionalism, mentioning that it was one of the most rewarding filming experiences that they had.
What to keep in mind when filming in Japan
When filming in Japan, it’s worth keeping in mind that the Japanase culture values patience and respect. Being mindful of the local culture and abiding by the filming rules set in place is equally important. Filming hours are precise and agreed on in advance, with the mentioning that the deadline can’t be exceeded. If you want to film with a drone, there might be some restrictions near temples and shrines.
Something else to have in mind is that the people are reserved and shy about appearing on camera. It can be difficult to find relevant talent. However when approached with respec, we noticed the willingness of the people to open up and collaborate. Overall, filming in Japan for the On The Right Track quiz show was an experience worth remembering. It allowed us to get creative, scout for relevant activities for the show, and deliver results that exceed expectations without missing the three-day deadline mark.