Cutters Studios’ Timo Mitsuaki Otsuki named jury president of AdFest Film Craft/New Director Lotus

AdFest is delighted to announce that Timo Mitsuaki Otsuki – executive producer, Cutters Studios in Tokyo – is to be jury president overseeing the Film Craft and New Director categories at ADFEST 2018.

Otsuki grew up between Germany and Japan, and in his early 20s he decided Tokyo was where he wanted to be, cutting his teeth at production firms Ame and Creative Hybrid before joining

Japan’s largest production company, Tohokushinsha, as international producer. Trilingual in Japanese, English and German, Otsuki handled any project with an international element.

“Timo’s global experience and his appreciation of different cultures make him the perfect person to lead our Film Craft and New Director jury. He has helped establish Cutters Studios as a top provider of post-production artistry in Japan, and his passion for filmmaking is infectious,” says Jimmy Lam, president of AdFest.

Established in 1980, Cutters Studios is a collection of brands in five cities (Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York and Tokyo) that work together to provide production and post production services.

Otsuki joined Cutters Studios in 2012 and has helped grow the company’s influence across Japan’s creative landscape. He believes that no-nonsense, honest communication is key to effective commercial filmmaking, and sees problems as opportunities.

“I’m honored that AdFest has invited me to be a jury president in 2018. It’s one of my favorite festivals when it comes to celebrating craftsmanship, and I’m looking forward to making sure the best filmmakers rise to the top. I’m also excited to judge the New Director Lotus category, which is a great place to discover up-and-coming talent,” he says.

AdFest 2018 runs from 21-24 March 2018 at the Peach Royal Cliff Resort, Pattaya, Thailand with the theme “Transform”.

The festival is now accepting entries to the 2018 AdFest Lotus Awards. To enter, visit www.ADFEST.com and click ‘Awards’.