The name “Three Sardines” comes from a previously-untold true family story. Masa's grandparents used to feed three dried sardines to their children every night before dinner in the 1930s. Masa's aunt recalled the salty appetizer, smiling while reminiscing, "We loathed the bitter taste of the fish. I am 90 now and thank God I am still healthy. Maybe because of niboshi (dried sardine in Japanese)? I don't know, but I can forgive my parents now."

Masa's aunt could not share the story without shedding tears, and he had never seen her cry before. It turns out that the three sardines appetizer was actually part of a much longer story about how Masa's family was able to survive during WWII.

Life is short, and we've all lost people we love. Everyone has a story to tell - whether it's about a quirky ancestor or a secret family recipe. Films can be made about important events or people in your family's history, preserving the stories for generations to come.

Additionally, a study conducted in 2010 at Emory University shows that children who have been exposed to their family's history and their ancestors are better-adjusted and more resilient in the face of challenges.

We are a diverse team of award-winning filmmakers who believe that you have a unique and inspiring story to tell, and we want to help you tell it with confidence and consideration. We are filmmakers, but we are humans first. In Japan there is a culture called "Omotenashi," meaning to wholeheartedly look after one's guests. We would treat your film with the Omotenashi spirit, ensuring the utmost care and respect.

Pricing for all plans is listed as TBD because every film's needs are different. For an overview of offered tiers, visit the Services page. Otherwise, please reach out to us with any questions so we can accommodate your needs. We'd love to hear from you! Visit the Contact page or email us directly at life@threesardines.us.

Even if you feel like your story isn't ready, we can help you turn your idea into a film. There is no time like the present! As for location, we can assemble a team anywhere you'd like to film.

Nope! As long as your film idea is based on a true life story and you have permission to tell it, it can be about anyone or anything inspiring to you. Please see "Sardine Finder" on the Services page.

If you would like us to make a film about your company or product, please ensure that the focus is on the personal story behind the brand, i.e. your inspiration behind the company/product or interesting employees who are part of the company culture.

Please visit the Contact page or email us directly at life@threesardines.us

Generally speaking, a longer movie will take a longer time to film. Using actual film also takes more time than digital, and if you need the final product quickly, we can offer an expedited delivery. For available options, refer to the Services page or Contact us at life@threesardines.us.

Since we are professional filmmakers, we are constantly working on various film and television sets. Because many of us are busy, we have put a great deal of time, effort, and consideration into building a team of film professionals around the globe. If you have a story to tell, we'll build a team that will work around your schedule and exceed your expectations.