Behind the Travel Lens: An Interview with a Travel Filmmaker
By Planet Explorer
In this exclusive interview, we dive deep into the creative process behind filmmaker Jon Roura’s latest travel video on Kyoto, the unique philosophies that inspire his work, and how his vision aligns with the mission of Planet Explorer. With over a decade of experience capturing some of the world’s most awe-inspiring destinations, Jon shares his thoughts on travel, storytelling, and the art of experiencing life through the lens.
Jon Roura – Travel Filmmaker and Storyteller
Planet Explorer (PE): Jon, your Kyoto video feels so alive and authentic. What initially inspired you to make this video?
Jon Roura (JR): Honestly, it wasn’t planned. I had been in Tokyo for two weeks and felt completely uninspired. I know it’s the biggest city in the world, but to me, it felt... boring. Nothing about it moved me. But when I arrived in Kyoto, the moment I stepped off the train, everything changed. The city’s authenticity just hit me. It was like I’d been asleep for years and finally woke up. I immediately had to grab my old camera because everywhere I looked, there was something incredible to capture. Kyoto has a soul—something deeper that I didn’t feel in Tokyo. It’s like you step back in time, yet it still feels vibrant and alive. The history and culture of Kyoto pulled me in, and I hadn’t felt that kind of inspiration for years.
PE: You mentioned going into Kyoto blind, without knowing much about the city. How did that shape your creative process?
JR: Yeah, I knew absolutely nothing about Kyoto before I got there, and that ended up being the best thing. Every corner, every turn was a surprise. I finally understood what people meant when they talked about the "real" Japan, which I hadn’t felt in Tokyo. I’d stumble upon geishas, ancient temples, and alleyways that felt like stepping into another world. But there were challenges too. I quickly realized that some things shouldn’t be filmed. I never shot any geishas or locals because it felt disrespectful (only Japanese tourists dressing up). I just absorbed those moments with my eyes, and honestly, those memories are more precious than any footage I could’ve taken. I later learned that locals hate when tourists film their everyday lives. It's about respecting the culture and not disrupting what makes the place magical.
PE: Your visual style is often described as creating 'live photographs.' Can you tell us more about that approach and how you chose the music for this video?
JR: That’s exactly it. My videos are like a series of live photographs. I want the scene to speak for itself. I don’t want the story to be about me—I want it to be about the place. Like when you’re watching a sunset and time stops for a second. That’s what I’m always trying to convey. The music is key to that atmosphere, and for this video, I used an AI app called Suno to generate the track. I asked for a mix of modern music with traditional Japanese elements and a crescendo beat. That's it. The first track it gave me was perfect. I’ve spent years searching for the right music, and it used to take me as long to find the right song as it did to edit the entire video. Now, with Suno, I can create unique tracks that fit the exact mood I want, and it takes an absolute fraction of the time. It’s honestly a game-changer.
A true glimpse of Suno AI app process
PE: The voiceover in the video feels so personal and poetic. What was the inspiration behind that?
JR: I’ve always believed that travel videos need more than just visuals and music. They need a voice—something to tie the whole experience together. For the longest time, I avoided adding voiceovers because I didn’t think my English accent was good enough (I'm Spanish), and also I didn’t have the right equipment. But now, with AI tools like ElevenLabs, I can generate professional voiceovers in english from any text I write. So I took the same thoughts I’ve shared with friends about travel everytime I came back from my trips—those deeper, philosophical moments—and put them into the voiceover. I always want to inspire people to travel, not just as a tourist, but as someone who experiences life-changing moments on the road. That’s the message I wanted to convey, and with these new tools, I can finally add that missing piece to my videos and show it to the entire world!
PE: Was there a particular location in Kyoto that left a lasting impression on you?
JR: Without a doubt, the Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. It’s this trail lined with thousands of tall, orange looking torii gates that lead you up a mountain. I absolutly love hiking, and this place just blew me away. It’s about a 90-minute hike to the top, and the entire way, you’re surrounded by these mesmerizing gates. Words, photos, or videos don’t do it justice. It's like the Grand Canyon, it’s something you have to experience in person. If I had to recommend one spot in Kyoto, it would be that. It’s pure magic.
The iconic torii gates of Fushimi Inari Taisha – a must-see in Kyoto
PE: How do you see this video and your work aligning with Planet Explorer’s mission?
JR: This video is about inspiring people to travel. It’s about getting as close as you can to the real feeling of being there. And to my surprise, that’s what Planet Explorer is all about—creating souvenirs that capture the essence of a place. Just like I try to convey the emotion of a destination through my videos, Planet Explorer does the same through their designs. Whether it’s a T-shirt, mug, or a tote bag, each item is like a piece of the journey. It’s a way to keep the memory of a place alive, and that’s why I’m so proud to be working with them.
PE: What advice would you give to aspiring travel filmmakers?
JR: I could talk about gear, lenses, or the best times of year to shoot, but the real advice is this: Only take out your camera when you’re bored. I know that sounds weird, but here’s the thing—when we travel, we’re often too focused on capturing content for others. We forget to live in the moment. The real magic happens when you’re present. You need to experience the place, let it sink in. Then, when you’ve fully appreciated it, you can take out the camera and capture something real. That’s the best way to create unique and authentic content.
PE: What’s next for you and your collaboration with Planet Explorer?
JR: Planet Explorer has invited me to use my videos to help promote their store, and I’m all in. Our visions align perfectly. They’re not about making a quick buck—they want to inspire people to explore the world, just like I do. I’m already working on more videos for other destinations, and I can’t wait to keep sharing these moments with the Planet Explorer community. We’re on the same mission: to bring the joy of travel to everyone, whether it’s through videos or stylish souvenirs.
PE: Final thoughts—how do you see travel souvenirs playing a role in preserving memories?
JR: For me, travel videos are about capturing the feeling of a place. That’s why I love working with Planet Explorer (I don't want to be paid at all, I believe in their message 100% and that, for me, is more than enough). They take the same approach but apply it to their merchandise. Each piece—whether it’s a mug or a T-shirt—is a reminder of the journey. They've been there. They know what works. Their approach is a tangible way to hold onto that experience, long after the trip is over. Their designs really reflect the spirit of each destination, and I admire that as a fellow creative. It’s an artistic approach to travel fashion, just like my videos are an artistic approach to travel.
To explore more of Jon Roura’s work, visit https://jonroura.com/travels and check out his latest travel videos. For souvenirs that capture the essence of your favorite destinations, visit the Planet Explorer Shop.
Image by JR generated with AI by adding an artistic 'Japanese' style.
