Where We Begin

Where we begin? Right at the start? Maybe?
Well yes if this were a question from say someone who speaks English as a second language.
Or maybe it's meant to be locating where we actually begin?

All this is not relevant in this case because Where We Begin is actually a title for a short film that is being made, a film made by Mitsuyo Miyazaki. Actually it's a collaboration between her and the band called Mono, most popular in Japan. And wait for it......it's a dance film.

Mono live

Photos by Viola Kam 

http://shadowviola.wordpress.com/

 Well shit! what does that mean? and that's a good question but before I go there I wanna tell you about the first film that I saw directed by Mitsuyo.

TSUYAKO (2011) 

(V'z Twinkle Photography)

This was her USC School of Cinematic Arts, MFA Thesis project.  It's one of the most beautiful short films that have passed my eyes, beautifully shot, exquisite and seamless production design, great casting and direction, etherial score and such a touching personal story. 
It really is magnificent!
Check out the trailer here.
Based on this film alone I will claim Mitsuyo is a great filmmaker and I will back her next project to see what comes next, what delight is just around the corner? Just check out the website and see all the awards this film has won to realise I'm not just spouting hot air on this one. I think all who have seen it will agree with my words and some may say I'm understating.

So now we have a dance film on the cards, could be tragic....maybe but I doubt it. 

It's funny how things come in groups but I have had some really good experiences around dance and film, filmmakers with a dance background, films about dancers, dance as the main communicator.
Most recently and also from the States is a short film by Abe Heisler. He is a very accomplished filmmaker also and has just recently completed a short called Dancing with Nureyev that explores the passion of ballet, the journey and the crossroads of an aspiring performer. 
Simply put it is a beautiful lyrical piece, all Abe's films come from the heart.
 

Viktor Kabaniaev & Sasha De Sola from the film Dancing with Nureyev

So not long after seeing this I also became aware of Where We Begin. 
I think I'm into the idea of it, if this film lands halfway between Abe's film and Tsuyako it would be a stunningly beautiful masterpiece. Check out the kickstarter campaign quickly, cause it's expiring very soon, and there and on the facebook page there are many videos giving insight into the creative process and the thinking behind this film. Plenty of material for you to make up your own mind.

These are the sort of projects that attract my attention and these are the sort of projects that I finacially back. I want to see them birthed into this world. I am interested.

Nylon Pink - K POP gets Rocked

Coming out of LA, California USA all grrrll band Nylon Pink have been honing their skills in the Dark Art of the cover song. Not just any song but.
They have been picking the cherries of the 'go nuts' music phenomenon of K-POP.
Pop Music in Korea.
Sounds odd? maybe, until you look at the size of this industry.
Sometimes slightly twee, usually quite epic, love it or hate it, knowing Psy is just scratching the surface.
There is Sistar, Girls Generation, 2NE1 (twenty one), T-ara (tiara) and a whole lot more.
PS these are just the girl groups, plenty of boy ones too.

I don't really get the highly manufactured looks, choreographed performances, the miming but caught wind of this whole thing through the epic film clips of the band T-ara.
Day by Day is an epic 20min, big budget post apocalyptic/sci fi showcase video clip from T-ara that is more film than music clip. Check out the costumes, the sets, the camera moves etc. OK the story may not be great but it is narrative.
This outfit seems to have laid claim to the filmic music video promotion title but the others also plough plenty of bucks or Won (KRW) into their clips too.

But the music always got in the way for me, good songs but a bit too froth and bubble for me.
That is until I stumbled onto Nylon Pink.
For starters they hold and play instruments, they translate the lyrics to english but most importantly they rock the froth and kick the bubble. Oh yeah they kinda look good too. (smiley face emoticon)
They describe themselves as Hello Kitty on Acid!

Here's a couple of of their versions along side of the originals so the comparison can be yours.

I am the best - 2NE1


I am the best - Nylon Pink


Gee - Girls' Generation


Pretty light on eh?

Gee - Nylon Pink


There are others  like Hyuna's Ice Cream and Big Bang's Blue (they're a boy band) but these girls also do their own music.
They aint just a cover band but the covers are a clever way to raise ones' profile.
Nylon Pink are a self funded, Indie rock/pop outfit and they've been at it for over four years.

Now if you are in Japan you can catch them as they will be touring at the end of March and early April 2013 and to help cover the costs of such a tour they are running a KickStarter campaign.
So if you wanna get behind them you can check em out live, or maybe pitch in some bucks ($US) or even join their global army of Ninjas (social media promoters)

They could sure use your help at this stage with only 3 days to go