"Same Old Story" Wins Best International Music Documentary

It's final. The Japanese Documentary "Same Old Story" has won Best International Music Documentary at the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival September 2008.

This was a very unexpected surprise as this was a first time film and of course independently produced and directed. Since the news of our film winning an award from such a large film festival, it has opened the doors to future festivals.

2009 is going to be a very big year for our movie as it is going to be shown at 6 more festivals throughout the world.
I really hope this film will touch peoples hearts and give them insight on their own life and history.

I know this poster is in Japanese and I am working the English translation hoping to get it online by the end of the week. I just couldn't wait to share it will all of my readers.

If you are in the area and have a chance to see the film please do. You can check our movie page here for festival updates.

Independent Music at its Best

Well we all know that there are very many talented musicians in the world that go unseen and unheard by the mass public, and sometimes that is the way those musicians want it to be. Then there are those who's dream is to share their music with the whole world. Since the release of Youtube this has become an easy task. The other side of the story is that may be as far as the dream goes.

As an independent music producer you are always taking a risk. But that is the beauty of the business is it not? I was browsing Youtube about 6 months to see who was the latest artist trying to make their "big break" hoping that someone would see them, believe in them, and help them break through that iron curtain, "The Music Business".

Well I found someone who was just singing to be heard. That someone is Shanna Gilfix. Over 500,000 viewers have heard her song, "It Took Losin You" on Youtube and other web channels. I just couldn't sit back and do nothing. So I started emailing like crazy. Even made my own Youtube account just to contact her. I am glad that I did.

She has a natural talent for music and poetry. She has an awsome guitarist, Richard Adoradio by her side who also believed in her and brought her to the next level. At least in my opinion. I hoping to produce her over here in Japan and at the same time believing it is going to open the doors for her in the United States. Without further adue, here is the video that broke the ground in cyber space.

Please watch it, comment on it and cheer her on. Afterall, in the end it's all about the listeners.

Recruiting Sound Designers!

Discovery Sound is recruiting sound designers! If you think you have what it takes to work with some of the best sound designers in the world then read on. I have listed below the prerequisites, but be forewarned; you will be in a completely different country.


Application:

• Please send an application, complete with photo and your original demo production. If you could show all of them online, they could be acceptable through email. (Only English is acceptable.)

An original demo production

Recording media:

• A mini-disc / CD-R (audio, Wav, AIF, or MP3 file format). An explanation of theme and your views on sampling music must be included. In the case of an applicant belonging to an agency or production team, we will not hire a person who has conflicts over the rights to their music.

Address:

• Please send all materials to the following address: Discovery Firm, Inc % Stephen Hunter 6-16 Maruyama-Nishimachi 8, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Japan 064-0944

Screening:

• Producers will review applications as they arrive. Desirable applicants will be contacted by our company. We will accept questions about your application only through e-mail. Applications will not be returned once we receive them.

There is no set deadline for applications. Desired applicants will be contacted by our company and informed of the details of the job.

Japan to New York and Back

The New York International Independent Film and Video Festival is over and and I am back in Japan getting ready for our next festival which will be the Rockport Film Festival in Texas and then back home in Japan at the Yubari Fantastic Film Festival.

The NYIIFVF was a great first experience for a first time film maker. I would of liked to known more about the festival before attending, but nevertheless still an experience to remember. "Same Old Story" got a really good attendance and even better reaction. Half the audience had tears in their eyes during the film. I am glad it was able to touch peoples hearts for just being an international documentary. I hope to get that kinda of reaction back home in Japan as well. (After all, it's a Japanese film)

I really want to keep those interested up-to-date on the film's festival dates just in case it might be playing in your area, but I am a bad blogger. I am getting better though. OK, enough said. Keep checking back for updates and if I haven't updated in a while WiFi kick me in the leg or something.

Same Old Story Movie Poster

Our movie poster for Same Old Story is finally complete. This film will be showing at Village East Cinema in New York at the film festival.

Showtime is September 21st, 2008 at 12pm. If you come to view the film you are automatically invited to the after party at STILL in New York City. The party goes from 10pm till 2am. There is a dress code (for those interested) and it is casual to formal. No T-shirts, baseball caps, sneakers, etc.

My offer for opening night tickets (September 18th, 6pm til Midnight) still stand, but I only have 4o left. Be sure to email me to reserve yours. I didn't think they would go so fast. The opening party is at Mansion. Check out location from the link.

Anyway, if you are in New York or a New Yorker and want to see some great Indie Films, stop on by, but don't forget to say hi.

Same Old Story at New York Film Festival

"Same Old Story", a documentary film produced by Discovery Firm, Inc. has been accepted into the New York Film Festival September 18th through the 25th. If you are in the New York area September 21st at 12:00pm stop by and see the film. You can purchase tickets early online before they sell out.

Will be playing at the Village East Cinema located at 181 2nd Avenue at 12th Street.

In addition to tickets, I have 100 opening night VIP passes that I am giving away to anyone who mails me and lets me know they want some. Opening night is a big event where film makers and producers get together to to see what films will be played at the festival. Last year many big stars showed up to the opening night and mingled with the other VIP guests.

Discovery Sound on Crackle

Well I have uploaded all of the Discovery Sound videos to Crackle. This is by far one of the best video sites on the web. Youtube may have numbers, but crackle has definitely got class. Not only can you upload videos, but you might just get noticed by Sony and they might just like your video and they might just turn your video into a series. Hows that for a run-on sentence.

The best thing about Crackle is that there is no spam videos. All those videos uploaded to Youtube might get really nice comments and feedback, but for those of you who are serious about making something out of your videos, Crackle might just have what you have been waiting for. A loyal audience with loyal followers. Even ontwitter you can't get that. Just so that I am clear on this, I have uploaded the same videos to Youtube, and MySpace, but only received awards from Crackle. This might be something to keep in mind next time you want to upload videos.