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Documentary Idea

Discussion in 'The Sesh' started by Rob, Jul 29, 2019.

  1. Rob

    Rob Member

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2016
    Location:
    Wiltshire, Great Britain
    Hi,
    I've been inactive on here for a while, been busy being a film student and all.
    Recently after watching the end of the KWC livestream and being completely impressed over the quality of the production of the event, especially with me considering kendama as still a niche hobby.
    I couldnt help but think that something this big and relatively unknown (to people without a connection to kendama), would make a great story to present to people who know nothing of its existence. When I'm a events I sometimes think how crazy it is that a cup and ball toy could bring so many people together - let's admit that kendama (and other juggling props) does have something fundamentally silly and kinda interesting about it.

    With these thoughts, I got the idea to try and create a documentary short that would present the world of Kendama to new people. To create something that is goode to be able to present it in something like a film festival situation.

    Making a proper film and not just a well shot kendama edit would be the idea, something that can present this world to "outsiders." People enjoy watching films about passionate people, and to present this community on film would fill this criteria
    The kind of documentaries I'd reference in this style would be: King of Kong, WordPlay and American Movie fits this description (the latter in a different way)

    In terms of juggling props, the only thing I know about that's similar is the Planet Diabolo Project (which is essentially a 3 hour tricks video)

    My idea for a kendama film would be to start off focusing on the growing UK scene (because I'm in it) and concentrate on 1or2 players, who would ideally end up competing at KWC. (I'd obviously cover BKO as well) It would be sub 39 minutes long (as for that is the general limit for documentary shorts at festivals) and be about the people more so than the tricks.

    I'm presenting the idea here as it would be tricky to complete if it was self funded. I'd ideally need 1or2 extra crew members (for sound and extra footage, as well as providing an "outsider POV on the footage) and music will be tricky hurdle as well. It would also be very assumptive to make the subjects of the film pay for their own trips (UK to Osaka flights aren't cheap, and since the start of the world cup I'm the only Brit to have been... And that was 3 years ago... And I won the trip). Getting a festival run may also need some extra costs.

    There would obviously have to be support from the community to be able to make this film, but I have no experience making a film of any kind that is this big. So I'm asking what kind of things would I need to do to accomplish this project, would crowdfunding work? Or asking one of the major companies for help?

    Any thoughts on this idea would be nice, and thanks for reading through
     
    Jul 29, 2019
  2. Addie_Smurfyy

    Addie_Smurfyy n00b

    Joined:
    Jul 27, 2019
    Absolutely LOVE this idea! This sounds like a great concept and I would definitely support it! Maybe you could ask a couple of smaller companies and feature them! Or even include a few clips of people trying kendama for the first time! % support from me Keep Me Updated! ;)
     
    Jul 29, 2019
  3. Ricky Røge

    Ricky Røge Slayer

    Joined:
    Oct 12, 2016
    I think asking some major companies Like krom or sweets would be a goos start
     
    Jul 29, 2019
  4. goenKendama

    goenKendama Administrator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2016
    Location:
    Metro Manila, Philippines
    You might try to get hold of @Cheech_Sander since film is kind of his thing.
     
    Jul 29, 2019
    Jewbacca likes this.
  5. Cheech_Sander

    Cheech_Sander Administrator Staff Member

    Joined:
    Aug 19, 2016
    Location:
    Los Angeles, CA
    Hey @Rob, a few documentaries exist. Two that really nailed it here:

    Vimeo staff pick:


    DS award winner:



    I think it's a great idea to tell a story for non-kendama-playing audiences. With documentaries, your characters are everything. I don't think "Kendama" is a good subject, since there's no real empathy with an object. It might end up coming across like a school project.

    Following a character (or characters) do a big competition is good. Gives it a beginning, middle, and end.

    Here's a good comp as far as scale and scope. Keep in mind this guy piggybacked off a multimillion dollar brand that was beloved-


    Michael Rabinger has the best book on the subject. This book is worth its weight in gold:


    If you have specific questions about the film biz, give me a shout!
     
    Aug 14, 2019