Note: This was written before the earthquake and tsunami of 11 March 2011. New information related to this announcement is at the end of the article.
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OK, this is what is happening...
After speaking with a few young filmmakers, a series of short films featuring Takuin will be shot throughout Japan sometime in May. The films will cover a wide variety of topics, but will not be 'about' Takuin.
The main reason I have refused this sort of thing in the past is because, usually, they want the subject to be Takuin. A film 'about' me would be completely unnecessary, and the idea just does not sit well. I cannot understand the interest in the subject.
If there is any significance to Takuin, it is in the moment by moment living of the thing, and not as an historical narrative or method building exercise trying to replicate whatever might have happened to him. There is enough of that sort of chicanery, the 'If you do THIS, you'll get THIS,' kind of nonsense.
Anyway, the filmmakers and I went back and forth a bit, and eventually came to an end we could both settle on.
None of the films will be pre-planned or scripted, apart from whatever shots they feel the need to get, but that is none of my business anyway. And as far as I know, filming will take place in Tokyo, Toyama, and a few other places in Japan. As to the subject matter, they've left that up to me.
And also, in the interest of full disclosure, I will not be making any money off of these films, and neither will the filmmakers. They will all be freely available through various video sharing websites.
I am not sure how any of this will turn out in the end, but I have no real concerns. I am actually looking forward to the process, as it will definitely be exciting and interesting. If there are any other updates or items if interest, I will be sure to let you all know here first.
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After the events of last week, I've been thinking of ways that I might help others here in Japan. Here are a few I have decided upon:
- Making DVD's of the upcoming films for sale, with all proceeds going to disaster relief. This is something I know very little about, but I imagine it wouldn't take very much effort to make this happen.
- Writing a new book - a PDF - for sale on this site, with all proceeds going to disaster relief.
- I have been working with a film composer here in Toyko for the last 3 months for an upcoming project later this year. We may refocus our energies on writing music and holding performances in and around Tokyo with all proceeds going to disaster relief.
That is the list I've come up with so far, and two of them can be acted upon immediately.
What would you add to this list? How else would you help (or are helping) those that need it the most?
I'll be sure to keep you all informed about these things as time goes on.
To keep up with what is happening with me in Japan, please follow me on twitter.
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