#tokusatsurevolution

Step 2/5 . Crafting

Crafting is about bring the page to life quickly to determine proper dimensions and design.  It is the critical step between paper and prototype. Crafting allows one to move onto sculpting a hard Protoype with confidence that you are not wasting time.  The goal is to define your measurements, shapes, angles and have a clear path towards the physical appearance of what’s on the page.

For our design we already knew the upper half would be modeled on a skateboard helmet. What had yet to be determined was the dimensions and shape of the face shield that would seamlessly attach to that helmet. We started out with cardboard and poster board.  With it we made various face shield designs.  We cut the poster-board and then bent it into the 3rd dimension,  to see how each would relate and interact with the helmet.  Then we checked how the helmet with faceplate would translate onto a head.

Now, quite a few messages have poured in over the past few weeks asking about helmet construction.  Rider Real’s helmet was not 3D printed.  It was crafted, sculpted, molded and then copied all by hand.  Doing it in this manner allowed us to create the feeling of a handmade, helmet that is created in the story.

In this blog I will go into the some of the the lessons we learned during the molding process. You can access a more in depth tutorial in our   “Rider Real: A Retrospective Making-Of”  reward which has a special segment dedicated Rider Real’s suit and helmet design and construction, with interviews of the designers and molders.

Before we start, we have received many messages of encouragement and support as we build our social media campaign promoting crowdfunding for Rider Real kickstarter. With your help we will protect Justice, and start the #TokusatsuRevolution. Thank you all and keep sharing!

Step 1/5.  Design a.ka. Paper

We have all done this step countless times, used our imagination to make something from nothing by drawing our heroes. Design is one of the most liberating practices in the world, in which you are limited only by your imagination. Go wild here and know no bounds!

Done? That was quick!  We can’t talk much about  what goes on in your imagination, that process is entirely up to you.

Now you have your image. Congrats! Let’s see if we can bring the image into practical existence. Check in tomorrow for Step 2!  Also remember to supporting our film, currently crowdfunding:

 Here!

Realistic  Narrative

There are four "Real" influences that shaped our script and story.  What were they?

Here’s the fourth answer:

Late Spring (1949) via Wiki Commons

Realism in Japanese Narrative Film

Japanese narrative films as a whole have always inspired me for their intimate simplicity and realness.  The films of directors like Yasujiro Ozu, Itami Juzo, and newer films like A Day on the Planet all inspired me with their beautiful and contained narrative.

Yasujiro Ozu via Wiki Commons

Indie movies, especially non blockbuster Japanese movies often have a humble and grounding nature to them.  I love this style of film.  Their environments are generally small, intimate and focuses on character relationships more than action.  Furthermore they rarely go out of their way to unnaturally explain backstory or unnecessary side stories. "Kyou no Dekigoto" or " A day on the Planet" comes to mind as my favorite example of this and one of my favorite films.  In this film you are interjected into a particularly interesting day in the lives of a few folks. You live the moment with them, and are provided only the most necessary information through the course of their relationships and interactions.  It creates a very natural and "real" atmosphere to the film. I wanted to channel this style of storytelling into our script and into the film. 

So I learned from them while making a movie that focused on relationships and character interaction. Similarly Rider Real give a snapshot of a day in the lives of its characters, who are pursuing truth and justice in their own, contained world.

This, I feel, is the strongest “Real” element in our new indie hero film, Rider Real.

 With your help we can finish filming, mastering, editing and put a piece of the Rider Real in your hands! $15 will be a great contribution to our goal, and will score you a digital copy and your name in the credits, sharing with all what a hero you are!

Real World

There are four "Real" influences that shaped the script and our story.  What were other motivations film?  Why were we entranced by this idea of a Tokusatsu Real Rider?

Here’s the third answer:

Indie Tokusatsu for an Older Generation

Toku shows, unlike some very realistic anime, are mostly in worlds that revolve around unique and fantastical elements.  Between Showa and Heisei these fantastical elements started to become overly convoluted to the point where stories never truly followed a logical path. What would Tokusatsu be like if you removed the fantasy and put them in your own backyard? With that we decided to bring Toku heroes into the "Real" world that both you and I occupy. 

Ultraman Courtesy: Masutiki via PIcasa

As an adult viewer I loved Tokusatsu and while watching some kiddie stuff I also yearned for more age appropriate material. Tokusatsu are generally for younger audiences (0 years old to 12 years old). Making a movie for an older audience in the genre of tokusatsu drama hasn't been done, especially not in the US. What would that look like?  What would it feel like?  We decided to answer these questions.  

Get Real!

There are four "Real" influences that shaped the script and our story.  What were the motivations for the film and its name?

Here’s the second answer.

Our Response to Commercialism

On his first introduction to Kamen Rider Ian @CannedLaser podcast noted the marketing emphasis placed on Heisei series of the 2000’s. “Note to self, MUST buy Coins”

Something changed in Japan between between the late 70’s and early 2000’'s.  It was the unmistakable feeling of being marketed to.  Earlier Tokusatsu toys were developed around a show, but as time went on, it felt that shows were being developed around those very toys that they had once inspired.  It was a paradigm shift, and it was unmistakably apparent.

MMPR Toy: Courtesy: StarTravis on Devianart

Marketing toys through shows is likely necessary for a show’s survival. An unprofitable series would　be canceled and not welcomed back. I fully partake in the purchasing of merchandise myself, but as an adult viewer this emphasis tainted the purity of the 正義の味方　(Seigi no Mikata) Tokusatsu theme for me.  It felt as though shows were manipulating the allowances out of children’s pockets. I wanted to make something for adults that provided fresh air in this overly materialistic universe.  I want to contribute in my own way to the pure soul of the genre...

Click more for Kevin’s Film: Rider Real

Ladies and gents.  Our second blog post will be out by week’s end. “What is Tokusatsu” will start a dialogue with fans asking what Tokusatsu actual is.  This will launch us into a discussion of making Rider Real and also our @kickstarter on January 12th 3pm EST! Sharing is caring, join and support the #TokusatsuRevolution.