by rockstarbd82 » Fri Jan 16, 2015 11:18 am
I will say this concerning TOHO and fan films.
Some you know I just released GODZILLA BATTLE ROYALE on Godzilla's 60th Anniversary last year. Aside from that since 2008 I've been posting videos of my costume progress to 2010, then of my video dabbling process from 2010 to 2014 of the fan film ideas which formulated to GBR.
Granted I was also very inspired by Elchesyn's Kaiju Killer efforts and even got to work with him (though thats a "discussion" for another time.) His videos has been up since 2006sh.
Also my film was allowed to be filmed at G-fest, Shinji Higuchi himself (who still works for TOHO) saw our progress and loved it soo much he posted our video links on his facebook for all his peers to see. I thought I was finished there in 2011 but 4 years later, I haven't heard or received anything from TOHO.
Also consider the fact that I was able to get the participation of Robert Scott Field and Akira Takarada himself as cameos in my film. I knew I was taking a big risk there but as they say, "no guts no glory."
Now that it's screened at Gfest, been featured in Rue Morgue Magazine, my local Chicago News/Paper (toho has lawyers in Chicago from what I've read), had articles in Kotaku Japan, and even had my own Free Pickwick Premiere showing, and hit a quarter of a million views on youtube in 2 months, I still haven't heard or received one thing from TOHO. Part of me feels bad as yeah I'd love to get noticed by them in a way and it hurts to consider I may be small potatoes to them.
On the other hand though, it kinda feels good that I accomplished something rather rare on the level of fan films for a company that's pretty strict about its properties use. And yea, that can always change in a heart beat and I may get a C&D. I'd still feel happy about my accomplishments and journey as much as many in the fandom like to mock my efforts or make me think I wasted my time or others who take a chance and express their creativity. I'm not selling anything from my film, haven't made a dime, never relied on a Kickstarter, paid all out of my own pocket to finish the film, and have no regrets doing it. Legally yes, it goes deeper than that and there's always loopholes, but fan films always tend to lie in a legal grey zone if they're non-profit. It was never about money with me, it was about contributing something fun/creative to the fandom and hoping others would agree or appreciate my efforts.
Not trying to boast but all I'm trying to say is that I tried to make something special, paid tribute/homage to TOHO/Universal/Kadakowa, and am kinda living proof that some forms of creativity with TOHO is allowed if done right. (not trying to jinx myself though).
As far as Heritage is concerned, I'm behind them all the way despite the fact they are my competition. I'm even in talks to hopefully assist them in the coming months so I'm definitely excited there. Regardless of how they're going about it, I support them and any fan effort to keep the old school art of the monster film alive.
There's also been quite alot of successful godzilla related kickstarters going including John DeSentis's Gfest Orchestra, The Kaiju Gaiden documentary and Kaijucasts podcast interviews from Japan, and the French Kaijunited documentary in the like. Sure Toho kinda got wind of the concert but worked things out to a compromise and the concert still happened which was amazing. Anything's possible.
"ooooo GODZILLA is "roasting" KING KONG.!!!!"