*Shrieking like a little girl*

This news item got me giddy with excitement... As reported on Anime News Network, Kravtiz's single, "I'll Be Waiting", will be the theme song for the upcoming Death Note film spinoff, L Change the WorLd. For those not familiar with anime or manga, Death Note is the latest property trying to take over America - the same way Naruto did. The thing about Death Note is, it doesn't appeal to the younger viewer - more to the 15 - 35 viewer, skewering male. Plus the show has some baggage in terms of controversy - one being that the Chinese government has banned all manga sales related to the property due to its vigilante content. The anime is currently airing on [adult swim] in the US.

New York Anime Festival is next week so I'll be talking about this one with my friends over at Viz Media.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 30, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

EMI to RIAA & IFPI - "What Am I Paying You For Again?"

I read this news item from Digital Media Wire regarding EMI's decision to possibly reduce paying its member dues to the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) and IFPI (International Federation of the Phonographic Industry). Both are lobby groups that urge lawmakers in their respective countries to establish anti-piracy regulations. Apparently, EMI's reason to reduce paying its dues is to cut their cost. But I think there's another reason. I think Terra Firma, the private equity firm that acquired EMI this past year, is looking to see significant ROI (Return on Investment) in this stake. I think there are two factors at play, 1) Continue making EMI's catalog and future releases DRM-free; 2) The Olivennes Report. EMI has openly backed the radical French anti-piracy report authored by Denis Olivennes - aka the "Olivennes Report". Basically, it institutes the "three strikes and you're out" policy. It seems that EMI is banking on this report to be unanimously embraced by the international body of movie/TV, anime, music distributors/producers/creators, etc. France's legislation won't pass this until Q1 of 2008; which means it may take effect as early as summer 2008.

Warner Music Group - Physical Retail Heading Further Down But Digital Sales Doing Better

I'm not going to waste my typing skills on this one, so I'll just have you click here to read the report.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 30, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Are you freakin' kidding me?!!!! Seriously, I wasn't really kidding when I asked last time "Where are those freakin' asian actors for Dragon Ball?"

This was posted on IGN's site with the heading Dragon Ball's Bulma Cast?

And OMG! Did they change the title to Dragonball Z? Are they starting to realize that the otaku fandom is pretty much up in arms over this weirdness? I know I am.

This project is doomed. Just like what happened to that mediocre crap this past summer -Transformers. I'm starting to cry.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 27, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

You decide...

I saw this post on Digital Music News about Facebook and its growing demographic. Its not scientific or official in any way, but it does start conversations and brings that whole - "social networking is a fad" arguement to another level.

What surprised me about the stats is that Japan - the world's most technophile country - is at the bottom of the pack. With their mobile phone usage and download capabilities that puts our mobile use to shame, its interesting that Facebook has not caught on. But I guess that's what makes me think the numbers are badly skewed. Anyway, feel free to look and discuss.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 26, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Back in 1998, I interviewed Adria Petty, Anna Gabriel and Howie Statland for their project called "Low Flame". Just recently, I re-connected with Adria via Facebook and she mentioned that she's now involved in a new venture called Pablocita Labs. It takes film and video experiments from various filmmakers and showcases them on Pablocita Labs' website. The difference is, filmmakers must have produced these gems at little to no money. Totally low budget - like under $200 dollars.

Check it out. Adria did two videos for Brazilian Girls, "Jique" and "Rules of the Game". I like Adria's version of "Jique".

Rules of the Game

And for Jique
Go here or visit the Pablocita Labs site because people are naked in the video. For real.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 26, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Out of respect, I have unpublished my write up based on the leak that surfaced on many emails yesterday. I do hope that site that had the file has done the same. Unfortunately, a search engine's caching system has not purged the blog. I have no control over the caching of any search engine. Just my blog.

Here's Mute's official response:

Mute response to illegal downloads of Goldfrapp

Once again please respect Goldfrapp and do what you can to prevent this spreading further.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 23, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I want to offer a shout-out and friendly reminder that Bis (remember that awesome band of the 1990s?) are doing some performances in the U.K. Yes, they did break up at some point in the early 2000's but due to fan demand, the gang put together a string of dates. Let's hope they come back Stateside because I would love to see them perform again to the U.S. audience.

Here are the dates:

6th Dec - Islington Academy, London
7th Dec - Manchester University
8th Dec - Oran Mor, Glasgow

Show 'em some love and support!

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 20, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Have you watched "Ghost in the Shell: Innocence"? I urge you to watch it. There will come a day when robots will take over menial jobs and humans will need to adapt to the ever changing workforce. Humans (or at least mostly pervy guys) will use robots as sex slaves and other things.

Click here to get to the video because the playback is not working. For more info, visit the Project Aiko site.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 15, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Everything seems to be falling into place, albeit slowly. But various news outlets have posted updates on the production of Dragon Ball which now has two stars attached and a director.

Glad to see that Stephen Chow (Shaolin Soccer, Kung Fu Hustle) is producer on the project. Strangely, he's not acting in the movie (as of yet). We have yet to see if they will actually cast an Asian in any of the roles that are left open. I anticipate characters such as Krillin, Chiaotzu, Tien, Yajirobe and Master Roshi to have at least an Asian actor play one of them. Apparently, James Kyson Lee (Heroes) is auditioning for the role of Yamcha.

This is Dragon Ball:

This is Dragon Ball Z:

You know, this is gonna be strange. Since Justin Chatwin (The Invisible, War of the Worlds) is cast as Goku, then I assume that they are actually doing scenes based off Dragon Ball Z rather than Dragon Ball. Dragon Ball Z shows Goku grown up and kicking ass. In Dragon Ball, Goku is only a child fighting in tournaments and battling the evil forces of Emperor Pilaf.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 14, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Thank you StumbleUpon StumbleVideo for having me stumble upon this gem:

Je t'aime!

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 14, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Straight from the Guardian Unlimited's website:

"...in are a 17th-century steel-string harp and a toy organ. For their fourth album, Seventh Tree - a follow-up to the 2005 album Supernature, and due to be released next February - the band Goldfrapp have gone folk. Singer Alison Goldfrapp and her writing partner Will Gregory used the harp and the organ to record the album in a 1960s bungalow in Bath...."

Follow this link to get the full story. I like the part where Alison mentions dancers galloping around a maypole. How very...fertile. After reading, I'm actually not at all surprised by that sound. Goldfrapp kinda gave hints via remixes and on some interviews where Alison revealed what she was listening to while on tour. At one point during their CA stint, she admitted she was listening to the Beach Boys. Try listening to their remix of The Flaming Lips' "The W.A.N.D. Supernaturalistic Remix" and you get the hint.

The band will reveal to fans very soon the sounds off the forthcoming release, Seventh Tree. Yay!

On another note, the band's MySpace page was updated with more info regarding the slight mistake on one of the tracklistings and confirmed release dates. Also confirmed is the first single, "A&E", which will be available on CD & vinyl February 11 while a digital download version will become available February 3.

Here are the confirmed tracklistings with correct titles:

1. Clowns
2. Little Bird
3. Happiness
4. Road To Somewhere
5. Eat Yourself
6. Some People
7. A&E
8. Cologne Cerrone Houdini
9. Caravan Girl
10. Monster Love

The album will release in the UK February 25 and in the US February 26 2008.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 14, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

...Because you don't want to look or sound like this when you grow up...

Amy Winehouse Drunk at the MTV Europe Music Awards

Troubled chanteuse Amy Winehouse warbles her way through a performance of "Back to Black" at the MTV Europe Music Awards.

Whoever posted this on Spike's iFilm site can't seem to tell the difference between performing drunk and performing high on coke. If she was drunk, she wouldn't have made it through her set. She's high. And what kind of gave it away was her spaced-out look while she's singing and rubbing her nose the way a coke addict would rub their nose after snorting.

Nice voice. Too bad she's throwing her talent away. She really should check in to rehab.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 12, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I can't believe I screamed like a little girl when I got this email a few minutes ago. I can't type fast enough...

Must post this now...

Straight from their blog posting on MySpace:

...here is the FULL OFFICIAL track listing for Seventh Tree exclusively for you.

1. Clowns
2. Little Birds
3. Happiness
4. Road To Somewhere
5. Eat Yourself
6. Some People
7. A&E
8. Cologne Cerrone Houdini
9. Caravan Girl
10. Monster Love

The blog went on to say that the official artwork isn't ready yet but will be soon (maybe next month). And Alison and Will ask us not to be afraid of clowns. Or at least, don't be afraid of Alison's sexy clown.

OMG! Does this mean that we will see sexy clown dancers on stage with her during her tour? Wow. If so, then she will have successfully turned my perception of clowns upside down. Clowns, owls... what's next?

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 09, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I just want to say... Take a look at this pic!

Photo: Serge Leblon

It looks like Mute and Goldfrapp are banking on blogs like mine to get the word out. Well guess what Mute/Goldfrapp marketing machine? Its working. I'm counting the days when I get the chance to hear all the tracks next month. Woo hoo!

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 08, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Who wants to go to Tokyo?

Anime Selects will hold auditions Dec 8 and 9 over at the Jacob Javits Convention Center, NYC to find the next Tokyo Reporter. Last year was a blast and we had a great time - crew and reporter. If for some unfortunate reason you can't make it to the Javits on either day, don't fear. We will take video audition uploads and will post rules for that starting Dec 1.

What did we do last year? Check out the site here. Here's a pic of what we had the reporter cover:

Photo by Amanda Nanawa

and another...

Photo by Amanda Nanawa

If you do make it to the Javits, you'll need to register to get on the show floor. That's right. We've got a booth at the upcoming New York Anime Festival. Its the first year Reed Exhibitions will put on a show that focuses on the anime and manga industry so expect lots and lots of people, long lines, and tons 'o people in cosplay. And guess what, I will actually put on a cosplay outfit. *Gasp*

It won't be much. Its an outfit from the anime Naruto. But to actually catch me wearing something in cosplay...that's very rare. Its like finding a unicorn in the forest rare.

What will the booth look like? Well, it should resemble close to what we had at Long Beach, CA for AX:

Photo by Amanda Nanawa

So look for that background hanging from the banisters of the show floor. I'll see you there! Ganbatte!

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 07, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I can't believe I'm about to post this, but Popjustice (of all places) got their grubby UK palms on some advance tracks from the forthcoming Goldfrapp album.

I wanted to wait until the Goldfrapp camp actually sent some real news about the album. But it seems hard to dismiss some of the rumors at this point. Plus, some of the track titles are conversation starters.

Here's a taste:

Clowns
Little Bird
Happiness
AandE

Ok, folks...discuss!

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 07, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I just watched American Gangster and all I need to say is that I counted about 12 appearances by the boom mic. Comical at some moments when I shouldn't be cracking a smile or laughing. Usually when a "boom is in the shot" - as the DP would yell out - the take would stop and you do another take. But for whatever reason, most of the final takes included the boom mic at the top of the frame in some scenes. I can recall some of those scenes: the family gathering at the dining table scene (early in the movie when Frank's large family move in to their new mansion), when Frank (played by Denzel Washington if you haven't caught on that yet) threw the fur coat into the fireplace; when Denzel Washington and Armand Assante are in the study room and in a wide shot the boom mic appears. Oh my God, there were so many more but I'll end up spoiling the rest of the movie to those who haven't seen it yet. Its not a bad film. But I'm not convinced that it will be the clear cut winner come Oscar time. The season is still young.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 06, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (3) | TrackBacks (0)

This was just listed on Anime News Network. The show is simply a slice of life comedy that focuses on life in Japan. But its true central focus is to make relentless Haruhi references throughout the show and to poke fun at the otaku lifestyle. Its no Azumanga Daioh (my personal favorite) but it tries to make you laugh and love them. It tries.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 01, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)