DMW: Digital Music W...

Photos by Amanda Nanawa

This past weekend in NYC I had to choose between being a good Catholic or being a good geek. I chose the latter.

So what did I check out at this year's NY Comic Con? I'll try and do it in pictures and short passages because I am tired.

The 2008 version of NYCC finally took up most of the upper level show floors and had lots of room to move. No real crowding but there were long lines for most events & panels. Friday's highlight was the X-Files: I Want to Believe sneak trailer. I still can't believe that's the title. Chris Carter asked a fan if they liked the title. The girl said, "Yeah". I would've said, "Hell no. It sounds gay." It was revealed at the panel that yes, Mulder & Scully get intimate. The premise of the film doesn't have extra terrestrials but rather returns to its roots of the fear and evil within.

My Saturday highlights were the Wanted panel, Hellboy 2: The Golden Army panel, Speed Racer trailer (the latest that is now running in theaters), The Dark Knight sneak peek trailer that will release in two weeks nationwide (most likely to be attached to Speed Racer), and The Incredible Hulk panel which featured a very special clip that showed the rumored tie-in of Tony Stark in the Hulk film. The clips also alluded to future Marvel franchises such as the long-awaited Captain America. Sweet.

Frank Miller and Eva Mendes were present for The Spirit. The trailer they showed had the look and feel of Sin City. Miller admitted that he was greatly inspired by Robert Rodriguez's adaptation of his graphic novel. The Spirit looks great and should kick off 2009 nicely.

During the Hellboy 2 panel, Guillermo del Toro said about 10 "fuck you"s and brought out the monster costumes on stage. It was quite a sight. At the end of the panel, he does mention that he is currently working on "Saturn and the End of Days". Basically, another childhood horror film where a kid goes back and forth doing errands and watches the end of days or the Apocalypse or The Rapture - its the End of the freakin' World. Jump here for del Toro's explanation.

The night ended with a concert of JPop star T.M Revolution. That was a spirited show where he kept his setlist to a minimum and chose songs that are tied to anime shows such as Rurouni Kenshin, Gundam SEED, Gundam SEED Destiny, and Soul Eater. He also sang "Web of Night" which was the track featured in the Japanese release of Spiderman 2. His fan club flew in from Tokyo - all 100 (give or take a few) of them. Most were female but the age ranges were surprising; from college age to middle age. At one point during the show, a surge of Japanese women were pushing the hapless otaku forward and creating - almost - a mosh pit of crazy Japanese women. I saw the woman's face. She was like, "Go! Go! Go!" And the guy was like, "No! No! No!" She pushed him anyway.

Continue reading "NYCC 2008 Wrap-Up" »

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on April 22, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We're near the end of the year and its time once again for my media predictions for the next year. 2008 shows a mature broadband market where video streams are becoming faster, better and watchable. The trend continues as Veoh received more than 21.5 million unique visitors per month, up from 2.5 million at the start of this year. That is one freakin' huge increase!

VC firms are funding more business plans that entail Hollywood writers and original content for the web. In light of successful broadband originals such as Funny or Die.com or Ask a Ninja.com, writers are starting to get the large picture on broadband and its powerful hold on the short-attention span public. There actually is a lot of VC money to be had, it only takes a solid business plan or existing media model to make that firm cut its check to you.

If you are thinking of leaving your job at a financial institution and looking for something fun and interesting to get involved in, then I highly recommend the wonderful world of venture capital firms where media and broadcasting clients are a part of their portfolio. On the flip side, if you are thinking of breaking out on your own terms - sans studios - then get your writer/director friends in the business together and work on that kick-ass business plan.

See what VC money can do for you!

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on December 22, 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)

I went MIA for over a month. I had to. Lots of things just landed on my plate and some of those things will come to fruition in a month or two. Comcast viewers of Anime Selects will be treated to something great starting in February. We're devoting the month of February to airing the first 13 episodes of Marmalade Boy. This was in response to a lot of viewer feedback on missing episodes. So there you go. But there will be more surprises in the coming weeks. Here's a hint at one -----> flying people to Tokyo for free for Tokyo Anime Fair. Details will appear on the Anime Selects website and on VOD in February.

On the Goldfrapp front, the band was nominated for two Grammy Awards. Congrats to them! I wish them the best as they compete against the likes of Madonna and Justin Timberlake for the same gramophone. On top of that, Rolling Stone Magazine listed Supernature as one of the Top 50 albums of 2006 as well as listing "Ooh La La" as one of the 100 Best Songs of 2006. Flattering but can you say bandwagon? I mean, sure its great getting recognized by Rolling Stone but who cares these days? Anyway, congrats to the Mute/EMI marketing machine as well as the branding companies Tsunami Entertainment and Emoto Music for pounding the sounds of Goldfrapp into everything from Verizon to Target ads.

My 2006 was a good year. But I think 2007 will be better.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on January 01, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Nov 1 -
Yes. That's right. NJ's favorite son does in fact shop at Macy's at Eatontown Mall in Eatontown, NJ. Apparently, he's a regular customer there. If anyone cares, he was buying some underwear.

Anyway, it was funny to see that he was waiting at the register with a bunch of underwear in his possession. Meanwhile, some people -- mostly middle-aged women and women in their late-30s -- realize that Bruce was at the register and they approach him for an autograph. He seemed pretty cool about it. I mean, c'mon. Where can he go? The "blue collar" singer comes through for his fans once again; at the register of the men's department of Macy's.

You're probably wondering what underwear he bought. Let's see... I know one of them was Calvin Klein.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 04, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Viral blogging at its finest...

That's what I call marketing.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on November 02, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Tuesday was a really nice day. The weather was cool, not too warm. It was a bit breezy but I welcomed it. Can't wait for the cold weather to creep in (I'm one of those cold-weather lovers).
I've only been to few early screenings in my life. This one was at 10:30 AM. I usually don't bother to go that early in the day if I didn't care so much about the show. I've realized that I tend to make early screenings for anime and live-action Japanese features. Interesting personal trend.

Despite leaving my house early, I still managed to arrive at the screening a few minutes late. Ironically, it had to do with transferring from train to train to get to my stop. The screening was at the ImaginAsian Theatre on E59th St between 2nd & 3rd Aves.

I'm not going to give too much away and I'll try to avoid writing up a spoiler. But the movie was quite refreshing and managed to retain an anti-Hollywood ending. The story is based on true events that took place on a Japanese BBS site called 2ch where someone actually sought dating advice from virtual strangers. The twist to this movie is that the person seeking advice is an Otaku (nerd/geek/fanatic) who rescues a lovely young woman (Miki Nakatani) on the train from being sexually harrassed. With this act of heroism, the Otaku a.k.a. Train Man (Takayuki Yamada) saves the day and suddenly finds himself falling in love with the woman he just saved. Thus the fairy tale begins.

I really can't go into detail but just trust me when I say, "See the movie. It's that good." The movie manages to touch on several issues that are prevalent in modern Japan. The various chat members range from the working class nurse, the Otakus at the manga cafe, the business man, the housewife and the teenage shut-in. What I found myself thinking throughout the movie was, "What a strange, wonderful yet fucked up society." The locations made me remember my Otaku moments in Akihabara (nicknamed Electric Town) and when I went gaga over buying my very own gacha ball prize (it was a Sgt. Keroro mobile phone charm - SWEET!).

Sure the movie was about love - geek love - but what the movie was really about was courage. All the characters had this invisible wall that prevented them from moving forward or being honest about their feelings. Train Man managed to bring that to the forefront and it made the movie that much engaging.

In the end, the movie shows a twist (and I won't say what that is) but its a twist that still makes people think after the movie is over.

Train Man: Densha Otoko will play Friday, September 22 at The ImaginAsian Theatre in NYC and will run for one week. And then it heads off to play in other cities such as:

Friday, October 13 at Clinton Street Theatre in Portland, OR
Friday, October 20 at Facets Cinema in Chicago, Ill
Friday, November 10 at The Grand Illusion Theatre in Seattle, WA

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on September 14, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Next week, I get the chance to finally sit in a theatre and watch Viz Pictures' Train Man: Densha Otoko. I missed it at AX in Anaheim, CA and again at Comic-Con in San Diego, CA. The film is a live-action feature showing in Japanese with English subtitles. Here's the press release:
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VIZ PICTURES ANNOUNCES FIRST RELEASE TO BE
TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO

Quirky Romantic Tale Of An Otaku Who Finds Love To Make North American Premiere in New York

San Francisco, CA, September 7, 2006 – VIZ Pictures Inc, an affiliate of VIZ Media LLC, the leading U.S. publisher of Japanese animation and comics that focuses on Japanese live-action film distribution, has announced the forthcoming theatrical release of the quirky romantic comedy TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO. The film, which received widespread critical acclaim and caused a sensation in Japan upon its release in 2005, will have a private press screening on September 12, 2006 at the ImagineAsian Theatre in New York with the theatrical premiere and exclusive one week showing begin on September 22, 2006.

TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO is the film inspired by the phenomenal bestseller by Hitori Nakano that took Japan by storm. Based on true events that took place on a popular Internet Bulletin Board website (BBS) in Japan called “2ch,” this fairy tale-like story has become a media sensation, and been adapted in book, comic, television drama, and movie formats. Released in 2005, the movie became an instant hit, grossing over 35 million dollars in Japan.

TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO is the story of a computer engineer otaku (the Japanese term for “geek”), who is an average young man dressed in unstylish clothes and dorky glasses. As luck would have it, he encounters a pretty young woman on a commuter train and saves her from a lecherous molester, falling in love with her at first sight. A few days later he receives a thank-you message from the woman along with a set of Hermes teacups. Having never had a girlfriend or received a gift from a girl in his life, the otaku seeks out his pals on the BBS website for advice using his codename Train_Man (Densha Otoko). Deeply interested in Train_Man’s first love, his BBS pals eagerly supply him with advice. Encouraged by their support, Train_Man undergoes a total makeover for his first-ever date with “Hermes.” Little does he know that he is about to ignite an Internet phenomenon.

“TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO is a unique and heartwarming romantic story and its focus on what ultimately attracts people will likely make this film a favorite,” states Seiji Horibuchi, President and CEO for VIZ Pictures. “Good stories always have an underdog or an unlikely hero to root for, and TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO presents a believable and genuine protagonist. We are pleased to launch VIZ Pictures with the release of this acclaimed film. The story will make people think fondly about their own first experiences with love and the thrill and rush it caused. Perhaps it will even inspire a few to take a chance on someone they like!”
After it's initial premiere in New York the movie will move on to Portland, Chicago, Seattle and other major cities. TRAIN_MAN: DENSHA OTOKO, the manga will be released by VIZ Media on October 3.

About VIZ Pictures, Inc.
Based in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Pictures, Inc. distributes Japanese live-action films and DVDs, with particular focus on Japanese "kawaii (cute) and cool" pop culture. VIZ Pictures approaches each film release from a J-pop fan's point of view. TRAIN MAN: DENSHA OTOKO is the first VIZ Pictures title, and the company will continue to offer the most entertaining live action motion pictures straight from the "Kingdom of Pop" for audiences of all ages in North America. VIZ Pictures, Inc. is an affiliate of VIZ Media, LLC, the San Francisco-based leading U.S. publisher of Japanese manga (comics) and merchandise licensor of Japanese animation such as the popular "NARUTO" animated TV series.
© 2006 VIZ Pictures, Inc

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan Production Co., Ltd. (ShoPro Japan), VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America and a global licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including, magazines such as SHONEN JUMP and SHOJO BEAT, graphic novels, videos, DVDs, audio soundtracks and develops and markets animated entertainment from initial production, television placement and distribution, to merchandise licensing and promotions for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; and web site at www.VIZ.com.
-----------------

From early screenings, the film was well received -- playing to packed houses at AX & Comic-Con. I expect it will do just as well during it's one week run in NYC.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on September 08, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

So, here are a few things that happened at Comic Con. I will say it in pictures because I'm tired and a bit lazy at writing up something deep and stupendous about the three days I was there. It was hot (115 degrees was the high that Sat), way too many people (120k per day -- but I think on Sat that number went well above that) and lots of things I wish I attended but just couldn't because they were scheduled at the same time.

Photo by Amanda Nanawa
The booth babes of Tokyopop

Photo by Amanda Nanawa
Actress Rosario Dawson talking to her fans (and Kevin Smith fans). At one point, the crowd in Hall H was yelling out, "Call Kevin on your cell phone," which prompted Rosario to do it and actually get Kevin to talk to the fans -- virtually.

Photo by Amanda Nanawa
Actor Nicolas Cage talking to fans about Ghost Rider.

Photo by Amanda Nanawa
Director Sam Raimi introducing the exclusive, rough preview clip of the new Spider-Man 3 trailer. The trailer does feature Venom. HOT!

Borat Does Comic Con.

And some of you may have seen this. But if not (like me), here's a trailer of the film Pathfinder to be released by 20th Century Fox.

And at the 300 panel, they showed exclusive clips of the film that features a lot of bloodletting, beheadings, close-ups of death kills and an entire Spartan army decimating the Persian army. The violence was quite spectacular.

On the anime front, I watched the premiere of Inuyasha 4: Fire on the Mystic Island the movie. I loved it. Always been a big fan of the show. So seeing the movie on the large screen was a real treat for me. I couldn't stay up and watch Train Man: Densha Otoko because jetlag was setting in. But the film (subtitled in English) had always created a large audience everywhere it played. At Anime Expo, crowds gave the film a rousing ovation and at Comic Con, viewers came in droves to see the movie. Train Man: Densha Otoko will premiere in NYC in Sept. I will make that screening.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on July 29, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

I'm in San Diego this weekend for Comic Con; aka Mecca for Geeks. So, my day was jam packed with too many things but I did interview some interesting people like the co-directors of the Lionsgate film "Crank" starring Jason Statham and Amy Smart. I will just say that the movie is quite interesting and there is one scene that would get most people talking (deals with lots of people watching two people doing a most private, intimate thing but out in public...hint, hint).

Sasha Cohen was in the house to promote his Borat movie. Let's just say, my parents and brother were crying from laughing so hard. I missed it and jealous that they saw the clips. Plus, there was a screening of the feature and I missed it since I was so tired and ready to eat my own arm off.

Sam Jackson's "Snakes on a Plane" panel was chock filled w/swear words.

Highlight last night, seeing the actors Jorge Garcia (Hurley) and Daniel Dae Kim (Jin) of "Lost" at dinner. We were a table apart from each other. My mom jokingly asked, "Isn't that the guy from "Lost"?" She made me look up at a random fat guy in the restaurant but when I looked over her shoulder, Jorge was sitting there. I just answered, "No. But he's sitting right behind you with the actor who plays Jin on "Lost"."

Here's a photo I managed to take w/my camera. I have more on my mobile phone.

Photo by Amanda Nanawa

Powered by Qumana

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on July 22, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

See this...
http://www.transformersmovie.com/

Can you smell Comic-Con? Literally around the corner. My predictions for this year's show - Spider-Man 3, Snakes on a Plane and Transformers. I expect some more surprises, but these three movies are the logical ones to make an appearance this year. Start that buzz machine!

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on July 01, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

This is a new blogger tool that I had to test for myself. The way it works is this, you download a Beta version of the software (free) and it resides on your desktop for easy access to publishing to your blog. That's what I'm doing right now.

It has all sorts of publishing tools such as an insert ad and insert tag button. It is quite the handy publisher.

Let me upload this to see how it looks:

Shinikies! It works!

Powered by Qumana

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on June 10, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Ok, I have to admit this...I loved The Devil's Rejects. Watching it reminded me of '70s sexploitation and horror films -- you know like I Spit on Your Grave or The Hills Have Eyes. House of 1000 Corpses did absolutely nothing for me.
So when news hit the wires and blogs about Miramax and Dimension planning an October 2007 release of a new Halloween movie, I thought nothing of it. When the releases said Rob Zombie will write and direct, my eyebrows raised and I thought, "shit, that's gonna be good."

Go here and here.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on June 05, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

According to the AFP news service, The Da Vinci Code raked in a whopping $231.8 million worldwide box office take. It became the second biggest film debut in history.
Still, the film that holds onto the top grossing opening is Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith. It brought in $253 million last year.
Both films have some things in common, like the lack of a strong script and stilted acting. But who cares? It's mindless entertainment anyway.

The line to get into the theatre playing The Da Vinci Code.
Photo by Amanda Nanawa

Can you imagine that many people coming out to see Shortbus?

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on May 23, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

...Sucked so bad that all four showings of the movie were sold out at the Universal Cineplex in Orlando, FL. I watched the 10:45PM showing and amazingly, the house was packed. After reading all the negative writings and ramblings from just about everywhere and anyone, I was somewhat bracing for whatever.

To set the record straight, I read the book and I was wondering how closely adapted the movie was to the book. Of course, some scenes were slightly altered (the opening sequence where Langdon -- Hanks' character -- is at a conference when in the book, he's at his hotel room when he gets word of the murder). But, overall the movie wasn't that bad. Really. It was just long. That was the only thing. Long. Other than that, reviewers and writers have created a reverse psychology among the general moviegoing public. While most cinephiles are attending Cannes and walking the Croissette, bear in mind that no one gives a shit what people in Cannes or what movie critics really think or write about. If anything, the more clamor you write about how bad the movie is, the more curious the general audience will get and suddenly, you have four sold out shows on opening day.

With that said, the movie will be number one for the weekend and drop off when X-Men III hits theatres. C'est la vie.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on May 20, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

If you played the video game (like yours truly), you will certainly appreciate the film adaptation version of Silent Hill.
The film takes certain elements from the Silent Hill games and neatly plays them out on screen. Everything, from music right down to the devil worshipping unfolds on screen (sorry, no UFO ending). And, at least the film does reveal more about Alessa Gillespie's backstory, which was something that the games never went into. It was a well done adaptation. Downright gory and with nice appearances from Pyramid Heads and those evil nurses.
I smell sequel...

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on April 24, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

YES! I know you have been dying to see this... Later this year, Japan will run The New World in movie theatres and adding to the experience will be the hot technology of smell-o-vision.

NTT Communications Corp plans to provide seven different smells to synchronize with different scenes. Flowery will accompany a love scene, orange and grapefruit will go with joy, peppermint and rosemary will prevail during emotional parts and anger will come with a mix of eucalyptus and tea tree. The smells are emitted by machines under seats in the back rows of cinemas which mix different amounts of oils. Sequences for different films will in future be available for download, the manufacturer said.

Interesting that they don't include the smell of Colin Ferrell's sweat in those scenes where he makes out with that really young actress. Or the smell of fresh cut fish during bloody battle scenes.

Source: Digital Spy

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on April 15, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Actually, this guy seemed to have gone beyond that. An unemployed man going by the name of Kiyoshi Ikeda, 37, was arrested early Wednesday morning for an open tab that costs about 150,000 yen (US$1266). How the hell did this happen?
It started March 10 when he entered a manga cafe in Gifu and ordered a grilled beef dinner. He was in a room that costs 1,000 yen for nine hours and he was in that same room for 34 days. 34 days! Apparently, he was living off of coffee and toast in the mornings and washing his underwear in the wash basin that was in the room. The room also had a sofa.
And because the manga cafe is open 24 hours and employees change shifts, no one really noticed this guy holed up in the room. (Eewwww)
When Ikeda was arrested, he only had 16 yen in his pockets.

Ok...that's just weird.

Source: Mainichi Daily News

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on April 13, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

During my visit to Tokyo, I realized how rude and dirty most Americans tend to be. I couldn't help but realize also the lack of obesity in the city of Tokyo. Sure, there were some people who were fat, but not obese. There's a difference.
In a society that is basically ruled by protocal, I was humbled by the fact that the people of Tokyo were all accommodating and willing to step beyond their usual routine and assist me and my crew. It also helped that I was representing the largest cable company in the U.S. Nothing can beat that, not even the White House.
It is still a society rife with many social ills (shut-ins, cutting, pervy panty sniffers, etc.). All modern, westernized societies have that. But what I couldn't get over was the fact how clean the city was. I mean, literally clean streets. It was nutty. I noticed it the first night I arrived. If there was clutter, I'm sure a robot or human came by to take it. It just blew my mind away that trash receptacles were few and small (in size). While at the convention hall, I had finished my lunch and was about to throw my trash. I realized that I was supposed to give my trash to the smiling Japanese girl who is hollaring at people to buy from their burger tent. She took my trash with a smile.
And, I only saw one homeless guy and he was in Shibuya. Where are they? Unlike in Houston, they are freakin' everywhere.
And the subway system was pretty spot on...every 3 minutes during rush hour. Damn! I challenge any city to do that.
So anyway, I learned these things about Tokyo: 1) Cleanliness, 2) Lack of homeless people, 3) Subways running on time, 4) Nice people, 5) Kokubunji really is outside Tokyo city limits and 6) Heated toilet seats and bidets rock!

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on April 08, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Hmmm...according to a lot of press releases, Warner Brothers will mix in some 3-D footage in their IMAX version of Superman Returns. I dunno...IMAX is a pretty damn big screen and my eyes hurt just by sitting in the middle row (that's why I try to get to the top seats quickly). And like Hi-Def, IMAX gives you crystal-clear views of any star's blemish and what-not (a la Lawrence Fishburn in one of The Matrix movies -- my brother yelped when he saw the craters on his face that close).
Can you say "optigrab"? Opti - for your eye and Grab - for when you grab it...God I love The Jerk.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on April 05, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I still can`t upload my photos from my Palm T/X to my blog b/c I have no Wi-Fi available where I am. Sucks. Hmmm, maybe I should try to ask the front desk if I need to pay for Wi-Fi. That`s no good. Wi-Fi should be free damn it!

Anyway, I`ve got handy (that`s the new word of the day in Tokyo) pictures to show on the blog once I get back to the U.S.

I had the great chance to visit Production I.G.`s studio in Kokubunji (outside metro Tokyo). I totally geeked out like a crazy-ass Otaku (on the inside, that is). And Saturday, the crew and I will visit Satelight studio which is runned by the venerable Shoji Kawamori (animator of such titles as Macross and Escaflowne). The geek meter is on!

Anyhoo, I`ll be coherent next week (hopefully). This is what we did so far...

Covered Tokyo International Anime Fair, covered Production I.G. at Kokubunji, gone to Shibuya, visited Akihabara, went to a maid cafe (YES...young Japanese girls dressed up as maids and waiting on your table - FABULOUS!!) and much more. I also have a new mobile phone charm. I now have Sgt. Keroro hanging from my Motorola RAZR V3. Pics are forthcoming.

Later!

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on March 24, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Southern Illinois University sophomore Kristi Yamaoka went crashing 15 feet onto her head during a routine on Sunday, suffering chipped neck vertebrae and a concussion in front of a stunned crowd and national TV audience. The school's pep band began playing the SIU fight song as the 18-year-old was carried off the floor, and she began moving her arms and cheering to the music.

March Madness everybody!

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on March 09, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Well, that certainly was a different Oscar last night. But, you know what they say...the more things change, the more they stay the same.
The highlight for me, watching Jon Stewart hosting and trying to infuse the same wry Daily Show humor into the telecast. It worked on a couple of their mock-campaign promos. Other than that, I wasn't surprised that Howl lost to Wallace and Gromit. Previous animation awards made sure that course was set.
But, the biggest disappointment of the evening was the Academy members itself. How could they have voted for Crash (a mediocre pic with a less-than-memorable ending) over Brokeback Mountain? The Academy had a chance to prove that it can make smart choices, but last night it didn't. The bastard dropped the ball at mid-field, it didn't finish the layup, couldn't perform the hat trick, was out on a fly ball -- oh, I can keep throwing sports analogies but you get what I'm saying.
Once again, The Golden Globes proves that it is a better award show -- giving credit where credit is certainly due.
And was Philip Seymour Hoffman suppose to bark or something?

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on March 06, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

Check this out...

THE NY Comic-Con Milla Jovovich interview. Yeah, I produced it. That's how I topped off my coverage of NY Comic-Con. Enjoy!

Cover from: Comcast.net

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on March 03, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Could it be? Is it really possible that the ultra-conservative, extremely tight-ass, over-protective (how many more superlatives can I throw?) AMPAS will allow the word "bitch" to air live during the song performance of "It's Hard Out There for a Pimp" from the film Hustle & Flow? Granted, it's not part of the FCC's seven dirty word list (everyone who took some form of ethics & law in comm class in college should know this...but if you don't, they are: shit, piss, f*&k, cunt, cocksucker, motherf*&ker, tits). Yeah, no "bitch" in that monologue from George Carlin.

But, hey, I'm still watching the Awards. Now, if someone from Golden Palace.com could just catapult from the seats to the stage -- that would be epic!

Source: Reuters
Other areas of distinction: Alternative Film Guide

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on March 02, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

It's this:

Happy? Wish it was one of those other ones? Personally, I like it. I think I voted for that one...I think. Anyway, it's apropos.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on February 28, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (1)

This day gets better and better. California based video distributor Red Light District acquired a videotape that chronicles the sexual escapades on board the tour bus. It was shot during the 1999 tour when Creed supported Kid Rock (Stapp was fronting Creed at that time). Click here for a :30 clip of some groupies giving (or just gave) a blow-job to Stapp and some form of intercourse to Rock.
Didn't Stapp just get married?

Source: Reuters

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on February 16, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Alright, so Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit pretty much swept the Annies this past weekend. It does look like that come Oscar time, the Academy members will surprise everyone with their final tally. Will claymation out-gun 2-D animation drawing? Will Miyazaki-san actually lose?

Below are the results from the Annie Awards:

Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit Annie Award Wins:
* Best Animated Feature
* Effects Animation: Jason Wen
* Character Animation: Claire Billett
* Character Design in an Animated Feature: Nick Park
* Directing in an Animated Feature Production: Nick Park & Steve Box
* Music in an Animated Feature Production: Julian Nott
* Production Design in an Animated Feature Production: Phil Lewis
* Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production: Bob Persichetti
* Voice Acting in an Animated Feature: Peter Sallis (as Wallace)
* Writing in an Animated Feature Production: Steve Box, Nick Park,
Bob Baker & Mark Burton

Source: PR Newswire

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on February 07, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Check this site out.

Photo: Send2Press Newswire

Who said Mannequin was a crap movie?

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on February 03, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

While growing up in Hayward, CA in the early 1980s, it was imperative to celebrate your birthday parties at the nearby Chuck E. Cheese restaurant. You didn't just go there for the video game room and skee ball section, the highlight of the venue was the animatronic Chuck E. Cheese band. That was mesmerizing to a bunch of third graders who bought into the robotic performance after two birthday parties. By the third birthday party, you knew you were watching bad robotics and you couldn't wait to jump on stage and rip their arms and furry hands right off.

Anyway, the reason I dredged up that part of my past is because the founder of Chuck E. Cheese and former CEO of Atari, Nolan Bushnell, has opened a new restaurant in Woodland Hills, CA called uWink. It is literally a restaurant of the future - like Jetsons future. A touch screen is at your table and you get to order from the screen anything on the menu at any time. After you read it, you too will think, "Wow, will they have one here on the East Coast?" I hope so. And to pass time, the screen also shows a menu for video games. Now, will they consider having Sony's QRIO robots to entertain? Just like the ones used in the Beck video "Hell Yes"? Look below...

Cute and yet, deadly. The reason they move so fluidly is because they house the souls of lost children in their little frames. I'M JUST KIDDING!!!!! That was very Ghost in the Shell of me.

Click here to launch music video

1. HELL YES

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on February 03, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Why am I not surprised? But, I think what really surprised me during the nomination announcement was the fact that only three - THREE - made the list and two spots were still available. Not that I don't want Miyazaki-san to win (a shoo-in at this point) I just thought how strange that AMPAS still treats this category like shit. I mean, where's Katsuhiro Otomo's Steamboy? And The Weinstein Co.'s Hoodwinked? I guess previewing tapes didn't make it to Academy members?
Anyway, congrats to the other noms: Tim Burton's Corpse Bride and Wallace & Gromit In The Curse of the Were-Rabbit. Eventually they will say, "It's an honor to be nominated...and to be nominated with the likes of Hayao Miyazaki." Translation - "I'm going to lose to Hayao Miyazaki."

N.B. - The Hollywood Foreign Press Association recently announced adding a Animation Feature category for 2007. About time The Golden Globes recognizes animated features.

Below is a segment from Comcast's Anime Selects covering the US premiere of Hayao Miyazaki's Howl's Moving Castle. It's obvious who I'm rooting for.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on January 31, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

AAAAWE YEEEEEAAAAAHHH!

Photo: AP/Kevin Rivoli

UNRANKED Seton Hall DEFEATS #25 Syracuse at the Carrier Dome. Final score: 68 - 61, The Hall

LET'S GO PIRATES!
-Amanda Nanawa, Class of 1996

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on January 29, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

While waiting in line to buy movie tickets, I overheard the man in front of me saying he wanted to buy two tickets to see "Munch." The ticket seller just looked at him, bemused, and said, "What was that?" The patron repeated, "Munch. You know, "Munch!" The man pointed at the digital board and people in line looked up to see it read "Munch". The 'i' was missing in the title of Munich. I thought that was damn funny.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on January 22, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

As everyone knows by now, Jon Stewart will host the 78th Annual Academy Awards which will telecast live on ABC March 5, 2006 at 8 P.M. Eastern.
Why do I think he is the logical choice? Well, he's self-depricating:

"As a performer, I’m truly honored to be hosting the show," said Stewart. "Although, as an avid watcher of the Oscars, I can’t help but be a little disappointed with the choice. It appears to be another sad attempt to smoke out Billy Crystal."

He has acted in several films. Among them: "Death to Smoochy," "Big Daddy," "The Faculty" and "Playing by Heart."

And, he just oozes wit. Of course, all this couldn't have been made possible without the help of his A+ writing team (which will probably contribute some jokes and skits to the Oscar show).

Now, I'm wondering... Will there be a Daily Show: Oscar Edition? Or Colbert Report: Oscar Death Watch? Or The Daily Show and Colbert Report do an Oscar Special: Countdown to Armageddon?

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on January 07, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Take a gander at this...

Photo By: Amanda Nanawa

I got it at this place in NYC...

Photo By: Amanda Nanawa

My friend pointed out to me the cucumber garnish sitting at the side of the martini glass. Classy.

The food was delish... Highly recommend. And an awesome bar. Telephone Bar and Grill.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on January 06, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

That's nice...Now how about Casshern????????

It's been "Coming Soon" for like, ever...

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on December 21, 2005 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Talk about Christmas surprise... A slumdweller by the name of Nolok Babu, 20, started singing in public after his father walked out when he was nine. He is expected to scoop the title, a prize of one million taka (15,000 dollars) and a new car, when the winner of Friday's final is announced on December 22. The show is called 'Tomakey Kujse Bangladesh (Bangladesh Looks for You), and attracted 40,000 entrants. It is the country's own version of the US hit television show "American Idol."

Seriously, you don't read that every day.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on December 16, 2005 | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

I came across this little tidbit while trolling for stories. Disney will rejuvenate the Winnie the Pooh franchise by introducing a new character that will replace Christopher Robin. She will be a tomboy.

Talk about shake-up. When this character was first introduced at Disney, apparently there were some grumblings and concerns about this new character. Of course, they must've immediately had visions of Jo from The Facts of Life and how she was introduced (she crashed her motorcycle into the cafe or living room...something like that). No word yet from the Disney camp whether their character will have a motorcycle.

"We got raised eyebrows even in-house at first, but the feeling was these timeless characters really needed a breath of fresh air that only the introduction of someone new could provide," Nancy Kanter of the Disney Channel told USA Today.

Disney is planning a year-long 80th anniversary celebration in 2006 of Winnie the Pooh and friends. The new series will launch in 2007.

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on December 12, 2005 | Permalink | Comments (1) | TrackBacks (0)

Oh my God! Shaq really is a superhero! Volunteer officer by day...superstar center for the Miami Heat by night. That is something only a reality producer can ever dream of.
After reading what he'll do, I couldn't help but notice his penchant for danger. I guess, this is what happens when you watch waayy too many episodes of CSI: Miami and Law & Order: SVU. Plus, he was Steel. I mean, c'mon!

Posted by Amanda Nanawa on December 09, 2005 |