Director KIMMO KUUSNIEMI: “Live In Japan Documentary was an experiment into social engineering”!

Filmmaker KIMMO KUUSNIEMI and Finnish Folk Metal legends KORPIKLAANI made an extended and hectic tour of Russia, traveling from St. Petersburg to Siberia and back. On a follow up tour – this time to Japan with Finnish metal legend, Waltari – they had more time to contemplate Japanese lifestyle and history. Filmmaker Kimmo Kuusniemi traveled with the band. His unseen documentaries are now released online. 

Read below Kimmo talking about “Live In Japan Documentary“ and how it was an experiment into social engineering!

Crowdfunding Story: Live in Japan

After my successful “Made in Russia” filming trip, I was very interested to see how I could improve on the new camera techniques I used. Having my camera on a gimbal which was on a pole which allowed me reach into the most  unusual angles around and amongst the band and the audience, and looked  quite stunning.

One of the most exciting new technology’s I used in Russia was the live Facebook streaming.

It was a great rush to see all the hundreds of likes, hearts and emojis flying all over the screen while filming. 

Over the years I have used all the possible filming techniques there are but the Facebook streaming was something completely new, I was able to get the instant reaction from the audience around the world, which got me thinking how  this  could  be put to better use in Japan.

Live Documentary Social Engineering Experiment

I created for the Crowdfunders a private Facebook group that I could post live video clips as we travelled through Japan. The Crowdfunders could  send me questions for the band and I could have the band members replies on the Facebook site. 

So a truly interactive documentary making! The Crowdfunders could actually affect the outcome of the documentary and really be part of it.

One Man Multicam

I also had more cameras (GoPro’s)  with me so that I could do a one man multicamera recording of  the live gigs. This One Man Multicamera worked superbly and in many ways was much easier and efficient than working with a big crew. The end results speak for itself.

360 camera

The other new technology I used in Japan was  a 360 camera. I used it in some of my commentary sections and while out with the band as a normal camera. As the camera records everything around you in 360 degrees :you can edit the camera movements in the  edit later.. You will never miss any moments ever again! I also filmed some songs and made one wacky video of one song with incredible 360 effects. In just 3 years the 360 technology has advanced in leaps and bounds and: the new 360 camera I use now has stunning resolution and has given me a completely new way to make films,

Conclusion

Using this technology and cameras allowed me to film on my own what would  normally  require a crew of at least 6- 10 people. Of course my years of experience working with big crews and bands are giving me an advantage in applying the new technology.