Pitch deck - Film

Kaidō 街道

Luana and her boyfriend Luiz, a nomadic couple, travel through Japan while producing a documentary about the challenges of freedom. Between two realities — one in which they are endorsed by brands and the other, where resources are limited — they are forging their paths, and their paths are forging them back.

Project Overview

Film: Kaidō

2 hours | Docufiction, hybrid narrative
Language: PT-BR/ENG | Subjective Camera
Script: Luiz Simões | Direction: Luana Marcelina

Inspiration | Context

Kaidō 街道

The term "kaidō" in japanese means "highway" or "route". Mostly referring to old roads that connected big cities like Edo (Tokyo) and Kyoto that are linked by the "Tōkaidō (東海道)", an ancient road between these two huge centers.It's not like there's a manual on living life and in our journey through the land of the samurai and the ronin we'll explore a completely different culture for us that we know will provoke culture shocks, questions and realizations regarding who we are and why we are the way we are.The film explores the duality of living with and without external support, the contrast between these two worlds and how it actually is a world of a difference to to have the right resources to make a project come to life, as a matter of fact, it's a whole different universe.The ronin stories inspires us and we have been seeking our own paths, developing our art and honing our skills. Nomads travelling through the world. And are going to continue on paving our way across Japan.

Narrative

Two Dimensions

The narrative of "Kaidō" unfolds in two parallel realities, reflecting how the same reality can look completely different when divided by a simple line: the first reality has the support of brands and a sponsorship project whereas the other shows a raw feeling reality in which the duo didn't get so much attention from brands and it highlights the challenges of nomadic life without resources. This structure allows us to explore the nuances and challenges of staying true to the Basara ideal in different circumstances.Furthermore, the film will be captured in subjective camera by Luana, placing the audience in her perspective. This creates an unique immersion in the narrative, in which every decision, every emotion, and every challenge will be felt by the audience as if it was all happening to them. The intention is to blur the lines between what is real and what is fictional, prompting the viewer to question not only the couple's choices but also their own perceptions of freedom, authenticity, what it truly means to live outside of conventions and if there's such thing.

Why?

Japan

The choice of Japan as the setting for "Kaidō" is deeply intertwined with the core of the narrative. Japan is the biggest symbol of the fusion of tradition and modernity, where the ancient and the futuristic coexist in harmony, reflecting the duality that the film seeks to explore. The country offers a rich cultural landscape, blending historical temples with towering skyscrapers, a perfect metaphor for the contrasting realities experienced by the characters in the film.Moreover, Japan is a major symbol of digital nomadism, serving as a convergence point between cutting-edge technological innovation and a profound respect for ancient traditions. This duality is central to the protagonists' journey, as they seek freedom and self-discovery while facing existential and financial challenges.Places like Tokyo and Osaka, with their vibrant urban centers and Sapporo with it's serene landscapes, not only provide a visually immersive experience but also embody the struggle between abundance and scarcity and extend to the semiotical narrative of dualism, contrast between realities, two people, the big city full of people versus nature and the cold winter.

Audience

"Kaidō" attracts individuals interested in narratives that explore personal challenges, the complexity of nomadic life, and the value of authentic experiences.Gender: Both genders but predominantly female.Age Range: Primarily between 18 and 35, but also appealing to a broader audience aged 35 to 50, seeking life changes or reflection on their choices.Social Class: Upper Class and Upper Middle ClassInterests: Nomadism, self-discovery, and alternative lifestyles.

Conversion

We estimate that the film "Kaidō" could reach up to 1,000,000 viewers through festivals, digital platforms, and social media, with growth potential due to awards and recognition.With a conversion rate of 0.5%, 5,000 viewers
could become customers of sponsoring brands.
Assuming an average product value of US$ 50,
estimated sales would total US$ 250,000.
This potential return makes the project a valuable investment, with further visibility as brands could incorporate the film into their marketing campaigns and sponsoring independent artists create a project like this shows the public the brand is interested in innovation and culture.

Harmony & Dissonance

Soundtrack

The soundtrack of "Kaidō" will be a fundamental element shaping the two realities the characters experience. In the sponsored universe, the soundscape will reflect a sophisticated aesthetic, utilizing IDM, EDM, and ambient music, with clean and complex sounds symbolizing the abundance of resources provided by the sponsoring brands. Influences from artists like µ-Ziq, AFX, Aphex Twin, and Autechre will bring a futuristic and inspiring sound, incorporating electronic textures that evoke the modernity and technological innovation of Japan, but at the same time has a nostalgic feel to it due to the analog textures.In contrast, the unsponsored universe will feature a more chaotic and introspective sound. The soundtrack will include elements of glitch, UK garage, old school hip hop, and ambient noise, creating a melancholic and urban atmosphere that resonates with the nostalgic aesthetics of Japan in the 80s and 90s. This sound will reflect the fragility and struggle of the characters as they navigate the vibrant streets of Tokyo and other cities, contrasting modernity with the heritage of Japanese history and culture.Transitions between the universes will be marked by subtle changes in music, using glitching techniques and sound manipulation to capture the deconstruction of realities. Furthermore, the choice of sounds will resonate with Japanese culture, everything tied up by the duality in it's natures. Also, the journey through the locations the characters will visit — Tokyo, Sapporo, Nagano, Kyoto, and Osaka — will provide an unique backdrop, contributing to an immersive and engaging auditory experience in the film.

Luana & Luiz

Luana, a film graduate, and Luiz, a music producer and communicator. Both passionate about traveling and exploring the world. Nomads for 4 years, we have sought unique paths that although matches our will, it also shapes our perceptions and allows us to live outside the box, absorbing the stories, cultures and people we encounter along the way.

Thank you!

We sincerely appreciate your support and interest in our project. Every message, share, and feedback is essential to us and motivates us to continue our journey. We are excited to take you along on this adventure and share incredible experiences.