Short Summary
My name is Jay Ruzicka and I am the hopeful producer/director of a short documentary on a musician named Optimus Chad. Optimus Chad is the pseudonym of a masked rock musician in Upstate NY. His instrument of choice? A Nintendo Gameboy.
The music is called chiptune. Years after vintage gaming systems were replaced by their HD counterparts, thousands of musicians nationwide are still creating synthesized electronic music.
Optimus Chad creates a sound inspired by imagery of robotic warfare and musical influences stemming from everything from hardcore to death metal. He has released several albums and has performed in numerous live shows in New York State. One of the only chiptune artists in his area of Albany, NY, Optimus Chad is the community's introduction to the genre.
But who is behind the mask? How does he make his music? And why a Nintendo Gameboy? Just who is the chip tune community? This documentary seeks to find these answers and more.
I have directed nearly two dozen short films and am a co-host on the popular film podcast "The Everything Film Show" (theeverythingfilmshow.com). I'm an RIT graduate with a BFA in Film & Animation. Recently have worked as an intern on the Animal Planet Show "North Woods Law" and have shot and edited for the popular webseries "Super Knocked Up." This film, which will be shot on a Canon 60D, will be shot over the course of 2012 with an expected release of late 2012 or early 2013. We plan to shoot in NYC and Albany, NY.
What We Need & What You Get
The money funded by you will allow this short documentary to be made. It will pay for everything from pre-production to post-production. From camera and audio equipment expenses, to travel, to film festival submissions, you will make this possible. We have a lot of interesting and personal rewards for your donations ranging from a credit in a film to a song that Optimus Chad will create and record just for you!
Other Ways You Can Help
Even if you are not able to make a donation we could use your help getting our campaign out there to your friends, family, and co-workers. The more people who know the better chance we have to fund our short film documentary and make it a reality.
You can contribute any dollar amount, not only just what you see on the right hand side. Just click any of the reward amounts and set your exact donation on the next page.
Check Out a Performance on Youtube
Filmed by youtube user jmontanye who was at the show. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUOxmoLKZc8
