About Director Kimmo Kuusniemi
I am a professional film maker and a musician based in UK. I have made numerous films from music videos to TV Series. With my partner in film Eugene O'Connor, together and separately we have worked with such names as Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Madonna, Rush, Red Hot Chili Peppers.
My band Sarcofagus was formed in 1978 and was the first Finnish Heavy Metal band. I also made probably the first broadcast quality album length musicvideo in 1980.
In 2008 I made an International TV Documentary "Promised Land Of Heavy Metal" about Finnish Metal Scene as a Co-Production with Finnish Broadcasting company YLE. I am known as the "God Father of Finnish Metal" which gave me nearly unlimited access to the Finnish metal scene and even helped me to get an interview with Madame President of Finland. The same complete trust gave me full access again during the filming of this Korpiklaani tour film as the band were fully aware of my past and knew they can trust me completely.
The Russian Tour
The tour started in St. Petersburg and took us through Siberia to Vladivostok on the coast of the Sea of Japan and back to Moscow. We did shows in 15 cities, travelled 19 000 km in just 18 days!
I have been making films for a long time around the world but this Russian tour was the most stunning and world view altering experience I've had so far. The night trains, big cities in Siberia, the tribes people of Habarovsk gave us an adventure of lifetime. Some days you really felt as you had been taken back in time.
Not many bands have toured this extensively throughout Russia and the fans really showed their appreciation, enthusiasm, openness and unrivalled energy at every gig. This lifted the already great live performances of Korpiklaani to new levels.
Filming
For a seasoned documentary film maker this trip had totally new challenges, as we were constantly on the move.
Using state of the art technology enabled me to film even while carrying my bags to catch the most interesting moments as they unfolded.
The experience of a band on the road in an exotic country with the highs and lows, from fatigue to exhilarating moments are all captured on video.
I also filmed all 15 live gigs. The audio was recorded on multitrack for a proper music experience.
All in all I have over 70 hours of footage from gigs, backstages, hotels, planes, trains, automobiles, Siberian cities, Russian people/fans, places we visited and interviews with the band.
Crowdfunding
The film was shot in Russia between 26th November and 12th December, and is now in post production.
Depending on the success of the crowdfunding, the duration of the film will be a minimum of 1 hour.
The more money we raise, the more live songs and extras will be added for the crowdfunders.
At the moment there are no plans to release the "Live In Russia" documentary and music videos to general public.
So, only the crowdfunders will be receiving the film, live music videos and other exclusive extras.
Post production is being overseen by me, Kimmo Kuusniemi, and my partner in film Eugene O'Connor. Together and separately we have worked with such names as Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, Madonna, Rush, Red Hot Chili Peppers... So you can rest assured we will deliver something unique from a unique band.
Korpiklaani is at best seen live and we have captured the essence of this unique band in this exciting road movie.