Natsuki: The Movie | Release Date Announcement (Finally!)
Added 2018-05-20 15:49:14 +0000 UTCTHIS IS IT GUYS!
There's an actual release date for Natsuki: The Movie!
And that date is Thursday 31st May (around 9pm Japan time).
*NATSUKI: THE MOVIE*
Not a single day has passed this month that I've not been working on it; whether it's searching for the perfect soundtrack, recording voiceovers, inputting subtitles, colour grading, or above all, trying to make a ridiculous scene work.
From Natsuki doing indoor skydiving and walking through London with balloons chatting to strangers, to scenes of him looking out to sea with profound expressions and attempting to eat snails in Paris, it's been one hell of a project.
It's been a lot of fun to work on, but sitting indoors hunched over a laptop for 10 hours at a time hasn't left me in the fittest state - as well as the increasing anxiety from not producing any videos this month. Perhaps that's why I've decided to cycle across Japan after all in October.
But my eyes are on the prize and that prize is sitting back after it goes live next week and knowing it's finally finished, more or less exactly one year after we started filming the scenes overseas. (Though we technically ended production just last month with Natsuki recording some additional voiceovers).
And when it does go up on Thursday, you can be sure I'll be sitting somewhere celebrating with some kind of alcoholic beverage(s).
*YOUR IDEAS*
One thing I wanted to ask you guys about was marketing ideas.
We've got about 10 days to market the film aggressively and I'm completely opened minded as to how to do it.
I've been trying to think up some original ideas - I'd like to make another trailer and even potentially have some kind of competition. BUT what would the reward/prize be?
If you have any thoughts, let me know below in the comments!
It's also important to add that all Patreon supporters will be in the end credits sequence of the film (listing your Patreon username). If you do object to being in the credits, please do message me and I'll be sure to remove it!
*CONTENT WHILE YOU WAIT*
In the absence of videos on the Abroad in Japan channel, there's still been some cracking good stuff coming out.
Podcasts have been out every Wednesday and in the most recent one "2 Weeks More in Japan" we covered visiting Japan for your second time, with ideas on what to do. BEST OF ALL, there's even an interactive map to go with it, with the destinations listed (below).
► PODCAST: http://hyperurl.co/nhgr30
► Interactive Map of Itinerary: https://goo.gl/3t4t3q
We also had a video on the Tokyo Creative channel where we made Sushi and even a train set for it to go on like a DIY conveyor belt.
It was more fun than it should have been - especially as I had the opportunity to destroy fellow co-presenters Joey (Animeman) and Emma (TokiDokiTraveller) through my overuse of wasabi.
► Watch the Mayhem: https://youtu.be/77rPFAtqOwo
Natsuki is off to tokyo tomorrow morning and he'll be making some more videos with Tokyo Creative in the run up to the movie.
This'll actually be the first time ever Natsuki's made a video on another channel without my supervision. (I might not have been on camera but on the last two videos he made with them, I was sitting in the background sniggering throughout).
I feel like a father who's proudly watching his son grow up and move out finally; Natsuki's taking his first step to becoming more than just a co-host on Abroad in Japan and becoming a full blown entertainer in his own right.
Fingers crossed the movie helps him with that ambition!
Here was his last groundbreaking performance for those that missed it:
► https://youtu.be/yHxL8j1g4Ow
*SWIFT INTERNET JUSTICE*
Last week we had a bit of a situation when some dickheads who run a Youtube channel and Podcast calling themselves the "The Tasteless Gentlemen", stole our tshirt designs and promoted them over their Instagram account which has 1million followers.
To say I was fucking livid would be an understatement - although admittedly, I wasn't surprised given they were by all accounts, tasteless gentleman.
But these guys stole our design and were literally selling it to thousands of people.
After bringing it to light on social media and viewers of the channel, the response was incredible; not only did hundreds of people contact them and call them out for their treacherous thievery, but about three days later they removed the Fuck Sake design from there store! Success!
Thanks to anyone who saw this and supported the actions against these idiots! Justice was served.
And on a more positive note, a huge shoutout to Patreon supporter David Thomas, who's not only the genius designer behind the Abroad in Japan tshirts, but also made the above poster, which is a spectacular work of art conjured up solely from watching the original trailer. (The only thing I take credit for is the tagline and release date. Oh yay, woohoo).
Sorry for the long post guys - I'd much have preferred to vlogged all of this, but it's been difficult to break away from the movie this passed week. I want nothing more than to get this movie out the way and dive back into making videos.
If you have any questions about the movie, or absolutely anything in this post, do please ask away in the comments below! I will be responding!
And also, just to confirm! You guys are the first to know the date of the movie release. We'll begin promoting it over social media in the coming days!
God bless you all for your support - even when it looks like I've just disappeared off the face of the earth recently - expect to hear more from me in the coming week and the run up to the release date!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend and above all, get the popcorn in.
It's show time.
Chris
Comments
Natsuki keep enriching your life! Thank you for being a part of this project!
2018-05-31 20:49:24 +0000 UTCIt's live now! <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLWZBeX-isM&feature=youtu.be" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLWZBeX-isM&feature=youtu.be</a>
2018-05-31 14:19:32 +0000 UTCCould be a couple of hours. Upload time can be variant, I'm sure he will let us know when its done. Thanks for all your hard work Chris, Natuski, and anyone else that helped with it.
Derek A
2018-05-31 14:04:19 +0000 UTCHow long is the upload time?
2018-05-31 13:52:54 +0000 UTCYou got an ETA, Chris?
2018-05-31 13:39:52 +0000 UTCSoon will sooon
2018-05-31 13:25:59 +0000 UTCWhen???
will
2018-05-31 12:51:10 +0000 UTChaving a katsuraage to celebrate!
kieran arstall
2018-05-31 12:38:14 +0000 UTCYEEEEA!
2018-05-31 12:19:26 +0000 UTCJust uploading now folks!
Abroad in Japan
2018-05-31 12:18:28 +0000 UTCChris! drop the bomb!
2018-05-31 12:15:02 +0000 UTCI believe Chris said around 9pm Japan time
2018-05-31 11:36:06 +0000 UTCYes what time !! :)
2018-05-31 09:28:14 +0000 UTCWhat time is this coming out... really looking forward to it.
2018-05-31 09:11:50 +0000 UTC5.30am 31st of may and I'm about to leave for work.. I can't wait to get home crack a beer and watch this tonight. Congratulations on release day.
2018-05-30 20:01:25 +0000 UTCcomes out 6 days before my first japan holiday
2018-05-28 02:47:45 +0000 UTCCant wait to see the movie coming out!! hope it all works out perfectly!!
2018-05-27 23:51:45 +0000 UTCIt comes out the day after my exam, hell yes! I cant wait! ありがとChrisとNatsuki!
The person reading this is sexy and epic
2018-05-27 21:41:46 +0000 UTCChris! Congrats on landing on a release date for the film, AND on squashing the nonsense and truly tasteless man squad. You probably are already on this, but I think it would be great to have a select “first look” group, who could help you promote (this is where Ken W could do you a solid for not having been in your restaurant video!) after they watch with their impressions. Not having seen the film, it’s hard to ideate, but another thought is sending it to Japanese embassies in countries where there is a good/substantial relationship with Japan. Most embassies have cultural detachments, and since it sounds like you’re looking at Natsuki as a take on a modern Japanese life, it could be neat to work with them to host screenings of your film in different countries. Another—and super basic—idea is a thunderclap on release day. You have so many fans that would be willing to help you promote, and this would be an easy way of setting them up well to do that.
2018-05-26 07:49:29 +0000 UTCWe've got a special bottle of sake ready to go for the occasion! So excited to see the finished product. I've no doubt it will be like a magic. Seriously - so thrilled for you (and Natsuki) and hope you both are as excited as we are. Love from the USA.
2018-05-26 00:57:23 +0000 UTCI am sooooooo excited!! Is this on YouTube? iTunes? Vimeo? DVD? BLUE-Ray? And how much?
2018-05-25 15:06:56 +0000 UTCBe super proud of yourself!!!!
2018-05-25 14:04:50 +0000 UTCI am super ready and excited for this Chris!!!!! Whohoooo, just a few days after my birthday too so it will be sort of like a later bday present. :) As for marketing ideas, Twitter and Instagram are great ways to keep promoting its release. For your fans in Japan, there is a magazine for ex-pats living abroad so perhaps you could pitch it to them too? The magazine is called Savvy Tokyo. <a href="https://savvytokyo.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://savvytokyo.com/</a>
2018-05-25 14:04:41 +0000 UTCI’ve got the popcorn AND sake at the ready. So excited. You should be proud of yourself!
2018-05-23 15:16:49 +0000 UTCYou go there, mate! Just hang on, as you said, you can see the goal now.... And yay for this awesome release date!!!! Now I know how to reward myself on that Thursday as I have a major exam on statistics that day which costs me much nerves and sanity as well.... So, I am going to raise my glass to Natsuki - the movie that night and enjoy it big time!!! The countdown is on!!!
2018-05-23 14:58:28 +0000 UTCI have been looking forward to this for soooo long I'm extremely excited, perhaps for a prize you could send one of your t shirts of there choice signed by you and all your co-stars.
Benjamin McKechnie
2018-05-23 00:16:37 +0000 UTCHey Chris! Very excited for the movie can't wait to kick back with a bunch of popcorn and a few beers to enjoy it! I have an unconventional idea to promote the movie, I think it would be interesting if you went to a bar or a hall somewhere to perform stand up comedy but to make it relatable to the movie you should use european humor and or jokes to do/about Europe or even ones that would give a little hint what happened on the trip as a teaser. Make sure Natsuki can make it too. You could invite the general public to this event as well as your followers to have a mixed audience. So while you are promoting this event you are already promoting the movie since it will be a promotion event. However, you can still make this a competition if you like by getting viewers to send in jokes that they think would be appropriate and the winners would be in the show alongside your jokes! and/or the winners can get T-shirts as a prize. That is all. Thank you for the update once again ! :)
2018-05-22 12:52:26 +0000 UTCI am very excited!
2018-05-21 21:57:29 +0000 UTCBrilliant! Can't wait to see this. Wait till I tell my mum, she will be over the moon.
2018-05-21 19:19:25 +0000 UTCThis is probably the most hype Monday i've ever had! Thanks for the update Chris, cant wait for the movie. You should think about doing a viewing party!
Derek A
2018-05-21 16:41:18 +0000 UTC🎈🎈🎉It's happening!🎉🎈🎈
2018-05-21 13:01:12 +0000 UTCHello Chris! Congrats. Must feel amazing having finished such a big and important project and actually now being a movie producer :) As for marketing, definietly use FB as this will drive the best conversion amongst the target group you define. You must think about who you want to reach (define the target group) when setting up FB advertising. Also, make sure to join all the Japan groups on FB which will get you organically many additional viewers. Also, when doing the trailer, be aware who the audience is you would be interested as not everyone knows you yet :) I am sure you will also use insta to its full extent. Further, I am wondering why you haven't utilized twitch yet??? For your live sessions with patreons, for live events/ trips or also to stream your videos. You could also stream your movie on twitch. Twitch will also enable you to grow your fanbase and receive incremental support. Happy to help you on twitch in case you are not too familiar with it yet. But don't miss out on the opportunity. Next idea (perhaps a bit far fetched), why don't ask Netflix, Amazon etc to put your movie in their library? Perhaps worth a try? I have plenty of other ideas but don't want to spam this thread to much. I am looking forward watching the movie!!!
2018-05-21 09:47:37 +0000 UTCIdea #2 is exclusive for your fans residing in Japan. How about some poster making contest? The one who get the most likes wins. And as a prize for their hardwork and creativity, how about a short meet-and-greet with the winner and his/her friend. A dinner, coffee or better yet, bring them to one of your favorite Izakaya. Whether you like it or not, a lot of your followers are dying to meet you in person. ;) Yattane, Omedetou!!!
2018-05-21 08:41:47 +0000 UTCAbout damn time!!! Congratulations in advance. I think, the fact that you're able to finish this one is a breakthrough itself. For the contest, put up the poster in your social media accounts, then you can pick someone who retweets or repost your poster. Your merchandise with a personlized message from you is enough to get them to participate *I know, I will* Or you can send them some Japanese goodies like the banana pudding or kitkat sake. This will be fun!!! ^_^
2018-05-21 08:30:45 +0000 UTCMy idea for marketing might by slightly unconventional but I think you should make North Korea send a missile, be rudely awoken by it, make a video about it and sliiide in Natsuki the movie in the video
2018-05-21 07:34:03 +0000 UTCCan you make a social media post on it? I would share it around on FB.
2018-05-21 01:57:02 +0000 UTCHey wow thanks for the mention in the post Chris!! 😄 marketing ideas hmm: Pick a winner for a prize to everyone who retweets or posts the movie link on social media 2) a video where you and Natski record yourselves calling various viewers who send in their numbers 3) do something illegal to get on the news 4) get literally every j vlogger to post the movie link on social media’s in return for their channel in the credits? 5) definitely enter the film in film festivals... Cannes 2019! 6) use any contacts you have with Japanese tv to feature the story of the film being made!
David
2018-05-20 23:50:15 +0000 UTCSo excited it's coming out. What about Natsuki recording an answering machine message as a prize?
Kristin Briley
2018-05-20 21:03:39 +0000 UTCAwesome work Chris :) it’ll be the perfect occasion to finish off the sake that’s sat on my shelf for months lol
Oscar Sjöstrand
2018-05-20 20:22:49 +0000 UTCThis is wonderful, I cannot wait to finally enjoy your artistic creation. I loved the other supporter’s idea of greet and meet or Skype for a prize but as for supporter like me who is overseas, I would love to suggest perhaps an authographed photo or Natuski, the movie poster. Even just a handwritten note would be wonderful too. It makes the experience more personable, I think, just my two cents here.
2018-05-20 20:18:52 +0000 UTCAll I have to say is I'd be down for a movie of your travel across Japan by bike as well. ^_~ Of course some normal videos along the way to.
Emelia Barron
2018-05-20 19:37:53 +0000 UTCOh for a prize maybe do a Skype video chat and feature parts of it in a video. Might not be for everyone (I wouldn’t do it!) but I’m sure there are lots of people who would want to b in one of your videos briefly.
2018-05-20 19:30:12 +0000 UTCam useless, all I can think is to get other Youtubers to give you shoutouts this week, but I’m sure you’ve already sorted that out.
2018-05-20 19:27:55 +0000 UTCExcellent! Congratulations on the release date, it’s been a long time coming and tons of work I’m sure. It’s gratifying that I and the other patrons could help out in our individually small ways to make it a reality. As for marketing, sorry I
2018-05-20 19:26:54 +0000 UTCI can't wait!
2018-05-20 19:18:17 +0000 UTCThank you for working so hard Chirs! So excited! Get some rest. You deserve it.
Matthew Crown
2018-05-20 19:00:23 +0000 UTCCongrats on the release date and the T-shirt theft resolution. I'm looking forward to seeing the movie, as I think we all are, as well as whatever follow it. And I'll be watching for your cycling adventure, sounds intense!
Dr Dia
2018-05-20 18:43:39 +0000 UTCWell done Chris! Will be looking forward for the movie. Tbf, when I have joined the Patreon support, the movie was already being edited, but I hope that it helps. ............. Chris, regarding the prize - you can promote two things I assume 1) An exclusive time on skype with you for like an hour or so (I bet there are many people who would like to talk to you personally maybe regarding JET, or filming, or general questions about Japan etc) 2) Actually meeting the person live if they will happen to be in Tokyo for example. I mean I remember that you don't like that part much, but you know, celebrities have to do sometimes meets and greets as thank you fro the support :D Hope it helps to decide at least on prize
saiko
2018-05-20 18:40:33 +0000 UTCYes!! Been so looking forward to this!! 😃🙌🏻 Good things take time. I’ve been enjoying the Tokyo Creative videos in the meantime though! Emma is pretty funny. Also I’m glad the T-shirt theft has been put to an end. Those rats. They should send you the money from any sales they made from it.
Laura Beaumont
2018-05-20 18:32:55 +0000 UTCCongrats on finishing the movie! I was actually sitting at the work the other day wondering about it, mostly hoping you were doing alright with it. Glad to hear about the cycling as well. I work a desk job at a video game company and I've found that taking the time to hit the gym a few hours a week (mostly just cardio) has made a world of difference in my mood. Again, congrats! I can't wait to watch it.
2018-05-20 17:53:07 +0000 UTCWill the movie be available in full 3D and Virtual Reality? ;-)
Simon
2018-05-20 17:52:32 +0000 UTCmaybe you could do a short but public live stream on your main channel in a few days announcing the release date ? i am so excited for the movie!
2018-05-20 17:49:24 +0000 UTCReally excited for the movie release!
Zac Kelsey
2018-05-20 17:33:14 +0000 UTCMaybe a way to market and promote if you do a contest, will be the winner gets a phone call feature on a podcast episode to ask you and Natsuki questions?
2018-05-20 17:31:43 +0000 UTCI've seen other youtubers do DVD/Blueray runs of their movie, and then the first however many copies sold are signed. Only problem is that its probably really expensive initially to get all those DVDs made.
2018-05-20 17:29:58 +0000 UTCWill you be having a premiere with Natsuki and a bucket of fried chicken?
Lyall Moffitt
2018-05-20 17:22:48 +0000 UTCSuper excited!
2018-05-20 17:18:58 +0000 UTCSTOKED!
2018-05-20 17:10:54 +0000 UTCWoohooooo! Congratulations! I'm not much of a marketer but I think the ultimate prize for fans would be a personal live video conversation with Natsuki and you. Nit that I have a clue as to what I'd say or ask if I won, but it would be awesome even if it lasted for about three minutes ;)
Nynke de Haas
2018-05-20 16:40:08 +0000 UTCCheers mate!
2018-05-20 16:38:09 +0000 UTCInstead of doing this trip on my 2nd visit to Japan, I'll do it on my first. It sounds way more chilled out and authentic than the usual touristy spots. Will you be doing a live Q&A before the movie's out? Don't worry if not, there's plenty of new Chris-related content in the meantime. As for competition prizes, the first idea that comes to mind is a one on one Skype chat with Natsuki - or the two of you! That's a low-investment prize for you, but would be INVALUABLE for the audience.
2018-05-20 16:38:05 +0000 UTCPerhaps you can get some quick adds for the movie into some other popular podcasts? I know that some of the guys at Laser Time and Talking Simpsons have been to Japan multiple times. I wish I could offer more suggestions, but that’s all I have.
Josh Jones
2018-05-20 16:36:47 +0000 UTCWoooo! Finally I get my super delayed birthday present!!!
Nari Kim
2018-05-20 16:32:35 +0000 UTCVery excited for the movie Chris, you must to be proud of the gigantic effort you've put in! And don't mind about the delays either, I know they'll have served to make a better end result, the quality of your video production is always getting better and this movie will be the icing on the cake! Very well done for all your hard work, commitment to the cause and for your skills as a youtuber 😎🤗 As for promoting the movie, perhaps make some limited edition merch? I can imagine a cool rendition of natsuki with his balloons - in kind of an album cover style - as a great poster. Or perhaps ( if you have some energy left!) Make a video to announce it, perhaps with Natsuki down the pub 😃 looking forward to it and again congratulations to you and Natsuki on completing this feat!
Thistlevixen
2018-05-20 16:27:33 +0000 UTC> Last week we had a bit of a situation when some dickheads who run a Youtube channel and Podcast calling themselves the "The Tasteless Gentlemen", stole our tshirt designs and promoted them over their Instagram account which has 1million followers. I don't know where they're based but in most western jurisdictions that's criminal copyright infringement. You should try to find a lawyer near them and see if you can pursue them further. Should be a not-insignificant amount of money.
Nope
2018-05-20 16:24:46 +0000 UTCYay! I'm sure it'll be well worth the wait Chris! I didn't know about the internet thieves, but I'm glad you gave them a right royal stomping... Tokyo Creative is such a fun channel and I think Emma has hit on a winning formula there! The sushi vid was hilarious!
2018-05-20 16:22:41 +0000 UTCContent while you wait? Finished that already haha. Getting super excited to watch the movie!!! From Tokyo Creative, to Youtube colab video, to podcast, and now the movie!! So happy that i can enjoy all of your work! You are the (second) best (after Natsuki)! Haha! Once again, Congratulations!!
2018-05-20 16:18:43 +0000 UTCWell done, mate! A huge achievement! Really looking forward to watching it :D
2018-05-20 16:12:21 +0000 UTCAwesome! I haven't been this excited over something labelled "The Movie" since pokemon! Congrats! I can't wait to see it!
2018-05-20 16:09:55 +0000 UTCYes!! I'm excited for this :-)
2018-05-20 16:09:10 +0000 UTCCongratulations Chris! I can't wait to see the results of this :) I've been patiently waiting for this movie for a long time, and I'm sure it's an awesome movie :)
2018-05-20 16:06:02 +0000 UTCCongratulations on seeing all of your hard work solidifying into a finished work of art! Don’t sweat the YouTube channel for now. We understand that you’ve been busy with a major project that has been in the works for a while now. The Podcast has been entertaining in the meantime.
Josh Jones
2018-05-20 16:05:41 +0000 UTCHehe, yes it is!
Abroad in Japan
2018-05-20 16:01:39 +0000 UTCBefore I get too excited.....that is May 31 this year, right? Just thought I'd make sure cos....you know....delays..... Jks man. Super effort Chris! Can't wait to see it!!!!
2018-05-20 16:01:01 +0000 UTCFor Marketing; Maybe post a picture of Natsuki on Twitter/Insta and ask people to photoshop with the Hashtag #NatsukiTheMovie and whoever does the best photoshop can get some merch or something. You could then use all the photoshopped pictures in a YouTube video if you wanted going through some funny/good ones
2018-05-20 16:00:12 +0000 UTCSure why not! When I do start my intensive fitness plan I'll be vlogging about it like the weight loss series a few years back, so I'll be open about everything for folks that want to take part.
Abroad in Japan
2018-05-20 15:58:07 +0000 UTCYeah there's some great scenes of Natsuki in everyday life. Probably my favourite scenes!
Abroad in Japan
2018-05-20 15:57:10 +0000 UTCFINALLY!!! I've been chomping at the bit waiting for this!! and I'm so glad to hear those thieves got a good hounding. As for marketing, scocial media is the best place for it, or getting your you tube friends to mention it on a video of theirs?
2018-05-20 15:56:22 +0000 UTCCan't wait to see it. Amazing effort.
2018-05-20 15:56:11 +0000 UTCIT'S ALMOST HERE! YES!! Can't wait, Chris! And I'm excited to hear that cycling across Japan is going to be a thing! Joshua and I have been having our own 1-on-1 cycle-off since the idea originally came about. Any thoughts about making this a community event? Maybe not all of us can cycle across Japan, but we can definitely cycle for fitness! It'd be a lot of fun to encourage everyone to get fit and post their results.
Argus9 (Jonathan)
2018-05-20 15:55:53 +0000 UTCAwesome you're finally able to release it! I am very excited to see it, and especially the bit you've added later about more of Natsuki's life and his comeback to music.
2018-05-20 15:55:49 +0000 UTCI'd rather make "Leaves: The Movie" than dedicate a film to that smug rascal.
Abroad in Japan
2018-05-20 15:54:52 +0000 UTC
