DIGITAL SHARK DOCUMENTARY

UNFORTUNATELY I HAD TO STOP FURTHER WORK ON THIS DOCUMENTARY FOR MOST OF 2007 TO FOCUS ON FINISHING MY BOOK "FORGOTTEN FACES."
(I was recently signed by a literary agent - Hazzah!)
II will return to work on it in late 2007. Delays in getting translations of several of the Japanese interviews kept me from making the progress I wanted to make, so I decided to put the project on hold until I could give it my full attention again. Ironically, The Spunks, despite finally releasing a CD on a decent record label (Gearhead), broke up in March of 2007 due to my 2 band mates deciding to move back to Japan. The resulting mess and final shows with Gitogito Hustler left a sour taste in my mouth and after 6 years being the sole American in various Japanese bands I found myself unexpectedly burnt out on the subject in general and badly needing to take a break. So in a way, the progress with my book couldn't have come at a better time. However, I know this documentary will be quite spectacular when finished so I have every intention of seeing it through to the final cut. On a related note: I just finished editing the new Peelander-Z Tour DVD "Peelander is Fun" which will be out in stores very soon. Look for it!

CAPSULE FOR THE FILM (EXCERPT) BY KRISTY K:
For the film, Alan is drawing upon his five years of experience as the sole American member of four Japanese bands based in New York (despite the fact that he cannot read music or speak Japanese), his friendship with a community of Japanese musicians living in New York and his fascination with various aspects of Japanese culture.

This documentary focuses on the personal experiences of the musicians as well as their music, while exploring the cultural differences, influences and unique perspectives of these struggling artists living so far from the country of their birth and in one of the most difficult and complex cities in the world. And in addition to telling their personal stories and presenting a wealth of information about Japanese culture, this documentary benefits greatly from the inclusion of eye-popping live performances as well as interviews with fans, critics, promoters, club owners and various artists and media personalities critical to the underground entertainment scene in New York.