HYPER JAPAN 2012 Spring

Francesco Calvano & the “Realities of Fantasy”

Francesco (“Telegothika”) is a Broadcast Technology graduate & cameraman. He is directing an exciting Lolita magazine program called “Realities of Fantasy.This unique show aims to entertain Lolitas & those curious about it, blending involving style features with engaging adventures from the community”.

Francesco first became intrigued by the general aesthetic back in 2010, after a chance visit to London’s Camden markets. “I saw, under atmospheric railway-arches, a shop bestowed with some seriously frilly clothing inside, as the 19th century aesthetic appeals to me, I was intrigued, so I felt I had to take a closer look.”

Since then, he has been exploring & celebrating the movement & its styles. “It really has surprised me, it draws its influences from many diverse sources. It’s not costume, it’s not strictly historical & it also pulls against most high-street trends. It is truly of its own universe. And that’s awesome.” Shoots have included an interview with Kanon Wakeshima & coverage of the famous BtSSB Tea Party in Paris. Another memorable shoot involved filming a fabulous make-over on a vintage Dutch barge in Henley-on-Thames.

He also enjoys attending meet-ups & collaborating with Lolitas (& their male counterparts, the “Kodonas”.) “The Lolita community is disarmingly down-to-earth, practical & friendly, which the public sometimes finds surprising.”

Francesco is collaborating with talented undergraduate film-maker Lewis Wood to film the Lolita attractions at HYPER JAPAN and to provide the event with official coverage. “We’re both chuffed to bits about filming here! It’s a unique, vibrant festival on what’s fantastic about Japan. it’s great to be able to contribute to it!” Their Lolita footage will also be shown at their forthcoming Lolita extravaganza studio-event “Realities of Fantasy LIVE!”, in Staffordshire this Easter. “We’d love this event to be huge, indulgent & also involve the community as a whole. Look out for it on facebook!”

Francesco & Lewis will be present at HYPER JAPAN with specially furnished seating area to capture Lolitas with their co-ordinates & anecdotes. “Come find us! We’re bringing a sumptuous chez lounge & of course, our eccentric mascot - Press Cat!”

Lewis Wood

A final year Film student at Staffordshire University, Lewis is currently studying lighting techniques in film to help further his career in the British Film Industry, and to help perfect the skills needed in making extraordinary moving images.

From a young age he has drawn inspiration from the innovative approaches to film-making used in Japanese cinema. Film-makers like Akira Kurosawa, Beat Takeshi and Hayao Miyazaki continue to influence him in his film-making. Lewis is also passionate about anime, retro video games and Godzilla.

This year Lewis will be collaborating with Francesco ‘Telegothika’ Calvano to produce the official video coverage for the Hyper-Japan event, as well as working on the ‘Realities of Fantasy’ Lolita fashion event in Easter as the Lighting designer and camera operator.

At the event Lewis is looking forward to exploring a variety of J-culture activities, as well as filming Natsuko Aso live using contemporary camera techniques to present the performance with a fresh and exciting approach.