Singapore-based entertainment tech startup BlockPunk recently presented the U.S. premiere of Vevara in Your Dream during Anime Expo in Los Angeles. The first feature by innovative, up-and-coming director syo5 (“Shogo”) was self-produced at the Tokyo University of the Arts, and is being distributed by BlockPunk in collaboration with leading indie anime studio Arch Inc.
What makes the project unique is that it is pioneering the use of blockchain tokens in anime content distribution. A limited quantity of 500 tokens are available at $15 USD each or the equivalent in Ether crypto currency. These video tokens entitle the owner to the streaming version of the movie, along with exclusive extras such as the director’s audio commentary, production artwork and designs for the film, and the chance to win an exclusive artwork from the director himself for one lucky token holder.
Once the tokens have sold out, each token is tradeable on the BlockPunk platform with a percentage going back to the creator. The video is protected with industry-standard DRM and recorded on blockchain to protect the creators rights.
“Anime fans buy Blu-ray box sets in order to support their favorite creators, however only a tiny percentage actually goes back to the creator. With this model, fans can now buy video directly from their favorite creator, and know that the majority will go back to the source. In addition, they get access to exclusive extras and have the ability to resell in a digital format, all secured on blockchain,” said Julian Lai-Hung, BlockPunk’s founder. “Our goal is to uncover new anime voices and talent from Japan to share with the world and we are thrilled to be able to support syo5 and Studio Arch with this amazing debut movie.”
“It’s a delight to work with syo5 and BlockPunk on this unique collaboration. I’m very keen to see how blockchain can help create new connections between creators and fans across the world,” said Nao Hirasawa, founder and CEO of studio Arch Inc.
“I’m very excited to share my film at Anime Expo and meet with fans from around the world. I hope you enjoy the movie and get some insight into how it was made through the artwork bundled with the movie,” said syo5.
Vevara in Your Dream is available to purchase on BlockPunk here.
Synopsis: In her dream, Sana meets Vevara — a creature who paints pictures on the ground with a cane. What becomes a nightly rendezvous brings her deeper into a fantasy world. It’s strange, but fun. One day her dream clashes with reality, producing a nightmare with some bad memories. Vevara steps in to help …
