We are cheerleader for artists & creatives. We create an award winning documentary series and help people understand the inside of Creative Industry. Bringing people together one story at a time.
This film is dedicated to all Artists and people with dreams who create their own path.
We are making...
A Documentary Film about the life of three Asian Female Theatre artists of international backgrounds who moved to NYC to pursue their dream to be on the Broadway stage.
This documentary addresses
* Lack of API representation on Broadway (Commercial Theatre)
* Path of immigrant artists
* Creating sustainable Theatre Industry
Why does this matter?
The number of arts and culture jobs across the United States is 5.2 Million.
Since the pandemic...
1) 63% of Arts Workers experienced unemployment & 95% lost creative income.
2) BIPOC Arts Workers had higher rates of unemployment than white artists.
3) Anti-Asian hate crime rate increased by 339%.
2018-19 theater season (the last full season prior to the pandemic shutdown)
1) White narratives were centered with white actors playing 80% of the lead roles in musicals and 89.7% of lead roles in play.
2) Actor’ Equity Association (AEA) had membership restrictions for performers who are not U.S. citizens or do not have a green card. (It was removed in April 2021)
WE CANNOT AFFORD TO GO BACK to "Normal". Let's build back better Creative Industry.
Who We Are...
"Dear Asian girls" is produced by Yuko Kudo and Untapped Storytellers.
Untapped Storytellers is a cheerleader for artists & creatives. We create an award winning documentary series and help people understand the inside of Creative Industry. Bringing people together one story at a time.
[Cast]
Shino Frances (She/Her, They/Them), Cinderella Mayo (She/Her), Jessica Wu (She/Her)
[Creative Team]
Yuko Kudo (She/Her) - Producer, Director, Editor
Michael Cutrone (He/Him) - Post Production Consultant
Ko Tanaka (He/Him) - Music Arrangement
Yuko's Story...
I move to the United States in 2003, when I was 19 years old as an immigrant. I am 4'10", Japanese and an Actress who look like 12 on stage. I was casted often for stereotype Asian characters like Harajuku girl, tech hacker or one of the Asian people in the background to set up the scene. I felt like I wasn’t really seen for who I am. But every job felt like a privilege for me even when it was little or no pay. Because that was still opportunities that I could add to my Visa application or “exposure” could possibly get me somewhere in the future. I took it because I was a part of “paying the due” And I did that for over a decade and while I was juggling survival jobs.
I quit auditioning in 2017 and I've been curating space for artists and developing my own work. I self-produced three sold out solo shows, including during the Pandemic. In February 2021 a group of us produced the digital hybrid theatre called ”I Came Here To Be Love". that was 100% community funded and all creative team were paid equitably. I am an advocate for artists and human centered culture building. I want to live in the world where people feel seen and heard. I want to make sure that people that I work with are getting paid for their labor and their time is respected as an artist. I want us to see that artists are people first just like you and I. We are all artists in our unique way. And when we come together, we can all heal together. And we need healing right now. Big time.
WHAT WE NEED
Essential Goal $8,000 WE DID IT!!!!
To Complete the Film & Submit Film Festivals
This will cover Artist's Fees, Post Productions, Festival Submission Fees.
Stretch Goal $10,000
To Complete the Film + Music Video & Submit Film Festivals
This will cover Artist Fees, Post Production, Film Festival Submissions
Music Video "Just Be You" (Original Theme Song) will give us the chance to spread love for artists and AAPI community.
Risk and Challenges
- Artists continue to work for “labor of love” or reduced rate
- Lack of awareness for anti-AAPI hate continues
- Lack of awareness and support for creators of color.
- There won’t be a music video!
Thank you!
Thank you for helping us make the creative industry where artists get paid properly, more people of color are recognized as makers of art and a world where hate-crime doesn’t exist. This film will remind you that we are all people with dreams and passions.Whether that is you sharing this campaign, or donation of $5 or $5000, thank you for helping us spread love and support artists.
Looking forward to sharing this film with you.
Love and light xoxo
Contact Us
[email protected]
www.UntapptedStorytellers.com
