The Spirit of Tokusatsu: On Set with Dojo Studios

Have you ever wanted to be on set of a kaiju film?

Dojo Studios at G-FEST provides that opportunity annually, showcasing a brand new miniature set & set filming days every single time the convention rolls around. Being one of the few places the public can witness a tokusatsu production in the United States, these independent filmmakers volunteer their time and effort to continue the tradition and embody the spirit of the practical effects-laden films we all enjoy. Independent filmmaking is something Kaiju United loves, especially at the guerilla level, so it was an amazing chance to see a full take being captured, with live commentary on a microphone by one of the volunteers.

All photos and video provided are by Nick Crispino.

Did you get a chance to visit Dojo Studios this year? Their lineup of programming had so much to offer! It included panels such as a live costume build, select cosplayers giving tips and advice on how they constructed their costumes, and a special 10th anniversary reflection of Godzilla Battle Royale, an important fan film in the history of our community that was filmed in Dojo Studios!

Thank you, Dojo Team, for allowing us to come in and document your team in the wild!

For more G-FEST coverage, click here.

Author

  • Nick Crispino

    Nick is the kind of person who has a million interests but has no idea how to put them in order. However, out of all of them, his love for giant monster movies and nerd culture reign supreme. After watching his first Godzilla movie at the age of 5, Nick’s love for the Big G stuck with him throughout his entire life. So much so that in 2018 it drove him to create Kaiju Junkie, an Instagram fan page focusing on all things Godzilla and giant monsters. Not only has this page given him the opportunity to present panels at G-Fest 2022 & ’23 but it also allows him to connect with countless people who share the same love for giant monsters as he does. When he’s not geeking out over Godzilla you can find him playing video games, listening to his favorite music (mostly Rammstein and Gorillaz), or indulging in his creative personality with photography and video editing.

    View all posts Chief Operations Officer/Senior Editor

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