JET Progress

07/16/2025

FILMING CONTINUES FOR “WHAT DANCE AM I?”

JET Progress | Draqual Media to continue filming of WHAT DANCE AM I? this coming weekend. WDAI?, a film extolling “keen amateur” partner dancing, will resume filming of the dialog portion of the film, in which keen amateur dancer Trent Farow, played by multi-award-winning actor and keen amateur dancer Daniel S. Janik [STATIC (2021), THE MALTESE COLLECTION, FINDING KATE HAWAII, THE PERFECT ILLUSION, WINNOWING, OTOSOTO (On The Other Side Of The Universe), and AUDIENCE WITH A VAMPYRE), and keen amateur Hana Yamano-Farow, played by multi-award-winning actress and keen amateur dancer Sakura Kai aka Setsuko Tsuchiya [STATIC (2021), FINDING KATE HAWAII, WINNOWING, OTOSOTU (On The Other Side Of The Universe)and AUDIENCE WITH A VAMPYRE] recount the important role keen amateur dancing has played in their 30 years of life together.

The film easily divides into two parts: dialog and dance, both currently but separately in filming. Last week, preliminary shooting of the introduction was completed. The script (Revision 12) is now finalized and has undergone blocking and shot-listing in preparation for the filming of the 80 dialog scenes this coming weekend.

“WHAT DANCE AM I? is very close to my and Sakura’s hearts,” says Janik. “We’re both keen amateur partner dancers with primary interests in International-style ballroom and Latin dance.”

https://youtu.be/Lbr5oUB8SzA

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The JET Progress|Draqual Media's film WHAT DANCE AM I? was unique right from the start. First, it was a film lauding "keen amateur partner dance" rather than...

07/15/2025

THE FILMING OF “WHAT DANCE AM I?”

The JET Progress|Draqual Media production of WHAT DANCE AM I? recently began “on location” filming of select dialog scenes at the Honolulu Classical Ballet (HCB) studio. Primarily scenes to appear in the film’s introduction. While still an early version of the film’s proposed introduction – in that sense a spoiler (don’t watch if this is of paramount consideration) – we’ve chosen to pre-release an early version to thank HCB’s kind use of their studio and the hundreds of dancers who have spent part of their lives there in hope of becoming amateurs, “keen amateurs” and/or professionals.

A note of import: There are many films about professional dance. In contrast, WHAT DANCE AM I? is the story of two “keen amateur” partner dancers, in this case American and International-style Ballroom/Latin dance, for whom non-professional partner dance became an important and influential part of their lives. The film is meant to honor those thousands of non-professional partner dancers who, quite simply, dance for the joy of dance.

Starring Daniel S. Janik as keen amateur partner dancer Trent Farow, and Sakura Kai as keen amateur partner dancer Hana Yamano-Farow, it is interesting that the two actors have actually been a keen amateur dance partnership for over 20 years, carrying their experiences into their roles.

https://youtu.be/Lbr5oUB8SzA

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The JET Progress|Draqual Media's film WHAT DANCE AM I? was unique right from the start. First, it was a film lauding "keen amateur partner dance" rather than...

07/02/2025

ANOTHER FILM FESTIVAL WIN!

THINK about AUDIENCE WITH A VAMPYRE and what immediately comes to mind? Vampyres? Vampires? An outspoken satire? A dramatic mystery art film with a totally suprise ending? Or a multi-award-winning film that’s received over 24 individual international film awards from such prestigious film festivals as San Francisco Art House Short Festival, San Diego International Film Awards, Chicago International Filmmaker Awards, Hawaii International Film Awards, South Film and Arts Academy Festival (Chile), Dublin Movie Awards, Rotterdam Independent Film Festival, Bangkok Movie Awards, Indian Independent Film Festival, Kollywood International Film Festival (India)? All true.

But as of today, 2 July 2025, make it the WINNER of the Kodaikanal International Film Festival (India) with an accumulated current total of 31 INDIVIDUAL INTERNATIONAL FILM AWARDS including BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM, BEST NARRATIVE FILM, BEST SATIRE, BEST HORROR FILM, BEST FILM ON RELIGION, BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM, BEST PRODUCER, BEST DIRECTOR, BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY, BEST EDITING, BEST ACTOR, BEST ACTRESS, BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR, BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS, BEST ENSEMBLE ACTING, BEST MAKEUP and BEST POSTER! Congratulations to crew and cast Daniel S. Janik, Sakura Kai, William Maltese and Pam Hoffman.

AUDIENCE WITH A VAMPYRE can be purchased, collected or gifted on DVD from the JET Progress Store at https://jetstore.yolasite.com/ or streamed internationally from the JET Cinema (https://jetcinema.yolasite.com/). Happy viewing. NOTE: Showing vampyre/vampire teeth while viewing permitted.

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06/28/2025

AUDIENCE WITH A VAMPYRE CAST RECEIVE MULTIPLE FILM FESTIVAL ACTING AWARDS

JET Progress Productions | Draqual Media’s infamous satirical art film AUDIENCE WITH A VAMPYRE cast, notably Daniel S. Janik, Sakura Kai, William Maltese and Pam Hoffman have already begun racking up cast awards in international film festivals including San Francisco Art House Short Film Festival; Chicago Filmmakers Awards; San Diego International Film Awards; The South Film and Arts Academy Festival (Chile); Rotterdam Independent Film Festival and the India International Film Festival. Awards include Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor; Best Supporting Actress; and Best Ensemble.

AUDIENCE WITH A VAMPYRE exalts Fallen Angel and Arch Vampyre Kendell Valiusa on the Vampyre Cable Network for his selection to the International Vampyre Federation Council with Satan, himself. During the audience, Kendell recounts history as he recalls it, leaving many viewers to ponder the difference between “his story” and history as is commonly known. An interview millennia in the making! Currently available internationally streamed via the JET Cinema (https://jetcinema.yolasite.com/) and on DVD (soon to include BluRay) from the JET Progress Store (https://jetstore.yolasite.com/).

https://youtu.be/0jQs2x_ur04

The official trailer for JET Progress | Draqual Media's production of AUDIENCE WITH A VAMPYRE, starring Daniel S. Janik as Fallen Angel and Arch-Vampyre Kend...

06/25/2025

FILMING OF “WHAT DANCE AM I?” PROCEEDS

WHAT DANCE AM I?, a film by JET Progress | Draqual Media is about the impact of keen amateur dancing. Yes, you heard it right: keen AMATEUR dancing. Starring Daniel S. Janik as Trent Farow and Sakura Kai as life and dance partner Hana Yamano-Farow, the filming is split into two parts: The story dialog, and 10 dances that reflect the storyline and demonstrate keen amateur partner dancing. Interesting note: Both Daniel and Sakura are, in fact, keen amateur dancers, and have been for over 20 years.

Coached and directed by world champion professional dancer, Albert Franz, one of the dance scenes, focused on Paso Doble, just finished filming and a Behind-The-Scenes (BTS) video vignette is now available at the WHAT DANCE AM I? website at https://www.danielsjanik.com/wdai.php. Also available to view FREE, alongside select other JET Progress | Draqual Media productions, trailers, teasers and BTS clips on YouTube starting with “WHAT DANCE AM I? – Filming a Dance Scene”

https://youtu.be/p0iGClbPjK4

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The JET Progress | Draqual Media production of WHAT DANCE AM I? is a dance art film in which Trent Farow (played by Daniel S. Janik) and Hana Yamano-Farow (p...

06/19/2025

WHAT MAKES A FILM CHARACTER A CHARACTER?

ONE major aspect of any film character is appearance. This is equally true for characters Trent Farow (played by multi-award-winning actor Daniel S. Janik) and Hana Yamano-Farow (played by multi-award-winning actress Sakura Kai). Currently in production, the JET Progress | Draqual Media film, WHAT DANCE AM I? is a dance art film in which two keen amateur dancers, reflect on the role that keen amateur dance has played in their lives.

Many have asked what an actor or actress goes through in terms of make up in order to develop a film character, as well as how to approach film make up in general. While each person will likely develop his or her own specific approach and style, in the audiovideo vignette “WHAT DANCE AM I? – Character Make Up” – https://www.danielsjanik.com/wdai.php – film stars Daniel S. Janik and Sakura Kai offer a peek at the makeup process. And, hey, an unforgetable character is a character! Ha, ha!

https://youtu.be/76Z0M4oPaXc

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The JET Progress | Draqual Media production of WHAT DANCE AM I? is a dance art film in which two "keen" amateur dancers, Trent Farow (played by Daniel S. Jan...

06/13/2025

MORE AWARDS FOR AUDIENCE WITH A VAMPYRE

THIS week was a particularly exciting one regarding film awards: JET Progress | Draqual Media’s production of AUDIENCE WITH A VAMPYRE received a quadruple of awards for (1) the BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM from the Hawaii International Film Awards; (2) both BEST HORROR SHORT and BEST SHORT ACTOR from the San Diego International Film Awards; and (3) BEST ACTOR from the Chicago Filmmakers Awards! Whoot! Whoot!

Now, an eleven-times international award winner, AUDIENCE WITH A VAMPYRE has received 23 individual international awards including FEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM; BEST NARRATIVE FEATURE FILM; BEST INDIE FEATURE FILM, BEST EXPERIMENTAL FILM; BEST MEDIUM LENGTH FILM; BEST HORROR SHORT; BEST DRAMA/THRILLER; BEST LEBTQ+ FEATURE FILM; BEST FILM ON RELIGION; BEST FEATURETTE; BEST SATIRE; BEST ACTOR; BEST ACTRESS; BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR; BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS; and BEST ENSEMBLE.

Have you seen a vampyre lately? The film has officially exited screening on YouTube, premiered on World Dracula Day at the JET CINEMA and is now available for streaming-viewing internationally at the JET CINEMA (https://jetcinema.yolasite.com/) , and for DVD viewing and gifting from the JET Progress Store (https://jetstore.yolasite.com/).

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06/11/2025

A FIVE-DOLLAR MOVIE? REALLY?

JET Progress Productions (aka JET Progress) has just opened JET CINEMA (https://jetcinema.yolasite.com/), where you can get a front seat for an internet-streamed JET Progress film anytime, anywhere. You choose. Only $US 5.00 for 24-hour viewing!

Currently offering AUDIENCE WITH A VAMPYRE starring Daniel S. Janik, Sakura Kai, William Maltese and Pam Hoffman – Complete 44 minute featurette, 16:9; Color; HD, English without captions. UNRATED. NO ADS COMMERCIALS! Requires internet. Fallen Angel and Arch-Vampyre Kendell Valiusa recounts his autobiography upon elevation to the International Vampyre Federation Council. History or His Story? A satire Millennia in the making. Winner of seven international film festivals including BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM; BEST DRAMA/THRILLER: BEST FILM ON RELIGION; BEST ACTOR, BEST SHORT ENSEMBLE CAST.

Also available at the JET CINEMA: OTOSOTU (On The Other Side Of The Universe) starring Daniel S. Janik, Sakura Kai, William Maltese and Pam Hoffman – Complete 40 minute short/featurette, 16:9; Color; HD; English without Captions. UNRATED. NO ADS/COMMERCIALS! Requires internet. A Sci-Fu (science-based futuring) Art Film about the nature of the human soul. Winner of twenty international film festivals including BEST SHORT; BEST SCIENCE FICTION SHORT; BEST SCREENPLAY; BEST SHORT ENSEMBLE CAST.

WINNOWING starring Daniel S. Janik and Sakura Kai – Complete 38-minute short 16:9; B&W; HD; English without Captions. UNRATED. NO ADS/COMMERCIALS! Requires internet. A mystery-drama art film about perseverance in which two actors stretch their acting abilities through multiple, live, screening auditions. Winner of nine international film festivals including BEST SHORT; BEST CONCEPT; BEST WRITER; BEST ACTOR, ACTRESS and SUPPORTING ACTOR; BEST ORIGINAL SCORE.

CLEAN WATER, COMMON GROUND starring Daniel Ko, Rick Eveleth, Roberts Leinau, Bob Cherry, Kawika Kalama and Gilbert Fooks. Also including Dave Penn, Kalani ‘Apuakenau and son, Alvin Char, Major Ron Borne, Tamara Carter, and Dr. Kimberly Clark. With cameo appearance by Daniel S. Janik. – Complete 29-minute short including studio discussion. 4:3; Color; HD; Engklish without Captions. UNRATED. NO ADDS/COMMERCIALS! Requires internet. A penetrating look at water quality in paradise. Winner of two TELLY AWARDs and three international film festival awards including BEST ENVIRONMENTAL SHORT; BEST NATURE SHORT; BEST CONTEMPORARY ISSUES.

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06/07/2025

A TECHNICAL MATTER

I have a video captured maybe 10 years ago and would like to use it in the JET Progress \ Draqual Media production of WHAT DANCE AM I? There are several problems, all involving digital Medium Manipulation Technology (MMT): First, the clip is quite old, meaning 720 p resolution, squarish, has barely any depth of field, and is not sharply focused. The result needs to be 1080 p, cinematic, have recognizeable depth of field and be quite sharp. Second, the central image melds into the background audience whose faces are often recognizeable. I want, instead to have the background blurred. In the past I’ve used iMovie for most of the film editing. Unfortunately iMovie doen’t adddress depth of field in old videos well until after introduction of the iPhone 14 “cinematic” clips, and, as the old clip is not green-screened, separating the central moving images from background to blur the background isn’t at all easy.

I recently discovered VideoProc Converter AI, which, within limitations, can upscale and sharpen; however, it doesn’t reframe from square to cinematic without distorting the central image, and, like iMove, can’t easily separate the central image from background to increase the depth of field. I then discovered HitPaw VicPea, which did a better job at upscaling, up-framing and sharpening; however, again, there was no easy way to separate a central video image from background. After a lot of research, I found that Final Cut Pro has “magnetic” masking, allowing one to address all of the above, but only with great difficulty. Will it separate not one but two central moving objects (two dancers dancing together) from the audience background? It seems possible. Will I actually accomplish my goal? You’ll have to watch this website or channel to find out, as even I don’t know yet.

Media manipulation technology (MMT) of video is still quite rudimentary and clumsy compared to still photographs , and far less than the adjective “AI” that is often added, implies. Still, it’s an exciting time to be an independent filmmaker. Take the successful TV-miniseries, FINDING KATE HAWAII which is actually all about MMT. In the film, a single program can product an entire film from a written set of characters and some plot information. Sound crazy? Screenwriter A. G. Hayes didn’t think so when he wrote the 2013-published book FINDING KATE, upon which the KS Media Group Inc production is based. And, yeah, I know because I played a cameo supporting role in the TV-miniseries.

https://postimg.cc/94Vjj7vj

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06/05/2025

MEDIUM OF DEATH: A TALK WITH RICHARD ROSE

LEST you wonder what we’re up to at JET Progress Productions behind-the-scenes regarding MEDIUM OF DEATH – currently in early preproduction – I’ve just had the pleasure of meeting over the phone with screenwriter Richard Rose (STATIC 2021) discussing the first revision, and, as you might expect when screenwriter meets with director and proposed lead actor, the “magic” begins. Having done a couple of read throughs with the proposed lead actress, Sakura Kai, everyone’s excitement arose as the screenplay came alive. More character depth here. More action there. More action, drama, suspense or mystery elsewhere! A counterpoint; more intrigue; more fun!

Awakening the muses is one of my most pleasant and rewarding jobs I have as director and lead actor. Inviting the gods and goddesses to imbue a “work on paper” with flesh and bones, ah, that I do so enjoy.

MEDIUM OF DEATH is is a supernatural mystery-drama about an unresolved death. Unresolved, that is, until now. And in it, spiritualist Oniko Kagayaki, ends up resurrecting a lot more than just an axe grind. Follow the film’s development from inception to the silverscreen at https://www.danielsjanik.com/medium-of-death.php.

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Screenwriter Richard Rose and Familiar

06/03/2025

CLOTHES MAKETH THE CHARACTER

WELL, partially, at the least. Add makeup and acting and you’ll have most of which it takes to create a character in a film or movie. Take WHAT DANCE AM I?, JET Progress | Draqual Media’s newest film, currently in late preproduction. As a dance film, it divides into two parts: the story dialog and the dance scenes. Of the anticipated eleven dance scenes is the Paso Doble.

Interestingly, (1) Paso Doble is a FRENCH interpretation of a Spanish bullfight; (2) it features the TOREADOR bullfighter’s actions rather than the matador’s, the matador’s job being to kill the bull; (3) the partner’s role is that of the toreador’s CAPE, not the bull as is often held. These and other interesting reference facts comes from the film’s authoritative dance reference book, “The Power of Dance” by Dr. Setsuko Tsuchiya PhD (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737643162), Dr. Tsuchiya being co-director of the film AND lead actress under her film pseudonym Sakura Kai.

Late preproduction recently transitioned to costuming, and Sakura Kai gladly took up needle and thread to serve as costume director. Please enjoy this clip of film costuming for the Paso Doble dance scene in WHAT DANCE AM I? And, hey, consider following the making of the film at https://www.danielsjanik.com/wdai.php.

https://youtu.be/XFmNk3EQmWw

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As the JET Progress | Draqual Media production of WHAT DANCE AM I? enters late pre-production, the issue of costuming for the dialog and dance scenes arises....

06/01/2025

ACTRESS SAKURA KAI TELLS ALL!

IT has been my distinct pleasure to knowing multi-award-winning dancer, somatic therapist, author and actress Sakura Kai over the years.

We first met at a YMCA dance, and have danced together as keen amateurs of American and International Ballroom and Latin dance ever since, performing and eventually competing in domestic and international competitions. JET Progress Production’s newest film, currently in late pre-production, WHAT DANCE AM I?, is, in fact, loosely based on our dance partnership. And now a reveal: What many don’t know is that Sakura Kai has been awarded the first PhD in Ballroom and Latin Dance Performance.

Sakura Kai, as Dr. Setsuko Tsuchiya has authored not one, but TWO popular books: IN SEARCH OF SOMATIC THERAPY and THE POWER OF DANCE, the latter serving as the primary reference for the film-in-progress, WHAT DANCE AM I?

Actress Sakura Kai began her formal acting career appearing in STATIC 2021, WINNOWING, OTOSOTU (On The Other Side Of The Universe) and AUDIENCE WITH A VAMPYRE, films which have collectively received over 89 international awards, including five BEST ACTRESS, 1 BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS and 2 BEST ENSEMBLE awards.

But what I’m excited about, is that Sakura Kai has launched a YouTube channel called “Actress Life” in which she shares her ups, downs and everyday experiences as an actress. With 10 video posts already available for viewing, won’t you join me in following Sakura Kai’s “Actress Life” (handle )?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugFd_1hLs8g&t

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An actress' life involved first script reads of new movies. The first script read is basically a group read, now by Zoom. The idea is to catch the script. La...