Monthly Archives: August 2011

Plants vs Zombie composer Laura Shigihara

Plants vs Zombie composer Laura Shigihara

Do you play video game Plants vs Zombies? Well, the music for the game is by composer Laura Shigihara. The part Japanese singer-songwriter did the whole original soundtrack for Plants vs Zombies including the ending credits song “Zombies on Your Lawn” in both English and Japanese. Not only has she worked on Plants vs. Zombies, but she’s also worked on over 25 published titles like Ghost Harvest, World of Warcraft, and Minesweeper. (She did the vocals for the Singing Sunflower pet in World of Warcraft: Cataclysm.) This video game musician is also working on her own RPG (role playing game) Melolune. Be on the look out for her game.

(Thanks to Mika for the tip.)

Plants vs Zombies Music – Ultimate Battle

Plants vs Zombies Piano Series by Laura Shigihara

More about composer Laura Shigihara
Laura Shigihara has been working as a freelance video game composer and sound designer since 2005. She’s created music and sound effects for over 20 published titles since then, ranging in genre from orchestral themes, to quirky uptempo boss battles, and even including songs featuring her own vocal tracks. Her most recent work was the soundtrack for the game “Plants vs. Zombies.” Laura has been a fan of video game music since the days of the original 8-bit Nintendo; a time when a composer didn’t have access to high-end production materials, and as a result, had to rely solely on their creativity and talents as a composer. Looking up to these composers, one of Laura’s strengths has always been her creativity. Her music has been compared to that of Yoko Shimomura and Yasunori Mitsuda in terms of style.

The Chosen One with Rob Schneider on Hulu

The Chosen One with Rob Schneider on Hulu

Last year, we saw the release of The Chosen One with Rob Schneider. One year later the film has hit Hulu. Here’s a synopsis of the film:

When beaten-down, down-on-life car salesman Paul Zadzik (Rob Schneider) decides that his life is meaningless, fate intervenes to put a new spin on things: A mysterious band of holy strangers appears at his door to tell him he’s got it all wrong. In fact, the entire world has been thrown out of balance, and they’re there seeking the Chosen One — the one soul who can set the universe right. The tribe traveled thousands of miles from their devastated homeland to proclaim that Paul is the spiritual leader they’ve been waiting for. Unwilling to accept this role, Paul finds himself on a comical journey of self discovery that leads him to eventually accept who he is and that the fate of humanity is in his hands. With no better plan, Paul begins keeping an eye out for his moment of destiny.

It’s not as much of a comedy as it is a feel good movie. This is not your typical Rob Schneider film. You can watch the film FREE below or download it from Chosen One.

The Chosen One with Rob Schneider on Hulu (contains profanity)

Smile Through the Madness by Spot & Ess

Smile Through the Madness by Spot & Ess

Rappers Spot & Ess dropped a synth induced track “Smile Through the Madness”. The duo keeps it real on the track talking about cheating girls and living a rough life in this cruel world. They’re able to cut through the chaos and still do what’s right. Smile Through the Madness. You can download the song FREE here.

Listen to more Spot & Ess : Man Enough to Admit It

Smile Through the Madness by Spot & Ess (contains profanity)

Help fund Casting Shadows

Help fund Casting Shadows

In our efforts to pursue the “American dream,” it is possible for us to become disconnected from a sense of community and personal heritage. CASTING SHADOWS is a short film that explores one Korean-American woman’s sense of isolation. The film focuses on how this woman, Lillian, engages her Korean identity through a folk tale passed down from her mother. Here’s more about the film:

Lillian, a Korean-American woman trapped in the day-to-day monotony of a suburban marriage, escapes to the fantasy of an old Korean folk tale. As she delves further into fantasy, she reconnects with a culture she had lost. In quiet despair to reconnect with her heritage, Lillian travels to a fantasy recreation of the Korean folktale her mother used to tell. However, can opening the door to a forgotten memory save her spirit or destroy a relationship with a man she loves?

CASTING SHADOWS blends Korean ink scroll painting inspired animation with live-action footage to distill the unspoken world Lillian wishes to create. What results is a hybrid story in content and form. Learn more about the film and help fund it here.

Casting Shadows Trailer

The Flying Machine with Lang Lang

The Flying Machine with Lang Lang

Produced to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Chopin’s birthday, The Flying Machine takes the eternally fascinating and affecting Études, and crafts a celebration of the role that music and dance play in our lives, especially in our first pre-teen steps into the adult world. The film stars pianist Lang Lang and Heather Graham, (with almost the entire score performed by Lang Lang!) Shot in stereoscopic 3-D, the movie blends live-action and stop-motion together. The Flying Machine is crafted for a multi-platform world with a feature film, about 25 independent short films (one for each of Chopin’s étude), an online game, live show and CD all to be released over the course of this year.

The Flying Machine with Lang Lang

China searches for the next Yao Ming

China searches for the next Yao Ming

Yao Ming may have retired, but there are thousands of young basketball players in China hoping to follow the footsteps of China’s greatest sporting superstar. Yao Ming’s former basketball coach with the Shanghai Sharks created a competing basketball camp to the Chinese government. With his more relaxed methods and emphasis on fun, he’s hoping to groom the next generation of basketball players not focused solely on winning. The next Yao Ming could be well on his way. We’re looking forward to it.

China searches for the next Yao Ming