ARCADE: THE LAST NIGHT AT CHINATOWN FAIR
ARCADE: THE LAST NIGHT AT CHINATOWN FAIR is a feature documentary about New York's famed arcade Chinatown Fair. After nearly half a century of being open Chinatown Fair suddenly closed after receiving an unexpected eviction notice, echoing the fate of many small businesses in New York City. The arcade is yet another NYC landmark to be lost. Filmed during Chinatown Fair's last moments, the movie captures the diverse community that called the arcade home. Interviews with the arcade regulars reveal a history and subculture full of surprising stories and amazing characters. ARCADE is being directed by Kurt P. Vincent at Fish Market Studios in Brooklyn, New York with help from producer Irene K. Chin. CLICK HERE TO PLEDGE & HELP FUND THIS PROJECT |
INTERVIEW WITH DIRECTOR KURT VINCENT
1. Tell us a little about yourself, where you're from. what inspired you to make films, etc? My name is Kurt Pierson Vincent. I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and grew up in Columbus, Ohio. Tim Burton inspired me to make films. An underground surf movie called, The Seedling, made me realize I could make movies, that it was within my reach. There was just this one guy filming by himself-- I had never seen that before. |  |
2. Usually, an "independent"-anything has some form of extra income, or a "day job" if you will. Do you balance a 9-5 while working on film projects as a secondary means for support? I do freelance video editing and production. But if our Kickstarter project is successful, I will dedicate myself full time to Arcade. |  |
3. In the feature video/trailer that is currently online, you mention "A couple more months of shooting to do". Since Chinatown Fair is officially closed for business, what/where will you be filming? The long time manager of CF and one of the best gamers in the country, Henry Cen, is currently in the process of opening up his own arcade, Next Level, located in Brooklyn's Chinatown. We plan on doing some more filming there and document the transformation of the gaming scene in NY as it relocates to Next Level. We have more interviews with principle characters in the gaming scene as well. Any hint as to what principle characters (from the gaming scene) we'll be seeing? Definitely Henry Cen, who grew up across the street from CF. Began as an avid customer, became a quarter kid (giving change to customers), learned how to repair machines, and then became manager. Henry is dedicated to keeping the community alive, and an important part of the scene. He is a really smart and funny guy. A true New Yorker. His character will be seen throughout the entire movie for sure. We are planning an event for Kickstarter backers at his new arcade Next Level on May 25th....it will be a great party |  |
4. In 2009, you produced a film entitled "Out of Place", about the surfing community of Cleveland, Ohio. What compelled you to now work on a project of an entirely different nature? Arcade Culture. While having entirely different contexts, both films are actually similar in that the community is really positive and passionate and somewhat on the margin. |  |
5. You've won several festival titles, including three "official selections" with the aforementioned film. From what we've seen of "Arcade" thus far, we are confident it will get picked up. What specific festivals will you be promoting "Arcade" to? Our big goal is to premiere at SXSW, and with the help of some potential sponsors, set up a vintage arcade and have a game tournament there. Also, Sundance, and Hot Docs. |  |
6. It is well known that arcades have been losing an uphill battle with home consoles, for years. Why is it important that the arcade "scene" stay alive? why should people care about this film? The arcade scene is a place for gamers to come and practice and hang out with their friends. As a long time CF habitue and the associate producer of the film said, "It's the only place where you can come and really be yourself". It also serves as a forum where serious competitive gamers can train and compete. Arcade cultured died out most places, but because of CF's unique position in NYC, being accessible to all reaches of the five boroughs, and it's history of putting out some of the best gamers of all time, it has stuck around for over fifty years. It was an important place to many people and needs to be preserved in NYC and gaming history. |  |
7. You started a fundraiser for the film. The goal is $20,000, with 28 days left to succeed. What happens to this project if you do NOT raise the full $20,000 in the given time frame?. We will look for another way of funding- maybe grants. The production will go on somehow. CLICK HERE TO PLEDGE & HELP FUND THIS PROJECT |  A $50 pledge gets you this shirt, DVD of the film & a thank you credit in the movie! |
8. You mention "competitive gamers training and competing". How do you feel about the tournament scene, and international events like CEO in Orlando FL, or Shadowloo Showdown in Australia ? I am amazed by the tournament scene. Before filming I had no idea there was such important competitions. It just never occurred to me that these games were so complex that they could be mastered in a way that warranted serious competitive platforms. It's crazy. If you watch any of the comps they are really exciting and you start to see different styles of play, much like athletic events. |  |
9. In their heyday titles like Mortal Kombat and Marvel vs Capcom were big time staples in any/every arcade. Is it disappointing to see their sequels "Mortal Kombat 9" / "Marvel vs Capcom 3" being released straight to home console? I am really disappointed. It shows little respect for the arcade and their community. But it is not surprising. Video game companies are in the business of making money. Not preserving culture. So I don't blame any of them, but it would have been really interesting if lets say MK9 was released only to arcades. It would have gotten a lot of buzz going around the few arcades around. Sort of like releasing a movie only in select cities resulting in word of mouth. But the bottom line a game like MK9 doesn't need that buzz or marketing. So it is just a shitty fact, that video game companies don't need arcades. |  |
10. Name your top ten (or top 5) all time favorite video games.. Ok, my top 5 video games are: 1. Goldeneye 2. Ms. Pac Man 3. Pole Position 4. Contra 5. Mario Brothers |  |