We’ve been growing up in an ever-increasingly digital age with technological innovations and advances always around the corner. Now, the entertainment industry is becoming more and more influenced by the Internet. YouTube stars such as Wong Fu Productions and NigaHiga are examples of how the Internet and the entertainment industry have converged in recent years.
Wong Fu Productions, an independent production company mainly known for their YouTube channel WongFuProductions, has been creating videos and posting them on the internet since 2003. In 2006, they made a transition to making short films as well as movies.
Throughout their careers, the people behind Wong Fu Productions have been hired to make movies by companies such as AT&T and Subaru. They are currently in the process of producing their first full-length movie, according to their online website.
Wong Fu Productions has created numerous short films over the years, with some such as “The Spare,” “At Musing’s End,” and “A Peace of Home” that have been featured at film festivals. In 2009, they released a mockumentary titled “Poser!” that focused on the origins of the peace sign.
NigaHiga is another YouTube channel that has participated in films. Ever since 2008, the main faces behind NigaHiga, Ryan Higa and Sean Fujiyoshi, have created and acted in their own movies. Some of the films they have taken part in include “Ryan and Sean’s Not So Excellent Adventure” and “Ninja Melk.” Both NigaHiga and Wong Fu Productions took part in a film called “Agents of Secret Stuff.”
Besides movies and films, both of these YouTube channels have participated in other areas of the entertainment business, including television and music. Wong Fu Productions was hired by Taiwanese pop singer Wang Leehom in 2011 to direct a music video for his song, “Still In Love With You.” Higa has guest-starred on an episode of “Supah Ninjas,” acting as DJ Elephant Head.
More and more Internet-based entertainers are slowly making their way into the real entertainment field. With people such as those behind Wong Fu Productions and NigaHiga leading the way, the entertainment industry is sure to become widely influenced by the Internet.