Arcanum Productions :: Amerika: a notebook in three parts

	Mika Johnson Director & Writer Ohio native Mika Johnson is an accomplished filmmaker/photographer and holds a B.A. in Film and Religious studies from Oberlin College. Having already directed a documentary (Lake Street USA) and two independent short films while living in Japan and the Czech Republic (The Mountain of Signs, Yonder), Mika anticipates directing his first feature length motion picture AMERIKA: a notebook in three parts, a film loosely based on his wife and collaborator Kaori Mitsushima. He currently lives and works in New York City as a photographer, videographer, and video editor.
	Honey S. Lapcharoen Writer & Script Supervisor Honey S. Lapcharoen is a writer, editor, and artist from Silver Spring, Maryland. She holds a B.F.A. and M.A. in Art Photography and Arts and Humanities Education respectively, and is currently writing her Ph.D. on the work of Japanese American artist Roger Shimomura through New York University's Art Education and Visual Culture department. While working for a New York City-based magazine, she interviewed Mika Johnson regarding his independent film Yonder, and thereafter became a writing editor for AMERIKA.
	Robbie Schneider Webmaster & Technical Advisor Robbie Schneider, an Ohio native and alumnus of Ohio University, holds a B.A. in Communications. As a visual artist and composer, he combines a wide array of multimedia to shape imaginative landscapes; his creative work juxtaposes memories, dreams, and hallucinations against the backdrop of everyday life. Robbie brings his exceptional expertise to AMERIKA, operating as both webmaster and technical producer.
	Kaori Mitsushima Actress, Art Director & Web Designer Kaori Mitsushima is a visual artist, musician, and actress from Tokyo, Japan. After studying Japanese painting at Wako University and completing three music albums, Kaori moved to Europe in 2004, where she worked with her husband, Mika Johnson, on AMERIKA, developing the story of "Kat," the main character. While living in Prague, Kaori worked for Bohemia Models acting in commercials and modeling for print advertisements. Besides contributing greatly to the script and portraying "Kat," Kaori will also operate as a web/graphic designer and art director for AMERIKA.
	Shiho Kozaki Makeup Artist Shiho Kozaki was born in Fukuoka, Japan. She has worked as a freelance makeup artist for many fashion shows, photo shoots, and concerts, as well as a beauty advisor at VECUA. She relocated to New York City and began working as an assistant makeup artist for New York's Fashion Week, and was involved in the production of various television commercials, independent films, and music videos. Shiho joins AMERIKA as the Makeup Specialist. She is specifically interested in the challenge of bringing the historical and contemporary styles and character fashions of AMERIKA to the screen.
	Signe Yberg Costume Designer Signe Yberg is a Fashion Stylist and Costume Designer based in Brooklyn, New York. She received her BA in Art History from New York University (minoring in Cinema Studies and Italian), where she perfected her appreciation of color, form, and design within the narrative setting. Her costume design credits include the films The Listening Dead and Far Out, as well as numerous music videos. Signe joins the AMERIKA production as its costume designer.
	Justin Evans Sound Justin Evans is an expatriate who has resided in Berlin, Germany for eight years. He received his B.A. from St. Mary's College, California, and is currently working towards a second degree in Media and Computing. Since 2004, Justin has operated White Admiral Recordings, and has acted as a performer and engineer for eight albums, including projects for Voco, The Fabulists, and Trailhead. He is now involved with a post rock punk band called "The Knower and The Known." His family has deep roots in American history, including an ancestor who signed the Declaration of Independence. Justin joins the AMERIKA staff as a sound engineer.
	Erika Satomi Public Relations Coordinator Hailing from the Gumma Prefecture, Japan, filmmaker Erika Satomi relocated to the U.S. and studied Photography/Film at Santa Monica College, also volunteering for the L.A. Film Festival while she was a student. She later transferred to Hunter College, NYC where she is currently a Filmmaking/Art History student. She is interested in East Asian cinema, and female directors such as Maya Deren and Chantal Akerman. Erika has interned with Nippon TV International Corporation in New York City, working as a research and production assistant. Erika joins the Arcanum Productions staff as a Public Relations Coordinator.