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During this coming season of fund-raising pleas, the deaf and hard of hearing are often overlooked. But imagine what it is like not to be able to hear the sounds we associate with the holidays, not to mention the popular songs that form the background music of our day-to-day lives. Please allow me to introduce Michael Chase DiMartino, a Brooklyn, NY resident who has become something of a celebrity among the nation's deaf communities with his American Sign Language (ASL) Music Videos.
Chase began interpreting popular music for the hearing impaired, and posting his videos to YouTube early this year. His interpretation of her song, "Womanizer,"
Chase does not simply sign the words to the songs. These videos are not closed captioned. They are specifically crafted to visually demonstrate the rhythm, tone, texture, and mood of the songs. New media make it possible to combine the artistry of Chase's movements with graphic imagery and visual enhancements to create revolutionary ASL interpretations, allowing the deaf and hard of hearing to see the musicality in each song.
In addition, the videos have increased awareness of ASL among the hearing population, since they're well produced and fascinating to watch. You can see samples of Chase's recent ASL interpretations of pop music by other, diverse artists on his YouTube page: http://www.youtube.com/
Chase's two original music videos, which will be funded via Kickstarter.com, will surpass his previous work in originality an quality. They will be submitted to the first "World Deaf Laser Party" in Norway next year, a dance event that includes musicians interpeted by sign language, a disc jockey, video jockey, aroma jockey, and other events for the deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing alike. Chase will be among the sign language interpreters at the event.
Please visit http://www.kickstarter.com/
Why is the money given called a "pledge"?
They're pledges because money is collected only if a project reaches or exceeds its funding goal before time expires. If a project's funding goal is $5,000 and only $4,999 is pledged when time expires, no money is collected. Zip, zero. Also, no rewards will be delivered. No funding, no rewards. Everyone walks away as if nothing happened. We would, of course, like this project to happen,a nd urge you not only to pledge, but to ask your friends to do so as well.
Right now, one week into the two month funding period, Chase has raised one fifth of his $5000 goal. The marketing process operates by word of mouth, like the old shampoo commerical - you tell two friends, and they tell two friends, and so on, and so on -- but with the added ease and efficacy of e-mail and social marketing communication. Tell all your facebook friends and your entire e-mail list in one fell swoop.
All the information you need to know about how to pledge, along with samples of Chase's work and frequent updates are available at http://www.kickstarter.com/
Michael Chase DiMartino makes an excellent, well-spoken and attractive guest on television talk shows. He has recently interpreted for New York's Fashioin Week, the MIX Experimental Film Festival, and is available for interviews in the New York City area.
