Help David Build Japan's First TTRPG Studio

(Brilliant Quest Season Two Cast)

Dear Family, Friends, and Supporters,

In June of 2020, I made a life-changing decision to shift gears from performing to creating. It was during this time that I birthed the concept of my Dungeons & Dragons show, Brilliant Quest. Since then, I've poured my heart and soul into crafting immersive storytelling experiences through two actual play D&D shows: Brilliant Quest and Brilliant Quest EXPATdition.

(Filming the First Episode of Brilliant Quest in 2020)

As I delved deeper into the world of TTRPG (Table Top Role Playing Game) actual play shows, I discovered an ever-growing market in America, where such productions reign supreme on platforms like Twitch. However, here in Japan, this market remains largely untapped. For nearly four years now, I've dedicated myself to becoming one of the pioneers in this field, aiming to bring the joy of TTRPG storytelling to audiences across Japan.

Creating and producing these shows isn't just a job for me—it's my passion. Despite juggling full-time responsibilities as a manager at one of Tokyo's most popular gay bars, I've taken on the roles of filmmaker, editor, and promoter, all while tirelessly pursuing my dream of owning a Dungeons & Dragons-themed cafe and studio right here in Tokyo.

(Finale of Brilliant Quest Season 1)

Brilliant Quest has been a labor of love for over three years, now airing its second season, while Brilliant Quest EXPATdition is wrapping up its inaugural season. However, I've been shouldering the burden of production costs alone, including equipment, editing fees, and studio rentals. As a result, I'm currently renting a temporary studio space 2-3 times a month, incurring significant personal expenses.

But now, I'm ready to take the next leap forward. I want to build my own studio—a dedicated space where I can unleash my creativity and bring my vision to life. This means upgrading our equipment, purchasing essential studio gear, and covering initial rental fees.

I've never been one to ask for help very often, but I've come to realize that even the most successful entrepreneurs often rely on the support of their community to get started. So today, I humbly ask for your assistance in turning my dream into reality.

Your generous contributions will go directly towards securing a new studio space, upgrading our equipment, and covering essential startup costs. Every dollar brings me closer to building Japan's first actual play TTRPG studio.

Here's a breakdown of the costs involved in making this dream a reality:

Monthly rent for the studio space.

Typically, landlords in Japan require a deposit equivalent to 1-2 months' rent as security.

In Japan, it's common for landlords to require a guarantor, and there may be a fee associated with this service.

This fee covers the cost of obtaining keys and may vary depending on the landlord or rental agency.

Cost of designing and building a custom gaming table for the studio.

Budget allocation for studio lighting equipment, such as LED panels or softboxes.

Cost of purchasing a new camera for recording sessions in the studio.

Budget allocation for microphones, audio interfaces, and other equipment to ensure high-quality sound recording.

Budget allocation for furnishing the studio space, including chairs, tables, shelves, and decor items.

Monthly or annual subscription fee for professional video editing software.

Total: Approximately 526,000 - 576,000 yen

With this in mind, we've set a fundraising goal of 5,000 USD. This ambitious target not only covers our anticipated expenses but also allows for a comfortable cushion, providing us with a reassuring security blanket for the first few months of rent and operational expenses. Your generous contributions will make a monumental difference in helping us achieve our objectives and establish a high quality studio here in Japan.

Thank you for believing in me and supporting my journey. Together, we can create something truly remarkable—an inclusive space where adventurers of all backgrounds can come together to embark on epic quests and forge unforgettable memories.

With heartfelt gratitude,

David Black

Brilliant Quest Creator

Watanabe Entertainment Professional Comedian

AiiRO CAFE Assistant Manager