Local band Beatnik Jr.'s career has taken a decidedly cinematic turn.

The minimal, electronic pop band's self-titled track will be featured Tokyopop's forthcoming film Van Von Hunter in Maiden Quest. Producer Steve Calcote describes the film as “the entirely true documentary of an evil vanquisher from the land of Dikay who loses his job and comes to the world of Hollywood, to learn about the secrets of entertainment, to learn about Japan and to learn how to save the universe.” The live-action movie is based on the popular comic series Van Von Hunter, which frequently lampoons popular anime and manga series.

Jordan Vernik, guitarist/producer/co-writer for Beatnik Jr., says that the song will be used in a pivotal moment in the film, which is currently in post-production.

“It's definitely what we're looking forward to doing,” says Vernik both of the Van Von Hunter project and of expanding their soundtrack work.

In keeping with this theme, Beatnik Jr. plays at Hollywood club King King tonight as part of Vignette, a bi-annual festival focusing on short films, including animated, documentary and experimental work. (The gig is unconnected to the band's work with Van Von Hunter)

Beatnik Jr. is currently working on a full-length album. Currently, the band has five tracks available on iTunes.

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