Well maybe not instant but you won’t be waiting years for my films. What the hell am I talking about? For those unaware, I recently filmed a Super Heroine parody called IRON GIRL for which I ran an indiegogo campaign to raise the funds to pay for it. See this post for the details.
Lately, crowd sourcing has had some controversy concerning big name celebrities jumping in. People who could fund their own projects or ask wealthy friends or colleagues. I’m not going to debate if this is right or wrong but it’s worrying the smaller no budget campaigner.
I want to talk about something else that should be more of a worry to artist’s struggling to raise money for their dream projects. The fact that when your campaign is successful FINISH THE DAMN PROJECT IN A TIMLEY MANNER!
Years ago, before trying my own projects I contributed to two campaigns. The first was STRIPPED: THE COMIC DOCUMENTARY the other was MAN-CHILD by Ryan Koo creator of the popular filmmaking site nofilmschool.com . Stripped goal was $58,000 and reached $109,025, double the amount. Man-Child made $125,100. $10,000 more than it’s target. Both campaigns ended on September 23, 2011. Two years have past and still no sign of the finished product.
Now the guys doing Stripped have been good at keeping everyone updated. They also look like they are putting together something really special but seriously, two years and a second campaign for more money and still not done! I have given up on Ryan ever filming Man-Child as I think he has spent all the money on a short film to sell the idea of a bigger feature film.
Another project I was keen to fund was NEIL GAIMAN’S THE PRICE. I came across this campaign a few months after it ended. It had made $161,774. This was $11,000 more than it’s goal. The campaign ended on December 1, 2010. Yes almost 3 years later and he is still working on his short film. I’m glad I missed funding that project.
Don’t think that I am just bad mouthing these people. It’s clear these 3 campaigns are passion projects for clearly talented people who have unique visions. This is why I was attracted to them in the first place. But they are leaving people questioning contributing to future campaigns. That’s far worse than a celebrity asking for money.
Yes filmmaking is hard and what can go wrong will go wrong. But you also made a promise to the people who gave their money and trust. What I originally liked about crowd sourcing was that struggling individual artists with no other means can raise the cash to make their film. The big problem is the struggling artist is not prepared to make the film they promised. Are they skilled in budgeting, time management, people skills?
Behind the veneer of a great idea may not be the romantic vision of a talented genius with a brilliant work ethic. But the stereotypical insecure, anxiety riddled, malnourished bum that is unable to keep a regular job.
A bit extreme but you get the point. When I launch my campaigns I like to give an estimate of when they will receive their perks and the final film. Then by all means necessary, deliver what I promised. If you don’t then do you seriously think people will fund your future projects?
So if a well known celebrity with a studio ready to make their film asks for money. At least you know the film will get made.
Speaking of films being finished on time and budget, here are some stills from my latest epic.
THE SUPERVIXENS 