It’s one thing when young filmmakers are going to Kickstarter to try and get their movies funded, but many found it amazing that Veronica Mars was brought back to life with the help of the site as well.
Money’s often tight in Hollywood, and the entertainment business will often take cash wherever they can get it. So it’s not surprising to see major players in the entertainment world going to Kickstarter as well.
So now that the Veronica Mars movie has met its goal, show creator Rob Thomas has talked to Entertainment Weekly about what it’s like to work with Kickstarter. First off, Thomas is amazed he hit the goal of $2 million in less than a day.
“I never expected to hit $2 million in however many hours we did – 10?,” Thomas said. He figured they’d hit the goal a week or two in, but “the tidal wave” that happened, “I was not prepared for [that] at all.”
Thomas added, “We only get to count the money that we have after we fulfill rewards, and the rewards could be expensive because we are giving really good packages, so we’re losing a lot off the top.”
Still, Kickstarter got Mars going again, and it has a lot of people hopeful that more genre favorites could come back with ‘Starters help. Joss Whedon of course knew he’d be asked about Firefly being resurrected via ‘Starter, but he’s going to be busy with Avengers 2 for the next two years.
And now that Kickstarter got the $2 million Thomas needed, he’s going to be taking director’s guild-minimum to make the film. “NO one is getting big upfront money,” Thomas added. “Trust me Kristen [Bell] is not getting paid close to her quote, or anywhere near. We’re all working for labor of love prices.”
Very noble indeed, and I’m sure the fans will love Thomas and the gang for it. Of course the question had to be asked, what show would Thomas love to see resurrected by Kickstarter? “If they wanted to Kickstarter a Freaks and Geeks movie, I would be first in line. I want the maximum package.”
Ya hear that Judd Apatow? There may be hope for one of the greatest shows that died an early tragic death as well. Imagine if Freaks and Geeks and Firefly finally came back from beyond with the help of Kickstarter. You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one…
