Sunday, February 26, 2017

This Week in Crowdfunding (2-26-2017)

By: Selina


Through “This Week in Crowdfunding,” you’ll find five of the best projects Trust the Dice found hosted on crowdfunding sights this week. These are Films/Web Series’/Shows of varying lengths and genres that we believe in. If you like any of the projects you see here, donate to them, tell your friends, and/or post it on social media.

These projects don’t just need money, they need people to care and spread the word that they exist.

Support creativity. Support indie artists.

Remember that every actor, director, writer, and movie you have ever fallen in love with had to start somewhere.

Trust the Dice does not, and will not, accept payment from project creators for
Appearance on this list. Projects are chosen solely on the merit of the idea,
proposal, and people involved.



5 – Under An Arctic Sky


Crowdsource Platform: Kickstarter
Director: Chris Burkard
Writer: Chris Burkard
Other Staff: Unknown
Amount Requested: $150,000
Current Standing (as of Saturday night): $80,997 raised by 1,510 backers.
Type of Goal: All or Nothing

I don’t have a huge amount of interest in surfing. In fact, the great wide ocean scares the hell out of me. I refuse to swim in it. (It probably doesn’t help that the closest beach is Coney Island and it’s absolutely gross pollution-wise. I get super creeped out. I’d much rather go into a pool and let the chemicals turn my hair orange.)

That being said, it’s impossible to ignore the trailer for Under An Arctic Sky. Not only is it crystal clear and absolute perfection – but the passion indicated in both the subjects and the eyes behind the camera is immediately apparent.

If I had even an iota of interest in surfing this film would be much higher on the list, it still wouldn’t be at number 1, but that’s not because of the project, that’s because of the actual Kickstarter page.

I feel like I know way too little about what they want me to give money toward. I’m guessing the page creator is the director and not just a producer. I’m guessing it’s a documentary and not some realistic drama. I have no idea who else might be involved in the project – I don’t even have the names of the surfing subjects. I wish I had more behind the scenes, and general, information.

The trailer makes me want to know so much more, and reading the rest of the page gave me a feeling I can only describe as blue balls.

Lowest Fund Reward: $1 – Thank You! – Thank you for your support! Every little bit helps.
Highest Fund Reward: $8,000 – 6-Day Iceland Photo Workshop – Travel with Chris to Iceland for an exclusive in-depth photo workshop over 6 days. Visit some of the locations where the film was shot, learn about photographing the northern lights and surfing in the Arctic. We will cover 7 extensive learning modules and end your trip with a portfolio review. All food/accommodation and travel are included. Flights to and from Iceland are not included. Dates & further details to be discussed at the conclusion of the Kickstarter campaign + poster/book/t-shirt/print/film (Film Bundle).

4 – Two Wait Alone


Crowdsource Platform: Indiegogo
Director: Sunny Perera
Writer: Jhad Francis
Other Staff: Brennan Pierce (Producer), Austin Crum (Director of Photography), Jon Birondo (Editor), Kirsten Norsworthy (Production Design), Thomas Farmer (Lead Audio), Noah Spencer (Composer), Sarah Shaw (Associate Producer), Cyrus Queen (Behind the Scenes), Truman Kohler-Katz (Assistant Director), Rebecca Buhrke (1st Assistant Camera), Adrian Glickman (2nd Assistant Camera), Rigoberto Raya Favela (Assistant Editor), Nathan Williams (Assistant Audio), Shannon Quillman (Assistant Production Design), Charles Quaas (Production Assistant)
Amount Requested: $900
Current Standing (as of Saturday night): $726 raised by 18 backers.
Type of Goal: Flexible

The amount of effort that went into breaking down exactly what the money requested would be used for, and when it would be used by, for Two Wait Alone is staggering. I was scrolling through this Indiegogo page for what felt like forever.

That’s not a bad thing in the slightest! If someone is asking for money from the public, they SHOULD be very clear about what exactly that money is for.

Transparency. I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: I’m all for it.

This is a student film associated with the University of North Texas. It’s very important to encourage students to create. There could very well be one among them that is the next Spielberg, Scorsese, or Kubrick.

In this case, the plot is also fascinating. I urge you to watch the trailer to see where the passion of the students comes in and what the story is.

Lowest Fund Reward: $2 – A Tweet Just For You! – We’re two steps closer to our goals! Your support means the world to us, and we can’t wait to show our gratitude in a shout out just for your.
Highest Fund Reward: $330 – Cover Location Costs – The apartment of Twp Wait Alone is written to be a character in itself. Our location requirements include: hard floors, large windows with a balcony for lighting, A/C control within the space for sound, potentially moving furniture out of location, and dressing the set (no furniture) as dusty. Includes featurette of BTS and crew interviews. – Items Included: Poster Signed by Cast & Crew, Link to Film, Twitter Shout Out!, Film Credit “Location Sponsor”, Featurette Video Link

3 – The Lone Drone


Crowdsource Platform: Indiegogo
Director: Vanessa Elliott
Writer: Vanessa Elliott
Other Staff: Rick Darge (Cinematographer), Nick Senft (Creative Producer), Fabianne Meyer (Casting Director), Benjamin Taylor (Composer), Brian Taylor (Sound Designer)
Amount Requested: $35,000
Current Standing (as of Saturday night): $405 raised by 4 backers.
Type of Goal: Flexible

Westerns are not my thing. I just never really got into the genre, but this one is a bit on the different side. There’s a modern twist with the introduction of a drone with AI. The idea of mixing periods or genres is one that is very close to my heart.

Simple Westerns will never be my thing. A Western/Sci-Fi…. well… that’s a whole different animal. I’d really like to see that.

Although this film doesn’t technically mix eras, there’s a certain taste of that general thought in the way T.O.D. escapes from his dilemma and arrives in a desert where he meets a girl that he bonds with. The mix of technologically advanced ideas and nature-bound lifestyles could easily give it that era-mix feel.

It’s kind of nice to see a rogue AI that doesn’t want to kill all humans, as well.

When you have a project like this that tackles an original, and new-ish, subject you wind up with the base knowledge that there won’t be a hell of a lot of tropes involved in the script… mainly because there aren’t many tropes to begin with. Films that tackle new subjects are going to be the films that CREATE tropes. Even as a short, this film could wind up influencing creators for years to come if it’s as good as it can be.

The writer/director is experienced, which is a very good sign that she may be able to accomplish what she wants from this project. She has a clear idea of the plot, the impact of the film, and the possible challenges she might face.

All-in-all, this film has a high chance of success if it’s funded.

The project is also working with Allies in Arts, which is a nonprofit organization that is willing to provide donation receipts to donors for use toward tax deductions.

Lowest Fund Reward: $10 – Way-Bill – Ah thank you for the help! As a token of our appreciation we’ll bring you into our newsletter where you can follow the journey, shout you out on social media and have TOD, the film’s drone lead, follow and engage with your social media. – Items Included: Newsletter Access, Social Media Shoutout, Online Friendship w/ drone.
Highest Fund Reward: $5,000 – Executive Producer – Donating $5,000 is a special gift for us. In addition to all other perks, you will receive an executive producer credit and invitation to spend a day on set in Los Angeles when we shoot the drone on green screen. With this kind of support we want you to in ways be a part and witness this project happen! – Items Included: All Previous Perks, Executive Producer Credit, Day on Set

2 – Agent 355


Crowdsource Platform: Kickstarter
Director: Lauren Armantrout
Writer: Lauren Kilbane
Other Staff: Sarah James (Producer), Taylor Smith (Line Producer), Peter Clark (1st Assistant Director), Aubree Buschert (Editor), Luke Dyra (Director of Photography), Bethaney McGowan (Production Design), Kelsey Cox (Costume Designer), BriElle Achterhof (Location Sound Mixer)
Amount Requested: $5,000
Current Standing (as of Saturday night): $770 raised by 9 backers.
Type of Goal: All or Nothing

I’ve seen many films about the little known female spies of the past. That said, none of them were a part of the American Revolutionary War. Most, actually, were from World War I or World War II. Just the fact that I’ve never seen a film on this particular historical story, makes it a valuable film to me.

Historical films are usually very strong with feels and a deep plot. Reality can often be stranger than fiction – as the saying goes – and watching historical films will almost always convince anyone of that fact.

Due to the fact that I have no knowledge of the story being used for Agent 355, I can’t guarantee that it will be as deep as I hope it is but other factors make it clear that this film has a high change for success. The trailer indicates a significant amount of interest and passion throughout those working on the film. The project is also very well laid out on the page from the goals to the plot to the schedule they hope to stick to.

Lowest Fund Reward: $5 – Join, Or Die – Whether you’re a Patriot or a Loyalist, it’s time to gather your arms and fight! Welcome to the Revolution. – Includes: Shout out on Facebook Page!
Highest Fund Reward: $1,000 – From 711 to 355 – Even General Washington himself congratulates you on your efforts. You have proved yourself a great asset to the cause. Thank You! – Includes: Shout out on Facebook page, Cast/Crew Photo modelled after Washington Crossing the Delaware, Cryptic spy letter thank you, DVD copy of Film with Bonus Features, Handmade Candle Prop, Movie Poster, Fake Oil Painting of Yourself, Executive Producer Credit, Personalized Puzzle.

1 – Inked


Crowdsource Platform: Indiegogo
Director: Haley Harmon
Writer: Haley Harmon
Other Staff: Kaitlyn Kilpatrick (Director of Photography), Spencer Campbell (Producer), Shannon Quillman (Production Designer), Jenni Johnson (Assistant Camera), Matthew Spellings (Assistant Director), Eric Dumios (Sound Designer), Ben Plauche (Gaffer), Gabby Hall (Script Supervisor), Joel Mendez (Behind the Scenes Photographer), Jhad Francis (Editor), Joseph De La O (Composer), Robert Tagliaferro (Executive Producer), Cao Dien (Color Grader)
Amount Requested: $700
Current Standing (as of Saturday night): $165 raised by 4 backers.
Type of Goal: Flexible

I am absolutely obsessed with this idea. It is the greatest, most original idea I’ve heard for a creative project in a very long time.

The world used in the movie is full of human beings that are born with the first thing their soulmate will ever say to them tattooed on their body. I’ve never seen or heard of anything remotely like that and I’m in love with the idea. Especially since it’s not always a unique line – Inked focuses on two characters and one of them is a girl with the word “yeah” tattooed on her. That means she hears the word her soul mate will greet her with every day… but not necessarily from him.

This is another University of North Texas film and there isn’t a damn thing to dislike about it. It’s unique and well thought out.

If I had to criticize anything, I’d say that it all goes back to the Indiegogo page not being quite as informative as I’d have liked it to be. The money use isn’t really laid out and you don’t get to see much of a schedule or anything. There is, however, a twitter to follow and the trailer does take a quick dip into what they need the donations for.

Trust the Dice has donated a small amount toward the hopeful success of our number one crowdfunded film project for this week: Inked.

Lowest Fund Reward: $1 – Charmed! – We are absolutely charmed by your generosity! For a 1 dollar donation you get our undying gratitude and the opportunity to help a great film go into production! – Items Included: Thanks.

Highest Fund Reward: $200 – Soulmates! – Oh my gosh! We’re soulmates! You just helped us tremendously with all parts of production! You will receive a special thanks, a digital copy, a film credit, a signed script, a behind the scenes digital copy, a signed poster, your own set of temporary tattoos from the film, and a special thank you video from the director and DP! 

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