Sunday, October 1, 2017

This Week in Crowdfunding (10/1/2017)

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.



You may be wondering where “This Week in Crowdfunding” has been. There were reports that one of the films we endorsed might have been done by someone known for scamming donors. We wanted to ensure we didn’t mislead anyone before continuing on, and it required a significant amount of research. Our research showed that the person who contacted us was an angry ex-employee of the director. For that reason, we will not be naming the film because the allegations were false.

We have put new research measures in place to ensure this doesn’t happen again.



5 – My So-Called Selfish life


Crowdsource Platform: Kickstarter
Director: Therese Shechter
Writer: Therese Schechter
Other Staff: Iris Ng, Marin Sander-Holzman, Gillian Kleiman, Giovanna Ferri, Michelle Milner, Becky Jewell, Adrien Lesser, Jordan Pines, Sara Schmidt, Molly Peacock, Shanthony Exum, Chanel Dubofsky
Amount Requested: $42,000
Current Standing (as of Saturday night): $13,323 raised by 174 backers.
Type of Goal: All or Nothing

Although I have decided to have a child with my husband, I think it’s important to understand that not everyone feels the same way.

The decision to have a child is a very personal and important decision that people have to make in their lifetime. Saying it’s selfish to not have a child is ridiculous.

Some people decide to have kids. They feel ready and happy for the chance to raise a child. Some people decide to go a different direction. Nothing is wrong with either of them.

In documentaries like this, it’s difficult to strike a balance. The creators need to express their ideas for their lifestyle without managing to put down the people of the opposing lifestyle. From what is shown in the trailer and through the rest of the information available, Therese Schechter (How to Lose Your Virginity, #slutwalknyc, I Was a Teenage Feminist) manages to do just that.

I believe this project is important. The first step to tolerance of other lifestyles is learning that they exist. Hearing the stories of people dealing with the stigma of this particular decision could help change the way people act toward them.

Lowest Fund Reward: $10 – Cool Aunt or Uncle – We than you (or your niece or nephew) on the website and with social media love.
Highest Fund Reward: $10,000 – NO REGRETS!! – Take the money you would have spent on diapers, piano lessons, bail, and college and put it towards a better cause: Our Film! We’ll give you 4 signed DVDs, Golden Girls 4-Ring Set, The Biological Clock, 4 Premiere + Party tickets – and even Therese’s Deviled Egg Recipe. Plus, all the thank yous online and Very Special Shout-Out in the film’s credits. NOTE: DVD/download will be sent separately when the film is finished. Doesn’t include travel or accommodations.

4 – Mumatar


Crowdsource Platform: Indiegogo
Director: Destiny Ekaragha
Writer: Louise Ann Munro, Sherill Turner
Other Staff: Jane Frisby, Cecilia Noble, Matthew Kelly
Amount Requested: $13,398
Current Standing (as of Saturday night): $2,985 raised by 17 backers.
Type of Goal: Flexible

Superheroes going after bullies? Hell yeah, sign me up.

The plot for Mumatar is actually really interesting. It reminds me a bit about the film Super (2010) or American Hero (2015). However, I believe Mumatar is going to be less violent and less mental.

Judging just by the trailer and Indiegogo page, it looks like this short film is going to have that ‘home-made hero finds themselves’ kind of feel. Origin-ish. There’s a good cinematic climate right now for films like this.

The moodboard for Mumatar has an impressive amount of awesome on it, also. If the characters noted are where the creators drew inspiration from, the film is going to be great.

Lowest Fund Reward: $13.40 – The Journey Begins – We will celebrate your heroics with a written shout out on Facebook and Twitter and your name will forever be visible on the Heroes list at funnylifefilms.com
Highest Fund Reward: $1,340 – Superstar Super Squad – See your name in the opening credits of Mumatar and be credited as Associate Producer on IMDb, plus everything in The Journey Begins to Superhuman packages.

3 – Jeong


Crowdsource Platform: Indiegogo
Director: Michelle C. McGhan
Writer: Michelle C. McGhan
Other Staff: Richard Song, Stevie Stern, Gianna Aquilina, Owen Rodriguez, Sophie Mannaerts
Amount Requested: $5,000
Current Standing (as of Saturday night): $2,949 raised by 25 backers.
Type of Goal: Flexible

Human trafficking has had a lot of entertainment-based light shined upon it lately. I think that’s a great thing. We all only get one life, and there are people out there forced to live theirs in slavery – something that this world should be long passed. It never should have existed to begin with.

Jeong is not a documentary. Although some documentaries on this important topic are necessary, it’s a great idea to have fiction tell the tale as well. Documentaries simply don’t speak to everyone. Personally, I much prefer a fictional tale – even if it’s based on truth.

This goes into my belief that entertainment in incredibly important where social matters are concerned. Not only do films spread the word about issues many might not realize exist, but they tell the tale in a way that tugs violently at the audience’s heartstrings. That’s the quickest way to really get people to care – affect them personally.

Now, this is a university film, but I don’t think that should matter when you consider whether or not to donate.

Lowest Fund Reward: $5 – Runaway – Thank you so much for donating for our film! We are so grateful for everything. 5 dollars may not seem like a lot, but every dollar makes us closer to reaching our goal.
Highest Fund Reward: $3,000 – JEONG – You have shown us the true meaning of JEONG! We can not thank you enough for your generosity. You are part of our family as the Executive Producer! Alongside with that and everything from Freedom, we would also like to invite you to a special Korean dinner with our director and creative producer! (Travel and lodge not included)

2 – Warm in Here


Crowdsource Platform: Indiegogo
Director: Alec Battistoni
Writer: Alec Battistoni
Other Staff: Elizabeth Dworkin, Matthew Foundoulis, Ramsee Chand, Robert E. Newman, Jacob M. Fertig, JT Corder, Fallon Horvath, Maxx Evan, Alisa Traskunov, Cutouts
Amount Requested: $5,000
Current Standing (as of Saturday night): $1,031 raised by 17 backers.
Type of Goal: Flexible

The plot for this film is so intriguing, that I seriously considered it for the number one spot in this list. In fact, I wanted to put it there. The only reason I was forced to push it back is because there’s a lack of interaction possible to find out more information. I was unable to find any mention of social media, or a movie website through Indiegogo.

Don’t let that convince you to not donate.

This is a university film, but it’s incredibly well thought out and the trailer indicates that the writer/director is passionate about his subject matter.

It’s important to support students of cinema. In this case, you have a talented young man with a great idea and a well laid-out plan. The Indiegogo page will tell you all you need to know about how the money will be spent once the movie team is in possession of it.

This film being at number two is due to a technicality. It’s worth looking into.

Lowest Fund Reward: $10 – Thank You – We appreciate any and all donations, & a little goes a long way. You will receive a personal hand written thank you from the director.
Highest Fund Reward: $1,000 – Executive Producer – Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have made a massive difference in the realization of this project. In return, we will credit you as an Executive Producer for the film. You’ll be invited to the premiere, of course, as well as any other events surrounding the film, such as festivals and such.

– Crypto


Crowdsource Platform: Indiegogo
Director: Jon Silverberg
Writer: Jon Silverberg, Andy Hodgson
Other Staff: Richard Harmon, Philip Granger, Amanda Tapping
Amount Requested: $16,039
Current Standing (as of Saturday night): $3,388 raised by 72 backers.
Type of Goal: Flexible

These days, it’s impossible to not know who Richard Harmon (The 100, Christmas Icetastrophe, The Age of Adaline) is. By the end of 2018, by the look of his upcoming projects, he may well be on his way to becoming a household name. He’s going to be working with some great actors, such as: Emily Bett Rickards (Arrow, Brooklyn, Dakota’s Summer), Bella Thorne (Ratchet & Clank, You Get Me, The DUFF), and Dermot Mulroney (Struck by Lightning, Crisis, The Mountain Between Us).

The only thing that tells us about this film, of course, is that Harmon is going to bring a decent amount of experience to it – and he’s not the only one bringing that benefit. His co-stars, Philip Granger (Dark Harvest, Big Muddy, Rogue) and Amanda Tapping (Supernatural, Sanctuary, Stargate: Atlantis), are acting veterans as well.

On first look, the plot can seem pretty typical. Photos that reveal the future – it’s a plot that’s been done quite a few times. The twist here is that it’s a psychological thriller and the main character is a junkie photojournalist. That leads me to believe that the answer might not be supernatural at all. If that’s the case, it’s an interesting twist. Something that would be fun to watch unfold.

To show my confidence in this film, I have donated a small amount toward its success.

Lowest Fund Reward: $4.01 – Badge of Honor – Wear it PROUDLY! This starter perk is an Instagram-formatted Photo that expresses two important things: 1. You LOVE Richard Harmon, and 2. You are now a part of bringing “Crypto” to the screen! #jointheadventure

Highest Fund Reward: $2,807 – Crypto Producer Package – The Producer Package allows you to #jointheadventure in the most EPIC way possible – by becoming part of the “Crypto” team as Co-Producer of the film! Not only does this mean major bragging rights, but also an official IMDb credit on the “Crypto” film page! You’ll also receive a ticket to our private Screening Gala and MUCH more!!

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