Season 1 of Veronica Mars may be the single best season of television ever. The character arcs, the acting, the directing, the writing: all are amazing.
So I was thrilled to learn the Veronica Mars movie we've been promised for years is finally a go.
So what took is long? The studios. Apparently, they couldn't see the money. Remember, the big studios are big business. It is not about creativity or quality for them. They have investors to answer to. If it's not going to make money, they are not interested. They are also very risk-averse thanks to several big-budget flops. John Carter was actually a fun movie but it didn't make as much money as they wanted. So don't hold your breath on a sequel.
Veronica Mars has been off the air since 2007. It was cancelled because, despite all the fan and critic love, it wasn't getting the numbers the studios wanted.
This project does have some backing from Warner Bros. It seems they found a way to remove their risk aversion: prove there is still a market for the movie.
Rob Thomas (not the singer) and team wanted to raise $2 million in 30 days. Everyone involved knew this was an aggressive goal. Within 24 hours they had raised 2.5 million.
So why should you care? I mean, if you're not a fan of the series or couldn't care less about a movie being made, how is this good news for you?
Exposure. Kickstarter has been around for a few years now (since 2009). It is an amazing way for people to fund their own projects by asking for donations. Google Kickstarter today. It is all over the place. Which means more people will start looking into other projects they can fund. Success for Veronica Mars also means success for everyone else with projects on Kickstarter. The more projects we have like this, the more likely you'll be able to raise money yourself.
A few weeks ago I saw an amazing TedTalk with Amanda Palmer. It's well worth the watch.
To summarize, she says fans and consumers want to give artists money. We just need to find a way to allow them to give us that money. Many people on Kickstarter ask for small amounts of money. Last year Amanda Palmer made headlines because she dared ask for $100,00. Then she raised $1.2 million. Suddenly everyone was very interested in Kickstarter.
Artists and creators of all sorts can now reach out directly to their fan base. No longer do they have to filter their projects through business men only concerned about the bottom line.
The Veronica Mars Kickstarter proves now is an amazing time to be a creator.
Links:
The Veronica Mars Movie Kickstarter
Amanda Palmer's Official Website
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