By Isaac Siegemund-Broka
Staff Writer
On March 13, television writer Rob Thomas posted a page on Kickstarter asking fans of his cancelled TV show “Veronica Mars” to help to fund a “Veronica Mars” movie. His request? $2 million. The time it took to meet that goal? About 11 hours.
Kickstarter is a private company that serves as a hub for “crowd funding.” Aspiring innovators or artists can post potential projects on the website, and people donate to see the idea become reality.
“Veronica Mars,” however, differs from most Kickstarter projects. Publications such as the Huffington Post and Slate Magazine have pointed out that the “Veronica Mars” project is not from an individual, but instead is connected to a corporation. “Veronica Mars,” cancelled after its third season, is still owned by Warner Bros. According to the page, “donations are being funneled into a ‘Veronica Mars’ Movie Project production account which has been set up by Warner Bros.”
Some have attacked this concept as an avenue for studios to consume donations that might dilute the purpose of Kickstarter. But it is unlikely that many non- “Veronica Mars” fans donated to the project. In reality, Thomas’ page simply sets up a mutualistic relationship between studios and viewers, creating what the Post says is “new potential to capitalize on small but dedicated fan support.” By allowing viewers to magnify their voices through donations, fans will get the movies they want while studios can still find profits on risky ventures.
Leave a Reply