The Veronica Mars Movie Project and the Pitfalls of Crowdfunding Films
Released on 03/13/2014
(light piano music)
(typerwriter keys clacking) (steam engine whistling)
So, a movie based on the late, lamented show
about a 21st-century Nancy Drew, Veronica Mars,
is about to be released.
But it doesn't come from Hollywood.
Fans kicked in over $5 million
on Kickstarter to make it happen.
Okay, we're live.
Wait for it.
(cash register bell ringing)
(delighted screaming)
[Angry Nerd] So this trend of Kickstarting movies,
it's win-win, right?
Wrong!
I admit that my first reaction
to the Mars movie was positive.
Veronica Mars will get a capstone,
like Firefly got Serenity.
(aircraft flying swiftly)
Target the Reavers.
Target everyone.
Somebody fire!
Alright P. Wash, Hoban.
We'll never forget you.
I mean, this Kickstarter thing is every
disgruntled show runner's dream come true.
Crowdfunding means that every program
that ended before it's time could rise from the dead.
But then I watched the trailer
for the Veronica Mars movie a couple of times.
[Man's Voice] I need your help Veronica.
I don't really do that anymore.
So there's a second or two devoted to an actual
murder mystery, followed by endless in-jokes.
I specifically told the agency
an eager to please brunette.
Please don't make me look bad in front of my wife.
Your what?
What are you going to do?
Use your stun gun on me?
I got it.
Veronica Mars movie, it's not another Firefly,
it's a 1980s TV reunion movie.
You know, like Still the Beaver, Return to Mayberry,
Return to Green Acres, a Very Brady Christmas.
But crowdfunding has its own drawbacks.
If the most ardent fans call the shots,
they'll just,
okay,
we
will just demand fan service.
I mean, think about it.
A Star Trek reboot, underwritten by the most
committed Trekkies would be two solid hours
of Kirk and Spock making out.
Pausing only to catch their breath and make Tribble jokes.
It tears my guts out to say it,
but
maybe shows
shouldn't pander
to their most dedicated fans.
(groans)
What's happening to me?
I'm becoming everything I despise.
(crescendo note) (flying sound)
Maybe I'll launch a Kickstarter of my own.
Give me 2500 and I'll berate the show of your choice.
Give me 250,000 and I will shut up and go away forever.
Let me know what you'd shell out for in the comments.
Starring: Chris Baker
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