Are you wanting to shoot your dream project, but have a restriction on your budget?

Are you wanting to support independent cinema by helping filmmakers, but have no idea how to lend a hand?

CrowdFUNding, a new series on Wylie Writes, is hoping to answer those questions by helping guide filmmakers and would-be financiers towards the right opportunities.  All while putting the “fun” back in crowdfunding.

CrowdFUNding will highlight online campaigns looking for financial backing.  Some filmmakers may need the money to start production, while others need funds to put the cherry on their cake in post-production.  Some of these campaigns even have perks for those who invest in the film.

Our first CrowdFUNding article features two projects: BigJackFilms’ King Kong remake and Fatal Pictures’ HEIR.

BigJackFilms King Kong

My name is Jack Buchanan.  I’m 21 years old, have Aspergers, and I’m a young independent film maker from Ontario Canada.  Over the years, I’ve made films with my own money and time, most of them home movies and for the past 4 years myself and a group of autistic kids have been working extremely hard on a upcoming remake of my favourite film, King Kong.

Right now, we just finished wrapping up principal photography and are on the job of cutting the film with no special effects and as a first for us, we’re looking for funding to help film the special effects for this coming summer, all of which will be practical old school style effects, such as men in ape suits, stop motion animation, model cities and vehicles.

The budget we are looking for is about $5,000, and we’ve come to realize there is no way of making enough before March.  And that is why we are looking for Indigogo and folks like yourself to help us out. 

This is a film I’ve been wanting to make since I was a young kid.  And seeing it halfway done is too far to give up.  So for those reading this and wish to contribute to this film, is VERY VERY APPRECIATED from myself and the cast and crew.  With this film completed and the funding used for equipment and items, we can make our productions better than ever before for us and you to enjoy.

Visit Jack’s IndieGoGo page for more details.

Fatal Pictures’ HEIR

After connecting with a stranger of similar interests online, Gordon and his young son Paul, embark on an ill-fated road trip in which Gordon aims to indulge a secret passion.  Before the day ends a horrible truth will be uncovered and a harsh lesson will be learned.  HEIR is a monster movie unlike any other, it is a bleak and fantastical examination of one of societies darkest taboos that aims to stimulate the mind and wrench the gut with equal power.

HEIR is a disturbing, thought provoking PRACTICAL FX driven horror short film from FATAL PICTURES, the team behind the the critically acclaimed, award winning shorts CONSUMPTION, WORM and FAMILIAR.  FATAL PICTURES is a Canadian film production company consisting of Writer/Director Richard Powell, recently named one of ten “On the rise indie genre directors who should be on your radar” by FEARNET,  and Producer Zach Green, who along with Richard where named one of ten “Canadian genre filmmakers to look out for” by PLANETFURY.COM.

With three successful shorts under our belts the obvious next step is feature films, but there is still one last short film that wants, needs, demands to be made.

Visit Richard Powell and Zach Green’s Kickstarter page for more details.

My Two Cents:

If you’re an aspiring filmmaker and remember those days of budding excitement, BigJackFilms’ amiable mission should ring true.  Even if you haven’t been involved with the making of a movie, you can sense that thrill Jack has towards his passion project.

This group of filmmakers appear to have good intentions and a warmth to their initiative.  I hope they find the moolah they’re looking for, and I can’t wait to see the remake Jack and the gang churn out.

I have deep admiration for Fatal Pictures.  Powell and Green are two of the most powerful voices in independent horror at the moment.  I’ve seen, reviewed, and loved Worm and Familiar and the shorts stand the test of time as well.  The eerie vibes remain in tact and the shorts still manage to send shivers up my spine.

With Richard Powell in the director’s chair once again and Zach Green holding the fort down as a producer, along with gifted performer Robert Nolan returning and the addition of Bill Oberst Jr. to the film’s cast, I’m very excited to see how HEIR plays out.  This is going to be great!

UPDATE (March 21, 2014): Powell and Green have exceeded their goal of $17,000 and have raised $17,823. Great job, guys!

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All italicized statements and videos regarding King Kong and HEIR are provided from their respected crowdfunding sources. Wylie Writes is not responsible for funds attached to these productions and we do not hold accountability.

These projects are those of the filmmakers. Use your own discretion.