Capital C: The Crowdfunding Revolution - Transitions Film Festival 2016

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Wed 02 Mar 2016

Why a documentary on crowdfunding? Pretty straightforward after all. As film consultant Brian Newman puts it, "This is the idea. This is why it's important. And this is why you should fund it". Yes, the process is simple. But the specific contexts, customer interactions, and consequent implications aren't. Crowdfunding's not about holding out your hand. It's about relationships. As writer/artist Molly Crabapple (pictured) explains, "You can't just beg strangers for money to do something that benefits you. And then expect them to give that to you. That's just not going to happen". Rather, it's proclaiming, "Hey guys, do you want to help me create my greatest work yet?"


The whole concept represents a paradigm shift. As remarked by Steven Dengler, CEO of XE , "crowdfunding is perhaps the most significant social development of the last 20 years". It truly puts the power back in the hands of creatives. By employing an alternative funding model, effectively circumventing gatekeepers. In addition to dismantling entry barriers, also about taking ownership. Designer Scott Thomas commenting, "It's not about the object that you receive. It's about you actually making it happen. It allows this great opportunity where all of a sudden the products that we see in the world are gonna be manifested by ourselves".


Over the course of 'Capital C: The Crowdfunding Revolution' we follow:

Computer-gamer Brian Fargo of inXile Entertainment (pictured above). Co-creator of the 90's game 'Wastelands', Brian's yearning to develop a sequel eventually lead him to Kickstarter. Like a character in his game, Brian had to battle. Abandoning the company that produced the original, he first had to gain the rights. Doing so, only to be blackballed by potential investors. Eventually, attempting to leverage his own following via a crowdfunding campaign.

Illustrator Jackson Robinson of Kings Wild Project , as he defies a conventional lifestyle. We're given a detailed account of Jackson's daily grind. Day job, family, before finally picking up the ink pens late at night. Diligently and meticulously designing exquisite playing cards, currency notes, and coins. Launching Kickstarter campaigns to fund his projects, one of his strategies, being to allow backers to customize plate ID's and serial numbers.

Zach Crain of Freaker USA (see below) as he struggles to launch a 'beverage insulator' enterprise. Zach, offbeat, salt-of-the-earth, would spend his nights indulging his creativity. Confining himself to the North Carolina hosiery mill, steadfastly perfecting his bottle socks. Given the unusual product, together with Zach's quirkiness, he faced resistance. But remained irrepressible. Ensuing a successful Kickstarter campaign, able to at least commence. Later on, seeking further financing on Shark Tank USA.



The concept's profound. But does this documentary deliver? Bright, articulate go-getters, proactively pursuing passions, absolute pleasure to watch. Coupled with tidbits of wisdom from academics and entrepreneurs, and the reward doubles. Commencing with a thorough rundown of crowdfunding, before delving into the day-to-day, I was fully on board. This ain't sugarcoated. Going it alone, maintaining your community, all while honing your craft; a raw, real portrayal of the ins and outs. Like the subject matter, 'Capital C: The Crowdfunding Revolution' was crowdfunded - demonstrating the capabilities of this exciting revolution.

Do our three adventurers ultimately find their pot of gold? Come on down to the Transitions Film Festival , and watch 'Capital C: The Crowdfunding Revolution' to find out. The screening will be introduced by Tom Dawkins (CEO) Start Some Good. Click here to purchase tickets.


#festivals
#crowdfunding
#cinema
#carlton
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#film_reviews
#march
!date 02/03/2016 -- 02/03/2016
%wnmelbourne