Feedback From Proof of Concept to Production: can modular funding work for independent sci-fi?

[RolandsFarblood]

Over the last months I’ve been testing a production approach for an independent science-fiction project called STARSEEK.

The first storyline already exists as three fully illustrated books. Before asking anyone to fund a film adaptation, I wanted to know whether that visual world could actually work as film rather than just as animated illustrations.

So I produced a 4:49 technical Proof of Concept.

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It shows a later sequence from the first book: the final phase of a shuttle landing, the ramp opening and the first human step onto an unfamiliar world.

It is not the beginning of the story and it is not Transmission 01.

The biggest lesson for me was that generating a good-looking clip and creating a useful film shot are two very different things.

A lot of the work ended up being about shot planning, still-frame animatics, continuity, editing, sound and color. Some visually impressive shots were removed simply because they didn’t help the scene.

Finishing the test also changed the way I thought about funding the larger project.

Instead of trying to finance the complete three-book adaptation at once, I divided it into 18 connected cinematic chapters that I call Transmissions.

The model is:

€4,500 funds the complete production of Transmission 01.

Every additional €4,500 unlocks the next Transmission in story order.

So even if only the first goal is reached, there is still one clearly defined film chapter to complete and release rather than a partially funded larger production.

The Kickstarter has been live since September 1st.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/farblood/starseek-01-fund-the-first-transmission

What I’m especially interested in here is the production logic behind it:

If you were looking at an independent creator you didn’t know, would a modular model like this give you more confidence than one larger campaign trying to fund the whole project at once?

And what would you personally want a Proof of Concept to prove before believing that creator could deliver the larger project?

 

[Lucas]

Over the last months I’ve been testing a production approach for an independent science-fiction project called STARSEEK.

The first storyline already exists as three fully illustrated books. Before asking anyone to fund a film adaptation, I wanted to know whether that visual world could actually work as film rather than just as animated illustrations.

So I produced a 4:49 technical Proof of Concept.

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For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

It shows a later sequence from the first book: the final phase of a shuttle landing, the ramp opening and the first human step onto an unfamiliar world.

It is not the beginning of the story and it is not Transmission 01.

The biggest lesson for me was that generating a good-looking clip and creating a useful film shot are two very different things.

A lot of the work ended up being about shot planning, still-frame animatics, continuity, editing, sound and color. Some visually impressive shots were removed simply because they didn’t help the scene.

Finishing the test also changed the way I thought about funding the larger project.

Instead of trying to finance the complete three-book adaptation at once, I divided it into 18 connected cinematic chapters that I call Transmissions.

The model is:

€4,500 funds the complete production of Transmission 01.

Every additional €4,500 unlocks the next Transmission in story order.

So even if only the first goal is reached, there is still one clearly defined film chapter to complete and release rather than a partially funded larger production.

The Kickstarter has been live since September 1st.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/farblood/starseek-01-fund-the-first-transmission

What I’m especially interested in here is the production logic behind it:

If you were looking at an independent creator you didn’t know, would a modular model like this give you more confidence than one larger campaign trying to fund the whole project at once?

And what would you personally want a Proof of Concept to prove before believing that creator could deliver the larger project?

I like the modular approach, Rolands. I’m curious about the overall scale of the 18 Transmissions are they all planned at roughly the same length and €4,500 production budget?

If all 18 are completed, that would put the total at around €81,000. Is that intended to cover the full production, or are there additional shared costs outside the individual Transmission budgets?

 

[John]

Over the last months I’ve been testing a production approach for an independent science-fiction project called STARSEEK.

The first storyline already exists as three fully illustrated books. Before asking anyone to fund a film adaptation, I wanted to know whether that visual world could actually work as film rather than just as animated illustrations.

So I produced a 4:49 technical Proof of Concept.

To view this content we will need your consent to set third party cookies.
For more detailed information, see our cookies page.

Accept third party cookies

It shows a later sequence from the first book: the final phase of a shuttle landing, the ramp opening and the first human step onto an unfamiliar world.

It is not the beginning of the story and it is not Transmission 01.

The biggest lesson for me was that generating a good-looking clip and creating a useful film shot are two very different things.

A lot of the work ended up being about shot planning, still-frame animatics, continuity, editing, sound and color. Some visually impressive shots were removed simply because they didn’t help the scene.

Finishing the test also changed the way I thought about funding the larger project.

Instead of trying to finance the complete three-book adaptation at once, I divided it into 18 connected cinematic chapters that I call Transmissions.

The model is:

€4,500 funds the complete production of Transmission 01.

Every additional €4,500 unlocks the next Transmission in story order.

So even if only the first goal is reached, there is still one clearly defined film chapter to complete and release rather than a partially funded larger production.

The Kickstarter has been live since September 1st.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/farblood/starseek-01-fund-the-first-transmission

What I’m especially interested in here is the production logic behind it:

If you were looking at an independent creator you didn’t know, would a modular model like this give you more confidence than one larger campaign trying to fund the whole project at once?

And what would you personally want a Proof of Concept to prove before believing that creator could deliver the larger project?

Interesting approach, Rolands! I think it's important to keep all your options open. Alongside crowdfunding, I'd also encourage you to reach out to production companies and potential investors who might be interested in supporting the project.

If I were in your position, I'd also make sure to keep the project thread updated whenever there's meaningful progress. That's particularly important because when someone discovers STARSEEK later on, just as I did, it's helpful to see where the project currently stands and what milestones you've achieved.

Since you're developing a multi-part story, it might also be worth approaching distributors at this stage to get their perspective on its commercial potential. Even some early industry feedback or interest in future distribution could help strengthen your position when seeking financing.

Just a little friendly advice! Wishing you the best of luck with STARSEEK, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the project develops!