What if a new sci-fi series went to Netflix that wasAkickstarter proj?

Discussion in 'Science Fiction & Fantasy' started by jefferiestubes8, Mar 9, 2013.

  1. jefferiestubes8

    jefferiestubes8 Commodore Commodore

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    What is an original sci-fi series idea kickstarter project got started and Netflix picked it up to a full 13 episode series?

    What I'm saying is if somehow it really took off and all the right things happened on a Kickstarter pilot for TV and Netflix ponied up some serious money when they saw it worked.
    Will we start to see pilots made on Kickstarter for sci-fi genre?
    Let's discuss this as a potential future model that Netflix, Amazon, Youtube would all look at for original series.
     
  2. xortex

    xortex Commodore Commodore

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    Re: What if a new sci-fi series went to Netflix that wasAkickstarter p

    Do you have something in mind and are kicking around looking for some name people to get involved? because I am too and I would even call it Star Trek if they let me. I sent it to Doug Drexler after Space Command. He has yet to get back to me, though he does hod nob with all the right writers, doesn't he? as well as other creatives who could get people to pony up seriously for donations for another production for an original web series or netflx. I think Netflix has a pilot competition for sci fi things though I'm still trying to figure out how to get an agent.
     
  3. Temis the Vorta

    Temis the Vorta Fleet Admiral Admiral

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    Re: What if a new sci-fi series went to Netflix that wasAkickstarter p

    Netflix is trying to establish itself as a competitor to HBO, so they're going to do deals with the same folks who might be able to get a show on HBO - Fincher, Eli Roth, etc. Netflix can't afford to do anything that looks chintzy or kickstarter-y at this point in their development. YouTube would be a better bet.

    Speaking of web series, Ridley Scott is partnering with Machinima on short sci fi films.

    They should also think about expanding those "short films" into a sequence, ie, something like TV, regardless of whether they ever make it to the big screen. The two could work together, you build the audience online and then make the jump to movies, but you're going to have to produce a continual stream of episodes to keep your audience loyal during the time it takes to produce a big budget movie.
     
  4. xortex

    xortex Commodore Commodore

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    Re: What if a new sci-fi series went to Netflix that wasAkickstarter p

    Not if the kickstarter is a success, then why shouldn't Netflix or CBS or the sci-fi channel pick it up as their next great space opera or whatever it is. Success is success and that translates into money and ratings without the risk on the part of CBS or Netflix or whoever no matter where it's shown or originates from. Talent will be drawn to it as well.
     
  5. jefferiestubes8

    jefferiestubes8 Commodore Commodore

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    Re: What if a new sci-fi series went to Netflix that wasAkickstarter p

    No not at all. I'm a Trek fan who works in the TV business below the line.

    Yes I can understand this. At this point Netflix is a large brand name and on the level as premium cable channels.

    There has to be room for low (not ultra low) budget and middle budget (under $800k episode) scifi serialized series like a TV series that is not SyFy schlocky. What streaming video service can be the place for that.
    Hulu Plus seems like it is in the Netflix route but they do have original series but not sci-fi. mostly low budget docu. style like "30 Days".

    The point of this thread is to discuss the business apect of Kickstarter projects getting distribution for scifi fans to see episodic stories that do not do well with advertising commercial TV.
     
  6. Temis the Vorta

    Temis the Vorta Fleet Admiral Admiral

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    Re: What if a new sci-fi series went to Netflix that wasAkickstarter p

    YouTube would be the way to go. They're not trying for any kind of premium brand image that I've ever noticed.

    Or Machinima. That Ridley Scott story is the right idea - uncover new talent - but it's focused on movies. I'd like to see something similar but focused on serialized storytelling. Why couldn't some kickstarter person just tap into that? They're willing to be "surprised" by new talent, well - surprise them!

     
  7. Candlelight

    Candlelight Admiral Admiral

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    Re: What if a new sci-fi series went to Netflix that wasAkickstarter p

    I think most people on this forum have their own series they'd like to see get off the ground. Kickstarter does make things easier, although most of them are country specific (Kickstarter only funds projects from the US or UK from memory).

    Would love to get my show made. Maybe one day. By August next year would be really good...
     
  8. Temis the Vorta

    Temis the Vorta Fleet Admiral Admiral

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    Re: What if a new sci-fi series went to Netflix that wasAkickstarter p

    Vimeo launches on-demand service.

    So anyone who has a kickass idea and the ability to get it made has no shortage of venues by which to sell it.

    The biggest issue besides funding is marketing. Lots and lots of stuff kicking around out there, how do you rise above the noise? And selling something on the internet is always a challenge, because everyone has become accustomed to getting stuff for free.

    Still, if someone did a 5-minute trailer for something that looked frakkin' a-MA-zing, I'd probably shell out maybe $6 to $8 for a full season of 13 episodes. I'd say that's my price point. Keep in mind, I'm a cheapskate but isn't everyone?
     
  9. jefferiestubes8

    jefferiestubes8 Commodore Commodore

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    Re: What if a new sci-fi series went to Netflix that wasAkickstarter p

    They are also still experimenting.
    YouTube Channel Releases Its First Feature Film in Theatres

    yes it is a docu but the YouTube Channels do have potential if they get sponsorship.
     
  10. xortex

    xortex Commodore Commodore

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    Re: What if a new sci-fi series went to Netflix that wasAkickstarter p

    Finished products require production companies which requires not only money but a production team. The creator doesn't do everything himself. That's like asking DaVinci to paint the Mona Lisa and build the museum to house it too. The cart is before the horse there. Getting big enough named people to like the shit of unknown people is like preaching to a cemetery. Writers don't even want to hear ideas for fear of stealing it even though it's copyrighted. It's a lot of bullshit because everyone wants to be Gene Roddenberry and not everyone can. They love their own shit better even though it's mediocre or what have you. It's them feeding their kids or yours is really what it comes down to. In that sense everything is great and good enough when it really isn't.
     
  11. Temis the Vorta

    Temis the Vorta Fleet Admiral Admiral

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    Re: What if a new sci-fi series went to Netflix that wasAkickstarter p

    Here's how to do a kickstarter project - revive some show that already has a sizable and rabid fan base.

    This may not be the intended use of kickstarter, since this is backed by the regular sort of Hollywood insiders, but I can see this sort of thing happening more and more in the future. On the internet, the biggest hurdle is publicity. A known brand name will always have a massive advantage.

    But is a big-screen movie really the right place for this? Just because it can get a groundswell on kickstarter doesn't mean it can attract the mass numbers that theater owners are going to want. Maybe they're going for digital distribution only, but then they have the issue of getting this sucker out to anyone beyond just the niche crowd who invested in it. ($35 for a movie? I wouldn't pay that much even for several seasons of a TV series.) This is actually a good example of something that Netflix should be interested in.

    So where's the Firefly kickstarter campaign? (Googling "firefly kickstarted" does not result in anything very edifying unless you like beer...?) :p
     
    Last edited: Mar 13, 2013