Transparency versus Spoilers in a crowdfunded fan film...

[Matthew Raymond]

Imagine a fan production that has just raised $50,000 dollars via crowdfunding. They want to be as transparent as possible to show that they're putting their supporters' money to good use. In theory, they could make frequent posts of behind-the-scenes photos and videos. Or they could make frequent blog posts as well, discussing all the details of production. However, how do you balance the need for transparency with the possibility that you'd be spoiling important parts of your film? How do you conceal plot-critical scenes in the film while still showing your patrons that you're working hard on their behalf?

 

[CRM-114]

Imagine a fan production that has just raised $50,000 dollars via crowdfunding. They want to be as transparent as possible to show that they're putting their supporters' money to good use. In theory, they could make frequent posts of behind-the-scenes photos and videos. Or they could make frequent blog posts as well, discussing all the details of production. However, how do you balance the need for transparency with the possibility that you'd be spoiling important parts of your film? How do you conceal plot-critical scenes in the film while still showing your patrons that you're working hard on their behalf?

If the production is interested in transparency, then they would be best served (and best serving their supporters) by being honest about spoilers. Use discretion when it comes to what you want to show your audience, but honestly admit there's things you are keeping back to avoid spoilers. Share what you feel comfortable sharing, but be honest about keeping the rest under wraps. A little honesty goes a long way. In the end, the donors will decide for themselves if their money was well-spent.

 

[jespah]

Some BTS can be spoiler-free. Show people working hard on building sets or sewing costumes, or maybe even show people goofing off a little while recording.

 

[Matthew Raymond]

@jespha, That's a good plan in the short term, but I think backers would get tired of that if you did that repeatedly. Guess the idea is that you need to triage your spoilers and decide if some of your content can be released under the right context.

 

[fireproof78]

Imagine a fan production that has just raised $50,000 dollars via crowdfunding. They want to be as transparent as possible to show that they're putting their supporters' money to good use. In theory, they could make frequent posts of behind-the-scenes photos and videos. Or they could make frequent blog posts as well, discussing all the details of production. However, how do you balance the need for transparency with the possibility that you'd be spoiling important parts of your film? How do you conceal plot-critical scenes in the film while still showing your patrons that you're working hard on their behalf?

Demonstrate where the money is going. You don't have to show plot relevant materials in BTS posts-just show the crew working hard to put that money to good use.

You could also have a process by which backers could request more information, such as receipts or rough takes or rehearsals of lines being done. You can show all the different smaller bits (construction, sewing, work outs, make up, VFX breakdown) without revealing much.

I think one of the better examples I saw was Trey Stokes and "Return of Pink 5." Trey is really good at showcasing what is being done without revealing too much.

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[Matthew Raymond]

I like the idea of including receipts in the BTS stuff. I was also thinking that the less spoiler-y bloopers would be good too. (Feels like STC did something like that, but I can't remember.)