Press release from A Cautionary Tail
A new Australian animation starring Cate Blanchett, David Wenham and Barry Otto has been successfully financed using alternative funding methods, including crowdsourced funding and an exhibition of artwork from the film.
The makers of A Cautionary Tail, a dark funny fable about a girl born with a tail who stands up to bullies, raised $50,795.66 through the crowdsourced funding site Kickstarter (http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/513958374/a-cautionary-tail-0). The film's campaign, which ended at 3.35pm Wednesday 13th June, has attracted significant support from an international community and built an enthusiastic fan base ahead of the film's release.
Kickstarter and other crowdsourced funding websites ask supporters to pledge donations in return for rewards, including DVDs, artwork, tickets to screenings and credits on the film.
"The crowdsourced funding model challenges the monopoly of the big studios and their distribution networks," says Pauline Piper, producer of A Cautionary Tail. "It’s very much a grassroots movement and holds exciting possibilities for the future of distribution, in much the same way the internet has transformed the way we access news and buy music."
“The initial funding we received through Screen NSW enabled us to go into production. When funds ran out we faced the possibility of having to halt production. The generosity of close friends and colleagues meant we were able to continue with animation while we watched the Kickstarter community rally behind us in a huge way. It was very exciting to see that we had both the funds and an international audience.”
“Industry support was an important keystone in financing production. We had the generous backing of post production company, Heckler, who got behind us from the very beginning when we needed to complete the trailer. We are lucky to have a post production deal from a creatively bold company who ensured its completion on schedule.”
Additional funds were raised through a pop-up exhibition of artwork from the film held at the former Paramount Pictures Building in Surry Hills, Sydney on Thurs 7th June 2012. The exhibition featured interactive video installations, stills and miniature sets which were auctioned on the night, raising $6,530. It also raised awareness for Headspace, Australia's National Youth Mental Heath Foundation. The filmmakers donated 50% of proceeds from the night to Headspace, and this was matched by visual effects and post-production company, Heckler, with a total of $6,530 raised for programs that help young people develop resilience against bullying – an issue at the heart of A Cautionary Tail.
"The Kickstarter campaign, pop-up exhibition, and resulting media exposure have generated a buzz about the film that has attracted the interest of independent investors," says Pauline. As a result, A Cautionary Tail is now fully financed and will make its debut at international festivals in January 2013.”