Guys, I Need Your Help With Something Extraordinary (11 comments)

Guys, I Need Your Help With Something Extraordinary

Tuesday, August 23, 2011 - 12:23 PM

I have a secret.

For the last two years, I've been working on an incredible, feature-length documentary on cartooning. And guys... I need your help to finish it.

Working with my good friend, twice-Sundance-nominated film-maker Fred Schroeder, we've been flying around the US and Canada in a two-year labor of love, interviewing 60 cartoonists in their studios. We've sat down with creators to talk about how cartooning works, why it's so loved, and how they're navigating the painful decline of print, and the painful rise of digital. It's our love-letter to the art form, but also an in-depth discussion of how artists -- all artists -- are practicing their art in an age where everything is changing.

The list of cartoonists is incredible: Everyone from Jim Davis (Garfield) to Kate Beaton (Hark, A Vagrant!) to Scott McCloud (Understanding Comics). They've shared amazing stories and insights, and paint a personal portrait of comics like you've never seen before. And set to an original score being written by Stefan Lessard of "Dave Matthews Band," this is going to be a really special film. We can not wait for you to see it.

But we need your help to make it happen.

The editors, animators, and musicians are all discounting their rates to help us complete it, but it's still an expensive process. Lordy, you wouldn't believe how expensive it all is. But with your help, this really special film can be a reality.

Have a look at the film trailer, and if you like it, please consider supporting the project. If Sheldon readers all donated just one dollar, we'd have more than enough to complete the film. See, donations will go through Kickstarter, a "distributed fundraising" site, and you can contribute as little or as much as you like. And the best part is, at different levels, you get really cool gifts when you support the project: Everything from DVDs of the film, to signed books, to Sheldon original art, and more. A good example: A donation of $25 will get you the DVD of the film (includes free shipping)...the same price it'll cost when the film is done!

I've never had a project that was so huge in scope or ambition, nor one that I was prouder of. I know you guys are gonna love it: Please, please help me bring it to life!

Thank you for spreading the word, and for your direct support of the project. It means the world to me!

- Dave

phantalien


Posts: 6

Registered:
Oct 2007
Re: Guys, I Need Your Help With Something Extraord (Score: 0)
posted Wednesday, August 24, 2011 - 04:22 AM (#59865)

I love the idea!

Will you still be taking donations at future conventions you will be attending? Like SPX?


Locked profile
rickumali
rickumali



From: Arlington, MA, USA

Posts: 10

Registered:
Nov 2006
Re: Guys, I Need Your Help With Something Extraord (Score: 0)
posted Wednesday, August 24, 2011 - 04:22 AM (#59866)

As the kids say: OMG!

I submitted a contribution, and I hope it gets funded. Good luck with this project!


--
Rick Umali | www.rickumali.com
Locked profile www
Violet
Violet



From: Seattle

Posts: 16

Registered:
Nov 2006
Re: Guys, I Need Your Help With Something Extraord (Score: 0)
posted Wednesday, August 24, 2011 - 08:20 AM (#59870)

You had me at Kate Beaton, I'm in. This looks fantastic!


Locked profile
J0HNNYB0Y


Posts: 1

Registered:
Jul 2010
Re: Guys, I Need Your Help With Something Extraord (Score: 0)
posted Wednesday, August 24, 2011 - 09:48 AM (#59871)

This looks great. I am feeling that love :) I definitely want to be a part of this.


Locked profile
kmccary


Posts: 1

Registered:
Feb 2010
Re: Guys, I Need Your Help With Something Extraord (Score: 0)
posted Wednesday, August 24, 2011 - 09:58 AM (#59872)

I love this! I think the title is perfect except for one thing, and maybe it's not an issue, but Eddie Izzard's latest comedy tour is called "Stripped" and may also be out on dvd by now, though he is now touring Europe.
I wish I could support your project with cash as opposed to merely positive thoughts sent in your general direction! It sounds brilliant!


Locked profile
Edogh


Posts: 2

Registered:
Apr 2010
Re: Guys, I Need Your Help With Something Extraord (Score: 0)
posted Wednesday, August 24, 2011 - 10:49 AM (#59874)

Please, Please, Please tell me that Pete Abrams is on the list! PLEASE... (I'll donate anyway, but PLEASE!)


Locked profile
bpsymington


From: Santa Monica

Posts: 23

Registered:
Jul 2007
Re: Guys, I Need Your Help With Something Extraord (Score: 0)
posted Wednesday, August 24, 2011 - 11:34 AM (#59875)

Hey-O! I am now an official backer! In addition to the DVD, I will also accept a high-five at a future con (I think you are going to LBCC?). Good luck!


Locked profile
ndf


Posts: 12

Registered:
Jul 2008
Re: Guys, I Need Your Help With Something Extraord (Score: 0)
posted Wednesday, August 24, 2011 - 02:21 PM (#59877)

Sounds like a great idea. Will region 2 DVDs be readily available?

Incidentally, Drive book 2 arrived yesterday. It looks excellent, though surprisingly less blue.


Locked profile
adreanaline


Posts: 6

Registered:
Dec 2008
Re: Guys, I Need Your Help With Something Extraord (Score: 0)
posted Wednesday, August 24, 2011 - 02:54 PM (#59878)

Please budget in subtitling for the DVD. It has been very difficult for me and other cartoonists with hearing loss to find materials that are accessible. This project is wonderful and would be a great resource, especially if the audio is accessible to those who read captions/subtitles.


Locked profile
sunhat


Posts: 18

Registered:
Mar 2008
Re: Guys, I Need Your Help With Something Extraord (Score: 0)
posted Monday, August 29, 2011 - 09:03 PM (#59918)

I'm in. :-) I do hope Christopher Baldwin (Little Dee, Spacetrawler) and Adam Huber (Bug) are included in the roster of cartoonists in this film.


Locked profile
Tango_Yankee


Posts: 1

Registered:
Sep 2011
Re: Guys, I Need Your Help With Something Extraord (Score: 0)
posted Friday, September 09, 2011 - 01:51 PM (#59993)

I've donated! I'm looking forward to seeing the film. One question, though...

Was (or will) Jimmy Johnson of "Arlo and Janis" (be) one of those interviewed? I'm constantly amazed at what he writes about and the things he pulls off, and how many of his cartoons resonate with me. He has his own blog at arloandjanis.com and he's in the process of self-publishing a collection of his cartoons. Anyway, I do hope to see him in the film!

Regards,
Tom


Locked profile
Threshold:  Locked
The Fine Print: The above comments are owned by whoever posted them. The Sheldon site is not responsible for them. However, if you suspect a post has been spammed by a person or 'bot, or that illegal of offensive posts need removal, contact your friendly neighborhood cartoonist.

forums

welcome! please login or register.