Zach Braff hasn't written or directed a movie since the polarizing 2004 indie "Garden State," but on Wednesday the former television star announced he had a new feature in the works: "Wish I Was Here," an original film Braff co-wrote with his brother Adam about a struggling actor in his 30s. Braff, who will also direct the film, launched a Kickstarter campaign for the project in an effort to get independent funding.
"I am often asked by my fans or by the press when I am promoting films in which I've acted, 'Why haven't you directed another film since 'Garden State'?' The truth is, it's very hard to get small, personal films made without sacrificing some aspect of your artistic integrity (final-cut, casting, minuscule budgets)," Braff said in a press release announcing the campaign and film. (He makes similar comments in the Kickstarter video shown above.) "The supporters of mine across the globe who back this film project will not only get to see something that wouldn't have been made otherwise, but they'll get to do so knowing they made it happen."
Braff has been coy about a follow-up to "Garden State," but did reveal last month in an interview with NextMovie that something was forthcoming.
"Yes, I'm working on a new project that I've written with my brother, and I'm hoping to direct this year," he said. "It's in development, so I can't talk about it quite yet. [...] I can't go into details. Coming soon to a press release near you!"
As promised, "Wish I Was Here" was announced via press release. The plot summary provided by said release is below:
“Wish I Was Here” is the story of Aidan Bloom (to be played by Braff), a struggling actor, father and husband who at 35, is still trying to find his identity; a purpose for his life. He and his wife are barely getting by financially and Aidan passes his time by fantasizing about being the great futuristic Space-Knight he’d always dreamed he’d be as a little kid.
When his ailing father can no longer afford to pay for private school for his two kids (5 and 12) and the only available public school is on its last legs, Aidan reluctantly agrees to attempt to home-school them. The result is some funny chaos, until Aidan decides to scrap the traditional academic curriculum and come up with his own. Through teaching them about life his way, Aidan gradually discovers some of the parts of himself he couldn’t find.
Braff is looking to raise $2 million via Kickstarter, and he cited the recent "Veronica Mars" campaign as inspiration; that beloved series made $5.7 million from excited fans.
