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Kickstart some art: Creative projects that need cash

Whitney Matheson
USA TODAY

Last week I didn't get a chance to post my biweekly Kickstarter feature because of technical issues. Because many of these projects need cash pretty quickly in order to be funded, I'm posting them today.

One Kickstarter project proposes a film about directors James Benning and Richard Linklater.

In no particular order, here are several ideas that sound worthwhile and offer cool incentives if you donate:

James Benning & Richard Linklater . This "docu-portrait" examines the longtime friendship between the two filmmakers. For $500, director Gabe Klinger will "cook dinner, provide a visual primer on the films of Benning and Linklater and the screen the finished film for you and up to five of your friends."

The Strangers Project Presents: National Story Day . Four years ago Brandon Doman started a public art project in Brooklyn, N.Y., in which he asked people on the street to contribute handwritten, personal stories. Now that he's had some success, he wants to take the idea worldwide with an International Story Day. With only three days to go, he still needs about $2,000.

EarSkinz . These cute and colorful "skins" help keep your Apple earbuds in your ears. For an $8 donation you can score a pair!

Save the Coney Island Mermaid . The fun and hugely popular Coney Island Mermaid Parade needs funding, especially in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. So far it has raised $92,000 of its $100,000 goal.

Aardvark: A Feature Film . Writer/director/producer Brian Shoaf wants to make a film about a man struggling with mental illness. Adrian Grenier and Mamie Gummer already have signed on to star, and the fundraising goal is a fairly modest $125,000. (For a sneak preview, Shoaf has posted 15 pages of the script.)

Blood Kiss . Michael Reaves, a writer with Parkinson's Disease, is trying to get his vampire movie made. Neil Gaiman has signed on (as an actor!), as has Buffy's Amber Benson. Color me intrigued.

Personal Look Into the Life of Jack Kirby . Though this project already has been funded, I'd like to point it out for any fans of the comics legend. Kickstarted by Jack's grandson, Jeremy Kirby, the proposed book includes the publication of a never-before-seen play, photographs and artwork. A pledge of $50 gets you a copy of the book.

Previously:More cool-sounding Kickstarter projects

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