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POP CANDY

Kickstart some art: Cool projects that need cash

Whitney Matheson, USA TODAY

This week's crowd-funding feature comes just as Zach Braff has rocked Kickstarter with a new project. The actor is asking for $2 million to make a movie and has raised more than $1.4 million in about 24 hours.

Although this is quite a talker, it's important to remember the "little people" on the platform — you know, artists who need much less than a couple million to make their ideas happen.

Beer enthusiast Lance Rice and his collection of rare beer cans.

To that end, here's another installment in our "Kickstart some art" series of cool-sounding projects. Feel free to give a little cash and spread the word:

1. Mind of Mirrors. The band Dan and Leland has written an album and hopes to make an accompanying graphic novel illustrated by Tom Hodges (Lucasfilm, The Simpsons). The art looks great, and they're about $8,000 short of their $30,000 goal. Twenty-five bucks gets you the album and comic.

2. Thank You, Cabbage. Mitch Megee is trying to make a short film about a woman "who has a crisis of confidence after a cabbage tells her she's going to have an affair." For some reason, this premise really appeals to me! He has already raised more than half of his $35,000 goal.

3. Beyond Beauty. This project proposes a "gender-twisted version of Beauty and the Beast." The first chapter is online, and it looks magically delightful. Najela Cobb needs $4,500 to publish it.

4. Lance's Brewery Tour. Cleveland resident Lance Rice has a photographic memory and a passion for beer. He's also autistic. This film will follow Lance as he sets out on his lifelong dream of visiting U.S. breweries and writing a book about the history and culture of beer.

5. Pen to Paper: My Imaginary Friend. I love the idea behind this children's book, which features stories by kids from non-profit writing center 826LA that are illustrated by professional artists. For $30 you get a digital copy of the book and other goodies.

6. American Psycho. Fans of the Bret Easton Ellis classic may want to invest in a proposed Psycho musical. It's legit (with music by Duncan Sheik) and the incentives are pretty great, with everything from T-shirts and artwork to private yoga classes with Duncan.

7. A Total Disruption. I really hope director Ondi Timoner gets to expand and enhance this Web portal devoted to tech innovators. If the name sounds familiar, it's because Timoner has directed several excellent documentaries, including Dig! and We Live in Public.

Previously:More interesting Kickstarter projects (published April 11)

Note: This feature runs biweekly. Send any tips to popcandy@usatoday.com.

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