Kickstart art: Cool-sounding projects that need cash
It's time for another installment of our series that spotlights cool-sounding crowd-funding projects. Feel free to send any tips to popcandy@usatoday.com.
In no particular order:
1. The Newest Hottest Spike Lee Joint. Yep, Kickstarter is so popular now that even director Spike Lee is getting in on it, asking $1.25 million for a movie about "human beings who are addicted to blood." His pitch video gives shout-outs to Veronica Mars and Zach Braff, and rewards include autographed DVDs, a personal phone call, premiere tickets, signed Nikes and (for $10,000) a court-side seat next to him at a Knicks game. So far he has only raised $164,000, with Steven Soderbergh among those who have given 10K.
2. Buliding Magic. I was charmed by this documentary about a young traveler and street magician. The filmmakers want to expand their five-minute flick into a full-length feature, and they need $35,000 to do it.
3. One Thousand Free Ice Cream Cones. Jesse Thorn, host of the podcasts Bullseye and Jordan, Jesse, Go!, started a Kickstarter to give 1,000 ice cream cones to strangers and make a short video about it. Only a couple days remain for him to reach his $9,500 goal.
4. Detroit Sound Conservancy Oral History Project. Even if you don't live in Detroit, you may want to help preserve the city's musical history. Rewards include Detroit-themed music downloads, signed photographs of Detroit musicians and a tour of Motor City musical landmarks.
5. Syl Johnson: Any Way the Wind Blows. Speaking of great-sounding music documentaries, I hope this one about soul singer Syl Johnson gets funded. Admittedly, his name didn't ring a bell before I saw the trailer, but I won't forget it now; Wu-Tang Clan, Kanye West and Jay-Z are among those who have sampled his tunes. The filmmakers have raised about half of their $40,000 goal.
6. Trophy Buffet. The pitch from artist Alon Seifert cracks me up: He believes people deserve trophies for everyday occasions, not just winning some sort of championship. A $34 pledge gets you one of the trophies (and he has already reached his goal of $20,000).
7. Animal Gas: A Scratch and Sniff Picture Book. Children's author and illustrator Bryan Ballinger wants to make a book about some very gassy (and cute) animals "who try to convince each other that their toots smell great." The book includes lovely and icky scents, and a $35 pledge gets you a signed hardcover. I have a feeling this could be a big hit with kids ... and honestly, I'd like to get a copy for myself!
Related: More crowd-funding projects in need