Kickstarter, an online community supporting filmmakers, not only funds movies like Veronica Mars, but its services are also reaching creative visionaries a little closer to home.
Jeremy Zerechak, a second-year Masters of Fine Arts and School of Film student, is hoping to gain the company’s support for his next project, the documentary Hackers in Uganda, with a goal of raising about $15,000.
“Kickstarter has become a valuable resource in the filmmaking world, particularly for documentary filmmakers,” Zerechak said. “By its very nature, documentary film engages with a particular aspect of society, culture, and civilization.”
Along with his colleagues, Rachel Mihuta Grimm, the film’s co-producer and production coordinator, and Joe Miller, the music composer and sound mixer for the documentary, the crew is hoping to raise the money to share the story of Hackers for Charity (HFC). HFC is a group of humanitarian computer hackers who are providing technological education and services in Uganda.
“I think Kickstarter is changing independent filmmaking,” Miller said. “I don’t think it really matters to the big studios, but it can be the difference between having a great idea and making a great film.”
When working on his last documentary, Code 2600, Zerechak discovered the organization and their operations. When he began talking to them about the concept he said that they were “immediately receptive to the idea.”
“Uganda is such a beautiful and fascinating region,” Zerechak said. “I have no doubt the personal stories surrounding HFC and its students will make this a unique and moving documentary.”
Zerechak and his crew plan to use the funds from the site to support their round-trip airfare and accommodations while filming in Uganda.
“Documentary filmmaking requires a significant amount of time and resources,” said Grimm, an Ohio University 2012 graduate with a degree in French and English.
So far, the group has raised $2,698.
“Of course any viable funding options will be kept in consideration for future projects,” Zerechak said. “Documentaries take an immense amount of time and effort to produce. Proper funding helps me realize my vision and tell a good story through my film.”
wa054010@ohiou.edu
