Mystery Science Theatre 3000 Is Crowdfunding Another Comeback - and Also Apps (kickstarter.com) 22
destinyland writes: Mystery Science Theater 3000 will be coming back — with a new home online. Though Netflix didn't pick them up for another season after 2019, "We still want to keep making new episodes," series creator Joel Hodgson explains in an online video on Kickstarter. (Also available through the URL MakeMoreMST3K.com.)
And with 12 days left to go, 18,969 online fans have already pledged $3,348,705, funding six new episodes...
But in addition the first $2 million funded the creation of the Gizmoplex, "our very own virtual online theatre," while the first stretch goal was also funded — the creation of MST3K apps for Android, iOS, and streaming services like AppleTV and Roku. "I'm tired of other people deciding if our show lives or dies," explains Crow T. Robot in the Kickstarter video. "I wanna do that." New host Jonah Heston adds, "If we want MST3K to keep going long-term, maybe networks aren't the most reliable option. Maybe it should be up to the fans to decide how long we keep going..."
Their next stretch goal of $4.4 million would fund three more episodes, but will also allow them to invite backers to the Gizmoplex for live monthly events, "for at least a year." And if they reach their goal of $5.5 million, they'll fund three more episodes — so an entire 12-episode season — as well as 12 short-subject films.
The ultimate hope is to host frequent live screenings, premieres, and community events in the Gizmoplex — while fans can even host their own MST3K watch parties whenever they want. And their Kickstarter page even suggests they might someday extend the Gizmoplex into virtual reality (accessible on computer and headsets).
I still remember how back in 2008 Joel Hodgson answered questions from Slashdot readers. "I've been a fan so long, I can't even remember when," posted CmdrTaco.
And with 12 days left to go, 18,969 online fans have already pledged $3,348,705, funding six new episodes...
But in addition the first $2 million funded the creation of the Gizmoplex, "our very own virtual online theatre," while the first stretch goal was also funded — the creation of MST3K apps for Android, iOS, and streaming services like AppleTV and Roku. "I'm tired of other people deciding if our show lives or dies," explains Crow T. Robot in the Kickstarter video. "I wanna do that." New host Jonah Heston adds, "If we want MST3K to keep going long-term, maybe networks aren't the most reliable option. Maybe it should be up to the fans to decide how long we keep going..."
Their next stretch goal of $4.4 million would fund three more episodes, but will also allow them to invite backers to the Gizmoplex for live monthly events, "for at least a year." And if they reach their goal of $5.5 million, they'll fund three more episodes — so an entire 12-episode season — as well as 12 short-subject films.
The ultimate hope is to host frequent live screenings, premieres, and community events in the Gizmoplex — while fans can even host their own MST3K watch parties whenever they want. And their Kickstarter page even suggests they might someday extend the Gizmoplex into virtual reality (accessible on computer and headsets).
I still remember how back in 2008 Joel Hodgson answered questions from Slashdot readers. "I've been a fan so long, I can't even remember when," posted CmdrTaco.
I suspect they'll have more critics now (Score:1)
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You might as well say no more comedy because the US is being torn apart.
I didn't mean for my negativity to imply that, though I can see how one might reach that conclusion. I just know that the lenses that people view the world through now are very different than they were back in the 90s.
You guys need it more than ever.
I couldn't agree with you more. Many people seem to have lost their sense of humor entirely and it's a travesty.
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Classic MST3K mocked Trump numerous times in the 90s. The two recent seasons on Netflix weren't accused of anything political though.
It is an advantage to not having a network to tell you to avoid some subject or association, though.
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When mst3k started it was an innovative and entertaining way to cheaply fill airtime. Back then no one could do what they did, partly because of the cost of licensing. The power of standard TV movie costs helped them just like MTV access to music videos made beaus and butthead possible.
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I haven't seen the Netflix run and quite frankly, Joel was one of the worst stand ups I've ever seen live - pretty sure he had like 10lbs of edibles and smoked 5 bowls - because it was about that coherent. He was way better on Letterman that same year. When he created MST3k, it was a match made in heaven - a TV channel with the rights to a lot of old B-movies and a need for some original revenue from them. KTMA-23 in Minneapolis had just that. I remember watching the first two episodes so sick with Strep I
the 1990's called (Score:4, Insightful)
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People like that show? (Score:3)
I always found the show annoying. I rather watch the movie they have on. I do like that they are funding a VR movie gallery though, would be cool if they opened it up for none-MST3K.
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Kickstarting (Score:3)
I really like MST3K and am glad they are doing another season. But I will point out that 50 years ago, if you provided financing for something, you either 1) had an equity interest or 2) were a fabulously well-to do patron of the arts.
Now, the rich are richer than ever, capital is more fungible than ever with small amounts being easily aggregated, yet somehow middle-class people are sending money directly to affluent entertainers in exchange for limited-time access to the service they helped fund and a cameo video-- presumably thanking them for donating money so Joel and the gang can develop another passive revenue stream.
Nothing but love for the players, but I do hate the game.
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With a kickstarter like this, you're simply pre-paying for various products you're buying. That's your equity. You back the project to get your DVD box set, your digital downloads, your poster, your snow globe, or whatever.
Huh? Why is this coming back (Score:2)
I saw the episodes made with the last Kickstarter, and wasn't impressed. Tried watching older episodes and felt the same way.
$500,000 per episode? WTF? (Score:2)
$3,348,705, funding six new episodes
I've never seen it, but isn't this show just a couple of people talking over clips of old movies? How in the hell can that cost $500,000 per episode? Pretty sure people are doing that on YouTube with a setup cost under $100...