“Veronica Mars” movie raises nearly $3 million on Kickstarter

“Veronica Mars” fans are in for a treat after meeting TV producer Rob Thomas’ challenge. On March 13 he posted on Kickstarter.com that he and star Kristen Bell had met with Warner Brothers, owners of the show, and discussed the opportunity to film the movie.

Kristen Bell, star of “Veronica Mars”

Thomas says on the Kickstarter post, “Warner Bros. still owns Veronica Mars and we would need their blessing and cooperation to pull this off. Kristen and I met with the Warner Bros. brass, and they agreed to allow us to take this shot. They were extremely cool about it, as a matter of fact. Their reaction was, if you can show there’s enough fan interest to warrant a movie, we’re on board. So this is it. This is our shot. I believe it’s the only one we’ve got.”

It seems Warner Brothers may have underestimated the power of the show’s fan base. Because as of 11:30am on March 14 (just one day after posting the campaign on Kickstarter), the project has raised over $2.7 million. With 28 days left in the campaign, there’s no telling how much more they’ll raise.

If you’re unfamiliar with Kickstarter, it is an online donation platform where independent projects can gain funding. It is often used by filmmakers, musicians, artists, etc. They create their project, list a goal and deadline, and if people like the project they can donate/pledge to make it happen. If the project doesn’t meet it’s goal, no one is charged.

With the “Veronica Mars” project, there are numerous levels of pledges, including:

For a $10 donation, fans will receive a .pdf of the shooting script on the day of the movie’s release as well as regular updates and behind-the-scenes scoop throughout the fundraising and movie making process.

For $35, fans will get a digital version of the movie within a few days of the movie’s theatrical debut, plus the T-shirt, plus the .pdf of the shooting script as well as the behind-the-scenes scoop throughout the fundraising and movie making process.

Jump to a donation of $350 or more and a cast member will record up to a 15 second outgoing voicemail message, you’ll get a signed movie poster, a Blu-Ray/DVD combo pack, a digital version of the movie, the limited-edition T-shirt and a pdf of the shooting script. As above, we are hoping to include Keith, Logan, Wallace, Weevil, Mac, Dick and Piz.

And for the biggest of all donations, $10,000 or more (this is sold out), the lucky fan receives a speaking role in the movie, a framed copy of the page of the script that includes the line, an invitation to the premiere and the after party, among other things.

Now, it’ll just be up to the Warner Brother’s execs to approve the project and get the ball rolling. For fans, don’t expect to see the movie any time soon, but you’re at least one step closer.