Zach Braff’s Wish I Was Here made a big splash this past May when the actor behind Garden State launched a Kickstarter campaign to seek funding for his latest drama. That decision made a lot of headlines in Hollywood trade outlets, but some were skeptical how fair it would be to fans who are contributing to the finished product.
Part of that question was answered on Saturday morning. Those who gave $750 or more were given tickets to various premieres of the film, but some contributors were left in the cold in Sundance, Utah this morning.
“We didn’t know anybody in Utah to buy us tickets,” said Bryant Woodard, who donated about $500. Thus far, he has received a copy of Braff’s latest play, but not the other autographed memorabilia that is promised with a $500 donation. Woodard was not alone in his request, he was joined by another fan, who had donated $50, and was also asking for two tickets.
Some seats were reserved for Kickstarter fans to join Braff and the rest of the cast for the premiere, but only a few, leaving fans outside. On the surface, only allowing certain fans to see the premiere doesn’t quite gel with the spirit of Kickstarter, but when your film has no company to release your film, getting distributors and buyers in to see the finished product is priority number one. It’s a business decision that has to be made, but it makes filmmakers who use fan money look ungrateful.
Variety mentions that Woodard was able to buy a ticket shortly before the premiere, but only for himself. His girlfriend was unable to watch the premiere.
Source: Variety
