Felicia Day's 'The Guild' Movie Aims for Kickstarter Glory

Felicia Day, a trailblazer in the realm of web-based storytelling and a prominent figure in geek culture, is once again making waves with her Kickstarter campaign for a film adaptation of her beloved web series, The Guild. This initiative, which seeks to bring together the original cast for a Ren Faire-themed reunion, is poised to shatter crowdfunding records, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this cult classic.

Since its debut in 2007, The Guild has captured the hearts of viewers by following the misadventures of an anxious gamer (played by Day) who has to navigate real-life relationships with her online gaming companions. With the film now in the works, the excitement is palpable as fans rally to support the project, which has already become the second-most-funded narrative film on Kickstarter.

As of now, the campaign has raised over $5.2 million, closing in on the record of $5.7 million set by The Veronica Mars Movie. With just three days remaining, the team is optimistic about surpassing this milestone, especially considering the surge in backing that typically occurs in the final hours of such campaigns. This crowdfunding success is a testament to Day's vision and the project's nostalgic value to its audience.

Day, who leads a dedicated team of twelve, has emphasized the importance of a merchandise store as part of the campaign strategy, allowing fans to contribute at varying levels. This approach reflects the changing landscape of content creation, where audiences are accustomed to free online content and may hesitate to support larger budget projects. “I totally get the psychological resistance to being able to continuously support what is going to be a very low-budget movie,” Day explained.

The production's budget aims to mirror that of a single episode from a traditional half-hour comedy series, which presents its own set of challenges. Day has voiced her frustrations regarding the financial hurdles of producing a film outside the conventional Hollywood system, citing strict insurance requirements and the complexities of securing tax credits in Los Angeles. “To me, any movie under $10 million should automatically get a tax credit,” she noted, highlighting the inequities in funding opportunities for smaller projects.

Despite these challenges, Day remains hopeful about the future of independent filmmaking, especially as the internet becomes a more viable platform for original creators. The landscape has shifted significantly since her initial foray into content creation, with less support from advertising and a growing inclination for the industry to favor cheaper, low-effort content. “The last time we shot was 2012. There was a lot more help,” she reminisced, reflecting on the ease of producing content in the early days of YouTube.

Day's journey with The Guild has been marked by both triumph and disappointment. After a proposal to reboot the series with a new cast was made by a studio executive, Day took it as a catalyst to create the film script herself. “It lit a fire in me to actually write the movie script, commit to doing something big for the show’s 20th anniversary,” she said. This determination underscores her commitment to preserving the original spirit of the series while engaging with its loyal fanbase.

As the campaign continues to gain momentum, Day is excited to see the outpouring of support from fans who grew up with The Guild. “It’s been very gratifying to see so many people come out from places I never knew they were,” she expressed, emphasizing the show's lasting impact on its audience and the indie creator community. With the film's release, Day hopes to inspire a new generation of storytellers, proving that there is still a place for diverse voices in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.

Source: www.indiewire.com