UlasanAnime.com – Kickstarter, a popular online crowdfunding platform, allows individuals to seek start-up capital for their projects. These projects often involve the creation of problem-solving devices, independent media like games, music, and films, or other services. The crowdfunding model operates on a tiered system where backers receive perks based on their contribution amount. A set deadline is established, and if the funding goal is met, the project moves forward. If not, no money is exchanged, and the project ceases.
Successful Kickstarter projects frequently emphasize end-user communication, treating backers as both the target market and a source of market feedback. This communication continues throughout the project’s development for successfully funded ventures. For backers, this offers the anticipation of the final product along with an understanding of the inherent risks. Typically, Kickstarter projects have a low entry cost to appeal to consumers and mitigate risk. The Wikipedia article on Kickstarter lists some of the most heavily funded examples.
The question arises: how does crowdfunding relate to anime? It could potentially incentivize enterprising creators to produce independently published works. Given the relatively low barrier to entry in the doujin (self-published) scene, one might question the necessity of crowdfunding. It’s possible that the primary bottleneck isn’t initial fundraising but rather distribution.
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In the realm of anime production, fundraising is a more substantial undertaking. Typically, anime is created when a pitch is sold to potential investors. These investors can range from traditional committees and their holding companies to any entity with the financial means to contribute. Once the financial green light is given, the production process commences.
However, there are other anime-related endeavors, including games and manga, that could be funded through a model where consumers pay in advance. While the viability of international licensing through crowdfunding seems uncertain, the creation and marketing of a product, such as a PVC figure for mass production, could potentially be managed this way. This approach, of course, assumes financial viability is a consideration. As previously mentioned, some projects are more suited to crowdfunding than others, with the primary challenge being the logistics of operating internationally on a limited budget.
If an “established player” with the necessary connections and channels were involved, they could solicit the right artists and commission their work. These artists would be guaranteed payment, as the project leader would likely need to provide some upfront funds to initiate the process, even on Kickstarter. If the fundraiser is successful, the hired artists would then proceed with production. Executing this with a clear understanding of successful Kickstarter principles should make it comparable to most other projects.
There are existing examples that illustrate this concept. In the figure manufacturing industry, established companies often conduct limited pre-order runs for figures. Good Smile Company’s overseas shop, for instance, faced shipping challenges, highlighting a distribution hurdle common to many independent projects. For figure production, the ability to communicate directly with fans about their desires and expectations early on could be a significant advantage. In essence, when a company solicits funds, it becomes a matter of directly connecting consumers with creators.
Ultimately, there appears to be a need within the distribution model to reduce the cost of producing independently financed or crowd-financed goods. In this context, Kickstarter represents just one component of a broader solution.
These are just initial thoughts on the matter. Further discussion can be found in this thread on Fandom Post. It’s worth noting that this particular discussion focuses more on the value proposition for high-spending importers and the perspective of “real” Japanese otaku who are content with paying substantial amounts for anime series.
