Crowdfunding kickstarts Oz animation

Crowd sourced funding is rapidly gaining momentum with the new Australian animation starring Cate Blanchett, David Wenham and Barry Otto being successfully financed using alternative funding methods.
 
The makers of A Cautionary Tail, a fable about a girl born with a tail who stands up to bullies, raised over $50,000 via the funding site Kickstarter .

Ending yesterday, the fundraising campaign attracted significant support from the international community and has contributed to a growing and enthusiastic fan base ahead of the film's release.

Producer of A Cautionary Tail, Pauline Piper said the crowdsourced funding model challenged the monopoly of the big studios and their distribution networks.

"It’s very much a grassroots movement and holds exciting possibilities for the future of distribution, in much the same way the internet has transformed the way we access news and buy music," she said. “The initial funding we received through Screen NSW enabled us to go into production. When that ran out the generosity of friends and colleagues meant we were able to continue with animation while the Kickstarter community rallied behind us. It was very exciting to see that we had both the funds and an international audience.”

“Industry support was an important keystone in financing production. Post production house, Heckler, was behind us from the very beginning and we are lucky to have a post deal from such a creatively bold company.”

An exhibition featuring interactive video installations, stills and miniature sets was auctioned raising $6,530 and awareness for Headspace, Australia's National Youth Mental Heath Foundation. The film makers donated 50 per cent of proceeds from the night to Headspace which was matched by Heckler totalling $6,530 raised for programs that help young people develop resilience against bullying, an issue at the heart of the film.  

"The Kickstarter campaign, pop-up exhibition, and resulting media exposure have generated a buzz about the film that has attracted the interest of independent investors," Piper said. “As a result, A Cautionary Tail is now fully financed and will make its debut at international festivals in January 2013.”