Crowdfunding has become a popular way for people to raise money for various projects, from startups to personal causes. But it’s not just everyday people who are turning to crowdfunding to raise funds. Famous people, including actors, musicians, and athletes, are also using the platform to raise money for their projects.
Here, we take a look at some of the most successful celebrity crowdfunding campaigns and what made them successful.
Zach Braff’s “Wish I Was Here”
Actor Zach Braff, best known for his role as J.D. in the popular television show “Scrubs,” turned to crowdfunding in 2013 to raise money for his film, “Wish I Was Here.” Braff raised $3.1 million on Kickstarter, making it one of the most successful campaigns on the platform at the time.
Braff’s campaign was successful for a few reasons. First, he had a large fan base from his time on “Scrubs,” which helped him to quickly reach his fundraising goal. Second, he offered a variety of rewards for backers, including advance screenings of the film, a chance to be an extra in the film, and even a chance to have lunch with Braff.
Veronica Mars
The Veronica Mars movie campaign on Kickstarter is one of the most successful campaigns in the history of the platform. The campaign, which was launched in 2013, aimed to raise $2 million to fund a movie adaptation of the popular television show. The campaign exceeded its goal, raising $5.7 million in just 30 days.
The success of the Veronica Mars campaign can be attributed to a few factors. First, the show had a dedicated fan base that was excited about the possibility of a movie. Second, the campaign offered a variety of rewards for backers, including a digital copy of the movie, a DVD or Blu-ray of the movie, and even a chance to be an extra in the movie.
Amanda Palmer
Musician Amanda Palmer raised $1.2 million on Kickstarter in 2012 to fund her album, “Theatre Is Evil.” The campaign was successful for a few reasons. First, Palmer had a dedicated fan base that was excited about her new album. Second, she offered a variety of rewards for backers, including advance copies of the album, VIP concert tickets, and even a chance to be in the album artwork.
Spike Lee
Director Spike Lee raised $1.4 million on Kickstarter in 2013 to fund his film, “Da Sweet Blood of Jesus.” The campaign was successful for a few reasons. First, Lee has a long history of creating successful films, which gave backers confidence in the project. Second, he offered a variety of rewards for backers, including a DVD or Blu-ray of the film, a chance to be an extra in the film, and even a chance to have lunch with Lee.
Rob Thomas
Creator of the popular television show “Veronica Mars,” Rob Thomas, raised $5.7 million on Kickstarter in 2013 to fund a movie adaptation of the show. The campaign was successful for a few reasons. First, the show had a dedicated fan base that was excited about the possibility of a movie. Second, Thomas offered a variety of rewards for backers, including a digital copy of the movie, a DVD or Blu-ray of the movie, and even a chance to be an extra in the movie.
Zach Anner
Comedian and author Zach Anner raised $221,541 on Kickstarter in 2012 to fund his book, “Rolling With Zach.” The campaign was successful for a few reasons. First, Anner has a strong online presence and a large following on social media, which helped to promote the campaign. Second, he offered a variety of rewards for backers, including advance copies of the book, signed copies of the book, and even a chance to meet Anner in person.
Wil Wheaton
Actor and writer Wil Wheaton raised $1.4 million on Kickstarter in 2017 to fund his web series, “TableTop.” The campaign was successful for a few reasons. First, Wheaton has a large fan base from his time on “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and his popular blog, which helped to promote the campaign. Second, he offered a variety of rewards for backers, including advance episodes of the series, signed merchandise, and even a chance to appear on the show.
Melissa Joan Hart
Actress Melissa Joan Hart raised $2 million on Kickstarter in 2014 to fund her film, “Darci’s Walk of Shame.” The campaign was successful for a few reasons. First, Hart has a large fan base from her time on the popular television shows “Clarissa Explains It All” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch,” which helped to promote the campaign. Second, she offered a variety of rewards for backers, including advance screenings of the film, a chance to be an extra in the film, and even a chance to have lunch with Hart.
In conclusion, these celebrity crowdfunding campaigns show that famous people can be successful in raising funds for their projects on platforms like Kickstarter. By having a dedicated fan base and offering a variety of rewards for backers, these celebrities were able to reach their fundraising goals and bring their projects to life. It’s also evident that crowdfunding is a great way for celebrities to connect with their fans and give them a chance to be a part of the creative process.
