8$ is a series which occasionally highlights interesting crowdfunding projects. Every day, the 8Asians team is inundated by many worthy pitches. We are unable to highlight every one that comes our way, or even the ones we might individually support. The projects selected for 8$ are not endorsements by 8Asians. (To be considered for 8$, we highly suggest you not harass the writers or the editors of 8Asians.)
Editor’s Note: Even though this project has been funded, it’s still worth noting the various perks they have for contributors, as well as their “stretch goals” for hitting various milestones. –Joz
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdkEPLPRAYU
Photo credit: Melly Lee
WHO: Wong Fu Productions (WFP) is an independent new media production company, founded by Wesley Chan, Ted Fu, and Philip Wang. “We are primarily known for our YouTube channel where we create short films, sketches, music videos and vlogs for our AWESOME fanbase of supporters around the world. Since meeting in college 10 years ago, our following has grown to over 2 million subscribers and 300 million views.”
WHAT: Indiegogo project: Wong Fu Productions’ First Feature Film
Our story takes place in a world where all relationship activity is documented and monitored by the Department of Emotional Integrity (DEI). Much like a credit score is given to represent financial responsibility, a relationship score is given to keep individuals accountable for the relationship activity and choices. The score is public for all to see, and affects various aspects of daily life.
In the film we follow two couples who are experiencing different challenges in their relationships. Seth and Haley are two high schoolers who are registering their relationship for the first time, and Ben and Sara, a former couple in their mid twenties who must meet again to settle an old report.
Through these two stories we are going to explore how love changes over time, and how to believe in your heart again after it’s been hurt.
WHEN: Deadline to contribute is Tuesday, March 18, 2014 (11:59pm PT).
WHY:
About the Indiegogo, from WFP:
While we did make a film back in 2006, we were still students, doing it by ourselves during our free time between classes. Over the last few years of growing as artists, growing our channel into what it is today, we’ve always known that making a feature film the “real” way was something we wanted to do. In fact, in 2008, we tried. We got a manager, a producer, we took meetings at production studios, but the timing wasn’t right. Our channel was still young and people didn’t really understand YouTube yet. Worst of all, we were being told that we would have to change our casting preferences (Asian leads) to something more “marketable” (Non Asian leads). As you can imagine, hearing that our ethnicity would play a negative factor in the project was difficult and unfortunate to hear. So instead we turned away from movies to focus on our YouTube channel where we had full control and our race would not be considered a liability.
Now, YouTube is a place generally known for quick laughs, or cute babies. But WFP has always been about creating and sharing high quality, engaging stories. We know our channel could’ve probably grown a lot faster had we tried to ride trends, but instead we chose to make videos that would have a lasting impression, even if they took a little longer to produce. Thankfully, we found an audience who can appreciate how we stand out.
But after making so many short films, we still felt the desire to challenge ourselves with the ultimate test. And we know our audience wants to see what we could do with a full length film.
The timing is right now. Our channel and audience has grown large enough that we don’t have to rely on an outside studio, (and therefore we don’t have to change our casting preferences). We’re far better equipped to make a film after learning SO much through the hundreds of videos we’ve made the past few years. And we’ve already created numerous short films that reach millions of views. It’s finally time.
