With social media usage approaching something like ubiquity, it's not surprising to see creative endeavors that are are hatched and nurtured in social find their way into the more traditional mainstream media. To name just a few: Twitter's @shitmydadsays has been optioned for television, countless writers have gone from blog to book including the successful and surprisingly good horror send-up John Dies at the End, more still -- like J.C. Hutchins (who is profiled in my book) -- go from podcast to print.
It's practically harping on yesterday's news to talk about social media projects making the jump into the so-called real world. But I'd like to call your attention to a crossover that is near to my heart and for which I'd love to solicit your support (hey, I don't ask for much - the next time I do, it will be to ask you to buy my book - so indulge me for a few minutes.)
Enter David Niall Wilson: a horror and science fiction novelist turned Twitter fanatic. Early in 2009, a couple of chance remarks made on Twitter got his creative juices flowing and, as often happens with creative types, before long those stray remarks had inspired the basic plot for a horror screenplay that is equal parts slasher movie, serial killer story and ecological thriller. David called his script Killer Green, began publishing it to his blog one scene at a time (the first two scenes are still online), and letting his Twitter followers know when they should tune in for more.
With the script written, David quietly went about optioning the screenplay to a small indie production house that, in turn, secured commitments from some talent to play key roles. And so the movie sits, awaiting production which -- as you undoubtedly realize -- costs money... More on that in a second but first:
Why am I telling you all of this?
Well, for one thing David is a friend (disclosure: he has also sent Amanda and me some free stuff over the course of the past couple of years and suffered through a very bizarre phone call on Thanksgiving 2008). For another, taking his inspiration from Twitter in more ways than one, David loosely modeled Killer Green's cast of characters after people he had gotten to know 140-characters at a time. One of the film's main protagonists -- Professor Gregory Verdino -- is, well, inspired yours truly; Professor Verdino's love interest is inspired by my love interest; and other social media notables like geekosaurus Chris Brogan feature prominently as well. So hell yeah I'd love to see this thing on the silver screen.
Cut to close-up of you: It's fitting that a movie inspired by the social media community find its funding in the social media community as well. And that's exactly what the Killer Green crew are aiming to do -- which is why I'm writing this post, because I'm hoping you can help.
How?
Most of all, I'd like to encourage you to check out the Killer Green fundraising page on IndieGoGo -- if you're familiar with social fundraising startups like Kickstarter or the music-focused SellaBand, think of IndieGoGo as something similar, with a big focus around helping indie producers get their movies made through small financial contributions from regular people.
You can learn more about the movie and, if you like the idea or just want to support it, you can contribute toward its $50,000 fundraising goal.
Even if you can't contribute money, you can certainly help to build the buzz. I'd love it if you would share this post on Twitter, Facebook or with your friends. Point people to the Killer Green page. Tell David Niall Wilson you love him (ok - I can't ask that much, but it doesn't take much to spread the word and help something social come to life on the screen.)
Professor Gregory Verdino will thank you. I will too.
