Overlooked Crowd Funding: Cryptozoologist

One of the highlights of the Super Shangri-La Show events at the Balboa Theatre inevitably ends up being whatever project Brad Abrahams and Matt Ralston are presenting. At Bigfoot Bonanza, Swan Song of the Skunk Ape captivated those of the creatures who caught it, and was then shared with those who missed it. You can watch the short in its entirety on YouTube. And this past weekend, at the Space Visitors Film Fest, Love & Saucers won over every person who was there to witness the strange love story. 

"The story of David Huggins, a 72 year-old man who claims to have had a lifetime of encounters with otherworldly beings - including an interspecies romance with an extra-terrestrial woman - and chronicled it all in surreal impressionist paintings."

Several of David's prints were on sale in the lobby.

Now the duo move onward to their next project, Cryptozoologist, which they are actually several weeks into filming. It's another documentary on subject matter that can easily be exploitative or mocking, but it is being handled with respect and care. Just take a look at the trailer they have already put together.

The pair seem to just want to shed light on the legends that are powerful enough to take up a person's entire life and imagination, and they are motivated by their own curiosity. Much like certain subgenres within the horror umbrella (slashers, found footage, etc.), studying hidden or legendary animals can be easily dismissed by most, but it can also be approached academically.

If all goes as planned, we'll be watching Cryptozoologist at the second and last Bigfoot Bonanza! But first, we need to help this film get the funding in order to be made. So let's take a look at some of the perks available on its Kickstarter campaign.

Affordable:

• Oftentimes, 10 bucks will get you a shout out on social media, but in this campaign it can get you your own crytpid emojis. These little guys are adorable, and I know I'd use the hell out of them.

Under $100:

• For $50 you'll get the set of cryptid cuties, a download of the team's short film Swan Song of the Skunk Ape, and a signed copy of Cryptozoologist either on DVD or bluray. And I'll always choose the physical copy over a download, though that opinion is becoming unpopular. On the bright side, bluray costs the same as a DVD!

Breaking The Piggy Bank:

• There is some really cool art for this film, and for $100 you can wear it proudly in tshirt form. This perk also comes with the cute emojis, the download of the short film, AND a signed copy of the completed movie. This sounds like the one I'd go for, personally. Just check out this artwork! The shirt will have the  same image, but it's easier to see on the poster.

There are many more options that include signed books, the limited poster, and Skype hangouts, but there's one that stood out to me. 

Honorary Mention:

Courtesy of Loren Coleman and the International Cryptozoology Society, you can get a year long  membership to the ICS for $150, but they are limited to only 2 adult and 2 children. 

Be sure to check out the rest of the perk options at the Cryptozoologist campaign page.

You can also follow the film on Facebook, Twitter, and get updates at the official site.

-Huntress