Cassie and I began this morning like we do every other, going through every project that launched overnight. But today something special happened. The first four projects we came across were all so amazing I backed each of them. Four newly launched projects, each one as great as the one before.

Here’s a look at them.

Almost Super — A Novel by Matthew Buckley

Matthew Buckley’s novel about a child who discovers he has superpowers is amazingly pitched with a dramatic, handmade video of still drawings and voiceovers. It sets the scene perfectly, and whet my appetite for more. I also thought this reward was clever:

Beetle Queen Conquers Tokyo by Jessica Oreck

Beetle Queen is a documentary from Jessica Oreck about Japan’s fascination and celebration of insects. The trailer is pretty incredible and vaguely psychedelic. It also includes this:

I wasn’t as psyched about the rewards, so I pledged the minimum $3 to show my appreciation for the film. But I am keeping my eye on the $50 reward, which is a 39” x 27” film poster. Love that aesthetic. We’ll see!

The Apology Line by William Bridges

William Bridges is a filmmaker from the UK who created the anonymous phone line (see the image above) where Britons could call in and unload their secrets. Now he wants to do the same in the US.

This might sound like little more than a clever conceit (it did to me at first) until you begin watching the video. As (moving) still-lifes of loneliness and despair beautifully roll across the screen, we hear heartbreaking admissions: lovers cheated on, money stolen, lifetimes of guilt laid bare. I watched all ten minutes of it, and was rapt the entire time.

I opted for the $10 reward: someone’s apology emailed to me. I’m not really sure what to expect, or even if that’s something I want to have arrive in my inbox. But listening to these people tell their stories — huddled in their bathrooms, voices hushed, in the middle of the night — it felt like a respectful way to acknowledge their honesty and pain.

Above Ground Episodes by J Wise

To be honest I’m still not entirely sure what this project is. I only know that:

1. The video was pleasantly, mysteriously weird (always a good thing).

2. Josh Wise and Nick Stumpf from a great NYC band called the French Kicks are involved.

Apparently they’re making short video pieces accompanied by music and other mixed media. Which could mean pretty much anything, but considering the aesthetic and who’s involved, I’m in.

We’re thrilled to have all of these projects, and I’m hoping for their success!