Join Max and his crew as they journey deep into the ridiculous abyss...
The crew of the Spaceship Galaxy is eager to embark on its mission to whiz all over the universe and mark uncharted territory! *Spoiler Alert* - They're gonna get lost...
In this episodic series, these goofballs will come face to face with mind-boggling lifeforms. They're armed with personality and ready to handle anything with awkward insights and childlike ingenuity.
So what will they discover? - Will aliens have the same problems as us? Will kid aliens raise adult aliens? Will they also love unicorns? Cry rainbows? Live in the 8th dimension? Will they be perfect? Will they read secret thoughts? Will they take control? Will they EAT BRAINS!?!
Bloated imaginations will take these kids far into the crazyverse and they're gonna learn about themselves...whether they realize it or not.
But seriously, the idea for the Max Galaxy Series started from a comic strip we dreamed up while feeling nostalgic about our childhoods (see below). Giddy with the outcome, we decided to put our professional eggs in one basket and turn the idea into a show. After 12 months of design and development, here we are.
(The comic that started it all! Click image for a larger version.)
The comic is an example of general story concept, BUT the Max Galaxy Series is a different animal.
Inspired by the practical effects of Star Wars (re-imagined to fit the style of our show), we'll be shooting live set pieces/models with layers of animation and special effects. Alien worlds will feel tangible and the wonders of the universe will get the exciting treatment they deserve! The show will be a unique visual experience with storylines that will engage the audience in silly humor and awkward insights into what makes us human.
The first season of MAX GALAXY will run 7 episodes at approximately 15-20 minutes each. The Series will be offered online for free. If the funds are raised, the show will launch July 2013.
THE STYLE OF THE SHOW
The use of practical effects is not new to us. We've relied heavily on live sets and models across our professional careers. It's the way we prefer to do things even though it takes more energy and brain juice. The finished product inevitably feels more organic and fun!
Here's an example of a project we made as a test for a commercial pitch. Time was really limited so we went with a goofy idea to showcase effects that could be created with miniatures and real materials close at hand: Impact Debut - A blockbuster of miniature proportions (for mature audiences pg-13).
The style of Max Galaxy will obviously be brighter and more kid friendly.
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
We feel really fortunate to have grown up with comics like Peanuts and Calvin and Hobbes. These characters taught us to be curious children. Their worries, insights, and endless seeking gave us a world to relate to. We started to question things with a nagging feeling that there just might be something grand to figure out.
Bill Watterson and Charles Schultz helped shape our adult lives without telling us how to be. They showed us that it was okay to ask silly questions, have irrational fears and find truth in imagination. Now, we'd like to do our part in continuing the tradition of letting kids be kids while asking the Big question in their own special ways..."What does it mean to be human?"
WHO ARE THESE GUYS?!
Hi, we're Jeff Lee and Lynn Okimura. Together we make stuff as Motion Fiction. Our combined work includes live-action, animated and mixed media projects for G4TV, HBO, Disney, commercials and music videos for artists like Grace Potter and the Nocturnals and Nels Cline of Wilco (full length dvd). In addition to our industry experience, we have worked on special projects for STAR EDUCATION (a non-profit for children). Lynn has worked as a professor of Interactive Animation at the UCLA School of Film and Television and instructed at Cal Arts.
WHERE DOES YOUR MONEY GO?
Max Galaxy will be a mixed media series. EVERYTHING will be brought to life with real set pieces and models which involves materials and construction. We have all 7 episodes written and ready to shoot and we're 1000000000% committed to this project. Along with what we've already invested, we'll need 90k to complete the entire season. Here's the breakdown:
10% ($9000) goes to Amazon and Kickstarter.
At 7 episodes - that leaves us with ~$11,600 per episode.
We're building NEW SETS and CHARACTER MODELS for EACH EPISODE so every Alien Planet and Lifeform will look uniquely amazing!
Below are some of the costs per episode:
-Sets (design, construction and materials)
-Models (design, construction and materials)
-Effects Cinematography
-Voice Acting
-Visual Effects
-Artwork and Animation
-Editing
-Sound (design, editing, engineering)
-Music
-Post (color correction, compression, finishing costs)
We've amassed a lot of favors and equipment throughout our professional careers which will make every dollar go a long way. 90k is the minimum required to complete the series. BUT the more money we get, the more spectacular and insane our planet sets will look.
WHERE WOULD YOU SEE THE SERIES?
Max Galaxy will launch online and the episodes will be offered for free on a weekly schedule during season 1.
Our intention is to do a first season independent run (to get the show off its feet) and then shop it to connections at online streaming channels (e.g. Netflix, Hulu, Google Channels, etc.).
HOW TO PLEDGE A DONATION:
Click the Green "Back This Project" button in the upper right hand corner of this page. You will only be charged if we reach our entire goal!
Even a one dollar donation helps :) Every new backer encourages others to pledge. We deeply appreciate it all!
Thank You So Much for your Support!!!
We have lots of rewards to show our gratitude!
REWARDS:
Update New Reward! - For all pledges $1 and over (including the ones who have already backed us)
You'll be getting your own VIEW INTO SPACE! It's a printable 3D Illusion (pdf)...Just like the stuff you see in Street Art Blogs!
This one can go anywhere in your own home (Your child's bedroom, the ceiling, the floor, sidewalk, the office, etc.)! Just print it out and stick it anywhere! If you're fancy you can cut out the hole so it matches perfectly with your wall color.
For the next reward, we wanted to make something special. We thought about SIMPLE things that tapped into our curiosity and creativity as children and came up with these Imagination Puzzles and Games for Everyone!!!
Taddaaaa! The Not So Ordinary ACTIVITY PACK!
Below are some example pages that we'll update throughout the Kickstarter Campaign:
(Pledge of $20 and up)
(Below are more examples of the Activity Pack, Artwork from Digicalus and the E-Book Comic Adventures)
Risks and challenges Learn about accountability on Kickstarter
We've been developing this project for a full year in order to eliminate risks to our backers. The episodes are already written and we have this type of production down to a science. We are accustomed to working at industry paces and scheduled this project accordingly in order to minimize delays. We did A LOT of preparation pre-Kickstarter because we take crowd funding very seriously and wanted to be certain that we're gonna come through for you.
FAQ
Have a question? If the info above doesn't help, you can ask the project creator directly.
62
Backers
$27,240
pledged of $90,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Unsuccessful This project reached the deadline without achieving its funding goal on October 31, 2012.
Funding period
Oct 1, 2012 -
Oct 31, 2012
(30 days)
- First created · 2 backed
- Has not connected Facebook
- Website: maxgalaxyshow.com
Pledge $1 or more
3 backers
Our sincere, heartfelt thanks!
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $1 or more
0 backers
New Reward applies to ALL BACKERS (including the ones who have already backed us). An 8x10 printable 3D Illusion (pdf) - of a Hole punched in your wall looking out into Space! Just like the stuff you've seen on Street Art Blogs! (See Rewards Section for Picture!)
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $5 or more
5 backers
A big thanks on our website and Facebook.
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $5 or more
0 backers
New Reward Applies to All Backers $5 and over (including the ones who have already backed us) A 17x22 printable 3D Illusion (4 pdfs) - of a Hole punched in your wall looking out into Space! Just like the stuff you've seen on Street Art Blogs! (See Rewards Section for Picture!)
Estimated delivery: Nov 2012Pledge $10 or more
7 backers
An early download of the entire first season of Max Galaxy (as soon as it's completed). A big thanks on our website and Facebook.
Estimated delivery: Jul 2013Pledge $20 or more
3 backers
All of the above PLUS downloads of the Max Galaxy Activity Pack (pdf) and Papercraft Character Templates (pdf).
Estimated delivery: Dec 2012Pledge $30 or more
5 backers
All of the above PLUS thanks in the credits of every Max Galaxy episode of season one. PLUS an ebook of Max Galaxy concept art from the show.
Estimated delivery: Jul 2013Pledge $40 or more
4 backers
All of the above PLUS a thanks in every issue of the Max Galaxy comic we will be making alongside the show. Your name will be published in every book we make for the lifetime of the comic.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013Pledge $50 or more
7 backers Limited (193 of 200 left)
All of the lower tier rewards PLUS one original, signed, watercolor painting from the planet Digicalus-008b (See rewards section. Seriously, make sure you know what you're getting before you pick this one). PLUS an ebook of the entire Digicalus Arts Institute Anthology (Seriously, make sure you know what it is). PLUS an ebook of the finished Max Galaxy: Artoola comic adventure (parts 1 & 2).
Estimated delivery: Jul 2013Pledge $50 or more
1 backer
All of the lower tier rewards PLUS limited edition 8x10 prints of specially designed Max Galaxy artwork (set of 2, numbered and signed). PLUS an ebook of the entire Digicalus Arts Institute Anthology. PLUS an ebook of the finished Max Galaxy: Artoola comic adventure (parts 1 & 2).
Estimated delivery: Jul 2013Pledge $75 or more
0 backers Limited (100 of 100 left)
All of the lower tier rewards PLUS TWO original, signed Digicalus watercolor paintings (We're not kidding, make sure you know what you're getting into). PLUS the Digicalus ebook anthology. PLUS a SPECIAL thanks in the credits of every Max Galaxy episode of season one.
Estimated delivery: Jul 2013Pledge $100 or more
5 backers Limited (95 of 100 left)
All of the lower tier rewards (one Digicalus painting) PLUS two pieces of original, signed and hand drawn concept art from the production of the show.
Estimated delivery: Jul 2013Pledge $100 or more
8 backers Limited (22 of 30 left)
All of the lower tier rewards (one Digicalus painting) PLUS a hardbound copy of the Max Galaxy Comic and Activity Book (Approx. 100 pages. Initially unavailable to the public. U.S. shipping only).
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013Pledge $100 or more
3 backers
All of the lower tier rewards (minus Digicalus painting) PLUS a set of 4 limited edition 8x10 prints of specially designed Max Galaxy artwork (numbered and signed).
Estimated delivery: Jul 2013Pledge $250 or more
1 backer Limited (9 of 10 left)
The early download of the entire season as soon as it's completed. Downloads of the Max Galaxy Activity Pack (pdf) and Papercraft Character Templates (pdf). The ebook of concept art. Thanks published in the comic books forever. The ebook of the Max Galaxy: Artoola Comic Book Adventure (parts 1 & 2). Two Digicalus watercolor paintings. The Digicalus Anthology ebook. The hardcopy of the Max Galaxy Book. Two pieces of original concept art from the show. A GOLD Backer thanks in the credits of every episode of season one.
Estimated delivery: Jul 2013Pledge $500 or more
0 backers Limited (10 of 10 left)
The early download of the entire season as soon as it's completed. Downloads of the Max Galaxy Activity Pack (pdf) and Papercraft Character Templates (pdf). The ebook of concept art. Thanks published in the comic books forever. The ebook of the Max Galaxy: Artoola Comic Book Adventure (parts 1 & 2). Two Digicalus watercolor paintings. The Digicalus Anthology ebook. The hardcopy of the Max Galaxy Book. Two pieces of original concept art from the show. Max will read your name on your own screen on the credits of an episode. You'll be listed as a PLATINUM Backer on screen. A five panel comic strip featuring a likeness of you and the Max Galaxy Crew. A making of Q&A session in several emails.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
0 backers Limited (7 of 7 left)
The early download of the entire season as soon as it's completed. Downloads of the Max Galaxy Activity Pack (pdf) and Papercraft Character Templates (pdf). The ebook of concept art. Thanks published in the comic books forever. The ebook of the Max Galaxy: Artoola Comic Book Adventure (parts 1 & 2). Two Digicalus watercolor paintings. The Digicalus Anthology ebook. The hardcopy of the Max Galaxy Book. Two pieces of original concept art from the show. Max will read your name on your own screen on the credits of an episode. You'll be listed as a PLATINUM Backer on screen. A five panel comic strip featuring a likeness of you and the Max Galaxy Crew. A making of Q&A session in a 30 minute phone call. An EXECUTIVE PRODUCER credit on an episode on your own screen.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013Pledge $5,000 or more
0 backers Limited (2 of 2 left)
SAY WHAT?! Really?! We're speechless! You'll get the early download of the entire season as soon as it's completed. Downloads of the Max Galaxy Activity Pack (pdf) and Papercraft Character Templates (pdf). The ebook of concept art. Thanks published in the comic books forever. The ebook of the Max Galaxy: Artoola Comic Book Adventure (parts 1 & 2). Two Digicalus watercolor paintings. The Digicalus Anthology ebook. The hardcopy of the Max Galaxy Book. Two pieces of original concept art from the show. Max will read your name on your own screen on the credits of an episode. You'll be listed as a PLATINUM Backer on screen. A five panel comic strip featuring a likeness of you and the Max Galaxy Crew. A making of Q&A session in a 30 minute phone call. An EXECUTIVE PRODUCER credit on an episode on your own screen. A model likeness of you as an alien in an episode. We'll send you your character after the episode is completed.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013Pledge $10,000 or more
1 backer All gone!
WOW! No way! We really don't know what to say. THANK YOU! You'll get the early download of the entire season as soon as it's completed. Downloads of the Max Galaxy Activity Pack (pdf) and Papercraft Character Templates (pdf). The ebook of concept art. Thanks published in the comic books forever. The ebook of the Max Galaxy: Artoola Comic Book Adventure (parts 1 & 2). Two Digicalus watercolor paintings. The Digicalus Anthology ebook. The hardcopy of the Max Galaxy Book. Two pieces of original concept art from the show. Max will read your name on your own screen on the credits of an episode. You'll be listed as a PLATINUM Backer on screen. A five panel comic strip featuring a likeness of you and the Max Galaxy Crew. A making of Q&A session in a 30 minute phone call. An EXECUTIVE PRODUCER credit on EVERY episode on your own screen PLUS a "This episode brought to you by" splash screen on one episode. A model likeness of you as an alien in an episode. We'll send you your character after the episode is completed. PLUS a personalized MINI EPISODE/special occasion video(2-3 mins) made just for you. A meeting with us in Los Angeles to talk about and write the special occasion video (travel expenses not included).
Estimated delivery: Aug 2013
