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Update #3: Totally 100% full glass of comedy festival funding!
We’re funded! Thank you. In fact, super thank you. Whether you gave us $5 or $1,000,000 (no one did that) your money and kindness is allowing us to do a bunch of fun, silly things — some as promised — like an Awkward Party Bus, a petting zoo, flying out and putting up performers and new things — like a (red) caviar eating contest at our food show. We’ll be in touch with you about your rewards and hopefully we’ll see you at the festival. Because of you we didn’t have to turn to the “corporate jet” class and submit to their demented billionaire whims (each year The Heritage Foundation offers us millions and we ALWAYS turn it down). Again, thank you very much. If you see me on the street, feel free to stop me and say, “You’re welcome.” But also, don’t be too weird about it. Thanks!
Update #2: Our Glass Is 88% Full
We're pretty close to our final goal with just a few days left! That is completely the result of your generosity, so thank you! We’d also like to thank Comedy Central, Jax Media, Patton Oswalt and www.MyDamnChannel.com for their recent and bountiful donations — money that won’t be spent on hospitals, school books or wells — but on a petting zoo, an awkward party bus, and a weird roped-off Saturday night afterparty in the middle of Bell House that so far NO ONE has bought access to (but we will still throw). Thanks everyone! We are very close to having the money to do lots of dumb, fun things.
A gastro-laughy-time including performances, delicious food, chefs and the world's first caviar eating contest!
Update #1: Our Festival Glass is Almost Half Full
Hello friends, donators and loved ones,
I wanted to thank you all very much for donating to this silly, but important cause. With your proud support we are now over one-third of our way there, with 15 days left to raise the rest and make this the best half-sincere half-ironic comedy festival ever.
To this end, we've added several new incentives, each one special in it's own way, like a newborn baby, but cleaner. Here are a few below:
1) For just $5 you can be listed in the program as a Cheapy-Cheap Face.
2) We’ve added a $400 Saturday day pass (in the form of a robe) that gets you into a 4pm meet and greet, our Archer panel, featuring the stars and creator of the show, and Talent Show Presents: The Drunk Show, featuring John Hodgman, Ira Glass and much more.
3) We've also added a $750 rooftop BBQ at my home on August 19th for you and two guests, which includes tickets to our Pretty Good Friends 5 year anniversary show on August 21st at Bell House.
4) Plus, for companies and organizations, we've added a $1000 Corporate Plaque of Thanks, which your company can use to be thanked, and also, impress clients and the media with. Here is how the plaque will read:
"This plaque is to certify that YOUR COMPANY’S NAME has donated graciously to the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival. That means YOUR COMPANY’S NAME is cool and 'gets it.' It means YOUR COMPANY’S NAME is attractive, possibly environmentally friendly, and a generous lover. This plaque certifies that YOUR COMPANY’S NAME is a brand that can be trusted, even in a blizzard or during war-time. YOUR COMPANY’S NAME is number one and we love you. Sincerely, The Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival"
Please pass these new (and old) incentives and this Kickstarter project on to anyone you think would be interested in owning a small part of our festival. The road to financing victory is through word-of-mouth and the way to that is mouths/ social media.
This last Friday we did an outdoor show at the Williamsburg Waterfront with They Might Be Giants, Kristen Schaal, Patton Oswalt, Todd Barry, Jim Gaffigan, Jonathan Coulton, and famed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson (we'll be recording a live version of his Star Talk radio show for the opening night of the festival). Here’s few write ups and some photos from the show which was met with torrential rain and the enduring will of fans:
http://www.brooklynvegan.com/archives/2011/08/comedy_rain_mus.html
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.210922045626455.63243.177381468980513&type=1
Thank you all for reading update, I hope you found it encouraging, even romantic (I don't know what those words mean, sorry). You're all wonderful people whether we hit our goal or not, and when I run into you at the festival I will buy you a drink (I get free drinks, so it's not a big deal). Thank you, have a wonderful summer, and pass this on to businessmen, wealthy actors, or college kids with access to $15.
Love,
Eugene, Julie, and Caroline
232
Backers
$18,122
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on August 17, 2011.
Pledge $5 or more Pledge $5 or more
Your name will be printed in the festival guide, in small print, as a Cheapy Cheap-face.
Pledge $10 or more Pledge $10 or more
Your name will be printed in the festival guide, in small print, as a Very Gold Honored Patron
Pledge $15 or more Pledge $15 or more
Your name will be printed in the festival guide, in small print, as a Kindhearted Philanthropist Jerk Off
Pledge $20 or more Pledge $20 or more
Your name will be printed in the festival guide, in small print, as a Racist
Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more
Your name will be printed in the festival guide, in small print, as an Acquaintance of Eugene's.
Pledge $30 or more Pledge $30 or more
An autographed headshot of Eugene that says, "AMERICA'S LITTLE DARLING" at the bottom.
Pledge $50 or more Pledge $50 or more
A festival poster signed by Eugene + Eugene will write your name down on a piece of paper and hand it to a stranger sometime in the next year.
Pledge $75 or more Pledge $75 or more
An official badge making you a Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival Marshal, which comes with the right to put people under “Eugene Arrest” (which isn't a form of arrest, but permission to ask someone if you can buy them a drink) + two drink tickets. Also, with this badge comes the right to ask anyone at festival where they grew up, when they had their first kiss, and for life-advice. Answers can not be forced, but flash the badge, and ask away. Double also, a cute photo of Eugene's cat will be emailed to you. (Note: this reward does not grant admission to any shows).
Pledge $100 or more Pledge $100 or more
You are invited to a Pre-Show Meet & Hug with Eugene at The Bell House, 4pm on Saturday, September 17th + a poster signed by Eugene.
Pledge $250 or more Pledge $250 or more
A birthday phone call from Eugene (for you or a friend) + An autographed ostrich egg that gets you and a guest into the VIP HUSH-HUSH AFTERPARTY, a roped off area in the middle of the main room of Bell House that will have complimentary champagne, cured meats, and fresh towels. So exclusive it sizzles; you will be the envy of everyone everywhere forever + a poster signed by Eugene. (Note: this reward does not grant admission to any shows).
Pledge $300 or more Pledge $300 or more
An autographed ill-fitting children’s policeman, fireman, or army outfit that gets you and a friend after-show backstage access one evening to stand around awkwardly while comics talk about how their sets went + an autographed poster + a cute picture of Eugene's cat will be emailed to you. (Note: this reward does not grant admission to any shows).
Pledge $400 or more Pledge $400 or more
Saturday VIP Robe that gets you into the following events on Saturday, September 17th at The Bell House: a Pre-Show Meet & Hug with Eugene + the Archer Panel, featuring Jon Benjamin and Adam Reed, creator of FX's Archer + The Talent Show Presents: The Drunk Show With John Hodgman and Ira Glass + access to the VIP HUSH-HUSH AFTERPARTY, a roped off area in the middle of the main room of Bell House that will have complimentary champagne, cured meats, and fresh towels. So exclusive it sizzles; you will be the envy of everyone everywhere forever.
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
Entry for you and a guest to the AWKWARD PARTY BUS with hors d’oeuvres and awkward surprises all weekend + access for you and a guest to one festival show (because of limited tickets, show must be arranged in advance) + autographed headshot + signed poster.
Pledge $750 or more Pledge $750 or more
Eugene will record an outgoing message for your voicemail + access for you and a guest into the AWKWARD PARTY BUS with hors d’oeuvres and awkward surprises all weekend + autographed headshot. (Note: this reward does not grant admission to any shows).
Pledge $750 or more Pledge $750 or more
You and two guests are invited to a rooftop BBQ on Eugene's roof on August 19th + admission and VIP passes to our anniversary show at Bell House on August 21st
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
Corporate Special! Your company will receive a fancy wall plaque that says "This plaque is to certify that YOUR COMPANY’S NAME has donated graciously to the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival. That means YOUR COMPANY’S NAME is cool and 'gets it.' It means YOUR COMPANY’S NAME is attractive, possibly environmentally friendly, and a generous lover. This plaque certifies that YOUR COMPANY’S NAME is a brand that can be trusted, even in a blizzard or during war-time. YOUR COMPANY’S NAME is number one and we love you. Sincerely, The Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival"
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
An animal in our petting zoo will be named after you + you get an autographed WWII helmet that says DOUBLE VIP that gets you and a guest into two festival shows (because of limited tickets, shows must be chosen in advance) + You're invited to the Pre-Show Meet & Hug with Eugene at The Bell House, 4pm on Saturday, September 17th + access for you and a guest to the AWKWARD PARTY BUS with hors d’oeuvres and awkward surprises all weekend.
Pledge $1,000 or more Pledge $1,000 or more
Your name will appear in the festival guide as a Secret Helper.
Pledge $1,500 or more Pledge $1,500 or more
You and a guest are invited to a limo ride and dinner in Brighton Beach with Eugene and festival producers + an autographed WWII helmet that says DOUBLE VIP that gets you and a guest into two festival shows (because of limited tickets, shows must be chosen in advance).
Pledge $3,000 or more Pledge $3,000 or more
A very nice backgammon board and eleven point match with Eugene + an autographed WWII helmet that says TRIPLE VIP that gets you into three festival shows (because of limited tickets, shows must be chosen in advance) + access for you and a guest to the AWKWARD PARTY BUS with hors d’oeuvres and awkward surprises all weekend.
Pledge $7,000 or more Pledge $7,000 or more
You’ll be made the official sponsor of our festival merchandise. We’ll put up a picture of you and a paragraph about why we either like or dislike you (or your organization). When the festival is done, you'll get to keep whatever merch we don't sell (valued somewhere between $100 and $2,000). It is a really great investment, just ask any businessman.
Pledge $10,000 or more Pledge $10,000 or more
Eugene will fly to any domestic destination of your choice and hand deliver a letter for you to a mutually agreed upon person in an accessible location within the next year + access to the VIP HUSH-HUSH AFTERPARTY, a roped off area in the middle of the main room of Bell House that will have complimentary champagne, cured meats, and fresh towels. So exclusive it sizzles; you will be the envy of everyone everywhere forever + access for you and a guest to the AWKWARD PARTY BUS with hors d’oeuvres and awkward surprises all weekend + a weirdly decorated, very heavy chain that gives you and a friend access to all the festival shows.
Pledge $10,000 or more Pledge $10,000 or more
A leather jacket covered in swears, culturally and racially insensitive messages and inspirational sayings that gives you and three friends access to all the festival shows + parties + a “handler” that will be assigned to you at the festival. This person will probably be around 22-years-old and only sort of helpful + 4 signed posters + a Vespa scooter with doodles by comedians all over it.
Pledge $10,000 or more Pledge $10,000 or more
Paid accommodations in a nice hotel in NYC for all 4 nights of the festival + a weirdly decorated, very heavy chain that gives you and a friend access to all the festival shows + a “handler” that will be assigned to you at the festival. This person will probably be around 22-years-old and only sort of helpful.
Project By
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Pretty Good Friends is a Brooklyn-based comedy show produced and curated by long-time collaborators Eugene Mirman, Julie Smith and Caroline Creaghead. The show is an intimate evening of innovative standup comedy and polished chaos that sometimes includes short films or music, and the occasional pig roast.
The show was named "New York's Best Indie Comedy Night" by New York magazine, who called it "The best mix of format and talent for a comedy show...screwball stand-up, stories, skits, and short films."
Pretty Good Friends' roots are as a weekly show in the basement of a music club in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Since its start in 2006, Pretty Good Friends has become a celebrated New York comedy mainstay and it continues to evolve into larger-scale performances at bigger music venues. The weekly show is a favorite in New York's closely-knit comedy world and has spawned the world's first sincere-and-ironic comedy festival, aptly named the Eugene Mirman Comedy Festival.
