Titanoboa is a fully articulated 50ft electro-mechanical snake that will be wreaking havoc in the desert this summer. Help her grow!
The Black Rock Arts Foundation has asked Charlie Brinson and crew to create Titanoboa: a 50ft hydraulically actuated and semi-automatically controlled snake made from aluminum and powered by lithium polymer batteries. A team of electronic engineers are designing Titanoboa so that her movements anatomically mimic those of an actual snake. They are devising a plan for her to be controlled by a lone rider who will sit on a saddle just behind her ferocious head. Named after the ancient serpent that roamed the earth over 60 million years ago, Titanoboa will be slithering through the Playa this August, delighting and frightening Burning Man visitors.
A serpent from the past warns us of our future
60 million years ago, in a sweltering climate 6 to 8 degrees warmer than today, there lived a monstrous snake called Titanoboa. These temperatures, which are at the upper end of climate change projections, allowed this cold blooded brute to reach its size. The Titanoboa project seeks to reincarnate this 50 foot, 1 ton beast as an electromechanical serpent meant to provoke discussions on our changing climate in a historical context. This giant reincarnation will roam the earth striking terror in the hearts of those who dare to look into its eyes and contemplate the future of our planet.
How will your contribution help Titanoboa?
With the help of a successful Kickstarter campaign, the Titanoboa team will be able to build elaborate scales to protect the snake’s electronic insides and purchase control components to help her slither more gracefully. The Kickstarter campaign will also help Titanoboa to grow… her size is not limited to 50 ft and the larger she is, the better she’ll look and perform. The more money we raise, the more grandiose, sophisticated and agile she’ll be!!
FAQ
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Short answer: We're fronting the money (credit) and want to extend the deadline as much as possible to achieve the goal!
Long Answer: We decided to put the deadline just after Burning Man because we figure the project may get increased publicity during BM so may get more backers that way. We’re already purchasing lots of materials using our volunteer team’s credit cards so whether the money comes just before Burningman or just after, is not much different. Either way, it will help pay down a portion of the $40k cost of the materials for this project. Also, just to clarify that none of the team is getting paid for any of the 1000’s of hours of volunteer labour involved in this project.
Moreover, the project will go on to be improved beyond Burning Man. We’ll continue to upgrade the controls and extend the overall length. Burning Man is a big milestone, but it’s not the end of the line.
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First, that would be awesome. We'll find a way to personally high five and hug every backer.
Second, there are a ton of ideas out there to make Titanoboa more badass: as in bigger and one day even amphibious !
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- titanoboa.ca
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Pledge $5 or more
You selected5 backers
GARTER SNAKE: You will get a personal thank-you on titanoboa.ca - so you can tell your friends you helped build a giant snake!
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Pledge $15 or more
You selected8 backers
WATER SNAKE: You'll get a super styling limited-edition Titanoboa sticker, plus the Garter Snake reward.
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Pledge $25 or more
You selected8 backers
NEW MEXICO MILK SNAKE: You'll have access to download a documentary made by Vancouver artist Ben Cooper all about Titanoboa... you can watch her birth and growth and get to know the Titanoboa team at the same time! You'll also get the Water Snake reward.
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Pledge $40 or more
You selected9 backers
SOUTHWESTERN BLACKHEAD SNAKE: You’ll get some sexy silk screened underwear emblazoned across the front with a challenge: “Ride the Snake”. The back will have a Titanoboa logo and the words ‘Southwestern Blackhead Snake Sponsor: Titanoboa 2011'. You will get the Garter snake reward too!
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Pledge $60 or more
You selected10 backers
INDIGO SNAKE: You'll get a silk Screened T-shirt with the Titanoboa logo and “Ride the Snake” on the front, and on the back, “Indigo Snake Sponsor: Titanoboa 2011." You will get the New Mexico Milk Snake reward too!
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Pledge $80 or more
You selected10 backers
RATTLESNAKE : Silk Screened Hoodie w/ Titanoboa logo and “Ride the Snake” on the front; and on the back, “Rattlesnake Sponsor: Titanoboa 2011”. You will get the New Mexico Milk Snake reward too!
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Pledge $100 or more
You selected9 backers
BLACK MAMBA: Silk Screened Lab Coat w/ Titanoboa logo and “Ride the Snake” on the front, and on the back, “Black Mamba Sponsor: Titanoboa 2011”. You will get the New Mexico Milk Snake reward too!
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Pledge $150 or more
You selected1 backer
KING COBRA: You will receive a hand-etched replication of one of Titanoboa’s metal scales. You will also receive the Indigo prize with “King Cobra Sponsor: Titanoboa 2011’ on the back.
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Pledge $200 or more
You selected1 backer
BOA CONSTRICTOR SNAKE: You will receive a video from Burning Man with a Personalized Thank-You for your generous contribution. Make sure you specify the level of nudity you require in your shout-out. You'll also get the Indigo reward, but the t-shirt will say: “Boa Constrictor Sponsor: Titanoboa 2011’ on the back.
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Pledge $350 or more
You selected0 backers Limited (5 left of 5)
ANACONDA : Custom Titanoboa Operator’s Suit – a limited number of these suits will be locally designed and handmade for our very special Titanoboa operators, but one can be yours and will be made specially to fit you.
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Pledge $500 or more
You selected4 backers
PYTHON: A signed Panoramic Photo of Titanoboa by Vancouver artist Ben Cooper, a work of art showing Titanoboa in her element. You will also receive the Indigo reward, but the back of the t-shirt will say “Python Sponsor: Titanoboa 2011’.
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Pledge $1,000 or more
You selected3 backers Limited (1 left of 4)
TITANOBOA: A Personalized Metal Vertebrae of Titanoboa – these will be exact replicas of the real thing, your very own piece of Titanoboa! The replica will include a thank-you message etched into the metal. Also include a clothing item of your choice from the previous levels.
Funding period
- (60 days)
