PledgeBank United States
I’ll do it, but only if you’ll help

Pledge “serenityIInow”

"I will donate $30/month for a year to finance a Joss Whedon-directed sequel to Serenity. but only if 10 other people will do the same."

— Christopher Rasch, North Carolina Browncoat (contact)

Deadline to sign up by: 31^st October 2005
1 person signed up, 9 more were needed

More details
I'm a big fan of Serenity (1), a recently released film about a ragtag band of smugglers who help a fugitive and her brother flee a relentless government assassin. The film has wonderful dialogue, appealing characters, and a fast-paced, logical plot. It's everything a science-fiction movie should be, and I'd like to see sequels to Serenity in the future.

Universal, the studio which backed Serenity, has signed a three-picture deal with the actors and director (Joss Whedon, of Buffy the Vampire fame). As I understand it, if the movie makes at least $80 million, then Universal will make the sequels. (It's unclear if that $80 million is box office receipts alone or total gross income from all sources).

Unfortunately, despite glowing reviews (2) from fans and professionals alike, the film only pulled in $10 million in its first weekend. Since receipts of science fiction films typically drop off rapidly after their first week of release, this does not bode well for sequels of Serenity.

I think that if people see the movie, they will like it, and I'm tentatively optimistic that good word of mouth will save the day. However, I don't want to depend on it. I'm committed to seeing a Serenity sequel made, as I'm sure many other Browncoats are as well. Traditional ticket sales capture broad interest in a film, but they don't capture a deep, abiding love for a film.

So, I'm setting up this pledgebank to collect pledges to finance a sequel to Serenity, regardless of its performance in the box office. Hopefully, enough Browncoats will join me that we can persuade Universal to make the sequels.

The amount of money required to finance a new sequel will likely be in the $40 - $50 million range. Given the large amounts of money required, we will need some formal, lawyer-approved structure for collecting the money, and transferring it to Universal. At this point, I'm not sure what those legal arrangements should be. No efforts to collect the money will be made until a reasonable structure is set up. I'm just trying to find out how many people would contribute if such a structure were created.

So how can you help? First, sign the pledge. Second, advertise! Link to the the pledge on your blog. Tell your friends about it. Run naked through the streets screaming "Serenity now! Serenity now!" Okay, maybe not that last part. Unless you look like Angelina Jolie or Brad Pitt. Then you have my blessing. Third, if you pledge, pay up. We don't want no deadbeats on this ship.

That's it. Pledge now, and keep this ship flying.

(1) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0379786/
(2) http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/serenity/

Comments on this pledge

• I'm seriously considering the offer, but can't quite afford the $30/month (recent graduate...student debts...you've heard it all before right!) - Incidently I completed my thesis on Buffy - anyway, I'm commited mentally, but not financially to the extent you suggest, so a half pledge from me!
  Julia B, 4 years ago. Abusive? Report it!
• Great film, I loved it, but not surprised this one failed.. because its demanding a lot of money, and to be honest there are more pressing issues to fund, not to mention people can't afford it.
  Try this one:
  "I pledge to urge people to see serenity, buy tickets for two other people to see it and write to the producers to demand sequels if X amount of people also do so."
  
  If you try it, I'll sign that one.
  Renata Lindsey, 4 years ago. Abusive? Report it!