I think it’s almost time to set up a regular Kickstarter section here at The Documentary Blog. It seems like this form of crowd-source funding has become quite popular and there are a number of great projects looking for your help in one way or another. The latest film to grace my email inbox focuses on two-time Academy Award nominated animator Bill Plympton. ‘Adventures in Plymptoons!’ is a feature length documentary profiling Plympton’s career and offering a look at his unusual body of work. I would imagine it would be a great primer for those unfamiliar with his work but also an interesting watch for his hardcore fans. Here’s a little info from the Kickstarter page:

When it comes to independent animators, Bill Plympton is the undisputed king. When Plympton began his animation career over 25 years ago, he was already an acclaimed syndicated illustrator and cartoonist. Since then he has become a major name in the animation and film world. Plympton has earned two Academy Award nominations, and brings hundreds of loyal fans to each convention and film festival which he attends all over the world. Without Plympton paving the way, there wouldn’t be countless aspiring animators, film makers and artist point to and say, “Yes! You can be independent AND make a career doing this!”

Adventures In Plymptoons! is a year and half in the making and is currently in post production. Anastasio followed and interviewed Plympton around New York City, San Diego Comic Con, his hometown of Portland, Oregon, various film festivals and universities where he would perform his master class. Interviews in the documentary, include Terry Gilliam, Keith Carradine, Martha Plimpton, Matthew Modine, Michael Showalter, Ed Begely Jr., “Weird Al” Yankovic and Moby, as well as family members, colleagues, long time friends and many more.

Director Alexia Anastasio has actually completed shooting the film and is currently in post-production. The goal for this Kickstarter campaign is $10,000, which Alexia hopes will help finish off some post work (soundtrack, visual effects, audio engineer, etc.) and will also help the film make its festival rounds (travel costs, marketing, DVD copies, etc.) followed by a ten-city tour.

I would imagine fans of Plympton’s work would love to check this film out and the best way to make that happen is to donate to the ‘Adventures in Plymptoons!’ Kickstarter campaign!