Not A Word of This Is True, the new Steven Spielberg movie rumored to be in development, allegedly has some of Hollywood’s biggest names attached. So the question on everyone’s mind is–in big bold letters–WHY KICKSTARTER? People close to the famed director are saying Not A Word is such an enormous departure for Spielberg that he wants everything about the film to be different. Crowd-funding is just the beginning, though just what the director of such diverse movies as Amistad, ET, Catch Me If You Can, Saving Private Ryan and Schindler’s List might be departing from is a legitimate question.
With the alleged Kickstarter campaign, one thing he seems at first to be leaving behind is the big money that has fueled his productions ever since he changed the movie business by ushering in the blockbuster back in the 1970’s, with Jaws. But no, Spielberg is not returning to his Duel days–however much Duel 2 is devoutly to be wished among diehard SS fans. (Boy, of all the people who could never use just their initials, Spielberg must lead the ranks.) Instead the rumor is that this will be the largest Kickstarter campaign by far, making Spike Lee and Zach Braff (not to mention Stephen Elliott) look like guys asking for nickels outside The Apple Pan. Spielberg’s Kickstarter goal is said to $240 million. So Not A Word of This Is True will not be filmed on Super 8, after all. Rewards for contributors are still being bandied about, but contenders include a chance to toke up with Harrison Ford and Reese’s Pieces. And in a nod toward Willie Wonka’s Golden Ticket, one randomly chosen contributor will win a supporting role in the film. (Another unsubstantiated rumor is that this winner will get to be immortally mistreated by Denzel Washington’s character.) If everyone who has seen a Spielberg film contributes one penny the goal will be met, predicts a source close to Jeffrey Katzenberg, who asked not to be named. So there it is, Not A Word of This Is True, but believe it: Steven Spielberg has changed the world before.
