'MST3K' Creator Joel Hodgson Answers Early Questions About Season 14’s Crowdfunding Campaign

From the Satellite of Love to your primitive domicile, Joel gives the first update of the campaign

It was an apparently strong first day for cult show Mystery Science Theater 3000’s crowdfunding campaign for a 14th season, “Let’s Make MST3K Season 14!”. As of this writing, they’re at $873,555 from 4651 backers. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t any questions from fans and backers. So creator and original star Joel Hodgson took the time in the campaign’s first update on Showmaker to address them.

First, he reveals that the show partnered with Connection Point, who operate not only the Crowdfundr platform Showmaker was built on, but Fundrazr, which sounds closer to a GoFundMe equivalent than a Kickstarter or Indiegogo like the former. He promises there will be no sales of information to third parties. As for pledge increases, one just has to go through the checkout process again under the same email address. To change or cancel, email the show team’s customer support.

Importantly, he addressed how the Gizmoplex was perceived as generating enough revenue to not need further crowdfunding going forward to make more episodes. Update 15 of the campaign to fund the Gizmoplex specifically stated they didn’t know it would, but were hopeful with enough members. In his answer, Hodgson conceded they just weren’t big enough, and apologized to whoever felt they were led on that the platform would be the business model, which was appreciated. He explained that the Gizmoplex passes paid for season 13 to be made, plus the extra bonus material we created for the platform’s first year, and the development of the platform itself. Some additional revenue had come in from new members who purchased Season Passes after the Gizmoplex opened, but it was a minute amount of what would have been needed for even a single episode. To make a new season, there would’ve needed to be a lot of upfront money, and the Gizmoplex can’t do that on its own. A network would typically pay for production costs, but in choosing to go independent it seems crowdfunding will continue to be needed.

In a more positive address, he confirms, after a COVID-affected greenscreen set for season 13, The Satellite of Love, the show’s main setting, will be a physical set again! Well, at least the host segments. The experiment screenings, the movie riffing is done through greenscreen too and that’s not changing, nor should it. Having to clarify on “inviting” the entire season 13 cast back, that's more because with SAG-AFTRA striking, the actors, including Jonah Ray, Felicia Day, and Patton Oswalt, can't formally negotiate, offer agree and sign on, so as much as they likely are more than willing to be part of season 14, its going to be limbo until they get their fair deal with the AMPTP. And not only can't they promote the campaign on social media, but it prevents appearances on any fundraising livestreams, whether they're live riffs or however else Joel will want to amp up efforts at the Gizmoplex or on Twitch or YouTube. So until the he urges the fans to be louder. More details about season 14 will come as the campaign goes on.

Source: Showmaker