Imagine a time when the only way for a sci-fi dream to reach the screen was through the iron grip of Hollywood gatekeepers. Now, imagine that same dream being powered by thousands of passionate fans instead.
This is the story of Space Command, a project that broke free from the chains of traditional TV production, relying solely on the power of crowdfunding. But with great freedom comes great risk, and the journey has been anything but smooth
Crowdfunding has been around for more than a decade. Websites like Kickstarter and GoFundMe have help many great projects and people over the years.
It's a concept that could only exist in the modern era of internet communication. It wasn't all that long ago that the gate keepers reigned supreme. Authors, Actors, Voice actors, Game developers were all in the same boat. They were forced to seek out the controlling authority to break into their industry.
Industries where the phrase "None shall pass without my permission" was never more true.
In many ways it meant a guaranteed level of quality for the consumer. On the other hand it also meant talented creators of any genre could get overlooked as the agents and recruiters scoured through the countless submissions.
Games now have early access to video game designers paving the way for indie developer's to fund their projects. Voice over artist can get work through Amazon's ACX or Voices. Writers can now self publish on a variety of platforms, including the one I'm on now.
The Gate keepers are still here, but its no longer required to get your vision out to the world.
Enter 2012: The year Space Command launched their Kickstarter campaign.
Space Command; a series being brought to life by Marc Scott Zicree a Television Science fiction writer and novelist who has written for major studios.
When I saw this project I was excited at the possibility of seeing a new space show. Space Command was showcasing many of the great faces of sci-fi shows I've enjoyed in the past. Personality's from star trek, Babylon 5 and more.
Needless to say Space command is filled with star talent since the launch of their first Kickstarter. (yes there's many).
- 2012 Space Command Kickstarter 2,965 backers pledged $221,267
- 2017 Space command redemption, chapters 1 and 2 1,126 backers pledged $108,671
- 2018 Space Command: Redemption, post-production! 1,290 backers pledged $102,632
- 2019 Space Command: Forgiveness 932 backers pledged $86,186
- 2019 space command forgiveness part two 698 backers pledged $57,050
- 2020 space command episode 4 - Forgiveness part 2 526 backers pledged $63,852
- 2023 Space Command Forgiveness: The Final Shoot 306 backers pledged $61,621
- 2023 Space Command Forgiveness: Post-Production 1,290 backers pledged $102,632
- 2024 Space Command: Great Solar War 274 backers pledged $51,558
What has been produced?
Well so far 12 years later they have Completed Redemption of the first season, and have Space Command Forgiveness Work-in-Progress – Full Two-Hour Episode! 07-21-24 "nearing completion"
The first season of Space Command is broken into 6 two-hour stories according to IMDB
So what's the conclusion here? Funding began in 2012 for Redemption with the final funding in 2018. That's about 6 years of funding and production, and according to IMDB Redemption part 1 was released in 2021. Estimating about 3 years for post production.
That's about 9 years from initial funding to the first completed episode. Funding began for Forgiveness in 2019 and went into post production funding in 2023. Looking at the Redemption timeline, we can estimate a timeline for forgiveness.
Redemption had 3 campaigns while forgiveness has 5 campaigns. This means that Redemption gathered from Kickstarter funding around $432,570 over its multiple campaigns while forgiveness gathered around $371,341.
Now before anyone concludes that faith in the project may be diminishing, I'd like to point out that the economy has taken a Huge dump on a lot of people and may be at least in part the cause of less backers pledging.
That being said, It took 6 years for redemption to get to post production, and 4 years for forgiveness. I expect the average will be about 3.5 years between the funding and the post production period assuming they stick with the current funding type (kickstarter), given the pipeline is clearly smoothing out as seen by the decrease from 6 years to 4 years between redemption to forgiveness.
Assuming the same 20 to 25 percent reduction with post processing. I'd estimate forgiveness to arrive around 2025 for part one, and 2026 for the final part.
This assumes a similar timeline as before, given limited resources, evolving production goals, and the unpredictability of creative endeavors of which are typical.
Hopefully production speeds up more as it goes on. Otherwise This puts each two part episodes with a average production time of 6.5 years, granting a 2 years overlap between episodes (Forgiveness is in post production while The Great Solar is being filmed)
It could look like this.
How is the completed episodes?
Space Command is a space themed Tv show, but its more than that. It's stylized after many of the "Retrofuturism" Tv Shows that would have commonly appeared up until the late 90's under traditional funding methods.
Star trek and even Babylon 5 would have had greater budgets in comparison to what Space Command has for production. The goal for Space Command seems to be in the 350,000 to 500,000 range per episode for production.
To put this in perspective lets look at the budgets for some of those shows as reported by IMDB
The Show that comes to mind to being a close comparison, at least in my opinion to what Space Command feels like Visually is TekWar. (Incidentally there may be a reboot coming who knows)
So is it good? Well in the context of what is expected, Yes.
It doesn't feel like the highest level of special effects that modern Technology provides, at least from a consumers point of view. This means, that while they may have used current methods to achieve the look and feel they wanted.
It contains a style of Special effects consistent with that of the Retrofuturism era. A bit like when you add that grain filter to make a video look old. The special effects reflect the style. I will add that in some scenes it feels like the FX guy fell asleep. The initial car drive in redemption for example, is comically bad green screen.
The back ground is heavily blurred, the camera angle feels odd, and the lighting on their faces doesn't match the background. Still, considering the budget constraints, I'm not going to complain. it's just something that made me chuckle.
Someone younger looking at it might assumed it was made a few decades ago. A style that the majority of backers are likely to expect. It has a familiar feeling of child hood space adventures from watching shows like Flash Gordon.
Any concerns about the show?
My biggest concern about the show is the length of time between episodes and the fact that Mr. Sci-Fi himself is at the time of this writing nearing 70 years old. Without him, who would keep the show going?
The time between episodes is likely due to budget constraints, very understandable.
However, I believe it could be improved.
Currently it seems funding is mostly through Kickstarter, a funding method that feeds off of "Fear Of Missing Out" or FOMO. It gives a limited time to gather funds from backers, and if the project fails to reach its goal none of the money is gathered. The biggest problem here, besides the limited time frame, or the all or nothing clause, is the fact not everyone will find the campaign in time to donate.
Anyone who stumbles on the page after the deadline cannot help. It's dead in the water. This is fine for a single project with one initial investment to get started, but Space Command is in constant need of funding. As we've seen by the many Campaigns.
A better option would be to add funding goals to their website. Giving consistent and always available funding options. Independent of Kickstarter.
Something like this.
An informative measure of what the needs are for this on going project. Fans could donate at any time on their website without having to catch the next Kickstarter.
Space Command leads fans into adventures that would have never been possible under traditional gate keeper methods. It gives fans a feeling of belonging, knowing they have helped create this adventure to the stars.
The younger generation may not be able to appreciate the iconic Retrofuturism vibe often found in older sci-fi shows. However, there are plenty of us around who do.
One concern that lingers is the future of Space Command without Marc Scott Zicree, who is now nearing 70. The creative force behind this project is irreplaceable, but a well-thought-out succession plan could ensure that his vision continues.
Whether by grooming a new creative lead or establishing a collaborative team, securing the future of Space Command beyond its creator is essential to maintaining fan confidence.
If you'd like to keep up with the latest progress of Space Command check out Mr. Sci-Fi's Youtube channel.
