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Roger Ebert

Kickstart some art: Cool projects that need our cash

Whitney Matheson
USA TODAY

It's been a few weeks since we've checked on recent crowd-funding projects, so let's dip into a few of my current favorites.

I'm proud to say that projects mentioned in this feature have a very high probability of being funded. If you have any suggestions for upcoming roundups, feel free to send them to popcandy@usatoday.com.

In no particular order:

A Garbage Pail Kids documentary is among current Kickstarter projects.

- 30 Years of Garbage: The Garbage Pail Kids Story. Don't the Garbage Pail Kids deserve the documentary treatment in time for their 30th anniversary? I'd say so, and I hope the filmmakers reach their $75,000 fundraising goal in the next month. ("Webbed Whitney" will always be on proud display at my house.)

- Life Itself: A Feature Documentary Based on Roger Ebert's Memoir. Steve James, director of Hoop Dreams, hopes to make a film about the beloved movie critic. It has the full support of Ebert's widow, Chaz Ebert, and the pitch video even features an appearance by Martin Scorsese.

- Deep Web: The Untold Story of Bitcoin and the Silk Road. How much do you know about the online black market? Downloaded director (and former Bill and Ted star) Alex Winter wants to make a film about the "deep Web," which sounds fascinating, scary and worthy of further examination. He has two more weeks to meet his goal, and the rewards are pretty spectacular: For $200, you can watch the movie in New York with Bill himself!

- Hi, How Are You: A Short Film Starring Daniel Johnston. The project has already met its goal, but we still have three days to get in on the perks, which include signed posters and original artwork from the musician.

- Crimson Rhen of the True North. Thom Pratt's steampunk adventure comic sounds and looks pretty cool, but it still needs about $15,000 to be funded. Why not lend him a hand?

- Save Friend Us!. Even though this project has already reached its goal, I thought I'd mention it since it has less than two days left. Created by veterans in the animation industry (who have worked on The Simpsons, King of the Hill and other shows), the series focuses on a group of outcast eighth graders trying to gain friends and popularity through social media. The series also exists on social media sites, further developing the characters through Twitter, etc.

- Chaotic Stitches. Cross-stitching isn't just for grandmas! This Florida-based group wants to create kits that are a little edgier than typical crafty fare, with skulls and the like. More power to 'em.

- Hey Moe! Hey Dad!. I'd love to see the story of the Three Stooges as told through Moe Howard's son. The film has only raised a fraction of its $350,000 goal, but here's hoping that's about to change.

Previously:More cool-sounding projects in need

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