#USA #Austin #Kickstarter #Creator Camp #Two Sleepy People

Kickstarter Partners with Creator Camp to Support Independent Filmmaking

In an exciting step for independent cinema, Kickstarter, the well-known crowdfunding platform, has partnered with Creator Camp, a film studio that celebrates creator-driven stories. Together, they are paving a new way for films to reach audiences directly, allowing community involvement in productions.
The collaboration centers on the wide theatrical release of Two Sleepy People, a unique romantic comedy written and directed by digital-native filmmakers Baron Ryan and Caroline Grossman. The film tells the whimsical story of two distant coworkers who find themselves married in their dreams, contrasting their everyday interactions where they remain strangers. This production is notable not only for its charming narrative but also for how it was made—entirely outside the conventional studio system and fueled by direct support from its audience.
The upcoming release, set for January 23, follows a successful limited screening in 30 cities in November 2025, showcasing the film's growing popularity and community backing through platforms like Attend Theatrical Marketplace. According to Taylor K. Shaw-Omachonu, Kickstarter’s film lead, the mission of Kickstarter aligns perfectly with this initiative. "Based on the principle of enabling creators to share bold and unique ideas with the world, this partnership resonates with our core mission of facilitating creativity and supporting independent voices in cinema. We are thrilled to back such innovative filmmakers who exemplify how independent narratives can triumph without traditional gatekeepers," Shaw-Omachonu said.
Furthermore, Creator Camp is redefining the independent filmmaking landscape. For the last four years, it has cultivated a vast network of digital-first filmmakers, empowering them to take on all aspects of film development and distribution, as illustrated by Two Sleepy People. Their approach challenges the conventional filmmaking process and encourages direct engagement with viewers.
Max Reisinger, CEO of Creator Camp, expressed the significance of this collaboration: "The future of storytelling rests in the hands of the next generation of creators emerging from the internet. Kickstarter's support transcends mere sponsorship; it symbolizes a shared faith in both creators and audiences, showcasing that independent cinema can flourish when it invites people to participate actively."
The film is poised to make a significant impact, as Kickstarter-supported films have been recognized at prestigious events like Sundance and SXSW, leading to Academy Award nominations and wins. This success demonstrates that creatives can maintain control over their work while still reaching the mainstream audience successfully. With escalating shifts within the industry and ongoing funding challenges faced by independent filmmakers, crowdfunding emerges as a prominent alternative—ensuring unique voices can break through the noise.
As Two Sleepy People gears up for its nationwide opening, interest in the film is expected to grow, with additional markets being added based on demand. For those eager to catch this indie gem, tickets and further details can be found at www.twosleepypeople.com.
As more traditional financing avenues become less accessible, this partnership between Kickstarter and Creator Camp not only signals a new era for independent filmmaking but also reinforces the idea that creativity thrives within supportive communities. Through this innovative release model, filmmakers and audiences together can reshape the future of cinema, fostering collaboration and enriching the storytelling experience like never before.