Are Hollywood Millionaires Ruining Kickstarter? Let's Ask the Internet

Diane Garrett

Twitter exploded Wednesday with the news that Zach Braff, former "Scrubs" star and emo "Garden State" director, had launched a Kickstarter campaign to fund his next movie in the wake of Kristen Bell and Rob Thomas' successful "Veronica Mars" campaign on the same crowdfunding platform.

By mid-afternoon, Braff was half-way to his $2 million goal. But passions were running high against the campaign on social media, with a sizable contingent questioning whether wealthy celebrities should use a platform favored by those without similar financial access.

Filmmaker Tony Rocha implored people not to give Braff money for his project. "Please do not give Zach Braff your money," he tweeted.

Also read: Zach Braff Launches Kickstarter Campaign to Fund 'Garden State' Follow Up

Bill Spence tweeted that he hoped Kickstarters gives "me as much publicity when I put my pitch up," while prolific YouTube filmmaker Freddie Wong deemed the actual project disappointing. He suggested Kevin Smith, Werner Herzog and Wes Anderson as good candidates for crowdfunding.

Others were more supportive, with Courteney Cox, Joel McHale and Samantha Barks urging their followers to get involved in "Wish I Was Here." In a video on Kickstarter, Braff explained that he's raising money to ensure creative freedom. He said he has been able to attract backers for the film, but they want final cut and casting approval in return for putting up the money.

Internet wags could not resist taking some shots at the campaign and Braff.

"I have never seen so much hatred toward Kickstarter/crowdfunding in a single day," tweeted Ben Leach.

Here are some sample tweets:

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Zach Braff Launches Kickstarter Campaign to Fund 'Garden State' Follow Up

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