As reported last week, Kenichi's Sonoda's Kickstarter campaign to create an original animation project based on his Bean Bandit character took off like a rocket, and AI is happy to report that it has now reached the required goal and is now fully funded!
But this is just the beginning, there are now 2 weeks to add stretch goals and extra goodies, the first of which has been announced. Alongside tasty treats such as artbooks and original sketches, the artist has now added a full size rough sketch fabric poster tier to the mix. Featuring Rally, May or Becky (and goodness knows what a full set of these will fetch in a few years!) you can either pick your favourite at a total tier cost of £137, or a full set for £205. Obviously either of these will also net you physical artbooks, Blu Rays and the rest of the goodies up to that tier category too.
The new stretch goals require more funding to create a longer animation: in order to make a 20 minute animation, the project requires $380,000, and for an awesome 45 minutes version, then we will need to raise $800,000.
To quote the man himself:
Can we do it? I know we can, the BEAN BANDIT family is awesome!
He also had this to say on the latest update:
The reason the Bean Bandit Project is being financed by crowd funding is because the Japanese animation industry does not understand the real potential of the series. And another reason is that I want to write a brand new original intense action packed story in the way that drew the fans into the series in the first place!
I truly appreciate the BEAN BANDIT family's love and support for this kickstarter project! I believe it's our dream to make this animation even longer than just a mere 5 minute long! Onegai shimasu! I promise I will make sure this project will be developed with the highest animation standard & to live up to your even higher expectations!
Kenichi Sonoda
You can view the Kickstarter campaign here and consider pledging for this wholly creator-owned project direct from Japan.
