Crypto artist Emily Yang, known as pplpleasr, is reviving her vision for blockchain-powered filmmaking with the relaunch of her streaming and crowdfunding platform, Shibuya. After raising $6.9 million in 2022 with investments from prominent firms like a16z and Variant Fund, Shibuya has kicked off its “Season One” featuring five pilot short films. These initial projects will allow viewers to fund future developments using fiat donations, ensuring that all proceeds go directly to the filmmakers, with refunds available if funding targets are not met.
New Blockchain Features in Development
While Shibuya’s website currently does not reference cryptocurrency, plans are underway to incorporate blockchain functionalities, according to a spokesperson. The launch of Season One was sponsored by Coinbase’s Base chain. Pplpleasr emphasizes the platform’s mission to disrupt traditional studio systems, empowering creators and fans alike to determine the direction of content production.
Key takeaways
- Crypto artist Emily Yang, known as pplpleasr, relaunched Shibuya, her streaming and crowdfunding platform for blockchain-backed filmmaking.
- Shibuya raised $6.9 million in 2022 from investors including a16z and Variant Fund, and its Season One launch was sponsored by Coinbase's Base chain.
- Season One features five pilot short films between six and 27 minutes, spanning animation and live action, which viewers fund with fiat donations that go directly to filmmakers and are refunded if targets are missed.
- An earlier test, the animated short White Rabbit, raised $1.2 million in under 30 minutes and sold high-priced 'Producer Pass' NFTs at Cannes.
- The site currently makes no reference to cryptocurrency, though a spokesperson said blockchain functionality is planned.
Previous Success and Ongoing Challenges
In a prior test of the platform, Shibuya successfully released an animated short titled White Rabbit, raising $1.2 million in under 30 minutes. The project also included the sale of “Producer Pass” NFTs at high prices during the Cannes festival, which raised significant capital for the initiative. However, in the wake of the NFT market’s decline and challenges facing the Hollywood film industry, the sustainability of such successes remains uncertain.
Overview of the Pilot Projects
The five short films showcased during this season encompass a variety of genres and styles, ranging from animated to live-action, with durations between six and 27 minutes. Notable projects include Ultrasound, which tells the story of a punk rock band in New York City through a single continuous shot; Diaboli, a dark animated series steeped in themes of demons and family; and Don’t Forget About Me, which follows siblings who encounter a beloved childhood character. Additionally, The Funny Thing About Losing Socks explores a comedic twist on interdimensional travel, while Spiritual 100 is a satirical anime mini-series that humorously critiques the notion of spirituality through a competitive lens.
Future Prospects
Shibuya’s mix of animated storytelling and fresh narratives reflects a robust creative direction. As the platform continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see which films gain sufficient funding from the audience, as it navigates the current landscape of film and technology.
Frequently asked questions
What is Shibuya trying to change about filmmaking?
It targets the traditional studio system, where a small number of executives decide what gets made. Shibuya puts that decision with the audience, who fund the projects they want continued.
Why launch without visible crypto features?
The platform currently takes fiat donations, with blockchain functionality planned rather than shipped. Given the state of the NFT market, leading with a conventional payment experience lowers the barrier for ordinary viewers.
What are the pilot films?
They include Ultrasound, following a New York punk band in a single continuous shot; Diaboli, a dark animated series about demons and family; Don't Forget About Me, about siblings meeting a childhood character; The Funny Thing About Losing Socks, a comedy on interdimensional travel; and Spiritual 100, a satirical anime mini-series.
