BackerKit FAQ
How does BackerKit crowdfunding work?
Crowdfunding is a collaborative way to bring ideas and projects to life. Project creators post their idea for a project, and backers pledge money to make the project possible. Backers get behind the scenes access and backer-only rewards, which can include exclusive products, special pricing, creative input, content, and more.
To become a backer, select a pledge level that features the reward(s) you would like to receive when the project is successfully completed and make your contribution.
All-or-nothing crowdfunding model: The creator sets a funding goal and a deadline to raise funds. If the project does not meet the goal by the deadline, backers credit cards are not charged and no money changes hands.
Crowdfunding projects can happen at various stages of the creative process. Make sure to check the estimated timeline of when rewards will be delivered. Project creators will keep you updated on the progress toward completion and delivery of your rewards.
Backing a crowdfunding campaign is not the same as purchasing an item from a store. When you back a campaign you are supporting the creation of something new. Rewards are almost always delivered, but are not guaranteed.
When will I be charged for my pledge?
Your payment method will not be charged right away. You will be charged for the amount of your pledge when the campaign ends and the project reaches its funding goal. You will not be charged if the campaign does not reach its funding goal.
What happens after the campaign is over?
The Creator will send out a survey that will ask you for more information about your pledge, your shipping information, additional items you may want to add to your pledge, and collect shipping fees if applicable.
The survey will be sent to the email address we have on file with your pledge.
Any additional payment will be charged when you complete your survey and confirm your order.
Project FAQ
Why didn't you produce this as a movie?
It would have cost around $100 million, plus we would have had to dumb down the story for studio executives.
Is ZOE producing this?
The American Geniuses graphic novel copyright is owned by Ben, Michelle, and Natalie. ZOE is partnering with us to sponsor the crowdfunding campaign and assist with fulfillment, but Ben is responsible for producing the actual product.
Are these your stories to tell?
American Geniuses is a story about American teenagers from global backgrounds, each bringing their personal histories, heritage, and stories to their perspective and goals. While the story is grounded in the writers' direct experience navigating giftedness and neurodivergence in high school, Ben's experience as an immigrant (to Canada, ironically), Michelle's experience growing up in Hispanic American culture, and the process of coming out as queer and trans in North America, we also acknowledge that many elements of the story are also drawn from stories, cultures, and histories that are not ours. We have conducted, and continue to conduct, extensive consultation with friends and cultural professionals who can help us portray these identities and stories accurately, with a commitment to representing the breadth of our graphic novel's thematic focus: the power that we have when people from many different backgrounds share their stories and truths, working together to achieve a common good.
Will you release this as a webcomic?
Short answer: maybe. We have several other opportunities to explore first.