You did it: you brought back MYSTERY SCIENCE THEATER 3000! Thanks to you, MST3K will be able to shoot FOURTEEN NEW EPISODES next year, including a new holiday special!
Latest Updates from Our Project:
Your Formal Invitation to... THE MST3K TURKEY DAY '15 MARATHON
over 8 years ago
– Thu, Nov 19, 2015 at 10:32:46 PM
Dear MST3K Friends & Family,
If you've been watching Mystery Science Theater 3000 for a while, maybe you already know about a little holiday tradition that we like to call the MST3K Turkey Day Marathon.
Every year on Thanksgiving, we get together and spend the day giving thanks for our favorite meal: the cheesy movies that have been feeding Mystery Science Theater 3000 since we first aired on Thanksgiving Day in 1988.
Now that you're part of our family, I'd love for you and your family to become part of our tradition. Consider this your invitation:
Where can I watch?
Thanksgiving isn't a time to huddle your family around a small computer screen: it's much better to enjoy cheesy movies on the biggest screen you can find!
That's why Mom and Dad (and our friends at Shout! Factory TV) worked extra hard to make sure you can watch TURKEY DAY '15 on all of your digital devices:
Our first "Turkey Day" happened way back in 1991, when a very clever Comedy Central executive named Tony Fox pointed out that Thanksgiving was a perfect time to run a Mystery Science Theater 3000 marathon: 15 heaping courses of cheesy movies and huge turkeys, served up all day long.
We loved the idea right away. It wasn't too much extra work, and it seemed like a great way to celebrate MST3K's birthday. We didn't know if many people would want to watch reruns, but we didn't have anything to lose... so we tried it.
That's how we learned that folks really seemed to like it! It turned out that turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie and cheese-filled movies just go great together. The MST3K Turkey Day Marathon ran for the next four consecutive years, and – since we were still making new episodes back then – we also premiered a new episode each year. It was a holiday miracle!
Looking back, I bet a lot of kids and families – maybe even you! – first discovered MST3K because they needed something to do while they were letting their dinner settle and getting ready for dessert. I'm not sure why Turkey Day '95 was the last one, but it was.
Cut to two years ago. Shout! Factory was now working hard to collect and release the old episodes of MST3K, and we both had the idea to revive The MST3K Turkey Day Marathon as an online marathon. We kind of pitched it to each other – in a sort of reverse "Gift of The Magi" – and decided to go for it.
And that's how we learned that people still really seem to like it! We were thrilled to see how many people joined us. The first year, over 60,000 people tuned in. Last year, it was over 100,000!
This year, we’re hoping even more friends will join us – including all of you! I've picked six great episodes of MST3K – three from when I hosted, three from when Mike hosted – and I'll be hosting the marathon, so we can spend Turkey Day together. This year, we're also bringing back our beloved tradition of reading new fan mail on the air. (We've gotten a ton!)
Thanks to you, this may also be the last Turkey Day Marathon without a brand new episode. I don't know exactly when we'll release the new episodes yet, but I think it would be great if we could share one of them with you on the next Turkey Day.
Anyway, that's our Turkey Day Marathon in a nutshell. I’m so happy to get to do it. Thank you for letting me into your homes, too. I promise I won’t go through your underwear drawer.
In the next update, I'll try to respond to some of the great questions and suggestions you've been sending about our KICKSTARTER REWARDS. (Actually, that involves a lot of technical details, so maybe I'll let someone else on the team handle that.)
Until then…
KEEP CIRCULATING THE URL!
Cheers and Thanks,
Joel
Tom Servo, Bringer of Terror to Turkeys everywhere. Thanksgiving is better when there are lots of people to spend it with. That way, if you get bored, you can just walk away from the person you're talking to and find someone better. That's why I'm glad Joel is inviting all of you to spend this Turkey Day with us.
(Especially you, ladies. Thanksgiving is for lovers.)
Just copy this to your Twitter & Facebook:
Next Thursday A.D., join @JoelGHodgson ALL DAY for the @MST3K TURKEY DAY ’15 MARATHON! Get all the details at http://bit.ly/mst3k-turkeyday
Reaching Our First Goal! Why We Have To Keep Going! Plus: a sneak peek at the Official Poster!
over 8 years ago
– Wed, Nov 18, 2015 at 10:55:12 PM
Dear MST3K Revival Leaguers,
This update has been a lot harder to write than I imagined it would be.
It's also turning out to be a lot longer than I imagined it would be, so if you don't wanna read the whole thing, here are the most important bits:
We're 40% of the way to making twelve new episodes of MST3K!
You beat the 24-Hour Challenge in just 12 HOURS: 3 classic episodes unlocked!
But, if we don't reach $5.5M, this could still be the last MST3K ever!
We've got 23 DAYS LEFT to help #BringBackMST3K for good!
PLUS: your first look at the OFFICIAL Campaign Poster!
There's your Executive Summary.
Now, if you wanna read the full update experience, buckle up and let's get started.
First, if you didn't already hear, here's the really big headline:
At 8:42pm on Monday night – less than a week after we launched our Kickstarter to #BringBackMST3K – we passed our first goal.
That means two important things:
1. Thanks to you, there will be at least three new episodes of MST3K. 2. You beat the 24 HOUR CHALLENGE and unlocked the first BONUS REWARD!
If you're just joining us, that means that any backer who pledges $35 or more will also get a "THANK YOU" collection of 3 classic episodes to download and keep – a retail value, as the man on the TV says, of $30! (And don't worry, I'll pick some good ones for you.)
So actually, I guess that part of the update wasn't so difficult to write.
This next part is harder.
We've reached such an important moment, and what you've done is so incredible that it feels like I should have something big and inspirational to tell you, like a Gettysburg Address of MST3K. But, you know, I don't really think I'm an Abraham Lincoln/Tony Robbins/Eckhart Tolle kind of guy.
The last 36 hours have been pretty overwhelming. I've felt:
Grateful that we have so many friends who care enough to fight for MST3K,
Bewildered (but happy!) to realize how much MST3K has meant to so many of you,
Relieved that we'll get to make at least three new episodes of MST3K next year,
Excited that we're adding a new chapter to the long, strange story of MST3K,
Hungry… but you know, I should probably just eat something and that will go away,
Anxious that we might run out of steam before we get a full 12-episode season, and
Worried that if that happens, these might be the last new MST3Ks ever.
With all of those emotions jumbling around, it's been hard to get a clear head and write the update it feels like you deserve. It's also sort of an awkward new challenge for me: trying to have fun with you and be heartfelt.
When we started MST3K, I never thought the job would mean that I'd have to be emotionally available. I just wanted to make a show!
But this is a special occasion, so I'll get a little "gooey" and serious.
Just don't expect it to happen often, okay?
On Monday night, you made Mystery Science History.
In fact, if you're reading this, you were probably one of the 18,328 friends who helped us reach that first goal. If you were: Thank You! Hello! Thank You!
I'm so glad you showed up in time to share this moment with us. I'm also really pleased that you'll be with us for all of the fun things that happen next.
The story of MST3K has been going for almost thirty years, but now – thanks to you – we're finally getting to throw out the ending that we’ve been stuck with for fifteen years, and start writing the next big chapter.
I've been reading all of your comments and tweets, and it's really fun to see you celebrating this moment together. The whole thing is really just amazing and humbling.
But wait! Before you crack open the Hamdingers and/or bust out the celebratory ramchips, I need to tell you: I'm even more nervous now than I was when we first launched our Kickstarter. In all of the excitement, maybe it feels like we've won -- but the truth is that the future of MST3K depends on what happens next.
So this next part is really, really important:
If we slow down now, this could still be the end of MST3K.
So far, we know that we'll be able to make three new episodes… but the most important goal of this Kickstarter was never to make a final three episodes, or six, or even twelve.
From the beginning, the goal has been to raise the $5.5 million we'll need to bring MST3K back for a full season and to send a message that tells those conference tables full of executives that you want MST3K back for good – and that you're willing to fight for it!
If we want Mystery Science Theater 3000 to keep going in the not-too-distant future, we need the world to know that this Kickstarter isn't about giving MST3K a few new episodes and a new ending: it's about giving MST3K a few hundred new episodes and a new beginning.
To do that, we need to make sure those executives understand that three, or six, or even twelve episodes isn't enough, and that if they invest in creating more seasons of MST3K, the fans will be there to support it.
If we can't fund these twelve episodes, how can we convince a network that they should fund another twelve seasons?
But maybe you're thinking, "Joel, we raised $2 million in a week! Isn't that enough proof to convince them?"
And if you are, here's where I tell you something I haven't shared yet.
This summer we met with a lot of high-powered agents to discuss all of the ways we could #BringBackMST3K, and I told all of them the same thing:
"I don't want to do this unless we can do it right. We can't just sell MST3K to someone who doesn't get it... But I know our fans are still out there, and I know they'll understand. And if they do, they'll help us bring MST3K back the right way."
And guess what? Almost every single one of those agents said the same thing:
"Crowdfunding will never work. Fans just don't have that kind of power."
(You know, even the nice ones warned that we would be able to reach $2MM and make a few episodes, but guaranteed that there weren't nearly enough of you to raise $5.5MM, or to bring MST3K back for good.)
I think they were underestimating you. They think I'm delusional. I guess we're about to find out who's right!
Our Kickstarter page makes it look like we're above our goal, but here's the cold, hard truth:
We're only 40% of the way to our real goal: $5.5M and 12 full episodes.
After our first week, I'm more sure than ever that we can get there… but I'm also afraid that it could be harder than you think. I've been warned that this is where crowdfunding starts to get really tough, because a lot of people will think we've "succeeded," and that we don't need them anymore.
New people who haven't heard about the project might discover it, see that we've raised more than our minimum goal, and think we're done… and if that happens, we are done!
Now, the good news:
We've still got 23 days left to show the networks that we deserve their help to #BringBackMST3K for good!
If we keep going, I know we'll make it – but we can't keep going without your help. That's why it's more important than ever to KEEP CIRCULATING THE URL, and to help explain why we're still going.
I know I'm asking a lot, but I believe that if any fans have the power to bring a show back from the dead, it's Mystery Science Theater fans. You've done something wonderful in our first 8 days. I hope you'll stick with us for these last 23.
Oh, one more thing. Before I go, I also want to keep the promise I've been making for the last couple updates and share something pretty neat that we've been working on here at #BringBackMST3K Headquarters.
SNEAK PEEK: The Official #BringBackMST3K Poster!
If you own any of the great MST3K boxed sets that Shout Factory puts out, you've probably noticed the really wonderful mini-posters that are included for each episode.
If you haven't, here are just a few examples:
All of these wild and wonderful posters – and there are almost 100 of them so far! – are the creations of a terrific artist named Steve Vance. He's been so important to MST3K's growth and proliferation over the last seven years, with his style, composition and unique brand of hilarity.
Just like the Grateful Dead had Kelley/Mouse studios, I'm proud that we have Steve Vance. He's a wonderful, imaginative guy, and not just a hired gun. He loves our show too, and I'm happy to report that he's agreed to help us – along with some other killer artists, who I'll tell you about later this month – by doing visual development and concept art for the new show!
Anyway, when I started trying to figure out some cool rewards for our Kickstarter, Steve was one of the first people I thought about. His work is so great, even at small sizes, that we're planning to use some of the best posters on the COLLECTIBLE POSTCARDS reward. But I also really wanted to see what Steve could come up with for our full-size OFFICIAL CAMPAIGN POSTER.
It's not finished just yet, but I think it's a perfect start:
Steve is still hard at work finishing this, so I think we'll have a full-color version to show you in another week or two – but if your pledge level doesn't include Steve's poster, you might wanna upgrade to grab one while you can. We'll only ever offer this as part of the Kickstarter campaign, so this will be your only chance to grab one.
Plus, it just looks super cool.
That's enough updating for now, but I'll have some big news to share tomorrow morning about this year's MST3K TURKEY DAY MARATHON. We've got some fun things planned for you and your family on Thanksgiving, so be sure to leave some room on your plate for us – and remember that you can still send fan mail to [email protected] for us to share on screen and online during the marathon!
I'm also working on another update answering a bunch of questions we're getting about all of the REWARD PACKAGES, so look for that soon too.
Until then, thanks again for everything you're doing, and...
KEEP CIRCULATING THE URL!
Cheers and Thanks,
Joel
Tom Servo, viral video vigilante, reporting for service. Good work unlocking that BONUS REWARD. If you keep going like this, I bet Joel will add some more free stuff before the month is over. (He better: Papa needs a new pair of shoes.)
While you're waiting, help me make sure I don't ever have to get a real job.
Post one of these to Twitter & Facebook right now:
We've met our first goal, but need to keep going if we want to #BringBackMST3K for good! @JoelGHodgson explains why: http://bit.ly/mst3k-update6
Some people think fans don't have the power to #BringBackMST3K. 23 days left to hit our final goal & prove them wrong. http://bit.ly/mst3k-update6
First art for #BringBackMST3K rewards revealed. See a preview of @SteveVanceArt's astonishing poster now! http://bit.ly/mst3k-update6
Before The Full Update...
over 8 years ago
– Tue, Nov 17, 2015 at 09:24:39 AM
This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.
The Next Host of MST3K. Plus: a 24-Hour CHALLENGE!
over 8 years ago
– Mon, Nov 16, 2015 at 10:15:05 PM
Good morning, MST3K Revival Leaguers.
How was your weekend?
I hope it was less hectic than mine. I'm doing my best to keep up with all of this, but my life is usually a bit more, I don’t know… serene? But we gotta "make hay while the sun shines,” so we'll plow on. (See what I did there?)
We've got 25 days left in our Kickstarter, and I've still got so many surprises planned. In fact, I think I might send another update later this afternoon, giving you that sneak peek at the new artwork I promised.
So maybe this is, like... your breakfast update?
IMPORTANT: Just 24 HOURS LEFT to reach $2M during our first week!
BONUS OFFER: Free episode downloads if we get there in time!
REMINDER: on Kickstarter, you always PLEDGE NOW but PAY LATER!
PLUS, BIG NEWS: Joel reveals his choice for MST3K's next host!
Can we reach the first $2MM before 11am tomorrow?
Our Kickstarter launched last Tuesday at 10:30am PST. That means that with just 24 hours left in our first week, we're 91% of the way to our first goal.
That's pretty amazing, huh?
But if we want to shoot a full 12 episodes – and prove that the world is ready for more MST3K – we need to send a message… and that message will be even louder if we can raise the first $2MM in under a week.
That's why, if you're on the fence, today is the day to jump down onto the "Yes, I Want More MST3K" side. We're depending on the support of fans like you.
Yeah, I know. I sound like PBS. But hey, maybe this will help:
1. If we reach $2M in the next 24 hours, we'll add in a free bonus reward – downloads of three classic episodes – for all pledges at $35 and up!
That's right, friends! If we can raise the first $2,000,000 by tomorrow at 10:30 AM ET, we'll UPGRADE THE REWARDS for all pledges at $35 and above to include a downloadable "Thank You" collection of three classic episodes. I'll hand-pick them, just for you!
Just think: that's an extra $30 VALUE for FREE: 270 classic minutes of MST3K… and that's if you only watch each episode once!
If you're at a lower level, TODAY is a great time to INCREASE YOUR PLEDGE TO $35 or higher.
Plus, when you do, you'll be helping us reach our first goal and unlock the bonus downloads! Everyone wins, huh?
2. On Kickstarter, you actually PLEDGE NOW but PAY LATER!
One thing a lot of people don't realize about Kickstarter is that you're not paying when you make your pledge… you're just pledging to pay later! So if you've been waiting until you can save a little more, but are already planning to pledge later in the month, please consider pledging today.
No matter when you pledge, your credit card won't be charged until the Kickstarter ends on December 11th… so there's no need to wait!
If you think you'll be able to swing it, and want to make (or increase) your pledge now, that would be great. (Just be careful. I have a feeling this is how this is how America's debt crisis began.)
Now, let's get to the worst-kept secret elephant in the room.
Don't worry, Joike. You get used to it after a while.
Like I said in the video, the same disclaimer still applies here: until we reach $2MM and know we'll be able to #BringBackMST3K, I can't make any formal offers to actors or writers – not the old team, and not the new team. But if everything works out, here's my plan:
I'm hoping Jonah Ray will suit up as "Jonah Heston," the next host of Mystery Science Theater 3000.
If you listen to the Nerdist podcast, maybe you already know about Jonah. He's one of the co-hosts, along with Chris Hardwick and Matt Mira.
I probably met Jonah about three years ago, when I did the podcast and we talked about MST3K. It was a fun gig, and two things were really clear: I liked all three of those guys very much, and they all seemed to really love MST3K. They knew all about it, which always makes interviews easier. We had a great time and I left with a really good impression of Jonah.
Later that night, I went out with my buddy Rob Schrab to see our friend Dan Harmon record his wonderful podcast, Harmontown, in the backroom at Meltdown Comics. Jonah came along, and I found out that I liked the guy in real life too. He was a good hang.
In a move that may have been the most instinctual thing I've ever done, I asked Jonah to come help me write jokes for an awards show gig. He did, we started working on jokes together, and it just clicked: He was just incredibly funny and easy to write with – there was flow, really – and who can ask for anything more? I guess I also just felt like his heart was in the right place, and I could see how much he loved and understood MST3K. I think that's when I started thinking about inviting him to be the next host on MST3K, if we ever got to come back.
About a year after that, I asked him what he thought about it. He said "yes" right away, without a second of hesitancy, and we've been talking about it ever since.
Since this is the internet, I guess some people will hear this news and rush to declare – for better and for worse – "what this means for the future of MST3K." (In fact, since a lot of people guessed that it was Jonah's voice in our first video, that's already happening!)
I can't really tell you what kind of host Jonah is going to be, but I hope you'll give him a chance to show you. And even if you're familiar with Jonah's career, remember: that doesn't mean he'll bring the same exact approach to MST3K. I think a lot of you may be surprised. Plus, like the previous members of our cast, I think Jonah has great instincts and a lot of range. He's funny, he's wicked smart, and like I said, his heart's in the right place. He loves MST3K, he seems to understand what makes it so special, and most important, I know he takes the role seriously.
At the end of the day, he's just another regular guy in a yellow jumpsuit – not so different from you and me. I'm excited to see what he can bring to the next hundred episodes of Mystery Science Theater, until it's time to hand the jumpsuit over to someone else.
Okay, now that that's done, I'm going to go work on the next update for you, where I'll give you a first look at what we're planning for the OFFICIAL CAMPAIGN POSTER and the COLLECTIBLE POSTCARD rewards.
And remember... if we reach $2MM by 10:30am ET tomorrow, all pledges at $35 and up will get a FREE BONUS REWARD: three classic episode downloads, yours to keep. If you've been waiting to increase your pledge, today's the day!
I'll be back this afternoon, but until then…
Keep Circulating The URL!
Cheers and Thanks,
Joel
Tom Servo, internet guru. While you're finishing your second pumpkin latte, help make sure we reach $2MM by tomorrow morning and unlock those BONUS EPISODE DOWNLOADS.
Just copy one of these messages to Twitter & Facebook:
InterSTELLAR news! @JoelGHodgson has revealed that he'd like @JonahRay to be next host of @MST3K. #BringBackMST3K http://bit.ly/mst3k-update4
If we reach $2M to #BringBackMST3K by 10:30am ET tomorrow, all backers @$35+ get 3 FREE BONUS EPISODES. Pledge now! http://bit.ly/mst3k-update4
Want to help #BringBackMST3K but waiting to get paid? No need! Pledge NOW and you won't be charged until Dec 11th. http://bit.ly/mst3k-update4
Backer Mailbag #1. Plus, 5 Easy Ways You Can Help #BringBackMST3K!
over 8 years ago
– Sat, Nov 14, 2015 at 12:31:39 PM
This post is for backers only. Please visit Kickstarter.com and log in to read.
