Spring 2012 -- Creative Process -- P5

Innovative ideas are easy to come by. Innovation requires a committed level of resources (people, money, time, equipment, etc). In this project, student teams will create a video pitch, launch a funding campaign, and market the idea to their personal social network and beyond. Through several iterations, student teams will author a written pitch, create storyboards for their pitch video, and produce a video that explains how and why their solution matters. The crowdfunding pitch should clearly and succinctly explain the problem space, the proposed solution, the need for funding and what the funding will enable, and a list of rewards for funders. Students will launch their funding campaign on IndieGoGo.com and then appeal to their social network for small donations.

Script and storyboards for video. Before the team shoots any video, write a script and produce a storyboard for the video. The script should describe the problem, the proposed solution, and how the money will be spent. The storyboard should illustrate the action, dialogue, and narration that will occur in the video.

Video pitch. Produce a video no longer than 3 minutes. Read IndieGoGo's hints on how to produce effective pitch videos. Video cameras are available; coordinate with the instructor.

Crowdfunding campaign site. Students will create a crowdfunding campaign site on IndieGoGo. This includes a project description, your team profile, project goals, a budget, a funding goal, and a list of rewards for funders. Also create a title, short description, and thumbnail image for the project listing page.

Appeal to your social networks. Write shorter versions of your project description appropriate for different social media (email, Facebook, Twitter, etc.). Include a link to the team's IndieGoGo page. Place all versions of this written pitch on your team's wiki page.

Teams will present their their crowdfunding pitch in class on Apr 3rd (10 minutes per team). Place all design materials (video script and storyboards, budgets, social media pitches, etc.) and a link to your crowdfunding site on your team's wiki page before class that day.

mar 6 Project 5 assigned
mar 20 Project 5 interim critique #1 (bring a draft of your script and storyboard for crowdfunding video); create a project template on IndieGoGo.com.
mar 27 Project 5 interim critique #2 (bring an updated script/storyboard and a draft of the crowdfunding campaign site).
apr 3 Project 5 presentations (teams have 10 minutes to show crowdfunding site, pitch videos, and marketing materials). Put all materials on your wiki page, including a link to your crowdfunding site before class.

Criteria	Guiding questions	Check -	Check	Check +
Interim drafts of pitch video (script and storyboard) (20%)	Did your team iteratively improve drafts of the crowdfunding video and campaign details?	The team created a script, storyboard and written description for the campaign site, but did not iterately improve the design materials.	The team's design materials improved from rough drafts to a well-refined pitch.	The team made signficant improvements through iteration, integrated feedback from their classmates, and carefully refined all their pitch materials.
Crowdfunding video (40%)	Did your team create a short, compelling video that describes the problem space, the proposed solution, and what the funding will enable? Does the video include team member names and the project title?	The team created a video pitch, but it presents an unclear message or confusing visuals.	The team video delivers a clear, concise, and convincing case for funding your project. The video includes text with the necessary project details.	The team video pitches a novel concept with a fun and compelling message. The video cleverly uses video production to present all project details. The video goes viral.
Crowdfunding campaign site (30%)	Does your team's campaign site clearly describe the project idea, your team profile, project goals, the funding goal, and the rewards for funders? Does the title, short description, and thumbnail image effectively advertise the project?	The campaign site presents a vague concept, unclear project goals, a weak rationale for funding, or silly rewards.	The crowdfunding campaign describes all necessary details and offers an interesting set of rewards.	The campaign site presents a novel and straightforward concept, clear objectives, a compelling case for funding, and exciting rewards for funders. The campaign title and thumbnail capture the team's brand.
Appeal to your social networks (10%)	Did your team write shorter versions of your pitch to effectively commmunicate your campaign through social media?	The project pitch was not adapted appropriately for different social networks.	The team produced multiple short versions of their pitch and appealled to their social networks.	The team creatively advertised their campaign through multiple social networks. Each message succeeds in drawing people to the crowdfunding site.