A new series telling the life story of Jesus Christ has become the biggest crowdfunding project in history. “The Chosen” is a streaming series directed by Dallas Jenkins that has raised over $10 million from some 15,000 investors.
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“When we started this whole thing I’d be impressed if we brought in $800,” Jenkins told Fox News. “The notion that we could start from scratch and shatter the all-time crowdfunding record was ludicrous, but this whole year has gone to show that there’s a passion for something different.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the team behind the project employed a form of equity funding, issuing one share for every dollar invested. In addition, managers behind “The Chosen” have promised that they will not receive any of the potential profits until all investors make at least 120 percent on their investments.
Running a pilot in 2017 to gauge audience response, the show was watched by some 15 million people, and backers were eager to get involved straight off the bat.
“The vast audience for high-quality, faith-based entertainment—all too often overlooked and underserved by Hollywood—made a loud and unmistakable statement that they’re so eager for content that resonates, they are willing to fund it into existence…,” said Matthew Faraci, Executive Producer of the project.
The first four episodes of “The Chosen” will become available to watch this Easter, though the entire series will be seven seasons long.
“I believe that the greatest story ever told should be binge-watched just as much as Stranger Things,” Jenkins said. “We can dig deeper into the people who encountered Jesus, we can see their ‘before,’ and if the audience can see Jesus through the eyes of those who met him, perhaps they can be changed in the same way.”
“The Chosen” will be distributed by VidAngel.