James Pollard, who has terminal prostate cancer, hopes to see a software program he developed to help directors manage live productions commercialized before he dies.
Pollard, a former general manager for Theatre Under the Stars, has launched a KickStarter campaign in the hope of raising $59,000.
He needs the money to help secure financing from the Canadian Media Fund, which would be used to fine-tune and commercialize PreShow, a software program for live theatrical productions.
“I have a strong passion for the cultural community and I wanted to offer affordable, meaningful ways to better deliver live presentations through PreShow,” said Pollard.
“Unfortunately, my time is literally running out. So, it’s my hope that I can raise $59,000 in 30 days with KickStarter, which will enable us to launch PreShow in 2014.”
Pollard has been the technical director, production manager and co-producer for a number of live theatre companies and projects, including Theatre Under the Stars, Talking Stick Festival and Storyeum.
He also has a digital media background, having been the chief operating officer for WilliamOnWeb, a platform that provides directors with editable scripts for Shakespeare plays.
Pollard decided to apply technology to the backstage organization of live productions. His platform, PreShow, helps directors and stage managers streamline productions and can be used for script development and management.
“This is a genuine game-changer,” said Stephen Courtenay, production stage manager for Bard on the Beach. “PreShow will grow exponentially more important to producers in theatrical, educational and commercial sectors.”
Pollard has received a $177,000 funding commitment from the Canadian Media Fund, but it hinges on Pollard raising $59,000 in matching funds.
Under the KickStarter campaign, anyone can be granted a three-month licence to use PreShow for $10, six months for $50 – all the way up to $1,000, which grants a two-year licence.
