Christian Haroff introduces Kickstarter campaign manager Craig Goldberg for upcoming pilot series

Christian Haroff announced a significant development in his long-discussed television pilot project by introducing Craig Goldberg, an experienced campaign manager who will oversee the Kickstarter launch set for early September.

Goldberg brings substantial credibility to the effort. He co-founded YHS Podcast a decade ago and recently completed a successful Kickstarter campaign for Cryptoids, a toy line based on American folklore creatures including Bigfoot and Mothman. His campaign exceeded its $150,000 goal by doubling the target, raising over $300,000 and demonstrating proven expertise in community-funded projects.

The Pilot's Scope and Budget

Haroff explained that the pilot requires approximately $325,000 to $350,000 to produce at the level he envisions. This breaks down to needing roughly 13,000 backers at $25 each to meet the baseline goal. The show will feature Haroff and co-star Martini in lead roles, surrounded by recognizable supporting cast members. Production is expected to occur in Los Angeles between December and January, with the pilot potentially expanding to a full season depending on funding levels.

The budget covers casting, locations, equipment, crew payments (though some contributors will accept reduced rates), and production quality comparable to professional television standards. Haroff noted that comparable pilots often cost significantly more, with examples like "The Bear" reaching $1.1 million.

Campaign Strategy and Timeline

Goldberg emphasized that the first 48 to 72 hours of a Kickstarter campaign are critical, with the majority of funding typically arriving in the opening two days and the final two days. The campaign will run for 30 days, during which Haroff plans to promote heavily across multiple platforms.

He stressed transparency with backers about fund allocation. The budget breakdown will clearly show where each dollar goes: casting, locations, equipment, and production costs. Kickstarter itself takes a percentage, as does Goldberg's management fee, with the remainder directed entirely toward production.

Backer Experience and Stretch Goals

A key differentiator is the promised behind-the-scenes access. Backers at various tier levels will gain unprecedented visibility into production, including access to casting sessions, director meetings, producer offices, and rehearsals. Physical rewards are planned, including apparel and memorabilia, with international shipping being addressed.

If funding exceeds the base goal, stretch goals include additional episodes or a full season. Extended budgets could also fund previously unavailable music licensing, higher-profile actors, additional locations, and better equipment.

Building the Production Team

Haroff emphasized the importance of assembling the right team, including a production manager, designer, and industry mentors. Attack Peter, a toy director at Mondo, serves as an advisor. The show's script is described as fast-paced, witty, and reflective of contemporary culture. Haroff has outlined five to six seasons in the planning stages, though only the pilot script is currently completed. Future episodes would require additional funding once the initial project is greenlit.

Path to Television

The pilot is intended for shopping to streaming services and traditional networks including Netflix, Amazon, Apple, and Peacock. Haroff confirmed that backers will have access to the finished pilot in some form, with details to be finalized regarding how and when this occurs during the shopping phase.

Goldberg will return to provide updates as the campaign develops. The September 1-2 launch date remains on track, with a pre-launch landing page becoming available beforehand for interested supporters to follow the campaign.