Chris Stuckmann

If you're reading this, first of all, thank you so much for even considering supporting my work. I have been leery of starting a Patreon for many years, and here's why: When Patreon launched, the platform didn't initially find its footing, and much of that was due to many feeling uneasy with asking for support, including me. I've always been immensely grateful to viewers and fellow film lovers for enjoying my videos and it's never lost on me that without you, I'd still be working on a school bus, instead of pursuing my dreams. I can't thank you enough.

That being said, YouTube has become a very different place in recent years. The "ad-pocalypse," the rampant demonetization issues, and countless fraudulent copyright claims have made creating on YouTube difficult. In just the past few months, I've dealt with many false claims, resulting in weeks of appeals and disputes. But at least disputes can be won. Lately, nearly every single video I post is demonetized, with YouTube unnecessarily evaluating whether or not it's suitable for advertisers. As a result, days of revenue are lost.

Truthfully though, this has never been about the money. Anyone who's watched since 2009 should know that. I didn't make a single cent on YouTube for the first few years of my career, and even once I was officially partnered, the revenue wasn't enough to live on for a couple more years after that. I've been writing stories since elementary school and directing short films since age 14. I wrote reviews way before I started my channel and never saw a dime. Movies are my passion. Making them, watching them, talking about them. But since I've been able to support myself doing these things, I've taken on far more work as a result.

In 2017, I shot my first professional short, Auditorium 6, and had the time of my life. I saved the money to finance the film myself, and it became clear that this wasn't something I could do again. It put a serious strain on our finances. In 2018, I published my second book, Anime Impact, and had a blast working with many talented fellow writers. I have plans for two new short films to be shot in 2018 and plan on continuing to direct in the future. Along with that, I'm trying to keep my YouTube channel up-to-date and consistent.

To add to this, this April, I've decided to finally fulfill another dream of mine: college! For as long as I can remember, I've wanted a film degree, and I've finally decided to go to school. I'm currently attending The Los Angeles Film School, working toward my Bachelor's Degree in Digital Filmmaking.

I assure you that I won't make any of my regular content on YouTube exclusive to Patreon. My reviews: New releases, Hilariocity's, anime, analyses, etc. All that will remain on YouTube just as it was before.

My Patreon is entirely optional to you. Everything I do here will be extra stuff that I've always thought about doing, but never got around to it. Your support here is incredibly appreciated, but it's completely up to you. If you'd like to support my work, and help me direct more films, write more and follow my dreams outside of YouTube, well then... I couldn't be more thankful.

I'm keeping the tiers lower than most for now because I have no idea how Patreon works and I certainly don't want to appear like I'm asking for too much. Better yet, I wouldn't want anyone to spend too much on me... I'm already a little uneasy starting a Patreon, but I've recognized that in recent years--especially with YouTube's awful communication issues--Patreon's reputation has become very strong. I hope that here I can continue to develop as an artist, and I thank you so much for reading this. I'm excited to share my ideas with you here!

Sincerely,

Chris