Dear Supporters, Backers & Hopefuls,

Yes, I'm managing expectations. They are not good. Despite a gain in momentum this week, we have just too much to do before the May 5th deadline.

Kickstarter statistics indicate that in going from the 20% funding level strongly through the 30% level we have shaved our likelihood of failure approximately in half. Statistics indicate that, among projects that reach the 30% funding level, 90% are successful. But, as my dad used to say (he came from Illinois), "That and a nickel will get you uptown." The fact is, a good many projects have reached 30% funding and failed.

You are the backers -- over 800 in number -- who've come in so far with an unexpected enthusiasm, a clear understanding of the film landscape, and a recognition of this unusual opportunity to create a CONVENIENT / DARKROOMLESS form of analog material for the 4x5 platform. But we need 2,000 more likeminded and energized souls to pledge at the current average if we are to get across the line. Personally, I don't see it happening.

We are touched by every single backer's pledge here. There have been some extraordinarily generous pledges and a great many people have elected to increase their pledges in the course of proceedings. It remains, however, that the most touching of all pledges for us are the many many pledges for less than $10 for no reward. This is what signals to us that it has been worth every ounce of the effort to try. At least to try.

Among our successes we count the goodwill and enthusiasm of our supporting amateur and professional photographers of great skill; we have attracted the attention of a few of the very best portrait photographers (two in Paris are Tim Scott's very favorites), workshop educators, photoblogging personalities, and view camera operators the world over. We manifest belief and hope; we just lack action.

Here at Kickstarter, we have tested the market and are in the process of confirming what we imagined was true: that THERE JUST AREN'T ENOUGH SHEET FILM REGULARS IN THE WORLD to support an esoteric material like New55 FILM. This is what Polaroid discovered before events overwhelmed it and this is what Fuji discovered before it launched its strategic initiative to become a cosmetics juggernaut. The single-loads, the 4x5 p/ns and packfilms have disappeared from the market because SALES WERE POOR. They were not only poor, they were MISERABLE! This is as natural as the sun setting.

A great many people have feigned abject distress at the loss of these materials. (Social Media is designed perfectly for such amount of sincerity.) There is even a campaign hosted by Change.org to stop FujiFilm from discontinuing 3000B. This is hilariously naive. And hypocritical. It is so obvious that one hesitates to be so trite as to ask: "Where were you ... ?" And, by extension here, "Where ARE you?"

As I see it, there is only one chance for New55 FILM. The project needs its HOPEFULS -- those people hanging back and waiting for others to do the heavy lifting -- to come in off the sidelines. There needs to be a recognition THIS WEEK that without EVERYONE PADDLING, THE BOAT WILL NOT FLOAT!

The New55 FILM Kickstarter project was designed to fail if it attracted insufficient capital. That is a good thing. It is a measure of humane respect to state clearly -- without the usual hyperbole, the dishonesty, of product marketing -- the minimum at which the product will go forward. Without $400,000 (US) New55 FILM will not become a manufactured product. It is impossible to state the parameters more clearly.

We have heard muted objections to the high $75 Kickstarter 'price-of-entry' here. This more from enthusiastic backers who fear the price is too high for mainstream users or happy-snappy kiddies -- too high, not for themselves, but for others. We would rather fail than attract a community for whom New55 FILM is clearly inappropriate. New55 FILM needs to survive on the strength of the passion of serious expressive photography. Even though it is the very best of learning tools as can be found in the woodshed, New55 FILM is not a material for casual or superficial involvement.

Our gratitude for your support is impossible to express. You, the eight hundred, have demonstrated your confidence and trust and we regret that your number is simply too small to make New55 FILM come to life. There are 19 days left before the May 5th termination of the project, a space of time in which there is only a very slim chance that you can prove me wrong.

Inasmuch time and always, I am yours, sincerely,

Sam Hiser

project CEO

new55project.com