Star Wars Artist Matt Busch unleashes his own epic saga, 3 sci-fi feature films based on the Arabian Nights tale.
Latest Updates from Our Project:
ALADDIN 3477: FIDGI FRIDAYS!
about 2 years ago
– Thu, Dec 21, 2023 at 09:11:08 AM
You didn't think there was going to be another update so soon, did you?
Okay, since a lot of you have just received your FIDGI Designer Toys (or will be getting them soon) I wanted to share an idea with you all that I've had for a long time. This idea is called...
FIDGI FRIDAYS!
In short, it's just using the Friday of each week to share your FIDGI Designer Toys, and the adventures they have. You simply share images on socials using the hashtag #FidgiFriday and/or #FidgiFridays . Of course, tag myself and ALADDIN 3477 as well.
The FIDGI Designer Toys are great because they are small enough to easily cart around. Take 'em wherever you go and document them enjoying the adventure with you!
Here's Standard FIDGI taking in the art at the Vatican in Italy! FIDGI loves world travels, but he also loves just chilling at home, being lazy and watching Netflix with the family.
FIDGIs love getting the Front Row Seat, right on the dashboard- always looking ahead to where you're going next!
Be careful though, FIDGIs are pretty impressionable. Once they start to get loose, things can get out of hand. Of course, FIDGI is also good at getting out of a sticky situation.
If you're curious, the FIDGIs are made out of Soft PVC. So yes, they can get wet just fine and the colors aren't coming off, nor will they fade.
They are relatively indestructible. A small child may be able to pull an arm off, but you can just super-glue it right back on.
So the idea is, take your FIDGIs wherever you go. When you see something fun and you want to capture it in a creative way that we can all enjoy, make it so! These FIDGIS make it a Whole New Worl-- I'm not actually gonna say it. LOL
FIDGI soaring over the Bean in Chicago!
So- this begins TOMORROW!
Start taking photos of your new little friends, post on Instagram and the rest of your socials, and use the hashtags:
#FIDGIFRIDAY
and
#FIDGIFRIDAYS
With the epic holiday weekend coming up, your FIDGIs can really help get into the Holiday Spirit!
I look forward to seeing all the trouble your FIDGIs will be getting into!
Thanks for joining in the fun! Happy Holidays!
Matt
ALADDIN 3477: Happy Holidays!
about 2 years ago
– Wed, Dec 20, 2023 at 04:00:11 AM
Season's Greetings!
I hope you are all in the Holiday spirit of giving and surrounded by family and friends. I just wanted to touch base real quick and give a quick update- the last one of the year!
SWAG BOX 3: Fidgi's Find are all shipped!
They are all out the door! Many of you have already received them and the rest will be getting them soon. Maybe even today!
The peeps at the local Post Office all know my name, and they scatter when they see me coming through the door, knowing each day I have to make multiple trips back and forth to my Jeep to keep unloading more Swag Boxes!
Your UNBOXING Videos!
This is kind of the toy-themed box, just in time for the Holiday! So if you think it would be fun to film a reaction video, PLEASE DO! Be sure to tag myself and ALADDIN 3477 on all the socials!
Sharing Pics of Your SWAG!
Please Please Please! I love seeing the merch in the real world! Please take pics of all the goods, and have fun getting creative with the FIDGI Designer Toys!
I'm also curious to see if you all can figure out what's special about the Mystery Figdi that hasn't bee publicly unveiled yet. Who will be the first to share and figure it out?!
Again, be sure to tag me and ALADDIN 3477 on all the socials!
Building the FIDGI MiniFig!
The Minifig for Aladdin's hovering robot partner-in-crime is a really fun build! However, without instruction... GOOD LUCK!
It's not that difficult, but you really need to see how it goes together in order to assemble it correctly. Which is why I have just unveiled a new video showing how to build it right here:
It's kind of funny- James and I recorded it while hanging out at the legendary RAINBOW Bar & Grill in Hollywood. I assumed that you wouldn't be able to hear anything I was saying, so I showed how to do it without words. (Which is funny because you could hear me just fine.)
Anyway, the video will help immensely. Can't wait to see you all posting pics of your Aladdin and Fidgi MiniFigs causing a ruckus!
The Status of SWAG BOX 4
As I've been mentioning, the status of when you'll be receiving SWAG BOX 4: Lochan's Loot is TBD. I'm pretty sure it will not be 3 months from now as originally planned. I'm really sorry about that, but you WILL get it and it WILL be the best of them all. I just don't know when.
The biggest reason for the delay is because of the Blu Ray. You will get it of course, but I just don't know with the TBD Distributor what the process will be for how I'll get them and when I'll be able to ship to you. There is no guess-timation at this point, as I really don't know. I only know that you will get them, and because it's considered transactional media, it will be sooner with the release schedule, as opposed to later. But when that sooner is I haven't a clue yet.
I know this may be frustrating for backers, as the plan was that you would get all 4 Swag Boxes by the end of the year. The best laid plans, of course, and anyone familiar with Kickstarter is aware of these reality delays.
However, I hope you ARE happy with the first 3 SWAG BOXES, and have faith that you will get the 4th one as promised, and it won't skimp on quality!
The Movie!
I was hoping to have an announcement before the end of the year on a lock with a Distributor. However, falling into week 6 of it being pitched in Hollywood, it kind of falls right into the Holidays. I actually just got word from the Producer Rep that it will definitely bleed over into the New Year, as there are still some potential places that are reviewing.
So who knows, perhaps the first ALADDIN 3477 Update of the year will have some news about that! We'll see!
The Year of 3477.
Okay, so the movie didn't actually come out this year. And we still don't have a release date or info on where you'll be able to see it. But that's coming soon.
I said when this campaign began that 2023 would be the year of 3477, and in my world, it truly was. You have to understand, I've been working on this for 14 years now and at this time last year there wasn't even any publicly released footage. I wasn't sure if people would even be interested. Perhaps it would just be a trilogy of art films I just made with friends to scratch my own artistic itch.
But wow- in 2023, we:
Ran a super-successful Kickstarter, reaching our goal 6 and a half times over!
Released a movie trailer which has 2.1 Million views and counting!
Had an incredible Contest where people made their own creative take on the Aladdin 3477: the Jinn of Wisdom movie trailer!
And another fun Contest on Drawing FIDGI In Your Own Style!
Released the ALADDIN 3477: Official Collector's Edition souvenir book, a personal dream of mine that seems to have gone over really well!
We did a 24-hour Livestream Lounge marathon event at the end of the Kickstarter with tons of special guests from the films!
Released several Behind-the-scenes videos of the making of ALADDIN 3477, with many more on the way!
I was the guest of 'The Movies That Made Me' event!
Released a number of fun videos, like the One Jump Ahead music video, and the Disney Character comparison video...
Released 3 epic Swag Boxes, each with 8 to 12 items each, depending on your reward tier!
Opened an ALADDIN 3477 PreSale Store with BackerKit!
I got engaged!
I sent well over 200 promo packages to various studios in Hollywood!
Attended the American Film Market in Los Angeles and had meetings about the film- all positive!
And signed with a Producer Rep who is currently pitching the film to numerous studios / distributors!
So I would say that is definitely a wonderful splash for ALADDIN 3477! I look forward to what the next year will bring and beyond!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for being a part of it!
I'll of course keep you all updated as things progress. There's somehow still much work to do, but so much more to look forward to. I enjoy all of it, but man- I cannot wait for you all to see the first film!
I hope you all have a warm and safe Holiday with friends and family, and will be ringing in the New Year with the same.
Until next time, Cheers!
Matt Busch
FIDGI Designer Toys!
about 2 years ago
– Wed, Nov 29, 2023 at 12:54:51 AM
Season's Greetings!
We are on the brink of the 3rd Swag Box coming to you from the ALADDIN 3477 Kickstarter: FIDGI'S FIND! With such an emphasis on Aladdin's trusty robot sidekick, I thought it was the perfect time to chat about the...
FIDGI Designer Toys!
I am so excited about you all getting these- and just in time for the Holidays! I've put together a fun video giving you a closer look at each one. Check it out:
And, if you are checking this out on your phone, here is a Mobile version for those of you who refuse to turn your phone sideways. (LOL!)
So, the reason why I am plugging these now is because they are shipping soon! And you might be wondering one of the following...
Aren't I already getting one of these in SWAG BOX 3: Fidgi's Find? Yes! But you're only getting 1 blind box, and you never know which one is inside. You may want to consider ordering more for your friends or even getting a complete set.
Aren't I already getting a Complete Set of FIDGIs from being in Aladdin's Inner Circle? Yes! But if you wanted to grab a few more for your friends, now is the time to do it.
I only backed the first (or second) Swag Box. Is there a way I can noworder some FIDGI Designer Toys? Yep! The link is below where you can order as many single FIDGIs as you like. Keep in mind you never know which FIDGI Variant is inside of each Blind Box.
I only backed the first (or second) Swag Box, and I don't want to order a ton of Blind Boxes to acquire an entire set. Is there a way to just order a FIDGI Complete Set? Yes! The link is below.
I know some people who would like to order these FIDGI Designer Toys, but they didn't back the Kickstarter. Can they still order these? Yes! The link is below. Kickstarter backers get them first as they arrive with Swag Box 3, but everyone else gets them immediately after.
Feel free to share the link with friends, as well, please share the FIDGI Designer Toy videos above. Thank you!
A quick note to those of you who are in the Aladdin's Inner Circle Reward Tier or higher: You are not only getting the complete set of 6 FIDGI Designer Toys, but you're also getting an additional blind box FIDGI variant, as promised from the initial Swag Box 3. So you're getting 7 total (unless you order more). However, I realize this may be confusing since each of the FIDGIs are in a blind box. So, when sending these out, the one FIDGI that is a random Variant will have a post-it with a star drawn on it. The other six boxes make up the complete set. That way, if you want to gift the extra Variant to someone, or vice versa, you'll know which 6 are the complete set and which is the extra Variant.
In the chance you are ordering more single Variants or complete sets, the extra variants will all have a post-it with a star on it.
New Add-Ons Available!
There are some new items added to the PreSale Store, including the FIDGI Vinyl Kiss Cut Bumper Stickers, the ALADDIN 3477 LIGHT UP PEN, the FIDGI 3-D Magnet, and the previously mentioned new hats (the Flat Brim Snapback, the classic Dad Hat ball cap, and the Slouchy Beanie).
Again, you'll find these items at the link, and these items will ship soon!
There are a few Add-Ons that were previously SOLD OUT. However, for some reason I must have set some merch aside and now a few items are available again! Now, for a limited time: The ALADDIN 3477 Glow-in-the-Dark Wristband, the FIDGI Patch, and the ALADDIN 3477 Bandana are currently available!
These items are VERY limited, so order while you can, as they will be SOLD OUT again soon!
I was hoping to have the hats here ready to go and start shipping this 3rd SWAG BOX by the end of the week, but it looks like hats won't be arriving until December 6th. Which is fine, but that puts things dangerously close to the big day, as you know all shipping gets backed up around the Holidays.
Rest assured, once the hats get here, I will be dropping everything and working day and night to get these out as soon as I can, in an effort to have the fun stuff reach you before the Holiday.
As you know, I start with the top tier backers first, and work my way down. Note that International backers may take longer with customs, etc. But I will do my best to get these out ASAP!
The Movie!
Not a whole lot to report since the scoop James and I gave during the Livestream Lounge: LIVE from HOLLYWOOD.
However, there is movement, so during last week's Livestream, I gave a more current update, and went into much more detail about how things are moving forward, and I did it with visuals! I also share exactly what studios and distributors our Prodcuer Rep is pitching ALADDIN 3477: The Jinn of Wisdom to! So if you want to know, check out the Thanksgiving Edition:
Thank you!
The next update will be to let you know all of the SWAG BOX 3: Fidgi's Find packages have been shipped, as well as any other orders. I may do some Livestreams showing the process of putting these together, so be on the lookout for those.
THANK YOU! Happy Holidays, everyone!
Matt!
Choose Your Hat! Plus- ALADDIN 3477 Movie Update!
over 2 years ago
– Wed, Nov 15, 2023 at 03:52:29 AM
Hello!
So I'm weeks away from shipping Swag Box 3: Fidgi's Find! One reward item that you we're promised is a Snapback Cap. Well...
I have Good News for Your Noggin!
That Flat Brim Snapback Cap now has an updated design and looks awesome with thrice the custom embroidery! But even more exciting than that...
You now have 3 exciting hats to choose from!
1.) ALADDIN 3477 FLAT BRIM SNAPBACK HAT
This dope Flat Brim ALADDIN 3477 Snapback Cap if the perfect accessory for the Hong Kong hoodlums of the future!
Embroidered elements include the ALADDIN 3477 logo with Sihk symbol, "Lochan Shyamal" in Cantonese kanji on one side, and Lochan line art stitched into the other.
2.) ALADDIN 3477 CLASSIC BASEBALL CAP
This classic "Dad Hat" baseball cap has a nice full high rise fit with adjustable buckle in the rear.
Embroidered elements feature the ALADDIN 3477 logo, "Lochan Shyamal" kanji on one side, and Lochan art stitched into the other.
3.) ALADDIN 3477 SLOUCHY BEANIE
This hip and comfy ALADDIN 3477 Slouchy Beanie is the perfect fashion accessory for Khong Chiam hoodlums of the future.
Embroidered elements include Lochan line art on one side temple, the ALADDIN 3477 logo with Sihk symbol on the other, and "Lochan Shyamal" kanji in between across the front.
NOTE: These images are all digital mockups, so the final product appearance may vary slightly. The Slouchy Beanie will be black and have more of a pixel texture, as opposed to ribbed rows (which works better with the embroidery).
How to Choose Which Hat for FREE!
If you backed the ALADDIN 3477 Kickstarter to get Swag Box 3 or any level higher, you will be able to choose which hat you get included with your Swag Box 3 rewards, and even be able to order the other 2 hats and more as Add-Ons if you like.
The Reward Tiers that automatically get a hat to choose from for FREE are:
Swag Box 3: Fidgi's Find
EARLY BIRD- Swag Box 4: Lochan's Loot
Swag Box 4: Lochan's Loot
Deluxe Rewards: Skysail Sky Club
VIP Exclusives: Aladdin's Inner Circle
Ultimate Experience: Executive Producer
For all of you that fall into these Reward Levels, you will be getting a new Survey emailed to you from BackerKit within the next day or so. In that Survey, you get to choose your fave!
Following that selection, if you would like to get the other 2 hats, or order more hats of any style as add-ons, you can order as many as you would like in the Add-On section. (You can also order any of the other available Add-Ons, as new items have been added since the BackerKit opened.)
You'll have until Saturday, November 25th to complete the Survey, making your selection. After that, orders will be locked and if you haven’t yet selected a hat, I’ll be selecting it for you. (The reason for this deadline is so I know how many hats to order of each design.)
Swag Box 3 is expected to start shipping in December, just in time for the holidays!
How Everyone Else Can Get These Hats!
If you're not in the above Reward Tiers and you'd like to order any or all of the above Hats, they are already available to order in the ALADDIN 3477 PreSale Store here:
These hats are also expected to ship in December, just in time for the holidays!
Thank you for your support! I can’t wait to see selfies of you all wearing these rad hats!
What is Happening with the Movie?
As I mentioned in the last update, I've spent the last few months sending promo packages out to (literally) hundreds of Studios, Distributors, Sales Agents, Entertainment Lawyers, and more. This was all in preparation for a week-long trip to Los Angeles with James Polony to attend the American Film Market with additional meetings all over Hollywood.
Well, we came, we saw, and we kicked butt! We had a great time, an awesome blend of high octane work, and high octane play. If you want to hear all of the specific details of what happened, you can see our video recap of the week in this edition of the Livestream Lounge: LIVE from Hollywood!
(We look upset in the video thumb that YouTube randomly selected, but I assure you, we were just overwhelmed with excitement!)
The quick news is that we have signed with a well-respected Producer Rep that has sold over 900 films! As much as I was getting some great responses from some of the smaller distributors, most of the notable ones simply weren't able to even look at materials sent unsolicited. It's frustrating, but in a world of lawsuits, this is done to protect everyone.
What's great about this Producer Rep we've signed with is he already has working relationships with most of these distributors. The film itself will determine if we get offers, but at least this Rep is able to get ALADDIN 3477 through the door.
He's already pitching the film to 26 different places, including Netflix, Disney (?!), HBO Max, Paramount, and more! Some of these places aren't household names, but also exciting because they distribute across multiple venues, rather than just exclusive to one.
Anyway, if you want the full details, what to expect and when, and hear about our adventures from Hollywood, be sure to check out the video above!
The Trailer on IMAX!
The movie trailer for ALADDIN 3477: The Jinn of Wisdom has played on the 2nd largest movie screen in Michigan at the Emagine Theater in Royal Oak! If you want to see what it looked like, check out the video below!
This played with the Horror Film Roulette Film Festival screenings, of which I am a sponsor. Thank you! So cool to see on such a giant screen!
Drawing a Skysail!
I recently dropped a new tutorial video with Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons Artist Phil Stone to demonstrate how to design Vehicles and other methods of Transportation for your own world-building concept design! In it, I draw a Skysail from ALADDIN 3477, and Phil draws a giant flying worm!
These tips are great for illustrating Comic Books, Manga, Storyboards, and Concept Art for Film and Video Games, so if that's your jam, check it out!
Building the R3D5T4R w/ RoMow MiniFig!
Finally! I've just dropped a new video on how to assemble the R3D5T4R (with RoMow) MiniFig.
I've seen a lot of you post images of your MiniFigs on socials (thank you for that!) but notice that most of you are getting the R3D5T4R incorrect. This video will set you on the path to glory, as some of the extra pieces can be confusing.
This Sunday at 9pm (EST)...
The LIVESTREAM LOUNGE returns with a Thanksgiving Edition! James will once again be joining me, and I'll have the latest scoop on how the ALADDIN 3477 pitches are going on Hollywood!
The 'Lounge opens this Sunday, November 19th at 9pm EST, and the easiest way to find it is on my YouTube channel here:
I have a lot to be thankful for, and I look forward to chatting with all of you in real time! See you then!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Speaking of being thankful, I can't tell you how grateful I am for your support, love, patience and understanding. Without that, this project wouldn't have legs to stand on. So THANK YOU!
All the best,
Matt!
What's Happening in the World of ALADDIN 3477?
over 2 years ago
– Sat, Oct 14, 2023 at 11:55:18 PM
Shiva to Believa!
What an incredible year it's been! I said in January that 2023 would be the year of 3477, and in most ways, it has been! And there is more in store during the next 2 and a half months!
I wanted to give a solid update on everything that's been happening.
If you've been watching the Livestream Lounge videos, there I've been keeping everyone updated in real time. In the chance you haven't been able to be a part of them LIVE on Sunday Nights, you can always find the Livestreams archived in the LIVE tab of my YouTube channel: https://www.YouTube.com/MattBusch
Regardless, here's an update- the straight scoop- no images, just words from the heart.
Rewards / Swag Boxes
As you recall, the idea with this Kickstarter was that you would get 4 Swag Boxes, each 3 months apart, for a whole year of ALADDIN 3477! Well, due to some production and manufacturing out of my control, we were a little late getting the first one out.
However, I did my best to make sure that the next 2 would be on schedule, each another 3 months apart. The 2nd Swag Box did come out as scheduled in September, and I'm happy to report that Swag Box 3 should come out as scheduled in December as well.
This is really cool, because the featured item(s) in Swag Box 3 is the FIDGI Designer Toys, so it's great that they'll be showing up on your doorstep just in time for the holidays!
I'm currently working with an embroidery company designing the hats, and I just illustrated the art today for the Lochan Shyamal Glow-in-the-Dark Keychain, as well as the R3D5T4R patch. Can't wait for you to see these!
Now. About Swag Box 4. I've mentioned this a few times in the Livestream... Will it ship 3 months after Swag Box 3? It's possible, but I'm going to say probable it will take a bit longer. How much longer? I'm not certain.
The biggest question mark is the film itself, and when it will be released. I have not yet signed with a Distributor, and they would be the one to make that schedule. They would probably be the company making the Blu Ray discs, and even if they weren't they would have a say in when I would be allowed to get them to you. They might not care, or they might have explicit details.
However, I'm guessing I should have more info on when to expect Swag Box 4 before the end of the year. Please be patient! I hope you've been happy with the quality of the first 2 packages and quality you'll see in Swag Box 3! Sometimes getting these assets together takes longer than expected. I appreciate your understanding!
What is happening with the actual movie?
Lots! Although it's still the calm before the storm... The hurry-up-and-wait phase.
At the end of this month / early November, I'm heading out to the American Film Market in Los Angeles to meet with Sales Agents, Producer Reps, Distributors, Studio Acquisition Heads, and Entertainment Lawyers. Will I make a deal there? It would be nice, but I don't think things will happen that quick. It's possible, but I also need to really make sure wherever this lands will truly be the home for this IP.
Up until about 5 years ago, usually when you'd license the rights for a film, you could make a 5-year deal. Sometimes a 3-year deal! That way, if you didn't like the way things were going, after a few years, you'd get the rights back and could make a better deal somehwere else.
These days, because of TVOD, SVOD, and AVOD, Distributors are seeking longer deals, Ideally 15 to 20 years, though it's possible you could talk them down to 10. There are many reasons for this, but mostly they want to make it easy for streaming services so you aren't constantly pulling films, only to upload them again through a new distributor.
This makes a deal for ALADDIN 3477 a bit more important, since longevity is the way the project was designed to grow. It's a trilogy of films. Wherever the first film lands, it would be awkward if the 2nd and 3rd films weren't in the same place(s). So I really want to make sure it ends up in the hands of a company that will also see the longevity and take care of my baby.
What have I been doing in the meantime?
I just got engaged! I popped the question to my long-time girlfriend Casey who is amazing and has been so supportive of this project. She's been so understanding of the time needed to make this happen and is my biggest cheerleader. So amongst all of the exciting ALADDIN 3477 happenings, I'm thrilled to be embarking on a new beginning of my personal life.
As mentioned above, I've been prepping all the items in Swag Box 3 that will be shipping this December.
Some of you might not even know this, but I also have a day job- I'm a Professor of Media and Communication Arts at Macomb College. This Fall semester we've moved into a new building. It's mostly wonderful, but there have also been a few wrinkles to iron out. I had been fully Remote for the last 3.5 years, so it's been nice to get back into an actual classroom.
However, the biggest thing I've been working on is putting together ALADDIN 3477 promo packages for Sales Agents, Producer Reps, Studio Acquisition Heads, and Distributors... No joke- Hundreds of them, and shipping them all out.
The idea is, it will be easier to get meetings with some of these peeps if I can send them tangible materials like the Official Collector's Edition first. Normally you would just send and email or call blindly, which doesn't often get very far.
And I have to say, it's already working. I've already had a few meetings on Zoom and Phone. Everyone seems to be excited about it, but finding the perfect place for ALADDIN 3477 to call home... That will take some time, observation, haggling, and assessment.
But it's been an incredible amount of work putting these together, and quite expensive to send them all out. If you're interested in seeing what exactly I've been putting together to send out, check out the latest video under the LIVE tab of my YouTube Channel: https://www.YouTube.com/MattBusch
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thanks again for your support, love, patience and understanding. It's all so exciting and hope to have some concrete news to share soon!
Also, I'll be sharing a lot of the experiences from the American Film Market in Los Angeles on my YouTube Channel, so stay tuned for that!
