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Crypto Artist Emily Yang Launches Blockchain-Powered Filmmaking Platform, Shibuya
Crypto artist Emily Yang, known online as pplpleasr, is advancing her vision for blockchain-integrated filmmaking through her new startup, Shibuya. The platform aims to disrupt the traditional studio system by enabling creator-driven projects funded in part by fiat currency donations, with viewers deciding a project’s fate.
Shibuya launched “Season One,” initiating five pilot projects. If successful, the platform will allow further funding from supporters using fiat currency; these donations are allocated entirely to the filmmakers, with refunds offered if funding targets are not reached. A spokesperson confirmed Shibuya is integrating blockchain features, with Coinbase’s Base chain sponsoring the launch event.
“We built Shibuya to disrupt the traditional studio system and put power back into the hands of creators and fans,” Yang stated. “With the launch of Season One, we’re spotlighting bold, original work and inviting fans to decide what comes next.”
Funding the project’s development was a $6.9 million Series Seed round secured in 2022, led by prominent venture funds including a16z and Variant Fund. Prior successes demonstrate ambition: in the same year, Shibuya crowdfunded an animated short, “White Rabbit,” reaching $1.2 million in under 30 minutes. Additionally, Yang sold exclusive “Producer Pass” NFTs for the Cannes Film Festival.
Now three years after those NFT sales and amidst Hollywood’s on-location filming reaching historic lows, Shibuya’s platform raises the question: Can the initial success of decentralized creative funding re-emerge?
Shibuya’s Season One Projects
The five pilot projects represent diverse creative works, scheduled for crowdfunded release.
- Ultrasound: Directed by Julian Lamadrid, this six-minute animated short follows a punk rock band and features one-shot sequences (Hollywood “oners”), a format gaining popularity.
- Diaboli: A seven-minute animated series explores medieval themes of demons, religion, and family, evoking the dark aesthetic and voice acting of Netflix’s Love, Death & Robots.
- Don’t Forget About Me: Elle Mills directs this live-action short about siblings encountering their favorite childhood TV character.
- The Funny Thing About Losing Socks: Ben Christensen’s project depicts an adventure across dimensions to reclaim lost socks.
- Spiritual 100: Jordan Cooper’s satirical anime mini-series focuses on contestants competing in a reality show to prove spiritual depth.
The initiative attempts to replicate the initial NFT-driven success for film crowdfunding while navigating a less crypto-enthusiastic environment, with the outcome of funding for these pilots under scrutiny.
