Pplpleasr’s Shibuya Video Platform Uses Ethereum NFTs to Fund and Shape Films

Web3 gives creators an opportunity to rethink old business models and adopt new ways of bringing projects to life. Artist Emily “pplpleasr” Yang has already tapped NFTs for a number of high-profile projects, but her latest pursuit shifts the focus into the world of long-form video—and how NFTs can help fund ambitious projects.

Officially launched today ahead of tomorrow’s public NFT mint, Shibuya is an Ethereum-powered “direct-to-community” video platform that not only lets creators crowdfund their films and webseries, but also allows backers to have a say in the creative direction of each project.

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Think of it like a decentralized, video-centric Kickstarter, only with the added elements of NFT collecting, potential ongoing benefits to backers, and gamification elements. However, the platform will also make the films free to watch, unlike some NFT-funded projects (like Mila Kunis’ Stoner Cats) that restrict viewership to NFT holders.

Shibuya is launching with “White Rabbit,” an anime-inspired webseries by co-founder Maciej Kuciara, a concept artist who has worked on numerous Marvel Studios films (including “Spider-Man: No Way Home”) along with other Hollywood blockbusters.

The 48-second pilot for White Rabbit’s animated story is available on Shibuya right now. It’s a brief tease of what’s ahead, complete with Studio Ghibli-esque hand-drawn animation, but there’s a twist at the end: a choice between two doors, one with a ghostly hand outstretched and the other with a four-legged fuzzy creature.

Want to help decide what happens next? You’ll need to purchase and mint a Producer Pass NFT and stake it to cast a vote for either path. Kuciara will honor the results of the vote and work that into the next chapter of the film.

Each chapter…