Artist Thanks The Magic: The Gathering Community For Helping Raise Money For His Film

Image: Wizards of the Coast/ Art by Seb McKinnon

Seb McKinnon, a Magic: The Gathering artist and filmmaker based in Montreal, Quebec, has written an open letter to the Magic community to express his appreciation for their support.

McKinnon's letter, posted on Reddit, was addressed to "MTG players and fans around the world" and it focused on how thankful he is for the community for helping raise funds for his debut feature film, KINFables:The Stolen Child.

A couple of months ago, McKinnon launched a Kickstarter campaign offering limited edition playmats and prints of some of his best Magic artworks, with all funds going towards the production of his film. His initial goal was $12,000 CAD, but he was surprised to find out that they were able to raise $223,000 CAD, with three days to go, thanks to the help of the Magic community.

"I did not expect this kind of love and enthusiasm from the Magic community," McKinnon wrote. "This response has had a profound, positive effect on me personally. More importantly, it has generated new opportunities for me both as an artist, and as a filmmaker."

"I know those of you who have pledged to this campaign have done so to own a rare playmat or print – a physical reward - and to know you're also supporting my film is a bonus. A cherry on the cake," the artist added. "But know that for me, that cherry is everything."

Duskborne Skymarcher MtG Art by Seb McKinnon

According to McKinnon, he didn't have any financial support for the film before he launched the campaign. Despite his efforts to meet with private investors and film studios, and applying for grants from Canada's film institutions, he was only meet with rejection. However, thanks to the MTG community, McKinnon was able to get the money to make the film he's been dreaming to make. "Before, I was just a guy knocking on doors asking for money. You have transformed me from a beggar to a player in the film industry, and this is a very big deal for my career," he wrote.

McKinnon went to express his love for Magic: The Gathering and its community. "To me, this is the best card game in the world for one main reason: real, unyielding passion. From the folks at Wizards of the Coast, to the artists illustrating the cards, to the players of the game... it's all because of its community."

If you're interested in supporting this project, check out the Kickstarter link here.

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