Why does Zach Braff need Kickstarter to fund his movie?

Actor and filmmaker Zach Braff (“Oz the Great and Powerful”) made a big splash on the indie scene back in 2004 with the cult dramedy “Garden State.” The movie put the “Scrubs” actor on the map as a promising new filmmaking talent, but he didn’t exactly trade in on all that hype. Other than a few music videos, a forgotten TV movie, and some episodes of “Scrubs,” Braff hasn’t directed anything major since “Garden State.”

That eight year drought is set to change, though, thanks to Braff’s next project: the Kickstarter funded “Wish I Was Here.” Launched on April 24, the crowdfunding campaign for this spiritual sequel to “Garden State” has already raised over $1.5 million of its total $2 million goal. Though the project didn’t quite match the record breaking-pace set by the “Veronica Mars” movie Kickstarter (which reached its $2 million goal in less than a day), the big numbers obviously indicate that Braff’s fans are very enthusiastic about the prospect of a new movie from the 38-year-old filmmaker.

See also: Does the 'Veronica Mars' Kickstarter campaign signal a change for movies?

But not everyone is so jazzed about the quick success of the “Wish I Was Here” project – or Braff’s decision to pursue crowdfunding. You see, Braff is a wealthy guy. He’s estimated to be worth around $22 million, due mostly his fruitful television career ("Scrubs" money!) and the success of “Garden State.” Made for a miniscule $2.5 million “Garden State” ended up earning over $35 million in theatres worldwide, and as the film’s star, director, writer, and producer, Braff was on the right end of the "Garden State" windfall. When you add in numbers like home video sales, digital distribution, and global TV syndication rights (not to mention kickbacks he must have received from all those Shins albums he helped sell), it’s safe to say that Braff is doing all right.

According to Braff, the main reason he decided to crowdfund the budget of the film was so that he could retain creative control over the project and not have to “sex up” the movie at the behest of money men and outside producers. It’s an admirable approach to the filmmaking process, but doesn’t having that $2 million or so just lying around sort of invalidate his argument?

As pointed out by several Twitter users, there’s also the fact that Braff will almost assuredly make more than what he raises through Kickstarter simply by selling the distribution rights to “Wish I Was Here” at a film fest like Sundance. If you were a regular investor in an indie film like this, you’d see piece of that sale, but as a Kickstarter backer, you’ll just get rewarded with things like a copy of the movie, the chance to name a character, or have a meet-and-greet with Braff. A thrill for some to be sure, but not exactly the same return you’d get otherwise. Braff will no doubt profit immensely from the film and backers will get a DVD.

See also: Joss Whedon says not to expect a 'Firefly' Kickstarter campaign

This whole kerfuffle is similar to the backlash famed game designer and multi-millionaire Richard Garriott faced with his video game Kickstarter project, “Shroud of the Avatar,” last month. Many were angered that Garriott, who was wealthy enough to make himself one of the first space tourists back in 2008 (a trip that reportedly cost him around $30 million), would turn to crowdfunding to finance a game rather than just produce it himself with his many millions.

Braff is by all accounts a really nice a guy, and his intentions here are obviously good. He just wants to make his movie his way, free from interference. But before you "Garden State" fans jump on the "Wish I Was Here" bandwagon, just remember: because of your previous support, Braff more than likely has the means to make this movie without your help.