Letter from the Producer Mid 2023 (Patreon)

Greetings to you all, and I hope you've had a fine half of 2023 so far. Matt DeWinkeleer here. Titanic: Honor and Glory Executive Producer and head of Vintage Digital Revival — the company overseeing THG's creation. As I did in January, I wanted to give an update regarding just a couple of things about THG. Not as many, mind you, this is only a mid-year update.

Last month was one filled with sadness in the Titanic community. The week we were all glued to our screens waiting for any news and updates from the search in the North Atlantic was too eerily reminiscent of April 1912. Last month and a century ago, humanity was conditioned to news almost on demand. Last month and a century ago, our faith in technology was absolute. Last month and a century ago, our hearts cried out for answers and a resolution.

It took a long time after Titanic to recover, and it feels like it will, too, after Titan.

Patreon Facts and Figures

In an attempt to move towards normalcy again, please let me give a financial update on THG's Patreon and crew expenses.

Patreon's earnings for the first half of 2023 were $77,363, with combined fees totaling $17,073. We've grown from 671 Patrons in January to 840 at the end of June. At the moment, our estimated monthly earning is ~$10,053. All this should be visible on our main Patreon.

Crew and Team

Our most significant expense every month is crew pay. I'm happy to report that we've expanded the number of regularly paid team members on THG. Currently, the rough average cost for the crew is about $6,500 a month. 

We've also expanded the volunteer team (as some past volunteers are now legit VDR crew employees.) You've seen we've partnered with Mike Brady (officially) from Oceanliner Designs, which we are excited about. Matt and Kyle will join Mike and Jack for a live stream and tour of Demo 401 this Sunday, please check it out if you can.

The newest talents we're proud to work with are Elixander Chamoun, Ben Poole, Donald Rounds, and Liam Sharpe, who all have already worked on THG models and assets.

Model Ship Refunds and Store(s)

Please let me explain where the funds for these refunds are coming from and the refund process. After trying to contact all remaining customers, we've reached the point where we'll automatically refund anyone we don't hear from. There are many reasons why a customer might not respond to our numerous update emails over the months. Each month we'll be refunding a certain quantity of these customers. Thanks to YouTube ad revenue (which I plan to go over at year's end, hopefully), these refunds have not been affecting us nor touching our Patrons' contributions. As the income originally was split between THG and Zeno, he has also directly contributed a fixed monthly portion. He will eventually refund THG any part we cover of his split to ensure all refunds are sent out with as little delay as possible.

The amount we have allocated each month means refunding the remaining orders will take a few more months. However, since we have not heard from these customers, we must assume that waiting is okay. If anyone does contact us asking for their refund immediately, we will always get it to them ASAP.

We also understand the loss of these models, all the models, and our entire store has created a vacuum. Emails come in asking when the store will reopen, or when the models will be available to purchase again. Unfortunately, until all refunds are fulfilled, we won't even consider selling new model ships. The only THG official store and items are my deck plans and random items sold on our YouTube.

Canceling your Patreon

As always, please, we are very appreciative of the direct support on Patreon. But there is no need to support us here if it causes you to struggle. In the past few months, several messages came through with apologies from Patrons that they had to cancel their membership due to financial difficulties and they would return. Please, there is no need to explain! It's super generous and kind, and it makes us feel blessed, but we're working on this as best we can, in the time we can, and it isn't our primary way of support (well, except Kyle at the moment; sorry, Kyle.) We will be fine if anyone needs to refocus their needs and pocketbooks on something else.  

And the band played on...

And now, to make this post fun. Let me share something I've commissioned for the game, P401, and THG/VDR/our community and friends. I've contacted a talented composer, Ege Erdogan, to recreate songs played by Titanic's famous band electronically (it's a little cheaper than hiring a complete quintet, and it still sounds great.) You have heard some of his work in the new Real Time animation. Check out the attached video highlighting some quick samples of songs he's done so far (plus Jack's excellent animation work.) 

To make a comparison, Ege would be the I Salonisti, while our current composer, Anthony Caselena, is our James Horner. One is arranging Titanic's band, while another creates the soundtrack for Titanic's world!

Are any of you music aficionados able to identify the songs in just one note?