Hot Docs is launching Doc Ignite, an online crowd-funding service designed to help independent Canadian film makers.

Documentary festival Hot Docs is launching Doc Ignite, an online crowd-funding service designed to help independent Canadian film makers build audiences and raise support for projects in development.

The service will be launched with How to Build a Time Machine, a documentary directed by Jay Cheel and produced by Primitive Entertainment that explores time travel and the story of internet phenomenon John Titor, a self-professed time traveler from the year 2036.

Over the next 45 days, the project, which has already received support from the Shaw Media-Hot Docs Development Fund, is hoping to raise $25,000 through Doc Ignite to fund the use of costumes, props, locations and actors necessary to film re-enactments of Titor’s internet posts.

“Doc Ignite gives audiences the incredible chance to take an active role in the production process,” said Elizabeth Radshaw, Hot Docs Forum and Market director. “It is thrilling to connect audiences to directors at an early stage and provide support for fantastic projects like How to Build a Time Machine.”

Doc Ignite projects will be curated by Hot Docs industry experts. The first six projects featured on the site will receive an additional boost from Toronto’s Open Roof Films, which will give each campaign a $1,000 prize.

Doc Ignite is being supported by the Ontario Media Development Corporation, Telefilm Canada, the City of Toronto and the Toronto Community Foundation.