Reed Timmer, one of the stars from “Storm Chasers,” which ran on Discovery from 2007-2011, is back to chasing tornadoes in a big way. He asked the public to help him produce an independent documentary series that captures the intensity, passion and science of storm chasing. On March 17, Timmer surpassed his original goal, set a new “reach” one, and lined up Jim Cantore for an upcoming podcast. On March 16, he took time out of his busy schedule to talk to me for an exclusive Examiner.com interview.
“Tornado Chasers” is the groundbreaking new documentary web series featuring Reed Timmer, world-renowned storm chaser. Unlike network television, this independent web series gives Tim the freedom to present the real experience of storm chasing. All of the chasing action, personalities, relationships, and spectacular storm footage are true to the real events, putting viewers and fans in the passenger seat for an unforgettable adventure.
The web series debuted in 2012 and aired a dozen episodes, which are available to watch on TVNweather.com or through a dedicated “Tornado Chasers” Roku channel for $1.99 per episode. In order to continue making “Tornado Chasers,” Timmer launched a fundraising campaign on Kickstarter and reached his initial goal of $75,000. As of March 18, the total amount raised stands just shy of $80,000 and is rising by the minute. Reed’s new stretch goal is $100,000 and he’s offering added incentives to reach it. “If we reach this new goal, all backers who pledged $20 or higher (2013 Season Pass reward) will receive an extra two bonus Behind-the-Scenes episodes."
“Tornado Chasers” is the perfect series for people fascinated with weather. It stars Reed Timmer and Joel Taylor, stars of Discovery’s “Storm Chasers,” and Dick McGowan, who drove the Dominator for Reed in 2012. Timmer is also the author of “Into the Storm” and has appeared on “Mythbusters” and “Tornado Glory,” plus all major news networks.
To keep his fundraiser going at full speed, Timmer has marathon podcasts planned for this week and Jim Cantore from The Weather Channel is one of his scheduled guests. Money raised will help fund production and post-production expenses, plus video and audio equipment.
In the meantime, Reed Timmer has no intention of slowing down. He’s a bit OCD and has a true passion for studying tornadoes and relaying important information that could save lives. “The Internet is our future,” he says. His real world updates on Twitter inform people of any developing weather situations. In the last year, Reed spent just ten days at home in Norman, Okla. “Mother nature is open 24/7 like Walmart,” he explains. When a storm brews, he hits the road, often dining on gas station food and catching a few winks of sleep in The Dominator.
Fans can make a pledge at Kickstarter.com and donations of $1-$10,000 are happily accepted. For a $20 pledge, fans will receive a season pass for the 2013 season of “Tornado Chasers” via streaming, Roku and DVM-free download, plus a “Tornado Chasers” wallpaper, a digitally signed JPEG photo of the team, and a thank you email from Reed. For $10,000, you can go tornado chasing with Timmer and his team and be featured in an episode of “Tornado Chasers.”
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