THR's 2012 Digital Power 50

When neophyte filmmaker Nick Lewis needed cash to shoot his soccer documentary Rise & Shine: The Jay Demerit Story, he pitched the concept on Kickstarter.com. Within 60 days, he had $225,000 from thousands of strangers, including actor Seth Meyers. Chen, 35, with co-founders Yancey Strickler, 33, and Charles Adler, 38, is pioneering "crowdfunding," whereby folks invest (donate, really) in what they consider worthy artistic projects. Since launching in 2009, Kickstarter has seen users pledge $45 million to help fund 4,700 film projects, and three funded by Kickstarter made the 2012 Oscar documentary shortlist, a first for the company.

PHOTOS: THR's 2012 Digital Power 50