One sided conversations with Kevin Smith...
...although he's more than welcome to chime in!
Why Kevin Smith?
The real question is why not?
I am a writer, author, director, and producer of independent films.
Kevin Smith is a writer, author, director, and producer of... well, at least he is still a champion of independent film makers! Can't blame a guy for success.
I've been reading Kevin's blog, listening to his podcasts, and buying his shit for years. Why? Because I like it. He says what he has to say with humor (a little well placed vulgarity) and a sense of down right home. Yes, with all his big Hollywood fame and fortune he still seems to connect with his roots and those of us that haven't made it yet.
Whether its comic books, science fiction, or sex, he's right in there with all of us still.
Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed are those of myself or contributors to the site, and are not necessarily those of my family, my friends, my company (or companies I work for or with), the world at large, or those scary people from The Hills Have Eyes. Opinions are by their very nature not slanderous, libellous, defaming or in any way illegal.
It looks like I have a fan in Red Bank, NJ. I won't assume its you, Mr. Smith, but someone from your home town is poking in taking a look-see. So, shout-out to Red Bank! HELLO NEW JERSEY!
Sir, I'll be in L.A. again in two weeks. Would love for a quick sit down with you, Mr. Kevin Smith. Will totally understand if you aren't available.
Speaking of events (ok, so that was a VERY sloppy transition). This coming Friday we're hosting a family and friends picnic for the entire film industry in good old Phoenix, Arizona. Looks to be more than 100 people in attendence. That is if everyone that RSVP'd actually makes it. If they don't show... well, we know where you are people. Besides, what else are you doing on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. We all know the shopping is on Friday. Football isn't until Sunday. And you can watch Ninja Assassin after lunch, so come on out to Encanto Park, 11 to 3pm. Its a pot luck, so bring something to share!
Yes, its been too fuckin' long since I last dropped you a note again. Been busy, but wanted to update you.
My last film, Star Quest, released across the U.S. earlier this November. It's a campy little homage to Star Trek. Nothing special, but it did hit U.S. shelves just six months after we finished the sound design. Quick and dirty and successful. Screw the haters out there. Like your films its already been profitable.
I still feel you should look at creating a View-Askew distribution company (see previous posting). It was in answer to your "What Makes you a film maker" interview back in May.
And I'm still waiting to hear from your lusty bride about that film she always wanted to see (click here and here).
Well, good day to you, sir. Can't wait to hear from you.
Well, there went the summer, sir. Spent the whole time, it seems going back and forth to LA and the most work completed ended up happening here in freakin Phoenix, AZ. Yeah hot as hell and more work done here than in the movie capital... Or is that Iowa?
Anyway, watchin the tweetfest today and realized I haven't dropped you a line in a while. As I said, business is picking up. Presold a slate of films to Asia and working on closing that deal along with a possible TV show that would be simply fucking amazing if you'd do a little cameo on. Consider it, sir.
Mr. Smith, sir, just saw your interview with Gavin Michael Booth and his "How Many Days" project (see below).
You ask a very important question in your interview "In this economy, who's going to start up a distribution company?" The answer seems obvious, "You." A boutique distribution company with your name on it would move many an independent film. Your name would open doors, even if you had nothing to do with the day to day operations.
Heck, my day job these days (besides setting up The Evil Dead Breakfast Club [see Trailer here]) is in distribution. I could definately give you a hand (drop me a line at info [at] infspec [dot] com). Heck, I'll even be in LA all this week, but you're probably in Cannes with the rest of my company.
There are many, many, distributors out there, though. The problem with a lot of independent film is either:
1) Not quality 2) Not marketable in a foreign market.
Quality is partially relative, but you still need good sound, in focus visual, and a good SOLID story. In this day where everyone can pick up a digital camera and make a movie, you need to get your ducks in a row. You are competing against MILLIONS of film makers worldwide. Do your homework. Develop your project. Put together a great, top notch team, make something everyone will want to see and be proud of.
As to marketability, this doesn't have to mean selling out or not working on your art, but a talking head drama will not do well in foreign markets because they will have to read a lot or listen to a bad voice over. Middle America doesn't love reading a movie, what makes you think Germany, France, or Thailand does? By incorporating good story, visual, action, and FX you give them something to enjoy and they won't mind the occasional subtitle or bad sync'd dialog. And comedy? Just remember, not everyone in the world has your sense of humor. In fact somethings funny here aren't in other cultures.
Keep it all in mind. Talk to distributors before you even start making your film. Put some business in the art and see what happens.
