- Well, it’s that day of the year again where all the chicks named Erin hafta go bra-less or something to that effect…Nevertheless, there’s not much going on today, though we are pursuing a few interesting leads, so be sure and stop back tomorrow for a full update, unless we get home early tonight and haven’t drank enough green beer to keep us from typing coherently. By the way, looks like NewsCam has frozen up on us, and I’m unable to fix it remotely, so please bear with us. There’s still some bugs to work out of the system, but we’ll have it back in full force with even more features in no time. Oh, and for those of you with tickets, enjoy the ABP screening tonight! Anyway, Happy St. Patrick’s Day, everyone. Have a safe, yet festive day…
Archive for March, 1999
Commentary…
- Didn’t think we’d be back after that chunk yesterday, did ya? Well, neither did we. But the job beckons and, even though I think working too late on yesterday’s update got me sick, the site must go on. We’ve got some interesting pieces of info to clear up today, as well as the usual stories and references you’ve come to know from us wrapped into those nifty little newsbits, as well as Kev’s brief but triumphant return to the board today. Heeeeere we go…
View Askew NewsBites™
- Just to clear the air…Apparently, that special guest that Kevin said might have shown up at the Stash Gala was none other than Linda Fiorentino, who was due in town late that day for the Dogma reshoots that Kev spoke of. We suppose she just couldn’t make it in on time.
- It’s been confirmed…Kevin will indeed appear at The Wondercon ALL THREE DAYS at the View Askew booth! This should give all of you plenty of time to meet the guy and get some signatures if that’s your thing. In addition, he’ll have a panel on his comic book writing on Saturday the 17th as well as a panel on his movies on Sunday the 18th. Don’t miss your chance, this sounds like a fantastic event.
- Something we missed from last week’s issue of Entertainment Weekly…In a cartoon by Barry Blitt (page 24), “Jerry Falwell Widens His Net” and outs more gay characters, including Peppermint Patty and Woody Woodpecker. Making the list is Jughead, with Falwell commenting, “He’s not fooling anyone.” Looks like Banky IS in denial.
- Finally today, an Askew reference appears during a story called “Argosy Smith and Theremin vs. Mainstream,” part of the Small Press Expo ’98 anthology book. The two main characters are looking at a line of somewhat strange looking comic-creators. Here’s the scan.
Kevin Returns To The WWWBoard…
- Hey, it’s nice to see the guy back, and up to his old tricks. Kevin stopped by the board with some humorous comments on the frequency of Jay’s posts as of late, as well as some info on what he’s been up to, and what to expect in the coming weeks…
Title: I now declare this Jays Board!
Posted by Kevin at cc267486-a.etntwn1.nj.home.com on March 16, 1999 at 09:03:38:
I mean, shit – the dude’s been posting up a storm. I abdicate.
But before I do that, a word or two…
My apologies to the pair of school’s I had to reschedule for last week. Not only did I throw my back out shooting an insert for the flick the night after the Stash Bash, but I’ve also quit smoking this week, and detoxing has taken its toll in its usual immune system-crippling fashion. Rest assured, I will make up those dates (as well as make tonight’s appearance at Franklin Pierce).
There was another test screening of the flick last night – this time in Connecticut. I wasn’t there, but Scott was, and he said it went well (though the scores dipped from the last test – normal for a challenging flick that’s not really mass-audience entertainment). This is the locked picture now, clocking in at around 2:07, without credits (of which there is only a backend run). Tomorrow, we head into NYC to hear Howard’s rough score (played by a small ensemble and synthesizers, I’m told), and at month’s end, we head to London to record the score itself. Following that, we’re back at Skywalker for the final mix.
After well over a year, the finish line is finally in sight – and not a moment too soon. You spend this much time with any flick, you start to lose perspective. Scooter and I were just about to hit that wall ourselves – that place where you can’t make heads or tails of the thing anymore. Thankfully, we’ve been granted a stay of execution, and negative is being cut as we speak. Huzzah.
Glad to see everyone enjoyed the event as much as they did. It was a pleasure having you (except whoever dropped the gum on the store carpet, you bastard!). Next event – the ‘Dogma’ sneak, sometime in Sept/Oct.
And that’ll about cover it for now. I’ll turn you back over to the webmaster himself, Jay Mewes.
We believe that the UCF appearance has been rescheduled to April the 9th, by the way…But we’re awaiting confirmation on that one. Stay tuned. It’s nice to see where Dogma stands and hear what’s left to be done…We imagine some digital effects will also be added to the mix somewhere along the line, as well. Oh, and Kev’s right: Jay’s been posting A LOT. If you’ve got a question for the guy, now’s your chance!
EXCLUSIVE: The Courier’s Stash Report!
- We’ve got an EXCELLENT piece from The Courier that photographer Jeff Lysiak and author Melanie Schroeder were kind enough to mail to us today…In addition to the full text of the article, we’ve got originals of 9 photographs taken at the event (only 3 of which actually appeared in the paper), all right here at News Askew for your viewing pleasure. The Courier did indeed have clearance for interior photography, albeit Clerks-style (B&W), so we’ve got some excellent shots of the store interior, including the props you’re allowed to see (sorry, we had to blur out some sensitive Dogma-related material to cover our asses). Anyway, many thanks to The Courier for allowing us to post the story and these exclusive pics. Check it all out right here!
The NEW Dogma: Rumor Control!!!
- It’s been under extensive testing and devleopment for months, we’ve been hinting about it for a couple of weeks, and now…We’re pleased to announce the new and HIGHLY improved Dogma: Rumor Control website! Those of you who have visited our sister site before will find most of the same general information that was there before, in a newly organized, slicker, easier to read fashion. New visitors will more than likely be overwhelmed by the extensive content, but never fear, it’s all there to get you up to speed in no time. There’s nowhere better to go for EVERYTHING you could possibly want to know about Dogma.
Dogma: Rumor Control features all the latest news and rumors on the film in one neatly-wrapped package, including a complete cast list with bios, photos, stories from the media, Kevin’s on-set reports, the latest rumors (confirmed AND denied), and TONS more. Even better, the site will continue to grow as the film’s release draws closer, including exclusive pics,reviews, downloads, and more.
ALSO, as an added bonus (and to make SURE you at least check out the site ONCE), we’re pleased to bring you 3 more EXCLUSIVE images from the set of Dogma. These suckers haven’t been seen by anyone yet, and we’re once again proud to offer them to you, our loyal News Askew readers, for the first time. And oh yes, there’s a story that goes along with them as well. Surf over to the new Dogma: RC website for all the dirt! Enjoy.
Commentary…
- BIG update for ya today, folks…We’ve got some fantastic stories put together, and a major announcement straight below for this site that we’ve been holding onto for a couple of weeks. Also, check out NewsCam for some further explanation on what kind of stuff you’ll see on the cam, who you’ll see, and when you’ll see us (You may have watched us spending HOURS tonight on the extensive update that follows). That is, if you haven’t tired of it yet, of course. Alright, enough of this drivel, we’ve got some important stuff to say!
View Askew NewsBites™
- Add another one to Kev’s long list of appearances! This time, it’s at Wondercon in Oakland, CA. Dates for the ‘Con are April 16-18. We’re not sure exactly which days he’ll be on tap yet, maybe ALL of them, but details have just popped up over at the Con’s official site. Kevin will appear on a panel with other Marvel Knights members, where he’ll talk about the books he’s worked on, as well as Dogma and the past flicks. We’re sure he’ll be signing, too. Should be a fine time!
- Ben Affleck’s scheduled to appear on NBC’s Today Show this coming Sunday. The topic? Why, Forces Of Nature, of course.
Schreck Leaves Oni Press…
- It’s official now, Bob Schreck has indeed left Oni Press. Sounds like everything there has been left in good hands, though, so we’re not at all worried for the future of any of the Askew books. We wish Bob luck in his new position. Here’s the article, courtesy of Another Universe:
Bob Schreck Moves to DC
by Matt Brady
Continuing to collect editors the way fans collect their comics, DC recently announced that Bob Schreck, former Senior Group Editor at Dark Horse Comics, and more recently co-founder (with Joe Nozemack) of Oni Press, has been appointed to the position of Senior Editor in the DC Universe editorial group.
A multi-decade veteran of comics, Schreck began his comic book career in marketing, promotions and administration, working for Creation Conventions, Marvel Comics and Comico, and rose to the position of Marketing Director at Dark Horse Comics in 1990.
Later, Schreck became Senior Group Editor at Dark Horse, editing such projects as Frank Miller’s Sin City and Mike Allred’s Madman, as well as winning two consecutive Harvey Awards as the editor of Dark Horse Presents.
Leaving Dark Horse in 1996, Schreck continued to develop high-profile projects, such as Clerks: the Comic Book, Oni Double Feature and Whiteout.
“I am extremely honored that Paul Levitz and Mike Carlin have invited me to DC Comics and very excited to be joining such an impressive group of editors,” Schreck said.
“Oni Press is now in the capable hands of Joe Nozemack and Jamie S. Rich, and I’m certain that they will continue to make me proud of what we started together. Meanwhile, I look forward to working closely with the many friends and associates I’ve made over the years at DC, and am eager to help them to continue publishing great comics reading for all ages.”
While at DC, Schreck will become part of Mike Carlin’s DC Universe group, and is expected to take on a diverse range of assignments and to acquire new projects for the group. Because he will not arrive at the DC offices until May, his only announced assignment at this time is taking over Legends of the DC Universe.
DC’s Executive Vice President and Publisher Paul Levitz weighed in on Schreck’s move, saying…”Bob has spent his considerable time in comics showing his eclectic great taste, ability to work with talented people, and to be a cheerleader for projects as both an editor and a marketer. That’s a great combination of editorial skills, and I look forward to seeing the effect he has on DC.”
Mike Carlin, Executive Editor of the DC Universe added, “Bob joins DC at a particularly exciting time,” referring to two other recently announced DC additions. “He, Heidi MacDonald and Matt Idelson should infuse the DC Universe with new and different ideas that will help keep ‘The Original Universe’ just that.”
A current resident of the Pacific Northwest, Schreck will begin work for DC on April 1, working from his home, and plans to relocate to New York City on May 1.
Word also comes through the grapevine that Shreck’s move to DC will attract a few creators back who may have had some difficulties with DC’s policies in the past, with one creator already hinting that he may be looking at some DC work in his future. More details as we get them.
John Hughes On…Kevin!
- With Kevin using references to John Hughes and his flicks in comics as well as in “Dogma”, it was only a matter of time before someone asked Hughes about his thoughts on the guy:
“Certainly, a lot of today’s young filmmakers must have grown up watching Hughes’ films, and I wondered if he noticed an unfluence. “I haven’t seen a lot of them,” Hughes admits. “I’m not avoiding them, I just don’t watch many movies. I saw Rushmore, which I really liked. I couldn’t imagine smaller footsteps than mine.”
I brought up Kevin Smith, writer/director of Clerks and Chasing Amy, who has more than once mentioned Hughes as an influence, even going so far as to base his upcoming Dogma around a quest by his recurriong characters, Jay and Silent Bob, to find Shermer, Illinois (a mythical Chicago suburb where many of Hughes’ teen films were set). “Someone mentioned that to me,” Hughes says. “I saw Clerks, and it made me a little jealous. I wanted to do something similar. I like how he stays in New Jersey and retains that regional flavor. I admire what he’s doing.” [INK 19]
Very kind words, indeed…