Free screening of “Clerks” relocated to Red Bank
RED BANK — When filmmaker Kevin Smith couldn’t show his first movie, “Clerks,” at the convenience store where it was filmed, he came home to “the Bank.”
Smith, a borough native, is coming to Marine Park Aug. 8. There, a few blocks from his “Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash” comic book store, Smith will answer questions from fans before a free nighttime showing of “Clerks,” the independent film that launched him to stardom in 1994.
The presentation was originally scheduled for the same day at the Quick Stop convenience store in the Leonardo section of Middletown, where “Clerks” was filmed. Middletown officials rescinded their approval because the store is close to a residential area and they had concerns about noise, said Tim League, who is producing this show and others he calls the “Rolling Roadshow,” and Red Bank Borough Administrator Stan Sickels.
About 2,000 people were expected to attend the Leonardo showing, which would have included an appearance by Smith and some cast members. The screening was to be preceded by a “Clerks”-themed street hockey match, because that is what main character Dante had scheduled to do on his day off when, instead, he was called to the Quick Stop to work.
Instead of street hockey, the Red Bank audience will get a question-and-answer session with Smith, League said.
“Rolling Roadshow” is a touring film festival that presents 10 movies throughout the country, most in key locations where they were filmed. They include showing “Field of Dreams” on the site of the Midwestern cornfield converted to a baseball field for the movie, and “Jaws” on Martha’s Vineyard, site of the movie’s beach shark attack, according to the festival Web site.
“We show famous movies in famous places,” League said.
Noise was a concern
Because Middletown officials were concerned about noise past 10 p.m., Red Bank was the next obvious location, “since it is in the heart of Kevin Smith country,” League said.
Marine Park also provides a good setting as a natural amphitheater, with a hillside for seating overlooking the Navesink River. Exact details, such as start time, are being worked out.
Borough Council members gave their approval for the showing on Monday night, provided that the festival pays for police protection and cleanup and takes steps to prevent anyone under 17 from getting into the R-rated film.
The festival is sponsored by Netflix and intended to be advertised to Netflix subscribers in the Red Bank area, League said.
“It’s a great idea. Kevin is part of the community and has made his imprint on Red Bank and Monmouth County,” council President Pasquale “Pat” Menna said. “He puts Red Bank on the map.”
About 2,000 people are also expected to attend the Red Bank showing. While they acknowledged Marine Park has been the site of the much larger annual Ka-Boom Fireworks display and the Red Bank Jazz and Blues Festival, some borough officials were concerned about attracting too large a crowd.
“I know Kevin sold out the Count Basie Theatre,” Councilwoman Kaye Ernst said. “It’s great, and I’m glad we can throw it — I just question if we can control the situation.”
We’ll be there with full coverage — Hope to see some of YOU in that projected crowd of 2,000 as well — It’s a great excuse to spend a summer evening to catch a free showing of one of the funniest flicks of all time, AND take in some local sights as well. See you there! Check out a similar story at Jersey’s Home Tribune News site as well.
