Q: Any word on when the Zack and Miri teaser will be back up?

KS: No word yet. I don’t know if it’s been submitted yet. We’ve been too busy dealing with the MPAA on other matters.

MTV added fuel to the rumor fire today when they posted a new interview with Seth Rogen, where he drops the bomb that the rating truly is up in the air right now. A tidbit:

“The MPAA is gunning for us, I think,” sighed Rogen, discussing the current difficulties he and director Kevin Smith are encountering during the rating process of their highly anticipated October comedy “Zack and Miri Make a Porno.” “It’s a really filthy movie. I hear they are having some problems getting an R rating from an NC-17 rating, which is never good.”

You can read the full interview and even watch a video of the clip over at the MTV site.

Read what other blog sites on the web have to say on the matter (and read some good user comments on the MPAA) at our friendly movie sites:

JoBlo

FirstShowing.net

Digital Spy

The Moving Picture

Kevin has not said a word to confirm or deny this, and we’re expecting he and Scott will follow suit for the film and keep mum on this, at least until things have been worked out. Given the subject matter, we’re not surprised that the MPAA has taken a closer look at the film, though we’re confident that the film will make it through unscathed. Remember, Kevin and Scott fought this battle a long time ago with “Clerks”, and did well with it. Here’s hoping that the movie can continue on without any cuts, or, with a few very minor trims that don’t take anything away from the director’s intentions.

Also, keep in mind we can’t officially confirm this is even happening, just report the news we’re hearing — Until Kevin speaks on the topic, we’ll patiently wait to hear about Z&M’s rating. We’ll keep you informed, of course.

“Writer-director Kevin Smith is a practicing Catholic who, like a lot of religious filmmakers, tends to work out issues of faith on film. But some of the faithful, spurred on by the Catholic League, weren’t amused by Kevin Smith’s 1999 film Dogma, a profanity-rich satire of contemporary religion that went through two release dates and two distributors before debuting in a hailstorm of protests, including one group of New Jersey picketers joined by an incognito Smith himself. The film was released to considerable success, and the Catholic Church somehow survived.”

Q: Who is the one person you’d love to work with that you have not yet had a chance to?

Bill Murray.

Q: Are you planning to have a New Jersey or La birthday party in August?

We were toying with the notion of doing another prom but opted against.

Q: I know Red State is a way’s off, but my question is about casting. You wrote Zack for Seth, did you write any of the roles in “Red State” for a particular actor or actress, and if not, have you started thinking about who you would like to try and get?

I did write two key roles with actors in mind, but I doubt I’ll be allowed to cast one and the other is too pie-in-the-sky.

Q: Is there any foward motion on “Red State”?

The script is out to some indie financiers now. Fingers crossed.

Would you consider shooting it like Chasing Amy on a low low budget?

I’ll shoot it as cheaply as I can, but while not being an insanely expensive affair, it’ll require some cash: between five and eight million, we’re thinking.

Q: Would Scott go for that?

Depending on when we shoot it, Scott might only Exec Produce the flick (in this instance, take it all the way to the point of going on location). He didn’t want to spend another two months on a set this year, but he knows that, if the money happens, I’ve gotta go as soon as possible. So he’ll do what he always does on every flick up to that point when we actually head off to wherever we’re gonna shoot it. If we don’t wind up shooting it ’til next year, then he’ll be involved the way he always is.

Q: When can we expect the first Money Shot to go up?

I believe Zak and Joey (and Ken) are taking the “Money Shots” public first or second week in July.

Q: You are quite open with your life with the board and MBAL but where do you think you would draw the line? For example would you ever do a reality show or something along those lines?

I have been asked about doing a reality show (“Mr. and Mrs. Smith”). That was a quick and easy pass. Cameras in my house is where I draw the line, I guess. And not so much cameras in the house as cameras on my life. And not because I’d feel like my privacy would be invaded, but more because a) I’d hate to have to keep my gut sucked in for that long a stretch, b) it wouldn’t be real because we’d be aware of the cameras and would modify our behavior accordingly, and c) it’d be insanely boring.

Q: Will you have a signing/poker game after the November Count Basie Q&A?

Definitely a poker game. Maybe a signing.

Q: Any word on when the Zack and Miri teaser will be back up?

No word yet. I don’t know if it’s been submitted yet. We’ve been too busy dealing with the MPAA on other matters.

Q: Any updates with the Clerks II inaction figures?

I’m hearing Christmas. I’ve seen all the sculpts (including Kinky Kelly and Emma now) and most of the paints, and man – they’re pretty fucking sweet. Worth the wait, I’d say.

[UPDATE FROM BOB CHAPMAN!]

Bob Chapman, Graphitti Designs wrote:

We will not have KINKY KELLY or EMMA for San Diego. I have yet to get the painted prototypes back from the person painting them. I will contact her again today (she’s pregnant and was scheduled to deliver June 21st?), and do what I can to get these figures from her pre-child. I’m doing my damnest to get these to China so we have them for Christmas sales. The other five CLERKS II figures will be prototyped immediately after we get these first two out of the system. I’m sorry, but working with a whole new crew of people has been a challenge.

In response, Kevin wrote:

Wait – so we’ll have Kinky Kelly and Emma for Christmas, but not the others?

In response to Kevin, Bob wrote:

We HOPE to have the KINKY KELLY and EMMA for Christmas. Until I get the prototypes to China, the clock can’t begin. I’m doing everything I can so China has everything they need before we leave for San Diego.

There ya’ have it: best case scenario, you’ll have Kinky Kelly and Emma by Christmas.

So there ya have it. We’ve been waiting a long time to see those Clerks II inaction figures as well, but were unaware of the staffing changes. We know Bob and co. take a lot of care to produce the most perfect designs they can come up with, so we’ll continue to wait patiently.

As for “Red State”, everyone collectively cross your fingers for some good news regarding funding soon — It’d be fantastic to have news of other View Askew flick, one as different as this, going in front of cameras in 2008. After all the hype about the script, and the change in tone and genre, we’re very much hoping Kevin and Scott can get this one made.

Thanks to Kevin for answering these excellent questions, and we’ll of course keep you informed of other big breaking news as it arrives. We sure can’t wait to start seeing those “Money Shots” webisodes online next month.

SModcast 54: SModder’s Day –


In which, fittingly, our heroes talk about childish things.

Have you picked up your new SModcast bumper sticker yet? Show your support and stick one on your car, your cubicle wall, or other favorite spot. Just $3.00 is such a small price to pay for 54 (and counting) episodes of free entertainment from Kevin, Scott & crew. Enjoy today’s SModcast — Making your Monday mornings easier to face.

Consider this date unofficial for now, though we’ll of course keep you posted on official news regarding the project — It’s been a while since a new Kevin/View Askew DVD crossed our desks, so we’re extra excited for the chance to get a glimpse at this one.

…I did notice Brian O’Halloran was in the movie and thought you guys should know since I haven’t seen any reference to it anywhere on View Askew related sites.


He plays a Jeep driver and it’s like Clerks for a moment where he is acting through expressions on the rear view mirror to the other actors in the car. Needless to say none of them recited a story about their cousin Walter breaking his neck.


I won’t give away any plot details as the less you know the better.

The film has been getting mixed and negative reviews thus far. Judge it for yourself in theaters this weekend. Congrats to Brian on the role; always good to see the guy onscreen.

So, not being one to stray from the popular, we’ve decided to jump on board. So, those of you who follow Tweets might want to add “newsaskew” onto your Twitter follow list. The new News Askew Twitter channel will automatically Tweet you an update whenever we post a new story here, along with the headline and a link right over to us. Kind of an alternative to RSS for those of you who prefer it.

We hope some of you can make use of this new feature, as we continue to strive to be on the bleeding edge of web tech! More on the way.

While the neighboring states of New York, Connecticut, & Pennsylvania are all increasing tax incentives to filmmakers, New Jersey Governor Corzine has decided to eliminate funding for the New Jersey State Film Commission starting July 1st 2008.

The New Jersey Film Commission provides invaluable services to location scouts and location managers working in the New York City area, without which, many projects would not have been filmed in New Jersey.

Filming in New Jersey Brought in 92 million dollars last year, money that will be spent in other states next year if the New Jersey Film Office is eliminated.

Immediate action is needed to prevent this blow to the film industry in the northeast. Visit savenewjerseyfilm.com for information on what you can do!