With the hints we’ve been seeing lately of an early arrival for “Red State”, the big news of the budget more than earned back due to advanced sales in the US and overseas, and recent tweets from Kevin on the subject, we’re wondering if the acclaimed film might be making its way into select living rooms this September.

While theaters are starting to show interest in exhibiting films on their own, direct from the producers, the groundwork might not be far enough along for “Red State” to arrive there by the Fall. With the new reveal of a more widespread bow by labor day, we’re wondering if a Video On-Demand type of setup might happen. This would allow select cable and satellite operators to offer the film to home viewers at a premium price. Perhaps even as a limited-time event, or something along the lines of the Premium service that DirecTV is piloting, offering theatrical films 60 days or less after release dates. If a deal had been locked for a premium channel, we figure that we’d have that announcement by now. So, we’re down to an On Demand situation or…

Another option may be the Fathom Events approach, where theaters will digitally project a one-night only event — This would be cool and a way to get the film in a bunch of theaters, but we’ve typically seen this for concerts and sporting events, more than films. Still, if anyone could pull it off, we think it would be Kevin and “Red State”.

Our guess? “Red State” coming to your home this September. And wow, would we ever love that.

Another quality RED STATE evenin’. Tonight, we badger Matt Jones. 45 mins of footage cut. We’re halfway done. Parks & Leo & ALL crushing it.

Via @Stevezie “Filming?” 10 days left. Editorially, I’m current w/what’s shot – so at the wrap party, the crew can watch the entire flick.

Act 2 is all about self-sufficiency: relying solely on one’s own abilities to achieve & satisfy. No more intermediates; no more middle-men.

Via @thewoodyatt “Happy with RED STATE so far?” SO fucking happy. There’s not a weak link in this bunch… #FilmmakingTheWayItShouldAlwaysBe

As of today, “Red State” finishes filming in just 8 days. Yep, it’s gone by THAT fast. Given the total genre change, the lower budget, and the great casting, we can’t remember the last time we were this excited to see new footage and film from Kevin — We love the boldness of this project, and can’t wait to cover more as it all comes together. Next stop should be a final edit of the film, and then, a release date. We’ll keep you posted.

Via @OnslaughtSix “doing a horror movie w/John Goodman?” His first day’s tomorrow! We start him off by showing him the whole flick thus far.

Halfway through an awesome night on RED STATE. Day 1 of John Goodman had to be on a Friday: as we all know, he don’t role on Shabbos.

Via @OhDominickWhy “Is John Goodman awesome as we all think?” The entire crew was behind the monitors today, watching. The man is BELOVED…

Via @comicwizard “are you filming in chronological order” Pretty much. We’re at around 52 minutes right now, with 8 days left to shoot.

Via @NicoleJane_x “Kyle Gallner’s in RED STATE?” In it, on it, all over it. He sprayed it all over the flick’s face & rack, too. It was hot.

In the 70’s, they made exploitation flicks about devil worship. We flip it on RED STATE – so it’s an exploitation flick about angel worship.

Via @Moosack “So it’s a…Churchploitation?” More like Christploitation – a concept that, sadly, extends far beyond a dopey film genre…

Via @Photo_Tony “do you have a distributor for RED STATE?” Nah. Sundance in January, if possible. From there, we’ll see the lay of the land.

Via @GWBiscuit “what’s the expected runtime of RED STATE?” Feeling like 80 or 85 mins, when all’s said & done.

Via @LuredoMarbery “Think critics will dissect RED’s moral content?” They pay to see it, they can dissect whatever they want.

Via @ToastedSchizo “How graphic so far, violence-wise?” You won’t forget our first kill. Guar-an-teed…

RED STATE UPDATE: Up north fighting some inclement weather for 1st day of Cooper Compound. Just down the road, JJ’s SUPER 8 works in secret.

Empire Online also continues to piece together nice articles about the film using the tweets and quotes from Kevin. If you’re an avid follower here at News Askew, there’s not really anything new there, but it’s a neatly-packaged update on the latest from the world of “Red State”. We’ll of course keep you up to date here — Expect news of a wrap later this week, and then, festival plans to come soon after. It’s times like this that we really hate living on the east coast, as we’re betting we might be able to worm our ways into an early screening out west once Kev has this sucker chopped together.

• You can now dig back and catch up with the first 4 weeks of SIR’s live programming with the SMarchive . Check out the “Plus One Per Diem” and “Jay & Silent Bob Get Jobs” show archives, FREE, available to you 24/7.
• The bargain of the year is SModCost, a highly affordable must-subscribe for all fans of the network. A new FAQ explains it all in more detail. In short – For just $25, you’ll get a pack of goodies, ad-free podcasts, higher sound quality, and more. Just announced – A $37 yearly subscription rate (or pay $5 per month) that will be made available to all who pre-order the $25 bundle today. You’re also going to get a nice ticketing offer for this summer’s ComicCon event before anyone else. For fans, it’s a no-brainer to join up at a price less than you spend on a modest dinner at a chain restaurant.
• While you’re in the new SMarchive, in case you missed it, the Monday, June 6th episode of “Plus One Per Diem” featured the audio debut of a new “Red State” trailer. Do NOT miss it.
• THE ABC’s of SNL was recently named the #1 comedy podcast on iTunes! You can now subscribe to this limited program via iTunes, and never mess a new episode. Wanna be there in person? Episode #2 records live, at The Lovitz on July 3rd at 8:00 PM. Tickets are available for purchase NOW at just $20, one of the best bargains we’ve ever seen for a live show. Get ’em before they’re gone.
• Check out some clippage from recent live editions of Jay & Bob Get Old, courtesy AOL.
• Love the classics? Don’t miss fresh, new Smith/Mosier action with an all-new SModcast, “The Male You Nail”, just recorded over the weekend, and a fresh SModimation, “A Couple of Bears”. A.A. Milne just rolled over in the grave a few times, and we love it. We could seriously watch SModimations ALL DAY.
• Hollywood Babble-On continues to wow audiences and remains one of the most popular programs in all of the SMuniverse. You can see the show live at the Lovitz every weekend, and it’s always hilarious. But hey, don’t take our word for it — Check out Kevin’s “Join the Garmy!” piece from The Huffington Post.

If you also include the link for the South East Queensland flood relief in your story/article, you’re not only being a thorough journalist, you’re also helping to save actual lives ñ lives whose progress you’ll be able to trace via The South East Queensland flood relief website.

Later this week, we’ll run a piece speculating on what venues we think the film might unspool in — There’s a lot of potential here, we’re just excited that a larger audience will finally be able to enjoy “Red State”. More details very soon. Expect lots of chatter on this during upcoming episodes of “Plus One” and “Get Jobs” on SIR.

In other news, Kevin reveals a big international “Evening With” in Syndey for early August, and more on SModcast and the castle, which may soon be the ONLY place on the planet to catch live SModcast. Read on:

Prisoners of AUSTRALIA! I am coming to set you free! Meet me at the SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE on 8/8! http://tinyurl.com/KevComesToTheLandDownUnder

Via @1973z “any chance of a visit to Perth?” Sydney only this time around. The OPERA HOUSE! When I get home, we start shooting RED STATE.

Via @Accidental_Rob “Any big plans for your 40th b’day?” It involves a stage. And some cameras. http://tinyurl.com/ItWas40YearsAgoToday

Via @BazTinkOTheRink “Mosier working on Red State or is he doing his own thing” His own thing, sir. Which includes SModcast, naturally.

Via @LynchAtLarge “any chance of a cameo by @JimNorton in Red State” No, but I want him to play a Glenn Hall-like goalie in HIT SOMEBODY.

@RetroDLC “Have you ever thought about using digital cameras (EG: Red) exclusively?” @ThatDavidKlein & I visited the Red Studio & our eyes & boners popped at the portability & better-than-film look. That camera is fucking magic. AND poetic: Red Cameras for #RedState.

@evilneuro ” yet your candy ass is on the front cover: http://www.amazon.com/Cop-Rock-Your-Glock-Blu-ray/dp/B002ZG970G ” When you see the BluRay, you’ll know why: I’m literally the third lead in the BluRay version of #CopOut . It’s like the flick was blended with Q&A.

Last night at the Improv, #LIVEnudeSMOD crushed it! Mostly because I sat on it, but still. Come & see for yourself: http://livenudesmod.com

This Saturday night in PROVINCETOWN, I’m getting feted. Or fisted. Can’t remember which. But when in Rome, I say… http://shar.es/mk8qf



Inch by inch, a Twitter-fueled stoner whimsy is made flesh! Behold! http://tinyurl.com/ScaleSModcastleWalls YOU! Follow @SModcastle

Thanks to the live Kevin Smith Twitter feed for these…Hit it up for a lot more.

• In case you missed it live last week, MTV Movies has the exlcusive clip from “Red State” available for streaming now. Never seen anywhere else, this clip comes from the film’s first act and features Leo and Angarano.
• Not wanting to double dip with the fans already paying kindly for tickets to the gigs next month, no merchandise is planned to be up for sale at the “Red State” tour dates. Instead, it’s encouraged that fans who want a shirt or other swag buy it direct through the www.coopersdell.com site — Buy it now, wear it to the show!
• Reject Radio gives their take and sits down with Kevin regarding his recent “Red Statement” in chatting up his Sundance antics, retirement, and “Red State” marketing strategy. Save some time, as the podcast delves into the topic for close to TWO hours. A worthy listen, and an intelligent one at that, if you’ve got the time.
• Canadian distribution is one step closer, with an offer on the table already. This gets us a little closer to a Canadian tour for “Red State”, pre-theaters, as well.
• Kevin’s trip to Berlin resulted in IM Global closing deals for UK distribution of “Red State”. Kevin’s targeting a May/June timeframe for a UK speaking/screening tour.
• The Red Statements blog should be updated this week with details on sales numbers from the tour so far, and other open-budget open-book type stuff.
• We really love Video ETA’s non-spoiler coverage of “Red State” from the Sundance screening. If you want to read a nice article written by a fan that doesn’t give anything away, but gives you a great idea on what to expect from the movie, we highly recommend it.
• The UK’s “Little White Lies” was a favorite site of Kevin’s for their Sundance coverage, where they compare Kevin’s “Red State” direct-sell strategy to documentarian Morgan Spurlock’s latest effort. A clip:

  “…Red State is brutal and funny. What starts out as a typical teen movie ñ three teenage boys on a mission to get laid ñ swiftly descends into a chaotic blood bath that is both frightening and original. Smith builds up expectations and undermines them throughout, with a thunderous use of sound, to generate an unnerving feeling of being completely at sea with the direction of the narrative (particularly at Sundance venue Eccles, where the huge screen and sound system fit for 1200 seats has been known to provoke seizures under gigantic projections of violent content).”

• Two giant movie chains, Regal Entertainment and AMC, have announced they will acquire and distribute their own movies in their theaters. This bodes very well for “Red State” and others of its ilk. It eliminates the middle man and is the ideal solution to getting more independent films out there on screens. We love it. And to see Lions Gate’s Tom Ortenberg on there, a guy who we got to know way back in the Dogma days, even better. Let’s hope this creates a great environment for getting “Red” into those theaters this October.

Regarding the “Red State” tour here in the US — Remember, this is the ONLY CHANCE to catch the movie with Kevin in attendance. These shows are just as great as the Q&As from previous years, with the added bonus of seeing “Red State” a half a year early FOR FREE when you look at it. Plus, you get Smith, Michael Parks, and who knows what other surprises at these gigs. These are the ONLY US DATES and no plans have been made to add more. If you’ve been holding off, thinking there will be other chances, don’t do it — Get your tickets for the March gigs via http://www.coopersdell.com TODAY.

Coming to see Kevin and “Red State” at Radio City in NYC? Text REDSTATE to 877877 & youíll find out how to win BACKSTAGE PASSES, SEAT UPGRADES & more. This is only for folks WITH tickets already, not to win seats. For other parts of the country, and other shows, just text STATE (without the RED).

Via @ericjosepi “Do you worry that in self-producing and self-releasing RED STATE you are in effect becoming a studio yourself?”

No. But why would that matter? Studios aren’t evil, they just tell different stories than I’m interested in telling anymore. But while I have no aim to open a studio (we’re not gonna MAKE movies at SModcastPictures, we’re gonna get already-made movies SEEN), what would be the big deal. I’ll never forget this dopey article I read post-Sundance where someone wrote something like “If Smith’s not careful, he may become the very Empire he’s fighting against.” Now, I’m a writer – so I understand a writer’s desire to write what THEY want. And that writer, apparently, had a hard-on to get a dopey STAR WARS reference into the piece, because… y’know… I’ve liked STAR WARS. Problem is, it makes no sense. How does opting AWAY from spending millions in marketing even equate to becoming a studio? And how does one take a simple, sweet idea like “We’d like to be the Island of Misfit Toys for films that can’t find homes,” become “Ultimate power corrupts absolutely. It’s not like we announced an IPO or received a billion in VentureCap money. But the writer had a hard-on to use a (really terrible & inaccurate) STAR WARS analogy, so suddenly, I’m Anakin Skywalker. Lots of articles that came out of Sundance seemed to be written at 50,000 feet with no oxygen, but a few seemed to actually understand that @TheJonGordon aren’t trying to make money off this endeavor; it’s about the filmmakers. I was given lots of time, patience & space over the last 20 years to tell my stories; with SModcast Pictures, I just wanna give folks that moment I had with CLERKS: when I realized all that work wasn’t for naught. Someone else cared. This is the Gretzky-est thing I can do: reach back (not around) & give back to indie film, non-profit, pro-bono, the way it gave to me. If that makes me Vader, all I can say is “NOOOOOOOO!!!”

Their comments:

The poster itself follows suit with most of the others; creepy damaged texture, black background, and a character. Ours is Sarah. In the trailer above, she’s in it very little – which tells me she’s up to no good in the flick. Especially with that one vacant smile she’s got. Want to meet her? Everyone, Sarah. Sarah, everyone.

Side note: I dig how Sarah’s looking up and in a previous poster featuring ‘The Father,’ he’s looking down – ah, the little things)

There you have it, friends. Sarah. Of Red State fame.

And hey, we paid a thousand bucks. Donated to charity. Pimped someone else’s flick. If you’re not going to donate to the aforementioned charity (which you should) or go see the flick when it’s out (which you should) the least you could do is check out some of our past short films posted below and/or here. Also, follow us on twitter and come back once in a while for news about our upcoming thriller, Granted.

Kev says…

If you’re a movie website or film journalist and you want to feature this poster or use it in a story, don’t be a detail-thin dick.

Be sure to tell people WHY the poster was released: because Ma’s Meatloaf bid $1000 to Eliza Dushku’s THARCE-Gulu cause in less than 30 minutes.

If you also include the link for the THARCE-Gulu charity in your story/article, you’re not only being a thorough journalist, you’re also helping to save actual lives – lives whose progress you’ll be able to trace via http://www.tonic.com/campaigns/lets-help-eliza-dushku-build-a-center-for-former-child-soldiers-in-uganda-tharce-gulu/ and tharce-gulu.org

It only takes a few seconds longer to provide all available facts in any story.

Including THIS fact can help save a child’s life.

If you wanna follow the latest on “Red State”, listen to a brand new (and all back-issued) episodes of “Red State of the Union” (the latest reveals details on the film’s music). While you’re there, browse the other SModcast Network programs including a brand new episode of PLUS ONE featuring Jen Schwalbach. In episode #5, the couple look back on the year of 2010.