- This week, Kevin finally revealed what sounds like a plan that’s been in the works for quite some time. After months of hints, regarding a second chance to see “Red State” inside smaller, “Mom and Pop” style independent theaters, whisperings that Labor Day would be a big chance to see “Red State” for fans, and other rumors and speculation, we now have clear details.
Starting Labor Day weekend (September 2nd through September 5th, 2011), the awesome distributor Lionsgate will bring “Red State” to the Video-On-Demand (VOD) circuit for a limited run. We’re not positive on the debut date yet, but we’ll speculate either September 1st or 2nd for right now. Targeted price is $10 though this may vary, depending on your cable or satellite provider’s setup. If you’re in any doubt, give your local cable company a call to see if they’ve got “Red State” on their VOD schedule for September. If they don’t, demand it! As soon as we get details on what services will offer the flick, we’ll let you know. Yes, this will be the full, uncut film in all its beautiful digital picture and sound quality, so plan on setting up a “Red State” premiere party with your friends and family for the weekend. Make it a part of your Labor Day.
Then, in October, on a yet-to-be-announced date (likely a Monday night, though), theaters across the country will host a digitally syndicated one-night-only chance to see “Red State” with a simulcast introduction and Q&A, LIVE, by Kevin Smith himself, followed by an exclusive live episode of the great “Hollywood Babble On”. Kevin’s inviting the large chains to jump on board with this, as well, and we’re hoping they do — So make sure you talk to your local theater’s manager, big or small, and let them know you’d be down for a night of “Red State” this October. As Kevin wisely says, fans will not only pack seats on a night that theaters are traditionally empty, but spend a ton of cash on concessions to boot. Our plan is to promote the heck of of any theater hosting the show, so once you find out your theater is hosting, let us know so we can add it to a master list that we’ll be putting together. The $20 ticket price is a total no-brainer. We’re there.
All this, along with a ton of fantastic back story and detail, from Kevin’s latest Red Statements blog. Some highlights from this are ahead — This is Kevin at his finest, one of the best blog entries we’ve ever read from the man, as it not only covers his thoughts on the “Red State” distribution model, but the new world for independent film:
“…Saying what I said at Sundance didn’t shut doors, like homey suggested it would. Instead, it got me invited onto many more lawns. What he saw as an implosion was really a simple reinvention: almost a commercial for Kevin Smith, 2.0. And that commercial worked: in the last six months, I’ve inked deals for a book and two television pilots, started an online radio station, lost 70 pounds, renewed myself as an artist and revitalized my career just in time for me to opt out of the movie biz altogether after Hit Somebody – my next (and last) film.”
“…We made close to one million bucks from 15 screenings, including $160,000 from the Radio City Music Hall show (which gave us the tenth best per-theater average of all-time). Add that million to the nearly $5 million in foreign sales to date (including Canada – which never feels foreign to me), VOD and Home Video deal, and streaming. Guess where that puts our four million dollar film? IN THE BLACK!”
“…In the last decade, specialized film marketing has become as costly as studio movie marketing: there is no difference. It’s not like Fox will give an indie flick a cheaper commercial rate during American Idol. If you see a commercial for a movie on TV, that means huge chunks of money are already being spent on that film’s behalf, in an effort to hip the world the movie’s coming. Grand idea, but cost-prohibitive to those of us unwilling to spend another wasted nickel reaching out to an audience that just wants to stay home and see the flick at their convenience. I know my audience and I don’t have to spend money to reach them.”
“…From this day forward, every buck that Red State makes is a buck of profit. And we were able to do that without spending money on marketing. People know only one way to release movies anymore: with commercials, billboards, paid ads. But I’m committed to doing Red State pure: I never want to spend money to make money when I don’t have to. All I’ve gotta do is use my special effect and bring the movie with me when I Q&A.”
And here’s the actual announcement on what the show in October is all about:
“…Like let’s say Red State is showing at your local multiplex. But then right after the movie ends, a live, interactive Q&A with the filmmaker starts, beamed into the theater via satellite. Even if you’re not there in the room, you’re Tweeting questions from your theater and getting responses from the guy on the big screen. And then, after three hours of movie and interactive Q&A? Boom: LIVE PODCAST! That’s four hours of once-in-a-lifetime entertainment for less than $20: a movie, a show, then another show. And y’know how we’ll market it? Via Twitter and my podcasts and in-theater trailers. So it’s not gonna cost us much but time and effort, which makes for lots more profit (the key motivator for all patrons of the business of show).
So that’ll be fun for me and the audience and might actually get people into the theater for something new and different without simply buying their interest via pricey commercials or billboards. But what if it’s not playing in a theater near you?
Don’t worry: I’ve got you covered there, too.”
And then, on to the VOD news:
“…Lionsgate was where we were always hoping Red State would wind up, before we decided to release the flick theatrically ourselves. Even their modest theatrical marketing costs (the lowest amongst the boldface name studios) were still gonna be too much for our $4million dollar art film. But we were gonna need a partner for Video-On-Demand and Home Video, so we reached out to Lionsgate after Sundance and begged them to be our VOD/DVD/BluRay partner. We didn’t have to sell very hard: mind you, this is the company that released Dogma in 1999. This is also the only company brave enough to theatrically distribute Vulgar (back when such things were still possible). They’ve got a history of nutting-up with weird material.
So starting Labor Day weekend, you can see Red State in your house for like $10. If you gather up ten friends and watch it together, then it’s like a buck a pop. I used to feel like any release that didn’t include TV spots and newspaper ads was somehow a failure, until I remembered that I don’t make the Avatar or Hangover II type of flicks that demand a theatrical experience in the first place. In Red State, I made a hardcore, mid-90?s indie flick: it’s raw, it’s nasty, it’s funny, it’s strange, and it’d be doomed at the box office if it had to run the traditional gauntlet. But once you realize the game is rigged, you can change the game. If you can’t win at rugby, change it into football. Make up your own rules.”
There’s a lot to love about this posting and news. Let’s count the ways…
1. “Red State” has already made enough profit to be totally in the black. That means, before a national release anywhere, investors and actors are all paid, and the costs are fully covered. Amazing.
2. Kevin had the opportunity to make exactly the movie he wanted, the cuts he wanted (after basically inviting the audience to a nationwide concert-like tour that also allowed him to determine a few trims at the Sundance debut).
3. “Red State” will remain totally uncut, and the way exactly the director intended.
4. The theory that a film needs to have massive ad campaigns and distribution plans to make serious money has been blown out of the water.
5. Fans across the country will get the chance to simultaneously participate in what has to be the largest audience ever for a one-night film and live event with Kevin and co.
6. Instead of asking the audience to come to the movie, Kevin’s bringing the movie directly to the audiences who want it.
7. WE GET “RED STATE” AT HOME THIS SEPTEMBER!!!
Our take: Even though some may speculate this is a change in direction, Kevin’s doing exactly what he wanted, just like he did when he bought the film at Sundance. We’ve been hearing hints from Kevin about this whole “mom and pop” theater idea, and September debut for a long time now, and he’s been careful to not let the details slip — Though now that they have, looking back, you can see that this was the plan all along. Kevin’s changed up the entire system for distributing a movie, and he’s MADE MONEY doing it. Not only profit, but given birth to an amazing, unique, pure film unlike anything he’s ever done before. Tune up your TV sets, folks, as “Red State” will be hitting VOD this Labor Day. You can bet we’ll be hosting a huge screening here for all our pals to enjoy the flick on VOD, and also on hand at our favorite local theater here in the Central PA area for the October event. Stay tuned, it’s gonna be an exciting couple of months for “Red State”…And then, on to “Hit Somebody”!
You are at the archive for the Red State category &rarr
“Red State” On VOD This September, Major Theatrical Event This October…
- It’s late here on the east coast, so we’ll be chatting about this a great deal tomorrow/later today, but we just wanted to get something out there fast for the fans. Kevin has confirmed that fans will be able to enjoy “Red State” IN THEIR HOMES via Video-on-Demand starting LABOR DAY WEEKEND with the awesome Lionsgate handling the distribution. Price is expected to be around $10.
Then, in October, for ONE NIGHT ONLY, you’ll be able to enjoy the film digitally in a theater near you, complete with a live, nationwide interactive Q&A session and live podcast following the screening. Tickets for these yet to be announced venues will be just $20.
More details and commentary on this fantastic news, and Kevin’s amazing blog post, soon — For now, read it for yourself at the official Red Statements site.
Will We See “Red State” On-Demand By Labor Day?
- NOTE: The following is just a speculative editorial, and should not be taken as anything but that.
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.
Major “Red Statements” are DAYS Away!
- Keep your browsers tunes to the official “Red Statements” blog , where Kevin will reveal some major news regarding the film (likely in tandem with some announcements on S.I.R. next week). Last we’ve left the film, we’d heard rumors of a way that U.S. fans can see “Red State” by Labor Day (only 2 months away). We’re speculating an exclusive pay-per-view engagement, possibly, so tune up your big screen sets or get ye to a Best Buy with your credit card. When the blog’s updated, we’re hearing it’ll be chock full of upcoming ways you can see the awesome “Red State” for yourself, if you haven’t already had the pleasure.
The UK will get the film in a nationwide release on September 30th, though a date is all we’ve got so far. With that UK date official, you can bet the farm on the fact that the US will have a shot at it before then. We’re hoping for some more theatrical chances to catch it, as well, including the previously mentioned tour that would bring “Red” to smaller neighborhood and art house screens.
Last we heard from Kevin, he’d had a magical experience watching the flick with the great Quentin Tarantino. We’re looking forward to reading what’s next.
“Red State” Nearing Completion…
- What’s the latest with “Red State”, you ask? Well, Kevin’s been busy not only filming the thing, but also doing his trademark cutting as he films it, which means he’ll actually have an edited version of the film to show to the cast and crew at the wrap party. How cool is THAT? Unfortunately, for fans who enjoy following him on Twitter, this crazy schedule of filming half the day then editing the other half hasn’t left a lot of spare time, so the tweets have been scant. However, here’s a few of interest from recent days that sheds a bit more light on the plot, and confirms how well things are going on set:
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.
“Red State” Updates & Tweets…
- “Red State” is just days away from wrapping filming. Kevin’s taken the time to promote and say what he can via Twitter over the past few days, and we’re learned a few more details as a result. Read on for details on a projected runtime (a lean 80 or 85 minutes), the levels of violence, distribution and festival plans, and more.
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.
State of the SMunion…
- When you’re living in the SModcast SMuniverse, things happen so fast, you blink and you miss it. Luckily, we’ve got a rundown of the latest available episodes, live appearances, clips, and heaps more, from the fastest growing and top rated comedy podcast network in all the land. Let’s run ’em down for ya:
- 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.
View Askew NewsBites™
- Don’t forget to send your patronage to the way of SpinoffOnline, whose charitable donation to East Queesnland Flood Relief brought us this new “Red State” one sheet featuring the character of Mordechai. Here’s your look at it, but don’t forget your links back to their site if you use it.
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.
- Yes, the “Red State” screenings at Sundance later this month are still just limited to two, and VERY sold out — So much to the point that folks are offering to buy Kevin’s own seats out from under him. This is a landmark screening folks, as a distributor is likely to be in that very room as the movie plays, and could step forward with a bid very soon after.
- Kevin’s hoping to bring a live show to the Indianapolis area well before his May date with Chicago.
“Red State” to Rule Your Labor Day!
- After taking over Memorial Day with the biggest-ever live podcast show, Kevin’s just dropped another surprise — “Red State” will arrive over a month early, with a planned Labor Day arrival. What hasn’t yet been revealed is how or where we’ll be able to see the flick, though this is obviously a much larger release than the targeted United States tour from earlier this year.
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.
The Twitter Report…
- Lots of “Red State” news via Twitter to cap the weekend here, including the fact that it will be the NEXT movie from writer/director Kevin Smith (not “Hit Somebody”) and that filming’s going to start in August. Pretty cool stuff, as this is the first definite confirmation we have of a start date. Some cating is already complete, though no names have yet to be released.
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.
