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June 5th, 2011 @ 3:01 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by Brad & Chris, Matt Booker, John Whiteaker

  • Memorial Day weekend’s “Poddammit” went off so well that Kevin promises that they’ll be back at the Lovitz every year for an annual event. We’re betting it’ll be even bigger next year. The event saw the first live appearance from Jen Schwalbach before an audience, and the debut of Jon Lovitz and the ABC’s of SNL. Mark your 2012 Memorial Day weekend off now, and plan to be in L.A.
  • Congrats to our pal Chad Blakely, who will be taking his “Kidnapping Kevin Smith” comic to Wizard World Chicago as a special guest. Want a copy? Your local comic shop can grab it for you via the current issue of Diamond’s PREVIEWS, via order code: JUN111215.
  • Speaking of Previews, code JUN110993 debuts Kevin’s “Bionic Man #1” as well:

      (W) Kevin Smith, Phil Hester (A) Jonathan Lau

      Steve Austin is back and acclaimed film maker Kevin Smith unleashes his high octane vision in this new series from Dynamite. Featuring 28 pages of story/art in an action-packed first issue! Kevin Smith is joined by Phil Hester, artist Jonathan Lau, and cover artist/character designer Alex Ross (the team who brought you The MAIN Green Hornet series), Smith unleashes Bionic Man into the 21st century as only he can. Covers by Alex Ross, Paul Renaud (1-in-10), Stephen Segovia (1-in-15), Jonathan Lau (1-in-20).

    The book hits shops on August 31, 2011. Suggested retail is $3.99, but stick with us for details on how to get a signed copy.

  • “Jersey Girl” Raquel Casto begins her live competition on NBC’s “The Voice” next week. Live shows start June 7th, and voting will continue for 6 days after the show. People will be allowed to vote online,by phone, or by downloading her performance on iTunes for $1.29. Each person can vote up to 10x via each voting venue. We’d love to see her go far in the competition, so be sure to watch and vote.

    As a thanks to her fans, and a tribute to her mentor Christina Aguilera, you can take a look at a new video of Raquel singing a cover of “Ain’t No Other Man”.

    Watch an NBC News interview with Raquel where “Jersey Girl” scores a mention.

  • Attack of the Show’s “Cinema Enema” headlines with “Pirates of the Carribben” this week. Watch Smith and Mewes do their thing!
  • “Clerks 2” gets a mention in this Rotten Tomatoes tie-in article for memorable movie bachelor parties:

      Most movie bachelor parties promise untold levels of debauchery, but — much like their real-life counterparts — tend to be relatively tame affairs. Leave it to Kevin Smith to film an exception to the rule with Clerks II, which puts audiences in the front row for a donkey show with an unexpected twist. A film so gleefully profane that Joel Siegel infamously walked out of his screening, Clerks II ultimately failed to capture the cultural zeitgeist the way its predecessor did, but for some critics, it represented Smith’s growth as a filmmaker. Calling it “Probably the funniest film Smith has done since the original,” Joe Utichi of FilmFocus argued, “it’s chock full of childish humour and witty observations on pop culture — but there’s something real beneath all of that as well. Something, dare it be said, touching.”

  • View Askew NewsBites™

    June 5th, 2011 @ 7:08 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Brad & Chris

    • 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!

    June 5th, 2011 @ 4:54 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Brad & Chris

    • 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…

    June 4th, 2011 @ 1:21 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Brad & Chris, Adam Gallaher, Glenn Gilliard

    • 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.

    SIR Rolls On In Week Two…

    May 27th, 2011 @ 7:56 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by Brad & Chris, Brian Dailey

    • As the bugs get worked out, and the hosts get settled in, SIR, the SModcast Internet Radio network, hits even bigger strides in week two. Here’s some FAQ clarification that we’ve seen come up over the past few days:
      • The schedule — Live programming kicks off every M-F morning, starting at 8 PM pacific time (11 AM EST). Both shows, “Plus One”, and “Get Jobs”, run back to back, for two hours each. After that, it’s a mixed bag of podcasts for the next 20 hours (and all weekend).
      • Follow the new live shows on their own Twitter feeds, where you can get direct links to the programs advertisers as the live ads are read, and more exclusive show content. @PlusOnePerDiem & @JandBobGetJobs.
      • Twitter user @eriefeed came up with a workaround for those of you using Windows Mobile devices and looking to listen to the live feeds – Check out his deets here. For those of you without a Stitcher Radio option, or users of ORB technology on Windows, this is a dream come true. Great work to scooper Brian on the discovery.

      You can listen to SIR, live, in real-time, and FREE, via the widget in our right NavBar, and of course, via the official SModcast Internet Radio portal.

    “SMorgy” Details Coming – Listen To “Plus One” Live Today – 8 AM PST (11 AM EST)!

    May 26th, 2011 @ 2:25 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by Brad & Chris

    • Been listening to the morning block of “Plus One” and “Get Jobs”? Week two kicks off today, and if you haven’t already noticed, the shows are quickly becoming THE go-to place for the big announcements of upcoming events in the SModiverse. Last week, Kevin revealed that SModcast 3D would be coming to Montreal’s “Just for Laughs” Comedy Festival on July 28th. He also chatted about an awesome event at Disney’s El Capitan there to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “The Rocketeer”, that he’ll host only July 21st.

      The event, however, that’s got fans most excited has to be “SMorgy”. This show, basically the Vulgarthon of SModcast podcasts (and then some), will allow fans to spend an entire overnight in the new Lovitz Podcasting Theater at Universary Citywalk, and feature over a day straight of SModcast podcasts, unprecedented access to its stars, an exclusive sleepover nightshirt, and more. Last week, Kevin and Jen promised full details on this event on “Plus One” today, so we’re hoping for more deets on today’s program. If you’re a fan and have the means, this will be THE event to attend in 2011, no question about it. Kevin and Jen did reveal that attendees will have free access to come and go from the theater as they please (you’ll be wristbanded), so you’ll be able to take a break at Citywalk or Universal Studios, take a snooze in your car, whatever the case may be — Or, you can be the toughest of all, and sit through the all night Friday and all day Saturday of podcast programming for one set price.

      Tune into “Plus One” (and check out its cheeky new home page) all this week as the event is sure to be a hot topic, and keep your browsers and Twitter clients here with us at News Askew for all the latest. It’s all exclusively on the new SModcast live network, S.I.R. !

    View Askew NewsBites

    May 21st, 2011 @ 8:05 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by Matt Booker, Brad & Chris

    • Details on that “Rocketeer” event sponsored by Disney, hosted by Kevin, are now available. Kevin will host a panel discussion with members of the film’s cast and crew on Tuesday, June 21, starting at 6:45 PM. Another can’t-miss event, for a great flick — Event check-in begins at 6:45 p.m. at the El Capitan Theatre, 6838 Hollywood Blvd; panel and screening begins at 7:30 p.m. The Walt Disney Archives exhibit will follow the screening from 9:45 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Hollywood Museum located at 1660 N. Highland Ave.
    • Remember way back when….When Kevin wrote a “Six Million Dollar Man” film script? That one takes us back to the early days of News Askew in the 90’s…Well, much like his Green Hornet script, this one’s now coming to life in the form of a new comic series — Take a look at some beautiful cover art for the project from the legendary Alex Ross, courtesy of Bleeding Cool. Courier Mail reports that Dynamite Entertainment will once again produce the project, though the number of issues or a release date have yet to be announced.
    • The original that started it all is back with a new episode — SModcast #169 continues “MALLRATS THRU A GREEN PRISM”, live in Milwaukee.

    SMorgy is now PODDAMMIT – Get Tickets NOW!

    May 21st, 2011 @ 8:04 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by Brad & Chris

    • SMorgy’s been retitled to “PODDAMMIT: The Lovitz Pod-a-thon”. This massive event at Universal CityWalk is the biggest thing to happen since SModcast started broadcasting. You’ll not only have amazing access to the podcast and all its stars, but be witness to some monumental events — The first episode of the “ABC’s of SNL”, where Kevin will interview Jon Lovitz…The return of the lovely Katie Morgan and her “Having Sex” podcast…Hit shows like “Babble On” and “Get Old”…and many more to be added to fill the astounding 24 hour runtime. At $250, tickets are now on sale and include admission to the entire 24 hours of shows, which run overnight from noon on Sunday May 29th to noon on Monday, May 30th. Your admission price gets you a seat at EVERY show, an exclusive night shirt, and free overnight parking at CityWalk.

      ONLY 250 PEOPLE CAN ATTEND SO THIS IS A VERY EXCLUSIVE EVENT! BUY BEFORE THEY ARE SOLD OUT!

      Considering the price of a single show, and the caliber of the guests and likely surprises as more shows get added (12 podcasts in total!), and the limited number of seats, everyone attending is truly a VIP. If you’re a fan of SModcast, you just don’t want to miss this one. “Poddammit” kicks off in just under two weeks.

    It’s All About SIR! Live Feeds Available…& More!

    May 21st, 2011 @ 8:04 pm | No Comments » | Scooped by Brad & Chris

    • EDIT: It looks like the live block is happening back-to-back this week, meaning that you’ll catch the 2 live programs from 8-10 and then from 10-12 PST. We’re not sure if that’s the new official schedule (as the web portals indicate the planned 11am start for “Jobs”), but it does solve the issue of having only an hour block between the shows to fill.

      If you’re not listening, you’re missing out on the podcasting revolution — The great world of SModcast has now turned into a live, 24-7 internet radio station, with 4 solid hours of live streaming content every weekday morning. Interact with the hosts LIVE! It’s party time! We’ve got a nice summary of some information from the latest tweets and findings now that the stream has gone live. Read on for a primer:

      • To celebrate the launch of SIR, the new SMODCAST.COM is live with a beautiful new design. Hit the live widget there for live listening, or, if you’re a News Askew regular, click it over in our right navigation bar, near the top of your screen.
      • Whenever you go to http://smodcast.com/ , something’s playing. Live feeds start Monday-Friday at 8 AM PST. From 8 to 10, it’s PLUS ONE PER DIEM. After an hour break, it’s JAY & SILENT BOB GET JOBS at 11 AM PST. For the rest of the day, programming will consist of classic episodes along with re-airs of the morning programming.
      • For the pre-recorded “new pod of the day” slot that will happen from 10 AM ’til 11 AM PST, you will get a new podcast, but if it runs over an hour, it’ll fade out and into “Get Jobs”. You’ll then be able to download the complete episode immediately, to continue listening where you left off, anytime. So, no worries about the new pod of the day being shortened to only an hour, for those wondering.
      • Go mobile with SIR by way of Stitcher Radio and get a chance to win a trip to meet Kevin and the crew AND be a guest on the show!

        In celebration of the S.I.R. launch, Stitcher and SModcast.com are offering Stitcher listeners the opportunity to win a trip for two to Los Angeles to attend ‘Jay and Silent Bob Get Old’ live at the Jon Lovitz Comedy Club (soon to be the Jon Lovitz Podcast Theater) at Universal City Walk. Additionally, the winners will not only meet Kevin, Jason and the SModcrew after the show, they will be guests on ‘Jay and Silent Bob Get Jobs.’ Full details on how to enter can be found at: http://ua.stitcher.com/ContestRules/smodcast_flyaway.html.

      • When the phone lines get worked out, the call-in number will be 855-YES-SIRS. Until then, tweet in your Skype account info to @PlusOnePerDiem and Kevin and Jen might contact YOU during the live show!
      • If you can’t listen live daily to the newly launch SIR (SModcast Internet Radio) on either http://www.smodcast.com/ or the Stitcher app don’t worry, we have some fresh RSS and iTunes feeds for the archived shows. Just plug in these RSS feeds (Plus One Per Diem – http://plusoneperdiem.smodcast.libsynpro.com/rss / Jay & Silent Bob Get Jobs – http://getjobs.smodcast.libsynpro.com/rss) into your podcast player of choice. Or you can just click these links (Plus One Per Diem – http://tinyurl.com/plusoneperdiem / Jay & Silent Bob Get Jobs – http://tinyurl.com/jsbgetjobs) to subscribe with iTunes.
      • Prefer to download rather than listen live or subscribe to a podcast? No problem. The new “PLUS ONE PER DIEM” page is located here and already features the first three episodes. “JAY AND SILENT BOB GET JOBS” also has a beautiful new archive page and logo .
      • Check out “Jay & Bob Get Old” sponsor Yoostar for a fantastic fun movie game for your favorite console…They help make SIR happen! Movie Karaoke at http://ys2.yoostar.com/ .

    “Red State” Rundown…

    May 21st, 2011 @ 2:54 am | No Comments » | Scooped by Brad & Chris, John Couture

    • Let’s take a look at what’s happening in the world of “Red State” lately — In the past days we’ve got news on international distribution, more touring, merch, and more. Here’s a summarized look at what’s been going on:
      • 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).