Here’s a full list of Wizard World cons where the Propworx tour is scheduled to appear:

March 26-28, 2010, Toronto Comic Con, Direct Energy Centre
April 16-18, 2010, Anaheim Comic Con, Anaheim Convention Center
June 11-13, 2010, Philadelphia Comic Con, Pennsylvania Convention Center
August 19-22, 2010, Chicago Comic Con, Donald E. Stephens (Rosemont) Convention Center
October 7-10, 2010, Big Apple Comic Con, Pier 94
October 15-17, 2010, New Jersey Comic Con, New Jersey Convention and Expo Center
November 12-14, 2010, Austin Comic Con, Austin Convention Center
Atlanta Comic Con, TBD
Cincinnati Comic Con, TBD
Cleveland Comic Con, TBD
New England Comic Con, TBD

Via @mpauley1 “so what is the proposed budget for Red State?” That’ll depend what we raise. If it’s 40k, done. If it’s 1mil? Done.

Via @YankeesJets2310 “Time to sell the comics again” No, I’ll sell a bunch of Askewniverse props instead. Sell the past to shoot the future.

@murray1134 “very George Lucas of you, reinvest your profits to make your own movies outside the system” Not my movies: your movies. If this works, I’m one-&-done w/RED STATE: building the infrastructure if we can, so others who aren’t established yet can follow.

Want the full gory details from Mr. Smith? Check out his blog update which explains the entire process in the best detail you could hope for. Some snips:

If we did fan-finance and actually make the film, let’s say it sold: what then? There will be profits? Would people get their money back? Where would that money go? Our plan is to put anything we make into a fund that would, in turn, finance other (cost-sensible) flicks fans want to see. And from that? Build a People’s Studio. Simply have any interested/frustrated/desperate party put their script on our website, open for all to read, during a “pilot season” of sorts. Script that gets the most votes, gets the loot. That flick gets made and sold, all the loot goes back into fund for next round. If there’s enough loot from RED STATE sale to do so, idea would be to fund two low budget flicks a year. Ultimate dream: Indie Movement, v.3. Because with the shuttering and impending sale of Miramax comes the sober realization that the specialty business has just died completely. The 90’s are long over and Indie Movement v.2 has come to a sad close. Until that market is vibrant and thriving again, maybe this is a small way to keep the home-fires burning. I know we’re supposed to let all things run its course, but can’t help it: I don’t wanna see the indie film world I knew go away forever. I’m an idealist and a silly-heart, and I’ve got a dream.

But that’s all it is right now: a dream. Sure it sounds Utopian… but Utopia was written by a lawyer – and the law is what we’re looking through now, seeing who’d be responsible for taxes up front, what happens if the fund collapses, what if a total of $12.36 is raised, etc. LOTS to go through before (and IF) this might take shape.

So, there ya have it — This isn’t a money beg idea. It’s a way to start a fund for struggling filmmakers to get their stories told. And as a bonus, we’ll kick it off with a nice big bag ‘o profits from the inevitable coolness that is “Red State”. A win-win for all. Between the street hockey entrant goal and this idea, 2010 could be a landmark, record-setting year.

Via @marvelfanx “Selling comics 2 fund film. Painful or liberating” Liberating. This Aug, I’m selling all old Askew props to fund RED STATE.

He will of course also be matching all proceeds and donations with his own money towards the film. This at least, is the plan right now. “Red State” would follow “Hit Somebody” if things go down the way Kevin would like to see in 2010.

Meanwhile, more stories continue to surface on this topic, including an article from CINSSU who reference Kevin’s recent twitter chat idea of taking fan donations to fun the project:

“…However, Smith has found a new possible revenue source for a movie that can’t seem to attract any commercial investors. “I think an interesting thing that may happen with it is—I was on Twitter and people are asking about Red State, and then a dude tweeted ‘hey man, what if we pay for it?’ And all of a sudden, a bunch of people were like ‘Seriously, why not?’” This wouldn’t be the first time that someone raised money for a project by soliciting it over the internet, but it would be the first time a filmmaker as prominent as Smith has done so. “We’re kind of creating this website. We’re seeing if it works to set up and collect donations. It becomes a weird tax nightmare, though…It sounded like such an easy thing online…but now there’s lots of checks and balances to make sure we can do it, but if that’s the case, I would be into it, and I’ll match it. Whatever you raise on line, like fuck it, you put it up, I’ll put it up.” Smith has always been a gracious personality towards his fans and it shows in his words as well as his demeanor. “We’re gonna make it. It’s gonna happen. First up is that hockey movie, though, because that’s where I am right now. Right after that, though, by hook or by crook, with my pennies or the pennies of the audience. God bless them. Motherfuckers want to see the movie so badly that they’re willing to pay for it with their own money? Absolutely, put their name in the credits and that movie will be a reality.”

That entire article’s pretty good, and all comes from a recent press roundtable with Kevin. Check it out for a few words on “Cop Out” as well as “Zack and Miri”.

On “Red State”…

Are you still working on Red State, about the religious Phelps family?

Yes, trying. We haven’t had luck finding money; it’s an uncommercial venture at best so it’s been tough finding cash.

What fascinates you about Fred Phelps?

Um, he’s so paternal and yet so… I mean, look. I’m not going to say he’s evil, but he’s so outside the mainstream, so marginalised, you know what I’m saying? I mean, his views are beyond extreme, they’re ridiculously extreme. The whole country’s founded on, ‘Say what you want, you’re allowed to say whatever you want.’ So because we’re the United States you have to afford that dude a voice, and he’s the exception that proves the rule. It’s a strong reminder of the republic we live in, but then it’s like, ‘What kind of universe do we live in that this man would wanna put this bile into the world?

So sure, it’s legitimate and legal, but it’s immoral, it’s absolutely immoral and the dude preaches on behalf of the immoral, and I’ve never seen an instance where someone so immoral maintained they were so moral.

Have you been to any of his parades? Will your movie be fictional?

No, it’s more fictional. The one thing you know about the Phelps family if you read anything about them is how litigious they are – they’re a family full of lawyers. So I’m not getting real close. I felt bad it was kind of based on Fred Phelps, but they can’t sue me for that. When you see what we do in our version of the story, they wouldn’t wanna be that’s us! Because they’d be admitting to some heinous things.

On “Hit Somebody”…

What are you doing next?

The one i’m gearing up to is Hit Somebody, the hockey movie. It’s based on a Warren Zevon song called ‘Hit Somebody (The Hockey Song)’ and it’s written by Mitch Albom, the guy that wrote Tuesdays With Morrie and those books, and it’s a story song. Some songs are just like, “I love youuuuu” over and over, but I like songs that tell a story, like The Brady Bunch theme song. This song is like that, a three-act structure tells a story of a character’s life and it washes over me like a flick and I feel I can bring something to it, because I identify with the subject matter in a big way.

So I got into it with Mitch, where I was like, “Dude I’d like to turn this into a movie.” So we kicked off a friendship and suddenly the movie’s moving closer and closer to fruition. December is when I have my first big break after A Couple Of Dicks and the press tour and the shows I’ve been doing all fall. In December I go home and start writing the script, and God willing next year we go into production.

Please check out the entire interview, which includes a couple of great Willis stories from the set of “Cop Out” that we haven’t heard before. Worth your valuable time.

Let’s take a look back at the last 12 months, shall we? 2009: The Year In Askew, part one, is straight ahead.

January 2009

2009 kicked off in an uncharacteristically quiet, low key way. Kevin’s normally regular web presence continued to remain at low-key levels. Interviews and promotions for his latest comic, “Batman: Cacophony”, which he wrote, continued — longtime friend and fan favorite Walt Flanagan drew the book. However, it was obvious that this was a much more subdued press push than the past. We’d soon know why. Meanwhile, as the shrinking home video window continued, a February release date was already announced for “Porno”, which had just hit theaters at the end of October. The Bluray release would be day and date with the DVD, a first for a View Askew flick. Despite a lower than expected box office bow, the film would wind up on many “Best of 2008″ lists which were revealed this month.

While Kevin wasn’t posting to the web and conducting as many regular interviews, the great SModcast would not be stopped. Episode #71 hit the webs in early January. Before the year was out, Kevin and Scott would hit a significant SMod milestone. By the end of the month, the guys would have recorded 3 more episodes for the web.

As the month continued, details began to surface for the “Zack and Miri” discs. Thankfully, View Askew would not let us down once again as far as extras go — The package would include a brand new documentary, a pile of deleted scenes, bloopers, and lots more. As Kevin and Scott had discussed the film at length on SModcast, for the first time, a View Askew DVD would not include an audio commentary track (though the extras would more than make up for the lack of one). Kevin made a rare post to explain his feelings on the commentary and how SModcast was an even better replacement. Our extensive review of the film details the greatness of the discs.



His first live appearance of the year took place in Hartford, laying groundwork for what would be the most significant year for Kevin’s stage show yet. Meanwhile, Smith made plans for a major event in Toronto for early February…

February 2009

February 2009 arrived with rave reviews for the “Zack and Miri Make a Porno” DVD. Critics and fans alike praised the film and the disc’s abundance of extras, some who had unfortunately discovered the film for the first time in their homes. Canadians were gifted with versions of the disc that featured exclusive “scratch and sniff” packaging.



While it had now been over 2 years since the last Vulgarthon film festival, Toronto celebrated their own mini-film fest of sorts in early February. With Kevin coming to town for a historic two-night appearance at the beloved Roy Thompson Hall, where every one of his gigs continually sells out, the Bloor Cinema tacked on a 3-night film festival following the appearances. Kevin appeared live for a Q&A session following each of the films, creating Canada’s own mini-Vulgarthon — a bright spot among their normally brutally cold winter. Audience reports raved that the appearances were among the best ever, with Jason Mewes making a rare onstage appearance alongside Kevin for most of the second night.

Kevin capped February with more live shows in New York and Ohio. At these shows, rumors began to circle on what his next project would be. Would it be “Red State”? “Ranger Danger”? Something new? It seemed that anything was possible, though Kevin’s immediate concern was getting out in front of the public, as his love for being onstage continued to blossom, as fans continued to pack seats to watch Kevin spend a few hours taking questions and entertaining crowds with one of the best impromptu shows in the land….A theme that would continue throughout the year. Until…

March 2009

In the most exciting, unexpected announcement of the year, March 2009 kicked off with a bombshell — Kevin had become a director for hire. But not just for any studio, and not just for any movie. Warner Brothers pictures signed Kevin to direct a major motion picture starring Bruce Willis and Tracy Morgan, titled “A Couple of Dicks”. The film was one of the great unpublished screenplays of 2008, so to see this script land in Kevin’s lap was a dialogue-lover’s dream. Full of raunchy, hilarious text, the script was the perfect fit for Kevin’s sensibilities. It would also mark the first time that Kevin would direct a feature film that was not from his own script. News agencies across the web picked up the news, and it appeared that we now had our main project/theme for 2009. This would be the year of “A Couple of Dicks”.

Within mere days of the announcement, rumors already started to circle that the title may change, to the more tame “A Couple of Cops”.

In mid-March, “Reaper”, a show with a pedigree similar to “Dicks” (Kevin directed, but did not write, the pilot episode), returned to the CW airwaves for a second season. While building on its mythology and critical acclaim, the program would not survive past its second-season finale.

In comic news, artist Walt Flanagan revealed that he and Kevin were working on a yet-to-be-titled follow-up project to the highly successful “Batman: Cacophony”. Before the year was out, we’d not only know its identity, but have quite a few issues on shelves to enjoy. Astute listeners to SModcast soon suggested that it had slipped that a “Batman” series was being written after the first series was already in the can, prompting us to speculate correctly that the next series would once again feature the caped crusader.

As March “marched” on, Kevin’s signing to direct “A Couple of Dicks” continued to generate quite a bit of press and speculation. In the middle of the month, though, another film briefly stole the spotlight — After a great deal of anticipation due to his praise of an early cut of the film, the world finally got to see “Watchmen”, one of the greatest graphic novels of all time, come to life on the big screen. And as one highly-anticipated geek movie debuted, one of the most beloved geek series of recent memory concluded — Sci Fi aired the final two hours of the incredible “Battlestar Galactica”, a show beloved to Kevin (who had the pleasure of making a set visit before everything was struck and boxed for good).

Around this time, when Kevin was in a particularly introspective mood, journalist Lee Stranhan scheduled what would become one of the most amazing sit-down interviews of his entire career. The interview, which was conducted earlier in the month, would feature the director discussing all aspects of his life and career in an even more open and honest way than ever before (a feat many thought not even possible for the already public Smith).

Since “Clerks”, hockey had always played a role in the films of View Askew. But in late March, Kevin laid groundwork to take his love of the game to a whole new level. After being touched by the story of Wayne Gretzky and his father Walter, Kevin mounted efforts to bring himself, fans, and friends to Brantford, Ontario for June’s Walter Gretzky Street Hockey Invitational. During an appearance in Vancouver, he also mentioned, for the first time, that he had an interest in making a hockey-themed film in the future.

By the end of March, SModcast, still rolling strong, had celebrated its 81st episode of free entertainment.

April 2009

It would become a buzzword on many reporter’s lists of the best of 2009. Twitter. Tweeting. While the service had been active for a few years prior to 2009, it wasn’t until this year that the mainstream embraced this service, burgeoned by the sudden celebrity love for the technology. By eliminating publicists, for the first time, celebs could use twitter as a direct line to their fans. By contrast, this was a practice that Kevin had adopted from early in his career with ViewAskew.com. Still, always being in the forefront of technology, Smith saw Twitter as yet another viable communication vehicle. Frequent use of the service started in early April, when Kevin trekked back to the east coast, where he would live for many months as production on “A Couple of Dicks” took place. The film would shoot in and around New York City, mostly on location.

Not ones to shy away from technology, News Askew also began tweeting our headlines and stories as well, giving readers yet another way to keep up with the latest.

Following a pre-production trip into NYC, Kevin jetted to Vail, Colorado, where he was presented with the Renegade Award at the Vail Film Festival, celebrating his entire body of work.

The good news continued, as Kevin made a weeklong visual clue game of one of the biggest announcements of the year: He would bring his beloved Q&A act to the stage of New York City’s prestigious Carnegie Hall in mid-June. To sweeten the announcement, it was also revealed that a new book would arrive in the Fall: “Shooting the Shit with Kevin Smith” would collect some of the best moments of SModcast in print form.

Hockey came back in a big way in April, when Kevin revealed he would be writing a new blog for the NHL to highlight the experience of watching the Devils in the playoffs. He’d also purchased a luxury box at Prudential’s center city Newark arena, The Rock, where he would entertain family and friends and introduce newcomers to the great game of ice hockey, with his beloved Jersey team.

May 2009

With the popularity of SModcast continuing on iTunes and Quick Stop Entertainment, Kevin and Scott decided to try an experiment – It was announced that the first LIVE SModcast would be held next month in Canada, the same weekend that the crew would be heading north for the Gretzky hockey tournament. Dubbed “Stocky Night in Canada”, the limited event would sell out in record time.

We also had a new date to add to calendars – Before film had started to roll on the movie, we had a tentative release date for “A Couple of Dicks” – February 26, 2010. Those brothers Warner sure don’t mess around.



By the middle of the month, Entertainment Weekly announced another newsworthy release — Kevin and Walt would indeed return with that speculated “Batman” series. This one, titled “The Widening Gyre” was already half completed with issue 1 set to debut in August. In addition to this expected news, it was also revealed that Kevin’s “Green Hornet” script ideas would see the light of day in comic form. A new miniseries would be on the way following the completion of “Gyre”.

Movie Trailers – Movies Blog

The month of big announcements continued when on May 14th, Kevin revealed to MTV that he wasn’t kidding around when he mentioned that hockey-themed movie idea in March. “Hit Somebody” would be the title of this one, based on a Warren Zevon song penned by author Mitch Albom. Following the announcement, quite a bit of articles on and by Kevin tied into the sport. It was apparent that hockey was on the brain, and in a very big way.

Followed by all the good news in May, a spot of bad news arrived on the 19th via Twitter – Star Ethan Suplee revealed that he and longtime-Askewer Jason Lee’s hilarious sitcom “My Name is Earl” had been cancelled by NBC. A glimmer of hope via a save by network TBS would come briefly before the official June cancellation announcement.

With filming getting close to rolling, May capped off with the announcement of two more cast members for “Dicks”: Seann William Scott and Adam Brody. By the end of May, the cast would have gathered for the first full read-through of the script.

June 2009



Production might have been starting on “A Couple of Dicks” as of June 2nd, but Kevin wasn’t going back to work behind the cameras without a gift to the fans — He and Scott presented SModcast #87 on the eve of the shoot. Due to the public nature of the on-location summer in New York City set, fans were quick to locate the cast and crew and snapped the first of what would be many looks at Willis, Morgan, and Smith in action.

Though filming had begun, Kevin wasn’t about to let that stop his hockey-themed weekend plans in Canada. Starting on June 6th, he and a large crew of friends and fans took to Brantford, Ontario for the Wayne Gretzky Hockey Tournament and the first live SModcast. The View Askew all-star team name? Puck U.



Then, on Saturday, the first ever live SModcast found Smith and Mosier on stage before a sold-out crowd of 1,100 where history was made.



On June 17th, we arrived at one of the biggest events of the year, and one of the most significant in Kevin’s life — Kevin took the stage to a sold out crowd in Carnegie Hall. Some of the world’s greatest performers have stepped onto that stage, and Kevin had now joined the ranks of a very elite few — Especially from the point of view that this was a one man show, where he’d single-handedly entertain the packed house for almost three full hours. News Askew was fortunate enough to witness this magical and historic event – One of Kevin’s finest performances of all-time.

While the first half of the year would have already celebrated a fairly busy, public schedule for Kevin as far as events, the next six months would set records, as Kevin announced a very aggressive Fall Tour schedule which would take him across the United States, to new cities, and abroad.

Finally, as June came to a close, more confirmed casting reports for “A Couple of Dicks” that built on an already impressive cast: Michele Trachtenberg, Kevin Pollak, and the great Jason Lee were all confirmed for supporting or cameo roles.

Join us later this week as we wrap it up, and cover the last 6 months of 2009. See you then.

Via @brianl1107 “go host SNL to promote ‘dicks’..the jokes are writing themselves” a) SNL would never have me on. b) Tracy’ll be doing it.

I’ve now seen the trailer for my flick with a new title, and fuck, do I dig it. Epic win for WB marketing: then made ME wanna see the flick.

Via @firstbascia “What do you think of their new title for the movie” OUR new title, you mean (group effort). The Cullens came up with both.

Via @sjsmith88 “Obviously you prefer ‘Dicks’ but do you like the new title?” Very much. Shocked it’s not been done before.

Two Tweets I’m getting lots so I’ll address both here: 1) New title hasn’t been announced; WB’s still clearing it. When I can, I’ll share it. 2) re: “it’s not MY movie”: meant I didn’t write/come up with the title/pay for it. Despite that, still very much MY flick.

Via @DariusMDeV “Way to hit these topics at the peak of their popularity” I’m in movie-world sir: prepping title sequence shoot & oblivious.

Via @tragik “Still plan on returning to Brantford this year for the tournament?” Indeed – with new sweaters, too. I start hyping it in Feb.

Pssst! Wanna see something kinda pimp? That’s Harold Faltermeyer, playing me his theme for our flick! http://twitpic.com/szn7d

At Harley’s parent/teacher conference today, I was told she’s a good writer. Maybe I was born simply to bring another writer into the world.

Via @TheNickLyons “are you coming to Portland, Oregon to speak in 2010?” I am. Small venue: under 1000 seats, but it’s happening, I’m told.

Via @HeyDigDiggy “new smodcast?” SMod 99 is on www.QuickStopEnt.com right now (iTunes Sunday). SMod 100 goes up Sunday night. Then? Changes.

Via @ErinB_ “May I enquire as to the status of Red State?” She’s still broke. The money lead we had evaporated, so it’s back to square one.

Via @josharebored “cant wait to see you in Austin” Venue’s a fucking barn I’ll never fill… without your help: http://tinyurl.com/kevaustin

I wish for you all this moment: blazing blissfully while listening to Harold Faltermeyer’s score for a Warner Bros. movie you directed. Wow.

Via @RJMontalvo “Could RED STATE be funded by fans which in turn could get execs interested?” You’re saying YOU guys wanna produce it? Sure.

So let’s recap.

Tracy Morgan will return to SNL to host and promote the new cop flick. Yes!

The new cop flick has a new title, will be announced by the WB at least by the time the trailer hits on Christmas (but likely online before that).

Kevin’s currently shooting a title sequence for the movie.

We MUST go to Brantford this year. You should come, too.

“Red State” still has no funding. We’re really starting to wonder why we all can’t just get together and start a group account and fund this darn thing ourselves — Any takers? Who wants to make a movie? Let’s do this.

After SModcast #100 hits this weekend, CHANGES! What changes? We dunno yet.

By the way, if you’re just discovering ice hockey, Kevin’s also been linking up some fantastic videos, stories, and information on the game — With “Hit Somebody” currently being penned, and quite likely the next film he’ll direct, it’s a great time to discover the game. If you’ve got a local pro or minor league team, get out and support them this winter. Go Hershey Bears! Go Flyers!

ThatKevinSmith – Dear @edgarwright @simonpegg & @nickjfrost: Thanking you anew for the truly brilliant SHAUN OF THE DEAD – which I just watched again & LOVE.

simonpegg – Bless you @ThatKevinSmith for your kind words. You taught us it was okay to write about the things we love. Snooch.

“Speaking at a live event in London on October 13, 2009 Smith stated that funding had been secured for Red State but he is more in the mindset to proceed with Hit Somebody and hold Red State off for a year. Another reason cited was a superstition he holds around dying after his tenth movie, and not wanting to leave an “unpleasant, nasty” film as his last.”

It’s looking like, at least as of last week’s Q&A sessions, Kevin planned to continue on with “Hit Somebody” as the next project, his monumental 10th directorial effort.

Some of the stories and mentions in London, via our scooper report: The great Laser Blazer toilet tale, “Red State” may come next depending on some meetings that happen after the UK trip, the “Knight Rider” Clerks:TAS tale (a rarely told classic), the chances for a colorized “Clerks” (none), tales of Tarantino, marriage advice, and much more. From the sound of it, UK audiences have a way in getting Kevin to cover a LOT of ground as the list of items covered that we’ve been seeing is quite astouding. Having been to shows where Kevin only gets to perhaps 10 or 12 questions and a few major stories, it sounds like the dude really put out the money’s worth for the European leg.

Den of Geek loved the first London show, and wrote a lovely 5-star review of it right here.

Going to see Kevin in one of the remaining shows? Grill him about “Red State” — Let’s see if he’ll admit he’s truly got funding and if the movie might start to film and cast, even before “Hit Somebody”. There ya go, a great question for you to rock the mic with.

We asked him about the state of his oft-mooted horror film Red State, which the Weinsteins had passed on and, due to its dark nature, he’s had trouble getting the funding together for (a story that’s been fairly well charted over the past year or two). It’s not a conventional Kevin Smith project by any measure, and it’s not a commercial film. Thus, the project has stalled due to not having the funding for it in place.

However, he told us – and we’ve got this on tape:

“I got a call at 2am last night. I think we’ve got the money for Red State.”

We double checked that with him directly to make sure that’s what the man said. And he did. Whether it’s his next project or not is unclear (but unlikely, we’d wager). But Red State might, at last, actually be happening.

See the original Den of Geek story and film fansite /Film for another take on the story.