If and when Kevin Smith‘s much-discussed horror project, Red State, reaches theaters, it will happen without the involvement of The Weinstein Company.
In his most recent MySpace blog update, Smith shared the information that his longtime filmmaking patrons have taken a pass on Red State. The news is tucked in between a whole bunch of road updates from Smith’s current book tour, so we’ve helpfully excerpted the relevant bits below:
When we land in La Guardia, I get phone call from Weinstein Company exec Michael Cole who tells me about a meeting he and Harvey took with our potential Zack’s agent. He also drops the bomb, which doesn’t really explode so much as lay there, as Scott and I were pretty much expecting it…
Harvey and Bob are passing on “Red State.”
It’s the first time Harvey and Bob have passed on anything I’ve wanted to do, but if they were gonna pass on anything, this’d be the one to do it on. The only explanation Michael gives me is “Harvey thought it was more of a Bob flick and then Bob didn’t get it. They’d rather just concentrate on ‘Zack and Miri’ at the moment, which we’re all pumped about.”
Naturally, this makes me wanna make “Red State” even more than I did just prior to that phone call. I get excited thinking about having to raise financing for our hot potato of a flick. This represents a turning point of sorts for Scott and I, inasmuch as everything (with the exception of “Mallrats”) has been made with the Weinsteins. It might be nice to see if we can get something done without them. Whether it’ll be nice or not, however, it’s what’s in the cards, as they don’t feel the flick is very commercial. And, in truth, on the surface, it may not be — unless we get the buzz I think we’ll get off the festival circuit. Regardless, it’s not something we’ll have to think about ’til after we’re done with “Zack and Miri Make a Porno.”
Given the Weinsteins’ long history with Smith, the news is at least mildly surprising — but given TWC’s recent box office difficulties, it stands to reason that they’re looking for the most overtly commercial projects they can find. For more of Kevin Smith’s thoughts from the road, click below!
Source: Kevin Smith
