So Kevin Smith did something today that I'm fairly certain I've never seen a writer or director do: he released a scene from a script he's currently writing called Hit Somebody.  It's a pretty brave thing to do, I'd say.  Most writers would probably be against throwing a work-in-progress out to the internet dogs, but he did it. Granted, he put a huge disclaimer on it, but still.

If you want to read it, you can see it here:

http://silentbobspeaks.com/?p=413

I'm interested to hear what you guys have to say about his writing style.  Definitely out of the ordinary (Ex. "Fisherman Blue Jay") and he doesn't really adhere to "the rules".

Quoted from Dressel   Most writers would probably be against throwing a work-in-progress out to the internet dogs.

Isn't that pretty much what we do?      

I liked it.   Good scene.   No holds barred.  

Quoted from screenrider Isn't that pretty much what we do?

Correction:  Most professional writers.

I think if you look at the recent trends in Smith's career, he really is about opening up the art and removing as many roadblocks between artist/consumer as possible.  Love or hate his work, Kevin Smith still leads the charge in truly independent filmmaking - writing/directing/editing/distributing.  It will be interesting how his new Smod Films helps filmmakers with a movie and nowhere to take it.

Quoted from BoinTN I think if you look at the recent trends in Smith's career, he really is about opening up the art and removing as many roadblocks between artist/consumer as possible.  Love or hate his work, Kevin Smith still leads the charge in truly independent filmmaking - writing/directing/editing/distributing.  It will be interesting how his new Smod Films helps filmmakers with a movie and nowhere to take it.

I like Smith (for the most part), I just wish sometimes he'd stop talking.  His behavior after Cop Out was released and panned by critics was so childish.

I certainly don;t agree with every move he's made, but the idea that his release of Red State could be a new distribution model (or a very old one, the equivalent of a traveling circus), is fascinating to watch.  I think for every artist who just wants to tell a story, the idea of the doors of Hollywood being locked to us and finding out you don't have to get inside in the first place - very inspirational stuff.

Quoted from BoinTN the idea that his release of Red State could be a new distribution model (or a very old one, the equivalent of a traveling circus), is fascinating to watch.

Please, Kevin Smith can call himself an "indie filmmaker" all he wants, but it's all BS.  What he's doing isn't innovative.  It's definitely clever, but for him to act like he's being old school about this and going back to his Clerks days is complete and utter crap.  The guy has a built-in fanbase across a multitude of platforms, so he already has an advantage over any indie filmmaker out there.  PLUS, he already sells out theaters doing his Q&As, so now he's just adding that to his movie.  If he were selling this at an actual indie filmmaker's prices, it would be a dismal failure (although still better than most because he already has instant free advertising on radio, twitter, podcast).  But no, he's selling it for $60-$120 a pop.  Would you pay to see JUST the movie for that?  No.

::exhales::  Ok, done.  :-)

All true, but the exciting part is that he's talked extensively about Smod Films being an outlet for other indie productions.  Using the vast platform and very loud megaphone he has (and of course no other indie film is going to get $60 ticket sales), he appears to be willing to use it for other films.  Not production, of course, just distribution.  Still, that's a mammoth outlet for films that could get lost otherwise.  It's still a theory at this point, but what if it works?  The old establishment will always have its place, but de-fanging it and making it feel archaic appeals to me.

Wow...

That was actually...

Good.

I mean I don't hate Kevin Smith. I think he's made some utter garbage and his fans can be a pain but damned if I didn't spend half my teenage years watching his movies and Clerks cartoons in my mom's basement with some buddies and DiGiorno pizzas. Also the more I read his interviews, the more he seems like a really genuine, down to earth guy who's up front about his flaws, even outright blunders in his career (e.g. Jersey Girl). The industry needs more of those.

I did, however, think his spiel about filmmakers taking their films on tour was utter nonsense. You're Kevin Smith. Success is a sure thing for you. Shut up! It's the same as Scorsese and Paul Thomas Anderson talking about digital replacing film being practically immoral. We're indie filmmakers! We have problems! Why don't you go eat another dollar bill sandwich.

As for Smod Films "being an outlet for other indie productions," only time will tell.

But I digress. I liked it. The dialogue was a little long-winded but the content was solid. The writing was clean cut, fluid and enjoyable to read.

Kevin Smith has never impressed me. Only delivered on expectations... and disappointed... a lot. I can't say he's impressed me this time but as someone who grew up with his films... This is definitely different.

And honestly, I think it's as simple as this. Kevin Smith loves hockey. He said who could never expect to win an Oscar but that Hit Somebody would be Oscar worthy. Delusional? Probably. But let's compare that to the mindset behind Zack & Miri which was trying to fit in with the Judd Apatow crowd. Or Cop Out? Kevin Smith pretty much related something along the lines that he's getting old and wanted to take a break from trying to be an auteur.

This seems to be a passion project for Smith. He hasn't made on those in a long time. Maybe he hasn't even made a lot. But I feel like this one's worth giving a chance.