This Day In History

2 August: Kevin Smith born

Born to Grace and Donald E. Smith in Highlands, New Jersey, so if you see them around, make sure you give them a high five. Without them your DVD collection would be a lot less amusing.

Smith had his directorial debut with the independent film ‘Clerks’. Filmed in black & white and roughly edited due to an incredibly modest budget of 27,575 dollars, which was raised through the sale of many of Smith’s comic collection, maxing out eight to ten credit cards, dipping into funds set aside for his college education and insurance money awarded for a car lost in a flood. Mostly set in the same Quick Stop store that Smith worked in at the time, the movie went on to make well over 3 million dollars in the United States alone, launching Smith’s career.

Mallrats followed, which didn’t fare as well, but it eventually found its audience with the home market. Chasing Amy was soon after, with Quentin Tarantino calling it “a quantum leap forward” for Smith. Dogma was a film that got lots of headlines, but for all the wrong and highly undeserved reasons. However, it still did well at the box office. Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back was delivered to clear the air somewhat, which it did, but Jersey Girl was another film that did not cover it’s budget. That can be largely blamed on the ACTORS SALARIES though. No names, Bennifer.

Smith’s two most recent creations were Clerks II, which with everyone expecting it to be so pants did admirably well, and Zack and Miri Make a Porno, which was the first film Smith had directed but not written.

Kevin Smith is one of few celebrities to not shy away from contact with his fans, nor does he try and forget his roots. He regularly holds Q&A sessions which go on until all questions have been answered or he gets thrown off stage, along with numerous meet and greet signing session type affairs. He has also opened a comic book shop called Jay and Silent Bob’s Secret Stash.

Smith has many upcoming projects and tons of work of which there is far too much to list on here. If you’re a fan, you already know, if you’re thinking of becoming one, we suggest you check out his website (The View Askewniverse ), his blog (My Boring-Ass Life ) and keep be sure to keep an eye on his twitter, which is always good for celebrities randomly going off on one.