Fans Get Inside Look Into "Clerks" Sequel

By Ian Rice
Arts and Lifestyle Editor



Director Kevin Smith has always been in very close touch with his fanbase. He regularly organizes Q&A sessions and signing appearances, as well as makes regular appearances in both of his comic book shops (appropriately named "Jay and Silent Bob's Secret Stash"). When his films are released to the home video market, Smith always makes sure that his packages are chock full of special features and bonus attractions that any fan would endlessly cherish. But with the making of his latest film, the sequel to his debut feature "Clerks," Smith is giving his fans perhaps the best gift of all: constant updates.

Beginning at the end of September, Smith began running a section on his official website (www.viewaskew.com) entitled, "Train Wreck: A Video Journal Chronicling a Disaster In the Making." As indicated in early posts from the director himself, this was going to be a place where fans could get updates on the making of "The Passion of the Clerks," the aformentioned sequel to Smith's 1994 independent black-and-white cult hit. But fans got more than they could hope for when, on September 28, Smith posted the first of what would become many video updates.

Since then, Smith has given fans a sneak peak into each and every facet of getting a movie made. As he experiences these moments, the fans experience them. So far, visitors to the site have witnessed Smith's hair being attached so he can effectively portray his alter ego, Silent Bob; Jason Mewes give a behind the scenes tour of the set; and the cast and crew prepare themselves for the first week's shooting. Each video has provided an otherwise unavailable glimpse into what its like to make a Kevin Smith feature.

The only time Smith's plan backfired on him came with a video update entitled "The Boards." The video was posted to the website on October 18th and within two hours it was unavailable for download. It was a perplexing mystery, one that was discussed heavily in the comments section provided below the download area. As it turns out, the video contained a very revealing spoiler for the film, which Smith had removed quickly and quietly. Those that managed to grab the clip before it was pulled saw fit to distribute it on other download sites on the Internet, which Smith also ceased.

Other than that one minor snag, Smith's gift to his fans seems an unqualified success. No official word yet on when the film, which stars Brian O'Halloran, Jeff Anderson, Jason Mewes and Rosario Dawson, wraps production or when its expected to hit theaters, but early 2006 has been the word travelling around the various rumor mills.