Kevin Smith Self-Promotes "Red State" Sundance Film at Boston's Wilbur Theatre

Boston -- Screenwriter and film director Kevin Smith is bringing his self-distribution and the promotion mission of his 2011 Sundance indie film "Red State" to Boston's Wilbur Theatre. Fans of Kevin Smith, as well as the curious, can purchase tickets at the Wilbur Theatre Box Office at 246 Tremont Street, Boston, MA, or online through the theatre website, Jan. 28, beginning at noon. "Red State" is scheduled to show at the Wilbur on March 6. Smith will attend and take part in a Q&A forum following the film.

"Red State"Rights Sold to Smith Himself for $20

Kevin Smith certainly made a loud and clear statement at Sundance last week when he decided the best way to foster the promotion of his new horror film, was to buy the rights to it himself -- for $20. By the way, some reviews of the film refuse to place it in horror genre at all. Smith wants to side step what he unabashedly calls obscene marketing costs attached to film distribution and promotion.

At Sundance, Smith and his partner, Jon Gordon, brashly snubbed their noses at marketing entrepreneurs. Under the assumption that "Red State" film rights would be auctioned following its Sundance Film Festival premiere -- Smith doubtlessly rattled all those who were there to bid on the movie.

Many may think it a bizarre strategy to take on the daunting task of promoting a movie without the backing of marketing gurus. However, Smith and Gordon appear to want to widen the playing field for all the filmmakers left behind because of astronomical expenses of marketing and releasing a movie. It would be terrific to see creative dreams transpire for all the average filmmakers out there.

'The Red Statement'

Kevin Smith and Jon Gordon, note in The Red Statement: As a learning curve, for anyone interested in the entire financial aspect of producing, promoting and releasing "Red Sate" -- they will open their financial books. Will this film duo play a role in revolutionizing the independent film release approach? How does Smith plan to peddle "Red State"on his own before its official October 2011 release?

Movie Tour and Word-of-Mouth

The "Red State" movie tour, already in place in strategic cities across the country right now, is a good start. The movie tour starts March 5, at Radio City Music Hall, NY, NY, followed the next day in Boston, and then Chicago, and various other big cities throughout March and early April. At the aforementioned movie tour link, you can request a screening in your hometown.

Be prepared: it is estimated that tickets will run $60 or more. If that turns out to be the going rate to see a movie, self-distributing an independent film may have a long way to go yet.

Sources:

2011 Films Sundance Film Festival

The Red Statement

Yahoo News

MTV Red State Review

Wilbur Theatre Red State Announcement