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Smith's View Askew Brews a Few
« on: Aug 15th, 2003, 9:59pm » |
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Smith's View Askew Brews a Few
Fri, Aug 15, 2003, 11:08 AM PT
LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Now that "Jersey Girl" is safely ensconced in a 2004 release date, writer-director Kevin Smith is turning his attention to new projects for his studio View Askew.
According to his website ViewAskew.com, Smith will begin directing "Fletch Won," which will continue the exploits of the mystery-solving journalist made popular by two previous films starring Chevy Chase. Smith promises, however, that his version will eschew Chase's slapstick comedy and more closely adhere to the novel by Gregory McDonald on which the character is based.
The director set off an uproar of outrage after releasing a short list of top actors considered for the lead, including Ben Affleck, Brad Pitt, Will Smith, Jimmy Fallon and Adam Sandler. Fanboys on message boards hotly contested the various candidates, supporting longtime star of Smith films Jason Lee who the director had backed previously. Unfortunately, Smith had to abandon his first choice, bowing to the wishes of backers at Miramax who wanted a bigger star.
Smith will follow "Fletch" with "Ranger Danger," which he describes as "my stab at a comicbook/sci-fi movie." The director has been considering the concept for a few years, but only now feels the maturity necessary to create it. Dimension will produce.
"Fletch" producing partner Scott Mosier will also executive produce the documentary "Reel Paradise" with Smith for Miramax. The project focuses on independent film distributor John Pierson and his operation of the world's most remote theater in the Fiji bush.
Referring to Miramax's extension of the first-look alliance with View Askew, Smith says, "Once again, Miramax is the only studio in town dumb enough to fund our bulls***.
"2004 marks View Askew's 10th year with them, so if you're looking to blame anyone for why we're still allowed to make movies, blame the two men I've come to love like they're my adoptive, same-sex-couple parents, Harvey and Bob Weinstein," says Smith lovingly of the Miramax chief and Dimension head, respectively.
"Fletch" begins shooting in January. "Ranger Danger" is scheduled to start in fall 2004.
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