• SModcastle Cinemas, owned by Kevin Smith, stands as a remarkable tribute to the filmmaker’s illustrious career.
• Situated in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, Smith frequently hosts an array of events and personally introduces movies.
• In an exclusive interview with BI at SModcastle, Smith discussed his most deeply personal undertaking to date.

Walking into SModcastle Cinemas, a myriad of movie posters and memorabilia greets you, echoing the essence of Kevin Smith’s unique brand of raunchy slacker cinema, as patrons step into this cultural landmark.

One entire wall is alive with a vibrant mural that celebrates beloved characters from Smith’s films, featuring the likes of Elizabeth Banks and Seth Rogen in “Zack and Miri Make a Porno,” alongside Mark Hamill’s memorable portrayal of Cocknocker in “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.” The hallways are adorned with a mix of posters from his cinematic ventures and past live podcast events, leading visitors to the five screening rooms intertwined within the venue. It’s not uncommon to find a Kevin Smith film screening at any given time.

The theater provides an ideal refuge for Gen X movie enthusiasts who were youths captivated by Smith’s bold embrace of R-rated storytelling and his distinct approach to low-budget filmmaking.

However, I was taken aback by unexpected visitors; the first person I encountered in the SModcastle lobby was a wide-eyed young boy, around six years old, accompanied by his mother, illustrating the diverse audience Smith appeals to.

Smith soon made an entrance, sporting his trademark garb, which included a backwards cap, a stylish suit jacket, and casual shorts. He revealed an intriguing detail about SModcastle. Though it proudly serves as a physical hub for the beloved View Askewniverse, Smith explained that the cinema’s survival relies on various revenue streams.

“Birthday parties are one of our biggest moneymakers,” he noted, candidly shedding light on the venue’s financial strategies.

Over his impressive 30-year career, while Kevin Smith has earned numerous accolades, being labeled as a shrewd businessperson has eluded him. Nevertheless, his powerful artistic identity has transformed Smith into a viable brand.

SModcastle Cinemas is the latest embodiment of the grassroots hustle that elevated Smith to fame with his groundbreaking debut, “Clerks,” in the 1990s.

From filmmaker to podcaster

Launching his career with the debut feature film “Clerks” in 1994, Smith made a name for himself during a flourishing indie film era, as audiences were captivated by groundbreaking works like “Pulp Fiction” and “Hoop Dreams,” which showcased a broader palette of storytelling beyond mainstream studio productions.

Filmed at the Quick Stop convenience store where he worked in Leonardo, New Jersey, “Clerks” introduced audiences to a cast of unforgettable, sardonic twenty-somethings like Dante Hicks, Randal Graves, Rick Derris, and, of course, the iconic duo, Jay and Silent Bob.

Through its sharp pop culture references and unfiltered humor, “Clerks” garnered immediate acclaim, establishing Smith, who also took on the role of Silent Bob, as a prominent figure in the blossoming indie film landscape.

Smith subsequently directed notable films such as “Mallrats,” “Chasing Amy,” “Dogma,” and “Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.” While none matched the universal acclaim of “Clerks” — particularly the ill-fated “Jersey Girl” — they succeeded in creating a dedicated and enduring following.

These films laid the groundwork for the most profitable aspect of Smith’s extensive brand: himself. From collaborating on cannabis strains to launching SModcast, a podcast with his former producer Scott Mosier in 2007—a name forged from the initials of their last names—Smith has taken decades to meticulously craft his public persona. This endeavor ultimately led him to establish a venue that would allow him to perform live whenever he desired: SModcastle.

The inaugural version found its home in Los Angeles at an intimate 48-seat venue on Santa Monica Blvd.

Sharing his motivations, Smith elaborated, “Scott and I had just gone out to do a SModcast tour, and I wanted to be able to do it live whenever I wanted,” as he lounged on the main stage of the current 230-seat theater at SModcastle’s present location.

Despite the successful runs at SModcastle 1.0, it often struggled to maintain traffic when Smith was absent.

He described that while the initial business model had flaws, it served as the breeding ground for the SModcast network, which has now become a cornerstone of his brand, giving birth to popular shows like “Hollywood Babble-On” and “Jay & Silent Bob Get Old,” attracting devoted audiences and consistently selling out live performances.

After closing the Santa Monica location in 2011, Smith in 2021 discovered a chance to lease space in the same building as the Quick Stop where he filmed “Clerks.”

Reflecting on this opportunity, Smith exclaimed, “Great, we’re doing it again, and it’s right next to Quick Stop, where we know people come there as a tourist trap. This will be fantastic.”

However, the challenge that plagued the LA venue reappeared in New Jersey: attendance dwindled when Smith wasn’t present.

In 2022, a pivotal moment unfolded when Smith and his business partners, including Ernie O’Donnell—who portrayed Rick Derris in “Clerks”—learned of the Atlantic Cinemas theater in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, going up for sale.

In the 1980s, Atlantic Cinemas had been a significant part of Smith’s childhood, where he experienced pivotal film releases like “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and “Blade Runner,” which would ultimately shape both his life and career.

“I instantly thought, this makes more sense,” Smith recounted. “I can monetize every piece of this, I can show whatever I want, and, if I own the place, I can make a movie there.”

SModcastle Cinemas is a home for all things Kevin Smith

Perfectly positioned on 1st Avenue in Atlantic Highlands, SModcastle boasts a rich historical narrative. Smith shared that the building served as the stable for the mail carrier’s horse in the early 1900s. Transitioning to a single-screen picture house in 1921, by the 1980s, it evolved into a two-screen theater that expanded to three in 1992 and five screens by 1999.

For Smith, SModcastle Cinemas embodies his most ambitious creative endeavor yet. It not only serves as a venue to showcase his films, but operates as a first-run theater where local cinephiles can indulge in recent cinematic offerings, ranging from “Beetlejuice” to “The Wild Robot”—the latter being the inspiration behind a spirited birthday celebration.

Smith openly acknowledges that while presenting non-Smith movies isn’t the primary source of profit, it assists in generating income during his absence. He underscores the importance of the concession stand, likening it to the theological lifeblood of any theater.

He quipped, “I knew we weren’t going to get rich, but it’s simple math. If people are here watching a movie, a movie we will only get max 50% of the box office receipts for. Our only hope is they are going to buy some snacks,” emphasizing the essential role of concessions in keeping the operations afloat. “We’re like the Catholic Church: we can’t be picky anymore, we let everyone through the doors.”

Business at SModcastle truly skyrockets when Smith is present.

Tickets for events featuring Smith or screenings that fill all 700 seats across the five screens see a price increase, ranging from $25 to $60, while typical adult tickets for standard movie viewings remain at $11.

Smith enhances these occasions by initiating auctions for memorabilia from his films, whether it’s an autographed script from “Mallrats” or props from “Jay and Silent Bob Strikes Back,” with some items fetching up to $5,000, bolstering funding for the theater’s operations.

The historic significance of the building also enabled SModcastle to be registered as a non-profit entity, a strategic move Smith hopes will open avenues for grants and financial support, enabling him to provide filmmaking classes for all ages.

As we chatted, Smith prepared to introduce a screening of his latest project, “The 4:30 Movie,” uniquely set within SModcastle. The film follows a teenage boy named Brian (Austin Zajur) who schemes to sneak into his local theater with friends to enjoy a day of films, culminating in a viewing of an R-rated movie with his dream girl.

Smith proudly stated that this project is his most personal yet, taking a break from the View Askewniverse to craft a narrative that serves as a heartfelt homage to cinematic experiences and his childhood memories at the movies.

“Hanging up behind the counter here, there’s a note that Kim, my high school girlfriend, had written to me, and it says, ‘Dear Kevin, will you take me to see ‘Dirty Dancing’ at the Atlantic Highlands Twins Cinema?'” he recounted fondly, noting its origins from 1987, corresponding with the film’s debut. “Whenever I come to this place, that’s what I’m reminded of.”

Because “The 4:30 Movie” was primarily filmed in his own theater, Smith circumvented the usual expensive location fees associated with such projects. While the path to profits may still carry challenges—since the film’s financier, Saban Films, seeks to recoup its investment—the connection between the film and the theater is one Smith believes will foster long-term financial benefits for both.

Remarking on the significance of SModcastle’s role in the movie, he expressed, “This place fucking starred in a movie,” and while he anticipates interest may wane over time, he firmly believes, “there ain’t no reason why every Sunday at 4:30, this can’t be playing on one of the screens even if three people show up.”

With aspirations for SModcastle, Smith is investing in nostalgic connections not just for his past films but for the communal experience of moviegoing itself. Alongside showcasing his creations, he plans to feature rare films, striving to make the theater a haven for true cinephiles. He’s also allocating screen time for independent filmmakers wishing to “four-wall” their work for eager audiences.

As I prepared to leave SModcastle, I noticed the birthday party had drawn to a close, and a line of eager moviegoers had already begun to form down the block, awaiting the evening screening.

Parting ways in the lobby, Smith spent time connecting with fans, happily taking selfies and exchanging pleasantries.

Reflecting on our earlier conversation, I was reminded of his statement: Yes, embracing the storied path of Kevin Smith can be challenging, but it’s a journey infused with unending enjoyment.

“When this place is packed, you feel accomplished as fuck,” he said, surveying the theater which has held such personal significance throughout his life. “But it’s always a struggle, and it should be. Because if it wasn’t, what you’re saying is I deserve money to make pretend for a living.”

What role does nostalgia play in⁣ Kevin ‍Smith’s creative projects and his connection with audiences? ⁢

Es, Smith remains optimistic about the future. His ability to⁤ leverage personal experiences and nostalgia into creative projects allows him to stay connected with his audience while carving out ⁣new paths within the industry.

“This ⁤theater is more than just a business to ⁢me; it’s a labor of love,” Smith shared, emphasizing how deeply intertwined his personal‍ history and professional career are with SModcastle. ⁢As he prepares to debut his film and interact with a new generation of moviegoers alongside longtime ‌fans, he is fulfilling‌ a dream that he ⁢once imagined as a teenager frequenting⁤ the ‍same theater.

Ultimately,‌ SModcastle‌ Cinemas stands as a testament not only to ‍Smith’s ‌resilience⁤ and creativity ⁤in the face of industry changes but also as a celebration of community, storytelling, and the magic of movies that transcend generations.​ By fostering an inclusive environment where anyone can engage with film culture—whether through screenings, special events, or ⁢filmmaking classes—Smith⁤ hopes to ensure‌ that SModcastle remains a vibrant hub ‌for all who⁢ share a⁣ love for cinema. “Everyone deserves a place⁢ to come and enjoy films,”⁤ he remarked, a sentiment reflected in the welcoming atmosphere of his theater.

With a vision that seeks to enhance the cinematic experience while honoring the past, Kevin Smith’s journey from filmmaker to theater owner encapsulates the spirit of independence that exemplifies his career. Whether through nostalgic films ‍or innovative projects like “The 4:30 Movie,” Smith is determined to keep the love of ⁢film alive, making SModcastle a cherished destination for cinephiles far and⁤ wide.