Foul and funny American screenwriter, director and production company founder Kevin Smith will visit Miami University and host a Q&A with a comedic vibe.
Smith, of View Askew Productions, is the man behind such films as Clerks, Dogma, Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back, and the newly released Zack and Miri Make a Porno.
The event will be held at 7:30 p.m. Sat. Nov. 22 at Millett Hall.
Smith, who was born and raised in New Jersey, began college as a film major but dropped out shortly after he started and used his tuition reimbursement to fund his first film.
Clerks, his first film, was shot at the same convenience store where Smith worked before developing the concept to create a film based around the life of a convenience store clerk.
In 1994, Clerks premiered at the Sundance Film Festival where Smith won the Filmmaker's Trophy. The film was quickly picked up by Miramax to be released in select cities.
David Sheldrick, assistant director of the Performing Arts Series, said Smith has a huge cult following among college-aged people.
"His act is all Q&A and he just goes crazy with it," Sheldrick said. "It's going to be like stand-up comedy."
Sheldrick said Smith was very open to the idea of coming to Miami. According to Sheldrick, Smith only makes six appearances each year due to his schedule with directing films.
Performing Arts Series Director Patti Hannan-Liberatore along with Sheldrick heard about Smith through a friend who was able to see one of his acts before.
Sheldrick said he and Hannan-Liberatore jumped at the chance to have Smith make Miami be one of his six performances for the year.
"Smith is going to provide a night of pure entertainment with no academic worries," Sheldrick said.
Sophomore Aaron Bindi had heard of Smith's upcoming visit and said he is a fan of the Jersey Series, a nickname name for Smith's films.
"I love all of his movies and am planning on going to the event if I can find some friends who will go with me," Bindi said.
Junior Matt Gerlach also recognized Smith but was unaware of his upcoming visit to Miami.
"I have seen Clerks, which was a great film, but I'm not sure whether or not I will be going to the event." Gerlach said.
Tickets for the event are $40 and are currently on sale at the Shriver Center Box Office. Sheldrick said the event has sold roughly 500 tickets so far, meaning several are still available.
The event will have adult content and language that is not recommended for children.
