Kevin Smith hit upon a nifty idea a few days ago when he agreed to show the world the first character poster for horror film Red State: he asked fans and followers on Twitter to donate more than $1,000 in 30 minutes to the Wayne Foundation, an organisation that helps runaway and abducted kids who fall prey to sex crimes. Modifying that model, he has now auctioned off the rights to host the next poster, which this time features the film’s Big Bad, religious fundamentalist Abin Cooper (Michael Parkes).
After some frenzied bidding that again lasted around 30 minutes (we did our best, but couldn’t raise enough, even when we held our own Nick de Semlyen upside down and shook him), Giant Fire Breathing Robot won out, pledging $2,000, which Smith is matching for a grand total of $4,000.
This time, the charity in question is author Mitch Albom’s Have Faith Haiti appeal, which is, according to their site, “dedicated to the safety, education, health and spiritual development of Haiti’s impoverished children and orphans.” So you know the money’s going to a good cause.
To see the poster in its full size, head on over to Giant Fire Breathing Robot.
We're promised more posters on the way and, according to the man himself, Smith is now planning to auction off the chance to host the teaser trailer for the movie. If anyone needs us, we’ll be raiding the office swear box for funds to bid with. Should be good for, oh, a few billion quid. Especially after press day.
**Red State **is off to Sundance next month, on the hunt for a buyer…