Kevin Smith is an indie writer/director/actor who was made famous by the 1994 movie "Clerks" - Made for US$27,000 on all black and white stock with the money coming from selling his comic book collection and insurance money from his car. His production company is called "View Askew" Clerks was a breakthrough film for independent filmmakers. It grossed just over US$3 Million. Not bad on an investment, eh? Smith also wrote and directed Mallrats, Chasing Amy, and Dogma. He is currently (12/2000) working on Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back for release in Mid 2001. He is also credited as an executive producer in Good Will Hunting, which was written by Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, both of which have starred in movies by Smith.