Kevin Smith sold his comic book collection and maxed-out his credit cards to make this, his black-and-white 1994 slacker comedy debut. It cost just $27,575. Made with the help of his friends and featuring a cast of non-professional actors, Smith made filmed Clerks in the Quick Stop convenience store and R.S.T Video at night after he had finished working the day shift. Full of wonderful vulgarities and absurd scenarios, Smith's film was a hit at the Cannes Film Festival where it was bought and distributed by Miramax, netting a tidy profit (over $3m) and launching Smith's career as writer/director/Silent Bob. Clerks spawned a sequel, 2006's Clerks II and third sequel is currently in development. The original is considered a cult classic and its influence can be felt on much of the late '90s indie output.
