How this came to be
My name is Tucker Brennan. As far back as I can remember, I was obsessed with film and home video. I have manifested this passion on social media. I gained some notoriety on Vine, but I have relocated since their demise to Instagram (@ogvhs). For years, I have had the dream of making a career out of my passion. Now, it can become a reality.
A generation ago, director Kevin Smith introduced us to the existential hell of menial retail jobs in his seminal independent comedy Clerks. Quick Stop, the convenience store that has spanned Smith’s View Askewniverse in subsequent decades, still stands. The neighbor business, RST Video, has long since closed. In fact, in Smith’s forthcoming Jay and Silent Bob Reboot, the mecca of hit movies like Happy Scrappy Hero Pup, The Best of Both Worlds, and Navy Seals has been replaced with a Redbox.
Now, our vision is to resurrect RST Video as it was in its heyday, and then some. This not just a nostalgia haven, or a recreation of a cinematic landmark.
By reopening the store, we plan to offer a tangible experience that has dwindled in the wake of streaming and, yes, Redbox. Our hope is that RST Video can usher the video store into the era of social media. We plan to create an experience that caters to everyone’s niche. Entertainment is not uniform the way it was in the golden age of video stores.
That is why we intend for RST Video to be a boutique store that caters to as many niches as possible within our space, including:
- Home video sales and rentals on DVD, Blu-ray, 4K Blu-ray, and of course, VHS and other retro formats, including the original RST Video stock;
- An impeccable selection of video game consoles and games, also available for sale and rent;
- Antique electronics, from VCR’s to turntables;
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And much more.
We are planning to open the doors to a fresh, unique destination with the intention of keeping video store culture and physical media alive. This, my friends, is the pop-culture paradise we have dreamed of for 25 years.
What We Need & What You Get
· While much of the store and stock have been untouched, there is a great deal of work to be done to renovate the store. We need to replace shelving, install a modern rental system, restore the signage, and promote the new RST Video!
· In exchange for your support, we have a lot of merchandise and experiences available, including RST-branded clothing, invites to the grand opening, swag boxes, and more!
· We have an agreement in place with the owners. RST Video WILL open. However, if we fail, any unused funds will be donated to Family Promise of Monmouth County Food and Shelter Services in Middletown, NJ.
Risks & Challenges
If you are not a fan of Kevin Smith or do not get the appeal of a video store in 2019, rest assured that this we plan to stand alone in practice, if not spirit.
- We understand Smith’s fans.
- We know how much we value the significance of RST video, as well as the looming shadow of video store nostalgia.
- VHS is making a comeback! Even if you do not plan to buy or rent tapes, there will be plenty more to gravitate you.
- We cannot do this without you! Tell us what you want to see at RST VIDEO!
Other Ways You Can Help
Even if you can’t help financially, you can still help us spread the word about this campaign and about RST’s reopening! Every mention, post, tweet, and message helps us get one step closer! We appreciate any form of support!
Spread the word on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, or whatever social media platform you use, and remember to use the tools on this campaign to share this Indiegogo!
