0
Pulp Fiction mastermind Quentin Tarantino told how his early career spent working in a video store not only gave him encyclopaedic knowledge of film, but also helped him learn about the best way to market movies.
The director credited his days working in the ‘trenches,’ behind the counter of the Manhattan Beach video store, in LA, with giving him insight into how the distribution arm of the industry worked.
Quentin said he used that knowledge to good effect in delaying the release of Pulp Fiction onto VHS, to maintain the cult following it won.
Speaking at the Variety Home Entertainment Hall of fame induction ceremony he said: “I said we should hold off on the home video release of Pulp Fiction for nine months.
“The easiest way to kill a cult is to make that cult accessible.”
Quentin added he was surprised to find himself in the company of such honorees as Steven Spielberg and Cubby Broccoli, previous Variety Home Entertainment Hall of Fame inductees.
He said: “They produced movies that made a lot of money. I figure I’m getting this this because I’m a video store guy.”
Many of Tarantino’s collaborators paid tribute to the Kill Bill director on a reel projected at the ceremony, including producer Lawrence Bender, Weinstein Co. toppers Bob and Harvey Weinstein.
Sony Pictures Entertainment co-chair Amy Pascal, and actor Samuel Jackson who said: “Quentin and I share a love for Asian cinema” and Rosario Dawson who added: “Watching ‘Reservoir Dogs’ over and over was like Acting 101 for me.”