Trivia: The movie is inspired by "Vulgar the Clown," the original mascot for Kevin Smith's production company View Askew. The mascot was created for Smith's breakout hit "Clerks." Smith, director Bryan Johnson and their friend Walt Flannagan (who designed the clown) had fun one boring night by making up a dark backstory for the character. Johnson fell in love with the story and asked Smith if he could write and direct a film about it. Smith happily gave Johnson his blessing.