Released in 1998, SLC Punk is a seminal independent film that follows the lives of two young punk rebels—Stevo and Heroin Bob—as they navigate the conservative landscape of Salt Lake City, Utah in the early 1980s. Starring Matthew Lillard and Michael A. Goorjian, the film is a raw, unflinching exploration of youth counterculture, challenging social norms, and the contradictions of rebellion.
What began as an indie film with limited theatrical release has grown into a powerful cultural touchstone that continues to resonate with audiences decades later. Through its honest portrayal of friendship, identity crisis, and the search for authenticity in a seemingly conformist world, SLC Punk captured something timeless about the struggle to define oneself against societal expectations.
In 2016, James Merendino returned to this universe with "Punk's Dead: SLC Punk 2," starring Devon Sawa, James Duval, Ben Schnetzer, Machine Gun Kelly, and Hannah Marks. The sequel follows the story of Heroin Bob's son, Ross, and revisits many of the original characters. The sequel explored how punk's ethos and spirit evolved across generations, expanding the film's mythology and bringing the franchise to new audiences.
THE PROJECT
We're thrilled to announce our documentary ONLY POSERS DIE: WHY SLC PUNK LIVES ON exploring the enduring legacy of SLC PUNK! This film will first investigate why certain 90s indie movies achieved cult status, with a specific focus on the rebellious spirit and lasting impact of SLC Punk. While featuring interviews with original filmmakers, cultural experts, and cast members, this documentary places the spotlight where it truly belongs: on the passionate fans who've kept this counterculture classic alive for decades.
AUTHENTIC VISION
This documentary will be produced by James Merendino, the original writer and director of both SLC Punk films. James brings his intimate knowledge and artistic vision to this project, ensuring an authentic exploration of the film's legacy and impact.
PROJECT TIMELINE
We want to be transparent with our supporters: this will be an ongoing project developed over approximately two years. James will be working on this documentary between his other film projects, allowing for a thoughtful, in-depth approach that does justice to the subject matter. This extended timeline enables us to thoroughly explore the film's impact and collect comprehensive fan contributions from around the world. This Campaign is to raise funds for the shoots we have planned in 2025.
90's CULT MOVIES
This documentary will dive into the wider phenomenon of 1990s cult movies, films that, whether by accident or design, forged intense, personal connections with passionate, sometimes obsessive fanbases. It’s about the outsider spirit that thrived in this era, when scrappy indie productions and subversive stories carved out new spaces in cinema. From the time-looped melancholy of Donnie Darko to the anarchic nihilism of Doom Generation, the stoner nostalgia of Dazed and Confused to the raw DIY charm of Clerks, these films captured a generation’s restless energy — and built lasting communities that still keep their spirit alive today. SLC Punk is a stand out among these movies for alternative communities.
WHY THIS MATTERS
SLC Punk captured the raw spirit of life on the fringes. Its unfiltered portrayal of punk life in Salt Lake City continues to speak to new generations of outsiders — those who don’t fit neatly into the molds society sets. This film gave a voice, a place, and a kind of messy, beautiful permission to be yourself. This documentary explores how and why SLC Punk remains an anthem for the displaced and the defiant, examining everything from its unforgettable dialogue to its fearless dive into themes of identity, alienation, and the need to find a tribe where you truly belong.
GET INVOLVED
Pre-production begins this July in Salt Lake City, and we want YOU to be part of this historic project! We're offering multiple ways for fans to contribute their passion:
- Share your personal stories about what SLC Punk means to you
- Submit footage of your character cosplay or scene re-enactments
- Musicians can submit original songs capturing the film's spirit
- Bands can contribute concert performances that embody the punk ethos
- Showcase your SLC Punk tattoos and memorabilia
Even if your submission doesn't make the final documentary cut, it will be featured in a special companion piece released alongside the film—ensuring every fan contribution is recognized and celebrated.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
By supporting this project, you're not just funding a documentary, you're preserving an important piece of counterculture history and helping introduce SLC Punk to a whole new generation, all under the guidance of the visionary who created the original cult classic.
SCHEDULE SHOOTS
This production will be an ongoing love project to honor SLC Punk and its fans' legacy with shoots in SLC, LA, NYC and more.
We are working on setting up a first shoot in SLC this Summer that will include a meet and greet with fans and interviews with local personalities.
Stay tuned!
Perks
Your name will be immortalized in film history! As a thank you for your support, your name will be featured in the end credits of the documentary under the "Supporters" section. This is your chance to be officially recognized as someone who helped bring this film to life.
Details:
- Your full name (as you provide it) will appear in the end credits
- Credits will be shown in the final cut of the documentary for all screenings and distributions
- You'll receive confirmation when production is complete
- Perfect for fans who want to be part of SLC Punk's legacy
Note: Names will be reviewed for appropriateness. We reserve the right to refuse inappropriate submissions.
Become part of the SLC Punk legacy! Do you have an SLC Punk tattoo, photos of yourself dressed as a character from the film, or pictures with our cast and crew? Here's your chance to have your fan tribute immortalized in our documentary.
Details:
- Submit your photo showing your SLC Punk tattoo, character cosplay, or meeting with cast/crew
- Your submission may be featured in the actual documentary or included in the end credits
- All selected images will receive credit with your name
- You'll receive notification if your submission is selected for inclusion
- Digital copies must be the highest resolution possible
- Physical photos can be sent to our production address (details provided after backing)
Note: All submissions will be reviewed for quality and appropriateness. By submitting, you grant us permission to use your image in the documentary.
Share your passion for SLC Punk on screen! This is your opportunity to be featured in our documentary by submitting a video clip expressing what the movie means to you or recreating your favorite scene.
Details:
- Submit a short video (60-90 seconds recommended) sharing why you love SLC Punk or recreating a memorable scene
- Your clip may be featured in the documentary or included in special features
- Selected submissions will be credited with your name
- You'll receive notification if your submission is selected for inclusion
- Videos should be high quality (1080p or higher recommended)
- Submission instructions will be provided after backing
Note: All submissions will be reviewed for quality and appropriateness. By submitting, you grant us permission to use your video in the documentary and related materials.
We are planning local meet and greets if you need help getting filmed starting with one in Salt Lake this Summer and another in one in New York in the Fall.
Get your music in our documentary! This exclusive opportunity allows musicians and bands to have their original song featured in the SLC Punk documentary soundtrack.
Details:
- Submit your original song for the documentary soundtrack
- Your song will be featured in the film
- You and your band/project will be credited in the end credits and soundtrack listings
- Appropriate scenes will be selected by our production team to complement your music
- Professional audio quality required (submission specifications provided after backing)
Legal Requirements:
- Song must be 100% original and you must own all rights to the music and lyrics
- You must sign a limited license agreement allowing us to use your song in the documentary
- You will retain ownership of your music while granting us permission for inclusion
- No covers or samples of copyrighted material permitted
Note: All submissions will be reviewed for quality, appropriateness, and thematic fit. If the song you submitted doesn't fit. we will ask you to submit other songs. Multiple songs may be selected depending on quality and documentary needs.
The name of your company and logo at the end of the movie listed as a sponsor.
The name of your company and logo at the end of the movie listed as a sponsor + your product featured in the documentary as well as a soundbite.
Join our filmmaking team with an prestigious Associate Producer credit on our SLC Punk documentary!
Details:
- Your name will appear in the end credits as "Associate Producer"
- You'll be listed on IMDb in the film's credits (if you have or create an IMDb account)
- Receive exclusive updates throughout the production process with insider information not shared with other backers
- Invitation to provide feedback on a rough cut of the documentary (digital access)
- Special thank you in our production documentation
- All lower-tier rewards included (name in credits, etc.)
- Personalized certificate of your Associate Producer credit
What This Means:
- This is primarily a honorary title to recognize your significant financial contribution
- The role does not include creative control or decision-making authority over the film
- You won't be required to perform any production duties, but your support makes the project possible
Note: Associate Producer credits will appear in alphabetical order in a dedicated section of the end credits. We reserve the right to refuse inappropriate name submissions.
The name of your company and logo at the beginning of the movie listed as a sponsor in the opening credits. Brought to you by.
This perk includes coming with our crew to shoot your concert on location.
Showcase your band in our documentary! This premium opportunity will allows a band to have footage of their live performance featured in the SLC Punk documentary.
Details:
- If selected, a portion of your performance will be featured in the documentary
- Your band/act will be credited in the end credits and listed as a contributing artist
- Performance should capture the spirit and energy that resonates with SLC Punk culture
- You'll receive notification when yourBand is selected to coordinate our shoot
Legal Requirements:
- You must own all rights to the performance, music, and footage submitted
- You must sign a limited license agreement allowing us to use your performance in the documentary
- Your band will retain ownership of your music while granting us permission for inclusion
- Performance must be of original music (no covers of copyrighted material)
Highlights
See all activity116SLC Summer Shoot
We are planning a meet and greet Shoot in Salt Lake City this Summer for fans who picked the video perk and need help getting their testimonial shot on video. Stay tuned for more details.
Activity
Your name will be immortalized in film history! As a thank you for your support, your name will be featured in the end credits of the documentary under the "Supporters" section. This is your chance to be officially recognized as someone who helped bring this film to life.
Details:
- Your full name (as you provide it) will appear in the end credits
- Credits will be shown in the final cut of the documentary for all screenings and distributions
- You'll receive confirmation when production is complete
- Perfect for fans who want to be part of SLC Punk's legacy
Note: Names will be reviewed for appropriateness. We reserve the right to refuse inappropriate submissions.
Become part of the SLC Punk legacy! Do you have an SLC Punk tattoo, photos of yourself dressed as a character from the film, or pictures with our cast and crew? Here's your chance to have your fan tribute immortalized in our documentary.
Details:
- Submit your photo showing your SLC Punk tattoo, character cosplay, or meeting with cast/crew
- Your submission may be featured in the actual documentary or included in the end credits
- All selected images will receive credit with your name
- You'll receive notification if your submission is selected for inclusion
- Digital copies must be the highest resolution possible
- Physical photos can be sent to our production address (details provided after backing)
Note: All submissions will be reviewed for quality and appropriateness. By submitting, you grant us permission to use your image in the documentary.
Share your passion for SLC Punk on screen! This is your opportunity to be featured in our documentary by submitting a video clip expressing what the movie means to you or recreating your favorite scene.
Details:
- Submit a short video (60-90 seconds recommended) sharing why you love SLC Punk or recreating a memorable scene
- Your clip may be featured in the documentary or included in special features
- Selected submissions will be credited with your name
- You'll receive notification if your submission is selected for inclusion
- Videos should be high quality (1080p or higher recommended)
- Submission instructions will be provided after backing
Note: All submissions will be reviewed for quality and appropriateness. By submitting, you grant us permission to use your video in the documentary and related materials.
We are planning local meet and greets if you need help getting filmed starting with one in Salt Lake this Summer and another in one in New York in the Fall.
Get your music in our documentary! This exclusive opportunity allows musicians and bands to have their original song featured in the SLC Punk documentary soundtrack.
Details:
- Submit your original song for the documentary soundtrack
- Your song will be featured in the film
- You and your band/project will be credited in the end credits and soundtrack listings
- Appropriate scenes will be selected by our production team to complement your music
- Professional audio quality required (submission specifications provided after backing)
Legal Requirements:
- Song must be 100% original and you must own all rights to the music and lyrics
- You must sign a limited license agreement allowing us to use your song in the documentary
- You will retain ownership of your music while granting us permission for inclusion
- No covers or samples of copyrighted material permitted
Note: All submissions will be reviewed for quality, appropriateness, and thematic fit. If the song you submitted doesn't fit. we will ask you to submit other songs. Multiple songs may be selected depending on quality and documentary needs.
The name of your company and logo at the end of the movie listed as a sponsor.
The name of your company and logo at the end of the movie listed as a sponsor + your product featured in the documentary as well as a soundbite.
Join our filmmaking team with an prestigious Associate Producer credit on our SLC Punk documentary!
Details:
- Your name will appear in the end credits as "Associate Producer"
- You'll be listed on IMDb in the film's credits (if you have or create an IMDb account)
- Receive exclusive updates throughout the production process with insider information not shared with other backers
- Invitation to provide feedback on a rough cut of the documentary (digital access)
- Special thank you in our production documentation
- All lower-tier rewards included (name in credits, etc.)
- Personalized certificate of your Associate Producer credit
What This Means:
- This is primarily a honorary title to recognize your significant financial contribution
- The role does not include creative control or decision-making authority over the film
- You won't be required to perform any production duties, but your support makes the project possible
Note: Associate Producer credits will appear in alphabetical order in a dedicated section of the end credits. We reserve the right to refuse inappropriate name submissions.
The name of your company and logo at the beginning of the movie listed as a sponsor in the opening credits. Brought to you by.
This perk includes coming with our crew to shoot your concert on location.
Showcase your band in our documentary! This premium opportunity will allows a band to have footage of their live performance featured in the SLC Punk documentary.
Details:
- If selected, a portion of your performance will be featured in the documentary
- Your band/act will be credited in the end credits and listed as a contributing artist
- Performance should capture the spirit and energy that resonates with SLC Punk culture
- You'll receive notification when yourBand is selected to coordinate our shoot
Legal Requirements:
- You must own all rights to the performance, music, and footage submitted
- You must sign a limited license agreement allowing us to use your performance in the documentary
- Your band will retain ownership of your music while granting us permission for inclusion
- Performance must be of original music (no covers of copyrighted material)
