Since ‘The Shawshank Redemption’ had such a low box office opening, TNT was able to buy the television rights to it for a ridiculously low rate.
After the film gained popularity, the network could charge high advertising rates when airing the film at a low cost. This means that the network airs the film often while making lots of money in the process.
A Life-Changing Audition
Fat Ass, the 'Shawshank' inmate who gets beaten to death, is played by Frank Medrano. One of the people who originally came to audition for that part is actor Jon Favreau, who didn't get the part.
In an interview he gave to Empire Magazine, he said that the audition was the worst he's ever had. Apparently, he doesn't resent the experience, as it encouraged him to live a healthier life and lose weight.
The Bromance
Modern-day movies are bound to have a romantic relationship or two written into their script. 'The Shawshank Redemption', however, isn't big on romance.
Still, that doesn't mean there is no love story there. One of the greatest things about the film, as Tim Robbins once said, is that it has a non-sexual love story happening between two men. True bromance in all its glory.
Red Didn't Smoke
Cigarettes are common currency in prisons just as they were in 'Shawshank'.
There were several scenes in which we saw Red trafficking in cigarettes or even just having them in his possession. Surprisingly, however, he is never really seen smoking a cigarette.
Picture Picking
Other than the memorable posters, Andy's cell had a few other pictures on its walls. You would expect that they would be put up there by an art director or a set designer but you'd be wrong.
All those small pictures were actually picked by Tim Robbins himself. Decorating the cell must have helped him better tap into Andy's character.