Hard blowing, sideways snowing, coffee flowing – Saturday chill!
Hard blowing, sideways snowing, coffee flowing – Saturday chill! So it was a long week but so very productive. Let’s start with premiere showings. Thursday night at the GRAM (Grand Rapids Art Museum) fans got a 1st look at “7 Stones”. This action/drama is a very strong character study with lessons to be learned. They are going to spend the final 3 weeks polishing the sound mix and CGI. It was a fine night and I was proud to be there with all the other artists. Other festival and public theatricals will be coming. We have a meeting next week to discuss the course of all this.
Last night in San Diego at the San Diego Black Film Festival “Locked in a Room” had a 1st showing. I was not able to attend as I had the premiere the night before as the male star and tomorrow I have a NYC trip to pick up film stock. So I’m very interested to see what the audience reaction was to the film as I have yet to see the full finished film.
Several of my films are prepped to go out to the marketplace with NEW VIDEO distribution. They are best known for cable network releases and we were awaiting them to finalize their Wal-Mart deal. They also announced they now have a theatrical division from a merger. We also have a deal in the works to work with Missionary International to focus on the faith retailers. I’m hearing late 2nd quarter for the titles which will include Blu-Ray releases of “An Ordinary Killer,” “Judges” and “Blood Ties” and DVD/VOD releases of “Figure in the Forest” and “Heaven’s Neighbors”.
It has been decided that a high-end action packed investor trailer for “Sherwood Horror” will be shot to show the studios. So I’ll be prepping to play Rob Locksley which will be shot in VA with some of my close actor friends that have been cast by director John Regan. I’ve been training daily as I always do but I’m going to step that up some so I can really bring the action. Needless to say – I’m excited.
Also I’m limited to what I can say on this project but I had the pleasure of reading the final shoot script on a project I’ll be shooting in Dearborn, MI, New Orleans and Toronto. This project is with the same team doing the “In Our Time” (Jesus) project but is first on the slate. I can announce that it is called “Henry Ford: An American Legend” and I know that it is already in process with the Michigan Film Office. This is slated for a May/June start and will release with a major studio. I’ll release more info as I’m allowed.
I’ve got several projects in the Feb-April time frame and we will see where the pieces fall. We also have several projects of our own in development and they are looking strong. I also heard the rough draft of “Darkest Night” at the theatrical run time is done and they will be polishing that up with March being the finish date.
I’ll wrap this up for now. There is a lot of 2012 business at hand. Work hard and create your own opportunities. They don’t all come and drop in your lap so be smart.
I hope you all have a productive week!
DJ
RIP Bill McKinney – Appreciate the Artists
So I want to start my post this morning honoring a great actor whom I had the pleasure of working with on our Lionsgate western “Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town” (Comcast On Demand, Netflix, Amazon). This actor is Mr. Bill McKinney famous for many roles in great films such as “Deliverance,” “The Outlaw Josey Wales” and of course my favorite playing my father in GHOST TOWN. I recall doing producing paperwork at Robert Bradley’s home and on TV I’m watching Clint Eastwood and Bill verbal spar on-screen. I remember thinking “tomorrow is my turn” to play with this great actor. Our 1st day together was shooting the father/son stable scene and it is currently one of the 1st scenes on my reel as I believe it reflects some of my best work. Bill felt the scene because of not always seeing eye-to-eye with his own son and God knows my father and I have also had our disagreements. So the scene really worked and we had great respect for each other from that first day. I have been looking forward to the next time we would work together but yesterday I got word that told me I would just have to appreciate the time we had. Bill McKinney passed away from throat cancer. His family said two weeks earlier he was shooting a commercial for DORITOS which doesn’t surprise me as the man was a battle axe. I hope the commercial is for the Superbowl because that would be a fitting send off. To work with Bill was to work with true greatness. It is why I will continue to be a fan of working with the aging vets of our industry despite what some casting folks say about BUZZ, HEAT and FLAVOR OF THE MONTH type B.S.. When the goal is to make a good film go to the old pros! They will add so much depth to your roles, your film and they are doing it for the love of the craft! So I want to give my on-screen dad a heartfelt send off. I only hope that I can be part of a string of hit films like he was. When it comes to intensity he could stand toe to toe with ANYONE. Cheers to Bill!
This week had me working film sales, development on no less than 4 different films and discussing acting roles in a few other movies for 2012. I did read a cool script the other night and I’m in discussions on that film. I’m told another director wants me to look at a role in a Michigan film so I expect to take another read soon. I’ve been doing a bit of writing on a script I’ve had upstairs in the nugget for quite a while so that has been enjoyable. I’ve also been sending paperwork around on the upcoming studio films I’ve got moving down the line. So overall it has been a very busy week. Thankfully I’m almost back to feeling myself again. I had a hard time with jet lag and came home just slightly sick.
We do have some casting calls slowly rolling out. You can seek out the COLLECTIVE DEVELOPMENT INC. Facebook site as they are posting there first. The first call was for a very experienced actor of Indian (India) background/look. Those who know me can attest how much stock I put into reels of previous work. Cold auditions suck and never yield the same results as seeing the actor in the real deal. So if you’ve been slacking on putting a reel together or getting your footage of past work – do so.
We’re also going to be posting at the CDI Facebook site to see if any female TRIPLETS that have that country girl “Daisy Mae” sort of vibe exist in Michigan or the surrounding states. I also heard that some of the Michigan film incentives were going to be back in action for 2012 so that is good news!
On the personal level I asked for some beautiful snow and boy we sure did get some. Almost eight inches of the white covered everything in the Lansing area. I’m going to have to do a little clean up as the heavy snow brought down a heavy tree branch on a portion of the garden fence. Not a problem as fences can be mended and now we have some more kindling to burn in the fire pit.
I will leave you all with the plea that next time you work on a project with a group of artists truly appreciate that opportunity because as the wheel of life turns we will lose friends and peers. On the CDI Facebook site there is also an album that honors many of the fellow artists that have passed on. Remember and respect those artists who made their mark and passed on. Appreciate the artists and the moments spent with them. They are your history and part of your mythology.
DJ
Congrats to the New Tribal Folk at CDI!
The first sips of coffee in the morning taste so wonderful and again I ponder the need to find a good coffee endorsement. I had a busy week but I’m still managing to really enjoy the season. MSU had a great football win over UofM and I was happy to see that! Now if the Lions do there thing today it will be even better. Yesterday was a full day starting early and so I didn’t get to my blog. Today I also have a family brunch so I’m trying to fit this in now. If I’m still sleepy as I type please forgive me.
I’ve got my travel plans arranged for the “Darkest Night” premiere and promotions in the Philippines. It seems the “7 Stones” premiere is gonna be closer to Xmas due to FX work and sound design. Still no word on “Benjamin” and “Locked in a Room” premiere dates yet. I will say that with “Renovation” – the deal is about complete and we are clarifying our final three points before we roll out with that. I’m also working with GPI on setting a deal to release “Renovation” in the Philippines theatrically in addition to the limited release here in the US. Check out the film site www.renovationthemovie.com if you have not.
I had communications yesterday with the “In Our Time” folks and I need to get up with them on scheduling. The word is that on their slate our film has been moved up to #1. This project has a lot of interest worldwide. There is a lot of great info I have concerning this project but can only wait until production releases certain updates.
It is not to early to be planning 2012 – that should be a fun-filled year with projects. Many films are in the running for production in 2012. A film will launch when it is truly ready. There are so many elements that need to line up to make some of the larger projects go forward. I continue my weekly development talks and I will say we have some great films in the hopper.
I want to give a big congrats to the CDI sales team on their 1st sponsorship sales of the 1st Lansing showing of “Outside the Wire”. So congrats to Mr. John Demarco and Mr. Jeff Watson. Also a nod to our in-house legal Mr. Eric Nelson who has been untangling some of our past business dealings that went astray. I want to recognize these folks for their hard work and happy they are part of the COLLECTIVE DEVELOPMENT tribe!
Have a wonderful Sunday!
DJ
Premieres, Puppies and Philippines!
The heat has made a small roar back into Michigan. It has been an enjoyable holiday weekend already. On the football tip – both the Det. Lions and MSU put checks in the win BOX. We’ve got the week off from soccer but won our last two games. I even scored and had an assist in each game which does not always happen. I like the team mentality and often prefer the “pass off” vs the “glory goal”. Many large artistic endeavors are team efforts vs the individual actions. They often contain individual artistic endeavors but they are all woven together as one piece of collective art.
Furthermore, this weekend has been made special by the fact that we got a new rescue puppy that will be trained to be the ongoing guard dog. We have a great guard dog now but she is getting up there in age. We also figured that the training would be easier with a good role model. So, now there is a little understudy named “Luke”. A handsome coffee-color dude with blue/green eyes that will surely be a welcome new family addition. Our current “baby dog” is 4 and is having a slight adjustment as all her toys get played with. She is the younger dog and a real love bug but not a true guard dog. More like an alarm and if we had animals to herd she would be in her element. The total now reads 3 dogs and 3 cats and I think our wildlife rescue is good and complete for now.
Onto the Movie news -
I’m being told that November will be the premiere screenings for “Locked in a Room”. Actually it looks like I’ll have many films showings that month. I’m still waiting to hear on “Benjamin” premiere screenings but I know that “Darkest Night” and “Seven Stones” are both suppose to show in November. I will have much to be thankful for:)
Follow that with a slew of December releases and a line up 2012 roles already underway and that equals BUSY. My attorney is currently working on shoot dates for “Madam CJ” and “In Our Time”. We were told the business structures are now set up and final structuring/casting is underway. I also hope to have more info on “Shadows of Death” my follow-up Philippine shoot with GPI. That will have us casting one American Jodi Foster type in a lead role. Casting notices will circulate soon.
Development activity has been – WIN some, LOSE some with some projects jumping ahead with packaging and others taking a step back. I guess that is the way of things. We will be announcing some development updates on certain projects via a series of press releases this month. You can only do your best and often good things will follow.
We do have a couple of “Outside the Wire” showings happening this month is Lansing, MI and so I’m excited for the hometown crowd to see this amazing story! I will do a complete post of times and dates in my next update. It is towards the end of the month and I hope many of you can make it out.
Also look for a new Leading Lady announcement on Pepper’s www.djperryfanclub.com site.
Have a safe and fun-filled weekend.
DJ
No Freaky Deaky in Michigan and more…
The sun is shinning and the cold is slowly giving way to springtime buds. I had a busy week and a relaxing weekend. Now I wanted to share with you a few highlights of the week. First I’ve been in schedule craziness as I have 3 projects lined up back to back and I’m trying to work them all properly. As of yesterday my return trip to finish “Resurrection” in Las Vegas is being pushed to after Asia (Darkest Night) primarily due to a 2 week prep time I placed on myself for “Darkest Night” which includes final focus on character, change of looks, packing, getting stateside business in order. It was too much of a push on us both.
I have a TV film I’m co-starring in called “7 Stones” that I’m to do with director/writer Tom Norton. He’s the longtime friend I’ve been slowly developing the WW2 film “Operation Ruthless” with. Table read coming up once they conclude casting my female lead. That will also shoot soon after I return from Asia. As for the Asia (Philippines) film they have almost concluded crewing and casting over there. I’m one of two Americans the other being the writer/producer cameo but I’ve very excited about the whole trip.
Very good distribution talks this week on “Outside the Wire” which premieres at the Ohio Film Festival and now with the Vegas push I may be able to attend. These talks also extend to “Renovation” our horror/thriller and foreign rights on a few of our films including “Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town”.
Speaking of this fine film we have also started some business with “Popcorn Sutton’s Tennessee White Whiskey” a company owned in part by Hank Williams Jr. after the passing of our friend Popcorn. He was in our Ghost Town film and there was a logical path of business and so it happened. I want to explore some foreign cross promotion between our western and the whiskey which goes international in a few months.
We’re waiting to see if our paperwork holds up with the Michigan film office on “Wild Michigan” which we are trying to get rolling this year. We’ve got more distribution companies on board and the value of this property has been noticed so pray. I will note that if the rebate doesn’t hold it may become “Wild Canada” which would be too bad for Michigan.
Speaking on this whole matter I do know right from the horses mouth (Sorry Charlie) that “Freaky Deaky” is NOT coming to Michigan because of the rebate situation. I was approached early on about a supporting role in that film and I thought how cool it was to film here. I had drinks years ago with Elmore Leonard at Motor Club in Hamtramck and look forward to working on the film. Looks like another out-of-state trip for me.
Development deals were solidified on “Secondary Heroes” a comedic/horror film and “Long Road Home” (faith drama) and more will be released about this in our PR. Look also to www.cdiproductions.com for new updates. I also had a few more acting offers come in with scripts to look at so I will do some reading this week. I’m way behind on all of my reading but I will play catch up now that I’ve pushed Vegas to after Asia.
I will have forthcoming info on the new studio releasing the CDI drama’s “Heaven’s Neighbors,” “Figure in the Forest, ” and animated children’s film “The Patchwork Girl of Oz” next week. Also we were given our promised update on “In Our Time” the film that many people have been asking about. We were told that updates were being made to the website, new facebook sites, new PR and a new studio! We were in turn around with Lionsgate but now it seems they have gotten out from under that deal and reset at another major studio that they will announce soon.
So I’m gonna refill the Hazelnut coffee and enjoy my Sunday morning and I recommend you all do the same!
DJ
Around the Sun – Seeking Fun
Beautiful snow, bitter chill and the focus of people upon tasks of the New Year is in full swing. This has been a week where I knew people who had a baby born, a friend who had serious surgery and yet another friend who lost a beloved relative. The last one who passed was a very successful businessman who came down with an illness about a year ago. I know at one time he owned a medical company and sold jets yet in the end money mattered not. My pondering this week was IF someone of means knew how they might die would they focus their resources on a cure? I hope that over the next 10 years here we see certain diseases and illnesses go away. I seem to recall a scientist that inflicted himself with a disease to force himself to discover a cure. I still believe laughter to be one of the best preventions. Onto less serious matters…
Golden Globes – Okay one area of the acting world that they never teach you is the glamour PR end of the business. I must have played hookie that day of class. I’m talking about fashion. Ha! It’s a lucky day for me when I match. I do admit that I LOVE jackets and some hats. I have maybe three closets full of these items. Some are character clothes worn in my films. Such as my Wicked Spring or GPS hats. Or my Benjamin and Locked in a Room “Mr. Creepy” jacket. Most production companies have been cool enough to let me have these items. Likely one day some of these items will end up in an auction for the Humane Society. Right now their value is ah – modest. “Worn by who?” 
Off topic again:) OK. So I’ve done some cool events in Boston, NYC, Hollywood, Vegas. Some have included the old red carpet. Funny thing that red carpet. Almost like it is some kind of yellow brick road…except this one is red. Maybe because it seems a little magical. I remember the first giant line of photographers at NIGHT OF 100 STARS lining the red carpet. I’m wearing a tux gotten at some local shop. The girls there at the shop loved helping me. FACT: I really dislike clothes shopping save maybe trying coats on. BOTTOM LINE: I have other friends that have stuff thrown at them to wear at these events. What is their secret?
So can someone in the knowing tell me, how do I get sponsored on clothes for events? In my movies I’ve always had great artists who were PAID to make me match:) Where are they when I have an event to attend? That all said, I like being myself at functions. I feel that my best self is when I’m comfortable. So except in rare situations I dress purely for my comfort. I dress to my approval. Am I some self-centered ego maniac? OR Am I just a person who does not require others approval? I’m a person who sincerely believes that the man makes the clothes and not the other way around. A schmuck in a thousand dollar suit is still a schmuck. Ghandi dressed in a simple sheet is well…Ghandi.
I’ll get my meat suit ready for my next red carpet walk:)
Finding a clothing line sponsor has made my GOAL list this year. Coffee sponsor is STILL on my goal list. Coffee sponsor search went bust last year. On a positive – I’ve continued to use and promote ONE DROP BBQ and hot sauces at many of our grilling outings. This year I plan to make that list grow with products I actually like, use and enjoy. Why not?
OK. Some people have to be saying… “Come on DJ! The movies!” so let’s discuss a few. First RENOVATION will be making its 1st Non-premiere theatrical showing at the Yuma Historic Theater (AZ) March 11th and 12th watch www.renovationthemovie.com for more information. Tickets are $7.50
We’re also working on setting up a Las Vegas theatrical next. I might try something here in Michigan as well.
Acting-wise – I’m on hold for Vegas as they decide if they want to stick with what they have footage-wise or do they want/need any additional shooting. We might have several CDI associated projects underway this year. Some like SHERWOOD HORROR that we’ve talked about before are making some great strides. I’m very happy with the 2011 biz talks and I promise a slew of information here soon.
I will give you this EXCLUSIVE. Many folks on the international fan scene have been asking when DJ Perry is going to do another foreign film. I will say that an offer was made on a script I liked and so pen will be meeting paper very soon. Terms were agreed upon and I’m going to travel to an Asian Island this Spring to film a horror film. I love most horror films but the films now are starting to become very much alike. I find myself looking harder and harder for projects with more unique twists or tone of storytelling. I want to bring something new to you audiences out there.
Foreign film – KARMA CRIME, PASSION, REINCARNATION www.karmacpr.com was my other supernatural thriller filmed in India. I love the vibe of that film. I’m told it will likely be coming to US TV/DVD in 2011. It is very worth a watch!
So I will be giving more info on this new Asian horror film soon. I also have some online interviews coming up talking about RENOVATION, BENJAMIN, RESURRECTION, SILVER LAKE and LOCKED IN A ROOM. I’ve very excited about the product heading out this year!
I’m also helping to produce on this Asian horror film and it will also represent CDI’s (www.cdiproductions.com) first international co-production. Watch CDI site for new updates on this exciting project!
I hear the Texas-based www.djperryfanclub.com will be featuring a new leading lady this week. I’m not going to tell you:) But she is a very talented actresses whom I had the great pleasure of working with on BENJAMIN (the NYC action dramedy). Many new updates on Pepper’s fan site so check it out and tell her anything you would like to see.
Other than that I’ve been working development and reading acting offers. I’ll continue to try to make some good choices in 2011. I feel as I got involved with mostly good projects last year. I’m also close to announcing some CDI work programs. I have a few programs that I need to have final discussions on with my CDI partner Jeff Kennedy. One area will be our Commercial Division. Feel free to look at our Commercial Division on the CDI site.
http://cdiproductions.com/divisions/commercial-division/
We’ve been doing some good work and so if you have need and want some talented folks to produce your doc, infomercial, online promo, music video, making of or TV shows let us know. Feature film is a given:)
The bottom line is growth is coming. New growth to each of us! Just like my pet redwood tree “RED” (original name) who grew 16 inches this past year. I look forward to see what new growth happens for us all on this next trip around the sun.
But…always remember to once in a while let go of the stresses of life, hold your arms high above your head and ENJOY THE RIDE! You never know when it is your time to slide back into the station.
DJ
Humbled and Happy
The rain is coming down and I’m very happy that yesterday was lawn day. I have grass seed down and so this should help. I’ve also been collecting Lilac pedals for some new wine I’m going to try making. If you want to talk about Zen it is one pedal at a time while either talking on the phone or reading lines. I realized that 15 quarts is a LOT of pedals and also that in mass they almost have a waxy feel…ODD.
So I’m happy to announce the fact that the project that I’ve been forced to be hush, hush on is now going public with their PR and so now I can share. I submitted blindly for a role in a very non-descriptive religious film about the time we had finished filming the 1st leg of “Book of Ruth” and I sent materials for the biblical character of Judas. I thought after playing nice guy ‘Benjamin’ I would enjoy another biblical feature but thought maybe a bad guy of sorts would be cool. I sent it off and immediately got no response. Like that? So fast forward 6 months and one Sunday out of the blue I get contacted by this production company with a synopsis and breakdown of this project called “In Our Time” and they said I was of interest to them. Come to find out I was one of 27 actors they were looking at for the lead role of Jesus in this studio picture. Funny thing is about this time Ray our main producer on “Book of Ruth” starts talking about how Pureflix and TBN and random folks are remarking to him how much I remind them of Jesus. So I agree to non disclose anything and read the script. EPIC. Now they want me to talk with producer/writer and explain how I see the character and story line. I honestly think I have a good grasp on the heart and soul of the role and explain my take. I guess I was the only person to pick up on a few major elements. From there I’m told I’m one of the seven they have narrowed down to and the front runner. They became versed in my work and I did a few voice recordings for them and well…the rest is history as they like to say.
I’m happy that I can share a first PR announcement at Christian Cinema and many more will follow. I’m excited that fate also put two of my friends in this film. I was asked about my thoughts on Mr. Rance Howard and Terry Jernigan who were being considered for roles. I think people scan around actors they want to use to get ideas for casting but that said Terry Jernigan has been peppering his career with faith films and they saw him starring in “Pilgrams Progress” I think it was. Rance has worked so much it doesn’t surprise me. I think one of the producers on this film was on “Angels and Demons” and knew Rance that way. Either way it will be nice to work alongside two very good friends of mine.
I will say that the process of being JUST AN ACTOR has been humbling. I realize that with my alpha personality I’m a team player but I have a control aspect to me. I have found it hard at times and frustrating at times to be JUST TALENT. I have made a new vow to try to improve communication between production and cast and crew because being in the dark on a need to know info basis is not fun:) So the experience has been good for me. Also I just worked on lines but just tried to ignore the project because no point in wasting energy mulling over and over on something. When it was time they would contact me and away we would go. So I’m told we start very soon and I’ll get at least a week notice. The 1st leg of the shoot is in Bulgaria I think so it would be nice to know so I can get my home life in order. Enjoy the 1st PR and I’ll let you know more soon.
The talks on WILD MICHIGAN resurrection are going very well. The old project was put down to rest and we are also making moves to bring some justice to those responsible for the 1st false start. As I was told, it was not the time for “Wild Michigan” but we are casting up the final stars and I’m looking to come off “In Our Time” and go into pre-production on “Wild Michigan” but I will know more soon.
Development on the other CDI projects are going great and so I would love to put a whole slate of films into motion. On the personal, my dad is recovering well and can drive again. Remember your mothers out there this Sunday if you have them with you spend some time with them and if they are gone remember them fondly.
Have a great weekend.
DJ
HERE are a few of the links as given to me by production
Please take a moment to check out the buzz from Christian Cinema at http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/newsdesk_info.php?newsdesk_id=1346.
http://sites.google.com/site/inourtimeannouncement/INOURTIMEfilm
Dreams Do Come True…
Yesterday was our first Michigan day in the 80′s and it was nice to bounce between my computer and outside where I could have my phone calls. We are getting the garden around and I’ve been planting and watering some grass seed. I’m sure you are aware that the hazelnut coffee is flowing and I’ve been studying how to make lilac wine. This week I also found some of my early morels and so that is always a little exciting. My father is recovering slower than he would like but patience is required. Patience is something the Perry’s have learned over time as it does not just come naturally. I’m just big on not wasting energy on something until one must. I guess to clarify it is about order of business. Worry, anticipation, want…all these attributes won’t make certain things happen before they should. That said with patience and hard work many developments underway.
UPDATES:
New announced releases – Joining the Aug. 10th FIGURE IN THE FOREST and Aug 24th HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS is THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ (Sept. 7th) and a fan favorite JUDGES gets a special edition release on Oct 21st.
Those who can’t wait FIGURE IN THE FOREST plays TBN on the west coast 5/3 starting at 11:00 pm and on the east coast it plays at 2:00 am on what is 5/4/2010. For those wanting a double dose of inspirational TBN will also show BOOK OF RUTH 5/9 for west coast starting at 9:00 pm but starts 5/10 at midnight on the east coast. You can check the listings on TBN home site.
Development is in full swing on many fronts from Michael Valverde’s “Holly, Jingles and Clyde” to John Regan’s “Sherwood Horror” – post work on “Outside the Wire” is coming to the final stretch and I’ve been giving scene notes on “Renovation” while waiting to see the polished trailer for “Locked in a Room” which has signed Worldwide Film as the sales rep and they will be showcasing it at the Cannes Film Market this year. This year should see a film or two more out of CDI.
“Wild Michigan”(2010) and “A State of Hate” (2011) have been in high gear and we are closing up the casting on our remaining few roles. We will have some great announcements there soon. It is very exciting to have such a renewed energy as Hollywood is discovering the quality of product we are proposing here at the tribe.
I’ve had a few acting offers and so I’ve been reading and talking about taking some time between producing projects to go perform and just enjoy the storytelling. I’ve also been in talks about some management of my acting/writing work. Overall I’m just very happy with how 2010 has been. I’ve only acted on one project this year but have made several deals that are bringing films to you all and also setting things up for future production. I can feel the hardships of 2009 slowly melting away.
To all my artist amigos keep pushing one step at a time. To the fans, thank you so much for all your support. I do enjoy all the feedback and comments I’ve been getting and you all make it all worthwhile. So just a thank you. My 1st films were done by me and my friends in school in place of book reports and final exams and shown in our library. I can’t believe it has grown into all this but I’m so happy that it has. Dreams to come true.
DJ
2:00 am
Here comes ‘Heaven’s’ and ‘Figure’ …
So I woke to the sun shining and birds, yes birds singing. Now the coffee is flowing and I’m looking forward to a good day. I have to say that it has been a VERY busy couple weeks but that is because some good things are in motion. I will share a few new updates with you. So have a sip of your own coffee, (I need a coffee sponsor) don’t laugh… ONE DROP HOT SAUCE and BBQ SAUCES are a sponsor of DJ Perry grill and chills:) Sip your coffee and let’s get to the movie news…
We had a great showing of “The Book of Ruth, Journey of Faith” on TBN, a special presentation with no commercial. I had several people email me or reach out on facebook and that was nice. I encourage viewers to put their thoughts, reviews up on IMDB.com under the film. Of course the trolls and folks with an ax to grind will also come out but like I said before if you don’t take something positive from the film you have issues. WHY? We all face hardships and we all will face death. Friends, love and faith to one another is a lesson that should be taken to heart. It is not perfect and few films are. My own brothers comment was “you looked cold in that 1st scene on the mountain top.” He and his girlfriend watched and they noticed my nipples looked cold. Funny stuff. YES! We froze our butts off. I remember how cold Dan Haggerty, Carman, Salvatore and I were. Robes and sandals as the sun is rising on the windy mountain top was ah…COLD:) It looks great though. Artists do suffer for their art. Anyway, it was nice to see the film on TV and it is for sale on DVD. See amazon or ask your rental/retailers.
Here is a nice review of the film from a NYC source. Thank you Nana.
http://nightlycandywithnanaadwoa.com/2010/02/13/book-of-ruth-journey-of-faith-is-a-must-see/
Following all this I’m very happy to announce that two message filled dramas directed by our own Jeff Kennedy will get a wide DVD releases of “Figure in the Forest” and “Heaven’s Neighbors” in the US via Triumphant Entertainment International and their E1 output. They released “Blood Ties” and “An Ordinary Killer” in Oct. 09. “FIGURE” has started to find an audience after being licensed to TBN last year and “HEAVENS” has been a favorite of fans who have found the quirky comedy/drama that I starred in with Aaron Jackson. This will be the 1st wide DVD release for the two films. “FIGURE” stars Dean Teaster and MaryJo Cuppone and I play a nice support role with BELLE the dog:) Look for new websites, trailers and a July release for the two films.
* I think that with hard times effecting many (myself included) that uplifting stories have gained a new respect but are still a hard sell at times.
On a production note, I think that the two dramas above are deeper more meaningful films than the 1st two CDI films of “Knight Chills” and “From Venus” but filmmakers starting out will have more luck with horror, thriller, action. I think with the other films our “names” as actors have finally saturated into the market place enough that we can push these dramas successfully. Dramas are a steeper hill to climb but the material is very satisfying as Dean’s run in last week with a fan using the “FIGURE” movie to cope with a lost child. POWERFUL. So congrats to all the artists associated with those two films. Big congrats to Jeff Kennedy who directed them both and is slated to direct “Wild Michigan” this year.
Ah…I hear the grunts from here:) Damn “Wild MIchigan”…you watch that film is going to be a BIG hit. I’m going to call it here and now. It has been the biggest pain in the ass. I have a few other films looking for silver and bronze but the GOLD goes to WM. We have torn down the old and have been rebuilding the new. We have some amazing talent looking at the film now and I fully expect to make some announcements soon. We are on a verbal runway and paperwork is starting to be passed around. After all the other issues I will call the troops to war only after we have full coffers.
We are back in shooting on “Locked in a Room” a great little thriller. I will give a few drops here and now. My buddy Carlucci Weyant who starred with me in “Karma, Crime, Passion, Reincarnation” in India is coming to the Michigan to be in the film and also legendary actor Robert Miano. I had a great conversation with them both yesterday and this is happening. I’ve got friends who know Robert but we have not met as of yet so this will be fun.
I’m actively working to bring “KARMA” here to the US this year. It is a very unique movie and I really want to introduce it here. The music reminds me of “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”… That film is one of my favorite HORROR films. Yes. I said horror.
Deals could be looming on two or three other films and we have our fingers crossed with a few TV networks. I think we are at that cool fan crossover point. Western fans are finding our dramas, Crime/thriller fans finding our horror films… Explore:)
“RENOVATION” has been quietly in post but I’ve seen the rough trailer and the color correct tests and I’m being promised any day now…new website coming as well! It will be worth the wait.
Tony Hornus who had a Bday yesterday has been working hard on doing some voice over work for our doc film “Outside the Wire” and I can’t wait to see the film with his track placed. We also have a few things moving with “A State of Hate” that will be Tony’s next CDI film.
Tonight it is off to dinner with some great friends in town for filming. Robert Bradley from “Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town” is in the Michigan and will be going on camera again Sat. Dan Haggerty/Terry Bomar and some of our other great friends are in town for another event and will be joining us for dinner tonight.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. As the ice melts I hope that any interferences to your own dreams and goals also melts away. Work hard and make some time for your loved ones.
DJ
