I did a producers watch on “Darkest Night” and I was extremely happy. If you like the films like PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, THE 4th KIND and the “found footage” genre of horror – you will love this film. It is unique and truly frightening. We are having a distributors screening on June 13th at Dick Clark Productions in L.A. and we have several RSVP’s and additional send outs. I think this film could do very well in a wide theater release but with the ongoing struggle we will see what level of attention it gets. Development work on the follow-up film “The Beast” will start heavy following the June 13th showing. Also there is whispers that they might want to fly me back to Manila for the theatrical kick off this fall.

Same day that night in Saugatuck, Michigan the powerful drama “7 Stones” is playing an event. Michigan folks wishing to attend can buy tickets at http://www.3rdcoastfilm.com  we have had two previous “in-progress” showings to collect notes and this showing should reflect the finished product. It is one of 5 CDI associated projects coming out now.

Aug. 7th is the domestic release of another CDI associated film “Deadly Renovations” and the early artwork looks good. I’m excited for everyone involved with this project. “Donors” a new associated project with fellow producer Charles P. in Yuma, AZ should have a 1st look trailer very soon. New announcements should be coming on this and other projects in the coming weeks.

July will also be the month we really start targeting other distribution for “Locked in a Room” and I can see some additional theatricals in the near future.

I had meetings this past week with some potential clients for our CDI Commercial Division set up by one of our sales reps Mr. Jeff Watson. I think that division is really about to start exploding so I will be looking for other sales reps to work other markets for us.

I had a good meeting with our in-house attorney on clearing up some of the outstanding matters within CDI. By this I mean collections and it is unfortunate that he has to deal with that side of the coin vs some of the exciting new development people making their way to THE TRIBE!

The hosting site for my actors reel page is going down so I’m looking at a new set up for all that. (Thank you Dennis Therrian for your help here)  Technology is evolving and we have to evolve with it. Our technology is so beyond the old computers I grew up on. Communication via email and such has its positives and negatives. I often see where people read into communications meaning that really isn’t there. It is a source problem. Your own mindset can influence what you read. If something is unclear I always like to clarify. It is the whole water being half full or half empty situation. Communication is key. If you don’t or can’t communicate with your circle taking on projects such as filmmaking can become impossible. I’ve had several talks with other producers on management of people on upcoming films. It is truly a thing of beauty when you see a full film crew operating as one whole. Insecurity of being overlooked, lack of respect for others and/or fear of failure can drive people away from the beauty of oneness. Hence the TRIBE. At the core is the elimination of selfish wants and focusing on collective good. I honestly, sincerely and wholeheartedly try to give and bring out the best in people. I think that is hard for people to truly believe because of the world we live in. Our industry can focus in on the negatives if an individual doesn’t embrace their unique nature and have a sense of fate or destiny. One is internal and one is external but both can bring us to a place and time that we were meant to be at. I think almost all my projects have been like that. I don’t lament the projects I don’t get because I wasn’t meant to. I don’t credit random luck to those projects I get either because I believe artists/storytellers are brought together. Call it MUMBO JUMBO or whatever you will but as I’ve written before, we all have a personal mythology. Bottom line is know you are unique and that you do have a purpose. You have to journey to get where you must go and that requires faith and courage.

UNIQUE, PURPOSE, FAITH, COURAGE – is there anything greater within us than these things?

Be an example – have the faith and the courage to be unique and follow your purpose. If you are a storyteller than commit to that and inspire others to do the same.

I will leave us all with that. Have a great weekend and be safe.

DJ

We are soon to announce a slate of films with a new partnership out west that includes a couple of CDI westerns and the kick off on that slate is “Soul Eater” a stand alone prequel to the wicked horror film “The 8th Plague”.

We are very close on kicking off a few faith films in the wake of the continued success of “Book of Ruth” and I for one enjoy these films which remind me of the old Charlton Heston films.

Speaking of faith films Dean Teaster’s “Long Road Home” is front running on a MI slate of films that we’re pushing hard to launch. Pureflix Ent. (Randy Travis company) has put an offer to distribute down and so we are close here. I really would like to see this slate go so that some of the artists here can be put to work. If you have an interested in being a partner on one of these feel free to contact via the www.cdiproductions.com site. You can read all about the new CDI associated film slate that is rolling out now to theaters, private screening parties and L.A. showings for distributors. READ UP!

Tickets for the next June 13th “7 Stones” screening party in Saugatuck, MI can be purchased at www.3rdcoastfilm.com

Also on June 13th at Dick Clark Productions we are having a distributor screening of “Darkest Night” www.darkestnightmovie.com a truly frightening “found footage” movie. Interested distributors contact me to get you on the list.

Aug. 7th is the Domestic release of “Deadly Renovations” and they are prepping hard on that. Put that on your calendars! www.deadlyrenovations.com

Aside from all that “Donors” is in post-production, a few TV shows in development and working to finalize a large studio “making of” project. I’ve got eight films talking to me about acting roles so I’ve been sorting through all that. I was also trying to do a 2 min sizzle reel of sorts on myself but I’m finding it hard to capture my career in 2 min. A couple of these films are foreign films which I find exciting because my work reaches new audiences and my US fans get exposed to some talented foreign artists. It was hinted at that I might be flown back to the Philippines in Nov. for the kick off release of “Darkest Night” in theaters there.

So with all this personal and company business things have been a little bit busy. I’m not going to complain I just keep my head down and work hard. I know when I need a mental break and so I break it up with a little yard work or other relaxing activities. Today will be one of those days with beer and grilled goods as we toast Jackson Kennedy. He made it through high school with high honors AND made a great choice with MSU!

Go Green!

Go White!

Have a great weekend!

DJ

LOCKED IN A ROOM – Had 1st Michigan theatrical and setting up a few more. We’ve been getting distribution offers but will likely wait until July to make any final assignment of rights.  I feel this film is a small stepping stone to bigger things for the director Larry Simmons.

DARKEST NIGHT – Just finished final mixing in the Philippines and is prepping for a showing to distributors in June. If you are a distributor in the area and want to see a damn scary film give me a holler:)

7 STONES is also now complete. A new trailer is showing how strong this project is. It will play a test run in the theatre next week in Grand Rapids, MI. Following that many festival and screenings are being planned. I think this is some of my best drama in the last couple years.

DEADLY RENOVATIONS – They are prepping the domestic artwork and I know they are in discussions with Redbox, Blockbuster and other retailers. I think this film will scare and entertain. Again a great 1st step for some new filmmakers.

OUTSIDE THE WIRE – This film is gearing up for additional showings across the US. I also know that plans are underway for additional military docs by director Anthony Hornus.

I don’t have any major updates yet from SplitVision Ent. on the status of BENJAMIN. I think this film will be greatly enjoyed by audiences when it comes out. Seek out some of these films on Facebook, IMDB and such to see some preview trailers on these projects.

CDI/Myself are involved in the pushing of two slates of films forward. One is geared towards projects to be shot in Michigan and the other includes locations outside of Michigan. I also heard yesterday that we might be sharing an office on the 20th Century Fox studio lot. I’m not planning on moving to LA but it will make a nice visit from time to time. I’ve been learning from some more experienced mentors in our business. I think we all need those mentors.

As for acting I’ve been in discussions and doing a few reads on scripts. I also did a follow-up read for a director on a drama. I really like technology in the sense of my cell phone camera. I never liked going to casting offices to be treated like cattle. Thankfully those times were few and far between as I almost always get cast off previous work.  I recall those casting days where at the end I felt like I gave a sub par read usually due to a forced read with someone from the casting office who could not “give”. Add in a casting director who really has no credit/resume to back up their attempted “directing” – often I would have been better just staying home and working in the garden. Now I can be relaxed, mull over the character, do a read on my phone, email it off…DONE! Back to my day. I don’t often credit technology but in this aspect I love the new digital age. No stamps, no printed headshots, no B.S.. Face to face discussions are a great gauge of mutual VIBE and understanding of character and their place in the story. When location is an issue SKYPE works well. It has opened up the world in many ways and my international filming trips attest to that.

I’m sure I could ramble on about a few other topics but I think I’ll go grab another cup of coffee.

I wish you all a safe a wonderful weekend.

DJ

I’ve recently been re-watching some of the past films as I negotiate deals to get the library out there. It was fun to re-live those moments and see the beauty of adventure of the storytelling. The other night I got to see “Locked in a Room” at the multiplex and watch audiences be scared. I LOVE watching others watching the work. There was about 150 people there and I know more showings are planned.

PAST, PRESENT and FUTURE…

We have two slates of films that are firming up – one that is based on Michigan films and the other primarily outside Michigan productions. Development is really starting to gel and I hope to have many artists to work soon.

I’ve got a few scripts/films I’m in talks about working on as talent. One shoots in Paris, France and that would be interesting as I’ve never been there before.

I’ve also got a mystery package from the UK that postal tried to deliver when I was out so I need to maybe swing by and pick that up today. I’ve got a few connects in the UK but was not really expecting anything.

Another film that is from a Mexican production company has been talking to me about acting and so I’ll do a little more communication on that project this week.

I’ve also been getting emails from some fans in Norway and other foreign places in South Africa and such and I recently realized that it is from “Book of Ruth” that is playing in about ten countries as well as a half-dozen US TV networks. I think Ray N. and I are close to launching a few other biblical dramas and so that will be fun. I love period pieces and so I’m sure I will be producing many in the near future.

I’ll leave this all here for now – I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.

DJ

I’ve spent some time reviewing the producer work copies of “Darkest Night” and “Locked in a Room” both I think are going to be exciting projects. The first will have a Hollywood distributor screening in June and the latter a Michigan May 3rd premiere at the Canton Emagine theater next week. I will be attending and there are some exciting theatrical possibilities happening with this project. As a fan of “found footage” type horror films I think that “Darkest Night” could really be the next big thing. It is an amazingly fresh dive into the genre and much of it is because of the beautiful Philippine artists involved. I’m very proud to be associated with these films via CDI and my onscreen work.

I also hear final sound mixing on “7 Stones” is about complete and we will hear soon if we will play in the Waterfront Film Festival. It would be my 1st time attending and I’m sure it would be a rich experience. “7 Stones” showcases what I feel to be some of my strongest drama in a while. I will keep everyone updated about this powerful film that is also a CDI association.

August will see “Deadly Renovations” come out nationally. Also some of the CDI library will be coming out this fall and so overall it will be a busy year. Also new productions could start moving forward as well. We have a few film projects on a joint slate that are part of a film fund. We might even move into pre-production on the 1st title in May here.  We also a slate of Michigan films that might be getting close to moving into pre-production. Also development work on our 2nd Philippine project is underway and “The Beast” will go into pre-production late this year or early next year. I will co-star in that film and I’ve also recently given my interest in a few other film projects as talent. These projects range from dramas to westerns to even a romantic comedy. So lots of promotion of the product hitting the market and a slew of projects prepping to shoot.

Again we are making some strides in our commercial area with providing extras material on a few studio projects. Large or small if you have a need for commercial services contact me and join the tribe! CDI TV/Internet division is close to a launch with CDI pushing a couple of pilot projects out and at least one planned shoot on a new pilot. I’m excited to see where all this leads us.

As of late getting lots of presentation materials together on the films. I’ve got planned talks with many distributors who are coming out of the walls almost daily now. We are planning to work again with a few companies that have already been proving themselves. That means providing reports and payout. With the social networking it is getting harder for companies doing bad business to maintain. I think this is a very good thing because most will find that honest deals can create a long-term flow of cash for both producers of content and distributors. Sadly that is not always the case and legal is not nearly as productive as creating and selling product. We’ve got one attorney that just works collections. The BIZ of SHOWBIZ:)

Well tomorrow will be our 1st outdoor league soccer game of the season. I’m looking forward to it and so I’m sure I will be a sore individual come Monday/Tuesday but I actually enjoy that feeling. I’m  also going to be looking into prepping my 1st home-brew batch of beer this week. We’ve done lots of wine but now we will try something a little different. I hope each and every one of you has a great weekend and next week it will be back to clawing my way to the middle.

DJ

- “Dean Teaster’s Long Road Home” has some distribution paperwork forming up underneath it.

-  Some additional biblical era films in the vein of “Book of Ruth” are getting close to greenlight.

- My long-standing efforts to put “Wild Michigan” back on the tracks continues. Three different paths being worked on this project and one of them should go eventually.

- Several films have open foreign rights and those are being shopped and interest is forming up nicely.

- “Darkest Night” has pushed the dist. screening in L.A. to late June to avoid a couple big festivals and also business in the Philippines is required as we prep for our next associated venture entitled “The Beast”. Several new promotional trailers have been released on this film.

- “Donors” the follow-up to “Deadly Renovations” (Aug 2012 domestic release) is moving along nicely.

-”Locked in a Room” is prepping for the May 3rd Michigan screening. I’ve watched director Larry Simmons work and refine the film and I think audiences will really dig it. Some good stuff looks to be hitting the editing room floor but that is sometimes needed to move the story.

- “7 Stones” released a new poster and the last pick up opening was shot last night and so just a little bit more tweaking and it will be complete. Festival play is next for that powerful film.

- New location photos for “Secondary Heroes” just arrived and so we will be reviewing those this week.

I will spend some of the weekend reviewing a few distribution deal offers and researching companies who have come forth wanting to talk business. I’m waiting on a few other large deals to close and I’ve been nicely informed as they move forward. In my normal everyday life I had a few fans of the work pop up and be surprised that I’m chilling in the Michigan. When not working out-of-town that is how I roll:) So many things in process and I hope to give more exciting news in the weeks to come. Otherwise I think we might finally bottle a batch of wine and pick lilac flowers to make another batch of that. Yard work and maybe till the garden may lie ahead today. I’ll relax and try to get some stuff done because next week is going to be a busy one again.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Your friend in art,

DJ

As Morgan Earp

It was a long week so I retired early and woke early. I have the coffee flowing and I am happy to send out some updates to the subscribers out there. I’ve been streamlining some CDI company biz in anticipation for some upcoming work. It is funny how the path opens up new adventures simply by walking it.

I got word that “Book of Ruth” will be going to Wal-Mart and other retailers that have yet to carry the title. The film has really done well and in the wake of that we’ve got several other biblical films going up. Three are with Reel Frog and two moving right along are in the CDI stable. It is a growing marketing for us and nothing wrong with entertaining and adding a good message. Watch IMDB and here for some updates very soon.

In the past I’ve been a paid speaker – most recently at Michigan State University as a Key Note Speaker for a creative arts forum. I don’t normally do these events usually because of the plan time and also to schedule around films. Enough people have asked so I have agreed to let MP Talent in Grand Rapids book me into these speaking events. (TO BOOK: malinda@mptalentagency.com) It is a take off on this CLAWING MY WAY TO THE MIDDLE program of mine. It really focuses on bringing a business mentality in with the art. In our industry it is the SHOW+BUSINESS. The focus is NOT – how to act or how to do this or that although those answers can be provided. It is really about getting the straight forward no B.S. advice based on actual trial and error. I attended a film fest mixer in town on Thursday and I really enjoyed seeing some of the younger artists pushing their dreams forward. There are many pitfalls in this business and in life. I know some of this info will greatly help individuals as it already has. So I will be looking forward to sharing.

I think one of the weeks most exciting developments was that I gave interest in playing the legendary cowboy Morgan Earp in a western this fall called “Storm God Rides”. I’m excited that we will likely be filming back on the western set in Mescal Old Tuscan outside Tombstone, AZ. Some of my fellow western actor amigos have also put their materials forward and been cast. I know that my friend and associate Dean Teaster is playing my oldest brother Virgil Earp, so that will be fun. More as this develops but I’ve had fun with the camera tests and I’m ready to ride.

I’m still looking at projects for May and I’ve had a few good projects cross the desk but nothing locked yet. In the meantime I’ve been getting myself ready for soccer, winemaking and getting the garden prepped. It is beautiful here in Michigan and I think it is going to be a great year.

I hope you all have a relaxing weekend.

DJ

Other insights from the week…

The art of prepping and packaging –  finding the right partners to work on the right projects. I’m exciting about some communications this week whereas deals have been moved that much closer. I’ve also been disappointed in others about their communication skills. There are a few individuals I’m close with and if they contact with a business call I respectfully respond in a day or so if not sooner. I’ve had a situation as of recent whereas I called to help correct an issue and I’m still waiting from a Monday call. Now when the issue becomes larger and is a real problem I’ll likely get that call. COMMUNICATION! This has been an issue on a few of our associated films. What I have to remind myself is that they are greener and growing but I wish folks would listen to me sooner. Eventually it can and often will end up being my issue to fix whereas COMMUNICATION could have solved it early and immediately. I’m not going to go on and on with this. They will need something and I’ll get a call and yes, I will likely respond in good time and help where I can. I cannot alter who I am based on others shortcomings. Or have they always been like that and it is my expectations that are let down? Unfortunately, these expectation are what I have learned to be needed in moving forward. These communication issues apply to several people in my circle of business. OK. In summary – COMMUNICATE and TOGETHER ADVANCE and by TRIAL & ERROR success will grow in your given endeavors.

Some of the week was doing tax stuff – working on a CDI theatrical film series and a spotlight retail for our product with a major retailer. These deals are all moving forward step-by-step as all journeys do.   CDI is growing a new TV/Web Division due to new Network contacts we’ve developed. There will be some new announcements in the weeks to come about all this.

Also I’m putting together my program for speaking engagements. I’ve been paid to be a key-note speaker at Michigan State University, speaking on SHOW + BIZ.  After many interested parties asking would I speak here and there I’ve decided to go beyond my blog and  do more speaking engagements. I would also say I’ve been inspired by some of these TED talks:)

Interested parties can contact MP Talent:  malinda@mptalentagency.com

“Darkest Night” theatrical cut is DONE! PR will go out this week likely but again you heard it here first. We are getting a great list of distributors who want to attend a late May screening of the film in L.A. area. If you are a distributor out there drop me an email and I will see about adding you to that list. New promo material will be hitting very soon!

Other than that – working on getting producers rep agreements on both the above film and foreign rep for “Deadly Renovations” which announced an Aug. 7th release domestically!

I was contacted about a few acting projects. As I stated before looking for a solid May project before I get thrown into a larger multi week shoot that spans a few states. CDI is also playing a part in all that by providing all the EXTRAS (Making of, behind the scenes, interviews…) and so if you out there are about to film your movie and need marketing…CDI. Also if you have a chunk of money and want to make a film you can communicate with me and we can discuss an association. I cannot fund your projects at this time because if I have funds open they are directed to the tried-and-true tribal projects. If you bring your own funds and want to glean upon our experiences both good and bad – please do. Scripts, castings, distribution are all areas that will have strong contacts in and that not everyone can immediately step into.  So if you have the will and the worth but not the experience it might make a good collaboration.

I think in summary we are open to working with others but these are a few simple rules to remember

1) If I’ve never met you and we’ve never done business – I can’t recommend you on LinkedIn,in-person and so on. Facebook friend does not = friend often it is peer or associate

2) This above statement applies also to getting through phone doors. You cannot say I’m friends with “DJ Perry” off a blind accept on social media built for fans, friends, family and peers – Can you say Godfather, Godmother calls? Also a friendly reminder – REMEMBER the folks who do open the doors for you. Going around people will usually screw you at some point. For many it is when I get a call asking “who is so and so” and I respond “I don’t know” …deal blown.

3) Don’t use acting roles with me to try to bait producer action – 9 out of 10 times it will not happen especially if you are bringing nothing to the table.  Our production funds are invested within the Tribe – period. Want in the tribe? Bring something to the table…

We can start with those three little rules:) Feel free to explore more at the www.cdiproductions.com site. I’m excited by some of the future projects and I do hope to expand the tribe. If you possess respect, loyalty and hard work and know how to stand accountable – maybe we will see you in the future here at CDI.

Have a great Easter and be good to one another.

DJ

OK. Onto some updates…

- Yesterday and today associates of mine on projects of mutual interest are being discussed and deals made. I’m excited to see how things evolve the next week in the wake of these meetings.

- A theatrical showcase of CDI films may be soon put into play with an Arts Council showing the evolution of films.

- CDI will soon have some announcements about a WEB/TV Division of CDI that will include a few pilot projects.

- “Donor” trailer should be arriving in the near future.

- “Darkest Night” is setting up for a L.A. screening for distributors late May and already we have interested parties coming to the table. Also we are in development on our 2nd associated film with GPI “The Beast”.

- “Deadly Renovations” has officially announced August 7th as our domestic DVD release date. VOD?PPV may be same day or slightly thereafter. Also new foreign sales path under way with a larger sales rep. More soon!

- Development continues on several fronts and we are gaining traction.

- “Locked in a Room” EMBRACE THE MADNESS! A May 3rd screening in Canton, MI is being set up and final editing tweaks are being made. This film from an earlier work cut reminds me if FEAR & LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS, MEMENTO and SAW had a baby:)

Other than all that I’ve been approached about another faith-film and I think I’ve got a few of those in my near future. I’ve been working with Ray (Book of Ruth) and we are close to launching a few new films there as well. Today it is a trip up North for family Bday celebration and just getting ready for a new week ahead. Things could go from ZERO to 60 real fast pending a few of these weekend meetings underway. I’m excited to share more on all that but patience must be had by all.

Keep up the good fight artistic warriors and have a great weekend!

DJ

What a week! Change is here and there and although for some the act of change can be drastic (Like Red being put outdoors for a winter)  once the roots take hold new growth can take place. For those friends out there going through life change I say embrace it. I’ve changed a few things starting with my hair. It is still long but I had a good deal removed mainly due to soccer season about to start.

So many pieces moving on the chess board. I’ve been having meeting after meeting either in person or on the phone to help move things forward. I’ve made some great new contacts with a few companies that I think will really plan into the whole. For my distributor friends out there we have lots of new product coming down the pipeline. I’m curious to see how “Deadly Renovations” did in Hong Kong at the film market. I’ll be working with others soon making deals on “Locked in a Room,” “Darkest Night,” “Donors” and “7 Stones” as well as a few other properties that I can’t discuss until paperwork is signed.

Development work continues to go well although always slower than what the executive teams desire. I read “THE BEAST” last night that is to be the next GPI/CDI Philippine film. I’m excited to start developing that with my partners there. I’m waiting to see if deals can be made on a few acting roles but I’ve very excited about a deal that will soon be announcing itself. It includes my acting and CDI helping behind the scenes. I can’t wait for the official announcements that might hit next week.

I hope all of you out there are having a good go at your artistic endeavors. It is not always the easiest of paths to travel but the rewards are more than just shells and beads earned. Also remember to embrace change as it happens.

Have a great weekend!

DJ