Clawing My Way to the Middle

Hard blowing, sideways snowing, coffee flowing – Saturday chill!

perrydj — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 16:47:47 +0000

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!

First Showings and “Donors” on Deck!

perrydj — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 16:35:03 +0000

Fresh coffee and the smell of bacon is a wonderful way to start your snowy morning. After a watch on a doc film called FOOD INC. I’m very happy that most all our meat comes from 4H beef & pork and deer venison. I think all people should take a hard look at what they fuel their machines with. Today is also going to have us bottling some wine made from Peaches and also rack some Green Tomato wine for clarity and get it ready to bottle soon. Those who visit the house have had an opportunity to taste some of the various wines. My mind is also been thinking about this coming years garden. What to plant? I for one love having the fresh veggies on hand.

This week will be exciting as we are having a major hoopla bash in Grand Rapids to showcase the World Premiere of “7 Stones”. It is at the GRAM, a beautiful art museum venue. I think director Tom Norton will be touring this film around so many of you might get to see a theatrical run of it. I’ve stayed an arm’s length from post so that I too can be surprised. This is director Tom’s calling card and I know the crew was A+ and the performances felt powerful. So this Thursday we will see how it all came together!

Following that on the 27th at the San Diego Black Film Festival our thriller “Locked in a Room” will play at 7:30 pm so anyone in that area who can watch it and report back to me – that would be great! I’m really looking forward to this film that is extremely unusual in the approach. Again – exciting!

This week will be more development talks on a handful of feature films. I’ve got projects in the works with many filmmaking friends around the world. We will see which projects come together and take off! One project that is together and starts rolling camera officially in Feb. is “Donors” a thriller being directed by Charles Pisaeno. He was also the writer/producer on “Deadly Renovations”. I also see that “Deadly Renovations” director Robert Gwinn is pushing on “Virtue” a tight little horror film that is a classic throwback. Paperwork was signed on “Donors” associating it once again with Collective Development Inc. and making me the antagonist of the film. More as this unfolds.

“Outside the Wire” will start having additional theatrical showings and once I have dates I’ll share those on here. I think our next stop may be Texas. I’ll get that info from director Tony Hornus.

Lots of promotion going on with finished films. I’m also looking to announce a few other films that I’ll be acting in. 2012 is going to be a great year and I’m excited by all the new opportunities presenting themselves. I’m also working hard to continue to push our library out to the world market. “Deadly Renovations” www.deadlyrenovations.com was delivered to sell at Berlin Film Market and I hope to have theatrical and street dates very soon!

Have a great Saturday!

Be a Person of Action! & “Locked in a Room” to Screen!

perrydj — Sat, 14 Jan 2012 16:59:11 +0000

What a beautiful, beautiful snowy day! I must admit that I do love snow. I like when the world slows to a crawl and we all are granted a gentle peace. I’ve enjoyed easing back into the artistic world of filmmaking in 2012. This year has the potential to just really blossom. We have a half-dozen films that will premiere or hit the marketplace this year. Yesterday I was proud to see many films I’ve worked on playing on the new streaming Netflix platform. Ghost Town, Miracle at Sage Creek, Blood Ties, Book of Ruth with even more on the mail version. One issue is that the data entry isn’t all updated so several other films of ours are on Netflix but you just have to search by film title. Each of those films had friends of mine that have passed – Bill McKinney, David Carradine and Russ Stine. I watched a few minutes and recalled our friendship brought together over storytelling.

Onto the present and future…

“Locked in a Room” has been accepted and invited to show prime time at the 10th San Diego Black Film Festival 2012. Friday Jan. 27th at 7:30 pm!

http://sdbff.com/film-schedule-descriptions.html#friday

Check it out on IMDB

I will have to promote this more to my California friends. I have to speak with our director Larry as I got this news yesterday . That said, I likely will not attend that showing because I have a big red carpet premiere for “7 Stones” in Grand Rapids, MI on the 26th of Jan. at the art museum there. I’m sure our film will be well represented and FINALLY we get to see what audiences say about “Locked in A Room”!

This week has brought many good meetings and some with results. A development slate with a studio may get approved soon. I cannot ever be 100% positive on many of these deals because of this being my first time working many of these kind of deals. I’ve aligned myself with some good seasoned producers to learn from. I’m also continuing to help those less experienced than myself. A circle of helping. Now that said, I cannot possibly help everyone hence why I really love this blog. I’ve had to struggle very hard to get to certain places on my path. It’s scary when I look back on what I did not know when I started. I still have days of mild fear of what I don’t know still ahead of me. I always respond by just center myself and bringing it back to my personal mythology. Don’t be afraid to live.

Please read the tao of DJ at the top of this page if you have not. I find the courage to keep on because that saying that the only thing to fear is fear itself really has some true meaning. Don’t be afraid to fail! Most of us, most of the time will to some extent. This is especially true when you first set out on a new journey. If you devote the time to educating yourself on your passion and taking thought out actions, you will break down walls and move forward.

I want to mention someone in here. Jon Moody is a young man who was really just a young kid when we first started communicating. He knows some of my Virginia film friends and has always had a passion for the craft. He had/has a radio show that he uses to pick the brains of doers in this biz that have found success. He later started writing and making low quality horror shorts. I know low quality as I also started with home video skits and such. I’ve watched him refine getting tighter writing. I’ve seen the growing production values and just learning from actual experience that you can never get in a book. He would probably tell you that 97% of what he has tried to do has fallen apart, didn’t gel or is just out of reach at this time. It is that amazing 3% that takes you to that next level. Another friend said, you work twice as hard for half as much and he might have generous in his words. You must go after what you want. The world really does not owe anyone anything. It’s all action and reactions and so be a person of action. The world will react to your actions. Keep up the fight Mr. Moody and all of you out there striving to live your dream.

In Other Film News

This week I got a funny clip from Nathan Quinn from “Unconventional” for my reel. I was lacking footage from my comedy films. I’ve got two acting deal memos being worked on. I’ve done a little script writing here and there this week for fun. I can talk about one film which is called “Donors”. I’m playing well…an antagonist. Okay THE antagonist. Bad guy DJ:) More info on this film soon. I’ll leave you with that info as a teaser. That deal paperwork is coming over today so I’ll let that be the teaser until that is in place.

I’m looking forward to the next week – be active!

CDI’s New Marketing Division & 2012 Scheduling!

perrydj — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 14:34:44 +0000

I’m sipping the coffee on this quiet 2012 morning and feeling good about the new year. I did start back in on Tuesday and was just slammed with things to do as I think many people are eager to start the new year right. I think I was a little over-excited with how fast I hit the work. Many folks will still be out until end of next week but I’m getting done what I can. The holidays were wonderful and it was topped off by the great Michigan State Football Bowl win. Now if the Lions can push on things could be just peachy.

I’ve got so many things in motion right now. I’m really trying to get my first of the year schedule in place. Now when I say that it takes many forms – acting, producing and writing. I’ve taken the time to set my goals and now the steady walk towards them begins.

First thing solid on the schedule seems to be the World Premiere of “7 Stones” at the end of the month. I think this is just VIP cast/crew and their family members. I have not been actively involved in the post on this project but I’ve heard the footage looks amazing. So I guess we will all be excited to see just how the story unfolds.

I also talked with “Locked in a Room” director Larry Simmons and they are looking at a possible March showing. He also discussed what is in store next with his company and once again it sounds exciting. I also talked with “Benjamin” director Jon Osman and things are looking very good over there in NYC. We might have a festival showing or two and we’ve started some talks with distributors. On that note – we also start the first round of negotiation talks with a distributor on “Outside the Wire” this week. We have several theatrical showings already planned and so it will be a good year for this project. Last week the post team on “Darkest Night” started to work on the theatrical edit. Lots of good footage that has to be cut down for runtime so I don’t envy that job.

Development continues on our slate of films and I think 2012 will see a couple of films go into production. I also read in Variety about my good friends at SplitVision Entertainment moving ahead with a slate of projects. It is so cool to see friends all moving along the path in our career field. I think it will be a good year for many of us. You have to learn to look at what did go good in a year and not just the setbacks. Also the key is to not drag any negativity from past setbacks into the new garden of opportunity. I see that quite often from others and it’s exactly what will poison a new venture. My advice – Don’t carry that kind of negative energy forward. Sometimes the success we seek is right around the corner.

I’ve got a script or two to still read and one I want to re-read to get a better take on it all. Like I said, scheduling becomes one of the big factors now. I’ve also been doing a little script writing and that is always fun.

Lastly, our production company CDI has opened a new division that centers on marketing. We work via The PRNewswire services and can show you how your film, product or service can reach 100+million exposure points. Your news can be seen on the Vegas strip, New York Time Square and thousands of news portals. Feel free to contact us if you would like additional information.

https://sites.google.com/site/collectivedevelopmentmarketing/

I’m going to top off my coffee and get to a little bit of work today.

Have a safe and wonderful weekend.

A 2012 Preview!

perrydj — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 17:13:35 +0000

As 2011 is coming to a close we can celebrate our survival of the ups and downs of the year. Once again we brought the CDI tribe together and renewed our bonds of friendship and toasted to the approaching 2012! The venison steak chili got huge raves and part of that was because of ONE DROP HOT SAUCE. (One of our sponsors) Homemade lilac wine and super-punch put the Holiday spirits into everyone.

This year saw CDI associated projects like “Deadly Renovations” www.deadlyrenovations.com (formerly Renovation) sign worldwide distribution. The powerful doc “Outside the Wire” had multiple theatrical showings and also is entertaining worldwide distribution offers. “7 Stones” and “Locked in a Room” will be coming out of post for a 1st showing early in 2012. CDI also had its 1st international production with “Darkest Night”. I went back to Manila, Philippines at years end for a promotion tour. These are the 1st steps in CDI building Asian distribution ties and participating in forthcoming productions.

New sponsors from candles to moonshine have aligned with CDI and we’ve got a larger development slate than we’ve ever had at CDI. Everyone of our CDI directors are in development and we’re working hard to package/fund these exciting projects that will carry CDI forward into the future. CDI’s directors are eager to be back and helm their own projects. We’ve got pieces coming together. Lets take a peek at what a few of these projects are and who is behind them.

“A State of Hate” and a follow-up project in the “Outside the Wire” series are both in development with Anthony Hornus and CDI. Script polishing on “A State of Hate” and outlining on the “Outside the Wire” follow-up have had Tony very busy.

Jeff and Juanita Kennedy have been busy working on new material as well. One project is the popular format of four stories that intersect one another. The film entitled “Mythos” is said to have a gothic horror tinge to it. It’s designed as a project to shoot between the larger projects. The first part will be casting to shoot very soon!

Dean Teaster has a new project that looks like it’s moving into pre-production very soon. It’s called “Long Road Home” and is one very inspiring drama. We’re working to lock distribution before moving to the next phase on this project.

CDI alumni Stuart MacDonald is gearing up to direct “Secondary Heroes” which has been casting and location scouting. It will shoot part in Michigan and part in Ohio.

The forces that be are also lining up for “Soul Eater”. This prequel to “The 8th Plague” should roll into production in 2012. We’ve been in talks with the film office and looking at locations. Paul Goldblatt is back to helm the special FX so fans will be happy about that.

“Wild Michigan” disappeared suddenly off IMDB but while it still holds the hardest to launch record “Holly, Jingles and Clyde” is trying to catch it. I still have a lot of faith in these two projects and before they throw dirt of me I will make those two films! “Make my word” – Ricky in “Trailer Park Boys”

I’ve got other faith films developing with Reel Frog Films and a solid slate with Gothic Pictures International. Now if we add in the acting projects which I’ve had more scripts/offers for 2012 than any other year that I can think of. I think overall filmmakers are ready to make 2012 into a great year of storytelling!

Part of getting distribution and getting sales strong lie in good marketing. That is one thing that we at CDI have gotten to be very good at. We go after the grassroots marketing as well as the mainline PRNewswire avenue. Our last send out reached over 120 million exposure hits and again had our story in New York Time Square. We’ve used the newswire releases on products as well as the feature films. We’ve done “Making of’s” for other companies, graphic work and poster concepts and now for 2012 CDI is going full ahead with our marketing division. This year saw our sales team and legal fall into place with our commercial production. Now the overall division is officially opening for business. CDI Marketing!

See the new site at:

https://sites.google.com/site/collectivedevelopmentmarketing/

For me it’s back to a bit of script reading and looking at proposed schedules for 2012.

For all of you who are getting crazy for the Eve of 2012 please be safe!

I’ll see you in 2012!

Believe and Be Merry!

perrydj — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 15:23:25 +0000

The house is looking a lot like Christmas! I was wrapping, sorting, cleaning and such until the wee hours last, I mean this morning:) We had so many boxes that at 2:30 am I was burning boxes in the firepit last night. With the soft snow and fire the world seemed to slow and I felt the peace. It has been quite a year and while I can go on about the year to come in my next post I wanted to reflect for a moment.

I recall so many great Christmas times growing up. I was fortunate that way. My parents always worked hard to make it special for my brother and I. It is those traditions that have been left to me. Like the little chime/candles that burn and spin these little angels. DING. DING. DING. Makes me think of my Grandma Emerson. I recall fondly how much my Grandmas Swope loved Poinsettias. I miss not having any grandparents with us anymore. I also regret that after thirty some years my parents like so many divorced. Christmas is a bit more scattered with a get-together here and than there but overall it still brings back memories of past joy. Now new joy is achieved built upon old traditions.

You have to forgive me if my writing is a bit off. I woke with a small sinus headache (I think from wood smoke at 3am) but the coffee is chasing that away. I remember many Christmas Eve’s waking with a headache but it use to have beer or booze attached to it. I think I’m getting older:) We have a big dinner and family today and it continues to tomorrow. I also have one of my dearest friends flying into town. His parents live here and we’ve been friends since 1st grade. We usually do a dinner with several friends we grew up with but his trip is short this year. I will enjoy seeing him even for the short time.

Movies – As I watched all the Christmas films on TV while working about the house that is a goal. To make one really good Christmas classic. I think I have the script in “Holly, Jingles and Clyde” which I’ve been so close to getting off the ground on many occasions. If it has elves with axes slicing naughty kids up I could probably get it made faster but so far no dice. So for now I have to settle with Chevy Chase and family, Will the Elf and the Rankin/Bass classics.

I did a marathon of script reading last week. I had a slew of offers and scripts come in and I so appreciate when others invite me to participate is their storytelling adventures. Now I will take a couple days to chill with family and friends and give the work a rest. It is hard for me to do that because I really love what I do. I know that it all happens from hard work and taking the steps.

I will close here by thanking all of you who have faithfully read my blog this year. If you want to give myself and others a gift do so by introducing them to “Clawing My Way to the Middle”. I’ve gotten great response from artists who say the words have really helped them in their own journey. So bring someone new into the fold and perhaps they can also find some inspiration. I refused to believe those who said I could not. The trolls who would rather see others fail for they never tried. The unhappy who sold their dreams away. I’m here to say if you believe in yourself you can find success. It may take a while and will come at various degrees but things will happen. I appreciate each and every one of you so from the bottom of my heart I wish you all a Merry Christmas.

Believe!

Reflect, Prioritize and Prepare!

perrydj — Sun, 18 Dec 2011 18:17:42 +0000

WOW! Last night I returned home from a family Christmas gathering to find out that I was sent a script with a supporting offer. This film is about a very famous Michigan figure of history and I’m practically speechless after reading the script. As I drank my coffee this morning I also drank the very words from the page. I can say they both tasted good. I sent over my interest in the role this morning and when I can speak of the role (Non disclosure) I most certainly will because it is surely newsworthy. The film has some very powerful actors attached to it and will shoot some parts here in our great state of Michigan.

Along the same lines – I could be announcing yet another supporting role in thriller shooting in the NYC area. It has some very original concepts woven in and around a tried and true formula. An offer was made on this project and so now we’re discussing business points. I also had a few other scripts recently sent to me for a read in this holiday slow time. One is a western that I’m excited to dive into and the other horror:) I love to sit and read scripts on these cold winter days in Michigan. I’ve also been using the down time to work on a script that has been knocking about in my imagination for a while. Reading and writing…all good. SUPPORT OUR TEACHERS!

I had many business meetings this past week on film development. I think overall 2012 is going to be another exciting year for myself and CDI. (www.cdiproductions.com) NEWLY UPDATED!

I think we will get to see all the CDI directors move into action once again. I’ve very excited to see them back to storytelling. We’ve got a great tribe of artists here and I feel blessed to call them friends!

OTHER FILM UPDATES!

It is OFFICIAL as the old “Renovation” is now retitled “Deadly Renovations” and the new trailer and website are updated. www.deadlyrenovations.com

The several projects in post will soon premiere before being released to the masses. I’m so very excited to let audiences watch these films. We as artists make these films for you the fans out there. I’m so very happy for the progress made this past year. The friends and artists I’ve met and worked with. The places I’ve gone and the culture I’ve been blessed to experience. This path (Like many) can be difficult at first but the rewards can be truly great. If I never made another film I would still feel so blessed for all the experiences I’ve had. Luckily, I don’t think my film journey is ending but just getting up to speed.

Each of you should take these moments at the year’s end to plan your own 2012. SET GOALS! Get all your materials updated (cover letters, resumes, REELS, marketing links) and get ready for another year moving steadily towards your dreams. I still encounter many people who say that want something so badly but refuse to put in the hard work needed. This path of mine I’ve traveled has not always been easy. Actually it has rarely been easy but what in life worth while truly is? That is why as children we are often protected and told “don’t try to grow up too fast”. I remember those carefree youthful days. I still keep a relatively carefree attitude by not empowering overdue stress in my own life. That whole saying of give me strength to change what I can and the patience to deal with what I cannot change. Wise words.

So reflect, prioritize and prepare for 2012. It is just around the corner!

Festive Fun & Film Development Updates

perrydj — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 15:48:52 +0000

All week I’ve been drinking a variation on my coffee – eggnog and coffee:) Some like it and others do not but I just find it great! This week we also added a mass amount of venison steaks and burger to join the 4H pork and beef in the freezer. I’ve almost got my Christmas duties complete although tonight will be tree decorating. We’ve had the beautiful fir-tree up and enjoying it even in the bare state. The animals really love it and I’ve often come downstairs to find all the animals circled around it sleeping. I know that for many our industry shuts down from about the 15th of Dec. to the 15th of Jan. but in my experience many deals are also done in this time when things are slower and more relaxed.

We’ve recently made an announcement that the CDI associated film “Renovation” has been officially renamed “Deadly Renovations” for the release. The post team is working hard to get the deliverables all around and I for one am really looking forward to the release. I’m going to talk to one of our actor/producers Tommy Lynch about setting up a red carpet Vegas premiere before we hit select theaters. A new website address of www.deadlyrenovations.com will be in addition to the old www.renovationthemovie.com once the new one is active.

This week also had great talks on several films that could move into PRE-PROD from development. “The 8th Plague” prequel “Soul Eater” is looking good. “Secondary Heroes” is moving forward. Dean Teaster’s “Long Road Home” and Anthony Hornus’s “A State of Hate” both had meetings this week. We even have an untitled Jeff Kennedy film moving ahead slightly on the development trek. Several others are still building their packages and so 2012 is looking strong.

I might sign onto an outside film next week if negotiations go well. I read a script I really liked, connected with a character and I’m working my schedule. If all works out I might have a solid announcement on a new project.

I know that “Darkest Night” is in the post trimming process and will go dark over the holidays to get ready for 2012. “7 Stones,” “Benjamin,” and “Locked in a Room” will also be making their 1st showings in the near future. I’m very excited to see these projects on the big screen.

“Outside the Wire” has a 2012 screening schedule as we continue to have talks on this project. The USO and other organizations will be the focus of some future meetings. I also heard rumor of another doc in the works so I expect some new announcements on that front first of the year.

I hope everyone has a great holiday season!

RIP Bill McKinney – Appreciate the Artists

perrydj — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 15:40:55 +0000

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.

Recoup and Rundown on Projects

perrydj — Sat, 26 Nov 2011 13:24:11 +0000

I cannot tell everyone how energizing it has been to be back among family and friends here in the old USA. I loved my trip to the Philippines and as always the people were great! We got lots of media attention for “Darkest Night” and I think the audience of our 1st showing enjoyed seeing the full directors cut before the next hard editing choices are made. A lot of work will happen in the next two months on that film.

I’m still about 2-3 hours off in my sleep schedule but it is getting slowly better. I’ve been getting up mega early 5-6 am and doing work in the quiet time. A few updates -

1) “Renovation” materials are about to be delivered to the distributor for 2012 roll out

2) The titles we had slated for Dec. release “Heaven’s Neighbors” and “Figure in the Forest” are being held up by Walmart negotiations so likely a push of a quarter. DVD’s are all mastered and they look good but we need to make the best deal possible.

3) Premiere of “7 Stones” lies ahead in December. Premiere’s for “Locked in a Room” and “Benjamin” soon after…

4) “Love Letters in the Sand” pushed into 2012 which is fine with me:) I didn’t want to be working up to Christmas.

5) Strong developments on a pair of horror films “Soul Eater” and “Secondary Heroes” and both should shoot in 2012. A casting call for a major character went out on the Collective Development Inc. Facebook site – did you see it? Get those reels ready!

6) Additional meetings on our western projects including the possible addition of a major casting agent. Distributor may control 3 castings on the films. May have to compromise if private investors don’t show.

7) I have to sign and send some paperwork this week on “In Our Time” (Jesus project) and “Madam CJ Walker” but that is moving ahead.

8) May have good news around the bend on a few faith films with my “Book of Ruth” producing partner Ray N.

9) Planning out my battle plans for 2012/2013! Set goals and build steps to success.

My hazelnut coffee is hot and in my hand now. I have another family Thanksgiving up North and so I’m ready for another round of good eating. I came back light from the Philippines so I’m getting a touch of my winter weight back so I don’t freeze when the snow flies. Beef in the Philippines is not as common as chicken, pork and seafood so I had to have a Porterhouse a few days ago from our 4H purchase and it was like eating heaven. Sorry my plant only eaters out there. I love my veggies as well. I wish I had more to go on about right now but I’ve been just readjusting and getting ready for a few final weeks of work before things shut down. I’ve been getting some Christmas stuff around and I can feel the holiday spirit. We decided to skip shopping yesterday and work/play outside because of how nice it was. Good choice. I’ll pay a dollar or two more because a beautiful day with the dogs and family can be priceless.

Enjoy the weekend!