Don’t be too proud of this technological terror you’ve created!

OK,

So normally I type my emails on a word program and send to Pepper’s fansite (yes my blogging is from her prompting), myspace and a few others when I can remember. The goal is/was to give other artists an insight into the trials and tribulations endured day to day or week to week. I debate within myself over the pros and cons of this new communication. I’ve always loved SciFi and so you think I would be the 1st to jump on new tech. It has made communication with folks in my field easier. Where it use to be road trips for the Detroit Production FreeLancer Balls or other such functions I do find that I’ve reclaimed more of my personal life back. The dream does not consume everything now and I guess in some part I owe that to technology. It also is the reason I agreed to do this. Fans? Flattering and an honor to be part of someone’s special time of entertainment and escape from the hardships we all occasionally face. But it is important to for rising artists to know the struggle is natural, you’re not the first and won’t be the last, and you can succeed.

Bards and storytellers and the people who took the deeds of others (usually hunters or warriors) and highlighted their actions so in the darker times HOPE could be found. History and a sense of community and security are achieved. Okay, that sounds kind of like facebook, myspace as these are the personal mythology of these individuals.

So now I’m typing on a fancy data board that will help disperse the BLOG to other places. I’ve been happy to know that the readers are out there. I’m also a very direct person who will tell it how it is. Also there is a time where words are a waste until action is achieved. But I use these networks to promote and bring awareness to projects. I will learn SYYPE if it keeps me from some long flights and I can go enjoy the zen of my space moments after I click off. I had to get a new Bluetooth which I will use this week on calls. My last one was low charge and fuzzy so I took it off in the car and when I stopped for gas it was flung from my lap.

I’m so very excited about the coming months. First fall is my favorite time of year and it has felt like that here in Michigan. HOT coffee (which I have now) goes so good when the morning has that chill. I like watching MSU football on Sat afternoons. We have our last regular season soccer game today and this is the best conditions to run in for almost 2 hours.

Also biz is working itself out and the story time is near. As in all ventures where one sets his sights high, problems will be there. I imagine sometimes when Columbus was going around trying to raise funds so he could go sail off the edge of the earth. (In some opinions) I’m just amazed more at what people did when communication was all letters and travel was months not days. Top that off with shorter life spans and it makes historic figures more impressive.

Now not all journeys made were good ones, ask the Native Americans or the Native Australians, etc… but exploration is in human nature. I’m very proud of the shifts in cleaner technology and power and I guess as a younger man I always saw myself as the cutting edge and grandma’s ways were the old ways. All grandparents passed on and a younger more technological adept and dependent generation, are the cutting edge. I just pull what I like from the new and add it to the tried and true. Some might be saying DAMNIT DJ, this is not a reflection on getting experienced (Notice I didn’t say old) Maybe because mature is more proper but I also still feel as child-like as when I was 15 years old.

So the movie news. LOTS of buzz over giving my interest on a film script with writer/director John Regan.

http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/33167/robin-hood-goes-southern-gothic-sherwood-horror

http://english.ohmygore.com/sherwood-horror-moves-into-development-news-uk-6407.html

http://www.horrormoviefans.com/newsblog/2009/08/26/robin-hood-vs-vampires/

John and I have been friends since doing THE FLOCK many years ago. John is VERY talented and I think he has realized that the plucked from the masses and made famous is a seldom act. Most often it is built on blood, sweat and tears. Hardship, disappointment and so forth, but as my father has always told me. You appreciate things earned versus things given and that is so true even to this day.

Because of every setback I’ve had, we’ll use WILD MICHIGAN, it will make it that much sweeter when we are shooting or the lights dim and the movie plays. It isn’t just the story itself but it represents the struggle and the journey. For many out there, unless you have ever produced you are not qualified to judge. Some seek employment and others employee others. The latter is much harder and not nearly as selfish. I could have a career as just an actor and throw writer in there but I guess I enjoy the challenge. Also I’ve told a few people before that one of my favorite things to do was “write a check” and I’ll tell you why. I liken it to feeding your beloved dog with your hands, a practice that develops bonding. It is a pleasure to empower someone with the PROFESSIONAL BOND. A artist that is paid to create his art side by side with other artists. In Egypt did people look up and say, “My father helped carve that face,” I don’t know. Maybe they said “Grandpa designed that tomb and we think he’s locked inside.”

I just believe and I hope others believe that by creating these projects they are making some lasting. I rambled off the path again. WILD MICHIGAN. I was told recently that I was “Too kind and trusting” and this was where a few folks tried to take advantage of a situation. That said, I can also be stern and forthright when I feel I’m standing with truth. I know much buzz concerning our WILD MICHIGAN project is buzzing and so I will say it is my intention to shoot this fall.

We have circumvented all dishonest elements and are restructuring as we speak. I’m proud of many of our people, not without the occasional disappointment. It is easy to be the ray of positive when all IS positive but real character is revealed when the chips are down. Take George Washington at Valley Forge. Those officers who showed great character despite the frostbite, hunger, lack of patience… who stood steadfast? I’m sure those people were noted and somehow stayed in Washington’s circle later in life. Even if they did not, I’m sure that that fortitude and character displayed brought them opportunity.

Most all of the people I have surrounded myself with are because of my belief in that artistic ability and character. Some new people brought in are because others vouched for their character. Know that we are always judged by our character. I also know that truth and perceived truth can also be hard to define. So to all out there carry the Collective Development ideals. Be good to one another. Don’t give in to false information and gossip. Don’t highlight someone’s shortcomings to benefit yourself somehow. Lift someone up, brush them off and give them the truth, even if they don’t like it. Next time it could be you on the ground.

If you are addicted to everyone knowing your business you can TWITTER “Help I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!”

You will see who helps you up or steps on you or over you. The greater gift may be the one who inspires you to stand, dust yourself off and start the march again. Some help by example and that is what I try to be.

I wish a wonderful week to everyone.

DJ