NEW Michigan Film Opportunities “Ashes” and More…

The last few days have been beautiful in the Michigan. My time has been spent on prepping the new home office and working development on “Ashes of Eden”. Our PR announced the project last week. (See http://www.cdiproductions.com to read story) We’re locking in many of our leads and talking with key crew members. More cast announcements will be forthcoming this week. We will be setting our firm start dates here in the next two weeks. The locations, scheduling and other pre-prod duties are being knocked down now that may allow for a shorter official pre-prod time. As for the other task of building my new “Fort Perry” it has been a wonderful experience so far. I’m excited to have the new space to store old files/paperwork and having a place to meet with all the artists I do business with. It will serve a few tasks just like the old “Fort Perry” did. I want to thank all those who have given a hand in the process this far.

“Deadly Renovations” had the start of its release on the 21st of August and I think a good many folks are checking it out. We’ve had DVD signings in Yuma, AZ that went very well. I’ve had friends say they rented it at Blockbuster and are having watch parties. Others have added to their collection buying it off Amazon. I’m not sure if Netflix has it up yet but they should soon. (Just call the number they provide and ask)  Also what would be a release without the haters:) You have to love those fans. I saw someone with the 50 accounts trying to throw up their (1’s) and a something that passes for a  review. (barely) With a little closer of a look that account shows it is just another frustrated film school grad that gets in the real world and can’t make a film. What? No school to give me lights and grip equipment? No school to provide a sign out camera? Nobody to believe in their script/story? BUCK UP CAMPER:) Welcome to the real world:) You have to sell people on you. Your passion has to push the story. It is like the new STARFLEET grad who thinks they are going to get the command chair on the USS MOTION PICTURE. I guess they’re stunned when they are handed a red shirt and assigned to shuttle crew duty. It’s that “I’m owed something” mentality of many young people today. NOT ALL! Many. I just note that many of those people who carry that negative attitude seldom get a project off the ground. Their personality does not inspire investors to get behind these folks. Investors are thinking, if I don’t like this persons outlook others likely won’t either and chances are the project will fail. Those negative people of course think the investor is stupid and all those who get their projects made are inferior artists.  They spew- if they had done it…STOP. You did not do it. And with a certain bad attitude you will not do it. They are reduced to slamming others work in hopes that the feelings of failure will go away. So try some respect in your life and see where that gets you.  I respect “doers” even if I don’t LOVE their work. I also understand “subjective” which is something many artists fail to grasp. Many times things are not better just different. Some will like this and some will like that. So it was almost fun to see some of those negative folks again like the crazy uncle at the family reunion. Don’t be that guy/girl:)

I want to give congrats to Gabrielle Stone who GPI has chosen to be my co-star in the 2nd Philippine feature “The Beast” to shoot in 2013. She and I have met on another set and also I know her momma. I’m looking forward to working with her and telling some good story.

“Benjamin” is playing the LONG ISLAND FILM FEST INTERNATIONAL

http://www.longislandfilmfestival.org/benjamin/?fb_action_ids=10151170474605306&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_ref=.UEGFiXDmW9Q.like&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582

So check out the times and catch it before worldwide distribution!

Same with “Darkest Night” that will play the FACINE festival in San Francisco this fall!

http://www.facebook.com/notes/gothic-pictures-international/darkest-night-to-screen-at-facine-in-san-francisco/490022041008747

“Donors” and “7 Stones” is post. I have a final ADR session for “Locked in a Room” before we send mixed master to distributor. I can say the deal is signed and it is a great mini-major studio. I’m happy about all this and I hope to have some exciting news to share over many of the other films. I think many of the foreign fans will soon be very happy.

I’m looking forward to shooting “Ashes of Eden” because it will give me the core of a Michigan crew. We’ve got other film projects launching both inside and outside of Michigan. If you have interest in seeing a sponsor package for “Ashes of Eden” let me know. I’m off to look at doors and windows this morning. Last night was a recharging (blue) full moon and I feel great and ready to go forth into Sept. and ride out 2012!

Have a great day and thank you for your continued interest!

DJ