Opera House, Updates and Burning Leaves

NOTE: I made it back to the blog. I had most of this written this morning at 8:30 am but the distraction of errands got me. We had bathroom tile work and major leaf clean up….but the upside…Beer smoked chicken, corn on the cob, salad…and you get my point. So I’ve returned even if it is now 12 hours later.

The last few days have been beautiful outside here in Michigan. I ended my week with a marketing meeting over the upcoming BESTSELLER thriller that will release next month. It was discussions centered on projectors, DVD release parties and the theatrical runs. We are near the end of post production and I’m very happy with the product we have. I’m sure audiences will feel the tension throughout this film.

I think one of the great strength’s we’ve had as a company is a strong composer. Many young filmmakers put a focus on camera and visuals but often acting and sound/music becomes almost secondary. A film score has thematic threads that run through it and pulls it all together. It’s like the final breath into the clay that brings it all to life. We’ll have our final listen through next week with Chris Knight, our EP/author. From there we master up the DVD and get the film ready for projection. We’re having a media showing May 9th so if you’re in the Michigan area and want an invite email me perrydj@aol.com and following that is the premiere on May 23rd in beautiful Northern Michigan. Both showings are at Historic Opera House.

History of the Opera House
The Opera House, originally constructed in 1877, played an important role in the history of the colorful lumbering era in Northern Michigan. Twice ravaged by fires and rebuilt in 1888 and 1903, the facility now harmoniously houses its original combination of City Hall, Police Department, Fire Department and the 582 seat Opera House. In 1984, after having been closed for some twenty years, the elegantly restored Opera House re-opened its doors to the public once more. Managed by the Cheboygan Area Arts Council, with the support of The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, this acoustically superb, Victorian theatre has become the focal point for entertainment and the performing arts in the Straits of Mackinaw area and beyond.

Ordering for the Premiere-
I think you can order tickets even now from their website but the ads for this will start next week. It will be a fun showing for sure. I’m proud that we took a book written by this very talented author and with some talented film artists created this motion picture. Stay tuned for some exciting updates including new poster art, trailers and more. Chris Knight wrote a strong thriller on BESTSELLER and I think we did a good job of adapting that to a film. We will see what others say next month.

“40 Nights” is solidly in post-production now. Editing has begun and we are weeks away from 1st looks teaser on the film. Also we’re slightly adjusting our title font so we have had a short halt on picture release while we adjust that. As stated earlier we will also have product licensing going on- so in the near future some great products associated with this film will roll out.

“Wasteland, Tales of the Desert Part 1” and “The Terrorist” have also been completed. So I will know more on when and where showings on those two films. I heard “Dead Quiet” is still moving down the post trail. It still ranks #1 on coldest day shoot for me in Pontiac and the drive to set that one day was epic in itself. MADMAX IN WINTER.

This week also had me putting in some work on a new script. I’m working on this script to collaborate with director Anthony (Tony) Hornus on. I like the role I would play and I think it would be fun to work with Tony again. This role would be strong but it also will allow several other talents to really shine in powerful dramatic roles.

KNIGHT CHILLS 2 had some good progress made just before I went to Yuma, AZ. This project is moving forward as the script develops. I think it would be a nice tip-of-the-hat, nod – coming full circle to see this 1st CDI film get a follow up. We’ve grown so much as a company and as artist it would be fun to revisit that world with all we know now.

Still no word on TANGY GUACAMOLE 2 – Still Tangy – Stan Reed says, call me!

I’m just smiling because I’ve got many things going on – crazy busy. But we are working focused and action lists are being checked off. I like the direction of these projects. Many are finishing. The cool part for me is that we are once again entering the “what’s next ??”- phase. We’ve got several projects with various degree of development on them. We also have a new deal to deliver two more biblical era films. We’ll get back to the sandals soon enough – it may be time to tell a few other stories first.

I’m getting the garden ready and prepping the yard for the year ahead. Soccer season is upon us and that is wonderful. I’m going to enjoy finishing out these films and getting them released. So prepare to be thrilled, chilled and entertained. I’ve heard from a few fans of ASHES OF EDEN this week. We’re working hard to set up a few AZ theatrical screenings before the wide home video release.

Final Words…
Keep pushing towards your goals. Enjoy your down time with family and friends. Shut down and recharge your batteries when required. Relax and visualize, it is a powerful tool. Every film starts as a thought and it always amazes me when we finish one.

Childhood Inspiration
I have to say that as a young child who was enchanted by Star Wars in 1977 – who was lured into the art of pretend by playing Han Solo with friends. It feels good to be excited about the whole Star Wars experience again. This new trailer really brought me back to where it all started. It is timely because with our upcoming “40 Nights” that was the goal. I wanted to tell a “heroes journey” like what I saw on the screen with that 1st 1977 Star Wars film. I decided to make Jesus and his quest of forty nights into my heroes journey. I have to give it to my my director Jesse Low and my DP amigo Jesse Smooth. (Also known as Jesse Aragon) These two fine artists truly captured that heroic vibe. I really feel that everyone involved with that project will be proud to have their name on it. Okay. I’m going to sink into BLACK SAILS. A most excellent TV show. Have a great weekend.

DJ