YUMA -Week ONE Pre-Prod Down!

Today will be another day in the 90’s here in sunny Yuma, AZ as we prep to film. Back at home I hear of chilly cold and keeping the fire burning. The only fire here is the big ball of heat in the sky. The sun has been good for me for sure as most in Michigan likely have low Vitamin D. We’re here to film part 3 of The Quest Trilogy entitled “The Christ Slayer”. I think we’ve been able to take everything that we’ve learned on the previous two films and take it up a notch. Our first week of pre-production is over and tomorrow cameras roll. For me I have our production meeting followed by a rehearsal with some of our cast that arrived. Carl Weyant and the Perry brothers Ponce and Scott flew in last night and I’m excited to create with them. Our secondary team started to come in last night. We all went to a nice Mexican place in town and got to know one another. It is a magical thing when storytellers from all over the world come together to create. This adventure has a boat in it, gardens, farms and of course desert. I’m beyond excited to do tell this tale.

Other exciting film news…

Staying in the Quest Trilogy vein our Forty Nights art for the April 4th DVD launch with Bridgestone Multimedia Group is almost done. A final proof on Monday but I can say it is beautiful. The art on the Wal-Mart release got rushed due to a release date and I was not happy with it. It was not our elements and was just okay. Additionally the International Christian Film Festival has nominated the film for 4 awards.

That will show in May in Florida.

CHASING THE STAR our second film will be done this week and a test screening is set for Champion Church next Sunday. I’m excited to see the audience reaction to our powerful follow-up film. Much more will be announcing on this film as we move into the theatrical phase and head towards the national release Sept. 5th.

Many of you know we just recently dropped the first look at the Wild Faith teaser trailer. It has been doing really well in receiving reactions. The simple fact is the trailer is strong but the film is MUCH stronger. Everyone just really brought their A game.

I got word that THE ACTOR the film that I did a time back in NYC with Carl Weyant is releasing digitally on the 29th of this month! A film worth checking out for sure.

Things move around on the board when in pre-production from changing locations, crew, cast and other details of production. When you look back on the finished film you often can’t imagine things being any different. I know in one case we had a change because of illness and another because of dragging negotiations. We had a location change that seemed like an issue at first when we lost a location but by days end we had found a location that was much better suited. Things happen for a reason.

I miss my family, friends and comforts of home but like all of us I must work. I have to say that I truly do love my work. Don’t get me wrong I have days where I wonder “why am I doing this?” usually when bogged down in logistical or legalese, but all for the greater good.

I’m sure I’m missing some updates but perhaps I’ll do a mid-week update with so much developing OR I’ll be speaking to you next Sunday after our screening of “Chasing the Star” at Champion Church.

Time to go do our production meeting, cast meeting and lastly hair and make up so they can make this caveman look more Jesus-like:)

Be good to one another.

DJ