Hearts Torn Both in Life and Film

So it is Sunday at 10pm or so and I almost forgot to blog out to everyone. It has been a whirlwind past few days so I’ll try to explain. We’ve entered a stage I call on-set pre-production where our advanced team comes in and prepares the ship (film) for departure. As some of you know my furry boy Luke has battled illness that last couple years. He’s been bouncing back from two bouts of an immune disease and either of them could have been the end of the road. He’s a goofy fun boy who loves life, people, treats…did I say treats? Anyway he’s been doing great with his muscle tone coming back and glimpses of his younger healthier self. Recently he had been having what we thought was more skin issues with sensitivity. It actually turned out to be a mass in his sinus cavity in his forehead. Not good. He had two biopsy procedures done and that caused great discomfort in his tummy. That big head is healing nice with his Frankenstein stitches and all.

Our team has been here working to get ready for the rest of the main crew. For two days my stomach was trying to eat itself with stress waiting on results. My father’s dog had a different situation but also resulted in biopsy and possible cancer. My head was filled with joy one day as my father’s dog got a clean bill of health on the biopsy. My big knucklehead did not get the good news. I felt like I had been kicked in the throat and punched in the jimmy. All these battles and my boy can’t catch a break. My stress lowered slightly not being in limbo but sadness loomed whenever it became quiet.

We’ll be hearing out the doctor and looking at options and such but the situation does not look good. I don’t know if it is harder and easier being away – I’m guessing harder. The irony of the situation is the film we’re about to make MBF is about military vets and shelter dogs. How much time does my boy have? We he still have some healthy times when I finish shooting in 2 weeks and change? This film like all the films have a chance to better the lives of military vets and dogs. It is some of my favorite writing in a simple yet powerful story. My emotional stakes in the film raised with this crisis. I will surely dedicate this film to my boy who was the inspiration at my feet while writing. I don’t know how the future will unfold but we all deal with pain. I’ve surely felt pain the last few days. I’ve felt pain with each sick day. Pain is part of life but it really seems unfair right now. But I will just keep one foot stepping in front of the other.

I’ve been working with old friends and making new ones. I’m looking forward to watching and working with such talented artists. I’ll be announcing the addition of several actors joining our cast. I’m excited about Lauren LaStrada again joining us and Mr. Don Most who many will remember from HAPPY DAYS. I’m so excited by our entire group on both sides of the camera. Storytellers telling stories. And as for me, I’ve found my character. I know him very well as we’ve been hanging out together for several months. I think audiences will enjoy getting to know Paul Landings. Very soon.

WILD FAITH is rolling and we just had a few more Goodrich Theater showings. We have more invites that we’re looking at and we’ll keep showing. I’m happy to say our home video deal is coming together and it might include another expanded theatrical push. Once released it will be up to audiences to vote on the film with their viewership. If you all deem it worthy the distributor is willing to finance a sequel and/or TV series. I met a fan of the films tonight who cried a bit talking about the story. That is what makes me happy. It’s not about awards to me it is about touching the hearts and minds of audiences. Thank you to all those who made the effort to go see the film in the theaters and for also letting me know how it affected you. I appreciate it.

I want to release the trailer for THE CHRIST SLAYER soon. We’re waiting on color correction from our director of photography. The film will also start major music and sound at the end of the month. I’m excited for audiences to see this film. You can wet your whistle by watching parts 1 & 2 on Amazon Prime. (FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR)

I’ve got a slew of crew contracts to review so I’m going to cut this short but I do appreciate you all stopping by. I’ll touch base again next Sunday when cameras are rolling. You can go to https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7403772/reference OR https://www.facebook.com/MBFthemovie/ to see what we’re filming next. Thank you all for your support.

DJ