Home Sweet Home!
I’m back in the Michigan drinking my coffee on a Monday morning. Yesterday we won our soccer match and I even scored a goal. I’ve enjoyed following the World Cup with so many friends and it is kind of sad that it’s all over now. As for playing soccer yesterday it was nice to run hard after spending all that time in NYC filming. I had such a great time and I know we did some very good work. I not a big city fan at all but the people and the experience were extremely positive. I made many new friends and saw a few old ones. My final scene was at Grand Central Station and it was a cool way to picture wrap. That place is so BIG! So I will be keeping you updated on that film entitled BENJAMIN.
Now I’m unpacking and jumping back into “In Our Time” and I hope that launches here soon. I’m all warmed up and ready to rock so give me a few and I’ll be ready to roll. Last week RENOVATION http://www.renovationthemovie.com rough cut was done and the fine tuning now begins. We are prepping for the release of HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST this August and so I encourage you all to join our facebook pages on these projects and buy/rent the films at a place of your choice.
I’m ready to really try and pull some of these projects together so we can do a few more of these little stories:) I do enjoy creating onscreen and the fact that I got to do a comedy again was just great. I got to work with James Russo whose work I’ve admired and he did not disappoint me. I want to thank all the hard working cast and crew of that film and I can’t wait to see the final project. I’m also hearing LOCKED IN A ROOM is nearing a rough cut so fans out there should have a few great projects to wait for.
I’m getting things back to normal so I’ll keep this short for now!
Have a great week everybody!
DJ
Break in Michigan = Beautiful
Ah…so nice to be chilling back in my environment with so much nature around. After spending just short of two weeks in NYC it was refreshing to come home to Michigan. I had a Birthday on the 23rd and being that it was the big 40 I was able to escape the black balloons and “Over-the-Hill” jokes. Actually I feel in my PRIME standing on the top of the hill:) The time spent so far in NYC was great even though I am not a city dweller. I’m having a wonderful time co-starring in a comedy called BENJAMIN. I have so enjoyed the entire cast and crew and they have given me positive memories in regards to NYC. I’m not about the crowds, cement, buildings and all that so when off I spend most of my free time on the roof top of our actors apartment where the wind blows. NYC was donkey-ass hot (A new term) and I had lots of car scenes driving around the main downtown in Manhattan. We had a police escort on the trailer pulling the picture car which was a cab. I was driving the tailing car and I must have blew through between 40 and 50 red lights in traffic because spectators didn’t all know I was a picture car because I was actually driving. Whenever we pulled over to make adjustments to lighting we had folks taking pictures and video and it was just fun to watch. The people didn’t know exactly who we were but we looked enough like someone they have seen in films:) They thought my buddy Carl was John Stamos. (Very funny)
I’m going to take a few days to rest and take care of some business. Beyond that I want to see some family/friends before going back to NYC for a week to finish shooting. I play an anti-terrorist agent and I am having all kinds of fun. Next week I’m working with James Russo and Robert Miano and I’m excited to work with such talented actors. This is all a good break before putting Jesus on the big screen. I’m waiting on final shoot dates for IN OUR TIME but right now I’m just happy to be home.
I hope that everyone has a safe and fun-filled 4th of July weekend.
DJ
Back to the Big Apple
Hazelnut coffee is flowing and I’ve waking up here in Michigan after we had a major thunderstorm that woke me about 4 am. I almost got up to finish my final packing but I decided to grab the extra four hours of sleep. I’ve been working development and getting ready to shoot IN OUR TIME but I had a great opportunity pop up. I got a call to come co-star in a comedy shooting in NYC. The funny part was when the director called me I laughed and said, “I kind of got this Jesus look going” and he explained the role and how it would all figure.
I play an anti-terrorist agent and I’m so very excited to do something zany before going into something very dramatic. As I know more of what they want released I will drop some exclusives here. My buddy Carlucci who starred with me in KARMA is a central character and so it will be great to see him. I also here rumor that Alma will also be playing a character and she was the female lead in KARMA so we have a nice reunion going on of sorts. I look forward to making some new friends and associates.
This last week has been working with Dennis Therrian and Triumphant Ent. getting the final stuff around for the August HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST. The latter has a soundtrack being released and we also added Joe Pullin’s music video for one of the major songs “I Will Wait For You” featuring John Oates, Peter Frampton and the London Symphony recorded at Abbey Roads studio. Here is a link for the music video.
http://web.me.com/dennistherrian/Therrian_Productions/I_Will_Wait_For_You.html
I’m going to shut down here and pack my work bag. I have a flight in a few hours so I’m going to go finish my packing. Time to pour another cup of the java:) Have a great week and I’m sure I’ll have a few good stories to share soon.
DJ
Soccer, Lilacs and a few Updates…
Ah, outdoor soccer season has been underway and after a couple of wins we have dropped a few games by one goal. Defense is on point but we are having issues finding the back of the net. I did actually score a goal last week which is a rare thing since I play defense. The World Cup has been great to watch and enjoy with so many friends of mine. I also wanted to report that the lilac wine is fermenting nicely and if it tastes like it smells it should be wonderful.
On the movie front we’ve been prepping for the August releases of “Figure in the Forest” and “Heaven’s Neighbors” that can be pre-ordered on amazon.com, Walmart and many online retailers. Feel free to call your favorite retailer, rental house. After that is “The Patchwork Girl of OZ” and “Judges Special Edition” in September so stay tuned.
PR has been in full swing that I’m to play Jesus in the film “In Our Time” and I hope to have shoot dates this week. I think cameras may roll in July 2010 here and I will let everyone know. I’ve also accepted a role in a film that shoots end of this month. It looks as if I will be gone on my BDay which is nice because I might miss out on the black balloons and such:) I will tell you all more about the film soon but I’m excited because it is a comedy.
So it has been script reading, script doctoring and movie development. We still don’t know the final resolution on our LA legal dealings but we should end of the month or 1st of July.
Here are a couple nice interviews coming from the “In Our Time” project.
http://www.michiganpr.net/index.php?xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=052010&newsid=1229
Look for some upcoming PR on “Wild Michigan” and “A State of Hate” coming soon.
In heavy post we have “Locked in a Room,” “Renovation” and “Outside the Wire” so the work continues.
Have a great week!
DJ
Friendships Without Fine Print
I’m back in the beautiful Michigan after almost a week in CA dealing with our little arbitration matter. I will say WOW! What a great learning experience and while I would not call any of it fun it was a great moment. I was the first person up and I presented the facts and survived the cross examinations just fine. It is easy when you have truth on your side. It is slightly irritating when a lawyer is trying to twist words into other meaning or discredit your character. I’m glad to report that this did not and could not happen. I’ve said before that I’ve stood by my actions, given best efforts always and I sleep like a baby every night. We were in force four strong and our attorney and on the third day we got the satisfaction of watching the guilty party OBJECTION! (We know he is guilty) OVERRULED! We watched the alleged guilty party just took a brutal, BRUTAL cross examination whereas he was going against earlier testimony within the 1st 60 seconds and it got worse from there. It was text book guilt from shaking hands, sweating and changing colors from bright red to ghostly white. Follow this with stuttering, wrong names and facts, his proclaiming of innocence and a string of “I can’t remember(s)” …(Follow this with a piece of hard evidence).
At the end of three hours I almost felt bad for the crook. I watched him dead on for the whole cross examination. He looked at me a few times and I saw suffering. I felt bad in a sense that we could have been business partners. The truth is that this man had been exploiting filmmakers for a long time. He just may have exposed himself and his company to the open fact that his entire library is most likely built on fraud and misrepresentation. I also don’t think that anyone has every called him to judgement on his actions. On that day, regardless of how the final ruling comes out, we achieved satisfaction of knowing that he had to account for his wrong-doings on record and under oath. In a few weeks we will know the final outcome but already we are in a better place because I promise you they will be more prompt with accounting and payout and I sincerely hope they change their business ethics.
What I also loved is the fact that we represented the mass of filmmakers out there who pour passion, heart and soul into a film. Some are duped by ONE WORD in a contract that can slide by even experienced attorneys. It is sad because some great filmmakers may never emerge into the industry because they were cut short having used every finance option open to them and being left with nothing to fight a battle against a major corporation. We fought that battle on that day for every filmmaker ever mistreated by a distributor. I was so proud of Collective Development http://www.cdiproductions.com and now the upper crust of Hollywood knows this company can and will FIGHT when RIGHT! I want to thank all the prayers and well wishes I got from folks and especially the filmmakers. This battle was for all of us and I’ve never been prouder. We have a few more battles to fight on smaller fronts. I really wish we could go back to our 1st film that did well and we never saw a penny from our initial distributor. The company paid itself out and dissolved into the night never to be seen again. What is even sadder in a few of these cases is that the dishonest people are also parents. The main antagonist is our little deal in CA has a 5 year old child. My father was and still is a ROCK on how to live like a good man. He instilled those values in us. I worry about these dishonest people’s children being raised by fathers who see lying, cheating and stealing as just a way of life. This man is a millionaire but he is no different then a street thug. Both are passing on the shortcomings in their character by condoning a behavior to a small child who sees their father as the end all. That is what was running through my head during part of this ordeal. I hope that man changes his ways for his child. Odd to feel bad for someone but I’m not a hateful person. I don’t carry poison around like that. My friendships mean a lot to me and they come without any fine print. Be a good friend and the rewards will be greater than any money or material things.
TO MOVIE NEWS!
http://www.walmart.com/ip/14542396http://www.walmart.com/ip/14542409 PRE-ORDER now at Walmart and enjoy these two Jeff Kennedy directed titles. These films showcase some of the heart and soul of our company. The films release next month and you can add these to your collection. I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing weekend as we remember those who fight so that we may have freedom. Be good to one another. DJ
Recte Agens Confido
Honesty, Responsibility, Faith and the Web of Life…
FADE IN: ROAD WARRIOR… The barren landscape where the iron cities no longer exist. Water is like gold and oil is the last drops of the blood of a dying giant.
All I know is that one of my favorite films from my teen years showed a world gone bad and focuses on the few people trying to survive. That film seems to have scary overtone that I also revisited when I use to teach Native American studies at the Ebersole Enviromental Center years ago. Chief Seattle and the web of life really illustrated how interconnected all the ecosystem are. Natural disaster is bad enough with volcanic activity, earthquakes, flooding but when you add in the actions of man like this oil leak it is scary. I mean I don’t want to end up a story teller in the THUNDERDOME (3rd Mad Max film:) talking about the days when we had moving pictures. I might fare okay in the Thunderdome fighting but I will never be able to keep a cool car running like Mad Max because I have no real mechanical skills worth a damn.
On the positive note I think that this oil leak will motivate us to REALLY go do after safer power. I’m talking Teslsa technology of pulling energy from the earths magnetic field vs oil drilling that could cause major damage to world water supply. Also an enemy of the US could attack these oil rigs and take huge focus and manpower to try and manage. On the other hand that kind of action effects ALL people ultimately but some people have a doomsday mentality. So bottom line is just let oil be. OR make oil from corn, soy, hemp but this drilling below our water bodies is a bad idea. I think that has been illustrated so maybe wisdom will emerge.
RESPONSIBILITY is what we are talking about. Also we need true preventative measures on our actions not just reactionary once something goes wrong. IF companies truly knew they would be held responsible certain actions would not be taken because they would be deemed too risky. The Big Auto 3 in Michigan are very happy that Toyota forgot their own teachings of ancient eastern history and rather than using preventive principals they let certain issues go too long. Once they issu es were exposed they were now in a reactionary position which is a western mentality not the eastern mentality previously used by wise men from the east.
HONESTY
This trait factors into the above Toyota issue. Honesty, recall and accepting responsibility would have changed that whole situation. Well the PR departments of the Big 3 made sure you knew that they knew ahead of time. I like the way Tylenol handled their issue years ago. If they had tried to hide that…you get the point.
How does this all tie to movies? RESPONSIBILITY – when you accept a manager position on a project you sometimes are put in a place where you must stand up for what is right especially when you are legally empowered to do so. I recently had a long round table meeting where I explained that we were going into an arbitration over a project. The other party is known in our industry and surely is connected to others. It was asked if my actions could/would hurt my own acting options in Hollywood. I gladly explained that my actions were my duty and that my personal agenda had to come second. Also I don’t want to do business with people of a dishonest nature and so if there was fall out to our right actions so be it. This party is wrong, dishonest and they (like some others) in Hollywood and elsewhere perform dishonest actions because they count on the fact that independent filmmakers cannot afford to come after them. This month we have a major arbitration and it isn’t even a matter of we MAY be in the right. We ARE in the right. This is not just our viewpoint (We often want to be right but are not) but this is just truth and so we will see how this plays out.
We are actually fighting two major battles as a company. One that surrounds WILD MICHIGAN that we had to abandon ship on. But know that in our CDI shipyard the WILD MICHIGAN 2 is being built. I won’t go into any details on this other issue but we are fighting for all the other filmmakers out there who often cannot. As CDI moves into the studio system it is important to me that the crooks soon know to avoid CDI. This dog bites.
So HONESTY, RESPONSIBILITY and now FAITH…
Faith is knowing that things in the world will usually right themselves. The greedy man will face an issue that money cannot buy his way out of. Cancer doesn’t have a price where it will just go away. There is no cash settlement offer for a person fighting MS or other diseases. The unemployed man with supreme health is wealthier than he may know. If health was transferable someone would gladly give their millions for your health. Would you trade? I think not. So every day that you are healthy you are wealthy. It is funny that on all these business fronts EVERY one of these issues is over greed. I hope they learn their lesson and in a Mr. Scrooge kind of way, wake up one morning and they decide to be a kind, honest individual who has compassion for those with less and are willing to play honestly at business. Wall Street take note, Washington take note and each of us can hold ourselves responsible. I’ve made decisions as I’ve stated before that others may not agree with but I do not make decisions based on greed. Ultimately I want everyone to do well. So with each blessed step forward you should always reach back and help a few up. Watch the Special Olympics and learn something about being a good person. I’ve found in my experiences with the “Special” that the worst parts of being human have been “retarded” in them. They are special because in them exists the best parts of who we are while some genetic fault(s) seem to have left the worst parts behind. Often they have trouble existing in society because the world around them often operates using those worst parts of people as the way. Think hard on this.
I want to give a shout out to Daniel a young blog reader who emailed me on how he enjoys the words. He had an audition and I wish him well. To be that young and making his way in our industry. Daniel you have years ahead of you and so don’t rush for a finish line but enjoy the journey. Don’t forget to be a kid. Those will be some of your best years.
I’ll be back to more direct movie updates later but this oil thing has been on my mind. Also most of my week was taking up on organizing our communications concerning the project we are in arbitration over. Today is garden work. I like getting out there and working the dirt and seeing the complex way of things in nature. It brings a nice balance to life. So to all you artists out there. I preach the SHOW and the BIZ but on the most basic level keep yourself aware of what goes on in the natural world because we are all connected, the web of life.
Be good.
DJ
“Man does not weave this web of life. He is merely a strand of it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.” – Chief Seattle
Humbled and Happy
The rain is coming down and I’m very happy that yesterday was lawn day. I have grass seed down and so this should help. I’ve also been collecting Lilac pedals for some new wine I’m going to try making. If you want to talk about Zen it is one pedal at a time while either talking on the phone or reading lines. I realized that 15 quarts is a LOT of pedals and also that in mass they almost have a waxy feel…ODD.
So I’m happy to announce the fact that the project that I’ve been forced to be hush, hush on is now going public with their PR and so now I can share. I submitted blindly for a role in a very non-descriptive religious film about the time we had finished filming the 1st leg of “Book of Ruth” and I sent materials for the biblical character of Judas. I thought after playing nice guy ‘Benjamin’ I would enjoy another biblical feature but thought maybe a bad guy of sorts would be cool. I sent it off and immediately got no response. Like that? So fast forward 6 months and one Sunday out of the blue I get contacted by this production company with a synopsis and breakdown of this project called “In Our Time” and they said I was of interest to them. Come to find out I was one of 27 actors they were looking at for the lead role of Jesus in this studio picture. Funny thing is about this time Ray our main producer on “Book of Ruth” starts talking about how Pureflix and TBN and random folks are remarking to him how much I remind them of Jesus. So I agree to non disclose anything and read the script. EPIC. Now they want me to talk with producer/writer and explain how I see the character and story line. I honestly think I have a good grasp on the heart and soul of the role and explain my take. I guess I was the only person to pick up on a few major elements. From there I’m told I’m one of the seven they have narrowed down to and the front runner. They became versed in my work and I did a few voice recordings for them and well…the rest is history as they like to say.
I’m happy that I can share a first PR announcement at Christian Cinema and many more will follow. I’m excited that fate also put two of my friends in this film. I was asked about my thoughts on Mr. Rance Howard and Terry Jernigan who were being considered for roles. I think people scan around actors they want to use to get ideas for casting but that said Terry Jernigan has been peppering his career with faith films and they saw him starring in “Pilgrams Progress” I think it was. Rance has worked so much it doesn’t surprise me. I think one of the producers on this film was on “Angels and Demons” and knew Rance that way. Either way it will be nice to work alongside two very good friends of mine.
I will say that the process of being JUST AN ACTOR has been humbling. I realize that with my alpha personality I’m a team player but I have a control aspect to me. I have found it hard at times and frustrating at times to be JUST TALENT. I have made a new vow to try to improve communication between production and cast and crew because being in the dark on a need to know info basis is not fun:) So the experience has been good for me. Also I just worked on lines but just tried to ignore the project because no point in wasting energy mulling over and over on something. When it was time they would contact me and away we would go. So I’m told we start very soon and I’ll get at least a week notice. The 1st leg of the shoot is in Bulgaria I think so it would be nice to know so I can get my home life in order. Enjoy the 1st PR and I’ll let you know more soon.
The talks on WILD MICHIGAN resurrection are going very well. The old project was put down to rest and we are also making moves to bring some justice to those responsible for the 1st false start. As I was told, it was not the time for “Wild Michigan” but we are casting up the final stars and I’m looking to come off “In Our Time” and go into pre-production on “Wild Michigan” but I will know more soon.
Development on the other CDI projects are going great and so I would love to put a whole slate of films into motion. On the personal, my dad is recovering well and can drive again. Remember your mothers out there this Sunday if you have them with you spend some time with them and if they are gone remember them fondly.
Have a great weekend.
DJ
HERE are a few of the links as given to me by production
Please take a moment to check out the buzz from Christian Cinema at http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/newsdesk_info.php?newsdesk_id=1346.
http://sites.google.com/site/inourtimeannouncement/INOURTIMEfilm
Dreams Do Come True…
Yesterday was our first Michigan day in the 80’s and it was nice to bounce between my computer and outside where I could have my phone calls. We are getting the garden around and I’ve been planting and watering some grass seed. I’m sure you are aware that the hazelnut coffee is flowing and I’ve been studying how to make lilac wine. This week I also found some of my early morels and so that is always a little exciting. My father is recovering slower than he would like but patience is required. Patience is something the Perry’s have learned over time as it does not just come naturally. I’m just big on not wasting energy on something until one must. I guess to clarify it is about order of business. Worry, anticipation, want…all these attributes won’t make certain things happen before they should. That said with patience and hard work many developments underway.
UPDATES:
New announced releases – Joining the Aug. 10th FIGURE IN THE FOREST and Aug 24th HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS is THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ (Sept. 7th) and a fan favorite JUDGES gets a special edition release on Oct 21st.
Those who can’t wait FIGURE IN THE FOREST plays TBN on the west coast 5/3 starting at 11:00 pm and on the east coast it plays at 2:00 am on what is 5/4/2010. For those wanting a double dose of inspirational TBN will also show BOOK OF RUTH 5/9 for west coast starting at 9:00 pm but starts 5/10 at midnight on the east coast. You can check the listings on TBN home site.
Development is in full swing on many fronts from Michael Valverde’s “Holly, Jingles and Clyde” to John Regan’s “Sherwood Horror” – post work on “Outside the Wire” is coming to the final stretch and I’ve been giving scene notes on “Renovation” while waiting to see the polished trailer for “Locked in a Room” which has signed Worldwide Film as the sales rep and they will be showcasing it at the Cannes Film Market this year. This year should see a film or two more out of CDI.
“Wild Michigan”(2010) and “A State of Hate” (2011) have been in high gear and we are closing up the casting on our remaining few roles. We will have some great announcements there soon. It is very exciting to have such a renewed energy as Hollywood is discovering the quality of product we are proposing here at the tribe.
I’ve had a few acting offers and so I’ve been reading and talking about taking some time between producing projects to go perform and just enjoy the storytelling. I’ve also been in talks about some management of my acting/writing work. Overall I’m just very happy with how 2010 has been. I’ve only acted on one project this year but have made several deals that are bringing films to you all and also setting things up for future production. I can feel the hardships of 2009 slowly melting away.
To all my artist amigos keep pushing one step at a time. To the fans, thank you so much for all your support. I do enjoy all the feedback and comments I’ve been getting and you all make it all worthwhile. So just a thank you. My 1st films were done by me and my friends in school in place of book reports and final exams and shown in our library. I can’t believe it has grown into all this but I’m so happy that it has. Dreams to come true.
DJ
2:00 am
Encore – “Locked in a Room” Slight Return
OK. “Locked in a Room” footage was provided to a sales rep who had been after us from early on with our thriller. After seeing early footage they immediately offered a deal to represent the film. The trailer for Cannes Film Market is about done and it will be featured in France. The footage looks really good. Between this film and “Renovation” who also has several interested distributors I’m very excited about the future of these two films. Anyway I was called into action one more time in “Locked in a Room” when a pick up scene was planned with a powerful actress Rae’Ven Larrymore Kelly who has been in some major blockbusters. We had a great lunch with her prior because she is under serious consideration to play Thelma in “Wild Michigan” and we also are looking at her as a main character in “A State of Hate” which Tony Hornus will direct once he completes “Outside the Wire” doc film. Stay tuned because a LOCKED IN A ROOM trailer will be released very soon.
“Renovation” editing is underway and I’m so excited about that film because as cool as I think the trailer is now it really doesn’t show the real meat of the film. I hope to bring some exciting news from the Yuma front very soon. Head down on the earthquakes beetches!
RELEASES – I told you about the Aug 10th release of FIGURE IN THE FOREST and Aug 24th release of HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS but now you can add the Sept 7th release of THE PATCHWORK GIRL of OZ and Sept 21st Special Edition release of JUDGES. There is interest in trying to get the JUDGES sequel in motion which really lost some stream after the sad loss of “Father Kane” Mr. Russ Stine. Stephen Walker is now done with THE BOOK OF RUTH so maybe he will turn his attention back to the possible Judges franchise.
Speaking of franchise I did mention the follow up to AN ORDINARY KILLER working title A STATE OF HATE which just got interest from Ernie Hudson to play a main character joining an already wonderful cast. The development pipeline is really going well in the planning pics for 2011 and 2012. More info about John Regan’s SHERWOOD HORROR, Tom Norton’s OPERATION RUTHLESS and my sword & sorcery property PANDEMONIUM (In talks with director Pearry Reginald Teo) in the very near future.
HOLLY, JINGLES and CLYDE is joining WILD MICHIGAN in active pre-production along with A STATE OF HATE which is on a run up that could get a bump to 2011 pending Mr. Hornus post work on his doc and also the nature of movie financing. WILD MICHIGAN has several new folks pushing to make this film happen who happily state that this film wasn’t made before because it just wasn’t the right time. At the same time CDI is wielding the hammer of justice trying to remedy to wrongs done in the Hollywood. I’ve always felt that CDI has always approached things with diplomacy first. We want LONG TERM relationships. We have a great track record of repeat working with several cast and crew. Maybe not on every film but those that were good additions are often invited back like old friend.
Some people only see SHORT TERM such as that one crew and cast member that tries to squeeze that undo dollar or just being a person who spills negativity versus positive attitude. The issue is that I’m going to be doing what I do until they throw dirt on my box. In this journey my circle of good folks who also dream as I do increases. I’ve been asked NUMEROUS times for references on people. Know that I would say my real thoughts to anyone’s face as easily as I would on a phone. To me I am being honored to have someone value my opinion enough that they hope my words could help safeguard their project. They want a hit. They will than get to make more movies. From that more people get more employment. It is all very simple. So if you have counterproductive words or actions you are directly being involved with yours and others future work flow.
My summary of this funny retrospective that I’m not sure…yes I do. It was the late night conversation on set last night about opportunist folks and people not conducting proper business. Sneaky business will never work out for you because even if you succeed a little in the short term your character has been determined. Character is so important not just in movies but in life. I sincerely challenge anyone to really distill me down and find dishonest business. I’ve made unpopular choices and even made mistakes but I can’t recall snaking anyone. That is why I really do sleep very well every night. I guess that only means that I feel right even if maybe I am wrong. I just want to encourage all you artists both sides of the camera and those above the line folks to do right by people. Try to give more than you get. If you must say something bad say something good first and than explain how you feel the bad situation could be remedied. I live by these words and being known as a problem solver versus a complainer will get you much more success in this field or any field. I rest on this issue. Bottom line is we have been bringing attorney’s into our circle to deal with the dishonest. Be good. Enough said:)
I’ll end with a quick update on my father. Thank you for all the well wishing. He’s at home and resting peacefully. He gets stronger every day but like son like father…he is a go-getter especially with his “picking” (Watch “American Pickers”) and so hates being in low gear. I really didn’t make big mention because my family is not as public as I am and so I try to keep their business theirs. But I did share with him how many good wishes and people are tracking, reading this little blog that Pepper got me to start so many years ago. Pepper is the head of the DJ Perry fan club based in Texas. This came after she attended a premiere for AN ORDINARY KILLER to meet her real top star Mr. Terence Knox. She has been great in sharing with others her enthusiasm for a small band of filmmakers from that backwoods place called Michigan, just doing their own little thing. We thank you.
Here’s to happy Sundays and Hazelnut coffee. (Still no sponsor yet:)
DJ
A New Perspective & Top 10 Updates
Small things make me smile – the cuddles of a good dog or cat, watching hard cider ferment, hazelnut coffee in the morning and spending time with family and friends. Some may know and others may not that my father had to have an open heart operation to fix a valve and also 3 bypasses. He has not chosen a semi-public life like myself so I was hesitate to blog too much about him. But those who did know have been so supportive. I’ve been facing the on-going challenges of developing, producing, posting, distributing our films and knowing that many people are assisted when something moves forward. I really was unaware of how much of that I carry on myself until I really didn’t care. For the week leading up to my father’s operation I found myself working but my mind and heart was solely on my father and his upcoming battle. To imagine a world where you no longer have that wise fatherly mentor was scary. I know others already have suffered such a loss and life does go on but I don’t think we ever feel ready. On one hand I found myself working but not under the pressure I normally feel. I’ve had several projects over the last couple years occupying my thoughts and energy and I found myself seeing a new perspective on what truly is important. I was so pleased with the loving messages and friendships which told me that I had people who were reaching out to me as a person with no agendas and with me offering nothing in the moment. I get SLAMMED with communications that are 100% tied to what I can offer someone. I don’t hold that against folks as we are all just trying to pay bills and stay happy while on this planet. It just felt good to have some sincere compassion coming my way. I tend to be a more private person these days and don’t ask for help sometimes when I should and I don’t “lean” on people. It is just good to know that if I did not have anything to offer anyone some people would still come knocking. I just wanted to say thank you and I’m glad to report that Pa Perry came through just fine. He should be going home today or tomorrow and I hope that he can enjoy a longer, happier life. Appreciate your family and friends.
Okay…onto movie updates:) I may bullet point so I can remember some of these. Spring is in the air and things are sprouting!
1) FIGURE IN THE FOREST DVD Aug 10th and HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS Aug 27th on DVD in the US/Canada!
2) Join the facebook sites for news and updates
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Figure-in-the-Forest/312181314099?ref=ts
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heavens-Neighbors/342762080271?ref=ts
** Look for some advanced previews of the new DVD extras including 2 new documentary films (Behind the Scenes)
3) Director John Regan will be producing a film SHERWOOD HORROR under CDI and the State of VA just made a financial offer to try and land VA as our location. Join the facebook site for updates here…
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000432061453&ref=ts
4) The Patchwork Girl of OZ children’s animated film will release in Sept 2010 as will a Special Edition of JUDGES! Additional OZ films and a pair of follow up JUDGES films are in the works.
5) Talks are underway to try and bring “KARMA, CRIME, PASSION and REINCARNATION” to the US and I will keep you updated on that. http://www.karmacpr.com
6) Editing work is fast underway on RENOVATION in Yuma, AZ watch http://www.renovationthemovie.com for updates!
7) LOCKED IN A ROOM wrapped shooting with my KARMA Co-star Carlucci Weyent being flown in with vet actor Robert Miano. Great work and the movie is in post. Trailer will be forthcoming very soon!
8) With WILD MICHIGAN it looks like Rae’Ven Larrymore Kelly may be our lead Thelma. She is a highly decorated actress and so those talks continue. Singer Fantasia has committed her interest to a song on the soundtrack and others will be joining.
9) Work on OUTSIDE THE WIRE continues!
10) Progress on development/packaging of HOLLY, JINGLES and CLYDE, FACE THE THUNDER, A STATE OF HATE, TIMBERWOLF…the word is out on Collective Development Inc.
More updates to come.
Happy Spring!
DJ
Another Brick in the WALL!
Almost three o’clock and my day feels like morning. I got up a few hours ago after a weekend of wrapping up shooting on “Locked in a Room” and it feels good! Other than b-roll or pickups that should be a wrap on the 1st co-production between CDI and At Risk Entertainment! I saw my buddy Carlucci Weyent who I have not seen since India. Also meeting, watching and working with Robert Miano was a great experience. He is a powerful actor and like Rance Howard, Bill McKinney and other vets of our industry, he had great stories and insights. It once again makes me proud to be part of the next generation of actors in our storytelling industry.
I’ve been also dealing with family issues as my father must have an operation that has been in the coming for a while. It is a common heart valve operation but still always scary anytime a loved one has to be put at risk. My dad is very active so this will really help his day to day. I will say that as I’m in the midst of development, production, post etc…it really took some stress off of me because at the end of the day we are just making movies. I say, work hard but don’t take ourselves too serious. I’ve said before, we entertain and provide escape/release for people who truly have stressful jobs. It was a good priority check because at the end of the day health, family and friends should be in your top three.
Many developments moving down the chain as projects move forward. I’m about to deliver paperwork on “Figure in the Forest” and “Heaven’s Neighbors” due out in August. You can also find and add to friends on facebook. Jeff & Nita Kennedy are managing two very fun sites that showcase indie filmmaking at its best. Dramas can be hard to get into the wide market but we are very happy that these two films are. Directors commentary done now on both films. DVD extras in works including a new behind the scenes “Heaven’s Neighbors” doc/interviews. Artwork is really looking cool and also I’m announcing that our 1st animated feature “The Patchwork Girl of OZ” is also getting a wide DVD release in Sept. It features some great voice talent like Kera O’Bryon and our dear friend Russ Stine RIP. I had fun voicing my 1st cartoon character “The Woodsman” and so enjoy. They are talking a series and my goal is to create better and better animation but is was a great 1st step and I’m happy the world will get to see it on DVD this summer.
In serious talks on some distribution on “Renovation” and so thank you for those who checked out the http://www.renovationthemovie.com website and trailer. It is an action packed suspenseful piece and I can’t wait to see it all together. I think we have a facebook site for this film as well so check it out. The beautiful Shawn Rougeron from “Renovation” is our leading lady featured on http://www.djperryfanclub.com so check her out!
I’m trying to return back to neutral after keeping that character in “Locked in a Room” going for a few weeks. I’m reading a few new scripts and doing some development. I think we will have even more updates soon. I want to thank all the cast and crew of “Locked In A Room” for their hard work and our partners Larry and Gordon At Risk Entertainment. I also had one of the BEST meals I’ve had in a long time at THE BONEYARD in Detroit. If you get a chance to check it out please do so! The lamb BBQ ribs are rocking!
Unpacking stuff from the stay in D-Town. I hope everyone has a great week!
DJ
Happy St. Patty’s Day Updates
SUNSHINE! Hazelnut coffee! LUCK OF THE IRISH:)
I’m Scottish/Irish on one side and German/English on the other and so today I embrace my Celtic roots and I’ll be taking the afternoon off to drink some green beer and talk shop with some of my amigos. Cornbeef and cabbage is cooking so I can shift down this evening to coffee and some eats. It is a wonderful day here and yesterday I even started some lawn clean up. I can’t wait for more grill and chill time this spring/summer/fall.
I have much to be thankful for and recently we have been gathering extra materials and doing retrospective interviews and commentary for the upcoming releases of FIGURE IN THE FOREST (Aug 10th) and HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS (Aug 27th). The masters have been delivered and we are gathering artwork and also paperwork but digging it all up took us back to some good times.
Also deals are underway on 3 other movies for release for the years end. Once signed I will make some announcements. Also many development talks are underway and we are seeing some great movement on a few of our projects. I think we might have found our lead for WILD MICHIGAN and the soundtrack is also shaping up. The idea is that the soundtrack will be called BACK TO THE ROOTS and feature popular R&B artists doing old negro spirituals and also some other famous artists doing folk songs of the same time period. We did get interest from Fantasia to do a song and more will be announced.
I’m trying to finalize a few other acting deals. RENOVATION is hard in post and folks got a 1st peek at http://www.renovationthemovie.com and I pulled an all night shoot last weekend which because of the time change messed me up. I also feel bad because at the nights end I meant to send an email to a producer friend and it went out as a text message and long short I woke him up at 4:00am…sorry! I was sending it before I went to bed in the morning so I can get an answer to some business that happened Sat. night… Phones, technologies…ahhh! Hard to keep up on it all sometimes.
We won our indoor soccer league last session only losing one game by one goal. We will see how that translates to outdoor this season. I’m taking the last indoor session off because of acting commits. I love the game but work comes first and I may be out of state for a week here soon.
Well I’m going to make this a short update because I have guests coming soon but I hope everyone is enjoying the approaching Spring.
“You’ll never plow a field by turning it over in your mind” – Irish Saying
Lights, Camera, Action…LOCKED IN A ROOM!
Ah…sunshine, birds and last night we fired up the grill full of venison steaks. Now the hazelnut is flowing and in a few hours I head to the Detroit for my 1st night on camera in our thriller “Locked in a Room.” First Robert Bradley and last week Anthony Hornus and Curtis Hall brought it. Now Johnny Demarco and I are ready to do our thing. I feel a little emotional after watching the SPIRIT AWARDS last night. I truly feel that some of the great artists that I work with deserve to be noticed on that level. I know independent spirit. I live it and while on the horizon I can see the studio system looming it moves me that people with dreams can live them. PRECIOUS is doing great at the awards and it deserves it. As I’m often dealing with star’s agents and managers and deflecting their often negativity at our “indie” status and find myself thinking that one of these movies will be THE movie that breaks though. I think I’ve done a few projects that deserved to be even more recognized but the lag between the SHOW and the BIZ sometimes created a short fall.
I think about this because the biggest pain in my butt project (YES “Wild Michigan”) is in the hands of an actress who could really change the flow. I was recently complimented by an agent/manager that I had a wonderful visual writing style and they predicted that my writing career would soon launch to the A list. If it does great but I write because I love it. I was told that is what shows on the page and inspires actors to bring it to the screen.
I will give a few great updates.
1st NEW LEADING LADY on the http://www.djperryfanclub.com site ran by the wonderful Pepper. I send her wishes and hope she feels better.
http://www.djperryfanclub.com/Shawn.html
The beautiful Shawn is another one of my co-stars from “RENOVATION” and I’m happy to spotlight her.
Also the website is launched http://www.renovationthemovie.com and will go active with trailer tomorrow.
Also things are heating up around the board. I’m giving an advance announcement to my blog followers that two of our dramas “Figure in the Forest” and “Heaven’s Neighbors” will get their wide DVD release in August 2010 here. There will be a full campaign with new trailers, DVD’s with commentary and interviews. Here are the facebook pages so please join and show your support and be plugged into all the updates.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Figure-in-the-Forest/312181314099?ref=ts
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heavens-Neighbors/342762080271?ref=ts
Also “Figure in the Forest” will play on TBN next week. It is playing late on the east coast here so you might have to record it.
TBN (Comcast channel 392) has FITF on their broadcast schedule for March 16th from 2 to 3:30 a.m. – Set your alarm – Grab a hanky and enjoy a fine Michigan-made movie.
There are more deals in the works that will take CDI films to other parts of the world. CDI also now has an official 1st look deal with Triumphant Entertainment International for domestic release. We are looking forward to a fine working relationship with them. Exciting new developments soon.
Also anyone wanting to see DJ Perry’s 1st time in a film ONE OF US actually is now on DVD via amazon.com
I was very inexperienced but gave it everything I had. It is worth a look to see me playing a Frat Boy:)
Well that is enough on the updates for now I have to gather my stuff to travel to the film set in about 2 hours. I hope everyone is having a wonderful morning and enjoy the day. SPRING is near!
DJ
Earthquake Mayhem
WOW! I was left pondering the Japan earthquake and now Chile. I can say having experienced two earthquakes in LA, CA it can be frightening. The 1st time was my 1st trip ever to LA to audition for Wes Craven on SCREAM 2. I was staying in Venice Beach and I awoke to the bed shaking and sure enough it was a quake. On my most recent trip to LA I was staying at my actor buddy Dave Borowicz’s house and while showering I felt the ground move. He is on the second floor of apartments in Marina Del Ray and when the glass door started shaking like crazy I was at that point of ride it out or jump the hell out! I didn’t want to be trapped nude in some rubble as that would double suck.
We are seeing changes with the Earth and maybe we have not pin pointed the scientific cause, global warming, sun flares, core temps but we do know that this planet is alive. When she shakes SH#@^ HAPPENS! So I send out my sincere wishes to the people trying to recover yesterday and today from these acts. Now to my other friends on major fault lines…be alert. Even Michigan has some fault lines and over the decades we have felt a few vibrations but we don’t have walls of water rushing at us in the wake of it all.
I’ll get on with the movie updates now. The deals are signed on FIGURE IN THE FOREST and HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and in August they will release. We are actually gathering EXTRA materials for the DVD’s. We may have many more announcements of other countries and other films finding their way to you.
We are filming this weekend on LOCKED IN A ROOM this weekend and I believe Tony Hornus and Curtis Hall are in action. Last week we had “Ghost Town’s” Robert Bradley in action and man was it cool! I think that project is really shaping up to be a great projects and we are proud of how the set was ran by our AT RISK ENTERTAINMENT partners.
Over to Yuma, AZ where in dark rooms the editing is underway. The new website is launched but not fully functional. It will be adding more almost daily so bookmark it and keep tabs.
The trailer will officially launch on March 7th, 2010 and so get ready to check it out.
More updates soon.
DJ
Here comes ‘Heaven’s’ and ‘Figure’ …
So I woke to the sun shining and birds, yes birds singing. Now the coffee is flowing and I’m looking forward to a good day. I have to say that it has been a VERY busy couple weeks but that is because some good things are in motion. I will share a few new updates with you. So have a sip of your own coffee, (I need a coffee sponsor) don’t laugh… ONE DROP HOT SAUCE and BBQ SAUCES are a sponsor of DJ Perry grill and chills:) Sip your coffee and let’s get to the movie news…
We had a great showing of “The Book of Ruth, Journey of Faith” on TBN, a special presentation with no commercial. I had several people email me or reach out on facebook and that was nice. I encourage viewers to put their thoughts, reviews up on IMDB.com under the film. Of course the trolls and folks with an ax to grind will also come out but like I said before if you don’t take something positive from the film you have issues. WHY? We all face hardships and we all will face death. Friends, love and faith to one another is a lesson that should be taken to heart. It is not perfect and few films are. My own brothers comment was “you looked cold in that 1st scene on the mountain top.” He and his girlfriend watched and they noticed my nipples looked cold. Funny stuff. YES! We froze our butts off. I remember how cold Dan Haggerty, Carman, Salvatore and I were. Robes and sandals as the sun is rising on the windy mountain top was ah…COLD:) It looks great though. Artists do suffer for their art. Anyway, it was nice to see the film on TV and it is for sale on DVD. See amazon or ask your rental/retailers.
Here is a nice review of the film from a NYC source. Thank you Nana.
http://nightlycandywithnanaadwoa.com/2010/02/13/book-of-ruth-journey-of-faith-is-a-must-see/
Following all this I’m very happy to announce that two message filled dramas directed by our own Jeff Kennedy will get a wide DVD releases of “Figure in the Forest” and “Heaven’s Neighbors” in the US via Triumphant Entertainment International and their E1 output. They released “Blood Ties” and “An Ordinary Killer” in Oct. 09. “FIGURE” has started to find an audience after being licensed to TBN last year and “HEAVENS” has been a favorite of fans who have found the quirky comedy/drama that I starred in with Aaron Jackson. This will be the 1st wide DVD release for the two films. “FIGURE” stars Dean Teaster and MaryJo Cuppone and I play a nice support role with BELLE the dog:) Look for new websites, trailers and a July release for the two films.
* I think that with hard times effecting many (myself included) that uplifting stories have gained a new respect but are still a hard sell at times.
On a production note, I think that the two dramas above are deeper more meaningful films than the 1st two CDI films of “Knight Chills” and “From Venus” but filmmakers starting out will have more luck with horror, thriller, action. I think with the other films our “names” as actors have finally saturated into the market place enough that we can push these dramas successfully. Dramas are a steeper hill to climb but the material is very satisfying as Dean’s run in last week with a fan using the “FIGURE” movie to cope with a lost child. POWERFUL. So congrats to all the artists associated with those two films. Big congrats to Jeff Kennedy who directed them both and is slated to direct “Wild Michigan” this year.
Ah…I hear the grunts from here:) Damn “Wild MIchigan”…you watch that film is going to be a BIG hit. I’m going to call it here and now. It has been the biggest pain in the ass. I have a few other films looking for silver and bronze but the GOLD goes to WM. We have torn down the old and have been rebuilding the new. We have some amazing talent looking at the film now and I fully expect to make some announcements soon. We are on a verbal runway and paperwork is starting to be passed around. After all the other issues I will call the troops to war only after we have full coffers.
We are back in shooting on “Locked in a Room” a great little thriller. I will give a few drops here and now. My buddy Carlucci Weyant who starred with me in “Karma, Crime, Passion, Reincarnation” in India is coming to the Michigan to be in the film and also legendary actor Robert Miano. I had a great conversation with them both yesterday and this is happening. I’ve got friends who know Robert but we have not met as of yet so this will be fun.
I’m actively working to bring “KARMA” here to the US this year. It is a very unique movie and I really want to introduce it here. The music reminds me of “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom”… That film is one of my favorite HORROR films. Yes. I said horror.
Deals could be looming on two or three other films and we have our fingers crossed with a few TV networks. I think we are at that cool fan crossover point. Western fans are finding our dramas, Crime/thriller fans finding our horror films… Explore:)
“RENOVATION” has been quietly in post but I’ve seen the rough trailer and the color correct tests and I’m being promised any day now…new website coming as well! It will be worth the wait.
Tony Hornus who had a Bday yesterday has been working hard on doing some voice over work for our doc film “Outside the Wire” and I can’t wait to see the film with his track placed. We also have a few things moving with “A State of Hate” that will be Tony’s next CDI film.
Tonight it is off to dinner with some great friends in town for filming. Robert Bradley from “Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town” is in the Michigan and will be going on camera again Sat. Dan Haggerty/Terry Bomar and some of our other great friends are in town for another event and will be joining us for dinner tonight.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. As the ice melts I hope that any interferences to your own dreams and goals also melts away. Work hard and make some time for your loved ones.
DJ
Updates from ‘HOTH’ Michigan!
The snow is actually quite beautiful unattached to any pressures of the holidays. Ideas frozen, crystallizing and soon to manifest. I always enjoy winter as a turning of the seasons of the soul. Deep I know. But to be an artist and go after creation in this industry requires a deep person. Yes. Money and commerce lies at the center of the PRODUCT but the message belongs to the artist(s). I want to relay a great story.
Dean Teaster whom many folks know from his own work starred in his 1st film FIGURE IN THE FOREST several years ago. We licensed to TBN network last year and are in talks to do a wide DVD release. For those who don’t know it is a Jeff Kennedy directed piece, intimate and about a couple being torn apart after the death of their son. Really nice twist later in the film which I will not give away. Dean had gone to a government office to file some paperwork and the woman at the desk immediately recognized him from the film. She owes the film and watches it a few times a month to help herself deal with the loss of her own child. WOW!
I ask this, as a filmmaker. As an actor, composer, PA can you be any more blessed than to have created a piece of work that truly heals? Probably not. So I’m proud to have been part of that film and everyone else associated should too. We sometimes forget the power of our medium. It was a nice eye opener and I promise that the CDI tribe will continue to put good product out.
Tomorrow is BOOK OF RUTH playing TBN at 10:00 pm EST and if you like what you see drop the network a line. Just google TBN it’s there. I would love to get JUDGES on that network. Same director (Stephen Walker) but it will appeal to male audiences. Like I said, if they don’t redirect some of the programming towards men they (TBN) will also be passed over for ESPN:) Just some honesty.
http://nightlycandywithnanaadwoa.com/2010/02/13/book-of-ruth-journey-of-faith-is-a-must-see/
Great review from a viewer who keeps a wonderful blog. I’m curious to see what others think. It does have some emotional punch.
Yesterday filming started on the new CDI co-production “Locked in a Room”…
http://www.28dayslateranalysis.com/2010/02/locked-in-room-better-than-being-locked.html
http://www.bloody-disgusting.com/news/19056
http://www.widgetbox.com/network/movies/post/lockedinaroom/3452949
http://horrorblips.dailyradar.com/story/at-risk-and-collective-prep-locked-in-a-room/
Looking forward to going on camera for a few days.
Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!
“All we need is love”…(Okay now I feel very hippie like)
DJ
Simple Saturday – Week in Review
Hello everyone out there! I’m just about to pour a second cup of coffee this fine morning. It has been a busy week and I have a few announcements. Let me see, next Sunday not this coming but the 14th of Feb at 7:00 pm the TV premiere of “Book of Ruth, Journey of Faith” will play. I’ve seen that on amazon it has been floating from the #2-#4 spot in top buys for Faith films. I did an interview for POPEATER.com on the film but the interview hasn’t been published yet. Bottom line is that I’ve heard some great response to the film and I’m sure the TV play will expand that audience.
On the RENOVATION front I’m hearing exciting things about the new trailer and a website that is almost ready. I wanted to pass that along but it must not be quite ready. They were doing some color correction as of Thursday. I’m excited to give folks a first look. CDI is happy to be partnered up with the fine folks from Yuma!
Talking about partnering, the big update is that the ink is dry and CDI http://www.cdiproductions.com is now in association with At Risk Entertainment. They are another company from Michigan and will are excited to be working with them. Next weekend will see cameras rolling on the thriller “Locked in a Room” with Larry Simmons directing. Larry was a 250 finalist in the “Project Green Light” TV show. We have about completed casting and most of the talent is from Michigan including some of your favorites from the CDI troupe. The film is a thriller/horror film will some great twists and turns. (See poster)
We are in heavy post production on “Outside the Wire” with Tony Hornus and Dennis Therrian really working hard to tweak the picture. I think we are going to have an incredibly moving doc film!
The CDI slate is packaging up nicely with some surprisingly big names starting to look at projects. CDI is slowly moving the “Sherwood Horror” into packaging. This is a project that director John Regan (The Flock) approached me with and I optioned the property to produce. John will be another director that will join the CDI tribe and we welcome him. Right now we are looking at location and finance.
I’m in hopes of having some exciting WILD MICHIGAN news soon but I will remain hush, hush on that project until we get further down the line. That project became the hardest to launch after a major set back in funding. The issue is a legal one being dealt with in CA and I’m happy to say that we have made sure that this won’t happen to others. Unfortunately it had happened to some others and we are aligned with a group of filmmakers who also had their projects disrupted by lies.
Karma balances…speaking of, I’m working to try and bring “Karma: Crime, Passion, Reincarnation” here to the USA. A few of our movies are being evaluated by STARZ network and across the board we are working hard to make these movie open to audiences around the world.
So soon we will see some new first looks from RENOVATION. RUTH on TV. If you have not watched AN ORDINARY KILLER or BLOOD TIES that came out in Oct please do.
Enjoy your weekend and have a safe Sunday as you watch the SUPERBOWL.
DJ
Sinus Headache…ah…Michigan Winter:)
It is a touch past noon and I’ve been up since early but all morning I’ve been fighting a sinus headache. We went from warm in Michigan back to bitter cold. I’m getting ready to dive into a list of things I need to do. I have a few good announcements that will be coming next week.
In current news “Book of Ruth, Journey of Faith” has been bouncing between #3 to #5 on amazon’s Top selling Faith films in the US. It also is scheduled to play on Valentines Day on TBN (Trinity Broadcast Network) at 7:00 or 7:30…pm
I’m also doing a great interview for POPEATER on “Book of Ruth” so I’ll give a heads up on that. So far the feedback has been very positive. You’ll never get all positive but some people seem really moved. I’ve seen people laugh and cry while watching the film and as a filmmaker/actor can you ask for anything more?
I’m working on adding a few new Leading Ladies on Pepper’s fan site. We have a few RENOVATION actresses up now and a few more coming soon. I’m also told we are VERY close to having the trailer and website.
Several projects in various stages of development and some are getting just wonderful attention. In speaking of development I completed my 1st draft of FACE THE THUNDER which has been locked in my head for many years. A STATE OF HATE, HOLLY, JINGLES and CLYDE, SHERWOOD HORROR, TIMBERWOLF all pulling together. WILD MICHIGAN will rise from the ashes as recently the story itself has really touched some readers. 2010 is really shaping up to be a year of moving forward.
I have several films being looked at for television and foreign sales. So it is my sincere wish to get our films out there to even wider audiences. I will type more when my head isn’t sporting a dull pain.
DJ
Keep on Keeping on!
It is a warmer Saturday here in the Michigan. So far month one of 2010 has been very productive. I’ve had great talks with several new companies about existing and future product. That could lead to some exciting announcements very soon. “THE BOOK OF RUTH: Journey of Hope” has been getting some nice feedback and for those who don’t add this film to your collection you can still see the film on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14th) at 7:30 pm on TBN (Trinity Broadcast Network) http://www.tbn.org/watch-us/our-programs/book-of-ruth-journey-of-faith Also on Pepper’s page http://www.djperryfanclub.com we have a new featured actress from upcoming “RENOVATION” so go to the link below and meet Tracilyn Jones. http://www.djperryfanclub.com/TLJ.html I know first hand that a trailer and new website will soon be on the way. In development we are having all kinds of star interest in our upcoming projects. As you know CDI is expanding the tribe bringing a few new directors and their projects inside to CDI. John Regan (The Flock) is getting us great interest with SHERWOOD HORROR in development now.
2010 Hoist the Sails! Full ahead!
First I want to welcome everyone to 2010! For many it has been a cold start and Michigan is no different. Bone chilling and beautiful is how I like to describe it. I had to shovel for the 1st time yesterday and slowly all the holiday stuff is being put away and the food from our gatherings almost gone. Last week business started off with a bang. I’m working hard to line things up and manifest the best year yet.
I will start with giving an update on a few CDI affiliated projects. New foreign, TV and domestic deals underway on several early CDI films. Also several can be downloaded immediately on amazon.com ON DEMAND. Working on a major release for “The Patchwork Girl of OZ” and looking at getting domestic DVD releases on a few others. They can all be gotten on amazon.com or indieflix.com as well.
I should have some updates on AN ORDINARY KILLER which came out in Oct. 09 with BLOOD TIES and so I’m happy those films are getting out there. Dec 15th was the release for THE BOOK OF RUTH, JOURNEY OF FAITH and Jan. it will be for sale on amazon and other national rental/retailers. I’m also told that Trinity Broadcast Network will finally premiere the biblical film on Valentines Day Feb. 14th at 7:30 pm so check your listings.
I also have seen rough footage and images from our Yuma thriller RENOVATION. All the tapes have been captured and a trailer and new website will be coming forth very soon. I’m excited about this project and I’ve been talking to several distributors about the project.
Last week was also a good week of work on our doc film being led by Tony Hornus called “OUTSIDE THE WIRE: FORGOTTEN CHILDREN OF AFGHANISTAN.” I think this will be a wonderfully powerful look at our soldiers from around the world and showing humanitarian work.
Wild Michigan update. The LLC business around the film has been dissolved, account closed and we are going after the guilty party with criminal charges. I’m happy to say this entity was exposed for lies (not in Hollywood) and their offices on the studio lot closed! Since we have new friends who want to see the movie made. Some commits have been made but not enough funds yet. We will reopen once it is ready to roll. It was just costing us money to sit and we might have foreign partners so a whole different LLC might have to be formed. Any way you look at it that damn film will get made. The script is well liked and recently went through a studio greenlight process and got 4 of 5 stars so it is only a matter of time. It was just tough because we were on the ground, prepped and spent investment before being left high and dry. Live and learn! Oh, also torpedo their company so they don’t FU$#@#$ anyone else and press charges. It will all work out and that company will be sad they didn’t just go along for the good ride.
So much good energy as we sail into 2010! Many projects in development and I know a few will find their way into production.
Watch the http://www.cdiproductions.com for updates…
Many new additions to the Texas based http://www.djperryfanclub.com ran by Pepper. If you want to see something or have stuff to add let her know. We have a new group of Leading Ladies being listed with new most recent being Nathalie from “RENOVATION” so check it out!
Also for 2010 I invite you all to join “Clawing my Way to the Middle” blog which I also post to Myspace and on the fan site via Pepper.
Best to us all in 2010!
DJ
Come on 2010!
Whoa! Holiday festivities abound! I’m nursing a small headache thanks to a small mason jar from Maggie Valley, N.C.! I had a buddy and his brother come by last night that I had not seen since 1990 or so. He was in some of the 1st video “movies” that we did in high school. Fire work FX, one take shots, location music were the production elements of the day. He recalled that I only kind of was interested in school but when it came time to film I was all organization. He is a math/science back ground and had not seen any of my films. His brother had and they wanted to see SOMETHING. First movie I found was JUDGES. I haven’t seen that film in a couple years. It was the first film from director Stephen Walker who just directed “The Book of Ruth” movie. It was kind of cool but sad because two of my friends (Paul and Russ) who played Sonny King and Father Kane are both passed.
I’ve also been seeing Randy Godwin in the theatrical trailers for “Youth in Revolt” and he also is now passed. For these friends, 2009 with all the hardships and ups and downs played no part. It is funny as I’ve stated before I saw many good things come from this year. People pulling together and helping one another and also people spending time with one another versus paying for other distractions. So 2009 gets good marks in my book and I’m ready for whatever 2010 has in store.
Onto movie updates…
Pepper is doing some revamping on her fan page http://www.djperryfanclub.com and again I want to give her a big thanks and a solid shout to all her friends in Texas that have taken the time to enjoy our movies. We have a revamp on the Leading Ladies section and I have another “Renovation” co-star up now!
Leading Ladies homepage: www.djperryfanclub.com/LL.html
Nathalie’s page: www.djperryfanclub.com/NBK.html
Also the “Book of Ruth” feedback has been good. I enjoy the feedback good or bad and so feel free to post on IMDB.com. It is in most Christian retailers and is expanding in Jan. 2010 to more mainstream outlets and will also see TV in 2010.
“Renovation” trailer is underway now and we will have something to tease you with very soon. So everyone have a great and safe New Year’s Eve and I look forward to journeying into 2010 with you all.
Peace.
DJ
The Holiday Season is Upon us…
Bright sun, snow and of course my coffee…
I’m looking at a small redwood tree that my brother brought me from N. California. He’s now living in the Michigan and is looking like a healthier “Charlie Brown” Xmas tree. As my industry crawls to a stop and the “Out of Office” emails return I’m thankful. I hope that the families, children and friends of us artists get some good quality time. Artists on a whole tend to be a bit self absorbed or focused if you are looking positive at it all. Over the years I’ve seen myself slowly create a more structured work flow. It is important to make that time to clear your head. Soccer, wine making, guitar plunking and garden work are all activities that I feel put myself in a better place to make wise choices. Family and friends also can be a good grounding force in an artists life. I love going to things where I get to meet appreciative fans but nothing beats a dog(s) that is just happy you are home and has never watched a wink of one of my movies. My soccer team doesn’t care what my sales units moved on a picture are they just want the damn ball to stay out of our goal. I LOVE that! So this year all you artists rediscover other loves in your life. Do the work, submit, audition but after you’ve done what you can do, let it go. Watch pot never boils. Take some of this holiday closeness and apply it to your life in March or August. Watch the changes!
I don’t know exactly how many folks follow this blog as it started on http://www.djperryfanclub.com (New Upgrades for 2010!) Also look at our new leading ladies on there each week. From there I started posting it to Myspace and now this official blog site. I do want to thank Pepper for convincing me to express myself on here. Recently I expressed myself to an online fanzine and here is the link for that.
http://www.28dayslateranalysis.com/2009/12/dj-perry-and-karma-exclusive-interview.html
December 15th, 2009 saw the release of “Book of Ruth Journey of Faith” and I’m proud to have done a film in this genre. I’m only sad because I know that this film would have been LOVED by both my deceased grandma’s. I will warn my hardcore action/horror fans that it is a “biblical chick flick” but if the holiday spirit has you craving a dose of all that with yours truly involved…get it! Good watching for a whole family for sure. The film has gotten good reviews from a few official sources and many word of mouth folks. I say make up your own mind. It was a step in that whole period drama. I like those type of films and I look forward to some great future projects.
(A few reviews)
http://www.dove.org/MovieReview.asp?Unique_ID=8085
http://www.christiannewstoday.com/Christian_News_Report_448.html
This is a National chain with maybe 300 stores and so if you are in the Lansing, Michigan area I know this store just stocked up to handle local requests. They are on South Cedar and I know many other rental/retailers will soon be carrying the title.
http://www.familychristian.com/
On the hard edge ‘Blood Ties” (Horror) and “An Ordinary Killer” (Crime Drama) are good titles to check out. Look for “Miracle at Sage Creek” western playing ABC stations across the country.
Other activities are working some deals for some overseas sales and other possible TV play. I’ve also finished the 1st draft of a script I’ve had in my head for a few years. I’ve been reading a few scripts from producer friends of mine who are looking at me acting for them again. So really it is a good time to just look back at the year in review and also look ahead to 2010!
So keep your stress small as things don’t need to be perfect (Is there a perfect) …you just need to spend time with those you love. NOTE: If you have not seen the “Trailer Boys Xmas Special” (R rated humor) I recommend you do so.
Peace, love and all that stuff!
DJ
Saturday Ramblings…
The weather outside is frightful but my hot coffee is delightful…
Actually it is pretty but it was bone chilling the other day when I was out running errands. I love the cozy hibernation feeling that comes with the wintertime. Saw on the news about a couple of icebergs the size of Manhattan so they can argue global warming but something is going down. I would think that the sun is suppose to eventual expand to a red giant and so even a small increase combined with us effecting the atmosphere even if that is slight could cause some major changes in a delicate ecosystem.
I’m not going to be one of those preachy actors but I do have opinions. I gave a few opinions last blog on networking in Hollywood. I hope that some people put that into practice because I do wish everyone to follow their dreams and nobody needs any additional stumbling blocks. Let me do my rambling thing and try to give a few updates.
– A new Leading Lady for you to check out at http://www.djperryfanclub.com Ms. Chandra Wood and it will be followed by the other ladies of “Renovation”… Chandra is our 1st crew person to be added on here.
– New website for “Renovation” coming but in the meantime the director Robert Gwinn will be doing a blog and some updates
http://www.rampantentertainment.com/renovationthemovie.html
I’m sure that I have a few more updates in me but I keep on getting new business stuff popping up so this one will be short and sweet.
“Book of Ruth” PR is starting top move and I’ve seen all kinds of release dates from Dec 15th on Pureflix site to Jan 2010 for amazon and TBN. I will try to get better updates.
Be good to one another.
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 