First snow and HO HO HO!
The hazelnut is flowing and outside it was snowing. After shooting in Yuma, AZ it was a return to MI and walking right into Thanksgiving and now Xmas season is here! I was so busy in Yuma that I had little time to shop and thankfully since I got stung by $120 over weight fee with United Airlines. That is in addition to the $20 bag fee each way. So I have to explore 1) take smaller suitcase 2) buy socks, underwear and such there and leave them and 3) ship all gifts home at a fraction of price. All lessons learned.
We are now in post and footage on “Renovation” is being logged, sound sync, and passed to Flint Frame for a trailer cut and FX work. 2010 will bring some major marketing. Meanwhile Cecil Chambers and I have been trying to clean up after the old “Wild Michigan” set up and prep for a new set up. “Holly, Jingles and Clyde” with Michael Valverde is building strength and additional packaging for “A State of Hate” and “Timberwolf” are also underway.
On IMDB I’m looking at the projects listed and I am going to make some choices and respectfully bow out of a few projects. Either time conflict with other projects or the role is not really worth landing in the middle of a larger project/role. If they work out fine but with financing being hit and miss we will just have to see.
In additional to the http://www.cdiproductions.com I’ve got a couple of movies in 2010 about set. One is an acting gig which I cannot talk about until I get out from under the NDA (Non Disclosure) and they hit with 1st PR but it is a studio pic. Same with the 2nd movie but I actually had a hand in writing several of the early script versions on the 2nd project.
I was also told that on one of the projects people (actors) were using my name to try and gain access to casting. Most of these folks I had never met, maybe exchanged an email, maybe a phone call or we were shared cast mates on a yet to be shot film. Either way the producers contacted me and I had to explain. See in the old days the PROPER way of doing things was via the “Godfather” and “Godmother” calls. You called in a favor and someone “set the table” if they wanted to back your name. But in this new age of social networking where people have a thousand “friends” (Why they are not called associates is beyond me) it makes it easy for folks to fib and say “so and so are my friends” and that leads to these new issues in this age.
Old Hollywood frowns on this fib way of networking. If you say someone is your friend they damn well better be. And it would be so much better to have someone call, email and set the table if they truly are your friend. So I’m going to ask the new group of actors, filmmakers to be aware that there is a PROPER way of conducting biz in Hollywood and if you get caught in one little fib it can ruin you in certain circles.
My name was used and I understand the desire to get ahead in a very tough industry but it must be done properly. So I told some of these producers I would address this in my blog here that gets read by many aspiring actors and artists. So there it is. Also I’m told that Hollywood doesn’t really use the STAR METER to pick to many folks now because actors with a slew of extra credits are finding ways to list on the major films and reducing their IMDB rank. This “Scam” is on Hollywood radar and so they are now heavily looking at distribution for that actor.
Okay enough of the lecturing…just trying to help and pass along some info from the inside.
Fun links
Wild Michigan visual synopsis (For investing purposes)
http://web.me.com/dennistherrian/site_2/Wild_Michigan_Promo.html
Upcoming site of some “Behind the Scenes RENOVATION”
http://www.channel1yuma.com/yumanlife.htm
Pepper will be starting a new series of Leading ladies from “Renovation” featuring Chandra Wood our hardworking hair/make up key on the film. I thought since she did such a wonderful job and had such a great smile that I would add her to our Leading Lady section. She surely was a star to all of us actors.
See http://www.djperryfanclub.com Leading Ladies next week!
Here is a 1st wrap of “Renovation” PR! More to follow…
http://www.joblo.com/arrow/index.php?id=19512
Look for a trailer maybe around Xmas.
In wrap up let me just say that I hope everyone is having a good season spending time with friends and family and being thankful for that time. I know as 2009 comes to a close and 2010 opens, new opportunities will be born and new stories (movies) will find their way into being.
DJ
Happy Thanksgiving…DJ Perry
Friends,
I will bypass my usual rant about my Native friends who always have a slightly different slant on the historic aspects of the day but we will focus on the meaning. For me in this moment it is only a week since I left the circus in Yuma, AZ and my family of friends got larger. Much laughter and hard work and for a group of us we were doing as we were meant to do as storytellers. It has been hard with the way of things but yet we push on.
I’m looking at options to get a few future projects launched. I’m encountering the first wave of new situations that include conditions. The give and take that happens with participation. We are entertaining a few outside the US productions. That could limit my cast and crew and so that makes for some very hard decisions. I do appreciate that we are becoming international and that our possibilities extend around the globe. I will enjoy the holidays and see how these first chips fall and make the decisions that have to be made with the elder tribe’s input.
The wonderful part is that we have fires being lit under several projects. We had a major BUMP in the road on one project that stemmed from straight up dishonesty. I’m happy to say that dishonest entity is no longer doing business. A dishonest business or individual should be worried as our friends are many and our ability to quietly TCB is great. (TCB is Elvis and “taking care of business”)
I’ve been blessed with the Oct. releases of “An Ordinary Killer” and “Blood Ties” both selling their way into the market. Dec. 15th is the DVD release of “Book of Ruth” and my sincere hope is that Pureflix finishes all their wrap up business so we can all be happy in a project well done. I saw a rough cut and was very impressed by the work. Good work on both sides of the camera. BOR family I miss you all as well!
“Karma: Crime, Passion, Reincarnation” had a great festival premiere in NYC on the 15th but I wish I knew more of how audiences liked it. It is a cool unique thriller for sure.
The in-house slate of directors of Kennedy (Wild Michigan), Hornus (A State of Hate) and Teaster (Timberwolf) prepare for 2010 and we have a few new directors seeking a home with CDI http://www.cdiproductions.com Most recently Robert Gwinn dir. of “Renovation” by association joined the tribe and talks with directors Michael Valverde and Renee O”Conner could see future growth. Director John Regan “The Flock” has been talking to me about “Sherwood Horror” (Think Robin Hood and think Vampires) for several years now and so we are looking to see how we could best package it up. It really is coming down to what HIS name as a director can package up. Most likely that would be produced under CDI. You can follow updates here…
They also covered this project in the magazine Creative Screenwriting. Nov/Dec issue. It’s a cool article. Page 13.
Here are a few PR Links on “Renovation”
http://www.channel1yuma.com/yumanlife.htm
http://www.yumasun.com/news/gwinn-54052-yuma-money.html
http://www.yumasun.com/articles/film-50310-movie-site.html
We will be starting to feature “Renovation” Leading Ladies on Pepper’s fansite.
http://www.djperryfanclub.com watch for new UPDATES!
Well I have to slowly get around to go to Pa Perry’s for Thanksgiving. I hope each and everyone of you finds joy in the thankfulness of what we have versus what we do not. One day of health is priceless, remember that.
DJ
RENOVATION – Complete!
3:10 to YUMA baby that was the address of the Hilton Garden where I stayed during the filming of the thriller “RENOVATION” and WOW! Outside my window I could see the territorial prison an old western hell hole that they tried to take Ben Wade to in “3:10 to Yuma”…
From the moment I was picked up at the small airport where my bag made it to the baggage claim before I did (Never has happened) and the airport was a ghost town… (No pun intended) I knew this was gonna be fun. The director Robert Gwinn was playing NIGHTWISH in his car when he picked me up (Great rock Opera music featuring friend John Two Hawks) I saw that as a sign. We went to the Hotel Del Sol and before entering we had people from the Union Train station walk over and ask if we were going in and talked about the shadow people that they see if the closed historic hotel now owned by the city. Maybe cats, bats or rats but sounds of shuffling, knocks and footsteps can be heard. A murder in room 202 might play into it all. Any way you look at it the hotel was a great place to make a movie. They had used it in the movie THE GETAWAY some years earlier.
The 1st week consisted of shooting at many of the non-hotel locations such as a prison, newspaper, library and so on with many of the Hollywood talents. Terence Knox, Lana Wood, David Borowicz and Fred Griffith in action along with Tony Hornus and Dean Teaster making appearances and Johnny Dark a seasoned comedian best known from the David Letterman show who became a close friend.
Week 2 and 3 brought in the Vegas crew and that was a wonderful energy of rising star actors and some that are already well known on the Vegas strip for their work. The latter two weeks were full of action inside the hotel. I think personally as an actor I hit new highs with intensity and I think this is a great new film where fans will see some new sides to DJ Perry plus get what they have come to expect and enjoy.
I also have to say that our crew really brought it filming in less than perfect conditions as this was not a set but an actually location. All power came from generators and they put up with dust, darkness and some long hours. The city and businesses also really stepped up with open arms and helped to provide where they could. I will be talking more in depth as we go forward. Leading Lady profiles will be done for the http://www.DJPerryfanclub.com page ran by Pepper and new updates will start coming to the film myspace and facebook sites. A first look trailer will be coming in good time.
I will also be posting other movie updates here soon. I know the BOOK OF RUTH TBN dates for Nov. are being pushed as they are still trying to work a theatrical window in. AN ORDINARY KILLER and BLOOD TIES are released and I’ve had some fan drops here and there. Working hard to bring some updates on WILD MICHIGAN as we were hard at work at AFM to try and fire that engine back up. More soon. I’m back and unpacking and looking forward to the holidays approaching.
Much to be thankful about!
DJ
Michigan Cherry Coffee and Movies…
Drinking some Michigan Cherry coffee and reflecting on the past week. The week seemed slow although many things moved forward but of course not as much or as quickly as I would like. Landed a major name talent on one project and had another interested in another project but schedule was bad. As a writer I’m really enjoying having all the good feedback. This past week so the release of “Blood Ties” and “An Ordinary Killer” and I hope some audiences enjoy what they see. I’m proud of Nathaniel Nose the director of “Blood Ties” and the film was his 1st major directorial project. He is very talented on both sides of the camera and I hope he keeps on creating. Also proud of the CDI group and especially Tony for seeding the “An Ordinary Killer” project that has touched so many people with the sad tale of justice. I’m looking forward to the continued development of the follow up “A State of Hate”…
Met with a young filmmaker Joel Reisig and it was good to see a new generation of filmmakers in Michigan making their way. CDI is a tribe of artists that work to eliminate the negative aspects that can happen when artists try to work together. It is about mutual respect and I’m happy that we are a company that tries to promote the positive. It is hard sometimes when everyone has their pet projects. I hope Michigan pulls together and supports one another. I also want to give congrats to my friend Fred Foote who just wrapped principal on “Alleged” a great period film.
I’ve been doing some script writing and LOTS of reading. I’m finishing reading a rewrite on one project, new script submitted and still polishing my read on “Renovation” which is in serious pre-production. I got my plane ticket and now I have to think about packing. It is MUCH warmer in Yuma, AZ vs Lansing, Michigan so I have to get out more summer clothes. I will miss being away from home but will enjoy the creating of yet a new motion picture. I will be back in time for Thanksgiving and so that will be a great homecoming.
November brings our thriller “Karma: Crime, Passion, Reincarnation” to three countries in November
Karma premieres in USA, BELGIUM and BRAZIL in Nov 2009 In USA - MIAAC Film Festival - Quad Cinema, New York (34 West 13th St between 5th and 6th Avenues) - Sun 15 Nov - 12 noon In Belgium - Razor Reel Fantastic Film Festival - Cine Liberty Cinema, Brugge - Tues 3 Nov - 20.00 hrs In Brazil - FICBRASILIA - CCB Cinema, Brasilia - Thurs 5 Nov - 21.00 hrs, Sat 7 Nov - 15.00 hrs, Tues 10 Nov 19.00 hrs --------------------
November 23rd will be the premiere of "The Book Of Ruth" on TBN (TV) I'm reading so that will
be exciting to see that come to the small screen. I also see Dec 15th, 2009 as the DVD date.
I enjoyed working with everyone on that project.
I hope to have some more breaking news and maybe after AFM market I will:)
Take care and I'll speak to you all soon.
Ahhh...more Cherry coffee!
DJ
Busy November Looming!
The past week was chalked full of business calls, emails and such combined with winterizing for the Michigan Ice Age that will soon be upon us. I will be in Yuma, AZ for a few weeks but when I return I could find a winter wonderland. But until that time I have been enjoying the Michigan fall that is all about harvested crops, pumpkins, MSU football (we won again!) and apple cider. The tomatoes did well this year and so we were cooking down some tomatoes to make some soup. Also bottled all the Mulberry wine so at least the blood has some anti-freeze over the cold months. My daddy got a new puppy and it was good to see the happiness in that household. Her name is Haley and is a lab, something mix and looks like a lab with BIG paws. Okay enough of all my personal ramblings onto the movie updates…
The US premiere of Karma: Crime, Passion, Reincarnation is FINALLY here at the Quad Cinema (34 West 13th St between 5th and 6h Avenues) on Sunday 15 Nov at 12 noon at the MIAAC Film Festival
It will also be screened in the Cine Liberty Cinema at Brugge in Belgium on Tuesday November 3rd, 2009 at 20.00 hours as part of the Razor Reel Fantastic Film
Festival. Tel: 050332011. Address Kuiperstraat 23, 8000 Brugge”
Also in November I’m seeing listings for TBN to play THE BOOK OF RUTH on November 23rd, 7:00-8:30 and November 24th, 2:00-3:30 check their website for more details or any changes.
I’m also seeing a Dec. 15th, 2009 DVD Release listed on
http://store.pureflix.com/index.php?p=PRODUCTS%2CView&id=329
http://www.pureflixcinema.com/featured_films.php?id=57
I know business on that project is being wrapped up before it starts showing. I think people will enjoy the movie.
Here is also a premiere in LA by a very good director friend of mine Mr. Mike Kallio –
Hello all,
My 1950’s Sci-Fi Spoof “Mutant Swinger from Mars” has been selected as one of the films to screen at the 2009 Screamfest LA Film Festival. It’s at 3PM (yes, in the afternoon) at Graumann’s Mann Chinese 6 (the mini multi-plex attached to WORLD FAMOUS Mann’s Chinese Theatre within the Hollywood/Highland mall deal-io) on Saturday, October 24th. I’m calling this the LA PREMIERE (since it is). The film features the acting debut of Detroits own White Stripes guitarist and frontman, Jack White in a supporting role (the flick was shot before Cold Mountain but, finally finished this year). It’s a family friendly, silly, fun, laugh-out-loud comedy that pokes fun of everything sci-fi and 1950’s. Think Ed Wood if he made The Nutty Professor and Frankenstein. For those in the LA area… I REALLY hope to see ya, the whole festival got put into a 470 seat theatre and it would be GREAT to have ALL of you there for the show and FILL that place UP as much as we can. For those of you who can’t attend or are not LA based folk, if you KNOW people in the area,.. LET ‘EM KNOW! TELL EVERYONE! The more the merrier. I will post a link to the trailer for you to pass along if they want to see what the whole deal is about. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.screamfestla.com (and you can go there for all other info)
So I hope that the weekend has been a good one spent with family and friends. AN ORDINARY KILLER and BLOOD TIES both release Oct 20th, 2009 (Tuesday) so buy them, rent them and have a Halloween watching!
Don’t let the boogie man get you:)
DJ
Cider dreams and movie updates…
Almost all coffee filled for the day and ready to tackle H2O and some yard work. I drink lots of water all through the day. Last night was filled with hard cider tasting as a buddy of mine also brews some home brews. I’ve had my fill of apple for the day. Hence water again, but the rain is gone and a beautiful fall day is here. MSU is playing and so just a great day to soak in the vibes of the season.
Filming –
I’ve been getting ready for November working with some great upcoming filmmakers. I’m looking forward to seeing some old friends and making some new friends. I go film in Yuma, AZ on a thriller called “Renovation” and so I’m looking forward to all that. Lines are not a problem just trying to find THE SOUL of that character. I’m getting there and I like the complex nature of the character.
KNIGHT CHILLS our 1st CDI movie that has become a classic low budget deal that shows what little resources and lots of heart can produce. It has been released in multipacks, special editions and now is out with http://www.indieflix.com and is on amazon.com and amazon VOD.
FROM VENUS the SciFi/Horror spoof marks CDI’s 2nd venture with Jeff Kennedy taking the director chair. We at CDI all loves this film because it is all about fun and is a Halloween theme. We are still a pirate ship of filmmakers at this time. You can see the evolution from KNIGHT CHILLS to FROM VENUS. Amber who co-starred went on to win Bret Michael’s heart in ROCK OF LOVE 2. That was trippy watching her on there when I remember her sleeping in the editing room. Funny. It will come to amazon.com and VOD on Oct. 20th.
FIGURE IN THE FOREST and HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS are CDI’s 4th and 3rd movie (yes I typed them backwards) and they are also on amazon VOD so you can have a CDI movie night. These four films marks CDI’s truly “indie” days of shooting non-union. Some day I want to have a box set with all four films and a 5th DVD or whatever format exists, that has us talking about trials and tribulations in the filmmaking experience.
“AN ORDINARY KILLER” marks CDI’s 5th or 6th movie pending where we put THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ. We are doing a holiday promotion while I still work the TV/DVD deals on our animated OZ feature. I got involved when I saw what animator Steve Young was trying to do. With the help of Dennis Therrian and myself we did an animated feature. Not Pixar or Disney but it is a first and maybe more will follow and they also will grow in scope. So under $10.00 with shipping at http://www.whatfunisthis.com BUY A COPY as a gift and support this venture.
“An Ordinary Killer” has a new website at www.triumphantpictures.com/anordinarykillermovie that is promoting the Oct. 20th release. This movie is being sold as what it is and that is a crime drama/thriller NOT a gore slasher.
I’m waiting on solid dates for “Book of Ruth” and T. Hornus is back in with Dennis T. on “Outside the Wire” … “Karma: Crime, Passion, Reincarnation” has 3 showings in November including its first US premiere in NYC on the 15th I think.
It is also playing Belgium and Brazil festivals in November. See IMDB.com for those festivals.
BLOOD TIES also releases on the 20th of October, cool horror flick by friends Jeff Burton and director Nathaniel Nose.
“Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town” will have a showing at AFM to sell the western around the globe.
Also I hear TANGY GUACAMOLE is getting a NEW CUT and a NEW RELEASE. Fun, fun, fun movie!
I also have seen and know there is another JUDGES cut out there. Is a special edition in the cards, maybe:)
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
DJ
Welcome October!
My coffee is roasted almond, yes I can can changes. Hazelnut is still my favorite. October is and has always been my favorite month. The leaves are turning in Michigan and the mornings are crisp. I have friends out hunting w/ bow that will usually land some venison in the freezer and steaks on the grill. Soon I rack some mulberry wine into bottles and winterizing has slowly began. I truly do love Michigan and the fall is best! I enjoy working around the home with Michigan State playing football on the radio or TV. They have not been able to seal a deal yet this season. Pumpkins and corn husks adorn peoples homes and for all the hardships in Michigan people seem to be getting by okay.
I had a few opportunities to film in October but I’m using the time to straighten some business deals and prep for my role in Yuma. Recently http://www.cdiproductions.com came on board “in association” with the Yuma thriller to assist in distribution. The movie “Renovation” starts rolling cameras Nov. 2nd and so for me it has been a time of character exploration. I’m looking forward to seeing some old friends and making some new ones.
Things have been really busy on the business front as we get ready for the VOD releases of “Knight Chills” and “From Venus” to amazon VOD (Oct 6th we are told) and prepare for the Oct. 20th DVD release of “An Ordinary Killer” and “Blood Ties.”
http://www.myspace.com/anordinarykiller
As if that wasn’t enough in November “Karma: Crime, Passion, Reincarnation” which is now playing across India on BIG DTH and Dish TV and several smaller TV outlets. It also will make its US debut at the MIAAC Film Festival in NYC. I was asked to attend a press conference there but I think I will be in Yuma.
November/December will also see the release of “BOOK OF RUTH” into theaters, DVD and TV. I’m proud of this movie which was a journey to make. They will conclude their wrap up business in October here to be ready for release.
Lastly for the Holiday season we have made a special deal for “THE PATCHWORK GIRL of OZ” our one CDI animated film. To see a new trailer and buy it go to
http://www.whatfunisthis.com/What_Fun_Is_This/Oz_Patchwork.html
It is specially priced under $10 w/ shipping just for the holiday season. I’m in the process of putting together TV/DVD deals for this title and so get it now while you can.
As you can see that is a whole lotta releasing! I’m also very deep in putting together the entire CDI slate talking with various studios. I might be announcing some new management/representation in the coming months. I do have a new Hollywood attorney Mr. Marty Barab that is representing me in some personal endeavors as well as several CDI projects. I want to welcome him on board.
So I hope everyone is having a great weekend.
Pray that mother nature gives some rest to all those people being quaked, battered by storms, flooded out. As Chief Seattle stated we are all part of that web of life and we need to recognize and respect that fact.
DJ
Off to meet with fans…fun part of the job!
Sipping my backup coffee with no hazelnut creamer and I’m kind of enjoying the bitter taste. It is fall in Michigan and the leaves are turning and falling slowly. I’ve been VERY happy with the way things have been progressing on many fronts. I’m trying to set my schedule up into 2010 and so far it is looking pretty good. I’m typing on my new http://www.djperryblog.com which goes to http://www.djperryfanclub.com ran by Pepper and Myspace. Speaking of the social network site…
I’m asking my friends to take a look at the re-mastered “An Ordinary Killer” that releases October 20th, 2009. Please add as a friend below and show your support. The Deluxe edition has the painting of the police car and lone officer in white on amazon.com
http://www.myspace.com/anordinarykiller
Speaking of amazon and Amazon VOD our 1st CDI features KNIGHT CHILLS and FROM VENUS will premiere on there Oct. 6th in time for Halloween. If you want to see how it all began with a few dollars and a lot of hard work than please check it out! The postings will go up next week I’m guessing.
KARMA, Crime, Passion, Reincarnation is heading to US Shores. I’m told it will play at the famous MIAAC Film fest sometimes in NYC between the 11th -15th of November but this is not in stone yet. I’m told that it is playing Pay Per View across India on Dish TV and such.
NEWS TODAY!
One of my scripts produced is SAVAGE, a cool monster flick. It is having two screenings, an indoor screening today at 3pm and an outdoor screening (weather permitting) later that night (approx. 10:30pm). Many cast and crew members have already made their plans to attend. Should be a great time. www.horrorfindweekend.com
Also they recently launched a new website. Check it out at www.fearmakers.com.
I will not be there to see SAVAGE because I will be at the DURAND FANTASY FEST today at the Durand VFW, 923 N. Saginaw Street, Durand, MI, 48429 to shake some hands and meet some fans.
Other updates – My attorney and I are trying to work out the WILD MICHIGAN deal. I actually feel good because no MIDDLE MAN screwing things up. The progressing being made now is solid and built on truth and I can’t ask for anything more. Right now I’m 100% focused on the BIZ and will worry about the SHOW once I can re-align everything.
All our in-house directors are in development on various feature films. Monday we are back into editing on the Tony Hornus doc film “Outside the Wire” and so back to work!
We lost our playoff soccer match last week after a great game. It was a tie 1-1 and we went to a shoot out. We were still tied after that and went to sudden death shoot out and we lost. I was not a shooter so I got to watch from the sidelines. My brother and I who are both defense players went off the field at the last minute and put better shooters out there. We had a great year and few injuries and now we set our sights on indoor soccer.
Have a great weekend!
DJ
Stay in the sunshine…
I just deleted an update that concerned a business dealing where someone just did not do something they were meant to do. I no longer work with this person and I think once again this illustrated why. Had the biz relationship worked out it would still be in effect. But no time to dwell on someone who continues to perform in the same old way. Some things never change but we are about change. Positive change!
I would rather stay focused on the future and walk in the sunshine. ALL the bumps in the road have been cause for change. The changes ahead are big and so a new road lies ahead. We will look back one day and smile at the early days and the challenges. I’m meeting, learning and working with more experienced people in our industry and they are also now taking notice of my personal work (acting, writing) and also my work with THE TRIBE (CDI). I’ve stated before that things often do NOT happen within our desired timeline . I still believe that when a story NEEDS to be told it seems to come together.
Not everyone may like to infuse the mystic “EVERYTHING IN ITS TIME” into the movie/storytelling process. But it cannot all be just about the shells and beads earned. To Patrick Swayze, I’m sure at the end of his journey it was about the people he touched with his stories not the dollars. Did he make people believe in love, justice, friendship and illustrate that with his work? Millions of dollars will not save you, me, Mel Gibson, Tom Hanks… and so the work itself can be priceless. It allows us to give long after we are gone. The art direction staff in THE WIZARD OF OZ probably mostly dead but not their work. Nobody can or will ever take DANCES WITH WOLVES away from Kevin Costner no matter what other box office numbers may or may not happen. Composer John Williams and his theme to STAR WARS will invoke chills for hundreds of years or more I’m sure.
In Conclusion:
In these hard times where we must also chase the paycheck remember that the art that you birth into this world will live long beyond the compensation does. To all of you that have given, are giving and will give…thank you.
This update is dedicated to Patrick Swayze and the many artists we lost this year. So we’ll talk business in another update.
DJ – The artist
Live each day as your last…
So many people never do for fear of failure. Change comes from trying and learning. You should not put off that call, visit or action that you’ve been meaning to do. The thing is life can be short and how you live will be remembered long after you are gone. Know that random acts of kindness create random results in our own lives.
The news has been blasting the past few days about a double murder in Owosso, Michigan. The first person was an activist and that helped capture national attention. The second killing was a businessman who happened to be our first investor in “Wild Michigan” and how tragic a story. Despite the fact we are dealing with a dishonest person who has hurt the projects earlier launch we will make that film. It has struck the CDI group hard. One of our producers had spent some time with him the night before and he had no idea what was to come that morning. Do you? Do I? Many good friends and family have gone in the last year or two. So while we are able to keep chasing our dreams others are at rest, their chase ended. PEACE.
So enjoy the struggles of life in part. That is life. A million dollars will not remove struggle. A new house, new car…still struggles. I can honestly say that I am at peace and enjoy my life, family and friends. I still work very hard and I enjoy the end results. Let us talk about a few of those updates.
The movie SAVAGE is getting ready for a festival premiere.
http://fearsmag.com/08/index.php/News/Firts-look-at-SAVAGES-poster.html http://www.shockya.com/news/2009/09/03/savage-movie-poster/ http://www3.webng.com/horrormoviesandstuff/Savage.html http://www.28dayslateranalysis.com/2009/09/savage-first-one-sheet.html
I hear KARMA, CRIME, PASSION, REINCARNATION is playing a Belgium Festival and going to theaters in the UK.
http://www.centremultimedia.org/International-competition.133.0.html
BOOK OF RUTH is gearing up for a distribution run and they will settle all their business first. Very excited to see this get out there. Join the MYSPACE site for updates!
Tuesday Sept. 15th KNIGHT CHILLS releases on Indieflix.com and will be also on amazon.com and VOD there.
Fans of DEAN TEASTER’S GHOST TOWN are welcome to visit the park and see where we filmed. Here is Stella Parton singing to Robert Bradley (both are co-stars in the film)
http://www.ashvid.net/video/miss-stella-parton-sings-at
I’m reading lines and getting ready for RENOVATION which will be a great project. More updates here soon. Here is a cool interview with my female co-star Charlene Khalaf.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RampantDirector
Anyway, it was a chill weekend getting stuff done. It was funny while doing work I watched MIRACLE AT SAGE CREEK which was on 2 channels and watched many of my friends and after that was a western with a young Renee O’Connor called FOLLOW THE RIVER. I love seeing friends doing their thing.
I have a practice soccer match today before the playoffs start. It will be a fun day.
Take care everyone and live fully!
DJ
Signs, signs everywhere are signs!
As I relax into another day of the weekend starting with my beloved coffee (I have to get a coffee sponsorship) any coffee companies have your people contact my people. I always wanted a reason to say that! I’m serious, as I have a few great products that look to myself for endorsement. ONE DROP HOT SAUCE, look it up, try it, love it. I grill OFTEN and I really like their product. I’m talking with them about promotional product tie-in’s with WILD MICHIGAN. I’m a lover of hot sauces and I prefer flavor over just HOT.
MSU (my alumni school) won their first football game and while out and about I saw “HIRING” signs at a few businesses and SOLD signs on a few houses in the area. These just seem to be little sign that things are moving in the right direction. I went into this weekend feeling GREAT! Many hardships and battles over the last 18 months and some good victories along the way. I feel we have our HOUSE in order at CDI finally. Many goals that we had set have been put within reach now and it is by the hard work of everyone involved but especially my generals.
Next week many things will be put into motion and for that I feel very blessed. I can’t get into it all but several projects have packaged up nicely and other negotiations have gone in our favor. Why should they not I ask? We have always tried to do good things for all the right reasons and we have encountered a few forces that would like to have seized on what they thought was an easy meal. WRONG! Several things are all coming together that should firmly make CDI a player in the years to come.
“Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town” would be considered GOLD to PLATINUM if it was a single album. October is a good release month with a CDI project AN ORDINARY KILLER and a Jeff Burton film BLOOD TIES both out October 20th on DVD. It sounds like KARMA, CRIME, PASSION, REINCARNATION that released theatrically in June in India is hitting the UK next. SAVAGE that I originally penned has a premiere this month.
http://fearsmag.com/08/index.php/News/Firts-look-at-SAVAGES-poster.html
See FEARMAKER STUDIOS for more info…
And projects for acting are many and so I’m looking to be on-set quite a bit the end of the year here and next year will be a busy one as well. I’m excited to announce some of these when the ink dries. I will say that I should be in Texas and Arizona at years end and this fall we are busting to re-organize and shoot “Wild Michigan” before snow flies. I know many people would love to see that happen and so we work hard on everyones behalf. I’m here to say it will happen it just has been a major struggle because one element outside our organization was dishonest and a liar. Every dog has its day and this dog is hungry.
I hope everyone is getting some good quality time in with family and friends because life is really about that at the end of the day. I love what I do even when the doing is difficult. I’m here to tell you that if you follow your heart with hard work the desired results will start to manifest. They seldom happen as fast as we think our patience can bear or unfold as ultimately planned in our ideal little thoughts. BUT… the universe does have a plan for each and every one of us and so breath deep, try to take nothing personally and be happy for the half full versus the half empty.
Happy weekend!
DJ the dreamer, DJ the determined, DJ the lover of the coffee bean:)
Don’t be too proud of this technological terror you’ve created!
OK,
So normally I type my emails on a word program and send to Pepper’s fansite (yes my blogging is from her prompting), myspace and a few others when I can remember. The goal is/was to give other artists an insight into the trials and tribulations endured day to day or week to week. I debate within myself over the pros and cons of this new communication. I’ve always loved SciFi and so you think I would be the 1st to jump on new tech. It has made communication with folks in my field easier. Where it use to be road trips for the Detroit Production FreeLancer Balls or other such functions I do find that I’ve reclaimed more of my personal life back. The dream does not consume everything now and I guess in some part I owe that to technology. It also is the reason I agreed to do this. Fans? Flattering and an honor to be part of someone’s special time of entertainment and escape from the hardships we all occasionally face. But it is important to for rising artists to know the struggle is natural, you’re not the first and won’t be the last, and you can succeed.
Bards and storytellers and the people who took the deeds of others (usually hunters or warriors) and highlighted their actions so in the darker times HOPE could be found. History and a sense of community and security are achieved. Okay, that sounds kind of like facebook, myspace as these are the personal mythology of these individuals.
So now I’m typing on a fancy data board that will help disperse the BLOG to other places. I’ve been happy to know that the readers are out there. I’m also a very direct person who will tell it how it is. Also there is a time where words are a waste until action is achieved. But I use these networks to promote and bring awareness to projects. I will learn SYYPE if it keeps me from some long flights and I can go enjoy the zen of my space moments after I click off. I had to get a new Bluetooth which I will use this week on calls. My last one was low charge and fuzzy so I took it off in the car and when I stopped for gas it was flung from my lap.
I’m so very excited about the coming months. First fall is my favorite time of year and it has felt like that here in Michigan. HOT coffee (which I have now) goes so good when the morning has that chill. I like watching MSU football on Sat afternoons. We have our last regular season soccer game today and this is the best conditions to run in for almost 2 hours.
Also biz is working itself out and the story time is near. As in all ventures where one sets his sights high, problems will be there. I imagine sometimes when Columbus was going around trying to raise funds so he could go sail off the edge of the earth. (In some opinions) I’m just amazed more at what people did when communication was all letters and travel was months not days. Top that off with shorter life spans and it makes historic figures more impressive.
Now not all journeys made were good ones, ask the Native Americans or the Native Australians, etc… but exploration is in human nature. I’m very proud of the shifts in cleaner technology and power and I guess as a younger man I always saw myself as the cutting edge and grandma’s ways were the old ways. All grandparents passed on and a younger more technological adept and dependent generation, are the cutting edge. I just pull what I like from the new and add it to the tried and true. Some might be saying DAMNIT DJ, this is not a reflection on getting experienced (Notice I didn’t say old) Maybe because mature is more proper but I also still feel as child-like as when I was 15 years old.
So the movie news. LOTS of buzz over giving my interest on a film script with writer/director John Regan.
http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/33167/robin-hood-goes-southern-gothic-sherwood-horror
http://english.ohmygore.com/sherwood-horror-moves-into-development-news-uk-6407.html
http://www.horrormoviefans.com/newsblog/2009/08/26/robin-hood-vs-vampires/
John and I have been friends since doing THE FLOCK many years ago. John is VERY talented and I think he has realized that the plucked from the masses and made famous is a seldom act. Most often it is built on blood, sweat and tears. Hardship, disappointment and so forth, but as my father has always told me. You appreciate things earned versus things given and that is so true even to this day.
Because of every setback I’ve had, we’ll use WILD MICHIGAN, it will make it that much sweeter when we are shooting or the lights dim and the movie plays. It isn’t just the story itself but it represents the struggle and the journey. For many out there, unless you have ever produced you are not qualified to judge. Some seek employment and others employee others. The latter is much harder and not nearly as selfish. I could have a career as just an actor and throw writer in there but I guess I enjoy the challenge. Also I’ve told a few people before that one of my favorite things to do was “write a check” and I’ll tell you why. I liken it to feeding your beloved dog with your hands, a practice that develops bonding. It is a pleasure to empower someone with the PROFESSIONAL BOND. A artist that is paid to create his art side by side with other artists. In Egypt did people look up and say, “My father helped carve that face,” I don’t know. Maybe they said “Grandpa designed that tomb and we think he’s locked inside.”
I just believe and I hope others believe that by creating these projects they are making some lasting. I rambled off the path again. WILD MICHIGAN. I was told recently that I was “Too kind and trusting” and this was where a few folks tried to take advantage of a situation. That said, I can also be stern and forthright when I feel I’m standing with truth. I know much buzz concerning our WILD MICHIGAN project is buzzing and so I will say it is my intention to shoot this fall.
We have circumvented all dishonest elements and are restructuring as we speak. I’m proud of many of our people, not without the occasional disappointment. It is easy to be the ray of positive when all IS positive but real character is revealed when the chips are down. Take George Washington at Valley Forge. Those officers who showed great character despite the frostbite, hunger, lack of patience… who stood steadfast? I’m sure those people were noted and somehow stayed in Washington’s circle later in life. Even if they did not, I’m sure that that fortitude and character displayed brought them opportunity.
Most all of the people I have surrounded myself with are because of my belief in that artistic ability and character. Some new people brought in are because others vouched for their character. Know that we are always judged by our character. I also know that truth and perceived truth can also be hard to define. So to all out there carry the Collective Development ideals. Be good to one another. Don’t give in to false information and gossip. Don’t highlight someone’s shortcomings to benefit yourself somehow. Lift someone up, brush them off and give them the truth, even if they don’t like it. Next time it could be you on the ground.
If you are addicted to everyone knowing your business you can TWITTER “Help I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!”
You will see who helps you up or steps on you or over you. The greater gift may be the one who inspires you to stand, dust yourself off and start the march again. Some help by example and that is what I try to be.
I wish a wonderful week to everyone.
DJ
As it should be…
Today is one of those nice chilly Fall-like days and later I’m going to a family gathering at Pa Perry’s and so that will be fun. This week will be a good week as we get to the bottom of several issues. It is all just change really and most often that is a very positive thing. I had a few more offers on movie projects and I just have to weigh everything out and look closely at my schedule. I have to say that while I’m a person who likes to go in with trust and open heart to new working relationships, we are not without teeth. A few folks on different fronts have been allowed to run their course. Others call it, giving them enough rope to hang themselves. That is kind of a gruesome saying actually. We have always just looked for other good folks with skill sets that when combined develop a collective property of art thrust out with a business push. So we have some restructuring going on within the company getting ready for big growth. We have a bright future and through all the struggles we have had in the last year I see the end of the tunnel. Soon I see everything as it should be!
Another soccer war tomorrow and so we will see if we can again be victorious! Enjoy your weekend, your family and friends and keep working towards your dreams!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 