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
