Believe and Be Merry!
The house is looking a lot like Christmas! I was wrapping, sorting, cleaning and such until the wee hours last, I mean this morning:) We had so many boxes that at 2:30 am I was burning boxes in the firepit last night. With the soft snow and fire the world seemed to slow and I felt the peace. It has been quite a year and while I can go on about the year to come in my next post I wanted to reflect for a moment.
I recall so many great Christmas times growing up. I was fortunate that way. My parents always worked hard to make it special for my brother and I. It is those traditions that have been left to me. Like the little chime/candles that burn and spin these little angels. DING. DING. DING. Makes me think of my Grandma Emerson. I recall fondly how much my Grandmas Swope loved Poinsettias. I miss not having any grandparents with us anymore. I also regret that after thirty some years my parents like so many divorced. Christmas is a bit more scattered with a get-together here and than there but overall it still brings back memories of past joy. Now new joy is achieved built upon old traditions.
You have to forgive me if my writing is a bit off. I woke with a small sinus headache (I think from wood smoke at 3am) but the coffee is chasing that away. I remember many Christmas Eve’s waking with a headache but it use to have beer or booze attached to it. I think I’m getting older:) We have a big dinner and family today and it continues to tomorrow. I also have one of my dearest friends flying into town. His parents live here and we’ve been friends since 1st grade. We usually do a dinner with several friends we grew up with but his trip is short this year. I will enjoy seeing him even for the short time.
Movies – As I watched all the Christmas films on TV while working about the house that is a goal. To make one really good Christmas classic. I think I have the script in “Holly, Jingles and Clyde” which I’ve been so close to getting off the ground on many occasions. If it has elves with axes slicing naughty kids up I could probably get it made faster but so far no dice. So for now I have to settle with Chevy Chase and family, Will the Elf and the Rankin/Bass classics.
I did a marathon of script reading last week. I had a slew of offers and scripts come in and I so appreciate when others invite me to participate is their storytelling adventures. Now I will take a couple days to chill with family and friends and give the work a rest. It is hard for me to do that because I really love what I do. I know that it all happens from hard work and taking the steps.
I will close here by thanking all of you who have faithfully read my blog this year. If you want to give myself and others a gift do so by introducing them to “Clawing My Way to the Middle”. I’ve gotten great response from artists who say the words have really helped them in their own journey. So bring someone new into the fold and perhaps they can also find some inspiration. I refused to believe those who said I could not. The trolls who would rather see others fail for they never tried. The unhappy who sold their dreams away. I’m here to say if you believe in yourself you can find success. It may take a while and will come at various degrees but things will happen. I appreciate each and every one of you so from the bottom of my heart I wish you all a Merry Christmas.
Believe!
DJ
Reflect, Prioritize and Prepare!
WOW! Last night I returned home from a family Christmas gathering to find out that I was sent a script with a supporting offer. This film is about a very famous Michigan figure of history and I’m practically speechless after reading the script. As I drank my coffee this morning I also drank the very words from the page. I can say they both tasted good. I sent over my interest in the role this morning and when I can speak of the role (Non disclosure) I most certainly will because it is surely newsworthy. The film has some very powerful actors attached to it and will shoot some parts here in our great state of Michigan.
Along the same lines – I could be announcing yet another supporting role in thriller shooting in the NYC area. It has some very original concepts woven in and around a tried and true formula. An offer was made on this project and so now we’re discussing business points. I also had a few other scripts recently sent to me for a read in this holiday slow time. One is a western that I’m excited to dive into and the other horror:) I love to sit and read scripts on these cold winter days in Michigan. I’ve also been using the down time to work on a script that has been knocking about in my imagination for a while. Reading and writing…all good. SUPPORT OUR TEACHERS!
I had many business meetings this past week on film development. I think overall 2012 is going to be another exciting year for myself and CDI. (www.cdiproductions.com) NEWLY UPDATED!
I think we will get to see all the CDI directors move into action once again. I’ve very excited to see them back to storytelling. We’ve got a great tribe of artists here and I feel blessed to call them friends!
OTHER FILM UPDATES!
It is OFFICIAL as the old “Renovation” is now retitled “Deadly Renovations” and the new trailer and website are updated. http://www.deadlyrenovations.com
The several projects in post will soon premiere before being released to the masses. I’m so very excited to let audiences watch these films. We as artists make these films for you the fans out there. I’m so very happy for the progress made this past year. The friends and artists I’ve met and worked with. The places I’ve gone and the culture I’ve been blessed to experience. This path (Like many) can be difficult at first but the rewards can be truly great. If I never made another film I would still feel so blessed for all the experiences I’ve had. Luckily, I don’t think my film journey is ending but just getting up to speed.
Each of you should take these moments at the year’s end to plan your own 2012. SET GOALS! Get all your materials updated (cover letters, resumes, REELS, marketing links) and get ready for another year moving steadily towards your dreams. I still encounter many people who say that want something so badly but refuse to put in the hard work needed. This path of mine I’ve traveled has not always been easy. Actually it has rarely been easy but what in life worth while truly is? That is why as children we are often protected and told “don’t try to grow up too fast”. I remember those carefree youthful days. I still keep a relatively carefree attitude by not empowering overdue stress in my own life. That whole saying of give me strength to change what I can and the patience to deal with what I cannot change. Wise words.
So reflect, prioritize and prepare for 2012. It is just around the corner!
DJ
Festive Fun & Film Development Updates
All week I’ve been drinking a variation on my coffee – eggnog and coffee:) Some like it and others do not but I just find it great! This week we also added a mass amount of venison steaks and burger to join the 4H pork and beef in the freezer. I’ve almost got my Christmas duties complete although tonight will be tree decorating. We’ve had the beautiful fir-tree up and enjoying it even in the bare state. The animals really love it and I’ve often come downstairs to find all the animals circled around it sleeping. I know that for many our industry shuts down from about the 15th of Dec. to the 15th of Jan. but in my experience many deals are also done in this time when things are slower and more relaxed.
We’ve recently made an announcement that the CDI associated film “Renovation” has been officially renamed “Deadly Renovations” for the release. The post team is working hard to get the deliverables all around and I for one am really looking forward to the release. I’m going to talk to one of our actor/producers Tommy Lynch about setting up a red carpet Vegas premiere before we hit select theaters. A new website address of http://www.deadlyrenovations.com will be in addition to the old http://www.renovationthemovie.com once the new one is active.
This week also had great talks on several films that could move into PRE-PROD from development. “The 8th Plague” prequel “Soul Eater” is looking good. “Secondary Heroes” is moving forward. Dean Teaster’s “Long Road Home” and Anthony Hornus’s “A State of Hate” both had meetings this week. We even have an untitled Jeff Kennedy film moving ahead slightly on the development trek. Several others are still building their packages and so 2012 is looking strong.
I might sign onto an outside film next week if negotiations go well. I read a script I really liked, connected with a character and I’m working my schedule. If all works out I might have a solid announcement on a new project.
I know that “Darkest Night” is in the post trimming process and will go dark over the holidays to get ready for 2012. “7 Stones,” “Benjamin,” and “Locked in a Room” will also be making their 1st showings in the near future. I’m very excited to see these projects on the big screen.
“Outside the Wire” has a 2012 screening schedule as we continue to have talks on this project. The USO and other organizations will be the focus of some future meetings. I also heard rumor of another doc in the works so I expect some new announcements on that front first of the year.
I hope everyone has a great holiday season!
DJ
Recoup and Rundown on Projects
I cannot tell everyone how energizing it has been to be back among family and friends here in the old USA. I loved my trip to the Philippines and as always the people were great! We got lots of media attention for “Darkest Night” and I think the audience of our 1st showing enjoyed seeing the full directors cut before the next hard editing choices are made. A lot of work will happen in the next two months on that film.
I’m still about 2-3 hours off in my sleep schedule but it is getting slowly better. I’ve been getting up mega early 5-6 am and doing work in the quiet time. A few updates –
1) “Renovation” materials are about to be delivered to the distributor for 2012 roll out
2) The titles we had slated for Dec. release “Heaven’s Neighbors” and “Figure in the Forest” are being held up by Walmart negotiations so likely a push of a quarter. DVD’s are all mastered and they look good but we need to make the best deal possible.
3) Premiere of “7 Stones” lies ahead in December. Premiere’s for “Locked in a Room” and “Benjamin” soon after…
4) “Love Letters in the Sand” pushed into 2012 which is fine with me:) I didn’t want to be working up to Christmas.
5) Strong developments on a pair of horror films “Soul Eater” and “Secondary Heroes” and both should shoot in 2012. A casting call for a major character went out on the Collective Development Inc. Facebook site – did you see it? 🙂 Get those reels ready!
6) Additional meetings on our western projects including the possible addition of a major casting agent. Distributor may control 3 castings on the films. May have to compromise if private investors don’t show.
7) I have to sign and send some paperwork this week on “In Our Time” (Jesus project) and “Madam CJ Walker” but that is moving ahead.
8) May have good news around the bend on a few faith films with my “Book of Ruth” producing partner Ray N.
9) Planning out my battle plans for 2012/2013! Set goals and build steps to success.
My hazelnut coffee is hot and in my hand now. I have another family Thanksgiving up North and so I’m ready for another round of good eating. I came back light from the Philippines so I’m getting a touch of my winter weight back so I don’t freeze when the snow flies. Beef in the Philippines is not as common as chicken, pork and seafood so I had to have a Porterhouse a few days ago from our 4H purchase and it was like eating heaven. Sorry my plant only eaters out there. I love my veggies as well. I wish I had more to go on about right now but I’ve been just readjusting and getting ready for a few final weeks of work before things shut down. I’ve been getting some Christmas stuff around and I can feel the holiday spirit. We decided to skip shopping yesterday and work/play outside because of how nice it was. Good choice. I’ll pay a dollar or two more because a beautiful day with the dogs and family can be priceless.
Enjoy the weekend!
DJ
(Philippines) Is that Hilary Clinton with DJ Perry? No:)
My Hazelnut coffee wrapped in an American flag greeted me on my return trip from the Philippines for PR and 1st public showing of the directors cut of “Darkest Night” for cast, crew and their family and friends. Now the hard part of seeing what scenes will kiss the editing room floor in the attempt to get our run time down to theatrical. If you’ve been under a rock look up “Darkest Night” movie on Facebook or go to http://www.darkestnightmovie.com
For those that have also traveled from one side of the world to the other it must be much easier to understand the concept of parallel universes. I mean you can find yourself in a distant place that is at times extremely different (the language), sometimes strangely homelike (the friendliness of the people) or sometimes familiar but something is a touch off (ketchup, taco-bell crunchy taco). But be it here or there it is the same you walking through this place. A long trip into the clouds and you walk back to your grounded place of reality that would in turn could be someone else’s parallel universe. Two places and people bound together on this one eco-sphere different yet connected.
The BARD
Over a beer (common to most cultures:) I got to answer questions about the Cherokee medicine bag I often wear. I got to explain how that western film “Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town” brought us in deep with the fine Cherokee people living UNTO THESE HILLS of N. Carolina. Search ON DEMAND on Comcast
That is the other part of my job I love. As I travel – I get to laugh and share stories of other fine artists I’ve had the pleasure to work with. The Philippine trip was worthwhile and maybe a touch long as the holidays stirred many thoughts of home within me. Every time I go away I come back with a deeper appreciation for my home state. Lansing, Michigan is many things to many people, but what I love is what Michigan isn’t.
1) It isn’t one steady climate but allows one to attune with the cycle of seasons.
2) It isn’t a place that tries to be anything that it’s not.
Nope – Just many hardworking (Or wanting to work) proud people who carved out a few good industry’s here in our not so distant past. (Bring Film Incentives back!) I get frustrated at my own state on many occasions but I’m one to just go try to improve conditions and not depend on all the checks and balances built into most political systems. Often they’re justified as being helpful but are actually just dysfunctional mechanisms that slow or stop forward movement.
From within the system I’ve often seen the existence of adult artistic social clicks. Much like how I remember high school but I always prided myself at being able to float between most circles. I guess the insecure artists who honestly don’t feel they offer something unique (They do, they can) end up acting more in competition than just selling their art.
Now this is a real attitude among some artists – they live by the FAKE IT TIL YOU MAKE IT path. Simple fact – Words can be faked and actions cannot. I’ve always felt that actions speak strongest and as a martial artist I know the FAKE IT will only get you kicked around. Be humble to the masters of that art form until you also acquire the right amount of experience.
“Snatch the pebble from my hand quick as you can.” – If you don’t know what this means your training is surely not complete:)
Behind the camera always remain yourself. Yes. I’m “method” (Acting) often but make “polite” a “method” always. I say if you’re too “method” to thank the assistant who brings you a water than you’re not too “method” to get your own damn water. I’ve had an assistant on a handful of films and is does help when on set and also someone is keeping your stuff close. They get to watch and learn (Darn – I owe Terry Knox a dollar)
The Lesson (Especially young talent)
Don’t believe the spin and marketing associated with the film to be anything more than what it is. An opportunity to tell good folks about a new story/film you helped to tell. And to invite those good folks to honor you with a watch. It is a big world and I really do realize what a sacred gift it is to be a storyteller. To furthermore be a storyteller given the opportunity to cross oceans and reach new audiences – that is amazing. The sharing!
It has been rest and recoup as my body fights to rebalance itself since getting home last night. MSU won in football yesterday and maybe the Lions will win today. Next week is a family holiday and Christmas lies beyond it. I have lots of end of the year wrap up work before our industry goes on vacation. That said, I make some of my best plans during the “DARK TIME”. I know 2012 is going to be exciting as every year proves to be. I’m not sure which of the irons heating in the CDI forge will burst to life but 2011 had some good ones catch ignite. More premieres lie ahead and many deals still in motion. I’m back to resting!
I hope Hilary had a good Philippine trip. Sorry we couldn’t meet for dinner. I wish I could have flown on Airforce One.
DJ
Philippine TOP 10
The streets here are full of music as Manny “PacMan” retained his heavy weight boxing title. Tonight I have a final producers watch through on “Darkest Night” before our premiere this week in Manila. The theater is beautiful and the people here are excited. I’ve been chilling here in my adopted country or I should say they’ve adopted me. I’ve been eating great food that includes LOTS of seafood! Washing it all down with some local beers but one of the most popular beers from US here is Colt 45 so that is a change. I bought new underwears and T’s since getting laundry was gonna be a pain. I’ve been treated so well here and I’m happy that DJ Perry and the Philippines are getting to be fast friends. I was treated to a familiar sight when I saw by actor buddy Taymore Ghazi on a TV show last night here. I also watched friend/mentor actor Rance Howard on the flight over. I do enjoy seeing my friends in movies and on TV. I will have more to write after the premiere but I thought I would do a fun top 10 on here. Let’s do top ten things I’ve learned, saw or experiences here in the Philippines.
1) Being called “Chuck Norris” on the street – I know I’m looking older but DAMN!
2) Noontime means after lunch between 1-4 not 12:00
3) Participating in traffic walking I see where the game FROGGER was inspired.
4) I saw a traffic cop breakdancing while directing traffic (moonwalk, pop locking, etc..) you don’t see that in NYC
5) There is not an active EPA for car pollution and so things are like LA 10 years ago
6) Cheeseburgers with egg on them are quite good
7) It must be a National law against getting one beer they always bring you two
8) Only here can you eat two RED LOBSTER + level meals and wash it down with 6 beers for a few dollars – won’t find that in NYC or anywhere in the USA
9) Santa will have to shave his beard and wear shorts here
10) Manny “PacMan” is like SUPERMAN, Mr. T and Bill Clinton rolled into one.
This is DJ signing off until next time!
Have a great Sunday!
Greetings From The Philippines!
Greetings from the Philippines! I’m here safe and sound reunited with my “Darkest Night” family once again. Our premiere is Thursday and after the amazing success of our press conference the interest in the film has left me speechless. Those that know me or my blog know this is rare as I usually have something to say. TV, radio, magazines, print all celebrating this hybrid horror film. It was slated for a showcase at a local film festival but the committee had concerns about the English usage in the film. I think the public interest in the film illustrates they made a mistake. The festival director contacted yesterday to say as much but we’ve invited them to our premiere. The world is truly getting smaller with the web and the people here are truly ready to embrace both Eastern and Western films. I think many great foreign films don’t get seen by English-speaking audiences because they don’t have a character to relate to. DARKEST NIGHT fixes that by using a character KEN (played by me) who returns to the Philippines with his soon-to-be wife at Christmas time to meet the family. Audiences get to experience many of the rich traditions because the family speaks mostly English out of hospitality to their American guest. The film than takes a dark turn that will let audiences experience Asian filmmaking without it being re-made as an American version which almost always falls short of the original. The film is the 1st for me using the doc or “found footage” style. It has been a great honor for me to take part of this project and I want to keep this post short and ask you all to check out the http://www.darkestnightmovie.com site and search out the DARKEST NIGHT Facebook site to see the many pics from the press conference the other night. I’m eating seafood daily and so I’m in heaven. I’m suppose to attend an awards show Tuesday night and we’ve got many more media events leading up to the film premiere. This film will get a USA distribution set-up as I’ve been given interest from several of my distribution friends. Once we get past this event we will start taking meetings on the film I promise! It will be heading to theaters here and is the 1st of a slate of GPI/CDI films. I appreciate all the support and will blog here again soon!
Happy Sunday!
DJ
Final Premiere Packing & LCC Interview
A chilly Sunday morning filling up on the hazelnut coffee and trying to balance all the final things I need to do before my promotional/premiere trip to the Philippines for “Darkest Night”. I’m going to try to do some final yard work today and work to get final packing done. The whole idea that I’ll get to see more of my surroundings versus the few hours between long shoot days on set is appealing. I’m excited to see the results of our hard work. It will be good to see everyone and the hospitality they show is second to none. I’m not sure of my set schedule while there but I know it will be enjoyable work.
http://www.darkestnightmovie.com
“Renovation” http://www.renovationthemovie.com is again hitting the fanzine pages with the announcement that the film has signed up all worldwide rights. It will start selling foreign rights this year and next year will see a limited theatrical with all following DVD, VOD, and additional releases to the domestic marketplace. Again a big congrats to all the hardworking cast and crew.
I was told the Grand Rapids, MI premiere of “7 Stones” will be Dec. 16th so it will be nice to return home to yet another premiere of another great film. I’m still not sure of any premiere dates on “Benjamin” which is complete and “Locked in a Room” is still tweaking sound. So I’m excited to showcase these films before they come to all of you watchers.
I’m also excited about all the new projects getting ready to pop into production. I’ve had many more phone conferences this week over our projects in development. Horror, Westerns, Family/Faith we’ve got movement around the board and I’m excited to enjoy the holidays and be ready for a busy 2012!
I’ll keep this update short and my next update will be from Manila.
Here is an interview story I did for Lansing Community College magazine THE LOOK OUT. Page 12
http://issuu.com/lcclookout/docs/the_lookout_volume_53__issue_5
I as usually wrote way too much for my interview so I thought I would post it here in full. Here is the full interview with editor Nathan Watson.
INTERVIEW WITH LCC ALUMNI DJ PERRY, TV/Film Actor, Writer & Producerwww.imdb.com/name/nm0675036/
Thank you Nathan. I appreciate this opportunity to “pay it forward” to the students at LCC. My name is DJ Perry and I’m the co-owner of Collective Development Inc. (www.cdiproductions.com) a motion picture company in Lansing, Michigan. I like to describe myself as a minor league player in the film acting, writing and producing world. I’ve starred in 30 to 40 films that can be seen playing on TV and in your Netflix and home video and distributed to countries around the world. Our company has been in charge of several millions of dollars in producing films in all genres. From the DOVE APPROVED family faith films “Figure in the Forest” and “Book of Ruth, Journey of Faith” currently playing on Trinity Broadcast Network to the Lionsgate western “Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town” the Michigan company has done it all. It is now moving into international production with its involvement in “OUTSIDE THE WIRE, The Forgotten Children of Afghanistan” doc film and the demonic horror film “Darkest Night” shot in the Philippines…OK! I better slow my roll…
>Ok, no problem! Here are my questions.>How did LCC help you to be successful in your career?
LCC played a very vital role in my career and I’m going to tell it to you straight. I come from a family that always pushed education and thankfully reading was something I’ve always loved. Prior to the digital age almost all information was bestowed to an individual either by reading or often bad classroom film strips. I’ve always excelled and been good at what I truly enjoy. But if a subject failed to interest me I did very middle of the road. I want to be very REAL with this interview because I think many of the students out there can relate to where I was. I was unsure of what I wanted to do as a career. Now several years later I can I say I’ve discovered a few nuggets of wisdom that I can share. I will try to give those nuggets out to the…I was just asking myself if LCC has a mascot? If they do I don’t know what it is. So I’ll just say the student body.
How did you first get into filming and acting?
My fate chases its own tail here in our story. I will try to explain. There use to be this thing called an analog tape recorder:) Also another device called a record player:) The over 30 crowd can laugh but recently at a MSU freshmen welcome event they failed to know who George Lucas was. DOH! Back to our story…So in elementary school (Northwestern) into middle school (Otto Middle) my friends and I would make these story tapes much like the old radio dramas. Okay use Google if you don’t know what a radio drama is. It is like a book on tape. You don’t know what a…forget it:) Anyway, when the home camcorders came out early in high school (Sexton Big Reds) my friends and I started doing these “MTV” style and “Saturday Night Live” type shows for family and friends. These were done one take, shot in order with the music on set coming from a boom box. (Look up Boom Box:) This led us to being allowed to do videos versus book reports or final exams. Skits of “War of the Worlds,” “The Hunt for Bigfoot,” “The Revolting Vomits” and they even allowed us to view at lunch hours in the library. We had great FUN making these videos and suddenly we had FANS.
I spent many hours of my high school days writing scripts, planning shoot dates and gathering help. So I graduated from Sexton High School in Lansing a C+/B- student. The plan was to follow in my father’s footsteps and go to Michigan State University. My grades put my on a waiting list at MSU and my only interest seemed to be soccer and fooling with the video camera. Now I had played soccer overseas on a traveling team and had I been able to continue onto MSU’s soccer team maybe my career path would have been different. I was lucky in that we had one of if not the best community colleges right here in Lansing.
I enrolled and started talking basic classes at LLC. Beyond the required I took a soccer class (We won our end of the class tournament) and some film classes with Bill Blanchard. It was a blessing to have some classes that actually interested me. I do recall enjoying some English classes that helped nurture my writing which does turn me the occasional script writing fee. More than that LCC offered me the next steps to explore something that I was sincerely passionate about. LCC gave me the 1st basic tools I could use to turn my passion into a career. I am business/artist and I think that Business of Art is a class that should be taught. You can find art classes but why not require classes in how to build a career. I think this is a time in history where people should seek employment in their passions. If you cannot find that employment you must CREATE IT. Small business can be a haven for the artists. I know various artists who’ve started their own recording careers and record labels. They’ve created haunted house attractions and magic shows. They stage western gunfights at State Fairs across the country. Just like a college education – it may take you longer on a passion path – but working towards something you love feeds you with a feeling of satisfaction. It will seem less like work and more like a calling if you love what you do. You don’t want to end up in 10 years making decent money but watching a clock like you’re in detention every day.
What is your favorite part about being involved in the film industry?
Easy answer – the artists I get to work with. Movies are created by a small army of artists. They all love their craft and when they are brought together in this controlled chaos a film is born. I love that I’ve traveled and worked with film groups in the Mountains of India (Karma: Crime, Passion, Reincarnation), a mango estate outside Manila, Philippines, (Darkest Night) racetracks in Cornwall, Canada (Off Track), beaches in Costa Rica (Supermodel Showdown Costa Rica) and resort town Rosarita, Mexico (Tangy Guacamole). If the audiences takes to a film or not doesn’t change the good feelings of united hard work these artists took to bring a film into being. As you do more projects it gets to be like a reunion with old friends. I also love getting to work with people that I’ve watched and admired since childhood. Every Friday night was “The Life & Times of Grizzly Adams” and everyday after school was “Kung Fu”. Having worked and gotten to know people like Dan Haggerty and David Carradine are priceless experiences. More recently, I’m a fan of the new “Battlestar Galatica” TV series and so drinking and hanging with Col. Tigh (Michael Hogan) was a very cool experience. The people I get to work with and the places I’ve been are my favorite parts of the film industry.
Could you tell me about the process of putting Darkest Night together?
I read an interesting breakdown on www.mandy.com (Actors pay attention) of a horror film shooting overseas. They were looking for an American leading man. I contacted them and the main writer/producer Russ Williams was a fan of my work on a gruesome horror film I starred in called “The 8th Plague”. (I recommend the Special Edition:) From there it just all came together. My company CDI came in to help with the domestic distribution and we’re now actually committed to a slate of three films together. Production with Gothic Pictures International has expanded the scope of our work as we build an East/West bridge for film release. I leave Nov. 1st back to Manila, Philippines for a news conference and press junket. It seems that I was the 1st American to shoot on a Philippine film production. I’m not sure if I actually am but their National media says I am so we’ll roll with that. We’re doing the premiere and promotions around the Cinemanila Film Festival before it releases to the SM Theater’s across the country. Check out www.darkestnightmovie.com for more on this groundbreaking project.
When will Darkest Night be in American theaters?
Next year 2012 is when the film will head to the United States for release. I’ve had some limited theatricals here in the US and I’m working hard to finalize what will be my first wide theatrical US films. Overseas I co-starred in the dark thriller “Karma, Crime, Passion, Reincarnation” that played across India in 2009. It played festivals around the world but distribution talks here fell apart three different times over money. I was sad that the film didn’t come to the USA save the MIAAC Film Festival in New York City. I’m 100% certain that “Darkest Night” will find its way here. I think it will likely go to CHILLER TV where a couple of my horror films (GPS & SAVAGE) have gone. Home video and foreign sales are certain as we’ve got great contacts here in the US and we actually just signed a worldwide rights deal on a co-production we did in Yuma, AZ called “Renovation” (www.renovationthemovie.com). Theatrical release can be costly so we’ll have to see what domestic distributors here think but I can say the film is truly frightening. It is about an American brought to his soon-to-be- wife’s home at Christmas to meet her traditional family. You want to talk about a real Nightmare before Christmas. This is a groundbreaking mix of East meets West filmmaking and I think audiences will dig it.
Nathan I want to thank you so much for this opportunity to share a few stories. I’ve been a key note speaker at several creative arts forums and was convinced a few years back to start a blog for the struggling artist. It is called “Clawing My Way To The Middle” www.djperryblog.comand just addresses the highs and lows of being an artist businessman. Luckily and fortunately it has been more up’s than down’s but that is due to hard work, sacrifice and having a wonderful institution like Lansing Community College to give a somewhat lost artist a sense of direction. Thank you LCC!
ADDITIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Our documentary film “Outside the Wire: The Forgotten Children of Afghanistan” will screen in the Local Filmmakers Showcase program at the 14th annual East Lansing Film Festival on Sat., Nov. 12, at 1 p.m. at Wells Hall’s Hitchcock Theatre on Red Cedar Road, near Spartan Stadium on campus. LLC teacher Dennis Therrian and director Anthony Hornus will attend!Web links
Passion – Not a Word But A Well
What a week! It is Sat. afternoon and with a slight chill in the air the rain has gone and the Fall is back in full effect. I awoke a little stuffed up but told myself to enjoy this experience of transition that comes once a year. In a little over a week I’ll be back into the tropics where I’m usually too hot. I’m a Celtic dude whose ancestors stomped around in the Highlands of Scotland. I do better with cool BUT it will be a nice change. With the ways of Michigan I’ll probably come home to snow. Let’s see on the personal level this week we racked the green tomato wine to the secondary and I will say the sample tasting was surprising. It taste nothing like tomato at all. It was dry with complex spicy taste that likely stems from the clove and ginger root that is in the mix. The peach wine seems like it will also be kicking. I had to deal with my car just getting it ready for winter. NOTE to artists out there and maybe the sharper tools in the shed already know this BUT if you go to work on a film set you can downgrade your car insurance to STORAGE until you return. With all my trips over the years away from my car I shudder to think of how much money I could have saved with a phone call.
Luggage is another artist/actor thing I have to prep for – the last two international trips killed my luggage. India and the Philippines sent me back bags that look like elephants walked on them. Luckily I packed well and all was good. I’m waiting on the premiere date which will be released on Nov. 3rd at the press conference. They are putting media kits together and it will be a nice experience. As the films are getting larger I’m needing to do more and more media events. It is all a good thing.
I’m happy to say that the deal on RENOVATION is done! It is a worldwide rights that includes a small limited theatrical. We did a home town premiere and small theater run in the Yuma area but I really want another premiere in a major city. I’m waiting to get the 1st press release okayed that outlines the deal. I can say that while the film is being prepped now for international sales the theatrical run, home video and TV/VOD will all be in early 2012. There will be many more releases to come. Find and join the RENOVATION Facebook pages as they will be posting updates and watch http://www.renovationthemovie.com that will also be updating often. Congrats to all the hard-working cast and crew of the film!
Also working to pull in the other offers on OUTSIDE THE WIRE and Tony is working on new showings in Texas. The film locally will be playing at the East Lansing Film Festival in a showcase on Sat. November 12th, at 1:00 in Wells Hall (Hitchcock Theater) so check it out and educate yourself.
Development talks abound this week with “Wild Michigan,” “Holly, Jingles and Clyde,” “Secondary Heroes,” “Pandemonium,” “Face the Thunder,” and I could go on and on. I really follow the flow of the river. Opportunities, talks and discussions open up over a project and you flow with it. Networks, studios, executives it is all a different game from the pirate filmmaking of the past. It moves slow but with larger budgets comes more artists. Many of the budgets are being asked to be trimmed. In some of these cases it may come down to the artists working less expensive or no film. Usually there are artists ready to work but producing in this economy is hard OR I don’t know all the right people…yet.
I read a few scripts/acting offers this week and always nice to get lost in a world. I truly love writing and I will have finishing a few new scripts in 2012 on my goal sheet. Goal sheet you say? Yes. I think it is a good thing to establish goals for the year. It has been fun to look back at past years and see what came to pass and what did not. Data of DJ:) So try it. It makes you take a true TIME OUT from everything else and crystallize on you and your career path. Try it. You owe yourself that solid 15-30 minutes.
“Benjamin” PR is about to go full-blown here. Their media kit was sent around. “7 Stones” finished their last pick up shots and is racing through post. “Darkest Night” is in final FX and trimming for runtime. I’m told that after the mainstream release there might be an extended version. I’m excited to see any version! “Locked in a Room” is as secret as the title suggests. Very little is being released but I can promise you a very interesting film. I’m sure more info will become available soon.
I think that is going to wrap up the reports for the week. I want to once again thank everyone for following CLAWING MY WAY TO THE MIDDLE. I’m truly doing just that and I’m here to say that dreams can be achieved but the determination, persistence and focus needed in immense. But if passion is not just a word to you but a well from which you draw your strength – you too can find your place.
Have a wonderful weekend and go MSU! Go Lions!
DJ
Congrats to the New Tribal Folk at CDI!
The first sips of coffee in the morning taste so wonderful and again I ponder the need to find a good coffee endorsement. I had a busy week but I’m still managing to really enjoy the season. MSU had a great football win over UofM and I was happy to see that! Now if the Lions do there thing today it will be even better. Yesterday was a full day starting early and so I didn’t get to my blog. Today I also have a family brunch so I’m trying to fit this in now. If I’m still sleepy as I type please forgive me.
I’ve got my travel plans arranged for the “Darkest Night” premiere and promotions in the Philippines. It seems the “7 Stones” premiere is gonna be closer to Xmas due to FX work and sound design. Still no word on “Benjamin” and “Locked in a Room” premiere dates yet. I will say that with “Renovation” – the deal is about complete and we are clarifying our final three points before we roll out with that. I’m also working with GPI on setting a deal to release “Renovation” in the Philippines theatrically in addition to the limited release here in the US. Check out the film site http://www.renovationthemovie.com if you have not.
I had communications yesterday with the “In Our Time” folks and I need to get up with them on scheduling. The word is that on their slate our film has been moved up to #1. This project has a lot of interest worldwide. There is a lot of great info I have concerning this project but can only wait until production releases certain updates.
It is not to early to be planning 2012 – that should be a fun-filled year with projects. Many films are in the running for production in 2012. A film will launch when it is truly ready. There are so many elements that need to line up to make some of the larger projects go forward. I continue my weekly development talks and I will say we have some great films in the hopper.
I want to give a big congrats to the CDI sales team on their 1st sponsorship sales of the 1st Lansing showing of “Outside the Wire”. So congrats to Mr. John Demarco and Mr. Jeff Watson. Also a nod to our in-house legal Mr. Eric Nelson who has been untangling some of our past business dealings that went astray. I want to recognize these folks for their hard work and happy they are part of the COLLECTIVE DEVELOPMENT tribe!
Have a wonderful Sunday!
DJ
Two Keys to Success Plus Film Updates
So we went from chilly chill to summer-like all in a week. That is the way of things here in the Michigan. It was a busy week on all fronts. This weekend brought me some good fall domestic fun. The green tomato wine and pickled dill green tomato’s are brewing and canned. I got a load of firewood brought in and stacked it. Just cleaning up the yard and my car getting them ready for winter when it comes. It has been fun watching new dog addition Luke go about his daily activities. I love Fall and what it represents – the harvest, the dark taking light and the coming holidays.
On the film front I have distribution packages going out, development pitches going out, post work being done and premieres and promotion at hand. Most exciting development is the booking of my return trip to the Philippines. A National press conference is set for the GPI/CDI project entitled “Darkest Night” on Nov. 3rd. We are waiting to announce the exact premiere date that will follow the conference. The theatrical run is being set up and I’m excited to see all my old friends and see the film release. Again http://www.darkestnightmovie.com
Once I return I will have a short time to recover before the premiere of “7 Stones” in Grand Rapids. Those who are fans of my action/dramatic work like “Wicked Spring” and “An Ordinary Killer” will really enjoy it. It is actually a run up to a feature I’ve been working on developing with director Tom Norton for several years. I’m excited about the 1st feedback coming from the film cuts.
I’m still expecting more premiere info on “Benjamin” and “Locked in a Room” which may also happen between now and the end of the year.
I’ve been working with my CA attorney Marty Barab in assigning some rights on some of our films. Mainly foreign rights and a reset on “Wicked Spring” the Civil War film who’s rights are returned this Dec. Fellow producer Curtis Hall is working with production legal to clean that up while I work to set the Special Edition release. I want to see it come out on Blue Ray and will likely include the Making of, soundtrack and a few other surprises. Lionheart/Kevin Hershberger no longer has any ownership in the film due to a trade off for company stock. I still think that the film is a wonderful collaboration and director Kevin Hershberger’s passion for the subject matter can truly be seen. Add in some great battle scenes by some dedicated living historians and a handful of talented actors and we have a film that has stood the test of time. Stay tuned!
I hope some of you have checked SAVAGE and GPS playing on CHILLER TV. I watched the old original Frankenstein the other night. What a cool story.
I hope to have pre-order sites for our NEW VIDEO titles so we can allow folks to order for Xmas. Yes. My mind has started to think about that season already. I’m waiting on more info about the “Supermodel Showdown Costa Rica” show coming out on Telemundo and much more.
I’ll address a couple little keys to success in my blog here.
First – POSITIVE ATTITUDE
If you are not happy with where your career is especially in the arts you need to look first at yourself. So many people desperately need to blame someone, anyone for their shortcomings. I know a handful of people that operate completely from a place of negativity. The glass is always half full and always because someone ELSE drank it. It’s like I say when producing – DON’T just be critical of an action or situation. First you want to positively present and highlight the problem before offering a possible solution. Even if that suggestion is not the final solution taken it will cast light upon an issue that needs fixing and stir other possible solutions. I believe that people should hold their tongues until they have a better course of action to suggest. When producing people are paid for solutions NOT complaints. Don’t be one of those needy for attention people who throw out a comment just to shock people and set yourself aside. There is always some insecurity deep at the heart of it.
I guess part of this stimulated conversation comes from someone I’ve known for years. They are not in my immediate circle but I’ve ran into several people who’ve had past issues with this person. Without even knowing every corner of this individual I can tell you his actions suggest that he has many of these issues that I speak of. Funny how those quick to cast a stone are usually living in a house built of the most fragile glass. They are often the intellectual that lacks the wisdom to guide their actions. The person who feels worthless and entitled all in the same breath. People self bathing in these actions must ponder in their quiet moments why they feel like a failure. Why they don’t seem to have the same personal connections with people as others seem to have. I’m here to tell you that negativity is like dirty bath water. Some people that you’ll have a conversation with leaves you walking away feeling dirty. They wonder why they don’t get that invite to the party or they don’t get cast in a film despite being a fine actor.
Why? Acting is 90% wait and 10% action and who wants to sit in dirty bath water while you wait. I don’t know everyone who reads my blog but if you happen to be one of these folks bathing in dirty bath water – CORRECT THYSELF!
It is truly that easy. Like Scrooge, you can wake up one morning and be different. You can talk positive and see the difference in how the world treats you. Be positive and see change. You reap what you sow.
Another key –
Loyalty – This is a word that means many things to many people. We will address this only in the context of art/business. It starts as I’ve mentioned before – with how you view yourself. Again you’re not in true competition with anyone else but yourself. You’re trying to connect artist with best medium to invoke feeling upon an audience. How many people have had an open audition contact but did not tell certain people because they feared the competition? Have you used phrases such as “This is just between us” or “To be honest” or any number of slips in language that cue in people of our insecurities.
Those that know me (not of me) but know me will attest to my loyalty factor. When I started Collective Development Inc. with Jeff Kennedy in 1996 it was because I believed in a community of artists. I wanted to create a safe haven for artists away from such petty issues that often break apart creative individuals/groups. It happen to me early in my career where I found the 1st stings of what I took as jealously. In so many ways I appreciate those actions because they moved me to where I’m at now.
I’ve found many people who appreciate the loyalty that I give. I’m here to state that if I did not value this trait I would be several steps ahead in my career. That said, at what cost? Friendship? Personal integrity? Willpower? I always return to the journey vs the destination illustration. It states that how you get somewhere is so much more important than just getting there. And if you have any other questions about where I’m coming from please do read the Tao of DJ at the top of this blog. Maybe you should all write your own journey statement even if only for yourself. If you join a creative group be that CDI or any another fine circle of artists – be LOYAL. Speak well of one another as we are all flawed. Let your lives not be ruled by your flaws but let wisdom and understanding rise you above them. After all, CDI has never been DJ Perry Productions. It is COLLECTIVE DEVELOPMENT! The name could never be more clear. If you break it down project-wise you will discover that few of the projects came from my planting of seeds. I’m a person who can truly get behind a group and help them fulfill their goals. I’ve been doing some planting of my own seeds as of late and all of the existing projects do bear my contributions either as writer, actor and often if not always as producer.
Why do I feel like a good producer?
It is because I’m not selfish. I feel I’ve risen above much of that. I can look at a group of projects and a set of opportunities and try to match them up without agenda. This can be hard when you so badly want something to launch. That said, if the ignition is round and the key you’re forcing is square – it isn’t going to start up.
Give into the Collective Spirit!
Be positive! Be loyal! – Be an example!
Have a great Sunday and week ahead!
DJ
Chilly Chill After a VERY Busy Week!
The chill is on in the Michigan! Today is another fall festival day with family over for food and watching the MSU game before a fire outside. Yesterday we harvested the huge amount of green tomatoes from the garden. We’re going to follow our peach wine with green tomato wine. Yes. You heard that right. I also plan to explore the various dishes one can make with them. Our little puppy Luke is gaining in size and is now more or less potty trained with him now able to climb down steps. Yesterday for the 1st time he took himself outside with neither of our other two dogs with him. He is well-adjusted to the home and is also the color of my hazelnut coffee with cream:)
Okay onto the film updates. I was a little bummed at first that I might have to be in flight to the Philippines on Halloween. I love the fall and such but realized it’s time to get back to film work. The work on this mission is seeing old friends, networking and doing PR news conferences/press leading up to our Asian premiere of “Darkest Night”. I spoke to the film editor yesterday via IM and he was saying how spooky the film plays. I’ve got no doubts that the film will bring a little fun/terror into the lives of audiences.
On the downside it looks as if I will miss the 1st festival showing of “7 Stones” at the Michigan Film Festival also in November. I’m not sure when “Benjamin” and “Locked in a Room” will show but I hope to be able to attend the premieres of these two fine films. The cast and crew of “Locked in a Room” are having a Halloween party but I will be unable to attend again due to my return trip to Manila.
New “Outside the Wire” screenings are being set up and we’re collecting interest from distributors. On this same topic we’ve just about got all the fine tuning of the “Renovation” deal done. I was swamped this week and so it took me a day or two longer to get my notes over. (Sorry Charles) Also another large deal might be looming for Collective Development Inc. in regards to distribution of existing product and launching new product. I’ve been working with my LA attorney to put this in order so I hope it comes to pass.
This week we announced that horror icon Tom Savini, has given his interest in the film “Secondary Heroes”. This is a horror/comedy that CDI is producing with director Stuart MacDonald at the helm. Several projects are in development talks and we’re looking for those final pieces of the financial puzzle. (Aren’t we all) I think this end of the year will really help move many things forward. I’m also clearing many projects off my plate of post prod and into distribution so that will free up some time.
I need to take a meeting next week with B4Tyme over the “Jesus” project “IN OUR TIME”. This will follow another film of theirs in the Spring centered on the historic figure of Madam CJ Walker. Ray N. and I who produced “Book of Ruth” have a pair of new biblical dramas that are slowly coming together with interest from the distributors. I’m also in negotiation talks as the lead in a sleek, trippy ROCK N ROLL script that shoots in the Spring. I just had an LA buddy send me another script to read for acting that also shoots in the Spring. Add the Philippine follow-up “Shadow of Death” as a Spring/Early Summer shoot and all in all – it will be a busy 2012 ahead!
I’m just blessed that the work keeps coming and I can make a living doing what I love. It was VERY hard in the beginning but believe in yourself and work honestly and diligently.
Have a wonderful weekend!
DJ
Harvest the Day!
Hello artists,
Another beautiful fall day in Michigan and after a long week of phone calls, emails, contract reviews, script reviews and premiere prep. Tonight we’re having the hometown Lansing showings of our humanitarian/military doc “Outside the Wire” which centers on efforts being done to help and assist the children over there. They will be the future and while the radical views of many adults may never change – children will become the new torch bearers. So I will be attending the 8:00 pm Riverwalk showing tonight to shake some hands and watch many people gain new insight to this important issue. There are also two showings on Sunday at 2:00 and 4:30 and tickets are $10.00. I do believe that includes an afterglow tonight of wine and cheese.
As stated above I will be there tonight but tomorrow I will not as we’ve advanced to the next round of our soccer league playoffs. I’m excited to see how we do. We’ve been playing good as a team and if we win that will take us farther than we’ve gone before in the playoffs. So here is to wishing Michigan State, Det. Lions and our team Ballsy Ballyhoo victory!
We had some announcements this week including the article on “Soul Eater” the prequel to “The 8th Plague”. We also have more updates coming on “Secondary Heroes”. The poster for “Benjamin” was released and can be seen on IMDB. The premiere should be this Fall. We’ve started discussions about my return to the Philippines to do my PR campaign there for “Darkest Night”. I’ve got the premiere followed by development meetings on our other CDI/GPI slate and to talk with a few agents about commercial representation. “7 Stones” is doing final pick ups next week and I’m trying to find info on “Locked in a Room” progress.
A deal on “Renovation” is close at hand as paperwork is being reviewed. If you’ve missed that site/trailer see http://www.renovationthemovie.com
I’ll wrap this up as I’ve got a busy day ahead of me. This is a beautiful time in the turning of the wheel. I’ve got peach wine in the 2ndary fermentation and it is going great! Have been harvesting tomatoes from the garden, burning leaves, shooting archery and spending some time with family and friends at the end of long days. I hope you all do the same and balance your business with quality time.
Enjoy the day!
DJ
HEE HAW HOTNESS, LANSING PREMIERE and PHILIPPINE UPDATE!
A great week of personal and business woven into a fabric of clear thought and imaginative actions. Let me see if I can touch on a few topics for the week.
WAIT! Need a quick coffee refill:) DONE. OK. Back to business –
On the development front –
We announced the Spring “Secondary Heroes” project with director Stuart MacDonald, a CDI alum and all around talented guy. We will be announcing some of the 1st cast this coming week. We are doing our internal casting 1st and will be holding an actual casting call for reels and some in-person reading. This will happen likely in Adrian Michigan this year. I will put this out that the script does require a beautiful set of triplets. So we either have to find talented and beautiful triplets OR cast three alike looking girls. Where is Hugh Hefner when I need him? These are not throw away roles and are actually the female leads of the film in a round-a-bout sort of way so they must also be strong actresses. These girls must have that farm-girl HEE HAW hotness. Okay, if you don’t know HEE HAW I’m showing my age:) So get those reels together.
The second announcement was the formal release stating that I had acquired the rights to make a prequel film for “The 8th Plague” entitled “Soul Eater”. We’ve already got distributor interest but I continue to work the deal. I will be returning to the origins of my Mason character the prison guard who was recently beat out of a deputy job by his former guard buddy Buck. Buck was and will be played by the talented Terry Jernigan. We’ve also added Nadia Dawn as a mysterious and sexy lawyer defending a vicious and demented cult leader. Nitsin who originally played the cult leader wickedly is focusing of his directing and so we will be doing a new search for an Indian (Not Native American) cult leader. Not sure of dates just looking at cast, location and such while dealing with distributors.
Pick up shots on “7 Stones” have been going great and I saw some peek footage and it looks GOOD! Great job to that entire team. Melissa the film’s lead continues as the focus leading lady on Pepper’s DJ Perry fan site. It still feels funny saying that but I do appreciate and love all you fans out there. I’m all your fans:)
We’ve got paperwork coming over for worldwide distribution on “Renovation” http://www.renovationthemovie.com and once signed we can talk more about this. We look to be in agreement on most deal points but we might have a slight bit of back-and-forth. That said, the interest and offer is there and we’ve negotiated certain points so far and so audiences will get to see this film brought to them.
Also this week brought additional interest in the doc film “Outside the Wire” for worldwide rights. We’ll be all sitting down and talking that deal over but other pending offers are also in the works. This powerful film will be playing two days in Lansing, MI Sept 24th @ 8pm and Sept 25th @ 2:00 and 4:30. Tickets are $10 with some of the proceeds going to Riverwalk Theater and The Wounded Warrior Project.
Order online at www.riverwalktheatre.com
by phone at 517-482-5700 or purchase one hour before
each screening at the Riverwalk box office,
228 Museum Drive, Lansing, Mich.
This week had me burning up the phone lines with distributors and development folks. It will be a crazy 4th quarter with releases. The 4th quarter will also be filled with premieres. Marketing on “BENJAMIN” the NYC film I co-starred in, is about to be released. “Darkest Night” is moving towards the finish-line and my producing partner on that project Russ Williams, was in from the Philippines to take meetings in CA. They have started to look at my possible dates for a return trip there for the National premiere. That is a lot of press junket stuff plus meetings on the CDI/GPI slate that includes “Shadow of Death” and “Pandemonium”. I also may talk to a few commercial agents after being approached about the possibility of doing a few campaigns. Anyone who knows me can attest I’m not a big commercial actor person. Probably because before my feature career kicked in I was stuck doing some goofy commercials. But the payday they were talking about makes me say, “Give me that juice bottle or cup of coffee!” Hey! I want to get a greenhouse:)
I know I missed a few updates but you get the idea of the week I had. That said, with the beauty of the bluetooth many of my business calls are done while I walk the garden or such. I feel a great balance between my work and self. Early in my career I was very workaholic in nature but I prefer a better organized use of my time. The two sides feed each other and you don’t want to ignore your personal because it is like the saying, enjoy the journey. It is not always about a destination especially at the loss of important relationships.
Today MSU plays and I hope they win. Tomorrow is the first round of our soccer teams playoff’s. We finished 1st in our division and now start playing the 2nd division and see what happens. We’ve had injuries and such like everyone else but who knows maybe this could be the year. If not it was again a year of great fitness training and time with my soccer amigos.
Enjoy your weekend!
DJ
Enjoy the day. Enjoy the moment!
The end of a good week as I sit watching our Nation remember the terrible acts committed those many years ago. I remember I was having one of my mornings of calm and peace until Dean Teaster called me and asked if I was watch the news. The 1st plane had hit and I watched the second plane and all the following events. I cannot image losing a loved one in such a manner. In my daily praise of life I try to appreciate the small things and the big people in my life. This weekend saw the start of a new batch of peach wine and next month is hard cider time again. Also a week with a new member of the pack with our little “Luke” a poop machine of a puppy who has brought many smiles into the house as well as a few other surprises.
I will try to give a few entertainment updates to you fine folks –
We announced the CDI feature film “Secondary Heroes” to be directed by our dear friend Stuart MacDonald in Spring 2012 in Adrian Michigan.
A few pick up shots on “7 Stones” as post in full speed ahead.
Great talks with our partners in the Philippines and “Darkest Night” is coming along great. The new website again is http://www.darkestnightmovie.com
The Lansing showings of our powerful documentary “Outside the Wire” directed by Anthony Hornus are listed below – I’m planning attending the Sat. showing and would love to see some of you come out and support it.
Sat – Sept 24th @ 8:00 pm and Sunday Sept 25th @ 2:00 and 4:30 pm at Riverwalk Theater – Downtown Lansing – 228 Museum Dr. 517-482-5700 tickets $10.00 with some proceeds to Riverwalk Theater and The Wounded Warrior project.
On “Renovation” http://www.renovationthemovie.com we are working out details on foreign sales but are pretty much set on the theatrical and domestic aspects of the deal. I wanted to do a full announcement but I still want to wait. I will say we are looking at a limited release in Dec./Jan. and a domestic release in March 2012. I’m excited that this 1st feature will be getting out there to audiences soon!
September 20th is the release date for “Savage” a bigfoot script I initially penned after stories by my Uncle Jerry Jones and the various readings I’ve done over my lifetime. It is out in the UK and will also play here on CHILLER TV. So tune it to watch both “SAVAGE” and “GPS” on that network.
We’ve got a new featured leading lady on the Texas fan site ran by Pepper. My “7 Stones” co-star Melissa Anschutz.
http://www.djperryfanclub.com/MJ.html
More releases on projects to hit this week.
I gotta get ready for our last regular season soccer match before playoffs. We’ve been on a winning streak but we’ve had a week off with the past holiday. That said it is not boiling hot so it will be good for running.
Enjoy the day. Enjoy the moment!
DJ
Casting, Candles, Costa Rica & CDI
It has been beautiful days here in Michigan. The garden is about to explode into ripe tomato heaven. I had a wonderful tour this past week of the Detroit Masonic Temple and I want to thank John for our tour. I’ve not seen such amazing work since our VIP tour of the Biltmore Estate in N.C.. It was another week of taking little steps on many fronts. Meanwhile Mother Nature is raging with an eastern earthquake and now Hurricane Irene. To any and all of my friends and fans in the wake of these incidents I pray for your safety. Now onto the updates!
The “Leading Lady” page at http://www.djperryfanclub.com ran by Pepper and her Texas friends is featuring my onscreen wife-to-be from “Darkest Night” the talented Anne Gauthier.
http://www.djperryfanclub.com/Gaut.html
Next up will be my Leading Lady from “7 Stones” so STAY TUNED:)
I’m told that rough cuts on both “7 Stones” and “Darkest Night” are done. Tweaking and FX work will begin on both films. “Locked in a Room” is sprinting towards the finish line. I’m also very excited about the development projects moving down the line. “Renovation” and “Benjamin” are completed and deal talks underway. We lastly announced a large slate of my films coming out with NEW VIDEO either on DVD/Blue Ray or both at year’s end. They will make great Xmas presents:)
Also bio updates and such underway as the almost forgotten “Supermodel Showdown Costa Rica” makes prep for a winter release on TV. I’m told it has become eight TV shows and will be available in S. America, Mexico, US and I for one am excited to see it. My aging memory has already forgotten certain things that I’m sure the show will reveal. I hope to have many more updates.
I want to introduce my Zen fans out there to Candleberry brand candles. They provided some stock for “Resurrection” in Las Vegas and are now a personal and CDI/sponsor.
They are EASY for me to endorse because they smell great! From fall scent to holiday hoopla, I’m gonna be getting my candle-zen with Candle Berry and suggest you do too.
I will make one new announcement – I/CDI now have the signed rights to make “Soul Eater” which is a stand alone/prequel to the down and dirty “The 8th Plague”. If you haven’t seen that film this Halloween season would be perfect for a watch. Beware! The Evil may get in your eyes! “GPS” continues to play on Chiller TV and I need an exact date but “Blood Ties” Blue Ray is releasing right after Halloween I’m told. I sense ghosts and goblins amassing for a fall scare:)
We will also be making some announcements on “Secondary Heroes” a comedic/horror film. I will hint that a casting call could be in the near future. Watch the CDI site http://www.cdiproductions.com for the announcements.
To all my friends and fans in the path of Irene be smart, be safe and be good to your neighbors who may need your help. My thoughts are with you.
DJ
Gunga galunga… gunga, gunga-lagunga
Here we are again sharing a few weekend moments on this blog journey. The coffee is nice of hot and my thoughts drift to an unusual make up soccer match later today. We tied a game we should have won last week. Still, to come out without any lasting injury and enjoying the benefits of an hour and a half of running is always good. I’ve introduced my brother and some friends to the awesomeness that is Battlestar Galatica. If you like SciFi and have not seen this series you should. I thank filmmaker Nathan Quinn for getting me hooked up on some BSG. So say we all:)
Let’s start with “Renovation” http://www.renovationthemovie.com this fine action and suspense filled movie has been the source of some ongoing negotiations for distribution. We’ve got a deal in principle for worldwide rights. We’re still back and forth on a few finer points but we might very well be announcing a deal next week. IF this deal works out we would see it out to you fine audiences in March 2012 after a limited theatrical release in certain areas. We’ve already had interest from a few foreign territories including the Philippines. Also there is talk of putting “RENOVATION” in the theaters behind “Darkest Night”.
Let’s move our attention to “DN” (Darkest Night) and a Happy Birthday to GPI owner and producer/screenwriter Russ Williams.
http://www.dreadcentral.com/news/46468/darkest-night-website-now-open-new-stills-and-official-poster
The announcement of the NEW very cool website has been launched. This site actually explores the real story behind this film. It explores the history and lays out some of the more exciting events that took place while shooting. SOMETHING else lives in that location where we shot and it made itself known a few times. Read up if you would like the true stories of the unknown. The premiere should be at CineManila Film Festival if all goes according to plan. Post continues.
“7 Stones” I hear almost has a rough cut and look for a November Michigan Film Festival premiere. “Locked in a Room” has got to be moving towards a close. I’m excited to see the final “Benjamin” once they get that all set up. Director Jon Osman is off recovering somewhere in Asia.
Development – we have many projects moving slowly coming together. I watched the making of “Dances with Wolves” and was thriller to see all the financing and production issues they had. It really made me realize again that these are normal issues for our industry. A domestic studio is looking at “Holly, Jingles and Clyde” and Monday they will meet with our foreign rep. I hope that we might actually get to make that charming film. PR with Ashley Tisdale has been all over the place and her manager Bill said they really like the script. That is because it is a wonderful little script and so I hope it finds it’s legs. Pieces are moving on all our developing properties but let’s look at releases!
This 4th quarter will be an exciting time. We had a change in distributors last year on the run up for release with E1 Ent. and now these projects have been reset with New Video. This distributor is well known for the DVD releases of several popular cable shows and docs. We’re proud to be releasing with them and I want to thank Cecil Chambers for his hard work here.
On December 6th we will see the release of “An Ordinary Killer,” “Figure in the Forest” and “Judges”. On December 13th we will see “Heaven’s Neighbors” release. I’m also told that “Blood Ties” will release in November likely kissed up to Halloween. I have more talks on “The Patchwork Girl of Oz” on Tuesday but I’m hoping that we can get it out in December in time for Xmas. So that makes five maybe six films at this years end. That should give most of you watching material for a while. A few have had a previous release and so this marks either a blue ray or special edition release. I know we are all excited about the first release of FIGURE, HEAVEN’S and OZ!
OK. It was a busy week of phone calls and emails over these projects. Now I’m gonna get around and do some yard work before the game tonight. I’ll leave you with these words.
“Gunga galunga… gunga, gunga-lagunga”
Work with the pack. Trust in the pack. Defend and Attack!
Awoke to a peaceful, beautiful rain. The garden is starting to put forth what will become the harvest. The seeds went in late because of how wet of a spring we had. I love the cool weather we’ve had the last week. It put me in mind of hard cider and hay rides. I had two soccer matches pretty much back to back since one was a make up game. Two hard-fought victories that sent a few folks to the hospital for stitches. Sports are a great meditation and allows the mind to run like a captive animal let go. The action of the moment doesn’t allow second thoughts. It doesn’t allow time for insecurities, self-doubt, questioning, analyzing, line items, cost control – REPLACED BY – Work with the pack. Trust in the pack. Defend and Attack!
Simple – direct – instincts leading! I enjoy activity like this that feeds the inner fire.
Focus, intensity and reacting in the moment. Sounds like another craft – like acting. In some of those intense onscreen moments you cannot get caught thinking. Real people in certain charged situations are just acting, not acting like as in…”I’m a tree” but as in ACTION, driven by emotion. I know after a good rant onscreen I can’t remember anything I was really saying. It was just coming deep from a place of fire.
Fire can provoke fear, comfort, warmth and a death. I think the lesson is BE THE REAL YOU! UNIQUELY YOU! You fuel the fire that ignites the imagination and birth’s fictional onscreen characters. In the great words of wisdom spoken forth to the world by Guru Butthead – “Ah…that’s pretty cool!”
I’ve refused to live my life by the up’s and down’s of the stock market or the endless loop of gloom and doom on CNN. I love news but many of our problems are not really problems. They are a stone in our tire. An annoying squeak of a shopping cart-wheel. My point is that many are born into conditions not even close to what the homeless here can receive. Yes. They might have to get an earful of some practicing preacher but it is not staving in a refuge camp.
Okay. Speaking of the homeless. I had an idea. What if those willing joined an organization like the Peace Corps. reinforced by some Federal spending normally put forth to help a country in need. The potentially amazing work force of homeless could literally make a clean start. A modest pay and costs that are severely offset because of costs in other countries. We get to help our own and help the country while keeping some control on proper spending. And lastly, find me a group of people more suited to such acts of compassion than folks who had previous lived hardship. But, not as hard as others around the world. I see a great chance to set up change in programs like that.
HARD TURN PORT!
Okay blood and horror fans! I’m so wanting to give you some exciting updates on RENOVATION but a bit more time is needed. I’m excited by this film and think audiences will dig it. JEKYLL & HYDE is my only hint or tease.
DARKEST NIGHT the VERY scary Philippine horror film has a GREAT interactive website at http://www.darkestnightmovie.com/
This film is the first of a slate of GPI/CDI collaborations.
LOCKED IN A ROOM is moving towards a close and I think that film will shake a few major scares out of folks.
I could go on more about the films but the week was filled with small steps. I have cultivated immense patience in this industry. Many journey’s require many, many steps and if you cannot be patient stress and frustration will be your life. That said, patience comes once you’ve done your required tasks. I know I always bring it back to an actor friend who is unhappy with the work offers and in almost every situation their materials are not together. Acting reel? Yeah. I gotta finish that up. So instead of fixing a problem you waste time lamenting the outcome of a situation you are directly accountable for. I’ve been guilty before. Yes. I gave myself the first lecture:)
People who know me know not to ask me a question unless you want my often blunt response. That is a good trait when it comes with a reasoning behind it versus just a feeling. Those same good instincts we discussed earlier can twist around if marinated in negativity too long. Honest communication is part of our company’s strength at CDI. Our folks are not a bunch of YES MEN. I’ve disagreed at different times with almost everyone. It is how we deal with differing viewpoints. We talk it out and see who has a truly BETTER WAY vs a DIFFERENT WAY. There is no way of telling which path – or a mixture of the two paths would make the best solution. I know many production companies out there with communication issues. It is a real test to see how many companies gel for the long haul.
In true tribal fashion when a direction is decided upon, mutual respect will motivate them together. This support is despite the understanding that someone has accountability tasking and might have to make a final decision that may differ from someone else’s opinion. If you’ve never worn that coat of accountability I would suggest wearing it a few times. It might create better understanding between task groups. In film, this is ABOVE THE LINE and BELOW THE LINE but at day’s end they’re all there to TOW THE LINE and make a movie!
No. I’m not going to bust into “walking a mile in someone’s moccasins”:)
I enjoyed these few moments with all of you. The coffee is gone and so it is time to move on with my day.
Have a great Saturday.
DJ
The Next Corner – What Lies Ahead?
The morning birds singing and my coffee is soothing my thoughts. It was a busy week readjusting back into the home life. I caught up with some family and friends and also had time to get up to speed on some business.
“Darkest Night” will launch its Official interactive website Weds which will be the start of the build up towards the premiere and release and years end. I’m still waiting for my Magnifico coffee sponsorship to kick in:) Also one of my co-stars Jill Palencia is the featured leading lady. Many more on deck so stay tuned:)
http://www.djperryfanclub.com/Jill.html
I’m in the “come down” phase from “7 Stones” which was a great shoot. Fans of intensity, action and drama will enjoy this film. Here is an official site to keep up with that project. A few of the news stories are also embedded there.
http://www.3rdcoastfilm.com/index-4.html
We should have some exciting updates for you soon on “Renovation” that has been in talks with various companies. Talks will continue this week but I will tease that the announcement could include information on the follow-up sequel.
“Benjamin” that we shot in NYC is done and the marketing campaign and distribution talks will now begin. “Locked in a Room” should be finishing up here possibly within the month. New screening dates for “Outside the Wire” forthcoming including a Lansing, Michigan showing! I’m being told Feb/March 2012 time frame of the historic epic “Madam CJ Walker” and “In Our Time” goes to camera in the Fall 2012. Many new updates on these two projects and I’ll release those updates as soon as I’m able to. Great distribution studio attached and I’m excited to be part of these two films.
I’m waiting on dates for “Love Letters in the Sand” pushed a tad because of a change in locations. Also looking to see what film will be the focus for the end of the year. I will just keep on my path of hard work and see where it leads.
I hope you all are able to beat the heat. I have yet another soccer match in the heat today but I still love it. I hope everyone had a relaxing and/or productive weekend. I appreciate the interest you all have in this blog. I hope it does inspire some of you to dig a little deeper. You never know what lies around the next corner:) Be brave and follow your path. It was meant for you.
DJ
Real Sets & Wrap on “7 Stones”
A readjustment to real life after a week of hotel living, or at least when I wasn’t spending the long hours on our prison set. I’m speaking of “7 Stones” and the wonderful experience I had telling that powerful story. Written and directed by Tom Norton and produced by a team led by Girbe Eefsting. I was completely blown away by a set that reminded me of “The Well of Souls” in RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK or some dungeon from MAN IN THE IRON MASK. My thoughts are this…
While CGI does free the filmmaker to create in-computer all these worlds I can honestly state that performing inside a room of just curtain green screen cannot and will not create the same environment to pretend in. I love the story of on GOONIES they didn’t show the kids the pirate ship into they rolled cameras and dropped them into the water. The reaction was REAL! A breathtaking pirate ship of One Eye Willie. As a producer, I have and will use green screen but whenever possible I think that actual sets should be used. I think when just the world becomes the focus and not the actors, storytelling will suffer. So I really had a strong appreciation for the playground created.
I once again was blessed with amazing co-stars In Melissa Anshultz, Dax Spanogle, Burt Johnson, Michael Swain, Justin Kilduff and of course Hershey. Thank you for making it so easy. The CREW! I met some remarkable artists and I hope this film will be the beginning of several stories told together. I think the work is some of the best drama I’ve done in a while. This is due to the material which in this case was a severe character study in the human spirit.
I’m so excited that another great story has moved into post. BENJAMIN is done now and I’m told LOCKED IN A ROOM is right behind it.
NEW “Outside the Wire” screenings will be shown throughout the year and I do recommend that everyone watches this enlightening film. Tony Hornus really found his calling with this project and many orphaned children will benefit. Again a great study in the human spirit!
“Renovation” has a few offers and we plan to make a few moves and announce something in the weeks ahead. I’m excited to get this thriller out to audiences who I believe will really enjoy it.
There is so much happening on the developing slate that I can’t type it all here. The Philippine GPI/CDI slate is forming up with “Shadow of Death” being next for Spring 2012. I will have new updates soon on “In Our Time” and “Madam CJ Walker” two highly anticipated films from B4Tyme with me playing Jesus in one of them. These two projects will mark my move into US theatrical should the upcoming films in post only make it to TV/home video level. I’m excited to get to that next level because I’ve worked with many fine directors/production groups whose work deserves to be on the big stage.
I’m pressing for the 4th Quarter release dates on our NEW VIDEO titles and so a little more patience and I will get those around.
Tomorrow I have an entire day of PR in Grand Rapids with TV, radio and print for “7 Stones”. I’m happy that my long unkept nails and beard are again gone. Not the best facial adornment in 90 degree heat. Here are a few sites associated with the film. They have links to many previous news stories…ENJOY!
“7 Stones” Facebook site
http://www.facebook.com/pages/7-Stones/195785083801954?ref=ts
“7 Stones” website
I hope that all of you out there are working towards your goals. Remember it is not a destination but the journey. Enjoy the ride!
DJ
The Quiet Moment
My mornings are very peaceful. They usually start with coffee and quiet moments reading or prepping for the day ahead. Watering of the garden and the newly planted redwood tree given to me by my brother has become ritual. I go over a mental checklist here shortly before heading off to set. A nice change is allowing me to drive to my hotel and being only an hour from my home. I tell the pets that daddy has to go to work. They don’t truly understand but will eagerly await for me to be done with this movie stuff. To them I’m provider, playmaker and snuggler – not a movie actor. Anytime I think about the time I take to go off to shoot a film my feelings are offset by thinking of military families. They send loved ones off for long periods of time and they are truly in danger unlike the smiling actors who can pretend to abuse me onscreen and on CUT go to craft service for a snack.
That said, I’m working with many new cast and crew members who obviously share a passion like my own. I’m filming “7 Stones” an action/drama where I play a political prisoner. I accidentally scratch myself several times a day and this wild man beard has been less than ideal in this heat. Anyway, “Joseph” is with me and I’ve been living with him for a month or two since leaving “Ken” in the Philippines. Time to let “Joseph” do his thing onscreen. It is a deeply moving and thought-provoking role and I feel honored to have the part. So I leave my quiet moments here to go join the circus. Press interviews, stunts, drama, late nights and laughter:) Let’s do it!
On other fronts – I’m told “BENJAMIN” that I shot in NYC is complete and they have a private producers screening last night. I took in the final chapter of “Harry Potter” and was thrilled how they ended a series of films that went from a children’s fable to a dark vs light battle that can only be described as EPIC.
“Locked in a Room” is also in the final stretch of post and will be finishing up soon.
I will have more updates but for now the shower calls. I have to do my final packing and get ready to roll. So appreciate the quiet moments in your own lives. Do what you must and give 110% and know the quiet moments will await you upon your return.
Have a great weekend.
DJ
4H and Finished Projects!
The hazelnut coffee taste so good on a Sat morning! The last two days have included participating in 4H auction whereas we purchased a 1/4 cow and a pig for the freezer. Add my favorite the venison and you got some major smoker/grilling possibilities. Those kids work hard and the quality of the meat is superior to say burger that comes from who knows how many different animals. I suggest you to explore this in your own area if you’re meat eater.
On the movie front it has been BUSY!
New screenings of “Outside the Wire” are being set up for Sept./Oct. at the same time talks for other distribution rights continue. If you have a church, VFW, school or other place that would enjoy a showing of this powerful doc feel free to email me.
We’re also exploring some other theatrical showings on other projects including a popular Civil War film “Wicked Spring” that was produced in 2000 and has found its way into mainstream Civil War culture. We get the rights back at year’s end and are exploring a “Special Edition” release likely in 2012.
I hear that “Locked in a Room” is moving along in post. I got word from “Benjamin” director Jon Osman that the film will be finished Monday. I wish I could attend the private screening but Friday I report to set of “7 Stones” a drama with a dose of action. I play a prisoner and so I’ve been letting the hair, nails and beard go wild and I’m starting to look like I’ve been locked away in Azkaban.
We will have some new press released on “Renovation” which has been making the rounds to distributors. We do have offers on the table and I’m going to follow-up with a few others and we’ll make some decisions. Incase you have not yet gotten a glimpse at this film that will scare you I suggest you do. http://www.renovationthemovie.com
In development lots of new relationships are being made and I’m looking forward to new projects moving forward. We will be doing some upcoming casting on a few CDI associated projects for 2012 including the female lead in “Shadow of Death” the followup project in the GPI/CDI slate shooting in the Philippines. Keep a watch on http://www.cdiproductions.com for casting updates. Development info can also be found at the home company site.
Off to a belated Bday gathering for my father. I see horseshoes in my near future. Soak up life – the good and the bad and use that in your work. The artist spirit is nurtured by these experiences. I hope you all enjoy your weekend and have a productive week ahead.
DJ
“7 Stones” and Summer Fun
It is summertime in Michigan to be sure. It was a short week due to the holidays and I think many came back to work with their minds still on boating, grilling and fireworks. For me it has been a split of doing my ongoing producer work and my acting prep. On the third front is was domestic business which for me consists of the creation and maintaining of my zen space.
I took so meetings in the “office” which these days consists of antigravity chairs on the patio overlooking the gardens. In this day and age where most of my business is my computer and phone why not meet in a good place. Some of the meetings were on “Holly, Jingles and Clyde” which we have a foreign partner and need to lock in domestic including TV. With a little aligning of planets and stars that could shoot this winter. I could go on and on with developments but I would rather wait until we have a larger announcement on a property. As I stated some casting will be ahead for a few 2012 projects.
I’m prepping to shoot “7 Stones” that shoots soon. It will roll cameras later this month. Sets are being built and they are in full pre-production. This is another CDI associated project with my buddy Tom Norton’s 3rd Coast Film Partners. I will be in Grand Rapids for a handful of days which we can done since most of the shooting is confined to a set. It is always a process for me that starts on complex levels. Maybe it is a belief system for a character. What do they carry in their pockets? Sometimes it starts with a hat or a coat. Sometimes it requires eating less or more. Anyways I’m playing a prisoner so my clean-cut hair and face from “Darkest Night” has led me back to a place that people on the street may try to give me change.
Following that I’m got days on “Love Letters in the Sand” and possible “CJ Walker” if they get that all straighten out. I had another script/offer come my way with an interesting lead so I will get to a read on that this week. I’m not sure what project will go up this fall but if I had my choice it would be “Wild Michigan”. We will see…
I hope to announce some great distribution deals on our films soon. I can say that the Bigfoot project again is heading to audiences on Sept. 20th with MTI. More on all that later.
The biggest news this past week has been the buzz with the new release of “Darkest Night” teaser trailer. The beautiful things is having been there every day and almost every scene I can say that the trailer does not even come close to showing the best scenes. There are so many intense scenes that audiences and fans of the genre will be excited. Between that and “Renovation,” “Locked in a Room,” and “Benjamin” it will be an exciting Fall. Seeds planted in days past will be ready to harvest soon.
And speaking of seeds the garden is doing quite well with tomatoes and pepper plants growing. My small patch of corn getting higher. Berries are ripe all over and so some collecting for wine making is underway. Most exciting is “RED” a gifted redwood tree from Northern California given to me by my brother has a new home. We went from planter to planter as he grew and brought him inside during the winter. He even has Xmas lights and wood ornaments. Yesterday was a reborn Bday for “RED” because he was planted outside in the ground. We were told some can survive in Michigan. We just wanted him to get some size before having to face the chill of Michigan winter. They can live thousands of years and grow to amazing heights so we hope he grows and grows.
GROWTH – the lesson of the now. These are the days to soak in the warmth and allow yourself to grow. Put in the work if you are in the arts. Remember you do have to work twice as hard for half as much BUT the rewards are many times as fulfilling. To work with other artists and create something that will exist for many years into the future is a blessing. To be able to share the art and to have something to reflect back upon as your go further down the path. I had a birthday and again I want to thank everyone for so many wishes. I think I’m about 1/2 way down my career path. I could have another 30, 40 films in me and like my friend Rance Howard I may just keep working. What is retirement when you enjoy your work?
Enjoy your Sunday and have a great and productive week ahead!
DJ
Happy 4th and Week Highlights!
What a wonderful week! It was busy full of wheeling and dealing as usual but I also worked hard on getting the yard work done. Now it is the holiday weekend and I’m sipping coffee and relaxing. I feel blessed.
Let’s recap a few week highlights…
Great meetings this week on development, distribution and working to sort out a few bumps on a few projects. I actually had a cool screen test for a fall movie that has ROCK N ROLL at the heart of it. I think it went very well and so if we have a mutual interest and schedules work…
I had a great table read on “7 Stones” which is one of two dramas I’m slated to do in July here. One I’m starring in and the other “Love Letters in the Sand” is a smaller part but an interesting character.
We had a great string of showings on “Outside the Wire” with the Sat night premiere selling out. We will be doing more showings in Michigan and others states soon. If you have a VFW or other place that might want to host a showing let me know at perrydj@aol.com and we will see what we can do. We own the projection equipment so that part is taken care of.
SAVAGE is a bigfoot film near and dear to me because I wrote the initial draft of the screenplay based on my Uncle Jerry Jones and his stories he told us as kids. It will come out on DVD Sept. 20th and will also play CHILLER TV. It is releasing even sooner in the UK so keep a look out!
The 1st Official trailer and poster for “Darkest Night” hit just hours ago and is creating some major buzz. They did some live interviews with the National media this past week and the Official website will launch this coming week. Here is the Facebook site for the film with a trailer link.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Darkest-Night/165453413505485?ref=ts
So check it out! I’m so excited about all the films yet to release. And while that is happening we are getting additional films ready to rock and roll.
I won’t blather on here because I hope to see updates made to http://www.cdiproductions.com this long weekend. Last night the grill was kicking venison butterfly steaks, wild mushrooms (inktip) w/ grilled onions) and corn. Today it may be seafood day. Enjoy time with family and friends and above all BE SAFE.
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 