Eggnog Coffee and Evaluations
Tauntauns are dead all over the place! Okay I joke, but Michigan has been chilly like Hoth as created by Mr. George Lucas. I’m actually drinking eggnog and coffee and if you have not tried it – do so! I’ve been working to wrap up my 2010 and prep for the year ahead. I’m excited about what lies ahead. I’ve been approached on many fronts for acting projects and a few productions. We of course are constantly pushing our own properties up that big hill.
I’ve been working with director/writer John Regan who I produced with while at Lionheart Filmworks on his short “The Flock” those many years ago. We’ve been packaging some interested names on SHERWOOD HORROR and we have recently announced our Marian lead female. Alma Saraci whom I’ve worked with previously in KARMA (I hear may hit US finally in 2011) and BENJAMIN (coming out of post in early 2011). A few other announcements on that after the 1st of the year.
A STATE OF HATE, WILD MICHIGAN, HOLLY, JINGLES and CLYDE all making strides towards coming to the big screen. OUTSIDE THE WIRE and RENOVATION are waiting to seek the best home in 2011. Several new releases in 2011 and so while the year 2010 like every year has setbacks they will not stop me from where I’m going.
I’ve been asked before if the setbacks ever worry me as in what will people whisper behind my back. Oh, this film under performed. This film didn’t launch in time. This film isn’t done yet? Bottom line is that I stopped listening to any negative long ago. I never have and never will allow myself to be defined by other people. I suggest all you out there also do not.
Persistence! That is why I would not bet against me. I will work this passion of mine well into my winter years because I truly love it. I love the stories of the Rance Howard’s, the Bill McKinney’s, the Lana Woods and the Terence Knox’s of our industry. They can tell you story after story of the ups and the downs. So I say to you, define yourself. Stay in the light and stay happy. Life is short and these are all just things we do while we are here.
I’ve been working to pull clips from a few of my newer films to add to my reels. I’ve got clips coming from BOOK OF RUTH, KARMA and even RENOVATION. Three very different movies, characters and performances. Next year this time I hope to be adding footage from BENJAMIN, LOCKED IN A ROOM, RESURRECTION and maybe even SILVER LAKE, so the cycle continues.
My good buddy Ben Danielson is coming into town and I’m looking forward to seeing him for a few days. I saw many of my old school buddies last night. This is just a great time of year because I’ve been getting to spend time with family and friends and we even had our 1st Xmas get together where I ended up with a VERY soft blanket. NICE:) I’ve been relaxing the brain and trying to look at the big picture. I’m trying to make new decisions for myself, for CDI and that is always exciting.
I hear the mail truck outside and maybe that is some of my gifts I ordered online. Like everyone else I know I’m keeping it modest on gifts but the best gifts are just the laughter and gathering of good people. I’m off now to go get ready to journey into the snow. Stay warm and as for my west coast friends, keep the sun tan lotion on and turn every 15 minutes:)
Happy Holidays!
DJ
Memories in Snow!
They say that 30% of the country is experiencing winter snow and/or cold that is record-breaking. I always say if it is gonna be cold and overcast give me some glimmering snow. I guess part of me loves snow. I grew up in a neighborhood full of hooligans and we were snow commandos. Sledding, snowball fights, snow forts and ice skating were all part of the average snow day. It almost always ended in hot chocolate and a dryer full of too many wet clothes. It is at the bottom of these sled hills (Folkert’s and Dine’s Hill) that I recall looking up into the sky as snow fell and dreamed of movies. Star Wars, ET and Raiders of the Lost Ark – these adventures are what excited me to the idea that a person could make a living in film.
In these later years the snow also brings a soft peace over everything. The holidays bring a quiet to the mind. This enables one to reflect on the past year and to reconnect with friends and family. I’m trying to pick some new footage for my reel and update my resume materials. We also have several development packages that are pulling together and with a strong wind may lift off in 2011.
I’m back to Las Vegas for two weeks in Jan. 2011 so I like that I’m right back into the mix. RESURRECTION director Jeff Ross contacted me and wants to rework a few scenes and add me into others. I’m excited because I’ve seen some of the rough work and it looks GOOD!
Collective Development Inc. http://www.cdiproductions.com is going to start opening itself up to commercial accounts. In the past we had done some big promotional for corporations like NonFerrous Founder’s Society, Toyota/JBL. Recently we had an opportunity to do a few smaller projects and enjoyed it. We’ve decided to open ourselves to interesting projects great and small. We’ve got a creative team and we enjoy working together so why not.
The year has not been without shortcomings, setbacks and the feeling that more always could have been done. As long as you learn, grow and grasp for something that inspires you – you are blessed. I know it has been a hard couple years for many people out there. Living in Michigan I hear the stories every week but I believe we can change things.As you close the chapter on 2010 smile and be happy in what memories you made this year. Those are valuable treasures that will exist for a long time. Do something good for someone this holiday season and feel that joy that comes with it.
DJ
Reflections and the First Snow…
So Dec. 1st was the first snow of the year. As the year comes to a close I’m trying to turn some business around, finish some business and prep new business. Again after a year of living a good amount in RV’s and hotel rooms it is nice to be back home in Lansing, Michigan with friends and family. I’ve had opportunities to catch up with several loved ones and recharge for 2011. I’ve very excited about several of the projects finished in 2010 that will be coming to all of you. OUTSIDE THE WIRE, BENJAMIN, RENOVATION, LOCKED IN A ROOM and we planted the 1st stakes on SILVER LAKE.
It has been pointed out that one of my character flaws is my trusting in other people. I often see the best in people and try to nurture that behavior. I’ve had the unfortunate opportunity to do business (If you call it that) with some people who build their life around a “hustle” to get by. Short term versus long-term as the hustle always gets exposed. Where talent exists, a fair and honest living should be able to grow and take hold. But it is not always that easy. I hear all the hardship stories from my friends and I too have experienced many. I guess the creative endeavors as a business is a fairly new trade. Many artists of old were not given value until their death. That has slowly turned itself around as business folk have realized how to market art to the masses. The goal is a long-term partnership that achieves a balance of business and art.
I have a few business people who have just become a pain because of unrealistic goals, lack of follow through and just straight up dishonesty. It is sad because these set backs cause major issues to many people. The thing is that you would think that greed would keep certain people on the level. Again long-term versus short-term grab and run tactics. The goal is again long-term partnerships.
Long-term friendships and business relationships bring a joy that cannot be bought only earned. It is a satisfaction for both parties that at the winter of their lives they can look back and be happy at what they achieved together. I’ve had my share of being taking advantage of and I wonder sometimes if those people feel proud in their actions. One such individual has a five-year old son. What is he passing down in his day-to-day life lessons?
These last couple years have been very tough for people and I commonly hear the excuse that the economy is causing all this but in actuality bad business got us in this situation. Also at the end of the day WE make decisions on doing the right thing or the wrong thing. I think most of those who read my blog are “do the right” people but I can always hope that one person tempted to take the easy road chooses not to.
I can only live how I know and that is to be me and to try to be the best me I can. So as you prepare for your winter holiday(s) evaluate your own actions and be an inspiration to those around you.
Happy Saturday!
DJ
Home Sweet Home!
From the chilly Irish Hills of Michigan to the glitz of Las Vegas, Nevada and back again. I’m back home sitting & sipping my hazelnut coffee and pondering the week ahead. I’m ready to focus some attention on “Silver Lake” and get that ready to reboot. Scope Technical Solutions/E.P. Jim Leggett, assures us that we will get current and reset the finalizing shoot dates in 2011. I’m working on a publicity campaign prepping to launch here at years end. CDI was/is strictly a hired production company on “Silver Lake” so we don’t control all the vital factors but I do know that a sincere effort to get this production completed is underway. We also learned a good lesson about Mother Nature in Michigan at wintertime!
Additionally I’m also working deals on a handful of projects in post or recently completed. I saw the cut of “Benjamin” before they locked picture and what a cool film. I also saw trailer cuts of “Locked in a Room” and even scenes cut on “Resurrection – Wrath of Seduction” and WOW! The projects continue to lock and load. Let’s not forget “Outside the Wire” which we are starting to shop now.
I’m pushing development on a slate of new 2011 films and also have a few scripts sent to me for acting consideration. So I’m going to really work the phones and emails hard to wrap up the year and prep for the next. It will also be nice to see family and friends over the holiday season. It has become a beautiful time of year from Thanksgiving to New Years where I can be thankful for my health, gifts of family & friendship and that I get to work in an industry that I love.
Please look at Pepper’s http://www.djperryfanclub.com and under LEADING LADIES we have some new entries coming! Featured NEXT is the beautiful and talented Monica Percich, whom I co-starred with in “Blood Ties” and who is one of our “Silver Lake” leads. Look for many more lovely ladies to appear over the holidays!
I will have many more updates between now and the years end. My acting commits are completed and so more time to write. I hope you are all happy and healthy and enjoying your Sunday!
HOME SWEET HOME!
DJ
TCB in Las Vegas!
Ah…drinking Hazelnut coffee in my Las Vegas hotel room while watching the final cut of the NYC film “Benjamin” directed by Jon Osman. 2010 has created some great work. This movie I’m watching is just wonderful with great characters and a very unique story. It was submitted to Sundance as was our doc-film “Outside the Wire,” so with a little luck one or both will make it in. I want to go to Sundance but to participate not just to watch.
I’m off today here in Las Vegas prepping for the next week ahead. This should be my final week and I’m looking forward to getting home and relaxing for the holidays. The people here have been wonderful and many new friendships have been made. The city has changed some since I was here last but Vegas is always just what it always is:) Bright lights and glitz! A handful of years ago I was a bit more open to all that crazy but I’ve been there and got that T-shirt. Don’t get me wrong nice place to visit but living here would be tough.
I promised my dad I would play $20 on the Elvis slot machine so I will seek one out today. The story is that I’m not a big gambler but twice I hit on the Elvis slot machine. One time winning back everything I spend in Vegas. You can’t beat that! It is like a refund by the King! TCB in a flash!
I’m actually anxious to get home and get “SILVER LAKE” back in motion. But 1st I must finish my battles with the mafia and the Lords of Darkness here. The footage we are getting here looks amazing! The sets, the actors, crew all 1st class and so again I’m happy to be part of this production.
DAMN! I’m having issues with this screener playing online. Maybe it is my connection here in the room.
The other stuff I’m working on production wise is finishing up the polish on “Renovation” http://www.renovationthemovie.com followed by the setting up theatricals and prepare screeners for distributors. That film has some great character action and twists and turns. So proud of the quality achieved under a tight budget on that one. The Hotel Del Sol has part of my soul now:)
Also working to get previously mentioned “Outside the Wire” where it needs to go. New deals on the existing library of our films and existing products. I recently heard that “BOOK OF RUTH” will be released in Brazil (I found a poster in Spanish) and in the Walmart chain for the holidays.
They are all great films to have worked on and I’m excited about the future projects I have going on with these producer/directors. Great updates coming up with “Holly, Jingles and Clyde” and the CDI westerns now being pushed along by my attorney. New castings on some of those to be announced soon.
I’m gonna go shower up so I can go walk about and sight-see some today. For those of you reading out there the day of thankful wishes will soon be upon us. Count your blessings and prepare for a good end of year wrap up with family and friends. 2011 will be another go around that I hope will be even more productive. Time for another cup of coffee:)
Another day or so and this Elvis is ready to leave the building.
Thank you very much!
DJ
Whirlwind WOW! WOW!
Ok. I know I’ve been only here at the blog a few times. I got caught up in a whirlwind of movie going-ons. A new deal is being carved out with CDI being one of two Michigan based companies working on a slate of films. We’ve been asked to be the production arm of this entity. We did a good 1st run pulling together a fabulous cast and crew behind a great horror script called “Silver Lake”… We pulled together the production and captured some great footage. We hurried into pre-production trying to beat mother nature. Tornado storms and freezing cold that froze up all pipes/water at our primary location created a major issue. We’ve put the production to sleep until we can determine to finish filming at location in early spring or set the film back up at a Southern location. We will see. Either way it was crazy fun pulling a circus together on the fly and meeting/working with some great individuals. This film already has a destination and we’ll be discussing that soon. We are working to adjust our delivery date but I assure you it is more exciting news.
I finally got to watch “RENOVATION” on my home system and what a great little film. It was cool to see the audience react at the outdoor premiere in Yuma. That said I had some questions about the audio/visual aspects but realized the projection/sound equipment at the premiere were not a true representation of the films look and sound. We are doing a final polish and have distribution interest already. We will find a good home and look for it in 2011.
Great week for producer sneak peeks. I saw the new “Locked in a Room” trailer they are working with and WOW! Audiences will love that flick. Great job to our partners Gordon and Larry busting it out in post.
I also saw a nearly locked picture of “Benjamin” and again WOW! It is getting ready for other post work and once complete…watch out!
“Outside the Wire” we just got a GREAT quote from Clark Bunting the president of Discovery Network and we’re looking for the right home for that powerful doc. I love my fiction but this doc film is so heartfelt and meaningful. People will get an entirely different look at what is happening in Afghanistan.
I’m back home and on hold because I may fly out to Vegas to shoot on a movie there. I wasn’t sure I could but this hibernation on “Silver Lake” may allow that. I’m just feeling very blessed as the year ends. With “In Our Time” and several projects lining up 2011 looks to be an exciting year!
DJ
From Yuma desert to Michigan forest
OK. So I’ve been MIA for a few but let me take another sip of hazelnut and tell the tale of what we’ve been up to the last couple weeks. First a friend had started a new studio here in Michigan and I got a call for an emergency meeting. The meeting was to entice myself and CDI to step in and run a production. We basically had to squeeze 4 weeks of pre-prod into two weeks but we got right to work and turned it around. The film is called SILVER LAKE and is a horror/thriller. I’m producing with Dean Teaster and Anthony Hornus and this new relationship between two Michigan companies could very well be the foundation for a slate of films.
Wild Michigan will be making some new casting announcements by the end of the year and that project which I truly love we likely go before the camera fall 2011. Filming now in the fall I truly see that as the season to capture that beauty that is uniquely Michigan.
In other news I just returned from a whirlwind trip to Yuma, AZ to see the premiere of RENOVATION. Old friends like Terry Knox and Lana Wood were there as well as a slew of my new amigos. They did a huge outdoor event with Yuma style BBQ, music and outdoor showing under a nearly full moon. Needless to say it was great and so a big thank you to Charles the other producer and the city of Yuma. More showings will be scheduled in the near future.
Now I’m back in Michigan as of midnight and I’m in the production office prepping again. I will be giving updates to all of you out there very soon. CDI’s site http://www.cdiproductions.com will also be having some updated info on the SILVER LAKE and RENOVATION projects very soon. I also know many of you out there are very eager to hear updates on LOCKED IN A ROOM. So once I have something on that front I will also be getting that info out to you.
So it is back to the coffee pot for a refill and back to work. But I wanted to check in with all of you out there and again thank you for your continued interest and support. One foot in front of the other and distant dreams and goals get closer and closer.
DJ
DON’T HATE, CREATE!
Up early to tackle the list of things to do. Hazelnut coffee in hand I plan out my day still using the old legal pads. Rain has started falling outside (just now) and it adds serenity to the moments here. This week has been fall incarnate with a nice chill and apple cider flowing. Last night was a nice apple wine also made in Michigan and some burgers laced with banana peppers from the garden. I picked what is getting to be the last of the tomatoes and peppers. On my domestic task list is bottling some lilac wine that is about ready now. October 1st is just around the corner and the fall decorations will soon start coming out. Hard to believe the holiday season is approaching as I thought of Xmas for the 1st time yesterday. But before we give into family, friends and holiday much work still to be done!
FIGURE IN THE FOREST and HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS are now officially out on DVD nationally. Nice new trailer cut by Triumphant Pictures on FIGURE IN THE FOREST. I know amazon.com carries both films as well as an assortment of retailers and rental places. If you get a chance to watch please do post your comments on the IMDB film sites. Now they will also probably attract some trolls but so is the way. Many years ago that was a big concern of our company as the term “haters” is quite well-known. I think they are negative artists who either for lack of starting or finishing or follow-through never get their art out there. When they see other groups or individuals that have taken these steps to get their work out there it feeds more negativity. Others work should inspire us not plant seeds of jealously. I’ve seen or screened many films that I would say are sub-par. Hell, I’ve made or participated in some sub-par films but the thing that puts all those folks into a select club is that they MADE a film. The first step is action and not to be discouraged by setback. If certain people had given up think of all the things we have/use that may not even exist. Light bulbs. Cars. Airplanes. So I say, DON’T HATE, CREATE!
Onto next order of business!
JUDGES – Oct 12th all new cut and also Blue-Ray. I have not seen the new cut by Stephen Walker is very happy with it. Also speaking of all new cuts Mike Deeney has re-cut TANGY GUACAMOLE but no street date is set yet.
I know LOCKED IN A ROOM is moving and RENOVATION is gearing up for the Yuma, AZ premiere so get your tickets. It will be a good time. I also spoke to Jon Osman director of BENJAMIN yesterday and he is very happy and closing in on a final cut. OUTSIDE THE WIRE is having a producers screening this weekend. I feel good that 4 wonderful projects are about to come to the world in 2011!
The much-anticipated IN OUR TIME makes little announcements here and there such as the attachment of Jon Voight and Richard Dreyfuss. I still have no dates yet and I would not be surprised if it drags into the new year. We have a short time before our industry starts to close down for a month. Dec 15-Jan 15 usually. I’ve been taking a read on 3 scripts that came with offers for Oct./Nov. shoots so this week and next week I’ll be trying to solidify just what projects I will take on.
Development of the CDI slate moves steady and we have some amazing people taking interest in our work. No need to get anyone excited at this time but we have always chugged along and continued to produce. New updates to the http://www.cdiproduction.com site including a section for cast/crew calls as we have them. I also was asked to put my thoughts down as a welcome to this site and that can be read at the top under “The Tao of DJ” and so I hope you enjoy.
Please support the artists around you and as always I appreciate the support myself. If you know of an artist that might benefit from these words feel free to pass this link along.
Enjoy the rest of the week!
DJ
Face the Storms
So I awoke to the rumble of thunder and flashes of lightning and decided to get up and start the old coffee pot.. MSU has a great game tonight vs ND so we’ll see how that all goes. It was a long week of slow forward movement and a few new developments. I will say that the Afghanistan doc “Outside the Wire” is wonderful. I think it will be a crown gem for Anthony Hornus who directed and another project that I will be proud to be part of. To see the plight of the unfortunate helps put my own problems in perspective. Producers in NYC and Yuma saw cuts of “Benjamin” and “Renovation” and both seem very happy. I will soon see cuts of the films and I can give my 1st hand impressions but for now I’m going off my fellow producer’s reactions. I still don’t have a firm update on “Locked in a Room” other than it was looking strong and they are trying to get a cut to our producers rep for AFM. (American Film Market)
Communication and movement on “In Our Time” the Jesus film as many call it, first on the official site they stated that Richard Dreyfuss and Jon Voight are now attached vs in negotiations. Also I think our director Jeff Kennedy’s deal is in place. I just remembered that my attorney contacted me and said that “Variety” magazine is preparing an article on me in conjunction with “In Our Time” and when that comes out I’ll let everyone know. We are currently waiting on start dates and in the meantime I’ve got five or six movie opportunities floating about. I’m ready to get back in front of the camera be it as Jesus or someone else.
The Oct 23rd Yuma, AZ premiere is going to be fun. I love showing a film and getting to do a meet and greet afterward. That is always better when the film rocks so I’m in high hopes that people will enjoy it. We are working to get some potential distributors there. Anyhow you look at it fun awaits and it will be nice to see the cast and crew and yes even the Hotel Del Sol.
This is not an easy time right now because scheduling is still up in the air, creative impatience, a new paycheck is always nice and just general frustration over not having my Fall to Spring schedule in place. I’m sure that will get worked out very soon as it always does but the waiting is still not fun. I hope that each and every one of you continue to weather your own personal storms with persistence, patience (as much as you can muster) and conviction. I hear the stories out there and I live my own ups and downs in this industry. It is not always easy to always walk the path of an artist but what we ultimately create is a reward many cannot or do not share in. Many depend on our work to give them that creative nourishment that many occupations often lack.
OK. Enough of my coffee ramblings. As always, I wish all of you the best in your endeavors. Don’t be afraid to face the storms because calm waters are always ahead.
DJ
Start the Harvest!
Call me crazy but I LOVE those chill mornings and the fall feeling of Harvest. This year has been a year of recovery for many people. I’ve seen the creative seeds planted into the hard ground and the nurturing throughout the year. This year has not been the grand harvest of some years. Even the Mulberry’s did not come so no new Mulberry wine BUT I did harvest Lilac and that wine is about ready to bottle. A trip down South last weekend had us bringing dried field corn back with us and so the house has these great decorations symbolic of fall. Once the snow falls the squirrels and birds will enjoy them. Our garden is pushing the last beans and tomatoes and I’m sad to say that my pumpkins flowered but never produced.
Many ventures have such growth cycles with setbacks and such. I’m happy that this year I was able to produce some growth in the garden. 2010 will see 4 new projects come to conclusion and many previous projects are finding their way out to the marketplace. I’m excited to hear some feedback on the Jeff Kennedy dramas FIGURE IN THE FOREST and HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS. The Special Edition of JUDGES coming this fall will be a total RE-EDIT I’m told so that should be exciting. It is also releasing on Blu-Ray and I also hear that BLOOD TIES will also release on Blu-Ray. The UK premiere of “Karma, Crime, Passion, Reincarnation” went well from what heard. The premiere for http://www.renovationthemovie.com is heating up for Oct 23rd in Yuma, AZ with Charles and Robert (producer/director) doing a radio show for INDEPENDENT CORNER with Jon Moody. I’m excited and I hope some of you folks can make it out for what will be a great time.
Monday I get to see the hard work of Tony Hornus and Dennis Therrian from months of post work on OUTSIDE THE WIRE. I’m so proud of those two for all their hard work. LOCKED IN A ROOM and BENJAMIN are approaching final edit and so I’m happy to wait and see what emerges. IN OUR TIME slowly chugs down the taxi runway and I know we are all ready to go when the captain gives the “fasten your seat belt” announcement. So I’m looking at a few September projects and continuing to package on development and also doing some scriptwriting.
Off to play the first play off soccer match in our league and nothing is better than a fall game! Also enjoyed the MSU win and I hope the Lions get off to a solid season.
DJ
Stay Cool – September Welcome
Okay we had the fall tease of cool weather and Lion football (they actually won recently!) but now it is back to heat. When I was a younger man I loved the heat but usually that was because of sand and bikini’s. Now I truly do enjoy the cooler fall temps and I know they will be upon us soon enough followed by SNO…I’m not going to finish that word:)
I was told that I start almost all my blogs with a coffee reference but I guess I’m still hunting for that coffee sponsor. Official sponsor of getting DJ’s brain a moving and we could make it the CDI brand served on sets. Ok. I admit it I LOVE coffee.
Great story – As many of you know I make my home in Michigan. This is home where my friends and family are. My LA friend Nadia Dawn recently said that I needed to get out in LA and do more red carpet. She was saying that I could go A list with all my stuff going on. I do agree a little more personal appearance PR could be helpful and I do enjoy the LA scene where I can be DJ Perry actor, writer and producer BUT I also enjoy being a son, a brother, a soccer player and just me. My father might soon retire but his real love is being a picker. Watch American Pickers and you’ll understand. He does it as a hobby because he loves the wheeling and dealing. Often he’ll sell some little item he bought for two or three times the amount he paid. Some days in this hard industry that business looks appealing. So, I’ve gotten into “Craigs List” a little as I try to get rid of some stuff that is just unused. I made a deal with myself that if I NEED something I can go buy it but if I just WANT something I will try and trade for it. That way I’m not cutting into cash in these hard times and I’m also not just gathering new things without getting rid of something. All makes sense…yes?
So recently I switched from Sprint phone to iphone and I was looking at first to sell my phone back ($15) OR one week later I had an offer for a 5 motor brand new Homedics back massage deal. I decided with soccer Sundays leaving Monday sore I would make a trade. I went up to a local NIP & SIP that has the old drive up food ordering. I met Dennis there who had the trade item and we were both talking about other stuff we are looking for. I’m keeping an eye out for recurve and primitive flat and long bows. He stopped me and said, “It seems like I’ve seen you somewhere, like TV.” Now Dennis was big, gruff and pushing 60 and I asked him if he watches movies. He told me lots of them but mainly westerns. I asked him if he had ever seen “Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town” and he said “Hell yes” to which I replied “Will Burnett, nice to meet you” and shook his hand. He was so tickled and went on and on about the film and Bill McKinney. I just happened to have a park release DVD that I gave him and you would have thought I gave him a bar of gold. It made my day and it did make me realize that I do appreciate meeting the fans. So I’m not moving to LA but maybe more personal appearances.
Speaking of…www.renovationthemovie.com is having updates done as we get ready for an Oct. 23rd premiere in Yuma, AZ and I will be there. It should be a great night of eating, drinking and watching the work on a big outdoor screen I believe. Check the site for more information on the showing.
Other updates, http://www.cdiproductions.com has many new updates but a special section on upcoming work opportunities in front of and behind the camera now exists. Future productions will be posting to that site as they arise.
RENOVATION – Premiere Oct 23rd
LOCKED IN A ROOM – 2nd cut of film underway
BENJAMIN – Post edit
OUTSIDE THE WIRE – Last looks
HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST – Sept 7th Official release
KARMA, CRIME, PASSION, REINCARNATION is playing Sept 8th in the UK I believe. I will try to post exact info when I find it.
That’s all I have for now but have a safe holiday and stay cool!
DJ
Chilly Morning Memories and Movie Updates
This morning I awoke to the chill of Michigan mornings as we head towards the fall. It brought me memories of getting up for elementary school and dressing for school next to the vent. It made me think of going to camp and making the chilly walk to the bathrooms. I also thought about mornings at my Uncle Milo and Aunt Dot’s cottage on a lake. We would wake to my father’s fire in the fireplace and the smell of coffee and bacon. Nice thoughts. No fireplace crackling this morning and no bacon but I did hear the siren call of the coffee. So now I’m with dog on my feet, coffee by my side and stimulating these memories just for you.
As of late I’ve been doing some writing. I’ve been revising “Long Road Home” for the U.P. of Michigan. I’ve also been hired to write a screenplay that is a cool little mafia-like tale. The 1st 15 pages got the greenlight and so I will finish that up. I’m also in final negotiations on another script job turning a book into a script and it is in the western genre which you all know I love.
I continue to wait for the “In Our Time” film to get all its ducks in a row and meanwhile I’ve completed the 7 or so screenplays I read. I have a couple of projects that I’m in talks over for Sept. and Oct. shoots that could take me to California and Vegas. I’ve also got a smattering of other Michigan based projects providing some opportunities to act and sleep in my own bed.
Development on a half-dozen projects continues to go strong. I wish these projects would move faster but I can’t find that magic wand of automatic film financing. The lotto numbers also did not come in so…just kidding! I miss many of my movie friends that I only get to see when I have checks to cut. Oh well, the CDI Generals still plan and plot:)
HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST for sale at various outlets and wide Sept 7th, 2010.
We have word that AN ORDINARY KILLER has been playing on ABC in various markets so check your listings. JUDGES Special Edition and Blu-Ray is coming to market Oct 12th, 2010.
The word is also that BLOOD TIES will be released on Blu-Ray but not sure of the date. On other fronts the CDI Co-Productions of “Outside the Wire” Anthony Hornus’s Afghanistan doc is almost complete with hard-working Dennis Therrian putting the final tweaks on the film. “Renovation” credit work is underway and plans are being made but the special screening in Yuma, AZ on Oct 23rd and I will be attending so I hope to see some of you out there. Dean Teaster and Anthony Hornus both in the film will also be flying out with me and we look forward to seeing everyone. See http://www.renovationthemovie.com for trailer and premiere info.
I’m waiting on word from “Locked in a Room” last I heard they were on a 2nd cut of the film. The feedback from the 1st review session of the editing on “Benjamin” came back 100% positive! I’m told they are working double time to make Sundance submission. I believe director Jon Osman’s last film played Sundance and so he really would like to see our film premiere there.
Thank you everyone for your continued support. I do appreciate it.
DJ
Stay Cool with Saturday Updates
Hazelnut coffee even despite the higher heat still soothes the morning soul. I’ve been enjoying the summer while also working towards getting back to work on set. I’ve been reading scripts and looking at some new acting work. I read three scripts last week and I have 2-3 to still read this week. I’m excited because several projects that have been in the post process are finally coming to a finish. Dennis Therrian and Tony Hornus have been working hard on “Outside the Wire” doc and soon will come the presentation and shopping stage. I’m in hopes of getting with the “Locked in a Room” team and seeing where that project is. “Renovation” is getting very close to complete and the 1st premiere and theatrical runs are being set up now. While some near the finish line others like “Benjamin” have just started the post run. Speaking of that fine film here is one of my co-stars, the VERY talented Niki Saletta, featured on Pepper’s LEADING LADY page on her DJ Perry fan club site.
http://www.djperryfanclub.com/NS.html
We at CDI are all excited as this month is the release of two of our dramas “Heaven’s Neighbors” (Aug 26th) and “Figure in the Forest” (Aug 24th) the latter has a soundtrack and ringtones.
http://www.ringtonejukebox.com/search.asp?searchstring=Figure+In+The+Forest&submit1=Search
I’m still waiting on my shoot dates on “In Our Time” and so until those dates lock I will continue to look at and accept projects. We are also making great development strides and so I expect that we will be getting some of the CDI projects up and in production. I also want to thank Jon Moody for having me on his INDEPENDENT CORNER online radio show. It was fun as always and I like giving the info directly.
I did state on that show that TANGY GUACAMOLE has had a complete re-edit and will get a new Special Edition release so if Spring Break mayhem is your cup of tea there you go! I will let you know when I have more info on a release date. I do know the JUDGES Special Edition and BluRay release is Oct. 12th and you can actually pre-order on amazon I think.
Not bad for a quick Saturday update. Many new updates happening at the http://www.cdiproductions.com website. Keep an eye here for future cast/crew calls as well.
Have a great weekend!
DJ
Enter August
Hello,
A bit sore today after a mighty soccer match yesterday against the #1 team. (we are #3 currently but that changes week to week) We played the 1st half to a 0-0 and 2nd half I took a knee to the lower back and had to exit the game for a few. I don’t usually go down (And I did not) and you don’t ever see me rolling around “acting hurt” as often seen with PRO soccer. I took a knee to the back jumping for a header and left the game. (Sub out) Before I could turn around from getting a drink – they SCORED. DOH! Well the day really belonged to the other team but we showed we are a fighting team.
Previous to the soccer game I had gone to a family reunion. We took a lake pontoon ride which was cool and chill. Over the weekend I had two major life changes. First I got an iphone 3G (I’ll wait until bugs are out of the 4) and so I’ve been trying to learn all that. Folks I played PONG and OREGON TRAIL on a TSR-80. I also traded in my old lease and have a new ride. It is a black Saturn Vue and I really dig it. I’m not a car person I just use them to get here and there but I love this new ride because it has a nice look but I dig the sunroof and I like stick shift again. I think it will serve the purpose well.
Pa Perry is back and better than ever after his heart surgery ordeal early this year. The garden is giving a steady flow of beans and tomatoes and the grill has been in full force this year. We bought another 4H pig for the freezer and so we have to pick that up this week. OK hazelnut coffee is kicking and this is all helping to get my thoughts straight for the week.
I’m being commissioned to work on another script it looks like and so I will start work on that. I’ve got a few scripts to read for other companies about acting roles. I think I will be seeing a 2nd cut of RENOVATION this week. OUTSIDE THE WIRE 1st cut is now done. I hear LOCKED IN A ROOM is also getting there. BENJAMIN will start editing this week.
Packaging with some of our projects is going nicely and I have many follow up calls this week. FIGURE IN THE FOREST has new NEW artwork and a revised release date of Aug 24th vs the 10th. We are exploring DVD release parties for the two CDI films FIGURE IN THE FOREST and HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS. The trailers are expected anytime now. Please join the facebook sites for these films and show your support!
OFF TRACK update! I spoke with Mark Owen and that pilot TV show will get completed and I will actually be shopping it around. Also some renewed talks of co-production. Maybe:)
WILD MICHIGAN, HJC, TIMBERWOLF, LONG ROAD HOME, A STATE OF HATE all deals of various sorts underway. It is only a matter of time.
With 4 projects in post and some releases out this fall I’m going to join JON MOODY on Monday, August 9th at 10:00 PM Eastern. We will be talking movies for an hour and questions are taken via phone or chat I think. So some first hand updates will be given and I’ll jib jab for a few.
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jonathanmoody
I’m got some script reading, writing and studying to get to so until next time.
Keep clawing!
DJ
A WRAP on Benjamin film!
What a beautiful weekend in the Michigan and I got to spend it up North with a little lake time. We won our soccer match on Sunday which is always a nice bonus. Lastly the NYC film BENJAMIN wrapped yesterday so another film in the can. There is a possibility that we may have Jon the director come to Michigan on some post work.
I’m trying to find out shoot dates on IN OUR TIME to see if I can hold or if I need to take on another film in the between time. I like to stay busy and I do have several scripts I’m looking over for acting roles. I have word that LOCKED IN A ROOM is moving along in post and RENOVATION is closer yet. The RENOVATION folks are talking about a Yuma premiere in October and so that will be nice. The doc film OUTSIDE THE WIRE will also be finishing in August and so we will have some good product to keep the fans happy:)
August and September will be busy with film releases for FIGURE IN THE FOREST, HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS, JUDGES (Special Edition) and THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ. I’m excited by all the production and releases. Now if we can launch a few more here we will be all set. We are getting closer and with a few more attachments I’m in hopes of closing these down.
I’m thinking of looking for more partnerships with CDI and other small production companies. We can bring assured distribution to the marketplace and that is the HUGE struggle that indie filmmakers face. The key is right script, some distribution friendly talent and the right relationships. It is tough even for distributors these days because even like the studio only 1-2 of 10 pictures are successful. I continue to communicate and learn more every day. Sometimes it is disappointing but I think you have that with any business and/or industry and when you do score a hit it makes it that much more fulfilling. So I need to get myself to make some time for these lunches and such people want to have. Much of my days are filled with emails and phone calls nudging projects along. But for some folks who have a small budget gathered with a touch of guidance they can really advance their project. It allows others to benefit from our mistakes. Is that a pay it forward:)
Well for those in the heat stay cool and I’ll bend your ear soon enough.
DJ
Home Sweet Home!
I’m back in the Michigan drinking my coffee on a Monday morning. Yesterday we won our soccer match and I even scored a goal. I’ve enjoyed following the World Cup with so many friends and it is kind of sad that it’s all over now. As for playing soccer yesterday it was nice to run hard after spending all that time in NYC filming. I had such a great time and I know we did some very good work. I not a big city fan at all but the people and the experience were extremely positive. I made many new friends and saw a few old ones. My final scene was at Grand Central Station and it was a cool way to picture wrap. That place is so BIG! So I will be keeping you updated on that film entitled BENJAMIN.
Now I’m unpacking and jumping back into “In Our Time” and I hope that launches here soon. I’m all warmed up and ready to rock so give me a few and I’ll be ready to roll. Last week RENOVATION http://www.renovationthemovie.com rough cut was done and the fine tuning now begins. We are prepping for the release of HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST this August and so I encourage you all to join our facebook pages on these projects and buy/rent the films at a place of your choice.
I’m ready to really try and pull some of these projects together so we can do a few more of these little stories:) I do enjoy creating onscreen and the fact that I got to do a comedy again was just great. I got to work with James Russo whose work I’ve admired and he did not disappoint me. I want to thank all the hard working cast and crew of that film and I can’t wait to see the final project. I’m also hearing LOCKED IN A ROOM is nearing a rough cut so fans out there should have a few great projects to wait for.
I’m getting things back to normal so I’ll keep this short for now!
Have a great week everybody!
DJ
Break in Michigan = Beautiful
Ah…so nice to be chilling back in my environment with so much nature around. After spending just short of two weeks in NYC it was refreshing to come home to Michigan. I had a Birthday on the 23rd and being that it was the big 40 I was able to escape the black balloons and “Over-the-Hill” jokes. Actually I feel in my PRIME standing on the top of the hill:) The time spent so far in NYC was great even though I am not a city dweller. I’m having a wonderful time co-starring in a comedy called BENJAMIN. I have so enjoyed the entire cast and crew and they have given me positive memories in regards to NYC. I’m not about the crowds, cement, buildings and all that so when off I spend most of my free time on the roof top of our actors apartment where the wind blows. NYC was donkey-ass hot (A new term) and I had lots of car scenes driving around the main downtown in Manhattan. We had a police escort on the trailer pulling the picture car which was a cab. I was driving the tailing car and I must have blew through between 40 and 50 red lights in traffic because spectators didn’t all know I was a picture car because I was actually driving. Whenever we pulled over to make adjustments to lighting we had folks taking pictures and video and it was just fun to watch. The people didn’t know exactly who we were but we looked enough like someone they have seen in films:) They thought my buddy Carl was John Stamos. (Very funny)
I’m going to take a few days to rest and take care of some business. Beyond that I want to see some family/friends before going back to NYC for a week to finish shooting. I play an anti-terrorist agent and I am having all kinds of fun. Next week I’m working with James Russo and Robert Miano and I’m excited to work with such talented actors. This is all a good break before putting Jesus on the big screen. I’m waiting on final shoot dates for IN OUR TIME but right now I’m just happy to be home.
I hope that everyone has a safe and fun-filled 4th of July weekend.
DJ
Back to the Big Apple
Hazelnut coffee is flowing and I’ve waking up here in Michigan after we had a major thunderstorm that woke me about 4 am. I almost got up to finish my final packing but I decided to grab the extra four hours of sleep. I’ve been working development and getting ready to shoot IN OUR TIME but I had a great opportunity pop up. I got a call to come co-star in a comedy shooting in NYC. The funny part was when the director called me I laughed and said, “I kind of got this Jesus look going” and he explained the role and how it would all figure.
I play an anti-terrorist agent and I’m so very excited to do something zany before going into something very dramatic. As I know more of what they want released I will drop some exclusives here. My buddy Carlucci who starred with me in KARMA is a central character and so it will be great to see him. I also here rumor that Alma will also be playing a character and she was the female lead in KARMA so we have a nice reunion going on of sorts. I look forward to making some new friends and associates.
This last week has been working with Dennis Therrian and Triumphant Ent. getting the final stuff around for the August HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST. The latter has a soundtrack being released and we also added Joe Pullin’s music video for one of the major songs “I Will Wait For You” featuring John Oates, Peter Frampton and the London Symphony recorded at Abbey Roads studio. Here is a link for the music video.
http://web.me.com/dennistherrian/Therrian_Productions/I_Will_Wait_For_You.html
I’m going to shut down here and pack my work bag. I have a flight in a few hours so I’m going to go finish my packing. Time to pour another cup of the java:) Have a great week and I’m sure I’ll have a few good stories to share soon.
DJ
Soccer, Lilacs and a few Updates…
Ah, outdoor soccer season has been underway and after a couple of wins we have dropped a few games by one goal. Defense is on point but we are having issues finding the back of the net. I did actually score a goal last week which is a rare thing since I play defense. The World Cup has been great to watch and enjoy with so many friends of mine. I also wanted to report that the lilac wine is fermenting nicely and if it tastes like it smells it should be wonderful.
On the movie front we’ve been prepping for the August releases of “Figure in the Forest” and “Heaven’s Neighbors” that can be pre-ordered on amazon.com, Walmart and many online retailers. Feel free to call your favorite retailer, rental house. After that is “The Patchwork Girl of OZ” and “Judges Special Edition” in September so stay tuned.
PR has been in full swing that I’m to play Jesus in the film “In Our Time” and I hope to have shoot dates this week. I think cameras may roll in July 2010 here and I will let everyone know. I’ve also accepted a role in a film that shoots end of this month. It looks as if I will be gone on my BDay which is nice because I might miss out on the black balloons and such:) I will tell you all more about the film soon but I’m excited because it is a comedy.
So it has been script reading, script doctoring and movie development. We still don’t know the final resolution on our LA legal dealings but we should end of the month or 1st of July.
Here are a couple nice interviews coming from the “In Our Time” project.
http://www.michiganpr.net/index.php?xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=052010&newsid=1229
Look for some upcoming PR on “Wild Michigan” and “A State of Hate” coming soon.
In heavy post we have “Locked in a Room,” “Renovation” and “Outside the Wire” so the work continues.
Have a great week!
DJ
Friendships Without Fine Print
I’m back in the beautiful Michigan after almost a week in CA dealing with our little arbitration matter. I will say WOW! What a great learning experience and while I would not call any of it fun it was a great moment. I was the first person up and I presented the facts and survived the cross examinations just fine. It is easy when you have truth on your side. It is slightly irritating when a lawyer is trying to twist words into other meaning or discredit your character. I’m glad to report that this did not and could not happen. I’ve said before that I’ve stood by my actions, given best efforts always and I sleep like a baby every night. We were in force four strong and our attorney and on the third day we got the satisfaction of watching the guilty party OBJECTION! (We know he is guilty) OVERRULED! We watched the alleged guilty party just took a brutal, BRUTAL cross examination whereas he was going against earlier testimony within the 1st 60 seconds and it got worse from there. It was text book guilt from shaking hands, sweating and changing colors from bright red to ghostly white. Follow this with stuttering, wrong names and facts, his proclaiming of innocence and a string of “I can’t remember(s)” …(Follow this with a piece of hard evidence).
At the end of three hours I almost felt bad for the crook. I watched him dead on for the whole cross examination. He looked at me a few times and I saw suffering. I felt bad in a sense that we could have been business partners. The truth is that this man had been exploiting filmmakers for a long time. He just may have exposed himself and his company to the open fact that his entire library is most likely built on fraud and misrepresentation. I also don’t think that anyone has every called him to judgement on his actions. On that day, regardless of how the final ruling comes out, we achieved satisfaction of knowing that he had to account for his wrong-doings on record and under oath. In a few weeks we will know the final outcome but already we are in a better place because I promise you they will be more prompt with accounting and payout and I sincerely hope they change their business ethics.
What I also loved is the fact that we represented the mass of filmmakers out there who pour passion, heart and soul into a film. Some are duped by ONE WORD in a contract that can slide by even experienced attorneys. It is sad because some great filmmakers may never emerge into the industry because they were cut short having used every finance option open to them and being left with nothing to fight a battle against a major corporation. We fought that battle on that day for every filmmaker ever mistreated by a distributor. I was so proud of Collective Development http://www.cdiproductions.com and now the upper crust of Hollywood knows this company can and will FIGHT when RIGHT! I want to thank all the prayers and well wishes I got from folks and especially the filmmakers. This battle was for all of us and I’ve never been prouder. We have a few more battles to fight on smaller fronts. I really wish we could go back to our 1st film that did well and we never saw a penny from our initial distributor. The company paid itself out and dissolved into the night never to be seen again. What is even sadder in a few of these cases is that the dishonest people are also parents. The main antagonist is our little deal in CA has a 5 year old child. My father was and still is a ROCK on how to live like a good man. He instilled those values in us. I worry about these dishonest people’s children being raised by fathers who see lying, cheating and stealing as just a way of life. This man is a millionaire but he is no different then a street thug. Both are passing on the shortcomings in their character by condoning a behavior to a small child who sees their father as the end all. That is what was running through my head during part of this ordeal. I hope that man changes his ways for his child. Odd to feel bad for someone but I’m not a hateful person. I don’t carry poison around like that. My friendships mean a lot to me and they come without any fine print. Be a good friend and the rewards will be greater than any money or material things.
TO MOVIE NEWS!
http://www.walmart.com/ip/14542396http://www.walmart.com/ip/14542409 PRE-ORDER now at Walmart and enjoy these two Jeff Kennedy directed titles. These films showcase some of the heart and soul of our company. The films release next month and you can add these to your collection. I hope everyone has a safe and relaxing weekend as we remember those who fight so that we may have freedom. Be good to one another. DJ
Recte Agens Confido
Honesty, Responsibility, Faith and the Web of Life…
FADE IN: ROAD WARRIOR… The barren landscape where the iron cities no longer exist. Water is like gold and oil is the last drops of the blood of a dying giant.
All I know is that one of my favorite films from my teen years showed a world gone bad and focuses on the few people trying to survive. That film seems to have scary overtone that I also revisited when I use to teach Native American studies at the Ebersole Enviromental Center years ago. Chief Seattle and the web of life really illustrated how interconnected all the ecosystem are. Natural disaster is bad enough with volcanic activity, earthquakes, flooding but when you add in the actions of man like this oil leak it is scary. I mean I don’t want to end up a story teller in the THUNDERDOME (3rd Mad Max film:) talking about the days when we had moving pictures. I might fare okay in the Thunderdome fighting but I will never be able to keep a cool car running like Mad Max because I have no real mechanical skills worth a damn.
On the positive note I think that this oil leak will motivate us to REALLY go do after safer power. I’m talking Teslsa technology of pulling energy from the earths magnetic field vs oil drilling that could cause major damage to world water supply. Also an enemy of the US could attack these oil rigs and take huge focus and manpower to try and manage. On the other hand that kind of action effects ALL people ultimately but some people have a doomsday mentality. So bottom line is just let oil be. OR make oil from corn, soy, hemp but this drilling below our water bodies is a bad idea. I think that has been illustrated so maybe wisdom will emerge.
RESPONSIBILITY is what we are talking about. Also we need true preventative measures on our actions not just reactionary once something goes wrong. IF companies truly knew they would be held responsible certain actions would not be taken because they would be deemed too risky. The Big Auto 3 in Michigan are very happy that Toyota forgot their own teachings of ancient eastern history and rather than using preventive principals they let certain issues go too long. Once they issu es were exposed they were now in a reactionary position which is a western mentality not the eastern mentality previously used by wise men from the east.
HONESTY
This trait factors into the above Toyota issue. Honesty, recall and accepting responsibility would have changed that whole situation. Well the PR departments of the Big 3 made sure you knew that they knew ahead of time. I like the way Tylenol handled their issue years ago. If they had tried to hide that…you get the point.
How does this all tie to movies? RESPONSIBILITY – when you accept a manager position on a project you sometimes are put in a place where you must stand up for what is right especially when you are legally empowered to do so. I recently had a long round table meeting where I explained that we were going into an arbitration over a project. The other party is known in our industry and surely is connected to others. It was asked if my actions could/would hurt my own acting options in Hollywood. I gladly explained that my actions were my duty and that my personal agenda had to come second. Also I don’t want to do business with people of a dishonest nature and so if there was fall out to our right actions so be it. This party is wrong, dishonest and they (like some others) in Hollywood and elsewhere perform dishonest actions because they count on the fact that independent filmmakers cannot afford to come after them. This month we have a major arbitration and it isn’t even a matter of we MAY be in the right. We ARE in the right. This is not just our viewpoint (We often want to be right but are not) but this is just truth and so we will see how this plays out.
We are actually fighting two major battles as a company. One that surrounds WILD MICHIGAN that we had to abandon ship on. But know that in our CDI shipyard the WILD MICHIGAN 2 is being built. I won’t go into any details on this other issue but we are fighting for all the other filmmakers out there who often cannot. As CDI moves into the studio system it is important to me that the crooks soon know to avoid CDI. This dog bites.
So HONESTY, RESPONSIBILITY and now FAITH…
Faith is knowing that things in the world will usually right themselves. The greedy man will face an issue that money cannot buy his way out of. Cancer doesn’t have a price where it will just go away. There is no cash settlement offer for a person fighting MS or other diseases. The unemployed man with supreme health is wealthier than he may know. If health was transferable someone would gladly give their millions for your health. Would you trade? I think not. So every day that you are healthy you are wealthy. It is funny that on all these business fronts EVERY one of these issues is over greed. I hope they learn their lesson and in a Mr. Scrooge kind of way, wake up one morning and they decide to be a kind, honest individual who has compassion for those with less and are willing to play honestly at business. Wall Street take note, Washington take note and each of us can hold ourselves responsible. I’ve made decisions as I’ve stated before that others may not agree with but I do not make decisions based on greed. Ultimately I want everyone to do well. So with each blessed step forward you should always reach back and help a few up. Watch the Special Olympics and learn something about being a good person. I’ve found in my experiences with the “Special” that the worst parts of being human have been “retarded” in them. They are special because in them exists the best parts of who we are while some genetic fault(s) seem to have left the worst parts behind. Often they have trouble existing in society because the world around them often operates using those worst parts of people as the way. Think hard on this.
I want to give a shout out to Daniel a young blog reader who emailed me on how he enjoys the words. He had an audition and I wish him well. To be that young and making his way in our industry. Daniel you have years ahead of you and so don’t rush for a finish line but enjoy the journey. Don’t forget to be a kid. Those will be some of your best years.
I’ll be back to more direct movie updates later but this oil thing has been on my mind. Also most of my week was taking up on organizing our communications concerning the project we are in arbitration over. Today is garden work. I like getting out there and working the dirt and seeing the complex way of things in nature. It brings a nice balance to life. So to all you artists out there. I preach the SHOW and the BIZ but on the most basic level keep yourself aware of what goes on in the natural world because we are all connected, the web of life.
Be good.
DJ
“Man does not weave this web of life. He is merely a strand of it. Whatever he does to the web, he does to himself.” – Chief Seattle
Humbled and Happy
The rain is coming down and I’m very happy that yesterday was lawn day. I have grass seed down and so this should help. I’ve also been collecting Lilac pedals for some new wine I’m going to try making. If you want to talk about Zen it is one pedal at a time while either talking on the phone or reading lines. I realized that 15 quarts is a LOT of pedals and also that in mass they almost have a waxy feel…ODD.
So I’m happy to announce the fact that the project that I’ve been forced to be hush, hush on is now going public with their PR and so now I can share. I submitted blindly for a role in a very non-descriptive religious film about the time we had finished filming the 1st leg of “Book of Ruth” and I sent materials for the biblical character of Judas. I thought after playing nice guy ‘Benjamin’ I would enjoy another biblical feature but thought maybe a bad guy of sorts would be cool. I sent it off and immediately got no response. Like that? So fast forward 6 months and one Sunday out of the blue I get contacted by this production company with a synopsis and breakdown of this project called “In Our Time” and they said I was of interest to them. Come to find out I was one of 27 actors they were looking at for the lead role of Jesus in this studio picture. Funny thing is about this time Ray our main producer on “Book of Ruth” starts talking about how Pureflix and TBN and random folks are remarking to him how much I remind them of Jesus. So I agree to non disclose anything and read the script. EPIC. Now they want me to talk with producer/writer and explain how I see the character and story line. I honestly think I have a good grasp on the heart and soul of the role and explain my take. I guess I was the only person to pick up on a few major elements. From there I’m told I’m one of the seven they have narrowed down to and the front runner. They became versed in my work and I did a few voice recordings for them and well…the rest is history as they like to say.
I’m happy that I can share a first PR announcement at Christian Cinema and many more will follow. I’m excited that fate also put two of my friends in this film. I was asked about my thoughts on Mr. Rance Howard and Terry Jernigan who were being considered for roles. I think people scan around actors they want to use to get ideas for casting but that said Terry Jernigan has been peppering his career with faith films and they saw him starring in “Pilgrams Progress” I think it was. Rance has worked so much it doesn’t surprise me. I think one of the producers on this film was on “Angels and Demons” and knew Rance that way. Either way it will be nice to work alongside two very good friends of mine.
I will say that the process of being JUST AN ACTOR has been humbling. I realize that with my alpha personality I’m a team player but I have a control aspect to me. I have found it hard at times and frustrating at times to be JUST TALENT. I have made a new vow to try to improve communication between production and cast and crew because being in the dark on a need to know info basis is not fun:) So the experience has been good for me. Also I just worked on lines but just tried to ignore the project because no point in wasting energy mulling over and over on something. When it was time they would contact me and away we would go. So I’m told we start very soon and I’ll get at least a week notice. The 1st leg of the shoot is in Bulgaria I think so it would be nice to know so I can get my home life in order. Enjoy the 1st PR and I’ll let you know more soon.
The talks on WILD MICHIGAN resurrection are going very well. The old project was put down to rest and we are also making moves to bring some justice to those responsible for the 1st false start. As I was told, it was not the time for “Wild Michigan” but we are casting up the final stars and I’m looking to come off “In Our Time” and go into pre-production on “Wild Michigan” but I will know more soon.
Development on the other CDI projects are going great and so I would love to put a whole slate of films into motion. On the personal, my dad is recovering well and can drive again. Remember your mothers out there this Sunday if you have them with you spend some time with them and if they are gone remember them fondly.
Have a great weekend.
DJ
HERE are a few of the links as given to me by production
Please take a moment to check out the buzz from Christian Cinema at http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/newsdesk_info.php?newsdesk_id=1346.
http://sites.google.com/site/inourtimeannouncement/INOURTIMEfilm
Dreams Do Come True…
Yesterday was our first Michigan day in the 80’s and it was nice to bounce between my computer and outside where I could have my phone calls. We are getting the garden around and I’ve been planting and watering some grass seed. I’m sure you are aware that the hazelnut coffee is flowing and I’ve been studying how to make lilac wine. This week I also found some of my early morels and so that is always a little exciting. My father is recovering slower than he would like but patience is required. Patience is something the Perry’s have learned over time as it does not just come naturally. I’m just big on not wasting energy on something until one must. I guess to clarify it is about order of business. Worry, anticipation, want…all these attributes won’t make certain things happen before they should. That said with patience and hard work many developments underway.
UPDATES:
New announced releases – Joining the Aug. 10th FIGURE IN THE FOREST and Aug 24th HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS is THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ (Sept. 7th) and a fan favorite JUDGES gets a special edition release on Oct 21st.
Those who can’t wait FIGURE IN THE FOREST plays TBN on the west coast 5/3 starting at 11:00 pm and on the east coast it plays at 2:00 am on what is 5/4/2010. For those wanting a double dose of inspirational TBN will also show BOOK OF RUTH 5/9 for west coast starting at 9:00 pm but starts 5/10 at midnight on the east coast. You can check the listings on TBN home site.
Development is in full swing on many fronts from Michael Valverde’s “Holly, Jingles and Clyde” to John Regan’s “Sherwood Horror” – post work on “Outside the Wire” is coming to the final stretch and I’ve been giving scene notes on “Renovation” while waiting to see the polished trailer for “Locked in a Room” which has signed Worldwide Film as the sales rep and they will be showcasing it at the Cannes Film Market this year. This year should see a film or two more out of CDI.
“Wild Michigan”(2010) and “A State of Hate” (2011) have been in high gear and we are closing up the casting on our remaining few roles. We will have some great announcements there soon. It is very exciting to have such a renewed energy as Hollywood is discovering the quality of product we are proposing here at the tribe.
I’ve had a few acting offers and so I’ve been reading and talking about taking some time between producing projects to go perform and just enjoy the storytelling. I’ve also been in talks about some management of my acting/writing work. Overall I’m just very happy with how 2010 has been. I’ve only acted on one project this year but have made several deals that are bringing films to you all and also setting things up for future production. I can feel the hardships of 2009 slowly melting away.
To all my artist amigos keep pushing one step at a time. To the fans, thank you so much for all your support. I do enjoy all the feedback and comments I’ve been getting and you all make it all worthwhile. So just a thank you. My 1st films were done by me and my friends in school in place of book reports and final exams and shown in our library. I can’t believe it has grown into all this but I’m so happy that it has. Dreams to come true.
DJ
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DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 