Michigan Cherry Coffee and Movies…
Drinking some Michigan Cherry coffee and reflecting on the past week. The week seemed slow although many things moved forward but of course not as much or as quickly as I would like. Landed a major name talent on one project and had another interested in another project but schedule was bad. As a writer I’m really enjoying having all the good feedback. This past week so the release of “Blood Ties” and “An Ordinary Killer” and I hope some audiences enjoy what they see. I’m proud of Nathaniel Nose the director of “Blood Ties” and the film was his 1st major directorial project. He is very talented on both sides of the camera and I hope he keeps on creating. Also proud of the CDI group and especially Tony for seeding the “An Ordinary Killer” project that has touched so many people with the sad tale of justice. I’m looking forward to the continued development of the follow up “A State of Hate”…
Met with a young filmmaker Joel Reisig and it was good to see a new generation of filmmakers in Michigan making their way. CDI is a tribe of artists that work to eliminate the negative aspects that can happen when artists try to work together. It is about mutual respect and I’m happy that we are a company that tries to promote the positive. It is hard sometimes when everyone has their pet projects. I hope Michigan pulls together and supports one another. I also want to give congrats to my friend Fred Foote who just wrapped principal on “Alleged” a great period film.
I’ve been doing some script writing and LOTS of reading. I’m finishing reading a rewrite on one project, new script submitted and still polishing my read on “Renovation” which is in serious pre-production. I got my plane ticket and now I have to think about packing. It is MUCH warmer in Yuma, AZ vs Lansing, Michigan so I have to get out more summer clothes. I will miss being away from home but will enjoy the creating of yet a new motion picture. I will be back in time for Thanksgiving and so that will be a great homecoming.
November brings our thriller “Karma: Crime, Passion, Reincarnation” to three countries in November
Karma premieres in USA, BELGIUM and BRAZIL in Nov 2009 In USA - MIAAC Film Festival - Quad Cinema, New York (34 West 13th St between 5th and 6th Avenues) - Sun 15 Nov - 12 noon In Belgium - Razor Reel Fantastic Film Festival - Cine Liberty Cinema, Brugge - Tues 3 Nov - 20.00 hrs In Brazil - FICBRASILIA - CCB Cinema, Brasilia - Thurs 5 Nov - 21.00 hrs, Sat 7 Nov - 15.00 hrs, Tues 10 Nov 19.00 hrs --------------------
November 23rd will be the premiere of "The Book Of Ruth" on TBN (TV) I'm reading so that will
be exciting to see that come to the small screen. I also see Dec 15th, 2009 as the DVD date.
I enjoyed working with everyone on that project.
I hope to have some more breaking news and maybe after AFM market I will:)
Take care and I'll speak to you all soon.
Ahhh...more Cherry coffee!
DJ
Busy November Looming!
The past week was chalked full of business calls, emails and such combined with winterizing for the Michigan Ice Age that will soon be upon us. I will be in Yuma, AZ for a few weeks but when I return I could find a winter wonderland. But until that time I have been enjoying the Michigan fall that is all about harvested crops, pumpkins, MSU football (we won again!) and apple cider. The tomatoes did well this year and so we were cooking down some tomatoes to make some soup. Also bottled all the Mulberry wine so at least the blood has some anti-freeze over the cold months. My daddy got a new puppy and it was good to see the happiness in that household. Her name is Haley and is a lab, something mix and looks like a lab with BIG paws. Okay enough of all my personal ramblings onto the movie updates…
The US premiere of Karma: Crime, Passion, Reincarnation is FINALLY here at the Quad Cinema (34 West 13th St between 5th and 6h Avenues) on Sunday 15 Nov at 12 noon at the MIAAC Film Festival
It will also be screened in the Cine Liberty Cinema at Brugge in Belgium on Tuesday November 3rd, 2009 at 20.00 hours as part of the Razor Reel Fantastic Film
Festival. Tel: 050332011. Address Kuiperstraat 23, 8000 Brugge”
Also in November I’m seeing listings for TBN to play THE BOOK OF RUTH on November 23rd, 7:00-8:30 and November 24th, 2:00-3:30 check their website for more details or any changes.
I’m also seeing a Dec. 15th, 2009 DVD Release listed on
http://store.pureflix.com/index.php?p=PRODUCTS%2CView&id=329
http://www.pureflixcinema.com/featured_films.php?id=57
I know business on that project is being wrapped up before it starts showing. I think people will enjoy the movie.
Here is also a premiere in LA by a very good director friend of mine Mr. Mike Kallio –
Hello all,
My 1950’s Sci-Fi Spoof “Mutant Swinger from Mars” has been selected as one of the films to screen at the 2009 Screamfest LA Film Festival. It’s at 3PM (yes, in the afternoon) at Graumann’s Mann Chinese 6 (the mini multi-plex attached to WORLD FAMOUS Mann’s Chinese Theatre within the Hollywood/Highland mall deal-io) on Saturday, October 24th. I’m calling this the LA PREMIERE (since it is). The film features the acting debut of Detroits own White Stripes guitarist and frontman, Jack White in a supporting role (the flick was shot before Cold Mountain but, finally finished this year). It’s a family friendly, silly, fun, laugh-out-loud comedy that pokes fun of everything sci-fi and 1950’s. Think Ed Wood if he made The Nutty Professor and Frankenstein. For those in the LA area… I REALLY hope to see ya, the whole festival got put into a 470 seat theatre and it would be GREAT to have ALL of you there for the show and FILL that place UP as much as we can. For those of you who can’t attend or are not LA based folk, if you KNOW people in the area,.. LET ‘EM KNOW! TELL EVERYONE! The more the merrier. I will post a link to the trailer for you to pass along if they want to see what the whole deal is about. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.screamfestla.com (and you can go there for all other info)
So I hope that the weekend has been a good one spent with family and friends. AN ORDINARY KILLER and BLOOD TIES both release Oct 20th, 2009 (Tuesday) so buy them, rent them and have a Halloween watching!
Don’t let the boogie man get you:)
DJ
Cider dreams and movie updates…
Almost all coffee filled for the day and ready to tackle H2O and some yard work. I drink lots of water all through the day. Last night was filled with hard cider tasting as a buddy of mine also brews some home brews. I’ve had my fill of apple for the day. Hence water again, but the rain is gone and a beautiful fall day is here. MSU is playing and so just a great day to soak in the vibes of the season.
Filming –
I’ve been getting ready for November working with some great upcoming filmmakers. I’m looking forward to seeing some old friends and making some new friends. I go film in Yuma, AZ on a thriller called “Renovation” and so I’m looking forward to all that. Lines are not a problem just trying to find THE SOUL of that character. I’m getting there and I like the complex nature of the character.
KNIGHT CHILLS our 1st CDI movie that has become a classic low budget deal that shows what little resources and lots of heart can produce. It has been released in multipacks, special editions and now is out with http://www.indieflix.com and is on amazon.com and amazon VOD.
FROM VENUS the SciFi/Horror spoof marks CDI’s 2nd venture with Jeff Kennedy taking the director chair. We at CDI all loves this film because it is all about fun and is a Halloween theme. We are still a pirate ship of filmmakers at this time. You can see the evolution from KNIGHT CHILLS to FROM VENUS. Amber who co-starred went on to win Bret Michael’s heart in ROCK OF LOVE 2. That was trippy watching her on there when I remember her sleeping in the editing room. Funny. It will come to amazon.com and VOD on Oct. 20th.
FIGURE IN THE FOREST and HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS are CDI’s 4th and 3rd movie (yes I typed them backwards) and they are also on amazon VOD so you can have a CDI movie night. These four films marks CDI’s truly “indie” days of shooting non-union. Some day I want to have a box set with all four films and a 5th DVD or whatever format exists, that has us talking about trials and tribulations in the filmmaking experience.
“AN ORDINARY KILLER” marks CDI’s 5th or 6th movie pending where we put THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ. We are doing a holiday promotion while I still work the TV/DVD deals on our animated OZ feature. I got involved when I saw what animator Steve Young was trying to do. With the help of Dennis Therrian and myself we did an animated feature. Not Pixar or Disney but it is a first and maybe more will follow and they also will grow in scope. So under $10.00 with shipping at http://www.whatfunisthis.com BUY A COPY as a gift and support this venture.
“An Ordinary Killer” has a new website at www.triumphantpictures.com/anordinarykillermovie that is promoting the Oct. 20th release. This movie is being sold as what it is and that is a crime drama/thriller NOT a gore slasher.
I’m waiting on solid dates for “Book of Ruth” and T. Hornus is back in with Dennis T. on “Outside the Wire” … “Karma: Crime, Passion, Reincarnation” has 3 showings in November including its first US premiere in NYC on the 15th I think.
It is also playing Belgium and Brazil festivals in November. See IMDB.com for those festivals.
BLOOD TIES also releases on the 20th of October, cool horror flick by friends Jeff Burton and director Nathaniel Nose.
“Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town” will have a showing at AFM to sell the western around the globe.
Also I hear TANGY GUACAMOLE is getting a NEW CUT and a NEW RELEASE. Fun, fun, fun movie!
I also have seen and know there is another JUDGES cut out there. Is a special edition in the cards, maybe:)
I hope everyone has a great weekend!
DJ
Welcome October!
My coffee is roasted almond, yes I can can changes. Hazelnut is still my favorite. October is and has always been my favorite month. The leaves are turning in Michigan and the mornings are crisp. I have friends out hunting w/ bow that will usually land some venison in the freezer and steaks on the grill. Soon I rack some mulberry wine into bottles and winterizing has slowly began. I truly do love Michigan and the fall is best! I enjoy working around the home with Michigan State playing football on the radio or TV. They have not been able to seal a deal yet this season. Pumpkins and corn husks adorn peoples homes and for all the hardships in Michigan people seem to be getting by okay.
I had a few opportunities to film in October but I’m using the time to straighten some business deals and prep for my role in Yuma. Recently http://www.cdiproductions.com came on board “in association” with the Yuma thriller to assist in distribution. The movie “Renovation” starts rolling cameras Nov. 2nd and so for me it has been a time of character exploration. I’m looking forward to seeing some old friends and making some new ones.
Things have been really busy on the business front as we get ready for the VOD releases of “Knight Chills” and “From Venus” to amazon VOD (Oct 6th we are told) and prepare for the Oct. 20th DVD release of “An Ordinary Killer” and “Blood Ties.”
http://www.myspace.com/anordinarykiller
As if that wasn’t enough in November “Karma: Crime, Passion, Reincarnation” which is now playing across India on BIG DTH and Dish TV and several smaller TV outlets. It also will make its US debut at the MIAAC Film Festival in NYC. I was asked to attend a press conference there but I think I will be in Yuma.
November/December will also see the release of “BOOK OF RUTH” into theaters, DVD and TV. I’m proud of this movie which was a journey to make. They will conclude their wrap up business in October here to be ready for release.
Lastly for the Holiday season we have made a special deal for “THE PATCHWORK GIRL of OZ” our one CDI animated film. To see a new trailer and buy it go to
http://www.whatfunisthis.com/What_Fun_Is_This/Oz_Patchwork.html
It is specially priced under $10 w/ shipping just for the holiday season. I’m in the process of putting together TV/DVD deals for this title and so get it now while you can.
As you can see that is a whole lotta releasing! I’m also very deep in putting together the entire CDI slate talking with various studios. I might be announcing some new management/representation in the coming months. I do have a new Hollywood attorney Mr. Marty Barab that is representing me in some personal endeavors as well as several CDI projects. I want to welcome him on board.
So I hope everyone is having a great weekend.
Pray that mother nature gives some rest to all those people being quaked, battered by storms, flooded out. As Chief Seattle stated we are all part of that web of life and we need to recognize and respect that fact.
DJ
Off to meet with fans…fun part of the job!
Sipping my backup coffee with no hazelnut creamer and I’m kind of enjoying the bitter taste. It is fall in Michigan and the leaves are turning and falling slowly. I’ve been VERY happy with the way things have been progressing on many fronts. I’m trying to set my schedule up into 2010 and so far it is looking pretty good. I’m typing on my new http://www.djperryblog.com which goes to http://www.djperryfanclub.com ran by Pepper and Myspace. Speaking of the social network site…
I’m asking my friends to take a look at the re-mastered “An Ordinary Killer” that releases October 20th, 2009. Please add as a friend below and show your support. The Deluxe edition has the painting of the police car and lone officer in white on amazon.com
http://www.myspace.com/anordinarykiller
Speaking of amazon and Amazon VOD our 1st CDI features KNIGHT CHILLS and FROM VENUS will premiere on there Oct. 6th in time for Halloween. If you want to see how it all began with a few dollars and a lot of hard work than please check it out! The postings will go up next week I’m guessing.
KARMA, Crime, Passion, Reincarnation is heading to US Shores. I’m told it will play at the famous MIAAC Film fest sometimes in NYC between the 11th -15th of November but this is not in stone yet. I’m told that it is playing Pay Per View across India on Dish TV and such.
NEWS TODAY!
One of my scripts produced is SAVAGE, a cool monster flick. It is having two screenings, an indoor screening today at 3pm and an outdoor screening (weather permitting) later that night (approx. 10:30pm). Many cast and crew members have already made their plans to attend. Should be a great time. www.horrorfindweekend.com
Also they recently launched a new website. Check it out at www.fearmakers.com.
I will not be there to see SAVAGE because I will be at the DURAND FANTASY FEST today at the Durand VFW, 923 N. Saginaw Street, Durand, MI, 48429 to shake some hands and meet some fans.
Other updates – My attorney and I are trying to work out the WILD MICHIGAN deal. I actually feel good because no MIDDLE MAN screwing things up. The progressing being made now is solid and built on truth and I can’t ask for anything more. Right now I’m 100% focused on the BIZ and will worry about the SHOW once I can re-align everything.
All our in-house directors are in development on various feature films. Monday we are back into editing on the Tony Hornus doc film “Outside the Wire” and so back to work!
We lost our playoff soccer match last week after a great game. It was a tie 1-1 and we went to a shoot out. We were still tied after that and went to sudden death shoot out and we lost. I was not a shooter so I got to watch from the sidelines. My brother and I who are both defense players went off the field at the last minute and put better shooters out there. We had a great year and few injuries and now we set our sights on indoor soccer.
Have a great weekend!
DJ
Stay in the sunshine…
I just deleted an update that concerned a business dealing where someone just did not do something they were meant to do. I no longer work with this person and I think once again this illustrated why. Had the biz relationship worked out it would still be in effect. But no time to dwell on someone who continues to perform in the same old way. Some things never change but we are about change. Positive change!
I would rather stay focused on the future and walk in the sunshine. ALL the bumps in the road have been cause for change. The changes ahead are big and so a new road lies ahead. We will look back one day and smile at the early days and the challenges. I’m meeting, learning and working with more experienced people in our industry and they are also now taking notice of my personal work (acting, writing) and also my work with THE TRIBE (CDI). I’ve stated before that things often do NOT happen within our desired timeline . I still believe that when a story NEEDS to be told it seems to come together.
Not everyone may like to infuse the mystic “EVERYTHING IN ITS TIME” into the movie/storytelling process. But it cannot all be just about the shells and beads earned. To Patrick Swayze, I’m sure at the end of his journey it was about the people he touched with his stories not the dollars. Did he make people believe in love, justice, friendship and illustrate that with his work? Millions of dollars will not save you, me, Mel Gibson, Tom Hanks… and so the work itself can be priceless. It allows us to give long after we are gone. The art direction staff in THE WIZARD OF OZ probably mostly dead but not their work. Nobody can or will ever take DANCES WITH WOLVES away from Kevin Costner no matter what other box office numbers may or may not happen. Composer John Williams and his theme to STAR WARS will invoke chills for hundreds of years or more I’m sure.
In Conclusion:
In these hard times where we must also chase the paycheck remember that the art that you birth into this world will live long beyond the compensation does. To all of you that have given, are giving and will give…thank you.
This update is dedicated to Patrick Swayze and the many artists we lost this year. So we’ll talk business in another update.
DJ – The artist
Live each day as your last…
So many people never do for fear of failure. Change comes from trying and learning. You should not put off that call, visit or action that you’ve been meaning to do. The thing is life can be short and how you live will be remembered long after you are gone. Know that random acts of kindness create random results in our own lives.
The news has been blasting the past few days about a double murder in Owosso, Michigan. The first person was an activist and that helped capture national attention. The second killing was a businessman who happened to be our first investor in “Wild Michigan” and how tragic a story. Despite the fact we are dealing with a dishonest person who has hurt the projects earlier launch we will make that film. It has struck the CDI group hard. One of our producers had spent some time with him the night before and he had no idea what was to come that morning. Do you? Do I? Many good friends and family have gone in the last year or two. So while we are able to keep chasing our dreams others are at rest, their chase ended. PEACE.
So enjoy the struggles of life in part. That is life. A million dollars will not remove struggle. A new house, new car…still struggles. I can honestly say that I am at peace and enjoy my life, family and friends. I still work very hard and I enjoy the end results. Let us talk about a few of those updates.
The movie SAVAGE is getting ready for a festival premiere.
http://fearsmag.com/08/index.php/News/Firts-look-at-SAVAGES-poster.html http://www.shockya.com/news/2009/09/03/savage-movie-poster/ http://www3.webng.com/horrormoviesandstuff/Savage.html http://www.28dayslateranalysis.com/2009/09/savage-first-one-sheet.html
I hear KARMA, CRIME, PASSION, REINCARNATION is playing a Belgium Festival and going to theaters in the UK.
http://www.centremultimedia.org/International-competition.133.0.html
BOOK OF RUTH is gearing up for a distribution run and they will settle all their business first. Very excited to see this get out there. Join the MYSPACE site for updates!
Tuesday Sept. 15th KNIGHT CHILLS releases on Indieflix.com and will be also on amazon.com and VOD there.
Fans of DEAN TEASTER’S GHOST TOWN are welcome to visit the park and see where we filmed. Here is Stella Parton singing to Robert Bradley (both are co-stars in the film)
http://www.ashvid.net/video/miss-stella-parton-sings-at
I’m reading lines and getting ready for RENOVATION which will be a great project. More updates here soon. Here is a cool interview with my female co-star Charlene Khalaf.
http://www.youtube.com/user/RampantDirector
Anyway, it was a chill weekend getting stuff done. It was funny while doing work I watched MIRACLE AT SAGE CREEK which was on 2 channels and watched many of my friends and after that was a western with a young Renee O’Connor called FOLLOW THE RIVER. I love seeing friends doing their thing.
I have a practice soccer match today before the playoffs start. It will be a fun day.
Take care everyone and live fully!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 