I want to start by welcoming some of our additional new blog readers from Brazil! What I love is that artists from all corners of the globe are finding this blog journey of interest. I know that it often contains bits of wit and wisdom that one can apply to their own person journey. It has been a great time lately refocusing, evaluating and preparing for the next set of adventures and actions to be put in motion for the forthcoming 2015. I’ve really been training mind, body and spirit – removing distractions and reassigning energy.

In this age of social media expression I find that many waste precious moments. Rather than look within they are seeking something externally.  I’ve heard people say that much of the social media experience has become listening to venting, complaining and such. I have removed almost all my attention from these such distractions. In my opinion, venting should give way to visualization of new avenues and course of actions. Complaining often shifts blame from where it should be – the self. If you aren’t the source issue you are surely allowing others to effect you. I’ve seen immense amount of time people have spent to negatively try to verbally belittle someone else’s artists doings. By the time they’ve spent all their time on others they could have created something new. Now those people can compound their waste of time and energy trying to hate on each new venture. I would often wonder why these people don’t selfishly use that energy to benefit themselves. If you can’t overcome your own laziness, failure, shortcomings you will never reach your goals. And the blame will always be placed on others who are gaining success by hard work.

I’m happy to have risen above all that nonsense. Like I’ve said before – it gets to a point where if someone throws an insult, slant or a jab – I’m asking …”Which project are you talking about?” and “Who are you again?” – If you’re a negative person – I likely have not invested much time getting to know who you are. I don’t like business associates nor friends who seem to carry their dark cloud with them. Honest fact can also be harsh but I never say things to harm. It is a fact that if I don’t care I won’t even spend the energy to say anything. Life will teach you your lesson(s). But if I care – I may speak and I won’t be one of the sugar-coated, silver tongue devils. If your shit isn’t together I may encourage you to do so- which is a good sign that I may wish to collaborate at some time. But I’m not about helping someone who won’t help themselves. Some choose to remain in their ass kiss circles – lying to one another and wondering why they aren’t developing as quickly as they had hoped.  And of course it’s often made out to be someone else’s fault. So if you have toxic people like this in your sphere they are due honesty or avoidance – pending how likely you see an ongoing business relationship.

Speaking of business – let us look at some developments.

ASHES OF EDEN – Deliverables are being put together and marketing will begin in full very soon. The distributor is excited and so are we. We know the power of this film and it will translate to a solid business endeavor. Also some major foreign deals are underway.

BESTSELLER – This film has visual mastering underway. Also music, sound and FX work – we have had some early interest from our preview trailer during the AFM market. After our post production summit we are all excited to see this film done. Audiences should really enjoy this film. It will be another great project created right here in the state of Michigan.

DONORS – This film has a foreign offer forthcoming and I believe next week we will have a domestic offer. This cool little thriller deals with some important subject matter. Check it out at http://www.donorsthemovie.com

The Special Edition announcement of IN THE WOODS might be joined by another classic film. The Civil War drama WICKED SPRING has a few options and I’m reviewing a deal as we speak. This film will get a special edition in 2015. Stay tuned.

WASTELAND – The CDI Associated Sci-Fi Western will have some interesting announcements this week. One includes a key crew member that I’m happy to say is coming from our state of Michigan. I will pull the right artist where it is deemed the best fit. This individual has passion that reminded me of myself many years ago. He gave his interest and passion without first asking what was in it for him. He was willing to work the lowest of jobs just to learn and be part of an organization like CDI. He was surprised by what happened next I’m sure. We  have plans for this person in 2015 so look for an announcement next week.

Good Job Advice –

Those out there who have had to “learn and earn” through hard work and not simply feel entitled by some degree . If you ask about money first when you are inexperienced – you’re in the wrong business. You can make much better money in other careers for sure. I think for many, filmmaking sounded like fun. Face it, It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like films. But when it gets hard many want to cut corners or wash their hands of something as quickly as they can. That is NOT how films are made. Those are the weed that need to be pulled from the garden. I will nurture when I see the true passion to do what we do. Many others will have their phase and move on into other career fields. I take what I do very serious and I know what its taken for me to get this far. I can often work one film with someone and usually tell who will still be around in five years. What we do is hard. Not everyone can do it. Not everyone should do it. If you are a complainer, venter, blamer – you should seek a new career field. Because you will slowly just burn bridges and be left on an island of isolation whereas a new career field is your only choice. You may also damage projects, communities and yourself deeply before you are marked and avoided. So I think many communities of film business artists would benefit from the early retirement of many of these people before they are forced out by their bridge burning. (Long Pause)  Now if you’ve read this previous set of harsh statements and said, “I’m staying.”

“I’m going to be that person who makes the set fun.”

“I’ll be the first to set and last to leave.”

“I will speak kindly on the hardest days because I truly love being part of a teams making stories.”

“I’m going to make myself be valued to the extent I will always be the object of someone’s hiring.”

To those people – I welcome you. You might have what it takes to be part of an ongoing tribe. A rich tradition of storytelling. To give yourself fully to the story once committed despite the size of the crew, paycheck or equipment package. Actors for all their flaws gets this mentality. Once they are committed they don’t care what kind of camera is pointed at them. They will give 100% every time. It is why most of my producers are actors. The best crew members are also of this mentality. They set out to make something great with each set up, take and scene. When you bring committed artists together on both sides of the camera behind a powerful script (Note I didn’t say improv/or winging in) – that passion will bleed onto the medium. That story will have the heart and love infused and audiences will respond. Wrap this all in good business and you have contributed to filmmaking as a whole. I have sacrificed much in my life and I always give 100%. I just cannot and do not respect anyone in our field that gives anything less. That is my truth.

Happy Saturday.

DJ