“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” ― Sun Tzu

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NEW FILM ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PROJECT UPDATES

Coffee, snow and here we go! The last few weeks have been focused as we worked to stay on a developmental timeline for a film project. It is a project that we’ve only spoken about on a TV interview a few weeks ago. I don’t like to blow the trumpets on a project until full money is locked up in the bank. Our account opens on Tuesday and by the end of next week all funds deposited. This is a project that I was compelled to write and that really resonated with investors, actors and distributors. But even more important it resonated with me. I have to feel a connection to a role/film.

I often see films that make me wonder why they are lackluster in their execution but I think it starts with the core people. If you’re making a film only for projected profits or even just to make “something”… I think the special qualities never become fully realized. Think of some of your favorite films, even little films and they have heart. Now I’ve gotten on my soap box many times over the business aspects which we are also doing but the artistic is also important. When I see a project asking for volunteers in important artistic functions I know there is a good chance that the opening credits might be the best part about a project. I’ve also made sub par product in the beginning of my career but I can say it usually boiled down to budget, or lack there of. But even a few highly skilled artists with vision can do amazing things. Anyway, I’m not quite ready to fully announce this next project but at least I explained why. I will say that it is entitled “40 Nights” and is a period piece. We have some amazing talent on board and are still bringing a few more to task. It will shoot in Yuma, AZ in March so we will be departing this cold for a few weeks. Now let’s look at a few new film updates.

This weekend the FX and opening credits are being dropped into BESTSELLER. Next week we will have a marketing meeting with Chris Knight over the roll out of the film. Dennis Therrian is working on scoring the film as he does a final pass on sound design. The film may also be releasing another trailer soon. The film has really come to life and with so many distributors asking about it I’m confident it will please the masses.

WICKED SPRING new DVD artwork was released as well as the June 2nd release date. The distributor has begun talks with retailers and I am planning a few theatrical showings to kick off the PPV, VOD, BluRay-DVD re-release. I’ve had many fans reach out already to share their excitement. Thank you so much.

ASHES OF EDEN is rolling out nationally in May and we are all excited to promote this title. The reviewers are enjoying this film and I think audiences will also. I know that at least a 1st draft of a follow-up project with Mr. Hagedorn may be in his hot little hands.

Wicked_Spring_DVD_CoverFRONT_ONLY

A slew of films were sent over for review by a couple of TV networks. I expect a couple of titles to be picked up. I have to follow-up on several foreign sales deals underway.

KNIGHT CHILLS II also released some 1st artwork and that script is moving right along. A shoot time has not yet been set but I would guess autumn 2015. The interest is there and I’ve even had some 1st distributor talks. Beware!

WASTELAND teaser should be getting close to done. The movie poster is being painted, yes I said painted. And the film edit should be about half way. We have also started some 1st talks with a CGI individual about the Sky Marshal ship. All very cool stuff!

DONORS – Official release next week with release dates and other information!

I have a 9:30 am coffee meeting with our director on the yet to be fully discussed film. So I’m going to wrap it up here and refill the old coffee cup.

Enjoy your weekend!

DJ

Character Development & Laying Foundations

It’s the early afternoon and I’m typing from my new computer. This week I’ve been trying to set up what will be my work tool for the next couple years. My last MAC was a great work horse and if I get the same from this one I will be very happy. I’m still trying to get some of my key software moved onto this computer. It is no secret that I’m not a computer wiz. I do get by but technology is one of the few things that can really disrupt my zen. So far my patience has been pretty good. This morning was nice whereas I went to an estate sale of someone who was at least in part a brewer of wine & beer. This is a hobby I also share and so I picked up a few books, a siphon and even some random wines that this fella made. So I will get to taste someone else’s fruits of their labor. I also got a nice coat of arms for the office. This week I also found a character piece. I often like to have some object that I help build a role around. Sometimes you may never see the object be it a ring, a coin in the pocket or so on. This object is an old wood hammer. It may give some hint as to the type of role I will be playing soon. This project is almost a full go and once it is we have a lot to announce on it. It has been in development for a while and will be a fun challenge. Let’s look at some of the other updates.

This coming week I will be releasing some 1st artwork and PR on “Wicked Spring,” and “Donors” films. We had a great review on “Donors” by genre author Nancy Gideon.

“Ashes of Eden” has had a one month push due to talks with Wal-Mart on release dates. I’m sure that announcement will be going out.

“Bestseller” FX and opening credits are done and this week we should have our first pass on sound design all done. A second pass to make sure all is there and music work will begin.

Five CDI films are being sent for consideration to a pair of TV networks we’ve done business with before.

“Knight Chills II” will have a press release this week with some new info and some 1st teaser artwork. Some first distributor talks have also started on this title.

We had a meeting over a few of the earlier CDI titles discussed getting released this year on DVD/VOD.

TV and foreign buyer discussions also continue and I think we will see many more titles moving throughout the world marketplace.

The end of the year State filings and other non-sexy movie work has also taken some of my focus and time.

With the hard work paying off we should have some solid movement in the next two weeks from development into pre-production. I’ve been balancing my time between the forthcoming role(s) and producing work. My two scripts I have in process have slowed while I try to get my software onto my new computer. But this foundation work will all pay off. The CORNERSTONE to it all. SQUARE business. Keep it all on the LEVEL.

Have a great weekend and a productive week ahead!

DJ