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

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New Projects & Licensing Deals

Hazelnut coffee is flowing on a chilly May morning. I’m going to blog out these couple thoughts and updates before going out and about this morning. It’s been a good week of business with the weather limiting yard work.  We’ve had our fair share of rain this week and that is helping our grass seed to grow nicely. I actually was in talks this week on a many new film projects and I will focus in on a few here soon.

I have before me multiple scripts –  WW2, an ancient period piece, a comedy, a western all circling me. I do need to pick one day to do some major reading. I announced last week that I have new management and already I’m working with her on approaching a few studio projects. These projects are directed by some big talents and it would be a true honor. A few of the scripts come from my independent brothers and sisters and so this week I will review, discuss and we’ll see what projects fit me best. I do have a one day pick up on “Bestseller” so soon I’ll be revisiting Mark Franklin for a day. We will start some initial planning on that next week. * TEASE: The trailer is getting close to release and I’m thinking June 1st:) You heard it here first.

There is a big meeting this Tuesday over a project I’ve optioned off. From the talks last week it is looking like it is going to happen and they were asking about me joining their producer team. They did their research and saw some of my acting/producing work. We will see this week how that all shakes out.

I do need to do more of an “open house” and see what gear and such is here locally. We do have a few short form projects on deck. By short form I mean music video and promotional videos. I’m looking for shooters with their own gear and so I will start to look at what a small local team would look like.

Yesterday we had an offer on one of the films come via a 3rd party distributor for China, which is one of the BIG emerging territories. I’ve known this distributor for a long time and they pay out but why their licenses are so darn low I’ll never know. I licensed the same film for much more to another territory. We will see what happens but China is also an option for us in the near future. Most recently “ASHES OF EDEN” was discussed as a possible.

Speaking of…”ASHES OF EDEN” is out to many distributors and we are still sending to more while we decide what the next moves are. We have some PR reviewers that are reviewing now. We  may show at a  few festivals, but licensing is my main focus. I had to preach some patience as it takes a while to seek and make the right deal. Many cannot even get a distribution deal but getting a deal that yields money is another task all together.

We are in talks with several territories and I’m excited to keep licensing, licensing, licensing!

OK. I need to hit the coffee well again and prepare for a nice day out and about.

I hope you all have a wonderful Saturday!

DJ

 

Posted by  |  May 17, 2014 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Management, Michigan and Mark Franklin

We’ve had a few beautiful days here in Michigan and I’ve made sure to do most of my work outdoors on the patio. I’ve had some great business calls and meetings this week. We’ve broken into my STAN REED’S SUMMER BREW at these meetings to a good response. It is just great seeing all the green and spring flowers blooming. Today I might be racking the coconut/banana wine to the secondary fermentation – from the activity I’ve seen I think it is going to be STRONG! I’m looking forward to spending some time with momma tomorrow and showing her my appreciation. Let’s take a look at the week and see what film entertainment topics we can discuss.

DONORS – Upcoming first showing in Yuma, AZ on May 24th – so if you are in the area and want to attend

SCREENING LINK : https://www.facebook.com/events/649394905132609/

ASHES OF EDEN – This film is out to those who showed first interest which is about 2 dozen companies. It will take 2-3 weeks to get a full evaluation. Fast response is usually the PASSES and the companies that take a bit longer – that tends to be good sign – usually meaning that they are passing a film about to their team. The decision is take on a film is usually a group decision so a little added time is often a good thing. We’re exploring the various theatrical options currently as that will be the next phase. We will shop for a while to find the right fit for this film. Patience:)

BESTSELLER – The trailer that will give the first look on this film is almost done. I’m excited to let people have a 1st peek. The film cut is almost done also. It has been decided that we will do a 1 day pick up day with a skeleton crew to get a few extra pieces that will enhance the film. After that I think we will do a TEST SCREENING for an audience. After that, the agreements are all in place to start music and sound design. Once we insert those new pieces and lock up the visual we will polish it all up! From everything I’ve seen I think we are about to have a very exciting film.

The first phase of business with our German, Austria, Switzerland distributor is done and we are now in talks on getting a new slate of CDI projects released there. We are also close with Brazil and the UK and perhaps even Australia. It is fun to roll this films out to our international fans. We are also continuing to present to a few TV networks and so perhaps some of the films will be heading to a TV station in your location.

I am happy to announce that I have new management for my acting. Myra MacKay is a 30 year vet working with several of Hollywood power movers and A-List artists. She is set to oversee my transition into TV and Studio films. This model is not shotgun random but targeting projects that I feel will be a strong fit. I’ve been happy working the independents and will continue but this team that includes former power manager to the stars Jerry Cohn, believe that I just need a major platform to introduce my performance to the  larger domestic audience. I’ve already got a couple of major projects that I’m being positioned to participate in. I figure between now and age 50 I might do another 20 films and why not make a few of those studio? I’m ready to mix it up on that level. I just have never liked all the BS in the casting system but now I’ve got some people who seem capable of handling this transition. Some of it is that, WHO YOU KNOW – BUT you have to be ready to present what you have when you have their attention. I think my body of work does that and so let’s do this. If you want to inquire about my schedule, availability contact Myra MacKay at mymack@charter.net  and she will be happy to discuss. Please make sure your project is funded before coming to her with offers. I want to respect her time.

So the next role for me is a one day return to Mark Franklin from BESTSELLER. I had to push back another project a bit because I need to get this done so post work can stay moving forward. We are in talks on a new CDI associated film that I’m starting to get excited about. The film I had to push is still gathering funds and things are coming together there. I’m just taking care of business that is in front of me. A handful of films to roll out to audiences and more coming together. I truly do feel blessed making a living doing what I love – writing, producing and acting.

Follow your dreams and keep CLAWING YOUR WAY TO THE MIDDLE:)

DJ

 

Posted by  |  May 10, 2014 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment