So before I get into my weekly chat I will note how nice it is to have temps climbing back into the “above zero” range. One of our furry babies has some knee issues and the cold has been really hard on his joints. Many of us can likely relate to all that. I spent last night down on the couch with my buddy who is having the issue. The vet had said he might need surgery at some point. I’m just afraid it might be sooner versus later. We’ve been through all that with one of our other dogs and it is a real process. I’m happy to say our dog who did have the procedure is doing just great. So my buddy’s knee(s) was hurting him bad last few days and the stairs were not going to work last night for him. He cried being left alone downstairs and so I came to him to bring the snuggles. They are going to up his meds some to help control some of the pain for now but that is just a band-aid. Something more will need to be done here soon. So with that said, back to work in 2014! Surgery is not cheap for people or animals.

I had some good enjoyable meetings this week. I had a sit down with legal over sushi, late night production meetings over a home-brew  and many phone meetings. I’m working to house clean CDI biz and simplify things within the company. I need to stay on top of things as our CDI sales team gets into more direct business. We’re now in talks with buyers in a few more territories around the globe.  So we should see more of the CDI films rolling out to international audiences. I submitted several to them and now we wait as they evaluate.

One small setback with “The Beast” which is on hold until GPI can fully move here to the USA.  Our first collaboration with GPI was “Darkest Night” and is supposed to be opening on Hulu soon. I haven’t seen it up on Hulu yet but I also have not checked in on Hulu for a while. Post work on “Ashes of Eden” draws to a close and next week editing is to start on “Bestseller” – so that is exciting news on both fronts.

There is a slew of small moves about the board with other projects. I guess my mind is drifting to that place of advice giving. I had a situation recently whereas I had a different view on career moves with my West Coast agent. I’m not one to allow myself to be molded into the norm, the status quo. I’ve had good success by standing on my unique qualities and attributes. Also I’m not desperate for work as I turn down my fair share for one reason or another. But it is just hard to get others to represent you properly the way you represent yourself.  It is hard to get people to sell you a certain way. I would love to move some of that negotiation work over to an agent for their +10% but I still land the best work directly. I will see how the year unfolds as we go agent-wise but I do have several new options opening. Next week many of the industry people will be back in full swing so I look forward to moving some business along. As you work with representation remember it is about working WITH them not FOR them.

Peace be with you on your travels down the path of 2014.

DJ