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

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Tis the Season Wrap Up’s

I’m at home with my loved ones enjoying a snow day while sipping some hot hazelnut coffee and updating all of you. I was supposed to be in Pontiac finishing my last couple days filming on “Dead Quiet” but the snow storm caused a push. It has been a busy week between personal and business endeavors. Let me see if I can recap a few of these – personal and professional…

1) As some now I was passenger in a Thanksgiving day roll-over that resulted in our household getting a new vehicle. The shopping was almost everyday and we did get to test drive in bad snow so that was useful.

2) Some legal wrap ups underway which is an ongoing thing. Our industry is full of people who have to be put into check. I’m sure this is in many industries but our world of film is a web of agreements.

3) Follow up on some of the foreign licensing deals underway or developing

4) “7 Stones” DVD is now for sale  http://www.amazon.com/7-Stones-D-J-Perry/dp/B00GWT8LE0/ref=sr_1_9?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1387036126&sr=1-9&keywords=7+stones

AND VOD (Video on demand) sales to start next week. A great Christmas gift.

5) I had to disperse $ to some investors which is something I really enjoy doing. We also have domestic money flow starting on one of our other films that came to market a few months back so that is always good.

6) My studio talks are continuing hindered slightly by the approaching holidays and their end-of-year wrap up like everyone else. We are examining business to be done between us and I know 2014 will bring new business dealings.

7) I’m in the last stages of an option to purchase agreement on one of my scripts. In addition to developing some of my scripts for production I do plan to sell a few. I will do this direct and also my agency wants to shop a few. We will see if they can do as well as I do:)

8)  The “Faith film” front is looking good and so we hope to get the next project following “Book of Ruth” up and going in 2014. I think we are close but it is always close until money is there.

9) I had to mourn the destruction of my elementary school this week which was sad. A buddy of mine from 3rd grade and I toasted to its passing.

10) I’m giving some advice and speaking to someone who is looking to turn a book into a film. On that same develop level I am doing some reading on another project that could be coming to camera in 2014. More once the deal is signed.

11) I did sign my ‘LOI” on the western film “Rifle” that looks to be on track to film this Spring. It would be my latest star turn in a western since “Ghost Town” and I’m eager to get back in the saddle.

12) I’m looking forward to another childhood buddy coming home for the holidays. I enjoy the time with family and friends.

13) Footage prep on “Bestseller” almost done and editing goes full speed after Christmas.

14) “Ashes of Eden” has some ADR and final music but is on track to be complete this month.

I think my blog has been inspired by my Christmas lists that I’ve been working hard to check off. I’m an impulse shopper and I have limited patience for the process so I try to start in advance. I’ve done good keeping up with wrapping while on business calls. I’m going to sign off and get a few things done today. Stay warm out there and enjoy the spirit of the season. Be good to one another.

DJ

Posted by  |  December 14, 2013 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Keeping Focus and 2014 Teases

I’m enjoying sipping the coffee on this chilly morning. I slept sound last night after some long moments in the cold yesterday shooting on the film “Dead Quiet”. I got to have some extreme FX make up done with some latex which I’m still peeling off in little pieces. It was nice to see Gabrielle Stone and work again with her. It is hard to believe it was 4 years – oh, how time flies. I also met some real nice cast and crew and I think they will pull off a good film.

It has been a busy week of business as many opportunities that have been worked on for some time have been opening up. It appears that the western that I’ve signed on to star in is moving along and once they do a formal PR announcement I will discuss more. It appears that the faith films in the vein of “Book of Ruth” could be going into production in 2014. Looking at sales reports we should be doing more of these. There appears to be an option against purchase on one of my scripts looking promising. Production and distribution options via a studio could be looming as discussions continue on that front. I’m excited about that because while we are doing some good direct sales with CDI Distribution I would love to focus more on production and less on funding and distribution. Also with budgets climbing into multiple millions having some additional experience of a studio would be welcome.

On the post front, “The Terrorist,” “Ashes of Eden,” “Donors” and “Bestseller” will all be coming out in 2014 and we will find a home for the “Supermodel Showdown” TV show. With 3 shows completed and being shown I think we will narrow down and find a home soon. Also many of the CDI library will also be expanding their audience into the foreign market.

Overall I would say that my plate is full. I’ve had 3 other possible acting projects for 2014 start discussions with me and I’m excited by the possibility of those. I enjoy the occasional “just acting” as it provides a much more relaxed journey. As I’ve mentioned before I also am happy that the state of Michigan has had more feature film production happening. Some of the best advice that I’ve ever had or given was to just do your thing. Do it to the best of your ability. (this means producing especially) Don’t keep looking over your shoulder. By this I mean, don’t concern yourself with what everyone else is doing – focus on what you are doing. I’m so busy with running our business and when I’m not busy with that I’m enjoying family and friends – I don’t keep up with everything everyone else is doing. It is not an arrogance it is a management of time. I have only so much time. I can spend it doing my development, production and distribution duties as well as evaluate acting offers. I’ve got an obligation to give my best. It doesn’t mean that I don’t make errors or fall short – but that is happening with my focus. Imagine if I spent more time stalking people’s work to see what they are doing. I don’t wish for what others have I just build my own and keep moving. Plain and simple – I outwork people. I also try to always give my best. That said, so should you. And between those projects remember to live.

Posted by  |  December 7, 2013 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment