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

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Post/Premiere Updates on “Ashes of Eden”/”Bestseller”

This new sunny day comes on the heels of a beautiful full moon and while cold something stirs. I think spring dares to creep into my mind – cook outs and cocktails. New showings will be forthcoming this year with I believe seven new films rolling out. I’ve grown to enjoy the marketing aspect. Working with the CDI sales team I really enjoy being involved with bringing this art to different countries and different people. While we have had some distributors that work we also have had our share of those that do not. I’ve had the pleasure of talking about our library of CDI films with distributors in many territories. For fans of my blog not in our TV/Film industry the domestic market consists of US/Canada. The rest of the world is divided up into forty some territories. Sometimes you sell a country or an area/region. So there is distribution 101 in TV/film. I’m looking to increase the number of allied buyers this year and we look to be in line to fulfill that goal.

We have been blitzing some PR on “Darkest Night” to align with its move to Hulu Plus. The recent success in Berlin of “found footage” style movies has directed some good heat to our film. So IF you like that type of film check it out. I’ll admit here and now NOT my favorite style of filmmaking BUT it was a good experience. Will I ever do another one? It would have to be the right project. I will be working with Russ Williams the writer/producer again but I think this next film will be more traditional.

Some exciting news is that our sales team will be handling “Judges” to the foreign market. I think Australia was the only foreign country that had an earlier release of the film. We plan to change that in the coming year so prepare for BUDDY COLT and the JUDGES to invade a country near you. I had great talks with director Stephen Walker and I will say that discussions about a JUDGES 2 are happening. A script that had “Father Kane” played by the late great Russ Stine, had been written. His passing away took the wind out of the sequel sails for a while but the winds are changing. We both agreed that after we do this foreign blitz with “Judges” we should prep for a sequel.  So to all the “Judges” fans out there – things are happening.

I will be announcing a small pet project soon – actually 2014 could be the year of pet projects. If “Soul Eater” finds its legs along with a few others such as the “An Ordinary Killer” follow-up “Race to Judgment” – it could bring back some old faces. Old character faces, well my face maybe older – not really, grey…ok next topic.

“Ashes of Eden” is getting to the end of post production and our first premiere talks have started. We have had some wonderful interest in this film and I think it will have people talking. We have decided to walk at the end vs run so we make no mistakes and allow maximum creativity. This film is gonna play some theaters and is looking like we will have an international audience. If you have not seen these two trailers/previews go to http://www.ashesofedenmovie.com/trailer.html

As if that wasn’t enough – “Bestseller” is about a week from our rough edit. The goal is 120 minutes of heart pounding tension. The flight footage was just shipped in and we will all be excited to watch the 1st cut and start making notes. I’ve been happy with editor Chad Ice’s passion and excitement while working on this edit. I know that after the 1st cut we will assemble the first teaser trailer. Also things were put in motion to have the behind the scenes materials assembled. David Gries is going to edit some great footage captured by Seth Steele. Also look out for some upcoming poster art!

Distribution talks include too many films to break it all down here and now but trust me when I say that more of our international fans will get to see more of the films. My films are in more than twenty countries and I want to thank all the fans that reach out on the social media. I create these stories as do all the artists involved to entertain and share with you. So thank you.

OK. I have some work to do in the office and planning for the week ahead.

Stay warm!

DJ

Premieres, Professionalism & New Projects

Hello friends,

It has been a great week filled with few distractions save one of my furry children had surgery on his knee but he has been so very good. Luckily resting peacefully when it is cold and winter-like is a strong suit of his. So the nice part is I don’t have any real comments from the week other than I still am waiting for communication from one or two people on some business. I guess I’m already looking past those people because if they drop the ball on something small why would you entrust them with anymore greater. It is sad but that is business. I’m not a hobbyist and so I have to keep some clear lines. Other people are really impressing me and you will see how that affects them. Those people will grow as they adapt a new way of conducting themselves. PROFESSIONAL.

Okay let’s get onto some good updates.

Business with Germany is coming full circle now as “Wicked Spring” released and “Darkest Night” will be next in April followed by “Locked in a Room”. We are in talks on additional films now.

Also we are in talks with companies in Brazil, UK, Australia, India, Asia and soon I’m confident I’ll be announcing new deals.  Also many development talks underway with a handful of companies foreign and domestic. The fruits of many years work is starting to ripen.

“7 Stones” is now on the market and “Darkest Night” just released to Hulu Plus which is exciting. They have a lot of movement through there and we are excited to be reaching so many. And with the recent announcement of the resurgence of “found footage” at Berlin I see many sales ahead!

I’ve got a project that looks like it will shoot in May and so PR on that project will be released in the coming weeks. I’m excited about the genre and the role itself. Some casting will be done on this project – stay tuned for announcements.

“Soul Eater” is also making some real strides and this does look to be the year that we find out what led to “The 8th Plague”. (Great watch if you like horror/gore)

In additional to all this business/creative work I am happy to say I have another writing project on deck. The paperwork should be done end of next week and PR will also go out on that. I’m feeling blessed by all the good progress being made on many fronts. All these calls, emails and writing are perfect snow day activities so I’m just staying warm and knocking stuff down. We’ve also started serious discussions on the premiere set up for “Ashes of Eden” that will be done end of the month. Lastly, “Bestseller” rough cut is getting close and we will also be putting together some behind the scenes and the first look teaser trailer. So I’m extremely excited by all this and can’t wait for audiences/fans/you to see the work.

Enjoy your Saturday!

DJ