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

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Updates & Hints on New Projects

Hazelnut coffee is flowing as another bout of snow gently falls. I’m happy to be here with all of you recounting the events of the week. The traction on deal making is really picking up. I will take a moment to give some heart-felt advice that they don’t teach these kids in their film studies. PROFESSIONALISM IN COMMUNICATION – By this I mean if you are contacted by someone (especially if they have paid you prior) you need to respond in a timely fashion. I would bet that not one of these individuals I’m speaking about has the work load I do. Even if I am extremely busy I will respond back to say I’m extremely busy. From there a mutual good time to communicate can be set up. I’ve been disappointed because a few people who I saw as developing a foothold in our organization may not be. If I’m offering work I’m always amazed at how quickly some people respond and that same person can procrastinate over other call backs. This is a sure sign that this person will have a limited time in our industry and likely not a good investment of time. I want to develop people who really want to be in our industry because it is hard. opportunities are hard to come by and someone given one needs to make the best of it.

Okay onto updates!

“7 Stones” is getting some heat with its entry into VOD/DVD market. The doc film “Outside the Wire” is following behind that release with one of our new release partners.

More talks with companies on our “Supermodel Showdown” TV series. More companies are reviewing our 3 shows that are put together. This is a new area for me so things are a tad slower.

Great distribution and development talks this week with a few companies. We had an offer on our Civil War film but I think we may have to pass. I have some larger deals brewing and I think it will benefit better from one of those deals.

We are still waiting to see what product some new foreign film buyers like. I’m looking forward to expanding our alliance of companies to distribute with.

I had good sit downs with one of our new attorney’s and we will be doing some PR on this new team member. He is dealing with a small handful of issues that is pretty common in our business.

“Ashes of Eden” is closing in on the final scoring and after that a mix and we are done. “Bestseller” is in full editing now with our editor Chad Ice. Marketing will start to ramp up on these projects and we’ve started discussing premiere showings on “AOE”. It is great to note that both films have a lot of interest from distributors and we will find them a great home.

I’ve also been in talks on a few acting projects and I’ve got a secret project I’ve been writing on. It would shoot out-of-state in the spring because the story calls for it. I’ve had some talks on this project and will announce more later. It is a great role that I’m ready to sink my teeth into. I’m also putting some work into gathering investors on “Soul Eater” the prequel to “The 8th Plague”. I would love to film that this winter in Michigan so let’s see how that unfolds.

So my friends, stay warm and be productive. This time is great for buckling down and making stuff happen!

Happy Saturday.

DJ

CDI Film News from Cold Michigan

Beautiful snow ?- Yes it is. But the cold is biting like a winter wolf and I think even the Yeti’s are huddling up for warmth. I had a strong week of business whereas I still have to continue to have patience. I did a lot of gathering of information for 2013 taxes for CDI. I still have to dive into my own but that has become more of a system. I had many great meetings last week with different key people in our organization. Development is happening all over the board and I’m curious to see what project will come out on top. Some are small films and some are studio/network projects – and all are important.

CDI Distribution has some new talks underway with networks, studios and foreign companies and I’m confident that we will be making some new deals here shortly. I had good meetings with old partners and potential new partners.

I’m very pleased to announce that “Bestseller” has moved firmly into editing and we are well into the rough edit with Chad Ice, our editor. PR on that went out this week.

There will be new updates coming on “Ashes of Eden” that is in final scoring as we speak. After that it will be a watch through and mix on the entire film.

We have had more interest from distributors in both of these films. We will see who presents the best offer but I’m excited to bring these to audiences.

On the acting front I just took a read on a project in Miami that would have me playing a cop. I will have to wait and see how negotiations roll on this film but I liked what I read of the book. It’s a very gritty story in a TRAINING DAY sort of vibe.

I think we are getting closer to SOUL EATER and perhaps another biblical story where I’m slated to play a Roman military man. Also development continues on the western which may or may not transition to a TV series for a network.  I also had a comment on “Race to Judgment” the follow-up to “An Ordinary Killer” – I can say that work is being done on it.  I will hold any other comments until something becomes more solid.

I’ve got a full week ahead as we conclude Jan. and so I wish each and every one of you a productive week. Stay safe if you are on the snowy roads and keep warm.

Keep Clawing Your Way To The Middle!

DJ