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

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Boston, Benjamin & Being Thankful

Where to even start? Well let’s start with the topic dominating the US media – Boston. It has been very crazy because one of my best friends from kindergarten through high school was in Boston. Furthermore he had finished the race and was waiting for his new wife. He and I were in martial arts together, sledding, cub scouts, soccer (lots of it) and he was the guy I started doing movies with back in the day when my dad bought his 1st VHS camcorder. Needless to say he was a huge part of my youth and is connected to many of my memories growing up. The two guys behind him lost their legs in the blast. He had scrapes, cuts, blown ear drums and they pulled crap from his legs. They think one piece might be a bone from the guy behind him. Sick. I know. I had an hour whereas I didn’t know if he was dead or alive. This was followed by – if alive – is he intact? He was always one of the fastest runners and very good at sports. I shuddered to think of that but was happy to hear he was alive. He said he looks like he was dragged by a truck but his wounds will heal. I think it will take longer to heal what he saw. We’ve drifted over the years and connect here and there but I was not ready to take that worst case news. I’m so happy for his protection and feel horrible for those less fortunate. So again life trumps business and I’m so happy that this chaos has ended.

Film Updates

“Realizism” had a premiere last night and I have to say I was very pleased. I’ve seen lots of sub par filmmaking during my career. I’ve been on film festival boards who screened lots of entry films many that were nearly unwatchable. I have to say starting with the opening credits – I liked the artistic credits and the smile I wore stayed throughout the film. It was a comedic, dramatic feel good movie. Mitch Nyberg did a great job of bringing that film home. I saw some disorganization from the students here and there while filming but in post-production they turned out a professional quality film. Congrats to each and every one of the artists involved. I think they are going to tour festivals and DVD’s are for sale. Great after party with good food and we had a packed house so go Grand Valley – great program.

“Deadly Renovations” and “Locked in a Room” have continued to sell, sell, sell and if you have not seen these films it is worth a watch. I play a much larger role in the 1st film but my role in the latter is very unique. My 1st masked role:) I know – I have a face for radio:)

The campaign for the Philippine Nightmare “Darkest Night” is underway. Next week we release the PR including distributors poster, trailer, pre-sales – the film releases in July. http://www.darkestnightmovie.com please do check the website. Great inside information on the subject content of the film.

“Ashes of Eden” is over an hour and we have a big push coming up to get a rough cut. “Donors” work continues and “Supermodel Showdown” almost has a 1st show roughed out.

“Benjamin” is heading for a theatrical run before coming out this year so that great film is also on deck. I need to talk with our director and see what is the latest and greatest.

Many films out for licensing consideration. Some good development work underway on new projects. I’m also close to announcing my next actor role. Actually I might have two to announce in the next week or two. I do love creating that person onscreen and helping to tell a good story. Well crazy Michigan got some snow last night but the sun is out. Last week we got all the wiring done in the new office and all the panels inside up. Some cool cosmetic work also done and I’m ready to start having many more pow wow’s and launch more films. I hope you all have a wonderful day. Now I have a friend in Beijing that just got hit by a massive earthquake so I’m trying to see if he is okay. Appreciate your family and friends!

DJ

Posted by  |  April 20, 2013 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Special B-Day AND Achieving Balance

I want to start my blog by wishing my brother a very happy birthday. He is an incredible artist in his own. I might be more of a performance artists but he is awesome at work with his hands. He can draw, paint, sculpt, wood burning and the list goes on. We had a great childhood growing up together and even lived together for a handful of years as adults. We still see each other every week if I’m not away shooting a film. He as well as many of my close family and friends are the main reason I don’t live near a hub city. Despite the fact I’m not a city person I just could not be one of those people who see their loved ones once a year or every couple of years. Others can make that move and devote more of themselves to their career path. So I chose the longer path to where I wanted to go so that I could still have all that in my life. I love making movies but I also love the people in my life.  It is a balance that everyone must work to achieve.

In my world of film it has been good, consistent work. I’m working with our post-house and supervisor to complete the music score on “Donors” and the TV series “Supermodel Showdown – The Beauty Within” which has been fun to revisit. I’m also working my patience because our new E.P. is NOT in our business. He seems to be part of the masses that think you wave a magic wand and stuff just gets done. It always amuses me (better than offend) that people so underestimate what we do as artists. Both in the performance and in the creation of these properties. When just anyone thinks they can just step in – say a few lines, smile and hey I’m an actor. I would love to do that to others – “Hey, back up I’ll finish this triple by-pass” or “Take 5 I’ll land the plane for us all” or how about ” Throw me those beakers I can mix us up some chemicals”… I think you get the point. So just a wave of my magic wand and I’ll have this all done in no time flat.

This week I also had some great development talks and we are looking to place more of the films at networks or to foreign territories. We are starting to prep for the July release of http://www.darkestnightmovie.com and we will see how US audiences take to the Philippine nightmare. If you like horror “Deadly Renovations” and “Locked in a Room” are out there on the market. There is still “Donors” moving down the line also.

This month we will see the film “Realizism” which is a comedy drama with a heartfelt message. It was directed by Mitch Nyberg and was shot in conjunction with Grand Valley University. It mixed seasoned professionals with students. It will play next week in Grand Rapids on the big screen before DVD’s go for sale.

I think we will leave this update for now. I hope this cold passes and we can get back to working in the yard. I’m looking forward to getting the garden going and cleaning up the yard from post office build.

DJ

Posted by  |  April 13, 2013 | Categories: Blogroll | Leave a comment