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

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Daphne, Distribution and Doing Prep Work!

It is Saturday morning and my day is slowly getting started. Our little Aussie Shepherd/Golden Retriever had to have surgery. She unfortunately had to as a puppy after an accidental coach fall when she was very young. The surgery went great and she was a little speed demon up to a while ago. Long short she had ruptured her ACL and had knee surgery. I was more worried than I let on and I feel today like after a big shoot. I’m truly exhausted. Now just a lot of extra care to get her back to normal. I missed the world premiere of “Benjamin” in NYC last night. I also pushed some meetings and such because my mind was on Daphne. I was relieved but like I said previously, exhausted. I’m finally getting my bearings back this morning. I was proud of the artists associated with “Benjamin” as I’ve been with all the films rolling out. I’m way past seeing myself on the big screen and it was nothing compared to seeing Daphne return home safe with her shaved leg and cone head piece. I’m very happy!

On the “Benjamin” tip I hear that we had a great showing and I know they are looking at a few MI showings so I will attend one of the others. Aside from that I’ve been working lines on a script for the end of July playing a Robin Hood like character. It is funny because I’ve been cast in that direction a few times. I play a good rogue with a heart of gold. I also put a read down for a Lincoln project being done in Virginia. I think it is being produced by Tony & Ridley Scott. I will see what they think of that read which I felt was pretty good:) 

I’ve been in talks on films in MA, Morocco, France, Mexico and such. I think it will be a busy end of the year. I like that busy, busy and than the holidays that follow. Distribution talks continue on many of the films and I’m excited that soon they will be out to audiences. Development and film production opportunities keep growing stronger. I think we will see some new films moving into production.

I’ve been doing some good networking with other producers in LA with more experience to help guide the new projects. We have production down and it is really just about finding the best distribution in each genre for each film. It is slowly getting there. I mean we’ve had to deal with our share of setbacks but we keep driving forward. It will be an exciting next couple of years.  I will keep CLAWING MY WAY TO THE MIDDLE:)

Have a safe Holiday weekend!

DJ

Posted by  |  June 30, 2012 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

Reflections on the Journey

OK. Well as some of you might have read yesterday I woke up fresh and early on my Bday and wrote a very deep thoughtful blog. I tried to attach a picture and I lost it all. It was snatched my techno gremlins but I think it was to teach me some lesson. Basically,  It was reflective ramblings about my journey. The basic gist of the post was that I’m at peace. I don’t feel I have anything to prove to people in regards to my art. Once long ago people use to laugh when I said I wanted to be a film actor/filmmaker. This journey has taken me to remote waterfalls in the Costa Rican jungle. I’ve sipped whiskey and listened to the hauntingly beautiful call to prayer sounded as the sun fell beneath the Ooty mountains in India. I’ve felt the power of tropical storms slam the mansion of a mango estate in the Philippines. I could go on and on and so I feel blessed that I believed in myself. I pushed on when I felt like quitting.  I feel good in knowing that if I was to pass on from this life,  folks could spend a week or so exploring all the art I’ve helped to create. I’ve done what I set out to do. The fan mail from different countries telling me of their favorite film and how it touched them moves me deeply. Now I look ahead and think of the many more stories I’ve yet to tell. I’ve been visualizing on the next 8 years and what more I will look to do. It has and will continue to be an exciting journey. I implore you all to stay the course on your own journeys. The rewards of touching others with your art is beyond words.

Now that my Birthday has passed I have to say it was one of my best. I was with some good people from different stages of my life. Friends from my days as a martial arts instructor, old school friends and soccer mates. The CDI Tribe was represented of course and so overall it was just a great day. I was also so humbled by the online wishes from all of my dear friends, fans and peers. Thank you so much to all of you and I look forward to working with many of you again. To all the fans – thank you so much for your support. I’m inspired to do these films for all of you. I will continue to give you everything I have when the camera rolls.

One film update I will include is…

The premiere of a wonderful film I did in NYC called “Benjamin”.  Here is a posting I received for the 1st showing of it in NYC next week.

June 29th at the Lighthouse International Academy Theatre for the first showing of “Benjamin” by Director Jon Osman and Starring Carlucci Weyant Niki Saletta Robert Miano James Russo Richard Perry Alma Saraci Yang Miller Melissa Ferraro Richard Mazda Erol Tamerman and more Part of the 6th Annual Manhattan Film Festival. For Tickets, go to www.manhattanfilmfestival.org. More Information plus trailer to come.

Today I took the day to relax and appreciate where I’ve been and where I plan to go. I will be back at it Monday working on my long list of TO DO’s. Right now I think I need a small nap before we have an epic soccer battle against the league champs. I promise I will have many great film updates in the coming weeks.

Enjoy your Sunday.

DJ

Posted by  |  June 24, 2012 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment