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

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Egypt, Ashes and All Kinds of Updates…

It has been a week of many things in motion and working hard to close them down. It has been a year of assigning distribution and moving things along. I’ve shot a few new films and we have a slew of new films about to launch. This home office has been one of the more challenging things I’ve taken on in many a moons. I’m a tinkering person when it comes to handy work but not a builder. Working with someone who knows what they are doing has been really a great thing. In many ways I’ve said it is like making a film. Smaller crew for sure but many things remain the same. The new FORT will be the hatching place for many new films. Let’s look at a few updates where I can provide one.

First on “7 Stones” they are revamping the sound that was in dire need. It was simply not going to pass any distributor quality control. The drama, the look all great but that sound was lacking. Now they hope to have that all done by mid November and a TV showing/premiere is planned for December just in time for Christmas. Ho! Ho! Ho!

We should have VOD (video on demand) dates for “Deadly Renovations” here soon. “Locked in a Room” is delivering to distributor. “Darkest Night” is negotiating a deal as we speak and so look forward to announcements. “Benjamin” is getting accepted into many major festivals including one now in Egypt. I heard “Realizism” has a rough cut done so that is moving nicely. “Donors” is in post and about to enter sound design/music. I would say we have quite a bit going on.

“Ashes of Eden” has been #1 on the list as of late. We have been doing some heavy castings and are about to announce some new cast members. Behind the scenes work is underway and we are soon to enter our official pre-prod phase and we hope to roll cameras end of Oct. and finish just before Thanksgiving. Our team can go eat large and get to work in post production. This is going to be one powerful film! The film is also on IMDB so feel free to follow along with that.

Soccer season is now over and so film work and winterizing has become the priority. I need to create another wind break/insulate the California Red Wood tree we have growing. We use to bring it inside during the winter but it got so big we had to put it in the ground. It survived last winter and is thriving but it needs the help. The garden has only yielding a bit of a harvest here and there but it is still something I enjoy.

On the acting front I’m excited because we did cast the actress in “Ashes” to play opposite myself. You have to watch for the next PR but an amazing talent. I’m being talked to about a role in Grand Rapids/Holland as well as a line up of 2013 projects. That is in addition to what we have lining up and so I’m excited to end the year strong and get ready for another. So have a hot apple cider and enjoy the season!

Go MSU:) Go Lions:)

DJ

“Darkest Night,” “Darkest Night,” “Ashes of Eden”…Updates

Ahhhhh… The first days of fall and my first morning sips of hazelnut coffee taste so good. I have to say we are entering my favorite time of the year. I like to rise to that little chill in the morning and as of late I’ve been rising earlier and earlier. The year of work has been steady with the finishing and distribution of projects. I’ve still got a series of films in post production and so step by step. I’ve been happy that in this season “Deadly Renovation” made it out so that those who enjoy a slight fright can enjoy.

We have been very busy prepping “Ashes of Eden” and I think we are getting close. We have been in talks with talent and crews and this week added Mayra Leal as our young female lead. I love the work I’ve seen from her and look forward to seeing her perform. Our SAG paperwork is underway , locations being scouted and we hope to set official dates very soon.

I’m proud to say that we have a signed deal on “Locked in a Room” and once all materials are accepted At Risk Entertainment will announce the details of the deal. Also I’m happy to say we have an offer we like on “Darkest Night” for domestic (US/Canada) release and we are working to put all that paperwork together. We will be doing an official announcement at the FACINE film festival in San Fran. That showing will be our 1st official US release to audiences.  Stay tuned for ticket info and more on the distribution.

I got to hear that the 40+ minute cut of “Realizism” is looking great! “7 Stones” is still plodding along. “Donors” will soon be moving into post sound/music. Other news is I just got hit with a slew of scripts to read. I got the newest scripts for “Rachel” & “Rahab” that will be our next two biblical era films. I got a script from actor/producer Michael Walton to read with an offer to act. Also several other films working down the development line are looking really good.

I thought about ranting about a few of the lower points of the week in business but they were really small issues actually. I’m having a great morning and so we will pass on pointing out obvious issues in our business that need to be worked out. On another front, the home office is looking great and I’m looking forward to having a new zen place to work from. It will have all my files gathered and organized. I can only see things getting better and better as we enter into the new year. To each of you I hope you have a great weekend.

DJ