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

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The Way of the Warrior

The last couple weeks have been an uphill march but I’m seeing the lush land beyond. Often we suffer the setbacks of our own expectations. Even more often it is our inability to see the full picture. Also having issues outside our control is another trigger for some people. I do say that if you don’t have ego armor and a constitution of steel Entertainment might not be the business for you. Now I did not say hobby as I know many people with the 9-5 who act at the community theater, dink with filmmaking or play music for fun, but as a full-blown business takes so much more. I’ve also noted that when the march is on and strong folks push to walk shoulder to shoulder with you but if things turn on you many will seek a distance. With this they are only too eager to return again when things look good. It is the character of people that counts. I don’t judge that character in times of bounty but in drought. I always like the idea of George Washington with his soldiers at Valley Forge. No shoes, food, tired, home sick…sounds like a team after a long post-production:) I think much of my success has been built upon failures. You learn from experience and put these new approaches into action. I am a warrior. Some know of my martial arts background which I no longer wear on my sleeve. To me it is a way of life, of thinking or being. I’ve got some seasoned warriors and I’ve got some new enthusiastic warriors that have joined the march. I try to lead by example and I’m happy when I see others take to this example. My path is the way of the business artist not one to being a celebrity. If the work is celebrated by others which it has been, great. Do not seek fame for fame sake would be my advice to many out there. It is a false power given by others and can be taken away as easily as given. The artistic spring a warrior draws from relies not upon anyones granting of fame.

OK. Onto some updates…

– Yesterday and today associates of mine on projects of mutual interest are being discussed and deals made. I’m excited to see how things evolve the next week in the wake of these meetings.

– A theatrical showcase of CDI films may be soon put into play with an Arts Council showing the evolution of films.

– CDI will soon have some announcements about a WEB/TV Division of CDI that will include a few pilot projects.

– “Donor” trailer should be arriving in the near future.

– “Darkest Night” is setting up for a L.A. screening for distributors late May and already we have interested parties coming to the table. Also we are in development on our 2nd associated film with GPI “The Beast”.

– “Deadly Renovations” has officially announced August 7th as our domestic DVD release date. VOD?PPV may be same day or slightly thereafter. Also new foreign sales path under way with a larger sales rep. More soon!

– Development continues on several fronts and we are gaining traction.

– “Locked in a Room” EMBRACE THE MADNESS! A May 3rd screening in Canton, MI is being set up and final editing tweaks are being made. This film from an earlier work cut reminds me if FEAR & LOATHING IN LAS VEGAS, MEMENTO and SAW had a baby:)

Other than all that I’ve been approached about another faith-film and I think I’ve got a few of those in my near future. I’ve been working with Ray (Book of Ruth) and we are close to launching a few new films there as well. Today it is a trip up North for family Bday celebration and just getting ready for a new week ahead. Things could go from ZERO to 60 real fast pending a few of these weekend meetings underway. I’m excited to share more on all that but patience must be had by all.

Keep up the good fight artistic warriors and have a great weekend!

DJ

Embrace Change and Grow!

Here in Michigan we’ve been very spoiled with some beautiful summer type weather. Now we’ve got some rain and everything is in bloom. It is a sign that something in the ecosystem is changing. I’m very proud to report that “RED” our redwood tree that was a gift from my brother on his trip to California is alive and well and made it through the winter. The fact that we had a mild winter really helped. After 3 years indoors at wintertime and in a pot on the patio spring through fall – we finally had to put him in the ground. The yard is being cleaned up and the garden is being planned. New growth!

What a week! Change is here and there and although for some the act of change can be drastic (Like Red being put outdoors for a winter)  once the roots take hold new growth can take place. For those friends out there going through life change I say embrace it. I’ve changed a few things starting with my hair. It is still long but I had a good deal removed mainly due to soccer season about to start.

So many pieces moving on the chess board. I’ve been having meeting after meeting either in person or on the phone to help move things forward. I’ve made some great new contacts with a few companies that I think will really plan into the whole. For my distributor friends out there we have lots of new product coming down the pipeline. I’m curious to see how “Deadly Renovations” did in Hong Kong at the film market. I’ll be working with others soon making deals on “Locked in a Room,” “Darkest Night,” “Donors” and “7 Stones” as well as a few other properties that I can’t discuss until paperwork is signed.

Development work continues to go well although always slower than what the executive teams desire. I read “THE BEAST” last night that is to be the next GPI/CDI Philippine film. I’m excited to start developing that with my partners there. I’m waiting to see if deals can be made on a few acting roles but I’ve very excited about a deal that will soon be announcing itself. It includes my acting and CDI helping behind the scenes. I can’t wait for the official announcements that might hit next week.

I hope all of you out there are having a good go at your artistic endeavors. It is not always the easiest of paths to travel but the rewards are more than just shells and beads earned. Also remember to embrace change as it happens.

Have a great weekend!

DJ