Not sure how to even start this blog. I will start by saying that my heart goes out to Japan and the folks caught up in all that chaos. To think that these people were going about their own lives when all of a sudden EVERYTHING changed. I’ve been in two different earthquakes before. One was my 1st trip to California when I went out to read for Scream 2 and was in Venice Beach when it hit. It was early in the morning and after a night of beers I awoke to the bed shaking like THE EXORCIST.

The second time was much worse because I was in the shower at my buddy’s place in Marina Del Ray, California. It was something I’ll never forget as the floor moved and the glass sliding door shook like crazy. I thought to myself that I could be found trapped naked under rubble because we were on the second floor. My point is I can relate a little bit to what happen on a very small scale. And the water rush could have happened in California if the quake would have originated out at sea. You never know when your life may turn on a dime so live well

This weekend we had our first theatrical showings in Yuma, AZ of “Renovation” and I’m waiting to hear the feedback from our associates down there. We’re planning to set up more screenings and our 1st reaction from distributors has been very good. I have more  talks this week with companies interested in distribution.

I was sent my updated scenes for the final Las Vegas filming. I believe their pre-prod starts tomorrow and so I will be heading west soon to complete “Resurrection” filming. I’ll have about two weeks to prep for “Darkest Night” upon return from Vegas and I’m excited about “Darkest Night”. It ‘s a very good script and will be the first of several associated film projects.

I’m also waiting to see if we get the news concerning “Silver Lake” re-set at week’s end. I know that they are working hard to get that project back in action. I wish that better communication was flowing from that camp but I do know the effort is underway.

I’ve also been approached about co-starring in a powerful drama for TV and I like the script. Right now I’m looking at my schedule and trying to see when I could shoot it. I’m stuck waiting on Vegas to get me my new shoot dates.

We’re having great development action on “Holly, Jingles and Clyde,” “Sherwood Horror,” “Wild Michigan,” “Long Road Home,” “Stranglehold” and more…keep following http://www.cdiproductions.com for updates.

I’m also waiting to see if I can attend the festival premiere of “Outside the Wire, the Forgotten Children of Afghanistan” playing the 35th Cleveland Film Festival. This again depends on the Vegas dates.

I have to believe that all the chips will fall as they are intended to. I had a great lunch with a business mentor of mine on friday who recently turned 85 years old. One day all the things we put so much concern in will gradually give way to just the slowing flow of life. Money loses value, no ambitious drive for recognition – just the simply joys of flowers, birds and loved ones.  So as we go about our days chasing our dreams enjoy that journey because one day things may change quickly as in Japan or slowly as age overtakes us.

Be good to one another.

DJ

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh….We were out of my favorite hazelnut coffee creamer so we had to do the whole pour some milk in the bottle deal. BUT after a trip to the store we are back in business. It is funny how the small things in life are what give us that inner peace. Old Spice aftershave is a guilty pleasure. I think the smell brings back memories of earlier days. O.S. is another product I want to have as a sponsor. Their commercials are great as well. Especially the Bruce Campbell ones…funny.

So on the subject of products. We’re about to sign some business that will have us getting involved with a national/soon-to-be international product. Once signed I can let the cat out of the bag but it is something that I myself would use:) I had a meeting with a few of our new sales folks last week and it went well. I have a handful more meetings and I think by years end we’ll have a good team of folks.

I talked with our director of “Resurrection” in Las Vegas and I’m trying to work the dates to line up with “Darkest Night” overseas. I’ve been starting to look at the character in “DN” and find those unique aspects of his character to bring onscreen.

Busy week of shopping and development this past week. I had talks with executives at a couple major TV networks over what we have going on at CDI. A few are looking at scripts and proposals now and with a little good fortune good things could be forthcoming.

We have a strong CDI development slate that will take us well into 2012/2013 working with our CDI favorites and also some exciting new talents as well. I’ll explain a little development from my/our point of view at CDI. First it may take a few years to get a project off the ground especially if you’re not going total run-and-gun. Star castings, schedules, distribution arrangements and budgets over a million dollars are not an easy thing to raise. If it is call me and let’s make some films:)  It was funny watching Kevin Smith at Sundance talking about ONLY having 4 million dollars on his last film. Okay, if you’re a filmmaker out there how many of you would feel let down if you were ONLY given 4 million dollars to make your film. When Kevin was raising money for CLERKS or earlier, I’m sure he would have been giving high fives over 4 million dollars.

OK. Back to topic…sorry Kevin. IF I have production money (and it is often connected with a set director) but let’s say it’s not for this example. You cannot expect me to put big money behind someone who’s not battle-tested. Now folks who have a little money and want to have partners with experience (good and bad) to help guide them and assure distribution we’re that partner. I still pick and choose projects very carefully because I have to SEE that spark in them. The process is a long one and so you better all respect and get along with one another. While the work can be hard it should be fun otherwise why do it? I tell people I’m 100% confident I could make more money doing something else but in 25 years who would remember when I sold X amount of widgets. It is the process and final product that drives me. You do have to pay to play. Look at the cars of early filmmakers. They don’t usually have pimped out rides because they are always trying to buy this or that for their film. Or pizzas for that barely paid crew and cast. You have to pay to play. Be it blood, sweat and tears it is always combined with a little bit cash.

I remember when I got my 1st credit card checks with a $3000 balance.  I financed the “In The Woods” trailer for $2,500 and started my producer career. After what seemed like forever pitching investors with concept art, biz plans, etc… I realized that not everyone has a highly developed imagination. That sometimes a picture has to be painted. I just thought everyone could see movies in their head from just words. NOT TRUE

So be it myself or someone else, I would advise if you have a little money for a modest budget seek out a more experienced producer/entity and offer them part of the pie for their experience. That experience can mean the difference between the film dying after a few festival showings or going on to distribution in various parts of the world market. You will still benefit from the solo experience but be ready to write  the money off as the cost of an education.

In summary look to http://www.cdiproductions.com for upcoming announcements on these new CDI associations. The world is getting smaller, I wrote to a Pakistani filmmaker this morning. And I want to be part of that crossover that exposes the world audiences to brilliant storytellers from around the world. I personally want to be one of those actors known throughout versus just America. I want to be the bridge that helps some US audiences experience these common theme stories told with a style and tone that is new and exciting. The Asian horror explosion in the US is a fine example.

Know that in very distant places around the world, under the very same sky, are storytellers with cameras doing the same thing you’re doing.

UNITY:)

DJ