My mornings are very peaceful. They usually start with coffee and quiet moments reading or prepping for the day ahead. Watering of the garden and the newly planted redwood tree given to me by my brother has become ritual. I go over a mental checklist here shortly before heading off to set. A nice change is allowing me to drive to my hotel and being only an hour from my home. I tell the pets that daddy has to go to work. They don’t truly understand but will eagerly await for me to be done with this movie stuff. To them I’m provider, playmaker and snuggler – not a movie actor. Anytime I think about the time I take to go off to shoot a film my feelings are offset by thinking of military families. They send loved ones off for long periods of time and they are truly in danger unlike the smiling actors who can pretend to abuse me onscreen and on CUT go to craft service for a snack.

That said, I’m working with many new cast and crew members who obviously share a passion like my own. I’m filming “7 Stones” an action/drama where I play a political prisoner. I accidentally scratch myself several times a day and this wild man beard has been less than ideal in this heat. Anyway, “Joseph” is with me and I’ve been living with him for a month or two since leaving “Ken” in the Philippines. Time to let “Joseph” do his thing onscreen. It is a deeply moving and thought-provoking role and I feel honored to have the part. So I leave my quiet moments here to go join the circus. Press interviews, stunts, drama, late nights and laughter:) Let’s do it!

On other fronts – I’m told “BENJAMIN” that I shot in NYC is complete and they have a private producers screening last night. I took in the final chapter of “Harry Potter” and was thrilled how they ended a series of films that went from a children’s fable to a dark vs light battle that can only be described as EPIC.

“Locked in a Room” is also in the final stretch of post and will be finishing up soon.

I will have more updates but for now the shower calls. I have to do my final packing and get ready to roll. So appreciate the quiet moments in your own lives. Do what you must and give 110% and know the quiet moments will await you upon your return.

Have a great weekend.

DJ

The hazelnut coffee taste so good on a Sat morning! The last two days have included participating in 4H auction whereas we purchased a 1/4 cow and a pig for the freezer. Add my favorite the venison and you got some major smoker/grilling possibilities. Those kids work hard and the quality of the meat is superior to say burger that comes from who knows how many different animals. I suggest you to explore this in your own area if you’re meat eater.

On the movie front it has been BUSY!

New screenings of “Outside the Wire” are being set up for Sept./Oct. at the same time talks for other distribution rights continue. If you have a church, VFW, school or other place that would enjoy a showing of this powerful doc feel free to email me.

We’re also exploring some other theatrical showings on other projects including a popular Civil War film “Wicked Spring” that was produced in 2000 and has found its way into mainstream Civil War culture. We get the rights back at year’s end and are exploring a “Special Edition” release likely in 2012.

I hear that “Locked in a Room” is moving along in post. I got word from “Benjamin” director Jon Osman that the film will be finished Monday. I wish I could attend the private screening but Friday I report to set of “7 Stones” a drama with a dose of action. I play a prisoner and so I’ve been letting the hair, nails and beard go wild and I’m starting to look like I’ve been locked away in Azkaban.

We will have some new press released on “Renovation” which has been making the rounds to distributors. We do have offers on the table and I’m going to follow-up with a few others and we’ll make some decisions. Incase you have not yet gotten a glimpse at this film that will scare you I suggest you do. http://www.renovationthemovie.com

In development lots of new relationships are being made and I’m looking forward to new projects moving forward. We will be doing some upcoming casting on a few CDI associated projects for 2012 including the female lead in “Shadow of Death” the followup project in the GPI/CDI slate shooting in the Philippines. Keep a watch on http://www.cdiproductions.com for casting updates. Development info can also be found at the home company site.

Off to a belated Bday gathering for my father. I see horseshoes in my near future. Soak up life – the good and the bad and use that in your work. The artist spirit is nurtured by these experiences. I hope you all enjoy your weekend and have a productive week ahead.

DJ