Up early to tackle the list of things to do. Hazelnut coffee in hand I plan out my day still using the old legal pads. Rain has started falling outside (just now) and it adds serenity to the moments here. This week has been fall incarnate with a nice chill and apple cider flowing. Last night was a nice apple wine also made in Michigan and some burgers laced with banana peppers from the garden. I picked what is getting to be the last of the tomatoes and peppers. On my domestic task list is bottling some lilac wine that is about ready now. October 1st is just around the corner and the fall decorations will soon start coming out. Hard to believe the holiday season is approaching as I thought of Xmas for the 1st time yesterday. But before we give into family, friends and holiday much work still to be done!

FIGURE IN THE FOREST and HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS are now officially out on DVD nationally. Nice new trailer cut by Triumphant Pictures on FIGURE IN THE FOREST. I know amazon.com carries both films as well as an assortment of retailers and rental places. If you get a chance to watch please do post your comments on the IMDB film sites. Now they will also probably attract some trolls but so is the way. Many years ago that was a big concern of our company as the term “haters” is quite well-known. I think they are negative artists who either for lack of starting or finishing or follow-through never get their art out there. When they see other groups or individuals that have taken these steps to get their work out there it feeds more negativity. Others work should inspire us not plant seeds of jealously. I’ve seen or screened many films that I would say are sub-par. Hell, I’ve made or participated in some sub-par films but the thing that puts all those folks into a select club is that they MADE a film. The first step is action and not to be discouraged by setback. If certain people had given up think of all the things we have/use that may not even exist. Light bulbs. Cars. Airplanes. So I say, DON’T HATE, CREATE!

Onto next order of business!

JUDGES – Oct 12th all new cut and also Blue-Ray. I have not seen the new cut by Stephen Walker is very happy with it. Also speaking of all new cuts Mike Deeney has re-cut TANGY GUACAMOLE but no street date is set yet.

I know LOCKED IN A ROOM is moving and RENOVATION is gearing up for the Yuma, AZ premiere so get your tickets. It will be a good time. I also spoke to Jon Osman director of BENJAMIN yesterday and he is very happy and closing in on a final cut. OUTSIDE THE WIRE is having a producers screening this weekend. I feel good that 4 wonderful projects are about to come to the world in 2011!

The much-anticipated IN OUR TIME makes little announcements here and there such as the attachment of Jon Voight and Richard Dreyfuss. I still have no dates yet and I would not be surprised if it drags into the new year. We have a short time before our industry starts to close down for a month. Dec 15-Jan 15 usually. I’ve been taking a read on 3 scripts that came with offers for Oct./Nov. shoots so this week and next week I’ll be trying to solidify just what projects I will take on.

Development of the CDI slate moves steady and we have some amazing people taking interest in our work. No need to get anyone excited at this time but we have always chugged along and continued to produce. New updates to the http://www.cdiproduction.com site including a section for cast/crew calls as we have them. I also was asked to put my thoughts down as a welcome to this site and that can be read at the top under “The Tao of DJ” and so I hope you enjoy.

Please support the artists around you and as always I appreciate the support myself. If you know of an artist that might benefit from these words feel free to pass this link along.

Enjoy the rest of the week!

DJ

So I awoke to the rumble of thunder and flashes of lightning and decided to get up and start the old coffee pot.. MSU has a great game tonight vs ND so we’ll see how that all goes. It was a long week of slow forward movement and a few new developments. I will say that the Afghanistan doc “Outside the Wire” is wonderful. I think it will be a crown gem for Anthony Hornus who directed and another project that I will be proud to be part of. To see the plight of the unfortunate helps put my own problems in perspective. Producers in NYC and Yuma saw cuts of “Benjamin” and “Renovation” and both seem very happy. I will soon see cuts of the films and I can give my 1st hand impressions but for now I’m going off my fellow producer’s reactions. I still don’t have a firm update on “Locked in a Room” other than it was looking strong and they are trying to get a cut to our producers rep for AFM. (American Film Market)

Communication and movement on “In Our Time” the Jesus film as many call it, first on the official site they stated that Richard Dreyfuss and Jon Voight are now attached vs in negotiations. Also I think our director Jeff Kennedy’s deal is in place. I just remembered that my attorney contacted me and said that “Variety” magazine is preparing an article on me in conjunction with “In Our Time” and when that comes out I’ll let everyone know. We are currently waiting on start dates and in the meantime I’ve got five or six movie opportunities floating about. I’m ready to get back in front of the camera be it as Jesus or someone else.

The Oct 23rd Yuma, AZ premiere is going to be fun. I love showing a film and getting to do a meet and greet afterward. That is always better when the film rocks so I’m in high hopes that people will enjoy it. We are working to get some potential distributors there. Anyhow you look at it fun awaits and it will be nice to see the cast and crew and yes even the Hotel Del Sol.

This is not an easy time right now because scheduling is still up in the air, creative impatience, a new paycheck is always nice and just general frustration over not having my Fall to Spring schedule in place. I’m sure that will get worked out very soon as it always does but the waiting is still not fun. I hope that each and every one of you continue to weather your own personal storms with persistence, patience (as much as you can muster) and conviction. I hear the stories out there and I live my own ups and downs in this industry. It is not always easy to always walk the path of an artist but what we ultimately create is a reward many cannot or do not share in. Many depend on our work to give them that creative nourishment that many occupations often lack.

OK. Enough of my coffee ramblings. As always, I wish all of you the best in your endeavors. Don’t be afraid to face the storms because calm waters are always ahead.

DJ