Hello,

A bit sore today after a mighty soccer match yesterday against the #1 team. (we are #3 currently but that changes week to week) We played the 1st half to a 0-0 and 2nd half I took a knee to the lower back and had to exit the game for a few. I don’t usually go down (And I did not) and you don’t ever see me rolling around “acting hurt” as often seen with PRO soccer. I took a knee to the back jumping for a header and left the game. (Sub out)  Before I could turn around from getting a drink – they SCORED. DOH!  Well the day really belonged to the other team but we showed we are a fighting team.

Previous to the soccer game I had gone to a family reunion. We took a lake pontoon ride which was cool and chill. Over the weekend I had two major life changes. First I got an iphone 3G (I’ll wait until bugs are out of the 4) and so I’ve been trying to learn all that.  Folks I played PONG and OREGON TRAIL on a TSR-80.  I also traded in my old lease and have a new ride. It is a black Saturn Vue and I really dig it. I’m not a car person I just use them to get here and there but I love this new ride because it has a nice look but I dig the sunroof and I like stick shift again. I think it will serve the purpose well.

Pa Perry is back and better than ever after his heart surgery ordeal early this year. The garden is giving a steady flow of beans and tomatoes and the grill has been in full force this year. We bought another 4H pig for the freezer and so we have to pick that up this week. OK hazelnut coffee is kicking and this is all helping to get my thoughts straight for the week.

I’m being commissioned to work on another script it looks like and so I will start work on that. I’ve got a few scripts to read for other companies about acting roles. I think I will be seeing a 2nd cut of RENOVATION this week. OUTSIDE THE WIRE 1st cut is now done. I hear LOCKED IN A ROOM is also getting there. BENJAMIN will start editing this week.

Packaging with some of our projects is going nicely and I have many follow up calls this week. FIGURE IN THE FOREST has new NEW artwork and a revised release date of Aug 24th vs the 10th. We are exploring DVD release parties for the two CDI films FIGURE IN THE FOREST and HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS. The trailers are expected anytime now. Please join the facebook sites for these films and show your support!

OFF TRACK update! I spoke with Mark Owen and that pilot TV show will get completed and I will actually be shopping it around. Also some renewed talks of co-production. Maybe:)

WILD MICHIGAN, HJC, TIMBERWOLF, LONG ROAD HOME, A STATE OF HATE all deals of various sorts underway. It is only a matter of time.

With 4 projects in post and some releases out this fall I’m going to join JON MOODY on Monday, August 9th at 10:00 PM Eastern. We will be talking movies for an hour and questions are taken via phone or chat I think.  So some first hand updates will be given and I’ll jib jab for a few.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jonathanmoody

I’m got some script reading, writing and studying to get to so until next time.

Keep clawing!

DJ

What a beautiful weekend in the Michigan and I got to spend it up North with a little lake time. We won our soccer match on Sunday which is always a nice bonus. Lastly the NYC film BENJAMIN wrapped yesterday so another film in the can. There is a possibility that we may have Jon the director come to Michigan on some post work.

I’m trying to find out shoot dates on IN OUR TIME to see if I can hold or if I need to take on another film in the between time. I like to stay busy and I do have several scripts I’m looking over for acting roles. I have word that LOCKED IN A ROOM is moving along in post and RENOVATION is closer yet. The RENOVATION folks are talking about a Yuma premiere in October and so that will be nice. The doc film OUTSIDE THE WIRE will also be finishing in August and so we will have some good product to keep the fans happy:)

August and September will be busy with film releases for FIGURE IN THE FOREST, HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS, JUDGES (Special Edition) and THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ. I’m excited by all the production and releases. Now if we can launch a few more here we will be all set. We are getting closer and with a few more attachments I’m in hopes of closing these down.

I’m thinking of looking for more partnerships with CDI and other small production companies. We can bring assured distribution to the marketplace and that is the HUGE struggle that indie filmmakers face. The key is right script, some distribution friendly talent and the right relationships. It is tough even for distributors these days because even like the studio only 1-2 of 10 pictures are successful. I continue to communicate and learn more every day. Sometimes it is disappointing but I think you have that with any business and/or industry and when you do score a hit it makes it that much more fulfilling. So I need to get myself to make some time for these lunches and such people want to have. Much of my days are filled with emails and phone calls nudging projects along. But for some folks who have a small budget gathered with a touch of guidance they can really advance their project. It allows others to benefit from our mistakes. Is that a pay it forward:)

Well for those in the heat stay cool and I’ll bend your ear soon enough.

DJ