Small things make me smile – the cuddles of a good dog or cat, watching hard cider ferment, hazelnut coffee in the morning and spending time with family and friends. Some may know and others may not that my father had to have an open heart operation to fix a valve and also 3 bypasses. He has not chosen a semi-public life like myself so I was hesitate to blog too much about him. But those who did know have been so supportive. I’ve been facing the on-going challenges of developing, producing, posting, distributing our films and knowing that many people are assisted when something moves forward. I really was unaware of how much of that I carry on myself until I really didn’t care. For the week leading up to my father’s operation I found myself working but my mind and heart was solely on my father and his upcoming battle. To imagine a world where you no longer have that wise fatherly mentor was scary. I know others already have suffered such a loss and life does go on but I don’t think we ever feel ready. On one hand I found myself working but not under the pressure I normally feel. I’ve had several projects over the last couple years occupying my thoughts and energy and I found myself seeing a new perspective on what truly is important. I was so pleased with the loving messages and friendships which told me that I had people who were reaching out to me as a person with no agendas and with me offering nothing in the moment. I get SLAMMED with communications that are 100% tied to what I can offer someone. I don’t hold that against folks as we are all just trying to pay bills and stay happy while on this planet. It just felt good to have some sincere compassion coming my way. I tend to be a more private person these days and don’t ask for help sometimes when I should and I don’t “lean” on people. It is just good to know that if I did not have anything to offer anyone some people would still come knocking. I just wanted to say thank you and I’m glad to report that Pa Perry came through just fine. He should be going home today or tomorrow and I hope that he can enjoy a longer, happier life. Appreciate your family and friends.

Okay…onto movie updates:) I may bullet point so I can remember some of these. Spring is in the air and things are sprouting!

1) FIGURE IN THE FOREST DVD Aug 10th and HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS Aug 27th on DVD in the US/Canada!

2) Join the facebook sites for news and updates

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Figure-in-the-Forest/312181314099?ref=ts

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Heavens-Neighbors/342762080271?ref=ts

** Look for some advanced previews of the new DVD extras including 2 new documentary films (Behind the Scenes)

3) Director John Regan will be producing a film SHERWOOD HORROR under CDI and the State of VA just made a financial offer to try and land VA as our location. Join the facebook site for updates here…

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000432061453&ref=ts

4) The Patchwork Girl of OZ children’s animated film will release in Sept 2010 as will a Special Edition of JUDGES! Additional OZ films and a pair of follow up JUDGES films are in the works.

5) Talks are underway to try and bring “KARMA, CRIME, PASSION and REINCARNATION” to the US and I will keep you updated on that. http://www.karmacpr.com

6) Editing work is fast underway on RENOVATION in Yuma, AZ watch http://www.renovationthemovie.com for updates!

7) LOCKED IN A ROOM wrapped shooting with my KARMA Co-star Carlucci Weyent being flown in with vet actor Robert Miano. Great work and the movie is in post. Trailer will be forthcoming very soon!

8) With WILD MICHIGAN it looks like Rae’Ven Larrymore Kelly may be our lead Thelma. She is a highly decorated actress and so those talks continue. Singer Fantasia has committed her interest to a song on the soundtrack and others will be joining.

9) Work on OUTSIDE THE WIRE continues!

10) Progress on development/packaging of HOLLY, JINGLES and CLYDE, FACE THE THUNDER, A STATE OF HATE, TIMBERWOLF…the word is out on Collective Development Inc.

More updates to come.

Happy Spring!

DJ

Almost three o’clock and my day feels like morning. I got up a few hours ago after a weekend of wrapping up shooting on “Locked in a Room” and it feels good! Other than b-roll or pickups that should be a wrap on the 1st co-production between CDI and At Risk Entertainment! I saw my buddy Carlucci Weyent who I have not seen since India. Also meeting, watching and working with Robert Miano was a great experience. He is a powerful actor and like Rance Howard, Bill McKinney and other vets of our industry, he had great stories and insights. It once again makes me proud to be part of the next generation of actors in our storytelling industry.

I’ve been also dealing with family issues as my father must have an operation that has been in the coming for a while. It is a common heart valve operation but still always scary anytime a loved one has to be put at risk. My dad is very active so this will really help his day to day. I will say that as I’m in the midst of development, production, post etc…it really took some stress off of me because at the end of the day we are just making movies. I say, work hard but don’t take ourselves too serious. I’ve said before, we entertain and provide escape/release for people who truly have stressful jobs. It was a good priority check because at the end of the day health, family and friends should be in your top three.

Many developments moving down the chain as projects move forward. I’m about to deliver paperwork on “Figure in the Forest” and “Heaven’s Neighbors” due out in August. You can also find and add to friends on facebook. Jeff & Nita Kennedy are managing two very fun sites that showcase indie filmmaking at its best. Dramas can be hard to get into the wide market but we are very happy that these two films are. Directors commentary done now on both films. DVD extras in works including a new behind the scenes “Heaven’s Neighbors” doc/interviews. Artwork is really looking cool and also I’m announcing that our 1st animated feature “The Patchwork Girl of OZ” is also getting a wide DVD release in Sept. It features some great voice talent like Kera O’Bryon and our dear friend Russ Stine RIP. I had fun voicing my 1st cartoon character “The Woodsman” and so enjoy. They are talking a series and my goal is to create better and better animation but is was a great 1st step and I’m happy the world will get to see it on DVD this summer.

In serious talks on some distribution on “Renovation” and so thank you for those who checked out the http://www.renovationthemovie.com website and trailer. It is an action packed suspenseful piece and I can’t wait to see it all together. I think we have a facebook site for this film as well so check it out. The beautiful Shawn Rougeron from “Renovation” is our leading lady featured on http://www.djperryfanclub.com so check her out!

I’m trying to return back to neutral after keeping that character in “Locked in a Room” going for a few weeks. I’m reading a few new scripts and doing some development. I think we will have even more updates soon. I want to thank all the cast and crew of “Locked In A Room” for their hard work and our partners Larry and Gordon At Risk Entertainment. I also had one of the BEST meals I’ve had in a long time at THE BONEYARD in Detroit. If you get a chance to check it out please do so! The lamb BBQ ribs are rocking!

Unpacking stuff from the stay in D-Town. I hope everyone has a great week!

DJ