“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” ― Sun Tzu

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Ten Project Updates – Remembering Friends

(Filming Ghost Town w/ Herbert Cowboy Coward in the middle)

Good morning out there to my friends across the globe who stop in with their morning beverage to read and ponder. This has been a productive week in business but I’ll start by talking about a subject often on our minds as mortal folk. Death. This week I was stunned one eve as I received tragic word that one of my costars and friends Herbert Cowboy Coward had passed away. For those that don’t immediately recognize that name I’ll give you some background. This man worked and entertained at a NC theme park called GHOST TOWN IN THE SKY. A western town high atop of a mountain often shrouded with clouds. At its peak the live gunfighter shows thrilled 10,000 visitors a day from Spring-Fall. Friends like Robert Bradley were amongst the famed gunfighters as was CDI’s Dean Teaster’s dad Doyle Teaster. And Herbert better known just as Cowboy. The movie and TV studios would send stars up there to participate for a few months when the shows were on hiatus to gather fans and the actor and shows. Stars like Tony Dow (Leave it to Beaver), Dan Blocker (Bonanza) and Burt Reynolds (Too many to count) spent time up there. When Burt’s career took off and they were casting DELIVERANCE and needed a second mountain man to “harass” our vacationing men, Burt knew a perfect one. The legendary casting story was that Cowboy who had lost his front teeth due to a non-trained stand in gunfighter at Ghost Town, was called in. Burt said give him a good scare. So the producer who was there to interview Cowboy was thrown against the wall and subjected to mutterings of this man about to…to…to… (Cowboy stuttered) cutting him up. Cowboy got the part on the spot and a smile replaced the grimace and history would be made with Bill McKinney (Outlaw Jose Wales) as his co-star. They were voted by Maxim Magazine the top screen villains of all time. Watch the film DELIVERANCE and you might agree. When we did our Ghost Town in 2006 movie * (I’ll get more to this film soon) we reunited Cowboy and McKinney on screen going head to head. Bill made a living playing bad guys and to this day is one of the most intense actors I’ve ever worked with. Cowboy was tough but got to show his tender side. After Deliverance Cowboy could be found at the local flea market chatting up fans and introducing them to his pet squirrels. He was like a wildlife rehab where they often lived out their days with Cowboy. Bobcats, squirrels…you name it. The other other person I’ve met with those kind of Dr. DoLittle skills was Dan “Grizzly Adams” Haggerty. He was a gentle soul and just a kind simple man. To get that call that he, his wife, pet dog and squirrel all died in a car accident hit me hard. From what I’ve heard he turned in front of a young man, new driver in a big truck. I pray and believe that it was an instant death. I felt worse thinking of his loved ones that also perished and I felt bad for a young teenager who will be forever scarred. Those that know those twisty turning mountain roads can see how it could happen. Add snow and ice and it only gets worse. Gone in a flash. Now both Bill McKinney and Dan Haggerty died from cancer. F$#$%#@ cancer! We’ve often debated amongst friends if quick and instant with no farewell or longer illness with suffering but time to say final goodbyes and get affairs in order is better. Pros and Cons top each but lessons once again about appreciating each day we have and our loved ones. In all three of these cases I believe they were 75+ and so while many live longer they surely lived some full lives. I also learned this week that our ASHES OF EDEN costar Josh Carrizales (Ponch) died in May of 2020. I don’t know the details but I do know that he was too young. So ends my talk on death but I lost a friend and discovered that another one of our fellow actors has left the stage. I’m sorry if I went on a bit about this less than happy topic but it was important that you knew who this simple man was.

(Josh in ‘Ashes of Eden’ RIP)

FILM UPDATES:

  1. Ghost Town – We get the film rights back this year from Lionsgate and we’ve got a new campaign in the works. A Blu-Ray is planned as part of the ‘Special Edition’ reboot of the film. Also some special new releases of some of the merchandise that sold up at the now closed theme park and some new items also. One such might be a re-issue of the novel packaged with the screenplay. This film marked the end of the classic CDI period.
  2. Speaking of the classic CDI period another one of the films might be gifted to a non-profit in honor of the now deceased backer. The film AN ORDINARY KILLER is a fictional retelling of the actual famous cold case film. The film revenue will be used to provide financial support to military personal and wounded warriors. The non-profit has helped the children of Afghanistan and several other veteran causes via past projects. The lead detective played by yours truly is a Vietnam Vet and has his own complications from his times served. I also see a screenplay and book combo for this film. This is the film where I met long time friend and collaboration Terry Knox, best known for his work on St. Elsewhere and Tour of Duty. It seems like a fitting place for this film to land and that is better than it just being dead. It’s highlight was playing on ABC across the country. For lovers of true detective
  3. Speaking into the subject matter above – true crime, our own Dean Teaster has been participating in a podcast with retired detectives still working cold cases – subscribe by following along   HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@TwoAvgJoes
  4. SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA which just released 4th Q onto home video is also back into theaters by request. Cherokee, Iowa American 3 is playing it until Jan 31st. We’ve also just gotten another request so I think it will be rolling into more theaters once again as people want to see it on the big screen. We’re told that the film is doing very well on DVD and Streaming but won’t really know until we get 1st Q reports from 2024 as it is a process of reporting and collecting. But please do buy a DVD for your collection and/or stream it will family and friends. This war drama is really being received well.
  5. We are starting to talk about theatrical roll out for Harsens Island Revenge because you have to start that far out. We are planning the theatrical premiere in Alpena and one likely in Lansing plus a hosted DVD/streaming release party in Lansing. We have Red Cedar Spirits as a sponsor in Lansing as well as the director Mr. Elliott of SW Growth Corp another sponsor just happens to run the Ellison Brewing Co. So 4Q of this year will be full of parties to celebrate the film. Our director returns from Brazil in a week and we’ll be doing a producer watch on the cut of the film. We also will put into motion the filming of the one opening scene of the film that is WW1. The BTS video is being worked on now so any cast or crew reading this that wants their video considered please contact Mr. Adam Towner. We’ll be planning the new theatrical poster using GW Burns amazing photo elements and the first teaser trailer! All very exciting news. Join our FB pages on any of these films that interest you to stay up to date.
  6. Let’s just from my most recent film that I acted in to my first feature IN THE WOODS. Fans of the creature features are in for a treat as we prepare a fun PR release. The cult classic of monster hunters Alex Kerwood (Me) and Wayne Higley (Only if not meal time) played by my first feature film co-star Jim Greulich just might have a new distribution deal. It might include a Blu Ray of the digitally remastered classic movie with a new director’s cut. It might even be getting a VHS and streaming release. Furthermore rumor has it that we might possibly see a soundtrack released on classic mediums. But wait could there be even more rumors? Maybe even merchandise including clothing, toys, toothbrushes, frisbees, fishing poles, rifles and…okay maybe some of this is just rumor. You will have to wait and find out the TRUTH. Coming soon! I can confirm that there will be a theatrical premiere of the new director’s cut sometime this year in the Kalamazoo MI area. More theaters after that? You never know:)
  7. Speaking on my acting which is still my driving force- I think I’ve mentioned last week that I’ve joined a new agency Treasure Coast Agency. I finally feel good that if someone reaches out wanting to hire the actor behind roles like Paul Landings, Ben Lily, Col Lodell or Jesus, that they will be treated with kindness and respect. That has sadly not always been the case and it has made deals fall apart. You can still reach out direct but I’ve got help it sorting affairs and it won’t cost you any more. I’m not listed on there yet but will be soon. You can find many great talent at this site but also will be treated well. HERE: https://www.treasurecoasttalent.com
  8. HOT ROD LOVE is in active development to shoot this year. We’ve been having meetings with sponsors and funders and are happy to have made even more steps this past week. This 1970’s racing comedy will be a lot of fun to film. Each week we’re taking steps and once we’re there financially we’ll start the engine! Thank you to everyone already working hard to make this happen. We’ll see Shane Hagedorn once again directing and telling this groovy story!
  9. We’ve got development happening on a few other fronts that could put Carl Weyant and Curran Jacobs back in action in the near future. I’m looking forward to finishing the month strong with more development talks and meetings. Every project is the result of thousands of little steps. We’re going to keep on stepping!
  10. I’ve been enjoying writing on a few scripts in between the business work. We’re finishing our end of year work with our accounting firm and legal. I want to thank these parties for their hard work. This is not as exciting as new artwork, trailers and such but it is the work that makes it all go. The creative of picking up a camera and making cool lighting is fine and dandy but without the foundation it is just play. So make sure you balance what you like to do with what needs to be done. That balance will make things happen much faster. BALANCE!

WRAP UP: Our chickens have their new feathers and with the growing light we’ve had our first eggs. And thanks to them we just had a great breakfast of bacon and eggs. I’m going to bring this to a close so we can do some grocery shopping and get ready for the Lions NFL football game. If they win tonight it is off to the Super Bowl! As I’ve said before we’ve had family member fans go to the grave waiting for a Detroit Lions team like this. We never know how many days we have so live richly and appreciate the journey. I thank you all for being part of my journey.

Be good to one another!

DJ

Posted by  |  January 28, 2024 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Secrets to Success – Starts With Attitude

(Color test on ‘Harsens Island Revenge’ footage)

Coffee cheers to all of you out there. I want to once again thank all the readers who stopped through last week. We had some readers from different countries joining us including Ukraine. My sincere hope is for peace and for issues and misunderstandings to be settled by words not war. We had a slight reprieve from the arctic chill but it is back this weekend. I had an eventful week both business and personal. On the personal it included helping a buddy out on a couple afternoons and engaging my love of herbal concoctions by making my first batch of ‘Fire Cider’. I already take a shot of apple cider vinegar everyday. This mixture is comprised of maybe 20 ingredients infused over several weeks in apple cider vinegar. Ingredients like garlic, ginger root, turmeric, orange, lemon, thyme, cinnamon bark, honey and more. I’ve also been enjoying my ongoing study of the individual ingredients also including many teas. I’ve been into wild crafting for a long time but I’m just being more disciplined in my approach. I’ve got a journey that I’ve been using to record and review my studies. A great external salve something that medieval medics have used for centuries to treat battle wounds is ‘garlic honey’ or honey infused with raw garlic cloves. For years I’ve studied the natural pharmacy on our property. The sap of the white pine is also great for wounds. The needles make a great tea with lots of vitamin C. Many of the herbs, fungus, roots, barks and berries hold great beneficial properties. Knowing what is edible and what isn’t is a good knowledge to have. For those that don’t know I use to be a camp counselor at a nature center and I love that connection with nature. So if this filmmaking doesn’t work out you’ll find me running DJ’s Potions & Lotions. But seriously, many minor health issues or the strengthening and reinforcing of ones constitution can be done with natural properties. This was part of my New Years resolution to take my casual interest and study and make it a daily routine. I’ve spent many years of my life to the study of the warrior and this phase of life has me becoming the healer. I touched on that last week talking about haters. Where a decade or two ago such remarks would bring out the warrior I now see the negative mental anguish of someone and I feel sorry for them. The healer in me wishes that find a filter of happiness to start looking at life through. When you have those dark negative filters in place everything positive in others sparks those negative traits. Sadly that negativity only draws more negativity to them. Use bad reviews that are not just stating something is not their cup of tea but digs deeper – click on their profile and most all their reviews ring negative. For them even sunshine is too bright. Stars twinkle too much. Roses smell too sweet. Some only create a profile only to spread negativity. That is giving a lot. I follow my mother’s advice if I don’t have something nice to say…you know the saying. Wise words. I just go on to something else. I watch programs all the time whereas some don’t do it for me. But I don’t spend any energy discouraging someone else. I will on occasion when something leaves a very positive effect recommend it. A film, a restaurant, a band or song or a place to visit. Because I want others to possible have the same positive intake of energy that I did. It is a way of living. Mental illness can stem from living in that negativity. Be careful what you say about or to yourself. A few weeks ago we talked about broadcasting unbalance. To put into filmmaker terms – a person lamenting about their unbalance and bemoaning a lack of funding is like a babysitter broadcasting their lack of attention and/or responsibility and bemoaning nobody wanting to hire them to watch their kids. Hence no money and the negativity circle continues. You must be first seen as capable and earn that reputation by following through. No big secret just common sense. I really do hope that these simple words help a few folks out there.

(‘The Actor’ was a NYC film I did with director Jon Osman – seen here with actor James Russo)

Another simple lesson that I use and has resulted in many positive outcomes. When you aren’t sure what to do next or what your next destination is – organize and prepare. When a ship doesn’t have an immediate destination the captain will order the barnacles to be removed. The hull to be tarred. The sails to be mended and for rations to be restocked. Prepare to play. An athlete doesn’t wait to be put in the game to prepare to play. They’ve spent countless hours running or strength training or coordination drills. Whatever they need to be when the time comes they’ve prepared for. Slow times for your acting career- polish your resume, get new promo materials and get yourself feeling and looking your best. I have been quite satisfied by my acting work and even turned down a few opportunities due to timing. I aways have ‘working on a few outside acting projects’ as a yearly goal because it’s fun to just create a role without all the added production responsibility. In my past I’ve been with several small agents in various markets and I’ve been with one of the big three agencies also. The shingle of the agency can get some respect from some but it is really about the integrity and character of the agent and agency itself. I’ve had a few deals in the past wrecked by agents playing hardball or just leading with their ego. So for many years I’ve just handled my own business with my legal team. Over the past several years we’ve brought in many talent from a certain agency and agent and they’ve always been a joy to deal with. I’ve seldom said that about previous agents we’ve had to deal with. But that has been different with Treasure Coast Talent Agency. And so I’ve decided to align myself with them. I’m picky about my projects but I’ve built a relationship with them over the years and realized I like the way they present, conduct and handle their business. So I’ve been updating my Actors Access page which I’ve not touched in years. I’m going to cut a new reel for 2024. Maybe some new pics although I do have many great ones but mostly in character. I’ll be doing some PR likely next week announcing this new partnership.

But, don’t think that is going to replace production work. We are only picking up steam on that front. Let me run down some bullet point film updates.

FILM UPDATES–

  1. CDI has done a variety of “in association” films whereas they were funded by others so they are the managers of the property. One of these was a “found footage” horror film shot in the Philippines entitled DARKEST NIGHT. For being a dark horror film it was such a joy to film. It was the first film by author/producer Russ Williams and it recently just celebrated over 300,000 views! Congrats and if being scared is your thing, take a watch HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PZtiDrLfRM
  2. Staying on the subject of scary films KNIGHT CHILLS, CDI’s first film from 25 years ago enjoyed a BluRay release in Oct of last year is looking to expand its new release campaign with streaming and a book release of the novel and the screenplay together with fun BTS pics. The Blu Ray can be purchased HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Knight-Chills-Tim-Jeffrey/dp/B0CJ5WBSZR/ref=asc_df_B0CJ5WBSZR/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=680424942453&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10064638097126313670&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017262&hvtargid=pla-2260223998064&psc=1&mcid=399dd8121370380c8b97cdbf876e05c6&gad_source=1
  3. IF you want to see what kind of book we’re talking about see the link for my first feature film I starred in IN THE WOODS, as Alex Curwood monster hunter. It is now in hardcover! BUY HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Woods-Lynn-Drzick/dp/B0BXMTJS9C/ref=sr_1_7?crid=2OOFTD9VKNH5U&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CxQQRxhTMPJogT4O2O30vsyJcCJ3gFeJ-fI7WGXy4ho2tAPbZc4IS5HYIpTwheQuUqatHw6OBsjqeoAEi9J67L5vFCUCK35bd8ghehGN5rysnRWhjxiW1FDmn-PFjcv3B9dIQKqtp1dlZAbu39VB3LrXCUkVmr4tRlraeuuj0onZ9dJITDj_ldwUwu2tj5l6edYa0Q1hXXembWYic6ujeO7GVGQ8l899XbAGFljpGJg.eFyhsOAOm9yBoXDimPiE3Qq6D-4Ho0z-gvBFVZjYoRw&dib_tag=se&keywords=IN+THE+WOODS+screenplay&qid=1705849771&s=books&sprefix=in+the+woods+screenplay%2Cstripbooks%2C94&sr=1-7
  4. Furthermore with IN THE WOODS, the film has been digitally remastered plus we also have a new director’s cut that is much more enriched. I’m waiting until the theatrical premiere to see it. But we shopped the film and have had a few good distribution offers. I think we know which one we want to go with for BluRay and merchandise. The novelization by Nancy Gideon is also going to get a re-release and perhaps even the origins script I penned many years ago. It is fun to see these classic films get remastered and enjoyed and appreciated by a new generation.
  5. Following KNIGHT CHILLS, CDI’s second film was a nod to comic books and the pulp SciFi entitled FROM VENUS, directed by Jeff Kennedy. New art work is being assembled/painted by Tom Miller the fan artists who did the amazing paintings for the Knight Chills Blu Ray. Once I have this packaged we’ll shop it to a few of the companies that focus on these films. It is an honor to have these films appreciated as classics. I want to preserve them and allow them to be seen by upcoming filmmakers. We are started somewhere.
  6. Jumping 20+ year ahead let’s talk about the films front and center. SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is really doing well on home video. We’re still getting theaters asking to have the film play on the big screen. We are able to do that so we might start having some select big screen showings. But the DVD and STREAMING has been strong and I hope to have more specifics on how strong very soon. This WW2 home front war drama is a must see if that time period interests you at all. DVD and STREAMING can both be bought or rented HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Night-Algona-Anthony-Hornus/dp/B0CL7DFYSK/ref=asc_df_B0CL7DFYSK/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=680424942453&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7946069189314477119&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017262&hvtargid=pla-2260853923386&psc=1&mcid=a5b5ef0d428739e98e194c62143ee272&gad_source=1
  7. Harsens Island Revenge editing is still going strong and our director Carl will be home in a week and change. The film is really coming together and beyond the intensity of the characters and story the footage is just beautiful. Carl was also working on a few settings for the color correction and it made the beautiful footage even more amazing. I cannot wait for us to sit down with Dennis Therrian our composer and sound designer. He’s been sketching sound and score samples to discuss with Carl. Also we’ll be bringing the producers together for our one opening scene shoot to kick off the film. It’s WW1 and will be quite exciting to film. If we shoot in Feb or March will depend on the snow, the military base and how quickly we can pull it all together.
  8. HOT ROD LOVE – This is the next feature film looking to shoot this Summer. It will be directed by Shane Hagedorn and is a drama-comedy set in the 1970’s with drag racing being the back drop. I think we’ve found our track partners but need to do a formal scout. We’ve got some of the first commits to funding and will keep on those. Following Pepsi we have some other sponsors landing and this will be a fun one for advertisers. The race track, cars and racing suits and such will allow us to really capture some great brands. If you or your company want to know about involvement feel free to reach out to me.
  9. Additional Development – I had a few nice calls this past week about CDI coming back into Iowa to film again. I had a good meeting with Curran Jacobs, who we’re looking to work with again and we think we’ve got the right project. Some development paperwork will be put into play and once done we’ll talk more about that project. SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE was discussed this week and we have some forthcoming talks that might move that piece on the chessboard. WILD FAITH: HASTINGS has some interest but patience is in practice as we await a few developments.
  10. If you’ve not watched the CDI library many of them can be found on Encourage TV on a Playlist so please do enjoy these film. WATCH HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0LCdlq-BK0&list=PL2Tn2MhKrkFOCsmKZaxoZCT1R5GEOEL3E

I’m going to wrap up this blog update so I can get some breakfast, shower up and be ready to cheer on our Detroit Lions football team. I had a Lions helmet as a child and I’ve been a lifelong fan along with many family members now deceased who would have loved to see this game. Win or lose we will all be proud of this team but we’re all looking for a win. I know we’ll get their very best. GO LIONS! I’ll look forward to sharing with you all again next week. Stay warm for those in the arctic zone and be good to one another.

DJ

Posted by  |  January 21, 2024 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment