A Tragic Story & TV Releases
Welcome to Feb. everyone. We are past the holidays and off to a great start. Before I get into some of the exciting updates I wanted to share a story. Many years ago when I was just starting this journey I knew this young girl. I knew her from the acting workshop that ultimately led to my 1st starring film role. The years that followed opened more doors but she was having trouble getting her first footholds. She was a blonde bombshell type that you might find on BAYWATCH or such. The girl could really act and really sing but her appearance made most see that first. I remember telling her over a game of pool that she would have to work twice as hard to get people to see past her boobs. It was true. I saw Bruce Campbell at an event climb over a table to come meet this young lady who arrived with a few friends. She had that appeal but still could not land that dramatic role she needed to showcase herself. She decided she wanted to go to Hollywood. I told her as hard as it was she should really try to get her experience in secondary markets before going Hollywood. She had her heart set on going and so I told her she had to be focused. Hollywood is like a full time spring break for young people. It is where wanna-be actors from around the world come with dreams in hand. They have what I call actor ghettos out there. Basically it is expensive out there and so aspiring actors live in certain areas. They usually party and talk about finding agents, finding a gig, blah, blah. The point is more talk than action. My 1st trip to LA I was invited. I went to read for Wes Craven and I stayed in one of these areas. In two weeks people were amazed because I had done more in two weeks than they did in two years. I don’t think I am more special than anyone I just have a focused way about me. I think that is from martial arts. So I told this girl don’t get caught into these traps. The trap of young people putting play before work. All night parties that lead to late wake ups that lead to day long hang overs that lead to food, coffee and where is the next party. They bitch about the unfair system that keeps a person down. I can’t get an agent. I never get the role. I can’t get a break because of…. never was there accountability. So I fill this girl up with as much common sense wisdom my immature self can muster. She heads out to grab her dream. Three weeks into her move I get a call and she was now dating some musician from a well known rock band. Long-short is that a handful of years later she is cast aside for a younger rock groupie. She has not done a single film but she has done every destructive drug possible. Her “glow” had faded and while she is still pretty she is now older and cannot compete with the better resumes. She moved back and spent more time here chasing cocaine and the next party. She ruined her image at a company party by asking around for “meth”. She moved here and there and I would occasionally get the call asking if there was any acting parts. Yes. I want to risk investor money on a worn out looking girl showing wear and tear of a woman twice her age. A flakey drug addict that may or may not show up somewhere. The last time I saw her was years ago at a local bar where I had gone to meet a few friends during the holidays. She was a hot mess and full of regret. I recall the words of encouragement I shared and wished her well. She was living in Florida but was home on holiday. Years go by and nothing from her. I finally got a phone call a few years ago saying she had moved back to Michigan and was working at her church. She said we should catch up and party a bit. I was not in that mode and surely did not want to feed that. My career path has not been easy and if you are not a hard worker you will fail. I never called her back but emailed her something to the effect that I was glad she was back in-state and getting her life together. I mentioned maybe coffee sometime but I did not follow up. I think because she was still asking about acting and I did not want to hurt her feelings – I never met up with her. I would not be hiring her anytime soon for an acting role knowing all that I knew already. Years clicked by and unfortunately the only time she sprang to mind was when I saw an AOL story on before and after of METH. Well recently I found out that she died in 2011 at age 33. They did not mention how but it had to be drugs either by accident or purposely. I found this out only this week. I was having a day of slight frustration waiting for this deal to close or that. It took me all the way back to the beginning. I wanted to tell this story on here because if it saves even one person it will have served a purpose. I see many of the same type of people looking for short cuts to stardom. So heed my words. Remember the solid words of the hard working people around you. Love yourself. Thank you for listening.
TO MOVIE NEWS.
A deal has been made for the inspirational film “Figure in the Forest” and the powerful Civil War drama “Wicked Spring” to play on the Parables Network. It should start playing later this month and I’m proud to have these films going out to new audiences. We will be working additional distribution deals on these and all our films.
We will also be announcing that “Deadly Renovations” is going to vudu VOD platform expanding the release of this film even more. The film is also opening an AZ festival by special invitation. Pre-sales on “Locked in a Room” and “Darkest Night” will be starting this month. “Benjamin” is playing the Long Island Film Festival in March also. April 19th with be the theatrical and DVD release of “Realizism” in Grand Rapids, MI.
Today I’m going out to look at “Ashes of Eden” editing work. The trailer has created a lot of buzz and it should. I think it really gives a powerful peek at what the film is about. Also we will be discussing future collaboration between our companies.
I hope you all have a fun and safe weekend. Enjoy the Superbowl with family and friends and have a great month.
DJ
NEW Acting Role & Many Project Updates
It is another chilly Michigan morning and I have dogs around me, coffee at hand and I’m reflecting on my week. It has been a crazy past two weeks as everyone is coming out of the gate hard. It has been a time of reading scripts, adjusting materials and planning the year ahead. Let’s look at some of the progress.
We signed a deal with Parables TV Network on 2 inspirational films – “Figure in the Forest” and “Wicked Spring”. We will be doing a full PR release this week upon return of the final paperwork. I’m also waiting on release dates for “Heaven’s Neighbors” and “Figure in the Forest” with Image Entertainment.
As I noted elsewhere March is gonna be crazy with “Deadly Renovations” opening the Boarder to Boarder Film Festival in Arizona. “Benjamin” is playing the Long Island Film Festival on March 2nd. “Locked in a Room” releases domestically on March 7th with Echo Bridge Entertainment. On March 22nd “Darkest Night” will release. April 19th is the theatrical release of “Realizism” in Grand Rapids, MI.
A BUSY SPRING!
I’m happy to announce that also in March I’ve signed a deal memo with One in a Million Pictures to co-star in their film “Somnium”. I will also be releasing more informational on that film as the production company releases it.
The “Ashes of Eden” project is now in editing full steam ahead. Audiences got an exciting sneak peek last week of the teaser trailer. It had thousands of hits in just hours and has been viewed around the world. We will be prepping Dennis Therrian to take on the post work. Also we are close to making an announcement on the next collaboration between Shane Hagedorn and I with our companies.
The editing on “Donors” should be closing up and that will also be coming here to Michigan for composing with the previously mentioned Dennis Therrian. We are also getting ready to send screeners around on “7 Stones”. CDI might be announcing some TV projects they are developing/producing and that will be exciting.
I may be missing something but I think I gave a good update. We have lots of development going on and I’ve had several people approach with acting offers so I’m also looking at those properties. I look forward to a great 2013 and I hope yours is also full of productive art and business.
DJ
ASHES TRAILER, TV FILMS and NEW ROLE
Today has been Sunday sipping (coffee) and now I’m ready to give you the movie “Tippin'” or tip-off on what is new here in my film world. First, things are getting quite crazy with the release of two of my films in March. I’m very proud of both these films and all the artists involved. I’m ready for the masses to see these films.
LOCKED IN A ROOM – Releases March 7th, 2013 with Echo Bridge Entertainment
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBc8ozv8ohQ
AND
DARKEST NIGHT – Releases March 22nd, 2013 with Midnight Releasing
http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/darkest-night/trailer
Also I’m happy to announce that I’ve just put final ink to paper for two of our films “Figure in the Forest” and “Wicked Spring” to release in Feb. on a TV Network that I will release in a full press release later this week upon return of the contracts. For fans of both these films I can say be ready. Deals are underway to bring these out nationally and internationally.
Also today watch the “ASHES OF EDEN” website to get a sneak peek of the Official 1st teaser trailer!
http://www.ashesofedenmovie.com/
Other than that – many development talks. It also looks like I’ve got my 1st acting role for 2013. The business will wrap up on that later next week. I’ll talk more about that project once signed but it is a nice complex layering of character.
OK. Well everyone enjoy your Sunday!
DJ
The Ship Into Port
Today will be the last day of our ASHES OF EDEN journey. It has been an incredible journey filled with one powerful performance after another. It has also been captured by a very talented crew. I’ve had my patience tried once or twice over minor issues but all those things fade. What we will be left with is a story that is a testimony to what we cast & crew did this last quarter of 2012. I was surrounded by some of my old warriors and new ones. We attacked each day riding on the enthusiasm from the day before. What is great is that now the holidays are upon us and we can all rest knowing a job well done. The post process will begin with editing and move into music and sound with my supervisor Dennis Therrian. This will be a great experience putting this story together.
The VOD (Video on Demand) sites for “Deadly Renovations” are starting to pop up. “Book of Ruth” in Meijer stores now and I think Wal-Mart also. Tonight is a big showing of “Benjamin” in NYC at the Big Apple Film Festival. I thought it was last week but that is because I was in some odd time warp and got my days mixed up. I’m excited for that whole team of artists that busted in the record NYC heat to capture that film. I wish I could be there with all of you but I know it will be well received.
The old FORT/office is sold. The new FORT office is built and most of the furnishings are there now just packed up. This week it will be about organizing everything. We are still doing the walls in a few places so that limits what can be placed but by 2013 it will be a fully functional Deathstar:)
I’m off to go prep the final payroll today and off to set to hand them out. After that I’m back to Ionia for the night to help breakdown and oversee the production breakdown. The ship will be in the port and it will be time to secure it and unload our precious cargo.
Have a great weekend!
DJ
Goofy University Politics & Freedom 35!
The news is full of the tragedy caused by one individual. I guess you can conversely look at the good each of us could do if we set our mind to it. I think that is why I like telling these stories so that you can first entertain and then educate. You can sometimes illustrate such important life lessons in a way that really touches folks. It is one of the reasons I so enjoy what I do. I’ve spent some time on the last few blogs discussing some of the issues facing folks working in the entertainment field in the smaller markets. As you all know I’m acting in a project for Grand Valley University that puts seasoned vets with students. Their project’s working title was “Realizism” which was totally confusing and really missed the mark. As someone who often deals with distributors and marketing folks I can tell you it was just a bad title. Well, a better title was agreed upon and that was “Strippers” a bit of a tease to the dirty minded. Actually the script has NOTHING to do with pole swinging ladies. It is about a Robin Hood like gang who strips foreclosed houses of valuable resale items. Some university person is giving the director a hard time over the title which has already gone out in PR releases and such. WHY? That would be like someone saying they need to change the name of the toy cowboy “Woody” in TOY STORY because it makes people think of hard penis’. So I think the college needs to police their own to make sure no locker room buggery if being covered up and not worry about a film title that could have a “naughty” meaning if taken out of context. Maybe they should stop RUSHING because that could also mean a sniffing drug or illegal running in the school halls. Or how about TA (Teaching assistant) because that could mean tits and ass. Or School Spirit could be about occult, dark magic and ghosts, better lose that. HIGH SCHOOL – a place of getting buzzed or high…I think whomever is complaining has an issue of sitting around waiting for any trigger to distract them from their work and flood them with images of “NEXT UP ON STAGE, IT’S CANDY!” (Cue Motley Crews “Girls, Girls, Girls”) So whomever it is I would call them out in a heartbeat in front of the largest college body I could. This is college and the arts – so please. Just get your dollars and go contribute to some dancing girl college funds you misguided fool.
OK. Freedom 35! Anyone who knows me well knows that “The Trailer Park Boys” is one of my absolute favorite comedy shows. It is from Canada and not for minors. The long short is I’ve taken DVD’s of them to many film sets and converted many into fans of this little show that became the #1 comedy in Canada. I communicated with the director and got permission for my character to wear a logo sweatshirt in the “STRIPPERS” film. It was a very cool gesture on Mike’s (Director) part and I thank him sincerely. To me the TPB are the 3 Stooges of our era. Check them out and prepare to laugh!
Many other deals still underway which could have several projects filming over the next few months. I’ve been in talks on a few other acting gigs including the one in France. I heard yesterday they are attaching me so if the business can come together I could be Paris bound. I also have a meeting coming up where CDI with their GPI partners will produce a pilot for a TV series in the Philippines that is in the vein of “American Horror Story”. The pilot has been greenlit and they want me to play the antagonist shooting a couple of days when I’m there at year’s end to promote “Darkest Night” into Philippine theaters. I’m waiting on the script but it sounds great. They would shoot 13 shows back to back in Feb. 2013 or so for broadcast.
We have been gearing up hard for “Deadly Renovations” heading to Netflix (save it now) and other retailers in late August. Some get the film on the 21st and others the 27th. I’ve been told VOD will be in September. We also might have a forthcoming announcement on the 1st foreign sale.
I think I will leave you all with this info to chew on. I report to location tomorrow and I have packing to still do. I’m ready to have a great time filming “STRIPPERS!” I said it! “STRIPPERS!” Some people just need to pull their head out of their backside just enough so they can see where they are going. I think I owe Dave Borowicz’s dad a royalty dollar for using his line:)
Have a great weekend.
DJ
Random Update Tidbits
Hello artists! A busy week behind us and now the weekend is in full force. I’ve been looking into the possibility of building a new office at the house. Fort Perry is currently my office of solitude and I do truly love it. I’m exploring the new building as a way to upgrade all that to the next level. The garden is in and we are seeing the first signs of new growth. In a while we will be blessed with a bounty of fresh veggies. This week was much better than the previous week in terms of communication and getting stuff done. Let’s look at a few of the new updates.
June 13th is the big date this coming week with both a distributor screening of “Darkest Night” with Russ William’s arrival in the USA this weekend. Also that evening on Lake Michigan another screening event for “7 Stones” the action/drama that I was informed won the 2012 Overall Telly Award. I’m thinking that will help our TV licensing. It is a powerful drama and I’m happy for all the artists associated with it. Tickets for that showing at http://www.3rdcoastfilm.com
This week also had us working with the distributor to finalize artwork on “Deadly Renovations” that will release nationally on Aug. 7th. The other producer Charles and I have also been putting the final touches on a script that is on our associated slate. Also “Donors” (Same folks) should be releasing that trailer soon to audiences.
Among the random update tidbits – Commercial sales CDI meetings this coming week so I hope to get a few commercial crews working here soon. We might have a few feature film’s in pre-prod soon which will be nice. Distribution deal negotiation will continue over the next couple weeks. I also should be announcing a few acting roles soon. We have been discussing business on them and are close to agreements on them. Some good talks on our 1800’s films that are complete after the success of History Channel’s “Hatsfield & McCoys”.
OK. Lunch. Garden work and assembly of the new smoker. Sunday is another soccer match and after last week’s tie-game we are looking for a victory. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
DJ
Communicate Well, Be Loyal, Give Respect and Be Giving…
Another chilly morning rescued by hot coffee as I write down my collection of thoughts for the week. I’ve had a few projects that I’ve been forced to be the voice of reason on and others that suffer simply from lack of communication. That said, the work pushes forward. It is a very busy time with six films making their way to market. Collaboration comes from talented mutually respectful individuals who focus their efforts to create something that may not have happened if not for the collaboration. I’ve spoken with two directors that are sharing this communication issue with partners. Some people really just want to be a celebrity even if it is fleeting. The 15 minutes of fame and then they are gone. Others have a real calling and will continue to share their artistic journey with their fans and audiences. Fame follows the work and that is just that – WORK. The final result transcends the hardships but many lose interest when they realize how hard you actually work in our industry. That is often without the security of the 9 to 5.
Some of these same people are seldom to communicate unless they need something – often when I call someone it is because I’ve turned over a stone and found an opportunity that could benefit a person or project. I’ve been told this is rare and I can recall only a handful of situations whereas someone called offering opportunity. More often it is a favor asked. If I called someone and said, “I’ve got this role” RING! A callback within the hour or by days end. If I say I’ve got a few questions or whatnot the days/weeks can click by. Funny thing is that they only hurt themselves with their actions because as I stated often I am calling to offer something not ask. Also I evaluate working relationships by actions. I know that every one of these film projects are a large undertaking whereas communication is vital. If the venture lacks this it will be short-lived and not reach its full potential. Now not everyone is cut out for the hard producer work that goes into these ventures. It is not just a vanity credit. Just like some folks are not wired to handle the stress of such projects. I just happen to be a person who thrives on the energy of teamwork and organization to complete goals. So be it in your business or personal know that communication is the key.
Also people have to control their own feelings of inferiority, insecurity or any other negative feelings and not let it control them or their actions. I’ve chosen to be loyal and work for the benefit of a tribe of artists versus the “just me” approach to our industry. I think that baffles some people who for decades keep waiting for that time when I’m just going to give someone a screw job. It has never happen and never will. Errors and mistakes have been made but never with ill-will or intention in my heart. I love when good fortune smiles upon people. But I see selfishness around me all the time both inside and outside our business. Sometimes someone’s overreaction to situations gives great insight to that person’s internal struggles with themselves. Anger often hides guilt or self-blame and is a sign of deeper issues. I’ve realized over the years I can only lead by example and I maintain a baseline of expected respect. Good communication as noted above is an action that says, I respect you. You can see how these things go hand in hand.
This is my B-Day month and it always puts me in a reflective place. I’m proud of all the stories I’ve helped tell and the many more that will be told. I’ve watched as some move a little farther away from the tribal fire to explore their own path. I also have seen the new warriors drawn to the fire, coming to join the battle. With a tribe of artists it has to be ALL IN or NOT. Sounds Yoda-like but there is truth in all that. There are many fence sitters out there that want to benefit from a group or organization. They are just waiting to see what boat to jump into. They often take actions to benefit the self over the benefit of the many because it serves them. How I journey is just as important as the final destination and I will not step on others to get where I’m going. The grass often appears greener elsewhere but upon close inspection it is just the sunlight playing tricks.
In Summary…
Communicate Well, Be Loyal, Give Respect and Be Giving…
OK. Enough of the trials and tribulations of working within group dynamics. It’s a huge balance of egos, artistic vision and materials but when it all comes together it is a major achievement to be proud of. I’ve got much to be proud of.
June 13th is a big day with a distribution screening on one coast (Darkest Night) and another event screening that night. (7 Stones) I’m also in talks on licensing additional rights on several of the new film products and also with the existing library films. I’ve heard a festival showing is coming soon for “Benjamin” and also hear new artwork for “Deadly Renovations” is coming for the forthcoming domestic release. I’m also hearing another theatrical for “Locked in a Room” could be around the corner. I believe in Bay City but I will know more soon. “Outside the Wire” doc screenings are planned and in planning – so needless to say I have been BUSY!
I might be announcing a couple of new acting projects very soon. I was sent a few scripts/roles to review and now I’m in talks on the business. One could have me filming in my state of Michigan and one far away in France. Crazy business that we work in but I have to say I love it.
A few new projects are moving into development, others continue moving down that development trek. So the future is in planning as we speak. I encourage you to take control of your future. To take control of your self and actions. If you give you will receive so be the creative artist you were meant to be. Go seed your garden, nurture it and prepare to reap what you have sown.
Have a great weekend!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 