Driving from Development Toward Pre-Production
It’s once again a morning where we awoke to big flakes of falling snow. We are suppose to have several such days this week. I don’t want to spend a lot of time talking the state of the Union. My feeling is that once we get to the other side of this Covid and political election, we can start the healing. I’m happy that the vaccine is rolling out and that the most vulnerable are starting to get their first shot. I’m excited to gather in groups again to laugh, share and create. We’ve continued to move forward against all the opposing forces at work and I’m excited about where we’re going. I’ll leave the politics by saying I sincerely wish for a peaceful transition. I wish this new administration only the best just like the previous administration. As a life-long team-sport playing individual I hope that the sportsmanship between the parties gets better. When politics fixate on just tearing down the other party, the people lose. Coffee cheers to unity as we move into 2021.
The last two weeks I’ve worked with our upcoming director Anthony Hornus (director of MBF) on the transfer of script. By this I mean the transfer of understanding of each character, description and dialog. Many scenes were re-worked, tweaked and polished. We use that time to discuss production aspects, casting ideas and more. This is a development phase activity bordering on pre-production. The difference is funding and while we are almost a full ahead we’re also not quite there. But, I think by the end of this month we’ll be making that announcement. We’ll go full into locations, casting and key crewing at that point. This project will shoot in Iowa and so it’s looking at flights vs drive in’s and such. We’ve got some good experience at bringing the show as we did to Yuma, AZ three times. It takes a supportive community to tell a story at these smaller budgets. But I’m happy to report that is exactly what we have. Between our backers, distributor, the Iowa community and our on-going sponsors, once again we’ll tell a powerful story. This one made better because it’s based on a true event. The script will likely start going out to producers today or tomorrow.
Also coming at the end of the week just as I hit my limit for the day was the 1st rough edit of BEST YEARS GONE. Monday morning, I plan to watch the edit in full with good audio Real audio work doesn’t start until we lock the picture. This cut will start to be worked by editor and director to work toward that lock. I did watch the film in pieces on my phone with low audio. It’s exciting as the writer to see the characters and story come to life. As an actor it’s amazing to see a character you lived with come to life with all the other characters. My co-star Erika Hoveland, is so powerful and it was a real joy to tell this story with her. But the other quirky characters Mandy, Tinker, Jed, the Pats in our story, really make it for me. Dean Teaster had me laughing out loud watching. You all will see later this year when the film releases. We’re also going to start rolling out some of the official screenshots. Also we’ll be launching some fun merchandise dealing with this fine film. This project gave me confidence in what our great team can do even when faced with new challenges.
LOST HEART keeps rolling out and the fan mail keeps coming in thanking CDI for bringing some a heartwarming story to the screen. Launching this film in 2020 is also something we’re very proud of including the event filming. Here is the PRE and POST party if you have not seen them yet. They give some great insight to what the #tribeCDI is all about. Watch below and if you have not seen the film please do – would you believe it deals with BigFoot, UFO’s and more?
THE QUEST TRILOGY – As Easter lies ahead, many are enjoying the unique and fresh approach to these biblical stories. Here is a trailer for the trilogy of films. These parables are meant to tell a story and encourage us to live treating one another better. You can take these films as gospel or as just a good story with a lesson. Either way, they are an honest, respectful look at these stories minus any agenda save to tell a good story. The Bible is full of good stories and I appreciate all the fan mail from the worldwide audiences who took something from them. Watch them. You just might enjoy the story.
WILD FAITH/HASTINGS – The pilot feature film Wild Faith and the developing TV series ‘Hastings’ – we have some great battle plans being drawn up on this TV series. A few of our proposed directors and returning cast are reading the scripts for season 1. We have our ideal window to shoot but if we can pull this all together in that ideal window is unknown. We are undertaking something new and we’re also dealing with a world dealing with new challenges. But, the prep remains the same and at this point all development strengthens the endeavor. Each week that passes Wild Faith grows a larger audience. Just using our distributors streaming platform ENCOURAGE TV – Wild Faith has grown 80k viewers per week for 11 months now totaling over 3.5 million viewers. That is if only one person watched the film. My point is that as every week passes, the audiences are helping us to launch. I know that all the artists involved would love to revisit Hastings and the stories of Emmett and his family.
Thank you to all the fans out there. I could share more updates but I want to get after a few things today. The fans of MBF: MAN’S BEST FRIEND have also been letting their voices be heard. I’m thrilled that everyone is enjoying the stories and we’ll be working hard to make sure that continues. Every day work on the stuff you can control and don’t let your mental or physical time be wasted on what you cannot control.
Happy Sunday to you all. Be good to one another.
DJ
Star Wars Talk & CDI Film Updates
OK. Pre-Star Wars I was SPEED RACER, MR. ROGERS and SCOOBY DOO.
I’m sipping my hazelnut coffee from a ornate Star Wars mug with various scenes upon it. Like many in the storytelling business around my age some inspirational credit can go to George Lucas and the original Star Wars film in 1977. In anticipation for the last in the Skywalker story, yes we have tickets, we’ve been watching them all in story order. IF I was 7 years old and Part 1 of the Prequels was the first film I might have still liked the ships, lasers, etc…but ‘A NEW HOPE’ was just gritty and did not dumb things down for kids. We could take it George including Han firing first. When we went from the three prequels to SOLO, such a difference in the world and story telling. The prequels felt like video games with planned segments that really felt like watching your friend play a video game. But SOLO is like taking the best parts of James Bond and Mad Max put into a gritty ‘New Hope’ like world. ROGUE ONE again just better character development in a world that felt more grounded in reality.
I actually can speak into this having done a trilogy of films. It was important to try and keep the world cohesive despite the changes in style from director to director. Also because I have been looking at promo material personally and as a company, I’ve been playing The Quest Trilogy behind my accounting work. It’s very satisfying to have the linking storyline. It was always my goal to see if I could take some “obscure” stories from the Bible and tell them in a ‘Star Wars’ type fashion. The stories actually adapt over quite well and when you add what I call the “Chuck Heston – bible film effect”, you have our style.
I will say that it is a pretty sure bet that we’ll return to this genre again. One script is complete and the other two outlined stories are forming up. I’m not sure when all this may happen but we will see.
I also put my first SciFi script to pause while I finish writing the script for “Hope for Heaven” which is my working title. We are working with a few different titles but I need something when I write. It has many of the great qualities that ‘Lost Heart’ had by way of characters and story. I’m a good many pages into the story and how it starts can sometimes be the hardest. But it’s flowing and when I did do my first test read with one of our development people, it was strong. This film will shoot in late summer/early fall in Michigan. The nice part is via a few agent talks we might have a good lead on a very important casting aspect. I’m looking forward to continuing the writing this week.
LOST HEART rough cut by Scott Magie working with our director Jesse Low is looking good. I talked about the view last week. This week we’re prepping some things for the music and sound design to follow. I know that poster/DVD artwork is starting and that will be exciting to see. Again just proud to have this be part of the Tribe CDI films.
MBF: Man’s Best Friend – Following our premiere we saw a “best film” and “best actor” nods at the Hollywoodivine Film Festival and won ‘Best Film’ at the Equus Film & Art Festival. 2020 will have many more events and showings as the film moves out deeper into the world market. I’ve had several people reach out this week about how this film touched them. I’m so proud that it is becoming a voice for veterans and dogs. Two groups that truly understand loyalty and service. Watch it yourself on Amazon and other platforms and if you enjoy it add it to your DVD library.
THE QUEST TRILOGY – Help us start a family holiday tradition with the telling of FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. (All on Amazon and many platforms)
It has been a true joy to receive an abundance of fan mail on these films from around the world. I saw the breakdowns and the films are making their way to you. Some all our friends in other countries be patient, the CDI films are coming. Many of you already know that because you can watch the films on TV and DVD. If you have watched them feel free to vote and leave your thoughts on http://www.imdb.com and remember these are films.
WILD FAITH – This film also continues to be enjoyed and shared by new audiences. I had some fans from this movie also communicate this past week. They were Civil War era fans and so I had them seek WICKED SPRING. It was a Civil War film we produced back in 2000. It can be watched also on Amazon.
I’ve been taking meetings and looking at filming the balance of our production slate for the next 2 years. We have many scripts and it just depends on several factors as to which gets moved into active development or pre-production. We’ve had a few wonderful meetings and with the new management involvement in 2020 I’m excited to see where it leads. I’ve been working on a few ‘Character Reels’ and a new 2020 sizzle reel along with what will be a CDI showreel.
Next weekend our first family Christmas starts and so I have a bit more shopping to do and we’ve been enjoying the season. I hope you all have a holly, jolly holiday season with your family and friends.
DJ
Ancestry, New Awards and Announcements
Good morning. I want to welcome new readers from Belize and Qatar to our little weekly circle. Lots of interesting things to discuss but while I’m welcoming people here it makes me think on ANCESTRY. For Christmas we decided to do our DNA test and see what our family history actually is. Here is my breakdown – EUROPE WEST – likely German 46%, Great Britain 33%, Ireland/Scotland/Wales 16%, Europe East 2%, Finland/NW Russia 1% and for trace amounts under 1% – Iberian Peninsula (Spain/Portugal), Asia South (India and surrounding region), Europe South (Greek) and Scandinavian (Viking). So I’ve enjoyed discovering the trace amounts and think it is completely amazing that we’re so connected. This kind of enlightened knowledge can make the mindset of people more unified. I knew the first three but I’m happy to know what else lies in the past family tree.
This week also was great for writing. I’ve been working on the script for what will likely be our next CDI feature film. I’ve been sitting out on the patio surrounded by hop vines and sipping coffee. The story is starting to really flow and I’m excited about where it’s all going. This week will include more time spent with the imagination.
It was a week that saw a few good meetings at the fort. A few new meetings including a local director. Always fun to get to know someone and see where their journey is taking them. Also had Curran Jacobs out this week. He’s one of my co-stars in MBF: Man’s Best Friend. He also resenting became the World Champion for Catch Wrestling, the premium style pre-WW2. It’s making a come back and I’ve enjoyed watching the matches on SNAKE PIT’s Event site. Curran was battled MUCH bigger opponents. I watched these monsters go from no respect to major respect. That is because respect is earned. He earned respect. That is what we must do in all our engagements. I’ve seen in our industry circles people with a bit of success who withhold or fail to give others respect. They view them as unimportant and with little to nothing to contribute. I respect everyone until they give me a reason not to. From top to bottom on our cast/crews EVERYONE is important. I’ve observed people acting this way to others and that alone is reason to keep them at an arm’s length. Life is too short to have toxic people in your circle even if they have access to something helpful. No when to say no, because that is what will define you and your work.
FILM UPDATES
As the holiday season is around the corner we’re looking to market our trilogy, getting people to enjoy Forty Nights and Chasing the Star before we release part 3 The Christ Slayer. Part 2 just won a silver Crown Award at the ICVM this month. The theatrical trailer for part 3 released a few weeks ago. If this looks interesting please do go back and watch part 1 and part 2. This films could be enjoyed if you never stepped one foot in a church or never cracked a bible. It is the age of style of the parable of telling stories that gives something back to the audience.
WATCH/BUY ‘FORTY NIGHTS’
WATCH/BUY ‘CHASING THE STAR’
THE CHRIST SLAYER – trailer
The film is having music and sound design work done and I’m looking forward to that. Our composer Dennis Therrian will bring forth a powerful and inspirational score.
‘WILD FAITH’
We’re going to be playing on the big screen at the AMC in Burbank, CA on Sept 8th – please do join us and take a trip back to the 1800’s.
http://www.itsmyseat.com/events/900979.html
We’ve got some exciting things happening for the home video release and things are developing for the TV series. It is still too early to discuss it but it is all very exciting. I would like to see the TV series go into production back half of 2019.
‘MBF‘ is all on the computers and editing is ready to start in full. We’ve got great ideas for the teaser trailer and will have one to release in the fall. It was an amazing experience and I look forward to inviting this team back together. We’ve just released our first official still and we’ll be releasing 1-2 a week on our FB social media site. Follow us here! Thank you to all the military and dog supporters who have joined us.
https://www.facebook.com/MBFthemovie/
Additionally I have heard that ‘ASHES OF EDEN’ will be releasing in another country but I will let Mr. Shane Hagedorn announce that once the ink is dry. This film can also be found on Amazon Prime if you’ve not watched it. I really do love the role I played in that film.
Today we have another soccer match. Last week we played a tough squad in the blazing heat and won soundly. This is a good kick off to the second half of the season. I do enjoy the battle each weekend and the second half of the season leading into fall is my favorite. This week I’m looking to bottle the FRANKENBERRY WINE because I need my carboy for the upcoming wine. We have lots of wild grapes growing around the garden. I’ve been researching recipes and I’m excited about trying something new. Thanks to the squirrels we have a few vines of either pumpkin or squash growing around the yard. We had to also shut down the access by a woodchuck under the office porch. I think he has moved on. I look forward to the week ahead – more writing, more development, more post work and more enjoying time with people. Have a great week and be good to one another.
DJ
Development Updates – July!
Welcome readers from Ireland and Italy – how cool. I do appreciate the worldwide readership that just reminds us we are all one. Creative people trying to journey through life. There is much unrest in the world and I do hope that we can evolve to a better understanding of one another. I’m tired as I type this from a long week and a full weekend. This weekend saw some tree trimming and garden work. The garden is growing nicely and I do think we’ll have a good harvest. Following a handful of hot days we’ve been treated to a pair of cool days that reminds us that Fall will be coming soon.
Film Updates
I was in talks about a possible dramatic movie role shooting next month but I’m not sure it will work out. My look is locked in somewhat due to my October filming that requires me to have a rugged look. But it was nice to communicate with some upcoming filmmakers and perhaps in the future we can collaborate.
“Ashes of Eden”
“40 Nights” and “Ashes of Eden” have been licensed to Pureflix On Demand and we should have a release date soon. We’re prepping some web art for them now.
Melissa Anschutz and DJ Perry in BESTSELLER
Xfinity now joins Directv and several other new platforms – carrying both “Bestseller” and “40 Nights” On Demand. Here’s a list of some of the On-Demand platforms – http://www.moviefone.com/movie/40-nights/20079437/where-to-watch/
40 Nights in the Lansing State Journal
40 Nights DVD – There are many places like Walmart to get the DVD but the demand seems to be out there. The film went from backorder on Amazon to “in stock” on the 13th of July, and again is on backorder. All in just 5 days. Thank you everyone.
Here’s a nice interview I did about “40 Nights” and The Quest Trilogy so take a read if you are interested in this film series.
http://biblefilms.blogspot.com/2016/05/interview-with-40-nights-s-dj-perry.html
Editing on #Chasingthestar
This week we also watched the 1st edit of “Chasing the Star,” the second film in our Quest Trilogy. I have to say I was extremely pleased to see the story all together. The music is now underway while we fine tune the edit. The VFX and intro work will also be starting this month. It’s a powerful story unlike what we’ve seen before. It should be done prior to Christmas. Very exciting.
What will become of mankind? The Devil & Jesus debate the fate of mankind.
Development
Development work has been on the fast track. We’re close to announcing the new film project with Jesse Low (Our director from “40 Nights”) Also development work is being done on “The Christ Slayer,” the final film in the trilogy.
The symbol of the KNIGHT CHILLS franchise.
A while back we hinted at the sequel to “Knight Chills” and I’m happy to report many great developments. We’ve attached our director and most of our principal cast. We’ll be re-releasing a 20th anniversary DVD of the original film with a teaser showcasing the sequel. Right now we’re in talks with a few foreign territories over the films. This will be a fun project! The meetings have been full of laughter.
The soundtracks have been rolling out and I would love to hear what songs people enjoyed from the “40 Nights,” and “Bestseller” soundtracks. – Next up – “Ashes of Eden” soundtrack, so stay tuned.
I’m going to do a few things around the house before I get ready for another soccer battle. I hope you all have a productive week ahead.
Keep clawing! Keep dreaming!
DJ
Interviews & Updates – New Week
It is a Monday morning and I’m doing my blog. On Friday morning I had cedar wood dropped. This weekend I spent the three days helping trim out the office. The windows, corners and such to keep birds, insects and such out of the domain. We saw rain, hail, snow and sunshine throughout the weekend. Yes. This is Michigan. We won our soccer match yesterday which was hard-fought and again – cold. I’m playing catch up on this blog so I can attend a meeting this morning.
40 Nights in the Lansing State Journal
The “40 Nights” experience is rolling strong. Below is an interview I did for a UK blogger. Also Weds is our release date for our soundtrack by Dennis Therrian.
DJ Perry Interview from “40 Nights”
http://biblefilms.blogspot.co.uk/2016/05/interview-with-40-nights-s-dj-perry.html
“Bestseller” is now rolling out to rental and retail stores nationally. You can buy here.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/231933475902?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true
“Ashes of Eden”
“Ashes of Eden” for sale!
Distribution news coming!
“Donors” for sale!
I ask you to consider adding these four films to your collection. Last week we did some additional wrap up on “Chasing the Star” which is in editing. We should be close to a rough cut by month’s end.
I’ve also been focusing on my script writing. I’m planning to sell off some of the screenplays I’ve written that I don’t plan to produce. I’m waiting to see if a sale goes through in June. If you’re looking to purchase a screenplay in a certain genre reach out to me.
More meetings including the one I have to get around for. Have a great week and work hard. Good things happen when one works hard.
Have a great week!
DJ
Empty Cup and Inspirations
SNOW is a large force of nature in many folks day. In Michigan the Great Lakes gave us some protection and so we have a beautiful blanket but a reasonable amount. I’m sipping the hot coffee and giving all of you a little update before I put in two days of work on the new office. We are going to finish up the electric on it and this past week was organizing my desk and added another bookshelf. Last week was a cautionary tale told as a tribute to an old friend. This week is vastly different. At Collective Development Inc. http://www.cdiproductions.com we have engaged in working with other promising filmmakers. We go into association and use our experience to help others emulate the success we’ve had while trying to help them avoid our past errors. This usually works only as well as someone listens. I will say that some of the associations become the foundation of long-term maybe lifetime collaborations while others are the first and last. I’m very focused upon this task of storytelling. I will ultimately only work with the same. I will first talk about one of these collaborations. ‘Locked in a Room” directed by Larry Simmons. By his admission the film was going to be an exercise and he expected it to be a few rungs higher than a student film. When we first talked I told him I don’t play. If we did this we did it right. The proper marketing and PR, high prod value, distribution friendly cast and worldwide distribution. We had professional differences of opinions on occasion but all done with respect. He discovered how much more BIZ work was involved with SHOW+BIZ. He knew a lot from the music world BUT film is audio, music, fx, color correct, quality control – so many more layers than just audio and LONGER! Ten 2 min songs is 20 minutes and we are dealing with just under 2 hours of product. Many people can manage a short be it narrative or commercial but a feature is another beast. I think Larry learned so many lessons that he will carry over to our next projects. That said, I was so proud of Larry. We finished the film, shopped the film and now Echo Bridge Entertainment has released it. They have a studio level distribution set up to handle Lionsgate and Miramax material. They released us a touch earlier than our March 7th release and boy did it come out with a bang. Google Play is becoming one of the new powerhouse venues pushing instant downloads. We came out debut at #20 and it has moved to #12. This painful piece of art so many hours to create is now in the mix with major Hollywood releases and standing its ground and climbing. It is scary as I saw people in the theaters hiding and yelling at the screen:) More than just the exposure and profit that can follow Larry is a role model. Not just to his kids as a man following his dream but to many aspiring filmmakers. This nice write-up is in celebration of black cinema and those that create it. Even more Larry can stand as an inspiration to other filmmakers in Detroit, MI be they black, white, asian, hispanic, middle eastern – doesn’t matter. STORYTELLERS are one TRIBE! The haters will come out as they are as sure as the Northern star. My script is better. Why can’t I find backers. Those who feel left from the limelight. Smile and keep moving I say. I like the old saying that if someone comes with their cup already full I cannot help you. Many are not open to listening. Listening is not weakness it is wisdom. A common question I get is from people who want to work with me/CDI. Be a good listener. Be a doer. Don’t come with your cup full to the brim – I will have nothing to offer. I don’t like to spill.
GREAT LINK TO THE STORY ON LOCKED IN A ROOM SUCCESS STORY
http://m.utsandiego.com/news/2013/jan/31/celebration-of-black-cinema/
Other updates –
“DONORS” http://www.donorsthemovie.com is looking to lock up picture and have it over to us for music score in two weeks.
Development talks/meetings going strong. New scripts are being reviewed. Some budgeting underway. “Race to Judgement,” “Soul Eater,” and many others.
Some exciting news coming on CDI TV. The new Parables TV Network deal for “Figure in the Forest” and “Wicked Spring” are on the forefront of the TV movie dealings.
“7 Stones” is rolling out to the 1st distribution folks.
A pair of biblical features following the success of “Book of Ruth” is close to pre-production.
Westerns are certainly on the development slate. After “Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town” released to #1 western rental for 7 weeks, top 10 for 17 weeks. This film has grossed well over a million dollars with Lionsgate and we are looking to recreate this success. Soon it will be time to strap on the gun rigs again!
“Ashes of Eden” editing is going great. I can only say that this film has dynamite dramatics. Check out the trailer teaser if you want a look. A lot more on this film as we get a little further down the line.
Well, I think it is time for a coffee refill and to get ready to work on the office.
Stay warm. Stay safe. And have a wonderful weekend.
DJ
A Great 2013 Ahead – What’s in Motion, Read On!
Happy 2013 to EVERYONE!
The Holiday season was a good one and we are wrapping up the last of our festivities this weekend. I’ve already been at some work this past week getting done what I can with most of Hollywood out for another week. That said, we’ve had several good meetings on post work for “Ashes of Eden” and not only has editing started but we are just a week maybe from releasing the 1st teaser! I think the artists will all be excited. I’ve had meetings over CDI commercial division and the development of certain projects. We’ve been getting deliverables around for two of our films going to TV this past week also. I had to strip off and re-load Skype on my Mac so I can be ready for some meetings. Several are over “Darkest Night” and the other Asian-based projects. We have some work underway with S. Korea and others for distribution and development.
“Deadly Renovations” announced some new artwork and that it would be releasing into Denmark, Sweden and other territories in that region. “Donors” released its first trailer and is moving into sound/music phase. We also hinted at one our next collaborations entitled “E & Me” which is a story I wrote and started the script a few years ago. I worked work Charles & Ace from the “Deadly Renovations” project to finish the script. We have a battle plan and so 2013 will see a new film finish (“Donors”) and a new film shot. (“E&Me”)
This week we should be making an official announcement about the upcoming release of “Locked in a Room” domestically in the US/Canadian markets. There has also been some development talk about what project will shoot next with At Risk Entertainment. I know some camera tests have happened and the script is being worked on by Larry Simmons.
“7 Stones” will likely see some more Michigan TV play while we shop it to the world TV networks. I had some early interest and we will see what lies ahead for this little film that packs a big emotional punch! “Realizism” another featurette will release in limited theaters and on DVD in April. “Benjamin” after playing Egypt is now gearing up for a limited theatrical before a wide release. Carlucci Weyant and I have had talks about other potential collaborations and we will see what develops.
“Book of Ruth, Journey of Faith” continues to sell well and we are preparing to launch into pre-production on another pair of biblical era films. Speaking of bible – I’ve been growing the beard and a teaser/trailer for “In Our Time” could be at hand. This powerful script is moving down B4Tyme’s production slate. I’m really looking forward to “Henry Ford” which if things line up will shoot in 2013. Besides my acting involvement CDI is going to handle the “Making of” on these films. Due to the fact that we’re a Michigan company the idea of doing something on Henry Ford is very exciting.
I had the pleasure of going through the holidays without some character screaming to get out of my head. But now that we’re into 2013 and I’ve started to look at a few roles. I’ve been communicating with a few directors out there and so we will see what happens. I’m ready! Write, Act, Develop, Produce, Post, Distribute… All good work and so let’s prepare to story tell once again in 2013!
Best success in the New Year!
DJ
“ASHES” Wrap & Present & Future Film News
Again I sit in my cozy chair sipping the hazelnut coffee and pondering the past and future. I’m happy to say we brought “Ashes of Eden” in on schedule and within budget. I had barely wrapped when the holiday was upon us. I’ve been fighting to get my sleep patterns straight after a month of “battle”. I’m very happy with what I saw and I will go to battle with some of them again I’m sure. Next stop is post and distribution. There has been a lot of praise and such tossed about from the shoot but what I saw was film professionals acting like film professionals. It all starts with management and trickles down to keys and all the way to PA’s. (Product assistants) It was one of the smoothest film sets yet and that is dealing with cold and such. I wanted to really showcase Michigan on both sides of the camera. But that proof was also up to the artists to provide. I’ve worked with some amazing people in this industry and taking pride in the work is the key. As I get older I just have zero tolerance for dramatic conflict causing B.S.. I think the key is to isolate and not feed into it. It is also something you cut away on future endeavors. I tell people I’ve made friends in the industry but it stems from respect and hard work. This is not a popularity contest nor strut walk of artists. It is about the individual who can blend their art seamlessly with others. Conforming to a single directorial vision all within the confined parameters of budget. Overall I think we had a great group of artists – I look forward to working with many of them again.
In other film news…
– “Benjamin” had a great showing last Sat. at the Big Apple Festival in NYC to a sold out show.
– Also Eventity Entertainment will release “Deadly Renovations” into Scandinavia on VOD this 2013.
– I’m signing up TV deals on “Wicked Spring” and “Figure in the Forest” to release on Parables Network.
– “Darkest Night” will have a domestic release trailer in advance of its March 22nd release date for US/Canada.
– “Donors” is doing final pick ups before it comes over to MI for musical score.
– “Book of Ruth: Journey of Faith” can be watched on Netflix and is also now at Meijer’s 1500 stores. I’m also hearing Wal-Mart.
– “7 Stones” is to have a Michigan TV premiere in December. More info soon.
Now while we set up “ASHES” post I will start looking at what I’m going to do in 2013 as an actor, producer and with Collective Development Inc. www.cdiproductions.com Our website will need an end of the year update soon. Enjoy family and friends and set your goals for the year ahead! If you enjoy this blog feel free to share it with the artists in your circle.
Be true.
DJ
Rock & Roses & Ashes of Eden
A beautiful Saturday for drinking coffee, eating some peanut butter toast and organizing my communications from the previous week. It was a week of many happenings – first it started with me finding out about the loss of one of my close friends and business mentors. It continued with some great meetings over “Ashes of Eden” which officially announced this week as well. It is a CDI associated film teaming with New House Entertainment and Ahptic Productions. We’ve been in the scheduling, key casting and crewing stage as well as locking locations. We’ve had some resume’s and reels coming forth and will be announcing some of the first attached cast very soon. I will be playing a supporting character named “Donnie” in the film and that led to a newer shorter haircut as I find the character within.
I see that the French film “Man in Wood” made an IMDB appearance and I hope to have some more details on that film in the weeks to come. On the acting subject – I had an actor who has been touching base over the last year or so contact me upon reading about our next film. I asked for a reel of his dramatic work and he responded by saying it was in the works. I looked back and saw that a previous message had that same reel “in the works” from December 11th, 2011. Anyone who knows me or reads my blogs understands that REELS are the way we like to work. Show me your “game footage”!! – As talent myself, I hate “reads” and seldom do them. Sometimes a producer wants to see if you can play some nuance of a character that isn’t displayed in your reel. But if you’re out there saying “Why can’t I get any work” – yet your materials are lacking… SIMPLE – If you don’t have a reel you go to the back of the line. IF we watch EVERY reel link submitted for a character and cannot find the right actor we may go to cold reads. So I cite that as an example to help you all out there. Also a past associate messaged me with interest in a department – I said send over a resume. It has been 3-4 days and nothing yet. We are likely hiring that key position next week – so again not being ready will likely get you bumped. So if your career is lagging look first to your materials. Check your coverletters, resume, reels, websites…control what you can control.
This week also saw the national release of “Deadly Renovations” and I’m proud of the team. I had to give a notice to some of them stepping up on the stage with their art for the first time. See I’ve found that you NEVER will make everyone happy. Don’t try. Have a glass of red wine, fire up a steak and toast the success of job well done. There will always be a slew of unhappy actors not hired (check those materials:) ready to throw their frustrated opinions. Also aspiring directors, producers and writers who so far cannot get their projects produced, script sold or what not. They often see someone else doing what they want and they see green and red. Jealousy and Frustration- a misplaced anger that can lead to troll activity. I say, ignore their frustration and count them amongst your fans. What is Lex Luthor without Superman? I’m just saying, don’t waste your time in a back and forth, defending your art. While someone is trying to rip down your deeds you are developing new projects. You’ll end up getting yet another leg up and those same folks unfortunately get even more jealous and frustrated. Vicious circle of negativity those people live within. I just wanted to awaken some of the team to the rocks that will get thrown along with the roses. That is how some get attention by going against the grain. “AVENGERS” – Hulk smashes Loki – “it was okay – I didn’t really dig how…” WRONG! Scene kicked ass:) Move on. So I thank all of you that have sent roses and to the rock throwers – I sincerely hope to one day create something that you really like. If you find yourself spewing a pattern of hate, hate, hate…maybe it is your filter/eye and not so much the project. Just a thought…:)
We should have film festival dates soon for “Darkest Night” making its first non-distributor festival appearance in the USA. “Benjamin” looks to wow audiences in NYC again after its first festival showing. Distribution talks worldwide continue on these two projects and so they will find their way to audiences in the near future. “Donors” and “7 Stones” still in post-production and “Locked in a Room” is polishing up for distribution. There will be an official announcement on this in the coming weeks from At Risk Ent. CEO Larry Simmons.
I’m looking forward to making a few exciting announcements on a few biblical era films looking to follow-up on our very successful “Book of Ruth” film. Also looking for some good news on “Long Road Home” so stay tuned for that as well.
OK. I’m going to get back to my Saturday. I hope you all have a wonderful day.
DJ
Happy Thanksgiving…DJ Perry
Friends,
I will bypass my usual rant about my Native friends who always have a slightly different slant on the historic aspects of the day but we will focus on the meaning. For me in this moment it is only a week since I left the circus in Yuma, AZ and my family of friends got larger. Much laughter and hard work and for a group of us we were doing as we were meant to do as storytellers. It has been hard with the way of things but yet we push on.
I’m looking at options to get a few future projects launched. I’m encountering the first wave of new situations that include conditions. The give and take that happens with participation. We are entertaining a few outside the US productions. That could limit my cast and crew and so that makes for some very hard decisions. I do appreciate that we are becoming international and that our possibilities extend around the globe. I will enjoy the holidays and see how these first chips fall and make the decisions that have to be made with the elder tribe’s input.
The wonderful part is that we have fires being lit under several projects. We had a major BUMP in the road on one project that stemmed from straight up dishonesty. I’m happy to say that dishonest entity is no longer doing business. A dishonest business or individual should be worried as our friends are many and our ability to quietly TCB is great. (TCB is Elvis and “taking care of business”)
I’ve been blessed with the Oct. releases of “An Ordinary Killer” and “Blood Ties” both selling their way into the market. Dec. 15th is the DVD release of “Book of Ruth” and my sincere hope is that Pureflix finishes all their wrap up business so we can all be happy in a project well done. I saw a rough cut and was very impressed by the work. Good work on both sides of the camera. BOR family I miss you all as well!
“Karma: Crime, Passion, Reincarnation” had a great festival premiere in NYC on the 15th but I wish I knew more of how audiences liked it. It is a cool unique thriller for sure.
The in-house slate of directors of Kennedy (Wild Michigan), Hornus (A State of Hate) and Teaster (Timberwolf) prepare for 2010 and we have a few new directors seeking a home with CDI http://www.cdiproductions.com Most recently Robert Gwinn dir. of “Renovation” by association joined the tribe and talks with directors Michael Valverde and Renee O”Conner could see future growth. Director John Regan “The Flock” has been talking to me about “Sherwood Horror” (Think Robin Hood and think Vampires) for several years now and so we are looking to see how we could best package it up. It really is coming down to what HIS name as a director can package up. Most likely that would be produced under CDI. You can follow updates here…
They also covered this project in the magazine Creative Screenwriting. Nov/Dec issue. It’s a cool article. Page 13.
Here are a few PR Links on “Renovation”
http://www.channel1yuma.com/yumanlife.htm
http://www.yumasun.com/news/gwinn-54052-yuma-money.html
http://www.yumasun.com/articles/film-50310-movie-site.html
We will be starting to feature “Renovation” Leading Ladies on Pepper’s fansite.
http://www.djperryfanclub.com watch for new UPDATES!
Well I have to slowly get around to go to Pa Perry’s for Thanksgiving. I hope each and everyone of you finds joy in the thankfulness of what we have versus what we do not. One day of health is priceless, remember that.
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 