ASHES, BESTSELLER, 40 NIGHTS and WASTELAND Updates
I’m up nice and early sipping on my favorite coffee. It has been a great adjustment back into work flow here in Michigan. I’ve really just been tightening my focus on what needs to be done and eliminating distractions. We have been wrapping up the last of the loose ends on “40 Nights” which has about run its course. The ship is docked and the cargo unloaded and now the film is being assembled. It signed worldwide distribution prior to shooting and that is a welcome change. No shopping just finish and deliver. We are excited about what is going to happen with this film. It is the 1st in our 3 picture deal with Lightworx for biblical era content.
Additionally this new relationship opened a new opportunity for “Ashes of Eden” our inspirational crime drama. We were on a path to a domestic release but recently had additional theatrical interest in the film and in the wake of “40 Nights” worked a new deal for worldwide distribution with Lightworx. Lightworx Entertainment is ran by my friend/associate who was a VP formerly at Pureflix overseeing films such as “God’s Not Dead” with their marketing and distribution roll out. ASHES is in great hands with Lightworx and I think this expanded deal is well deserved. Congrats to the entire cast and crew.
“Bestseller” – Now this project is exciting as we get to the end of the post production road. It was a unique project in how we at CDI became involved. What previously could have been a loss for the Michigan film community has turned into a great relationship with an amazing author. He’s going to get a watch through on the final film towards the end of the month. Music, FX and sound work has been solid and we will be showcasing this to the media May 9th prior to the May 23rd screening which will be the 1st public premiere showing in Chris Knight’s (Chris Wright/Johnathan Rand’s) home town. We’re excited that this story has translated so well to the screen and look forward to his additional stories that lie waiting to be told on the big screen. We’re also locking the 1st theatrical dates now and DVD’s will be for sale alongside the theatrical releases. Congrats to the cast and crew of this fine film.
“Wasteland Tales of the Desert Part 1” – I’m told this film is DONE. This 1st part will travel the festival circuit and be used to show the other investors. If all flows – the other segments will get cast and prepped to shoot. I’m excited to see it with all the music, sound and FX in place.
Yesterday I had some talks over a few more movies in the CDI library going to TV. It could be as many as 4 with additional high interest in “Ashes of Eden” and “40 Nights” but those deals will have to be made by our new distributor.
Lastly, I will return to script writing here soon. I’ve got two personal scripts to finish up. One or both could film this year. I am also planning my next biblical era film to write and produce for Lightworx likely to shoot in Jan. 2016. So I will enjoy the approaching Summer and oversee the flow of content. It will be a great year and I again appreciate all of you.
Happy Saturday!
DJ
Wrap, Distribution & What’s Next…
Yesterday we wrapped yet another motion picture. The term “in the can” doesn’t apply any longer but “on the drives” or some term would. We rolled in here three weeks ago from Michigan and with the collaboration of many artists both sides of the camera we once again did what we do. We finished on budget, on schedule and with this particular film the distribution deal is signed. “40 Nights” will be distributed by Lightworx Entertainment. The faith-based company is operated by Randy Maricle, the former VP of Operations & Marketing at Pureflix. I got to know him over the last few years and I was impressed by how he helped push “Gods Not Dead” into the marketplace. We had a couple of offers on “40 Nights” and while Lightworx not only offered the best deal – they also sweetened the pot. They have entered into a deal for me to write and produce two additional biblical era movies. I think I already know what the second one will be and have a few ideas on the third. But one step at a time. This film will immediately move into post and we have an aggressive release schedule ahead. Our distributor made a trip to the set on one of our big market days and got to see all the extras at work plus the animals. It is the kind of film that both my grandma’s would have truly loved. I think this film will find its way into the hearts of many and be a favorite for years to come. It is EPIC. 
So now we wrap up the circus. We are having a wrap cook out today provided by the community who has been extremely supportive of our efforts. I think they saw the magic of what was happening. This film is the second I’ve had shot in this area and I think when it gets cold in the Michigan this might become a destination. I also saw a few great locations for our westerns. So I’m certain that we will be returning to film here in the future.
BESTSELLER music should be getting close to done. I can’t wait to return home to do a watch/listen through that film and get ready for our 1st showings in May. May also looks like it will be the month of the special WICKED SPRING showings in Grand Rapids, Michigan. May is also the National release of ASHES OF EDEN. This stretch into Summer is going to be busy with film releases and premieres. I also heard that DEAD QUIET is making its way through post production looking at fall showings.
We have a commercial project to shoot when I return and otherwise just overseeing all this film flow will be the focus. I also had a couple of acting offers present themselves. Right now I’m thinking about home, family and my own bed:) I’m also in negotiations to write a script for a company later this year so that is always fun. I like writing – just me and my coffee on the patio.
So that is the short recap. I’m very proud of the hard work by all our cast and crew here. Only a pair of longer days due to the desert sun which was our biggest monster. I think when we shoot here next time a month or two earlier will allow things to run even smoother.
Stay tuned for lots of more exciting updates in the weeks ahead!
DJ
“40 Nights” and Other Film News
Happy Saturday everyone. The sun is out but the freeze it still in full force here in the Michigan. As many of you now know we announced the next film “40 Nights” shooting next month. For fans of the biblical/drama films like “Book of Ruth,” ‘Ashes of Eden,” or “Wicked Spring” you will enjoy this news. If more intense films are your cup of tea you will have “Bestseller,” “The Terrorist,” and “Dead Quiet” coming at you later this year.
I’m excited about “40 Nights” because it takes a very simplistic look at a very complex character. I can say that I don’t think any other film has approached this story in this way. Behind the scenes we’ve had a lot of excitement and interest. So we’ve been making strides in development for a while now and finally everything has lined up. So next month we are going out west to tell this story. We are taking some of our keys but unfortunately can’t take the entire army. We will be joining with artists out there. Several artists that I’ve worked with previously on projects. The issue is that only so many cast and crew and I’ve worked with a lot of talented people. If I’ve worked with you before and had a positive experience you are always considered. Sometimes with talent I’ve submitted you to our director and you don’t even know it. Often when you get a call from out of the blue offering a role that is exactly what happened. I also sometimes feel at blame if people don’t get a role but truth is that either the role didn’t fit or the creative director had a different idea. But that said, I do love all my co-stars and always put you forward when I see a right role. We are mostly cast save a few smaller roles and one of those is a child actor. If you like these kind of films the good news is that we have been approached about doing several. So we will focus on this story for now but in the future many more of my friends and associates could be getting calls.
“BESTSELLER” is sounding great as we get ready to start the score with the amazingly talented Dennis Therrian. We just had our Director of Photography in town and had a great color correction discussion to get things rolling. We saw almost all the FX work placed into the film and I can say great work by DNA Design. This film is being slated for 1st showings in May around author Christopher Knight’s stomping grounds. From there it will start playing various locations theatrically.
I’ve seen the artwork on “Donors,” “Ashes of Eden” and “Wicked Spring” as we prepare to release those films this spring and summer. “Wicked Spring” is looking at getting some Michigan theatrical play before the Blu-Ray and PPV/On Demand release in June. Happy Birthday month to me:)
This coming week will be FULL of final off-location prep work and packing to leave for our home away from home. Our destination has been between 72-83 degrees so that will be a nice change. On-going sales discussions on the CDI library are continuing and possible projects are lining up. I may take on a script writing assignment when I return. I’m finishing a few personal scripts as we speak. We also have a commercial project that is in the works to do this spring. Aside from all the work I’m ready to pour my everything into this next role and after that…outdoor SOCCER SEASON!
I hope you all have a great Saturday!
DJ
NEW FILM ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PROJECT UPDATES
Coffee, snow and here we go! The last few weeks have been focused as we worked to stay on a developmental timeline for a film project. It is a project that we’ve only spoken about on a TV interview a few weeks ago. I don’t like to blow the trumpets on a project until full money is locked up in the bank. Our account opens on Tuesday and by the end of next week all funds deposited. This is a project that I was compelled to write and that really resonated with investors, actors and distributors. But even more important it resonated with me. I have to feel a connection to a role/film.
I often see films that make me wonder why they are lackluster in their execution but I think it starts with the core people. If you’re making a film only for projected profits or even just to make “something”… I think the special qualities never become fully realized. Think of some of your favorite films, even little films and they have heart. Now I’ve gotten on my soap box many times over the business aspects which we are also doing but the artistic is also important. When I see a project asking for volunteers in important artistic functions I know there is a good chance that the opening credits might be the best part about a project. I’ve also made sub par product in the beginning of my career but I can say it usually boiled down to budget, or lack there of. But even a few highly skilled artists with vision can do amazing things. Anyway, I’m not quite ready to fully announce this next project but at least I explained why. I will say that it is entitled “40 Nights” and is a period piece. We have some amazing talent on board and are still bringing a few more to task. It will shoot in Yuma, AZ in March so we will be departing this cold for a few weeks. Now let’s look at a few new film updates.
This weekend the FX and opening credits are being dropped into BESTSELLER. Next week we will have a marketing meeting with Chris Knight over the roll out of the film. Dennis Therrian is working on scoring the film as he does a final pass on sound design. The film may also be releasing another trailer soon. The film has really come to life and with so many distributors asking about it I’m confident it will please the masses.
WICKED SPRING new DVD artwork was released as well as the June 2nd release date. The distributor has begun talks with retailers and I am planning a few theatrical showings to kick off the PPV, VOD, BluRay-DVD re-release. I’ve had many fans reach out already to share their excitement. Thank you so much.
ASHES OF EDEN is rolling out nationally in May and we are all excited to promote this title. The reviewers are enjoying this film and I think audiences will also. I know that at least a 1st draft of a follow-up project with Mr. Hagedorn may be in his hot little hands.
A slew of films were sent over for review by a couple of TV networks. I expect a couple of titles to be picked up. I have to follow-up on several foreign sales deals underway.
KNIGHT CHILLS II also released some 1st artwork and that script is moving right along. A shoot time has not yet been set but I would guess autumn 2015. The interest is there and I’ve even had some 1st distributor talks. Beware!
WASTELAND teaser should be getting close to done. The movie poster is being painted, yes I said painted. And the film edit should be about half way. We have also started some 1st talks with a CGI individual about the Sky Marshal ship. All very cool stuff!
DONORS – Official release next week with release dates and other information!
I have a 9:30 am coffee meeting with our director on the yet to be fully discussed film. So I’m going to wrap it up here and refill the old coffee cup.
Enjoy your weekend!
DJ
My 2014 Year in Recap
Ah, the hot sips of Hazelnut coffee greets my morning once again. Old Saint Nick must know my love of the smooth java as I got several bags of the fine stimulating stuff. Insulated jeans and cargo pants, a few sweatshirts and such greeted me as this is Michigan. When “out and about” I tend to love my boots but more likely these days you will find me comfortably wearing my slippers about. I got several pair this year. One pair for the house, the office and one to “roll in” when I don’t feel like changing up to take a drive to the studio. I also enjoyed the gift giving and watching others open and enjoy such finds. The food has been wonderful. From ham to lamb, shrimp to scallop potatoes. I stayed away from all sweets but enjoyed more than enough of everything else. Tonight is a yearly outing with some of my oldest friends (Hard to beat 1st grade) with a delicious steak in my future. To note the other 2 best 2014 steaks. A tie between the one from Eric Nelson’s wedding (Lansing Country Club) and Dean Teaster’s wedding! (Dusty’s Cellar) so we will see how the Knight Cap fits in there. I’m usually a venison eater but once in a while that steak is just heavenly.
The BIZ
I’ve done a pretty good job of not engaging in too much business over the last few days. It’s exciting to move into 2015 and like a present you unwrap, see what lies there. I’m exciting for so many new films finishing up – releasing and re-releasing!
New poster work has been underway for “Wicked Spring” and “In the Woods,” with plans to do a new commentary for the latter celebrating 15 years. 2015 will see a book release for “Knight Chills” with a sequel film in development. “Ashes of Eden,” “Donors,” “The Terrorist,” “Division 19,” “Dead Quiet,” and “Bestseller” will all roll out in 2015. The new Sci Fi/Western “Wasteland” will have the 1st part assembled by Spring and will return to shooting the others parts this year.
In the works is a new powerful drama with Anthony Hornus directing. A new biblical-era dramatic feature will be finalizing its business in January and gearing up for a spring shoot. Development is underway with a new film collaboration with Shane Hagedorn. (Exciting) My management is working on several options for studio/network projects. My writing projects are building with two screenplays underway now. One optioned script may move into production this winter still and I’ve been asked to consider another Work-For-Hire writing just days ago. BUSY but fun work:)
In recap, I can see the forthcoming year will be filled with great storytelling adventure. I wonder what words I’ll be typing here a year from now? Perhaps thinking back on the releases of these forthcoming films in 2015 and hinting at what projects will be on deck for 2016. I will enjoy a few more days of family and friends – organizing and preparing myself for the busy year ahead. I already have meetings and such lining up which is all good. That is progress in motion and moving ahead in creation. So enjoy these few days of continued holiday before once again rolling up the sleeves and attacking the work ahead.
Happy Holidays and wishing you all a great start to your new year!
DJ
Closing the Year Strong & The Year Ahead
Good morning to all – likely afternoon when I post this. Yesterday was just a perfect Halloween day. I had lunch with my father and we had the mothers over for a Mexican theme Feast of the Dead. The rain/snow cold kept most of the trick or treater’s away. We ended the night watching a Halloween themed film and it really was perfect. I didn’t partake in all the craziness of years past and I was just fine with that. I had things I needed to get done today and business to attend to. As the midnight hour came I ended it all by finishing Christopher Knight’s book “Season of the Witch” – perfect. I see many stories within that would also translate nicely to the screen. If you don’t know the author immediately he is also known as Johnathan Rand, author of the popular children series American Chiller. He is also the author and client we have been working on with the thriller “Bestseller” (also a book). RE: Bestseller – We had some tech meetings on Friday and this week we have a great creative meeting coming up. This film will be done early 2015 and already has some distribution interest.
Speaking on distribution, we will be making an announcement on “Ashes of Eden” this weekend at the East Lansing Film Festival. It’s great that our inspirational crime drama is back playing for a home town audience. We may have a few more theatrical runs before the wider release but I do have TV and foreign talks underway. Not just with these two fine films (Ashes of Eden & Bestseller) but the entire CDI library. I have some important talks with some large territories. Many of our films have released to multiple foreign territories but that release is going to get wider and wider. Stay tuned as our films could be reaching billions. Yes. I said billions. Movies are loved all over the world and we want to introduce ours. Numerous deals are underway and I’m excited about the possibility of new 2015 releases.
We are gearing up to shoot “Wasteland” in December and the props under construction are really looking good. It also looks like a few of our films may be moving forward into production in early 2015. I don’t want to jinx anything so I’ll limit what I say here. Additionally, a pair of follow-up pictures behind “Book of Ruth” look to be coming together also. I’m excited about a pet project of mine that looks like it’s moving forward to shoot this Spring. It actually could turn into a slate of films. The business paperwork on some of these will be coming together in the weeks ahead. I’ve had numerous development meetings over the last few months with a few filmmakers that I see have the right combination of artistic talent and willingness to work within a business model. So we may be bringing a few filmmakers into the fold of the CDI tribe to develop them into feature film directors with international distribution set ups.
As a front-of-the-camera talent, I’ve had a few projects that were in holding patterns approach me this week with positive updates. My management contacted me with developments on my possible involvement in a few large scope projects. If scheduling is the issue I have to deal with in 2015 – I can work that out. You always want projects to go nose to tail so you can do them all. But as typical in life, things often overlap or all try to happen all at once. I don’t stress. I go back to the ole “cross that bridge when you get to it” mentality. Things do have a way of working themselves out and I sincerely believe that I end up doing the projects I was meant to do.
This next coming Sat I will be attending the showing of STANDING POST, directed by my friend/associate Anthony Hornus. It features the acting work on Steven Sutherland (Ashes of Eden), Mary Jo Cuppone (Figure in the Forest) and Dean Teaster (Ghost Town) and so I’m greatly looking forward to it. Please do come out and support the Red, White and Blue non-profit and their work with our US Military. It should be a great night and lots of fun.
I’ve also been getting some writing in and that feels good. I’m still a touch behind on my reading (Sorry) you all know who you are:) I’ve been trying to get these “Wasteland” scenes in the old memory banks. Financed projects with offers have to be read first and I’m sure is understood by all. I’ll wrap this up – guacamole might be calling me. I still have a few domestic things to do getting ready for winter here. I might try to pop into the East Lansing Film Festival tonight (maybe) but I do plan on being there tomorrow for the 4:30 showing. I think they might also have ‘Ashes of Eden” merchandise on hand. I’ve been wearing my ASHES OF EDEN sweatshirt due to how COLD it’s been in Michigan.
Enjoy the rest of your day. Be good to one another.
DJ
CDI Film News from Cold Michigan
Beautiful snow ?- Yes it is. But the cold is biting like a winter wolf and I think even the Yeti’s are huddling up for warmth. I had a strong week of business whereas I still have to continue to have patience. I did a lot of gathering of information for 2013 taxes for CDI. I still have to dive into my own but that has become more of a system. I had many great meetings last week with different key people in our organization. Development is happening all over the board and I’m curious to see what project will come out on top. Some are small films and some are studio/network projects – and all are important.
CDI Distribution has some new talks underway with networks, studios and foreign companies and I’m confident that we will be making some new deals here shortly. I had good meetings with old partners and potential new partners.
I’m very pleased to announce that “Bestseller” has moved firmly into editing and we are well into the rough edit with Chad Ice, our editor. PR on that went out this week.
There will be new updates coming on “Ashes of Eden” that is in final scoring as we speak. After that it will be a watch through and mix on the entire film.
We have had more interest from distributors in both of these films. We will see who presents the best offer but I’m excited to bring these to audiences.
On the acting front I just took a read on a project in Miami that would have me playing a cop. I will have to wait and see how negotiations roll on this film but I liked what I read of the book. It’s a very gritty story in a TRAINING DAY sort of vibe.
I think we are getting closer to SOUL EATER and perhaps another biblical story where I’m slated to play a Roman military man. Also development continues on the western which may or may not transition to a TV series for a network. I also had a comment on “Race to Judgment” the follow-up to “An Ordinary Killer” – I can say that work is being done on it. I will hold any other comments until something becomes more solid.
I’ve got a full week ahead as we conclude Jan. and so I wish each and every one of you a productive week. Stay safe if you are on the snowy roads and keep warm.
Keep Clawing Your Way To The Middle!
DJ
End of Year Wrap-Ups and New Film Updates
The year is underway and many business endeavors are moving. It has been a good week of organizing and prepping for new business. I’ve also been getting some good training in for the new year. That is mostly for the soccer field but doesn’t hurt for camera work either. I know many of you are putting your new year resolutions into play. Let’s look at some of the new actions in motion.
1) We are about to PR “7 Stones” now available on VOD.
2) Discussions are underway on a few new biblical films after it was reported that we have the highest grossing biblical film with our distributor. We had some good talks over this property.
3) Our director Shane Hagedorn is in studio doing a music check today on “Ashes of Eden” and we are excited as this film nears the finish line. Early distribution talks have started and many are just waiting to see our full story.
4) “Bestseller” is now officially in editing and we should have a rough cut in about a month. We are all excited to see this film moving to the next phase. I’ve had several good talks about what will follow “Bestseller” and soon we may have a sure direction. I am getting distributor input on all these ideas.
5) I’ve been having some literary agent talks after a recent option/purchase agreement on one of my script properties. I think that scripts that I do not see as an acting vehicle I may consider selling. There will be more PR on this as it develops.
6) We’ve had some interest in possible financing on “Soul Eater” my prequel to “The 8th Plague” so that was submitted last week and now we wait.
7) New foreign territory and TV Network talks started this week. We will see what develops from all of that.
8) I need to get new updates on “Donors” and “The Terrorist” but I know both are very close and will be coming to market this year.
Aside from all this I have been prepping some of the end of the year business work for taxes and such. It is the less exciting aspects of filmmaking but so very important. I hope you all are staying focused and enjoying your first month of 2014. It was a week of steady business and that always leads to something exciting.
Happy Saturday!
DJ
Your Friend in ART – Updates
WOW! Friday came this week and I was ready for a little mind rest. The week has been jammed full with following up on paperwork to make sure it is straight on a couple of projects heading into distribution. Also reviewing projects heading out to distributors soon. Several distributors have come forward to look at our slate of films coming down the pipeline. A couple of development projects are getting some legs under them with distributor support. I’ve had a small flood of possible acting roles which I’m looking at to see what FEELS right. I will ramble off a few updates in no particular order and I’m sure I will forget a few.
– “Dean Teaster’s Long Road Home” has some distribution paperwork forming up underneath it.
– Some additional biblical era films in the vein of “Book of Ruth” are getting close to greenlight.
– My long-standing efforts to put “Wild Michigan” back on the tracks continues. Three different paths being worked on this project and one of them should go eventually.
– Several films have open foreign rights and those are being shopped and interest is forming up nicely.
– “Darkest Night” has pushed the dist. screening in L.A. to late June to avoid a couple big festivals and also business in the Philippines is required as we prep for our next associated venture entitled “The Beast”. Several new promotional trailers have been released on this film.
– “Donors” the follow-up to “Deadly Renovations” (Aug 2012 domestic release) is moving along nicely.
-“Locked in a Room” is prepping for the May 3rd Michigan screening. I’ve watched director Larry Simmons work and refine the film and I think audiences will really dig it. Some good stuff looks to be hitting the editing room floor but that is sometimes needed to move the story.
– “7 Stones” released a new poster and the last pick up opening was shot last night and so just a little bit more tweaking and it will be complete. Festival play is next for that powerful film.
– New location photos for “Secondary Heroes” just arrived and so we will be reviewing those this week.
I will spend some of the weekend reviewing a few distribution deal offers and researching companies who have come forth wanting to talk business. I’m waiting on a few other large deals to close and I’ve been nicely informed as they move forward. In my normal everyday life I had a few fans of the work pop up and be surprised that I’m chilling in the Michigan. When not working out-of-town that is how I roll:) So many things in process and I hope to give more exciting news in the weeks to come. Otherwise I think we might finally bottle a batch of wine and pick lilac flowers to make another batch of that. Yard work and maybe till the garden may lie ahead today. I’ll relax and try to get some stuff done because next week is going to be a busy one again.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Your friend in art,
DJ
Week Updates and Going Western (Again)…
As Morgan Earp
It was a long week so I retired early and woke early. I have the coffee flowing and I am happy to send out some updates to the subscribers out there. I’ve been streamlining some CDI company biz in anticipation for some upcoming work. It is funny how the path opens up new adventures simply by walking it.
I got word that “Book of Ruth” will be going to Wal-Mart and other retailers that have yet to carry the title. The film has really done well and in the wake of that we’ve got several other biblical films going up. Three are with Reel Frog and two moving right along are in the CDI stable. It is a growing marketing for us and nothing wrong with entertaining and adding a good message. Watch IMDB and here for some updates very soon.
In the past I’ve been a paid speaker – most recently at Michigan State University as a Key Note Speaker for a creative arts forum. I don’t normally do these events usually because of the plan time and also to schedule around films. Enough people have asked so I have agreed to let MP Talent in Grand Rapids book me into these speaking events. (TO BOOK: malinda@mptalentagency.com) It is a take off on this CLAWING MY WAY TO THE MIDDLE program of mine. It really focuses on bringing a business mentality in with the art. In our industry it is the SHOW+BUSINESS. The focus is NOT – how to act or how to do this or that although those answers can be provided. It is really about getting the straight forward no B.S. advice based on actual trial and error. I attended a film fest mixer in town on Thursday and I really enjoyed seeing some of the younger artists pushing their dreams forward. There are many pitfalls in this business and in life. I know some of this info will greatly help individuals as it already has. So I will be looking forward to sharing.
I think one of the weeks most exciting developments was that I gave interest in playing the legendary cowboy Morgan Earp in a western this fall called “Storm God Rides”. I’m excited that we will likely be filming back on the western set in Mescal Old Tuscan outside Tombstone, AZ. Some of my fellow western actor amigos have also put their materials forward and been cast. I know that my friend and associate Dean Teaster is playing my oldest brother Virgil Earp, so that will be fun. More as this develops but I’ve had fun with the camera tests and I’m ready to ride.
I’m still looking at projects for May and I’ve had a few good projects cross the desk but nothing locked yet. In the meantime I’ve been getting myself ready for soccer, winemaking and getting the garden prepped. It is beautiful here in Michigan and I think it is going to be a great year.
I hope you all have a relaxing weekend.
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 