Seeking Balance Amongst the Lions, Lots of Snow and Loss of a Friend (Again)
I want to welcome our new readers from Hungary, Belgium and Finland. It is feeling like Finland here in Michigan with us getting what some call an arctic bomb. In the 70’s we called in winter but we really did get a good amount of heavy wet snow that iced up and now we’re getting frigid temps and some Lake Effect snow. That said, the Great Lakes are protecting us from the brunt of it all causing some cold air to go around us. I love living in Michigan but also realize how precious it is here and we need to protect our water. That can be said for everywhere in the world. Water, food and air supply and not sure why many folks can’t understand that. We are getting smarter with chemicals but many big companies would rather just pay fines versus proper disposal. I’m always trying to better my eating habits and I’ll keep refining that process. I drink Apple Cider vinegar every day and last year my Mexican Style Chili Beer was very popular. I saw a group that creates various ‘Fire Ciders’ which is a variety of ingredients consisting of fruit, herbs, roots and veggies in a vinegar mixture. It is meant as a preventative and to attack any oncoming sickness. So last night I put mine together and I’m looking forward to trying it in several weeks. I’ve been diving in deep on my study of herbal teas and that is fascinating to me. I’ve said it so many times on here that health is wealth and I’m feeling great in these first weeks of the new year. Detoxing the body and mind and stepping up my workout routine. I’ve been in martial arts since 7th grade and I was a gym rat for a long time even managing a health club for a couple of years. I’m not sure if I’ll start back at the gym versus my home workouts but I’m always exploring new arts. My flexibility is good which is what many people start to loose. I’m really looking forward to soccer season in the springtime. I might jump on an indoor soccer team to get my conditioning up to speed if our team assembles one.
All the above has me feeling great with even more energy. I’ve attacked my end-of-year to do’s and I’m ahead of where I was last year. I’ve got most all the business info submitted to our accounting firm on my end. My personal tax info is all assembled and I’m just awaiting docs that will come in this month to submit them. I am just thrilled at where I’m at energy and focus-wise moving into the new year. I was pretty depleted at the end of 2023. But the much needed family time of the holidays gave me the recharge I needed. The Christmas tree just went down and the boxes and wrapping paper recycled or used to start the wood stove. I’ve been having various beginning of the year meetings and I have a good plan in place. Let’s update you all on some of the develops with our projects.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – Now past the holiday we’re starting our mainstream PR starting with Iowa and moving to national. Our cast and key crew are now open for interviews. We’re also working to get some reviewers involved also so if you have a blog, vlog or review site please do. If you have not seen this based on true events WW2 drama please do so.
Seeking Balance-
Most of the reviews for our films have been overwhelmingly positive. But as we know that will draw out the occasional negative person who has to try and poop in the punchbowl. Twenty years ago I felt those reviews personally but now I feel for the reviewer. If I don’t like something I will limit or not comment. What did momma use to say? If you don’t have anything nice to say don’t say anything at all. I live by that. But when someone who has faced rejection sees the success they wanted, hate for that success can be born. What they don’t understand is they create that failure with their attitudes. When I see people complaining and bemoaning how everyone and everything is keeping them down they fail to self realize. Who wants to have a ‘Debbie Downer’ or a woe is me ‘Charlie Brown’ on their team? And they wonder why they didn’t get cast or asked to be part of a crew or team. People complain publicly about their inability to raise funds for a project or endeavor and that in itself is a signal to potential backers that this person is not stable. Stable can mean in many ways. Spewing your personal issues without accountability signals mental instability. Screaming financial woes can show a lack of stable self management that could result in the misuse of funds and ultimately a failed project. The opposite can happen too whereas people try to brag up their lavish lifestyles and wants investment dollars. True wealthy people do not tend to be flashy. They don’t need a Rolex to tell people they are successful. High flying lifestyles can be a prison. A level that must be met at all costs or you could lose it all. I have always kept it simple. When struggling it was out of necessity and when successful it was out of wisdom. What I drive, wear or the size of my castle doesn’t make me a better manager, creator and artist. Keeping things simple allows me the freedom to make sacrifices needed for success at times. Boasting success or lamenting failure both show instability. Balance, zen and harmony is the stability that breeds success. Social media is not many people’s friend. Quite the opposite, it harms them most of the time. Think on these words as they might help you to get where you want to go.
Harsens Island Revenge – We are in the final stretch of our edit on the upcoming film we shot in 2023. Shot in Alpena and on Harsens Island this story is set in the 1920’s and centers on bootlegging in Michigan. Our director will be back the first week of Feb and we’ll do a producer’s watch through and plan the films opening scene. We’ll also start our sit downs with our composer and sound designer Dennis Therrian. I LOVE that process and that will mean some great meetings out at the sound studio set within a pine forest. I’m meeting tomorrow to discuss the ‘behind the scenes’ and I know that theatrical poster and a first teaser trailer are also in development. I’m as excited as all of you! We also have some great things in the works with Pepsi that could effect our theatrical release in a positive way. Fingers crossed!
KNIGHT CHILLS – During these cold months if you’re part of the great circle that plays fantasy role playing games like Pathfinder, Dungeons and Dragons…I sincerely hope that you’ve been flagged to CDI’s first movie that was released late last year to Blu Ray. We’re working to get it streaming in 2024 and much more. Rumors of a sequel have been swirling for years but we are getting close. ROLL THE DICE and add this bad boy blu-ray to your collection!
DEVELOPMENT – As noted above a sequel is in the works to Knight Chills and the hope is that we’ll see that happen this year. HOT ROD LOVE is being tuned up for a 2024 filming. We brought on another backer this past week and we’ll keep pushing. PEPSI is on-board and we’ve got some great marketing ideas with them. Shane Hagedorn is slated to direct this 1970’s drag racing comedy. It promises to take us back to an earlier time. A few other features are in development with me working on a couple scripts. Additionally we’ll be looking at other CDI classics to bring back into the marketplace. I’m looking forward to new meetings over SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE and WILD FAITH: HASTINGS. If your not amongst the tens of millions worldwide who’ve seen WILD FAITH, take a watch. We recently went over 8 million views on our distributor’s Encourage TV.
WATCH FREE WITH ADS WILD FAITH: https://youtu.be/g0LCdlq-BK0?si=zrJyM5iAQSKs5zmq
We’ve also been enjoying a surge in audiences watching our film that highlights the plight of adoption dogs and wounded veterans MAN’S BEST FRIEND just soared over 2 million views on Encourage TV.
WATCH HERE FREE WITH ADS MANS BEST FRIEND: https://youtu.be/afDYPOiL5pY?si=X2qVoXehNkdrG8vJ
I plan on touching base with a director friend Lynn Drzick working to put together one of two horror films we’ve discussed last year. He was in hopes of a Jan. funding commitment and so we’ll see where we are with that endeavor. I do know we have a new director’s cut of IN THE WOODS and we’re looking for a theatrical run followed by a Blu-Ray and streaming release. I still need to get my scan for my Alex Kerwood action figure.
WRAP UP: After 30 years the Detroit Lions are in a playoff game at Ford field and I’m so excited. I’ve said it before, I’ve had many relatives pass away waiting for a playoff game. Speaking on passing away I wanted to give a RIP tribute to a filmmaker friend. I found out that on Christmas Richard N. Bailey passed away. He was a filmmaker who was developing a project IN OUR TIME, a retelling of the Jesus story in a modern world. It was after I had done BOOK OF RUTH and as Benjamin I had received many comments on how I looked like Jesus in that film. That led me to submit to this film (I read for Judas) and they came back and wanted me to read for Jesus. The worldwide casting led me to being one of 7 possibles. And from there I won the role. I was also offered roles in two other studio films one about Madam CJ Walker and the other Henry Ford. I still have the contract faxed to my LA attorney at the time. Health issues hindered the slate of films and IN OUR TIME went into turn around aka Development Limbo. But I had already started my deep dive into the life of Jesus and noted a very important part of his life waxed over by most. That was the 40 nights Jesus spent in the wilderness. This inspired me to write about this self exploration and the temptations thrice by the Devil. Hence the movie Forty Nights came to be. While I did not play Jesus in the big studio film that would have been my largest to date it did set me on my path to THE QUEST TRILOGY. I want to thank Richard Bailey for believing in me and my thoughts are with his family who lost this man who was always such a well spoken and kind gentlemen. If you want to watch the journey of those three films you can do so on Encourage TV again FREE with Ads.
Part 1-FORTY NIGHTS: https://youtu.be/E52EV2FPT2I?si=UjNqo6VdonX7lP2O
Part 2-CHASING THE STAR: https://youtu.be/em6JOnNDC9c?si=BV-WG_aj6WkGUALi
Part 3-THE CHRIST SLAYER: https://youtu.be/Jd5z9yJ5hVw?si=8wkFOFJV_AENin72
Richard I’m sure was proud of these stories. He was a deeply religious man who always only had kind words. He was such a refreshing change from the shark pool you’ll often find. I’m gonna sign off here to go make some oatmeal and get ready to cheer the Lions on tonight. Stay warm if you’re in the cold zone and we’ll talk next week. Thank you all again for your support and stopping in to have a coffee and a read. Be good to one another!
DJ
Coffee Talk & Casting Tips
Good day,
I’m sipping at the hazelnut coffee and enjoying the early morning here in Michigan. We had a nice relaxing day up North after a very busy week of business. I want to welcome some of our new blog followers from India. Our international readers might enjoy some of the updates as we work to get more of our films to you.
I spoke about some “uninvited drama” last week. It has been put to rest. You have to seek to do that. Actually the less attention and energy you give it the better. I have a friend that I’ve known a long time. They seem to be going through an adjustment and break from a TOXIC relationship. I do note that they get into these long drawn exchanges of words. Now as someone who writes this blog, I know how much time they take to write. When people take all this additional time to debate what should not be debatable, it eats huge amounts of time with no payoff save frustration. DELETE and move on. Consider not posting things that will end up wasting your time if you are unable to IGNORE. To apply that to my life – if I was to take every critical personal attack to heart and waste all this time defending – little would get done. But in the time it would take to read or address these negatives – I’ve landed a new distribution deal. I’ve written another script scene. I’ve combed through a budget. Even a “Charlie Brown” (Whoa is me) statement will often bring a bunch of sympathy responses. Answering all those with a polite retort can eat a morning up or afternoon. So be careful what you throw out there. Someone who is feeling down and engages in such behavior risks only feeling down again for lack of productivity. Now push those feelings aside and get a list of TO DO’s done and I promise you will feel better. An issue might still exist but you did not feed it. You did not allow it to consume you. You controlled it and TCB baby! (Took care (of) business) Next time you feel like writing a short novel spewing the frustration over someones actions you can’t control – try ignoring it and taking care of yourself. Tackle that task that you’ve been putting off and I promise you – you will start to feel empowered. Less talk – more action!
To the FILMS…
THE QUEST TRILOGY
40 Nights – What can I say? My goal is that all three films will become a holiday tradition to watch. I think they have the power to do so but we will see in 20 years now won’t we. Family Video has joined our growing list of retailers and rental houses. Here is a new review that was sent over today –
I’ve heard of people watching the film multiple times for an uplift. I’ve been told of the DVD being given as a gift. I’ve enjoyed hearing what joy has come from the little film we artist created.
The second “Chasing the Star” should have its second cut. We will be reviewing this week. Things are in line with music and we will be addressing our INTRO and VFX soon! It is exciting to see it all come together and I’m so proud of our team.
I’ve started the hunt for the director of our third film, “The Christ Slayer” which despite the harsh title is a beautiful story. We’ve been dealing with returning cast and also starting to look at new artists. I will be excited to finish this trilogy next year.
EXPANDING
Many of our CDI/CDI Associated films are expanding. Every couple of weeks we’re announcing new pathways. Let’s look at a few developing.
- “Locked in a Room” is moving into a secondary distribution including a few new foreign territories. It is already in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and it will be expanding again it looks like. This is a unique thriller by the awesome twisted mind of director Larry Simmons.
- PR this week will be announcing the return of the “Knight Chills” franchise. The new Facebook page is up although not much to it yet save the new trailer. It will release in 2017 with the book that is complete. https://www.facebook.com/KnightChills/?fref=ts
- 2017 will see several new releases as our deal making continues.
- “Ashes of Eden,” “Bestseller” and “40 Nights” continue to widen their circle of availability. This past week we announced FAMILY VIDEO carrying this trio of films.
- The CDI Classic library is now digitized and so in 2017 some of these films will enjoy their first On-Demand or Blu-Ray releases. Some special edition DVD releases will also happen in 2017. (Wicked Spring:)
DJ Perry & Shane Hagedorn on set “Ashes of Eden”
DEVELOPMENT
We discussed “Knight Chills” and while we’ve been keeping it under tight wraps – the sequel is in active development. We’re tweaking the teaser trailer for the sequel and we’ll be doing some strong PR on this exciting event in the near future.
A Jesse Low directed western project is in active development and nearing pre-production status. It’s inspired by a project we tried to launch during the writer’s strike years ago only to have it die a slow painful death. Yes. I too have failures. The heart of the previous story will beat strongly as we move forward with this new creative team. We will have some strong announcements concerning this project in the coming weeks.
- YES both the projects could provide some Michigan casting opportunities. So as I’ve said before – we like looking at “game footage” so get your acting reels together.
Men out there, words of wisdom – IF you plan to audition for a western (which we are trying to shoot this year) LET IT GROW, LET IT GROW! Same with our biblical films as we DO NOT like fake beards/hair etc… I think it comes from one project I had an association too – it was fine enough drama but it was so distracting because it looked like someone glued beaver pelts to people’s faces. I think that scare of all that hard work suffering because an actor can’t make the commit to grow hair/beard when required. So…there you have it.
Here is another little gem with casting at CDI anyway…always feel free to send an updated reel or clip to me. But to put minds at rest – if we’ve hired you before to no issues. (You trouble makers know who you are) Providing you brought your performance A-game and you were a sail NOT an anchor, you will be considered. You are often hand delivered under the nose of a director. My phone always rings more during casting times than non but I love you all the same. I just want some of you who don’t get called to know you were likely considered. Your location vs budget, age, look etc…all can factor into decisions but ole DJ remembers his co-stars. Some of you can attest to getting the calls out of the blue – sometimes years after a discussion. But keep your materials strong and current.
While on casting let me point out one other observation. I think this is important to many of those tween talent growing into adulthood. I follow a handful of promising talent that I am impressed by but waiting for the right project. I caught a glimpse of an actress I’ve followed and almost worked with – going through a public store with a couple co-stars. They were loud, obnoxious and created a few messes. Now, I’m not a saint and I’ve been kicked out of a few stores in college BUT I was not away on business representing a project and a company. I was just disappointed because I, as a company owner look for professionals that reflect well on our casting decisions. These young ladies I’m sure had no problems talking about their project but I felt like I was watching an episode of JACKASS. I guess this works for them and they might all be great actresses but I do think they will lose out on some roles because of how they paint themselves off camera/on set and off camera/off set. Yes. Wrap is called and it’s your free time but I think some professional behavior is desired by some productions. Like ours.
Alright, I’m sure I missed a few updates but I’m going to go have another coffee and enjoy the day. Another soccer battle today. We won the last game so we’ll see if we can earn another victory.
Keep clawing!
DJ
Premieres, Parties and the Power of Positivity
It is a beautiful Saturday in Michigan and today is a good rest after a busy, busy week. I’m excited that I’ve been able to enjoy grilling and chilling outside. We had venison burgers and mushrooms last night. It’s been a couple of weeks driving hard towards our final goals while not being distracted by other distracting variables. I was witness to a few examples of drama this past week but avoided any participation. Drama, except when on the screen is something I try to avoid. It’s one of those distractions that often derails or delays people from their goals. I’ve gotten good at not falling into these traps. I will illustrate a few examples to perhaps help some of you out there. IF you think I’m talking about you – I’m likely not but you might be one of these people just for thinking that:)
The Power of Positivity
Some people just have broken, clouded, paranoid, delusional filters around them. You could say just about anything to them and they will pull an insult, attack or some negative slant from the communication. These poor souls will have a hard go of it in life/business until they reach some self realization. I’ve had previous business/personal relationships terminated because of these same issues. Insecurity, self-doubt and other self-defeating attributes can only be healed by the individual. They need to somehow learn to stop feeding their own negativity. I only allow those types X amount of time to figure themselves out or they are dismissed. I have more patience in personal vs professional. They often have to learn on their own where they cannot influence others with their drama. Unfortunately, this dismissal often creates even more negativity as these people seldom can accept blame. It’s ALWAYS someone else:) The world is against them. A self made pattern that these people are amazingly blind to.
Emails, text and written communication is worse. These individuals cannot tell directness from sarcasm and so forth. They project their own insecurities on the words. I’ve seen people refuse to compromise because they see that as weakness. What could have been fruitful on-going business relationships becomes one and done. Often these people are stricken with mis-directed anger that comes forth as spite and hate. Nasty venom from forked tongues that once spewed you cannot take back.
Others swallow their own poison – never venting on others but compounding their failure. If you’re downtrodden and negative because nobody will invest in your dream project it only makes it worse. People invest in positive people. If you carry negativity within yourself you will not inspire others to believe in your dreams. I call these people CHARLIE BROWNS. If you’re constantly complaining POOR ME and HO HUM on social media walls – you paint a picture of someone nobody would or should invest in. I see so much pitiful self bashing as much as I see hatred towards others. I see artists who don’t realize that some choices are just different versus better. I’ve seen people with no qualifications judge others. Those people who stand alone in their own glass house and foolishly throw rocks at others. It’s only a matter of time before they find themselves cut and broken in their own ruins of a shattered glass house. I’m happy to say in these situations I witnessed- I stayed in silence and focused upon the important work at hand. But I see these toxic behaviors around me and it doesn’t surprise me when these people implode. Be happy, positive and productive. I truly would love to see these people change but only they control themselves.
The HUMBLE FIGHTER
All this leads also to the topic of tonight’s “fight of fights” GET READY TO RUMBLE! I was a fan of boxer Manny PacMan prior to filming in the Philippines. But after seeing how he has helped his nation with his success and how they honor him – my respect for him grew. He is a humble, spiritual warrior who gives his all each and every time. He has a depth of spirit that reminds me of Bruce Lee, another childhood hero of mine. Now, Mister Floyd can fight for sure but he really seems to have an ugly demeanor and messed up priorities. I hope he gets taught a lesson that money can’t save him from. This example can apply to successful people in our film business. Wear success like a humble hat. People will respect that much more.
Onto film updates!
ASHES OF EDEN Oct. 6th is the new wide release. We are closer to announcing some west coast theatrical play dates. Stay tuned!
BESTSELLER – It is being final mastered!
LIVE IN MICHIGAN? Do you want to see the 1st public showing of BESTSELLER in a cool historic theater? I will be there as well as many of the cast and crew. Info on how to get your tickets below.
MOVIE PREMIERE
“BESTSELLER”
BASED ON A NOVEL WRITTEN BY
CHRISTOPHER KNIGHT
MAY 23, 2015
7:00pm
$10.00 per person for viewing only
$20.00 per person for viewing and a DVD copy of the show
$30.00 per person for viewing, DVD and Backstage Meet & Greet
TICKETS
https://www.theoperahouse.org/tickets.php
“BESTSELLER” IS INTENDED FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE.
“40 Nights” – Post work is underway and this week we released our 1st Official Teaser poster.
NEW interview link below that gives some great insight into the filming of “40 Nights” – Interview by David W. King. Thank you my friend.
http://www.gardenoftheking.com/InterviewDJPerry40Nights.htm
THE TERRORIST – is also DONE. I need to watch my producers link of the final film. It will start playing for distributors in the weeks ahead.
WASTELAND Tales of the Desert Part 1 – We will have an official poster soon and I will let you all know where you can see this film play.
To bring this full circle – “Don’t HATE, CREATE! The secret is to keep moving forward and not being distracted by all the silliness that some individuals can create. Pull them like weeds from your garden and watch what grows.
I had one reader ask me about the film “IT FOLLOWS” – It was shot in Michigan and my brother watched it and liked it. I don’t think they reinvented the wheel with it but it IS a positive step for distributors to seek independent product. Radius, the distributor – is owned by the Weinsteins who build their company on a handful of indie directors. I would love to see more companies with P&A $ take a limited chance on some strong indie films. So, I think this was a good thing and big congrats to that cast and crew.
I’m going to go work in the yard some so have a great weekend.
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 