A light dusting of snow covers the ground and I’m sipping at the hazelnut coffee (not sponsored yet) and reflecting back on my busy week. I want to welcome our Romanian and Indian readers to the blog. On the Indian front we’re having some great conversations about getting some of the CDI films there and also about a few collaborations on scripts we have.
Speaking of sponsors – Maple Holistics approached me about possible endorsement. I have a select list of products that I’ve got deals with. These often are passed down to our cast and crew in the form of gifts such as our awesome product from The Candleberry Company. I used the tea tree shampoo for this past week and I have to say I like it. I liked the texture, the tingle and it left my hair feeling very clean. You too can try for yourself and they’ve provided me a link below. Enjoy. Tell them DJ Perry sent you:)
We also had a Viking Tuesday taking the axe and splitting some wood for the office stove. Winter will be coming in full force and we’ll be ready. Onto the films shall we?
FORTY NIGHTS
BIG SCREEN!
Miller’s Historic theater in Bedias, Texas playing FORTY NIGHTS and we follow-up with a December showing of CHASING THE STAR. Both these films are now on Amazon Prime and it’s exciting to have new fans contact about the films daily. I can be contacted directrly about big screen public licensing.
So many great people participated and now others are getting to just EXPERIENCE them. These adventures have something for everyone – it matters not what path you walk. It is a great Christmas story maybe a bit more like the old Chuck Heston films in that they are not all sugar-coated. Now I have not seen STAR the new animated film about the birth of Jesus but the clips I saw had King Herod as a silly man. I think many people have eliminated the realty of a world under a tyrant ruler like Herod. We have one venue decide our film was too dark in tone. No sex or real violence but also not jingle bells or even one snowflake on the screen. I’m happy because much like THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, our film paints a harsh reality on the telling of that story but might create more understanding of the gravity of the situation. Where a lack of story once existed around the wise men – manifesting in lawn idols and contrived moments that only served to summarize the event. I think we put the stakes into a much more realistic context and gave plausible faces to the magi. Decide for yourself and help make these films part of your Christmas tradition. Next year will come Part 3 THE CHRIST SLAYER and that films is preparing to move into music and sound design in Jan 2018.
Now for THE CHRIST SLAYER to go into post another is coming out…WILD FAITH.
This post Civil War 1800’s tale is almost done. The visual time line minus end credits is locked with VFX. The audio is being tweaked and mixed. Color Correction is being set up for next week. This film is getting CLOSE! It will be done by the end of the year and we’ll be looking at all our options with this fine film property.
Additionally we’ve been in deal making mode on many of the CDI library. CDI and myself manage the Civil War film WICKED SPRING produced originally by CDI’s former sister company in Virginia. The new release will celebrate the passing of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. It will also be a nice release to a new audience in this digital age along with a 60 min doc that shows how a group of young filmmakers made this epic independent film. Follow us here for all the updates – https://www.facebook.com/CivilWarMovies/
Some of the past films looking at expanded distribution in 2018 include ASHES OF EDEN, BESTSELLER, FIGURE IN THE FOREST and THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ. Also many of the titles will be rolling out to foreign territories.
This week I also plan to release the WILD MICHIGAN book. This was my original screenplay before budgetary adjustments. This will be launching in time for Christmas. It will make a good holiday gift.
And if you like Christmas stories that are unconventional
KNIGHT CHILLS is a PG-13 scary Christmas time tale which can be found at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and many fine retailers.
MBF (Man’s Best Friend)
The bank account is open and we’ve started to fuel the ship up. We’re still in discussions with a few backers as we roll forward. I’ll be following up to get people’s paperwork this coming week. This great film is drawing some strong attention with its themes of military vets and dogs. We’ll be announcing more cast in the forthcoming weeks.
Several scripts submitted for collaboration/association are under consideration. For those that don’t know that means funded properties that are seeking production supervision and casting/crewing/distribution work. Also this week I had communications with a few major studio/networks over properties. I’m trying to put the pieces in play for the next handful of years. It was nice to catch up on a few calls this week with friend/associates. I know some of you out there are due a call and trust me I’m making my way down the list. I’m going to close this up as I still have some things to do today so that my start of the week will be solid.
Those that like to follow my brewing/wine making – the Ida’s Wine (rhubarb and mulberry) came out REALLY good. One of my favorites. The Green Goblin 3.0 is about to get racked to secondary and I might immediately start a new batch. I have some produce to use up from the freezer because we have incoming venison. Venison and 4H pork is about the extent of our meat-eating. Some chicken and fish get peppered into the diet.
So, next week I hope you spend some time with friends and family and not just on the day. Try some free tea tree shampoo. Watch a few holiday friendly films and be thankful. I’ll chat you all up next week. As always, thank you for stopping by.
DJ
November 19, 2017 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: 150th, 4H, adventures, Ashes of Eden, association, bank, Bedims Texas, beer, Bestseller, blog, book, CDI, Chasing the star, chicken, Chtistmas, Chuck Heston, civil war, coffee, collaboration, color correct, digital, DJ Perry, doc, dogs, DVD, epic, family, fans, Figure in the Forest, filmmakers, fish, foreign, Forty Nights, freezer, friends, funding, gifts, Green Goblin, hazelnut, Herod, holiday, idols, Indian, Jesus, knight chills, magi, Maple Holistics, MBF, Miller's Theater, pork, Romanian, screenplay, scripts, sex, shampoo, snowflakes, Star, story, stove, The Candleberry Company, The Christ Slayer, The Passion of the Christ, The Patchwork Girl of OZ, tradition, venison, vets, VFX, Viking, violence, Virginia, Wild Faith, Wild Michigan, wine, winter | Leave a comment
This morning we slept in and woke to a gentle rain, which the garden surely appreciates. We had a weekend of wedding activities as my step-sister tied the knot yesterday. It was an outside affair at a farm with a beautiful barn. We had a few Moscow Mules, few as I have a soccer match today – plus very good Brisket, grilled chicken, veggies and potatoes. My niece and nephew were the flower girl and ring bearer and after a less than perfect rehearsal I was sure chaos would ensue. But the niece who is a tad older was offered M&M’s if she could get herself and her brother to walk the aisle. Lesson – don’t underestimate the power of M&M’s – they did perfect. I lost a bet:) Let’s talk about the great week we had and what lies ahead.
Chasing the Star – Let’s go with that film first. The DVD poster is shown above for the Sept 5th release. I think people will know immediately what the film is about – the adventure of the magi crossing King Herod’s lands seeking the Messiah. This is the follow-up film to “Forty Nights” and I’m so proud of the endeavor. We’re still looking at other theatrical showings leading up to September. The theatrical poster has been a place holder, so look for the cover above, but you can pre-ORDER now.
https://www.christianbook.com/chasing-the-star/9781945788239/pd/889043
Forty Nights – This first film in our biblical trilogy is continuing to roll out and find audiences. I’m excited to see the films expand out to other foreign territories. I have friends in many countries and I would love for them to see more of our films. I’ve had many asking where they can buy the DVD and really you just have to google “Forty Nights” and NOTE this is the remastered version. “40 Nights” is the rushed version we created for Wal-Mart, still beautiful but “Forty Nights” goes to 11. Where do you go from there?:)
The Christ Slayer – I had a great meeting with our director Nathaniel Nose. He’s polishing up his cut for review this week. We’re also putting VFX in motion and we’ve got a few exciting things happening there. I also know that a trailer and poster are on the way. I’m excited we’re working on the third part of the trilogy. I’m so proud of the cast and crew from all three films.
Wild Faith – Friday we got to watch the film with smoothed out dialogue and sound design. It was like watching a movie as is and once they start adding music it just amps up the action onscreen. We did get to hear a few music sketches that are being done. Also the VFX first steps are now underway. I have some meetings in the coming weeks – working on putting the TV series in motion. It really would make a beautiful show and the trailer is gathering some good attention. Take a watch and see for yourself.
In other business – we’ve been working on “The Quest Trilogy” website that will absorb the three films in time. Also the new CDI site will have many great new features and I look forward to launching that in the coming months. Soundtracks, books, new films will be launching. We’ve been working hard to get our organizational structure ready to move forward into the future. I’ve been doing some good writing and putting pieces in place for upcoming productions. If any of you readers have questions on our business or business in general feel free to send any questions. The rain here has stopped and we’re going to get a few things done around the homestead before I have to battle on the soccer field.
Be good to one another. Create don’t Hate:)
DJ
June 4, 2017 | Categories: Blogroll, Uncategorized | Tags: artwork, audiences, barns, Bello Pizzimenti, books, brisket, cast, CDI, Chasing the star, chicken, Christian Cinema, Create don't hate, crew, dialogue, DJ Perry, DVD, farm, flowers, foreign, Forty Nights, garden, Garry Nation, King Herod, magi, Messiah, Moscow Mules, music, Nathaniel Nose, poster, pre-order, rain, Randy Spence, rings, Sept 5, soccer, sound design, soundtracks, step sister, The Christ Slayer, theatrical, trailer, trilogy, TV series, VFX, Vimeo, WalMart, websites, wedding, Wild Faith | Leave a comment
NOTE: I made it back to the blog. I had most of this written this morning at 8:30 am but the distraction of errands got me. We had bathroom tile work and major leaf clean up….but the upside…Beer smoked chicken, corn on the cob, salad…and you get my point. So I’ve returned even if it is now 12 hours later.
The last few days have been beautiful outside here in Michigan. I ended my week with a marketing meeting over the upcoming BESTSELLER thriller that will release next month. It was discussions centered on projectors, DVD release parties and the theatrical runs. We are near the end of post production and I’m very happy with the product we have. I’m sure audiences will feel the tension throughout this film.
I think one of the great strength’s we’ve had as a company is a strong composer. Many young filmmakers put a focus on camera and visuals but often acting and sound/music becomes almost secondary. A film score has thematic threads that run through it and pulls it all together. It’s like the final breath into the clay that brings it all to life. We’ll have our final listen through next week with Chris Knight, our EP/author. From there we master up the DVD and get the film ready for projection. We’re having a media showing May 9th so if you’re in the Michigan area and want an invite email me perrydj@aol.com and following that is the premiere on May 23rd in beautiful Northern Michigan. Both showings are at Historic Opera House.
History of the Opera House
The Opera House, originally constructed in 1877, played an important role in the history of the colorful lumbering era in Northern Michigan. Twice ravaged by fires and rebuilt in 1888 and 1903, the facility now harmoniously houses its original combination of City Hall, Police Department, Fire Department and the 582 seat Opera House. In 1984, after having been closed for some twenty years, the elegantly restored Opera House re-opened its doors to the public once more. Managed by the Cheboygan Area Arts Council, with the support of The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, this acoustically superb, Victorian theatre has become the focal point for entertainment and the performing arts in the Straits of Mackinaw area and beyond.
Ordering for the Premiere-
I think you can order tickets even now from their website but the ads for this will start next week. It will be a fun showing for sure. I’m proud that we took a book written by this very talented author and with some talented film artists created this motion picture. Stay tuned for some exciting updates including new poster art, trailers and more. Chris Knight wrote a strong thriller on BESTSELLER and I think we did a good job of adapting that to a film. We will see what others say next month.
“40 Nights” is solidly in post-production now. Editing has begun and we are weeks away from 1st looks teaser on the film. Also we’re slightly adjusting our title font so we have had a short halt on picture release while we adjust that. As stated earlier we will also have product licensing going on- so in the near future some great products associated with this film will roll out.
“Wasteland, Tales of the Desert Part 1” and “The Terrorist” have also been completed. So I will know more on when and where showings on those two films. I heard “Dead Quiet” is still moving down the post trail. It still ranks #1 on coldest day shoot for me in Pontiac and the drive to set that one day was epic in itself. MADMAX IN WINTER.
This week also had me putting in some work on a new script. I’m working on this script to collaborate with director Anthony (Tony) Hornus on. I like the role I would play and I think it would be fun to work with Tony again. This role would be strong but it also will allow several other talents to really shine in powerful dramatic roles.
KNIGHT CHILLS 2 had some good progress made just before I went to Yuma, AZ. This project is moving forward as the script develops. I think it would be a nice tip-of-the-hat, nod – coming full circle to see this 1st CDI film get a follow up. We’ve grown so much as a company and as artist it would be fun to revisit that world with all we know now.
Still no word on TANGY GUACAMOLE 2 – Still Tangy – Stan Reed says, call me!
I’m just smiling because I’ve got many things going on – crazy busy. But we are working focused and action lists are being checked off. I like the direction of these projects. Many are finishing. The cool part for me is that we are once again entering the “what’s next ??”- phase. We’ve got several projects with various degree of development on them. We also have a new deal to deliver two more biblical era films. We’ll get back to the sandals soon enough – it may be time to tell a few other stories first.
I’m getting the garden ready and prepping the yard for the year ahead. Soccer season is upon us and that is wonderful. I’m going to enjoy finishing out these films and getting them released. So prepare to be thrilled, chilled and entertained. I’ve heard from a few fans of ASHES OF EDEN this week. We’re working hard to set up a few AZ theatrical screenings before the wide home video release.
Final Words…
Keep pushing towards your goals. Enjoy your down time with family and friends. Shut down and recharge your batteries when required. Relax and visualize, it is a powerful tool. Every film starts as a thought and it always amazes me when we finish one.
Childhood Inspiration
I have to say that as a young child who was enchanted by Star Wars in 1977 – who was lured into the art of pretend by playing Han Solo with friends. It feels good to be excited about the whole Star Wars experience again. This new trailer really brought me back to where it all started. It is timely because with our upcoming “40 Nights” that was the goal. I wanted to tell a “heroes journey” like what I saw on the screen with that 1st 1977 Star Wars film. I decided to make Jesus and his quest of forty nights into my heroes journey. I have to give it to my my director Jesse Low and my DP amigo Jesse Smooth. (Also known as Jesse Aragon) These two fine artists truly captured that heroic vibe. I really feel that everyone involved with that project will be proud to have their name on it. Okay. I’m going to sink into BLACK SAILS. A most excellent TV show. Have a great weekend.
DJ
April 18, 2015 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: 1977, 40 Nights, arts, Ashes of Eden, author, bathroom, Bestseller, biblical, black sails, Cheboygan, chicken, Chris Knight, corn, dead Quit, DVD, film, filmmakers, font, Han Solo, kids, knight chills, knight chills2, licensing, Mackinaw, madmax, Michigan, morning, Opera House, score, Star Wars, tangy 2, terrorist, wasteland, Yuma | 1 Comment
Hello and good morning from a balmy, yes I said balmy, Michigan. Yesterday was a good day getting the yard in order for a small gathering today. It was nice to do some straightening and decorating with our patio lights and such. The garden now has hops growing in it thanks to my brother and our veggies are sprouting nicely. We also gathered a couple of pounds of mulberries which will be for the next wine mixture. Maybe a raspberry/mulberry or just straight mulberry. The yard took a beating with the building of my home office/fort but is now looking very good. We have a wonderful yard full of wildlife. The addition of the pond creates yet another thing to comfort while pondering the next moves in our business. We added a few more fish and I think they like their new home. So let’s see, only two snaffoo’s (SP?)
1) After I grilled up some BBQ chicken yesterday, I was cooking up some steak bites left from a fondue a few days earlier. I forgot about them on the grill.
2) I also was going to set out some ham steaks for our ham/pineapple kabobs today. Forgot that too.
Let’s just say after working in the yard all day and food shopping until 1:00 am my mind wasn’t working at 100% – it’s showing its age:) I needed my legal pads:)
BREAKING NEWS – the theatrical showings are starting for “Ashes of Eden” and you can join others here in showing your support.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1511865399032653/
We are still waiting for corrected billing, trailer and poster on the theater site but ticket sales will be here.
https://celebrationcinema.com/movie/Ashes+Of+Eden/7-11-2014
I will likely be going to the Saturday 2nd day showing but I know that many of the film principals will be going for the Friday night kick off. I will be at a dear friend’s wedding dinner that night but may catch up for the afterglow. I know that plans are underway to also sell posters, DVD’s and I’ve even heard T-Shirts. It should be DONNIE on the shirt saying “I always have a plan” – that would be cool.
Also you will get the PR drop here 1st. Our “Supermodel Showdown, Costa Rican Adventures” TV series is getting a featured run on Indieflix’s AFTER DARK channel. We will be testing the first three shows and if the response is good we will release the final five. It is a fun, informative show with a nice dash of sexy. It is the lone project that I’ve actually directed and I think it is unique in that I had no idea that most reality shows were not reality based. This show really showcases what went into making the show as well as the show itself. It came out feeling like something maybe the SPINAL TAP folks would make. That is good with me:)
You can join here in anticipation and prepare to laugh and enjoy yourself.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Supermodel-Showdown-Costa-Rican-Adventure/296725553788917
Our “Bestseller” pick up date is being locked for our shoot. We’re starting to get what we need around to do this. The one nighttime water scene should be much warmer to shoot as I’m told the ice melted last week. I’m joking…am I?
I also had meetings with our partners on the “Donors” film and our CDI sales team will be pitching/selling that on the foreign market. “The Terrorist” also has a composer on board and will be moving towards that final picture.
Let’s see – aside from that if I was going to share any advice points from the week –
1) IF you contact a business contact of mine and try to sell our business relationship as something more than what it really is know that you will likely be made to look foolish when that contact calls me direct to get the real scoop.
2) If you are asked to give solid feedback on a proposal/script and the day you provide that feedback you’re also endorsing a project of obvious sub par quality – NOTE: That can directly affect how people view the quality of your opinions/viewpoints.
3) Hard work will get my attention while asking for handouts will not.
Okay, I may have missed a few things but I have some stuff still to do today so I’m going to leave you with these words. A few good updates and a few informative pointers. I also have another soccer match tomorrow which will be HOT but fun. I also hope our USA team keeps moving forward in their cup quest.
Have a great Saturday!
DJ
June 28, 2014 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: actor, BBQ, Bestseller, brother, business, chicken, cinema, cooking, Costa Rica, donors, DVD, eden, film, fish, garden, grilling, kabob, Michigan, models, mulberries, patio, pineapple, poster, posters, raspberries, script, sexy, soccer, supermodels, terrorist, tickets, trailer, USA, wildlife, yard | Leave a comment
