ASHES TRAILER, TV FILMS and NEW ROLE
Today has been Sunday sipping (coffee) and now I’m ready to give you the movie “Tippin'” or tip-off on what is new here in my film world. First, things are getting quite crazy with the release of two of my films in March. I’m very proud of both these films and all the artists involved. I’m ready for the masses to see these films.
LOCKED IN A ROOM – Releases March 7th, 2013 with Echo Bridge Entertainment
AND
DARKEST NIGHT – Releases March 22nd, 2013 with Midnight Releasing
http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/darkest-night/trailer
Also I’m happy to announce that I’ve just put final ink to paper for two of our films “Figure in the Forest” and “Wicked Spring” to release in Feb. on a TV Network that I will release in a full press release later this week upon return of the contracts. For fans of both these films I can say be ready. Deals are underway to bring these out nationally and internationally.
Also today watch the “ASHES OF EDEN” website to get a sneak peek of the Official 1st teaser trailer!
http://www.ashesofedenmovie.com/
Other than that – many development talks. It also looks like I’ve got my 1st acting role for 2013. The business will wrap up on that later next week. I’ll talk more about that project once signed but it is a nice complex layering of character.
OK. Well everyone enjoy your Sunday!
DJ
Welcome December – Film Updates
Welcome December! The hazelnut coffee is flowing as I reflect on my week. Of course we have been straightening the ship after our ASHES OF EDEN voyage. One last paycheck gone astray in the mail, photo releases and a few last signatures on paperwork. A few communications with distributors letting them know our status. This project is working its way into post-production and I expect a finished film around May 1st, 2013.
I’ve been unpacking and finishing the new office. My soccer buddy Brian was over to help with wiring and finishing some insulation. Maybe some work today – all that is very close to being complete. It will be a great place to plot and plan future endeavors.
Either last night or today (time zone) the film “Benjamin” that I co-starred and produced on will play in Egypt at Cairo’s International Film Festival following its sold out showing at the Big Apple Festival in NYC. I hope the audience connects with it. It has a beautiful message in it.
There are new trailers forthcoming for “Darkest Night,” “Locked in a Room,” and ” Donors” and the 1st two have distribution domestically and will be coming to audiences in 2013!
“Book of Ruth” is finding new Holiday outlets like Meijer stores and I believe Wal-Mart. We also are about set to roll into pre-prod on two more biblical era films. One that I likely will play a kind-hearted lead and the other a ruthless military general. Needless to say I’m excited about that.
Dean Teaster’s next film “Long Road Home” set for 2013 is also closing in on financing having already gotten a distribution deal.
TV deals on two of my films is about complete. We need to clone the masters. Stay tuned for the press release on this. The CDI Distribution Sales Team should be up and fully operational in 2013 here. I’m looking forward to seeing more of the library getting out there to even more audiences as our network becomes larger.
I had the immense joy of talking to a director on one of our CDI associated projects who was approving national artwork. He had such kind words basically saying that I saw a potential that he did not at the time. I wanted things ran professional because we would get distribution. And we did. And a good company as well.
Distribution is the path to success because it is a mass media but if the masses don’t see it – it fades away. That is the one thing we can assure with our products now and many cannot achieve that. I’m excited as audiences get to watch the collective work of the artists involved.
I’m proud to say “Deadly Renovations” will be coming to all my Viking friends via Eventity Entertainment on VOD so be on the look out and CHEERS!
Actually many talks underway on distribution and of course development. I’m working to wrap the year up into a nice little bow. Enjoy your new year ahead.
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
“Darkest Night,” “Darkest Night,” “Ashes of Eden”…Updates
Ahhhhh… The first days of fall and my first morning sips of hazelnut coffee taste so good. I have to say we are entering my favorite time of the year. I like to rise to that little chill in the morning and as of late I’ve been rising earlier and earlier. The year of work has been steady with the finishing and distribution of projects. I’ve still got a series of films in post production and so step by step. I’ve been happy that in this season “Deadly Renovation” made it out so that those who enjoy a slight fright can enjoy.
We have been very busy prepping “Ashes of Eden” and I think we are getting close. We have been in talks with talent and crews and this week added Mayra Leal as our young female lead. I love the work I’ve seen from her and look forward to seeing her perform. Our SAG paperwork is underway , locations being scouted and we hope to set official dates very soon.
I’m proud to say that we have a signed deal on “Locked in a Room” and once all materials are accepted At Risk Entertainment will announce the details of the deal. Also I’m happy to say we have an offer we like on “Darkest Night” for domestic (US/Canada) release and we are working to put all that paperwork together. We will be doing an official announcement at the FACINE film festival in San Fran. That showing will be our 1st official US release to audiences. Stay tuned for ticket info and more on the distribution.
I got to hear that the 40+ minute cut of “Realizism” is looking great! “7 Stones” is still plodding along. “Donors” will soon be moving into post sound/music. Other news is I just got hit with a slew of scripts to read. I got the newest scripts for “Rachel” & “Rahab” that will be our next two biblical era films. I got a script from actor/producer Michael Walton to read with an offer to act. Also several other films working down the development line are looking really good.
I thought about ranting about a few of the lower points of the week in business but they were really small issues actually. I’m having a great morning and so we will pass on pointing out obvious issues in our business that need to be worked out. On another front, the home office is looking great and I’m looking forward to having a new zen place to work from. It will have all my files gathered and organized. I can only see things getting better and better as we enter into the new year. To each of you I hope you have a great weekend.
DJ
Creative Endeavors in Motion
In one hour my alumni MSU will kick off against the Fighting Irish. I will take some moments to eat and enjoy the Michigan fall day. The last four days have been dealing with past, present and future. It is a delicate balance between it all. I’ve been working to establish my home base for work and creative endeavors.
My projects have become numerous and I’ve got folders and files at three different locations. I’m going to unify all that once and for all and increase the efficiency of my operations. It has been a great couple weeks as we work on final development for a new film “Ashes of Eden” and deals are underway for several of the CDI library.
I’ve been dealing with a few small issues on one of the films. It is funny how at the end of the day it really only requires good communication to work these things out. I often play the part of the guy who keeps his cool and just looks at the options and choices are made. There are many emotionally charged folks in the entertainment business and that can hinder if allowed. While I consider my passion for the arts to be charged I also think I save most of my high energy for ACTION:)When it comes to business it is usually a step by step deal. So this weekend I’m helping one associate deal with a film issue and we have been wrapping distribution items up for delivery on another. Every week is revising “TO DO” lists and crossing stuff off!
After much back and forth a few TV deals may be looming. These deals are only for a few of the films but you will have to wait to hear more on that. I also know “Outside the Wire” is getting ready to make some announcements and updates. We do have a couple of films heading to big festivals for audiences to enjoy. (Benjamin, Darkest Night)
Additional development work has been steady and I can see a busy 2013 shaping up. This year has brought some good filmmaking and artistry to the screen. I’m looking forward to bringing more of these stories to you all out there.
Tomorrow is the start of soccer play offs so that will be fun. The cool Sept winds have been wonderful for inspiring my morning hazelnut coffee:) That sounds like a good idea:) I’m going to sign off likely to have a beer and watch MSU but coffee might still be good!
Have a great Sat.
DJ
Blockbuster Release and Business Updates!
What a solid week it was for business and such. I love my Saturdays sipping coffee and giving you all a peek into the life I lead. I’m often one for just staying focused on what I need to do and not engaging in too much outside back and forth. My last few blogs that centered on the film “Realizism” (the default title since director Mitch had his hands tied on that issue) whereas I was ASKED to point out things that I saw that could be improved upon. I’m happy to see from the high traffic that the words were heard. And if those words help one or two students move to the next level – great. Job done. If some read only what they want to read – and take their own skewed meaning – I can’t control that. Anyway – they wrapped principal photography and I think we put some professional work down on camera. They had a wrap party yesterday and I hope they do pat each other on the back but also look at where they could improve. I was told that my words of truth offended a few people. Well, we self evaluate every shoot and look at what we did right. Those things often become policy and what could be improved upon is noted without hurt feelings. These kids will be moving to the real world and I hope they are ready for a different set of challenges.
We’ve been in full speed ahead mode for distribution. “Deadly Renovations” is getting some good reviews and retail buyers are taking to the film. It releases August 21st and this week saw us get picked up for online/in-store buy with BLOCKBUSTER. We will be bringing you VOD information in the coming weeks.
“Locked in a Room” is in negotiations and I’m excited about the release being put together nationally on that film.
“Darkest Night” is negotiating US/domestic offers and working some foreign deals. In one of our meetings I was told of the wide South Korea release being put together. Also a Philippine theatrical where they are talking about me going there to promote the opening after Thanksgiving. While there I will be playing the bad guy in the TV pilot for KINSHIP OF DEATH. It is their AMERICAN HORROR STORY and it has a network time slot and if ratings are good we shoot the 1st season in early 2013. I also got the new script for “The Beast” which is the next GPI/CDI feature film.
A new CDI associated film has been in the works and next week we will have some announcements. I will be helping one of my peers produce and playing a role in a powerful story. I’ve already got some major interest in the soundtrack and have started distribution talks. This month is development, next month starts pre-prod and October should be our shoot month. We’ve started some initial cast and crew talks while we finalize our company deal. Stay TUNED!
I’ve also had a good amount of interest in me participating in upcoming film roles. I’ve had casting directors from the west coast in touch with me this week. I’ve also had some direct talks with directors and producers. Many options. What is meant to be will be. But it looks like I will stay in the USA for late Summer/Early Fall and end the year in the Philippines.
We do have some great development films that have been submitted to funding sources and we are awaiting word. So 2013 is being planned now. I look forward to bringing fans/audiences more stories. I wish each of you a great weekend. Enjoy!
DJ
Irish Love and a Few Life Lessons
The corn-beef and cabbage cooking and coffee is flowing and today is a good day to be Celtic. Yes. Scottish/Irish on one side and German/English on the other I believe. The St. Patty’s Day has fallen on a Sat. and with the summer-like weather in Michigan we’re having an outside day of it. Bon-Fire, beer and burgers and later the corn-beef. It has been fun getting the yard and garden ready for the new planting. Bottling of the “Green Goblin” (Read earlier posts) will happen soon. I have a beer batch to try following that. The month was one of promotion and looking at projects both in development and submitted to me to act in. I cut about 5 inches from my hair in prep of soccer season and the coming heat. I’m excited about the projects ahead and development has also been moving steadily ahead. Let me see if I can give a few good updates but 1st let’s talk about – WORK!
Many people on the outside view our industry as fluff not realizing the intense work of developing, funding, executing and finishing film projects. I understand but still feel slightly put off when people just throw out the “Hey put me in a movie”. Yeah, because it takes no real skill or development to do what we do. BullSHI*! I would say that I work very intensely to get done what I must. I wouldn’t say “Hey how about you let me weld that ship panel in place” or “I’ve never coached but I can take over team for a week or so”… – you get my point. Ship may sink and team will lose but then again many folks think that TV/Film is done in a matter of hours or days. People are still surprised when I say a 12 hour day might get 3-5 minutes of a film done – rough footage only. Let me remind you that this is with new tech equipment unlike the old days and earlier. Have you ever spliced film together?
I’ve found some people want to say “I’m a filmmaker. I’m a director.” but don’t like to do the work. They are often quick to schedule showings and set unreasonable deadlines and act surprised when they fail to meet them. It does happens BUT this is something that must be corrected in good time or they will not last. It is like an actor that is often late. They won’t be around long because at the end of the day it is work and the weakest link can hurt the whole. Also a recent example which I will not highlight with a name but includes finger-pointing at the artists under them and FIBS. First if you are in a position of power it is your responsibility to motivate, manage and make sure things move along. If not it is YOUR fault. Sure you might have less dedicated artists and they should not be hired again. That said, if you hired/brought them onboard that = your responsibility. Also with filmmaking and other folks $ the executive team must deal in truth. The good, the bad and the ugly. If someone drops the ball you are the bigger person by admitting that. I’m still surprised at the people who would rather blame someone else than accept responsibility. And if they will fib on something small they will easily fib on something larger. It is a major issue with me and speaks volumes about character. My advice is be organized and focused – do your work and motivate/manage positively. A good leader will cover honest mistakes by accepting responsibility for the team, apologize and work twice as hard to remedy the situation. Some people do not know this lesson and will struggle in life because of it. Enough of the behind the curtains of the Great and Powerful Oz – onto updates on projects that have made strides. Just try to recognize how much work actually goes into your favorite film or TV program.
Updates –
– A “Donors” trailer will be forthcoming likely at month’s end or start of next month.
– I’m hearing Hollywood showings of “Darkest Night” will be in May so marketing materials can all be put together upon the completion of the film.
– The followup CDI/GPI film will be “The Beast” and a Philippine director has been chosen by Russ Williams – I need to read new draft of script this week.
– More “Secondary Heroes” location photos are being taken in Ohio & Michigan
– Waiting on some $ word on both “Soul Eater” and a reborn “Wild Michigan”
– “Race to Judgment” revised script complete and more packaging underway including the addition of Lana Wood, Roger Collard & Delvon Roe
– “Dean Teaster’s Long Road Home” packaging our distributor interest for a possible fall Michigan shoot
– “Locked in a Room” will have a Michigan premiere on May 3rd 7:00 and I’m told cast and crew will be free and guests and public will be a paid admission. Additional theatrical showings are also being set up by director Larry Simmons.
I might have a few updates on CDI TV division and our commercial division will soon be announcing a large “Making of” project for a large studio project I’m involved with. With the sunshine comes a new energy to work hard and tell some great stories. BUT today is going to be a day of friendship, family and enjoying the day!
DJ
May the blessing of light be on you—
light without and light within.
May the blessed sunlight shine on you
and warm your heart
till it glows like a great peat fire
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 