Bestseller Deal, Ashes Theatricals, 40 Nights/Casting Updates….
Another beautiful Michigan Saturday seems a great way to top off a productive week. The last couple days have been much cooler (Good for grilling/smoker) and brings to mind thoughts of fall football. Go MSU. Go Lions. That said, I will try to recap some of the past week updates.
UPDATES
“Ashes of Eden” may get a few more theatrical showings prior to the October 13th national release. I’m very proud of this film and the folks who participated in it. Shane Hagedorn and I have had many development talks as of late. I have a sit down with him this week and a new course may be plotted. Hold tight:)
Melissa Anschutz and DJ Perry in BESTSELLER
“Bestseller” – we are in talks on some other theatrical locations but more importantly we signed a domestic US/Canada deal. These are the deals that get the film to your Wal-Mart brick and mortar retailers and to your Netflix and VOD rental sites. The movie will also be available through Mr. Chris Knight’s (Johnathan Rands) Michigan Chiller Thriller store. We will be looking at a few sales to foreign territories also as we more forward.
DJ Perry as JESUS in 40 Nights
“40 Nights” has been a wonderful experience. We released our 1st official trailer which was exciting. Just to give people a first look and from all the feedback it has been well received. I know everyone worked very hard in the desert of Yuma, AZ to make that film happen. I’ve had communications of support start to come in from all over the world. I’ll say again, the film is so much more – versus what you see in the trailer. The talent involved on both sides of the camera really brought it and it shows. I was reviewing our most recent cut of the film which had also been sent to our distributor. I was waiting to see what they had thought about the naked film. (No music/sound) They had loved the trailer and so now we had to see if they also…AH! satisfaction! They loved it.
I’m excited by the growing buzz over the film. Having multiple watches of the film under me I can say, I’m very happy with our translation from script to the big screen. I was so inspired by the responses that my writing on our follow-up biblical film (“Chasing the Star”) is close to having a first draft.
POST WORK
We are working some FX/credits and this week we plan to finalize the edit. From there it move to full music and sound design. Other business surrounding this film is moving right ahead – like licensing. This is now moving forward with a deal- our distributor will manage these licensing rights. What would you like to see with 40 Nights branding? T-Shirt? Lunch Box? I can see this on a coffee cup.
On a Tee Shirt? Lunch Box? Coffee Mug?
So, I let you blog faithful in on my writing progress with my new “Chasing the Star” script. I will say that we’ve also been working development on a western film. First step – the schedule and budget, both are almost done. We’ve also done some location scouting. We’re getting ready to launch a few new CDI film projects and I’m ready. Are you?
“Donors” is working DVD artwork with the new distributor for the national release. I’m still waiting to hear something on “Dead Quiet” as I know the haunting season is approaching.
We are also finishing up a CDI Commercial project for use in Washington DC. We do take on select commercial projects so feel free to reach out if you have a budget and want professional work.
Parables TV
I also want to welcome CDI Associated directors Anthony Hornus (Standing Post/Outside the Wire) and Tom Norton (7 Stones) for recently joining the ranks of Jeff Kennedy (Figure in the Forest) and Kevin Hershberger (Wicked Spring) on the Parables Network.
This week I had some great in-depth conversations with several business associates. I love that many of the talks I have are also framed by discussions of life. The journey has to have meaning and the business needs to evolve. This week was a mix of highly focused computer work on the hot humid days and a smooth mix of yard work and business talks on the fall-like cool days. As I work all this business I have started to look ahead to characters and roles. Some projects are finishing and so new ones must begin.
I hope each of you are enjoying your summer. I hope you are spending time with some loved ones.
DJ
40 Nights Prepares to Drop First Trailer and Other Ramblings
Good afternoon!
I’m on my TAKE 2 with hazelnut coffee. Went about this morning and one of the things I’m most happy with is that I bought an antique, cast-iron, wood burning stove for the office. It will not go in right away because I have a few other tasks to complete. Home improvements just seem to be an ongoing thing. We also ended up stopping by to visit my brother and niece. He referred us to a Vietnamese place to eat lunch. It was really good so, if you’re in the Lansing area. (Nola Bistro)
So in the extreme heat we have going on I decided I needed to BLOG all of you before carrying this wood stove out to the office. I might just ramble this week as I’ve got much to download. So Tuesday was the first day of our Lansing run of BESTSELLER. It was nice to have a few close family and friends see the film on the big screen. Each showing has had an audience that gets the opportunity to see it in this format. We will move the film to a few other venues but the more important development is the domestic US/Canada deal that we will likely accept. It will play great on home video/VOD for the masses but IF you can see it big screen you really should. It will play tonight at 6:45 and 10:45 in Lansing at the Celebration Cinema. Here is the promo video from our 1st public showing. It was put together by Dan Chipman who has worked with us on a few projects now.
Boards at the Celebration Cinema giving local showtimes
LINK BELOW
DONORS film announced that it had signed for domestic US/Canada with Jax Distribution.
DJ Perry as Donnie in ASHES OF EDEN
ASHES OF EDEN closed caption work is being finalized and I can’t wait for worldwide audiences to get their look after Oct. 13th, 2015.
40 NIGHTS – The 1st official trailer is DONE. The distributor is very excited to have this preview to introduce the project to worldwide buyers. All the people given a sneak peek really enjoyed the film. As a matter of fact financial commitments on the next couple films started to come in off just these sneak peeks. It is great to note that while I think the trailer is powerful the film itself is much greater. This is not one of those films that everything good was thrown into the trailer to lure people. This film trailer gives a taste of the journey ahead but the final film will be so worth the wait. PR will be done to introduce the trailer next week. Here is a screen grab from the trailer. ENJOY
DJ Perry as Jesus in the biblical drama “40 Nights”
Promotion of street dates (Ashes), theatrical release and domestic set up (Bestseller) and post-production work (40 Nights) – add a little commercial work and we’ve been busy.
BUT
Development has been full speed ahead. I’ve been planning between now and mid 2016. The script for a western is about ready and scheduling, casting, location scouting, budget refining and more has been underway. I will say that it is shooting in Michigan. No, we didn’t move to Georgia and the state can keep their incentive. (Yes. I know they killed it) I did an informal cast call (Two African-American actresses) last week in my blog. But that didn’t bring the acting reels out. Those casting duties will be addressed in good time.
The Winter/Spring 2016 film will be “Chasing the Star” and script work is moving right along. It is looking like it will also film in Yuma, AZ area. This is the 2nd film in the three picture deal that we have with Lightworx Entertainment.
I’ve had talks over a few films but unless the right role/project hits me – I have enough work to keep me very busy. KNIGHT CHILLS 2 is something that might also get done over the winter.
I could go on about more but I have a pair of apple trees to plant and a wood stove to haul. I’m very encouraged as I look from here and project five years into the future. The films we will make and the new audiences we will distribute to. I was so happy to have peers and mentors give such powerful reviews of both the “Bestseller” feature and the “40 Nights” trailer. I look forward to releasing the first official trailer to all of you. I also have the directors cut of the full “40 Nights” feature to review. I will be watching that very soon. (Thank you Jesse & Jon)
Have a great weekend!
DJ
C.U.J.O., CDI Updates and Carrying On
What a beautiful day. I was out-of-town for a couple of days overseeing a commercial project. CDI has done a few select commercial projects in the past. It was a nice change of pace and extremely informative. It was for the manufacturing industry and I was totally impressed by what machines built by man are capable of. The process to create some of the common things we use is anything but common. The trip was enjoyable save some traffic which I’m not quite use to. But once home it was nice to return to business as usual. I’ve got some good updates but before we get into all that I will comment briefly on a much talked about event here in Michigan – the end of our film incentives. I see many film folk speaking like the end of everything film is upon us. When I started out filmmaking we had very few filmmakers in our state. (Michigan) The passion is here and if people want it to keep it thriving that is done by good business and art. I read several threads of communications from many types of people. I recall reading at least one thread that was quite combative. It centered upon a martial arts artist/actor? – who was in my opinion speaking truth on many levels but his brash presentation just weakened his words with pointless bragging and arguments. It’s one of the reasons I often don’t waste time posting publicly on such matters. This person appeared to be a martial artists and so I can relate to that “fight” mindset. He isn’t going to whine about what we had lost. I agreed with him that the former incentive program was geared to help draw outsiders to the state for a shoot versus growing Michigan filmmakers from within. When you own a house and have family/friends in Michigan you will get loyalty to our state. Put the power in the hands of outsiders and they will mostly leave to seek the better deal. In many ways they should because wise use of investment money is a must. But scripts do help dictate where something is filmed. Michigan filmmakers tend to create Michigan based films. Write what you know. Yes. Some artists benefitted briefly from what came into the state. Now, I’m not a politician or a corporate accountant and so I can’t say for certain if the incentive program was truly the best use of that money. I know that investing in out-of-state studio owners and such left a big black eye on our business. I’ve stated that many local filmmakers have little to zero business sense. They put all their faith into indiegogo/kickstarter/social give me campaigns. Are these people worthy of actual business investment? Usually not. So maybe out-of-state film business startups were the only good option on the table. I read posts of anger – calling for marches and threats of moving to GA and other states. Some historical business startups had incentives but many had no more than a vision, a plan and a passionate core of people. Many looking for short cuts would be further ahead if they had just taken the long road. So IF you love the state just roll up your sleeves and get to work. Make up your mind to learn to do things properly. Those who threatened to leave if the incentives leave – get going. Once the fist clenching, teeth gnashing is done – get motivated. Let’s take a look at some updates.
CDI Associated production releases Oct 13, 2015
ASHES OF EDEN – This week we deliver the film and I’m excited to promote as this film gears up for release.
Distribution news coming!
DONORS – This thriller has signed a domestic release deal and a formal announcement will be forthcoming!
DJ Perry as author Mark Franklin
BESTSELLER – We are in talks with several distributors over home video release. Meanwhile, we will keep rolling our theatrical on the 21st of July at 7pm at Celebration! (South Lansing) and run through the 26th. We are in talks for showings in the Detroit area and others cities. Contact your local theater and request the film. We are trying to get it to you:) It is a great film to watch on the big screen.
John the Baptist and Jesus
40 NIGHTS – The film is close to sewing up the final edit. In the meantime our 1st official trailer is almost done. FX, Music and sound work has started and should be ready VERY soon.
C.U.J.O.
The 1st release on my involvement in this film came out last Sunday and it literally went around the world. (Just look up DJ PERRY and C.U.J.O.) Some fanboy writers were upset by the idea of a reboot and others were just excited. I’m looking forward to participating in this film and other Sunn Classic Pictures being discussed. I see a good future of CDI working with Sunn Classic Pictures. I will say having read the script that this is not some low-budget reboot. I’m sure I will have some more official releases concerning this project soon.
I’m going to wrap this up. I’m working on approving a new CDI logo for “40 Nights” and I have some script work to finish this week. I hope many of you can attend showings of BESTSELLER in Lansing, Michigan. I’ve been enjoying watching the 1st season of TRUE DETECTIVES and so I think I need a dose of that. I had two belated B-day parties this weekend for my mom and dad. I got one of my final B-day gifts today which was a rototiller. I also found a few great things for the office. My brother made me a beautiful magnetic dry erase board for meetings. Battle Plans can now be drawn up in style. Soccer is also back in action tomorrow so time to lace up the cleats again. Have a great weekend everyone. I’ve had MANY set backs in my career and for those who were really hit by the incentives being cut forgive my tough love. The sooner you get to your PLAN B the better. Keep CLAWING YOUR WAY TO THE MIDDLE!
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
Advance, Enhance & Take the Chance – 2015
Well folks I hope your 2015 is off to a good start. I’ve jumped right into it with a bang and I’m excited for the possibilities of what lies ahead. I’m really happy at how enjoyable the holidays were and I do realize how blessed I am to do what I love for a living. A week before Christmas I was in a majestic place (The Valley of Fire) shooting what I would call R-Rated STAR WARS with our “Wasteland” film. It’s just funny because that film is what sparked my imagination and pushed me towards the path. Yesterday the editing on that 1st part of the film began in Florida. The website is now open at http://www.wastelandtalesmovie.com/. A teaser will soon be released and I will start putting new talent in front of our director and we will be doing casting calls via the website so stay tuned if you want to enter the Wasteland.
I will be doing some producing on that film now that my filming as an actor is complete. I’ve been prepping for my next role that I’ll be announcing soon. It will be most challenging but I’m ready and willing to accept that challenge. It’s a period piece that will film some in Michigan perhaps and the balance/bulk of it in Arizona. Location scouting and some select casting work has been underway for a while now. Let’s talk about some of the other exciting news that I can be somewhat less mysterious about – maybe. 🙂
We have release dates for our films releasing with the WINTERS FILM GROUP. I must allow the honor of announcing the “Ashes of Eden” street date to come from Shane Hagedorn. He’s very excited for the national release. Also we have a couple large foreign releases in talks now. I was talking with Parables TV about this film on Friday. They love it. It’s on the cutting edge being a crime drama infused with a healthy dose of faith but also not cramming the religious aspect down your throat. We’re greatly looking forward to audiences of all walks of life watching and enjoying this film. It gives a very humanizing look at the life police/law enforcement officers have to deal with. It looks at the challenges that face both parents and children in this day and age. It’s funny because I told Shane before the film was ever completed that he must also prepare himself for “haters” – (I believe that is the term) Basically, if you start to find success some insecure artists who have not yet been given that opportunity to succeed will resent you. Why his script? Why his film? Why? Why? The answer is usually better quality product, better business or both. I had truly hoped that Shane would not have to experience any of that but I knew better. Before the film was released someone trolled the voting on a data base in hopes it would hinder the film. It did not. Because distributors actually watch and evaluate based on their expertise and sales projections. Now as of late the film has also been given to a cross selection of film reviewers and once again the response has been very good. I expect sales to also be quite good. You can’t let those things even slow you down. When your audience becomes hundreds of thousands to millions vs a few hundred friends you learn to just let it roll off you. A few will always hate and that itself will keep them trapped in a cycle of failure. I would always rather just smile and create. If you’re still fighting for your respect and your success don’t hate. Try to examine what makes these other artists successful. I would say don’t imitate their art but imitate their business practice or principles. Don’t EVER fake it to make it. Build from mild success to modest success to great success. Keep it real and keep building and one day your success will start to multiply because it is REAL!
Let’s talk some REAL UPDATES:)
“Wicked Spring” will also be re-releasing soon. While an official PR release is forthcoming I’ll give my loyal readers a hint. It would make a nice gift to put in an Easter basket:) Now “Donors” will also be announcing their release date soon. Audiences will have a great opportunity to enjoy these films releasing the first half of the year. I hope you add them to your collection or viewing experiences.
Finishing up early this year will also be the horror film “Dead Quiet” – I hear they will be targeting fall for their big push. “Bestseller” is now in post sound/music and I’ve been seeing the FX/graphic work in progress. I’m VERY excited to see this film completed and premiere. “The Terrorist” feature was getting close to done in late December so I expect to hear some good news from our director soon.
I was in talks on a few more CDI films heading to TV. One will likely be our doc film “Outside the Wire” done with our friends at the RED, WHITE and BLUE PROJECT.
“Heavens Neighbors” and “Figure in the Forest” are looking at a new release in 2015. “Knight Chills” will be re-releasing with the novel to help promote and prep folks for the sequel that is coming. “In the Woods” re-release – trying to get that commentary done. We had one date reschedule because of snow and we’ll see if we can make it tomorrow. They had a 90 car pile up yesterday right where I have to drive through. So if it’s bad I’m not chancing it. I had the cold zap my battery one day last week and once I got it jumped and was off to my teeth cleaning I narrowly avoided a fender bender right in front of me. I had to BUDDY COLT* the car to keep from a crash but I did. (See * JUDGES movie)
This week ahead will be more development and prepping for delivery on these films heading out for distribution. Also a studio tour, theatrical talks on a few films and finalizing some artwork. It’s great weather for getting these things done. No nice sun and yard/garden work to tempt you just bitter winds and snow that would make a polar bear cold. So I’m going to focus on my film work and also write on the two scripts I’ve been working on. It all keeps the machine moving forward and I’m happy to stay busy. At CDI we are accepting some commercial work. We’ve got a cool project for a client lined up this spring. We’ve done some high-end commercial work in the past and we’re going to occasionally start taking on select projects here and there. So if you have a commercial project that you want considered – feel free to ask. If we don’t take it on I can always recommend someone whose work I approve.
I think that is all I have right now. I’m sure I’ve missed a few things but once again, thank you for stopping by. I hope you all have a great week and keep clawing your way to the middle! Accept that most things don’t come easy and enjoy the work. While others refrain, complain, abstain you advance, enhance and take the chance to move forward. Don’t be afraid to fail but you must be as prepared as possible and fight fiercely to succeed.
Welcome to 2015! Go get it.
DJ
Welcome 2015! WASTELAND & MORE…
DJ Perry as Wes in “Wasteland Tales of the Desert Part 1”
– Happy 2015 everyone! I was up early and had the coffee flowing so I could travel to Kalamazoo, Michigan to do a film commentary for the 15th anniversary release of IN THE WOODS. I awoke to a flurry of white that is supposed to change to freezing rain and back to snow. So we decided to reschedule the session. So you get my blog early and now we’ve got BBQ ribs in the crock pot and I’m going to get some office work and such done today. The holidays had me tired and some cold tried to get me but I beat it back. I don’t got the time to be sick! It was a great holiday filled with family and friends and I’m so ready to attack the new year.
We are close to announcing a couple of new film projects. Art work is underway on several films releasing and in development. Post production work keeps chugging along. We’ve been updating the http://www.cdiproductions.com website and I was stunned to see both the company site and this site had visitors/readers from over 70 countries. Let’s look at some updates in no real order.
– “Knight Chills II” script is underway and new artwork is underway. The book novelization to go with the re-release of the original will be underway this year also. I’m excited to re-visit this film. The 1st run moved 26,000 domestic units whereas much of that revenue did NOT come back home when the company went belly up. It was a major disappointment and set back at the time. This franchise is going to rise from the ashes.
– “In the Woods” 15th anniversary re-release is coming on Blu-Ray, PPV, VOD with the book by Nancy Gideon re-releasing also. There is some chatter about a sequel and a few ideas have been passed about but nothing solid.
– Assigned to Winters Film Group by CDI Distribution – 3 films. “Ashes of Eden” will lead the charge with an early release. “Donors” and the “Wicked Spring” re-release will follow. I’m told next week release dates will be set.
– CDI Releasing is also looking at directly releasing two of its earlier films “Figure in the Forest” playing multiple TV networks and “Heaven’s Neighbors” both directed by CDI’s Jeff Kennedy.
– CDI is looking at releasing more of the library into theaters in 2015.
– Foreign sales could really start picking up. We know the fans are out there and we want to get more of these stories out to them. Deals are underway and we hope to have some exciting announcements on this front.
– “Bestseller,” “Dead Quiet,” “The Terrorist” and “Wasteland Part 1” are all in post production and should all see releases in 2015.
I’ve had several projects approach me to consider acting in. One recently came from a studio head and is a pilot film that could spin-off into a series. The distribution is all set up and I’m looking forward to hearing more on this project. Also I might have a new work-for-hire script writing project which would be fun. I’m also working on a CDI commercial project which will shoot for a client this year. Overall I can say that 2015 will be a busy and productive year. I hope this holds true for each and every one of you that has put in the hard work. It doesn’t just happen but when you work smart and work hard the results will come.
DJ
Welcome 2014 – Looking Ahead
Welcome one and all to “Clawing My Way to the Middle” first blog of 2014. It was a wild Christmas holiday with the ice storm and even now we prepare for another Arctic storm to come. I had a good friend come and help me cut up the fallen elm tree which I stacked up. I will say that once it has dried I will have a good amount of firewood. I had to do a little make shift fix to the fence until we can really address it. There was a lot of business that finished at the end of 2013 and some that was just on hold. Let us look at the year ahead so top off that coffee cup and let’s take a look.
In December I was filming later than usual in the year with my acting on “Dead Quiet”. It was a cool okay COLD chance to film with some dedicated folks. I’m curious to see what we created although the first look at dailies brought good feedback. I’m also curious to see the Christmas film I did locally renamed “Small Town Santa” which ties into my next announcement. I had almost sold/produced a Christmas script of my own several years ago. It banged around with some majors and would have easily been the largest script sale I’ve made. I had Hollywood try to do a commercial tween rewrite. I was willing to sell but truly hated that version. When that deal did not go through I put that version in a dark vault never to see light of day again. I kept my version inspired by THE WALTON’S versus the AfterSchool special mess. I held onto it in hopes that either I could do it right or that someone else could. I finally had a studio read MY version and loved it. The option/purchase agreement was made and it is very likely that it will launch this year. A press release is being put together so I will hold on details. I’m starting to look at a few scripts that are not acting vehicles for myself and I might consider a sell. Many like the visual style of the writing and so 2014 will see me put some effort in this area. My agent wants me to look at scripts to sell via them also so I guess I will consider. So if you are in need of a script in a certain genre reach out. You better bring your checkbook though.
I’m starting to continue distribution and studio talks that started at the year’s end. I’ve got some legal meetings this coming week over properties. I’ve got a few scripts to read – one being the proposed follow-up to “Ashes of Eden” with director friend Shane Hagedorn. Post work on ‘Ashes of Eden” is almost complete and “Bestseller” is about to dive into editing. This year will see “Donors,” “The Terrorist” making 1st distribution pushes along with the two films above. CDI will look at more associations and continue the tradition of storytelling. The chances are good that I will be doing a follow-up project “The Beast” with Russ Williams (Darkest Night) and the western “Rifle” with Carl Barbee (Resurrection).
As for acting – the hair got a sizable trim and I’m ready to tackle some new roles. I love the family of folks in front of and behind the camera. In 2014 we will create more stories.
Cheers!
PILLARS: UNIQUE, PURPOSE, FAITH, COURAGE
A good week of work both professionally and personally and now a long weekend to enjoy. On the personal it was mainly prepping the garden for planting this weekend. Once again it was done by hand and while hard work it does really ground and connect you to the task. I’ve also been reading a 1970’s wine making book I got at a sale for 10 cents and it has been very enlightening. I think a batch of beer might be the next endeavor of that sort. On the professional side many good things are also developing. I will try to give a nice little recap so get your coffee close and take a read.
I did a producers watch on “Darkest Night” and I was extremely happy. If you like the films like PARANORMAL ACTIVITY, THE 4th KIND and the “found footage” genre of horror – you will love this film. It is unique and truly frightening. We are having a distributors screening on June 13th at Dick Clark Productions in L.A. and we have several RSVP’s and additional send outs. I think this film could do very well in a wide theater release but with the ongoing struggle we will see what level of attention it gets. Development work on the follow-up film “The Beast” will start heavy following the June 13th showing. Also there is whispers that they might want to fly me back to Manila for the theatrical kick off this fall.
Same day that night in Saugatuck, Michigan the powerful drama “7 Stones” is playing an event. Michigan folks wishing to attend can buy tickets at http://www.3rdcoastfilm.com we have had two previous “in-progress” showings to collect notes and this showing should reflect the finished product. It is one of 5 CDI associated projects coming out now.
Aug. 7th is the domestic release of another CDI associated film “Deadly Renovations” and the early artwork looks good. I’m excited for everyone involved with this project. “Donors” a new associated project with fellow producer Charles P. in Yuma, AZ should have a 1st look trailer very soon. New announcements should be coming on this and other projects in the coming weeks.
July will also be the month we really start targeting other distribution for “Locked in a Room” and I can see some additional theatricals in the near future.
I had meetings this past week with some potential clients for our CDI Commercial Division set up by one of our sales reps Mr. Jeff Watson. I think that division is really about to start exploding so I will be looking for other sales reps to work other markets for us.
I had a good meeting with our in-house attorney on clearing up some of the outstanding matters within CDI. By this I mean collections and it is unfortunate that he has to deal with that side of the coin vs some of the exciting new development people making their way to THE TRIBE!
The hosting site for my actors reel page is going down so I’m looking at a new set up for all that. (Thank you Dennis Therrian for your help here) Technology is evolving and we have to evolve with it. Our technology is so beyond the old computers I grew up on. Communication via email and such has its positives and negatives. I often see where people read into communications meaning that really isn’t there. It is a source problem. Your own mindset can influence what you read. If something is unclear I always like to clarify. It is the whole water being half full or half empty situation. Communication is key. If you don’t or can’t communicate with your circle taking on projects such as filmmaking can become impossible. I’ve had several talks with other producers on management of people on upcoming films. It is truly a thing of beauty when you see a full film crew operating as one whole. Insecurity of being overlooked, lack of respect for others and/or fear of failure can drive people away from the beauty of oneness. Hence the TRIBE. At the core is the elimination of selfish wants and focusing on collective good. I honestly, sincerely and wholeheartedly try to give and bring out the best in people. I think that is hard for people to truly believe because of the world we live in. Our industry can focus in on the negatives if an individual doesn’t embrace their unique nature and have a sense of fate or destiny. One is internal and one is external but both can bring us to a place and time that we were meant to be at. I think almost all my projects have been like that. I don’t lament the projects I don’t get because I wasn’t meant to. I don’t credit random luck to those projects I get either because I believe artists/storytellers are brought together. Call it MUMBO JUMBO or whatever you will but as I’ve written before, we all have a personal mythology. Bottom line is know you are unique and that you do have a purpose. You have to journey to get where you must go and that requires faith and courage.
UNIQUE, PURPOSE, FAITH, COURAGE – is there anything greater within us than these things?
Be an example – have the faith and the courage to be unique and follow your purpose. If you are a storyteller than commit to that and inspire others to do the same.
I will leave us all with that. Have a great weekend and be safe.
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 