Focus and Persistence While Working Your Personal Puzzle
Hazelnut Coffee Cheers! A happy Sunday to you all out there. It is a warm yet rainy day in the Michigan. I got the lawn mowed and to kick off May did several things in the yard. The life is springing up everywhere for Spring! Dandelions are everywhere and a powerful plant they are indeed. Don’t poison them or any of the plants unless using vinegar or something natural. Everything eats something and that food chain can be affected including beloved pets. Dandelion is a powerful plant that is edible. It has many powerful compounds in it and can be made into several things medicinal or enjoyable. Culinary herbs add taste to food but they too possess many powerful compounds and that has been my study for many years. But at 50 years old I made the choice to focus my studies even more. A good many of the first 50 years were learning to be a warrior and now I’m focusing on being a healer. I maintain my warrior practice to unify and keep mind, body and spirit in flow with one another. I’m happy to say that on the soccer grid we’ve started our season. A beautiful day whereas everyone was happy to be out doing what we love. My running was in good shape but early second half my legs felt a tad heavy. The last week days have been great as my whole body is tight. You get such a complete workout with soccer because of all the directional changes. Our goalkeeper almost broke a finger but after an X ray it was just a bad sprain. At the end of the day it is a battle with rules. I’m already excited for next Thursday to battle once again.
I also had a great dad day whereas we went out to MSU (Michigan State University) our alumni school to look at discarded items for sale. After a few estate and garage sales and lunch. I often find wardrobe and prop pieces for the movies and often discover classic movies and books at a great price. I even occasionally find our own movies out there and that always makes me smile. The balance of the week was desk work on the films. I’m finishing up a script that might get a green light on funding soon versus later. That is the real trick any filmmaker will tell you. It is about budgets and momentum. But also it is not always about just sales it is collections during a certain quarter. We want strong returns to help us fund new endeavors. I usually distribute funds every two quarters to allow it to build up slightly because it is a lot of check writing. I have new checks coming in this week and we’ll look to process those over the next couple weeks. Before these distributions I like to give update reports to our backers. Again our business is hard because there is often riskier but better places to put your money to get bigger or faster returns. But faceless stocks that rise or fall or even bottom out don’t match the beauty of a film that can bring a story to life. That story could keep something from disappearing or bring a new literary classic to life. I’ve been enjoying the reading of Sherlock Holmes myself. What an iconic character.
We’ve also been working on funding several upcoming projects. We still have a ways to go with HOT ROD LOVE which lost its place in the line last year to Harsens Island Revenge which funded itself faster. We could end up in that situation again this year pending some developments in the next few weeks. HOT ROD LOVE might turn that corner and complete funding but we have another project that could jump in front of it. We also have several projects gaining momentum to shoot next year and so we’ll see what is the fastest horses in the race. Speaking of that what an exciting Kentucky Derby yesterday!
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – This film had a strong independent push by us on the theatrical scene. Now we’re just starting to roll into the home video. DVD and streaming is moving well and just off the DVD sales we’ve flown past our marketing costs. In the future our streaming revenue will kick in and we’ve got a good TV license ahead of us for this Summertime. The momentum from all these sales could be useful now but with so many platform and different billing cycles it all comes in at different quarters. We just had another great screening at the International Christian Film Festival in Orlando FL where the film was recognized with nominations for Best Actress Cassie Dean, Best Supporting Actor Shane Hagedorn and Best Score by Dennis Therrian. The SVP executive there said the movie played to a great buzz and was well received. This will push additional people to seek out of story. I think we’ll be creating a new version of the final film to do some theatrical event showing this forthcoming Christmas. This film is showing the potential for a long and strong run and perhaps cement itself as a classic of Christmas viewing. It is also just a Great War time drama to be enjoyed at any time of the year. If you haven’t seen it I encourage you to do so and if you have seen it – enjoy it again.
Harsens Island Revenge – The film officially was picture locked and music, dialog and sound design work has begun. We even watched some exciting first draft music for a few scenes. Some early teaser poster work is now underway and scenes for the film trailer have been pulled and just need to be edited together. This story adapted from Karl Manke‘s book of the same name is just wonderful. It has such a great message to it. Also taken from a great piece of history in our own state. I think this film will be unique as all CDI films are and should take audiences on an exciting journey. I was just so moved by all the performances and the hard work of all our artists. IF you want to see another film made by CDI, directed by Shane Hagedorn -from a Karl Manke book HOPE FROM HEAVEN watch BEST YEARS GONE here: https://youtu.be/U4lxhZ2CQkc?si=eI9uDVwgC50UVoln
Mother’s Day is approaching and we might suggest LOST HEART or The Quest Trilogy (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer) or even THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ.
Memorial Day is approaching and several of our films deal with military themes such as MAN’S BEST FRIEND, WILD FAITH, WICKED SPRING or FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH.
Soon I’m happy to announce that The Red, White and Blue Project a non-profit that raises money for veterans and their families will be raising money by offering a new HD DVD of AN ORDINARY KILLER thanks to Two Average Joes a podcast that works on true crime cases. Sales will directly benefit military family needs and bring this film back out in a remastered version for a good cause. We might also explore other ways to use the film to raise money for veteran affairs but to begin with this DVD will be something you will not want to miss.
The entire CDI Classic Collection is undergoing test remastering to try and bring you the best versions of these films. We have technology available to us now that was unheard of all those years ago. KNIGHT CHILLS was already remastered and released on Blu Ray. BUY HERE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ5WBSZR?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_S8VVQGSK0SGEMD085ZGJ&language=en_US&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1ezSQmyVp55OyHIm-Wg6SxYlI1McptQ-3jPPjefpWB5ptMEBLYVAUr-7U_aem_AQRqoW18ZuONMJ7L8KTJ9uSR1DzxalcJZaVSVso_GL2Kz1oQqBXq2Hh5BOOZXRZFfyU4frqOqQWVoYOo5SCkZf6P
We are working to cut a new trailer and some fresh poster art for a streaming release this Fall! Beware as I think I hear Sir Kallio coming! To the land of shadows I will ride…
So please have some patience as we try to figure out the best way to move these films into the HD realm. GHOST TOWN our Smoky Mountain western is also being prepped to return to the marketplace. A new trailer is cut and soon we’ll start making some announcements about this exciting story. Being that the film is returning after 15 years is creating a lot of work on my end but I keep telling myself it will be worth it in the end. I have more meetings over it this week. A new generation will enjoy this powerful story. As we prepare this new release campaign enjoy this music video from the very talent Paul Proios. WATCH HERE: https://youtu.be/ixEmKwLwg1U?si=LhV3JYMCbGioijdf
WRAP UP:
I’m rolling with the momentum and while I have things I want to happen faster I have to keep that patience state-of-mind as I flow. Often it would be easier to do nothing in certain situations but the payoff for taking action is often greater. Trying to do things that others would not or could not because of the numerous steps. I’m grateful to have a tribe of artists who are all willing to work towards the same goals. I’m going to keep working at our goals daily and because of the consistent work things get done. Every project is thousands of steps. A 5000 piece-puzzle plus that requires focus and persistence. Keep working on your own personal puzzles. Make the time to step away and breath in life and a good dose of nature. When you sit back down you just might find your focus sharper and your clarity better. Thank you all for spending a few moments with me and I hope within these words are something that will inspire or help you on your own path. Until next week. Be good to one another!
DJ
Schedules – Finishing – Starting Productions – Hello Autumn!
First I want to welcome the new readers from Hong Kong and Singapore. It is a wonderful Sunday and I’m sipping coffee on this chilly morning. Yesterday I did a one-armed mow for the second time. The wrist in a splint and getting stronger each day. The flexibility will take a bit to return but happy it is healing well.
This week I’ll be watching a new visual work link of THE CHRIST SLAYER with most of the VFX inside. Sound design passes are done and we’ll keep refining plus ADR were required. We’ve been releasing new promo as we head into fall here getting prepared for a premiere, theatrical and home video release. Broadcast and digital will be 2/4/18 and DVD 3/4/18. Who is excited to see part 3 of THE QUEST TRILOGY? See part 1 FORTY NIGHTS and part 2 CHASING THE STAR to catch up.
FORTY NIGHTS
CHASING THE STAR
Each one is a stand alone adventure but they also have parts that tie into an overall story. It will be fun to see who gets the stories that unfold throughout the three films.
WILD FAITH
This week had a good conversation with a prod/distribution studio over the series and we might be putting a few of the older titles down a new distribution channel. We’re working to put a narrator on the front and end of the film that would tie into the tv series. We’ve been working this hard so we can close this home video deal. But just like everywhere communication (or lack of) can slow things. But we’re close to wrapping this up and that will allow us to move forward. It will also move us as a company onto bigger and better things.
MBF: Man’s Best Friend
We’re still rolling out some official stills and this coming week our director and DP will be adding some pick up shots. The opening intro has been recorded and they’re working on that. We should have a first cut (edit) end of October and a locked picture in November. I’m excited that our film will be showcased on a new ANIMAL PLANET show called ‘Amanda to the Rescue’ this fall. Here is a story in PEOPLE magazine.
https://people.com/pets/animal-planet-show-amanda-to-the-rescue-amanda-giese/
We hope to have the first teaser for you before Christmas:) Ho! Ho! Ho!
NEW DEVELOPMENT
Development work is underway. If WILD FAITH had been all wrapped up with our narrator and to the distributor that would give some peace of mind. This deal is more complex because it sets the table for the TV series and more. I’ve been slowed in my personal life slightly with my wrist now out of the cast and in a splint for 3 more weeks. It is slowly getting stronger. Also our furry boy Luke has been undergoing cancer treatment since we were in pre-production on MBF. But I did use the time to prep one of the new scripts working with our distributor BMG. I finished the first draft and have been doing a fine polish. For me this is making it all flow – painting a picture in the mind of the readers. This helps when it comes to translating from page to screen. I’m still looking at a few other writing projects and talking with possible lit agents for a good fit.
I’ve been reading a few in-house scripts and looking at the options. If I can close up the WILD FAITH deal in good time I might look at a winter project but more likely will be spring project. LOST HEART – the script I’ve been polishing is looking like a fall 2019 project. I don’t want to rush it into production we know what happens when that happens. But with THE CHRIST SLAYER premiere and release and end-of-the-year business taxes, I will be busy. I like to take Thanksgiving through Jan. 1st for family activities. My goal is to have TCS ready to premiere by Thanksgiving.
Today I have family over for a cook out and a close friends Bday so I’m going to go get after a few things. I hope you all have a great finish to your weekend and a wonderful week ahead!
DJ
‘MBF’ Updates, ‘Wild Faith’ NEW Cities and more…
I have a full day so I’m up and typing before the coffee is even done brewing. What an exciting past week. This week looks to hold even more excitement. I want to welcome some of our new blog readers. Look at the diversity in where people live but a commonality in their passion for the arts and life entwined with art.
Let’s get right into it. Here is a great PR release that focuses on the ‘Warrior Spirit’ and gives praise to our Native American talent. I know that Abby Mason who wasn’t mentioned in the article and played our school teacher also is from Cherokee descent. Actually many of us probably do carry those blood lines and I’m proud of the relationships I’ve had with the tribes over the years. Most of that comes from just respect of the people, culture and what they’ve been through. Take a read about a few of the actors in ‘Wild Faith’ our mid-western now in theaters.
Cherokee Robert Bradley with a find close to his home in Maggie Valley, NC
Last week ‘Wild Faith’ played Goodrich Quality Theaters in Hastings, MI and due to the large attendance it has added a family friendly show time of 1:40 today. Take the family down to the show and experience Michigan in 1875.
This coming week ‘Wild Faith’ will play Monday & Wed in Jackson, Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. If you enjoy the time period this tale is something you might truly enjoy. There is a reason some have watched 3, 4 and 5 times on the big screen. I think as a society being swallowed up by technology audiences find it relaxing to see how life was a handful of year’s ago.
I also want to thank Dee Freeman for having me on her show to talk about the writing of ‘Wild Faith’ which was a rewrite on an early script called ‘Wild Michigan’ – Dee was the author of the book adaptation. See what changes and what stayed the same. I need a few reviews online with Amazon so if reading is your thing –
The push on THE QUEST TRILOGY continues and I had some wonderful fan email this week about how these films were seen at just the right time in their lives. These films both played in theaters and so will the third installment ‘The Christ Slayer’ around Christmas time. If you enjoy our storytelling style these films are well worth the watch. If they go back into the theaters as a holiday event picture do yourself and favor and see it on the big screen. But they can be seen right now on Amazon Prime. Look for the new trailer to release this summer once Jesse Aragon (Our DP) gets done with the color correction.
MBF (Man’s Best Friend) is in heavy pre-production. I’m proud to announce we’ve locked in our director of photography Mr. Pat Dowdle. Pat’s been with us on a few films now and his positive attitude and developing style makes him a perfect fit for this next story. We’re interviewing a few people for the unit production manager position to work our office under the producer staff. I will also be looking at editors this week. But the script and schedule is locked and soon our cast and crew will be full. The ship is fueled up and ready to travel. I’m excited about seeing so many friends again and telling this powerful story.
This week I also have a quick turn around trip to AZ to discuss the Collective Development Inc. production deal with our distributor. We’ll be discussing the future of ‘Wild Faith’ and the production slate of films. I’ve been doing a lot of writing as of late and I think we’ll be just fine. A TV series and a few films a year would be just fine with me.
NEW Lights put up around the office.
This weekend I put up some new lights at the office. I have a commercial voice over this week and today is our first outdoor soccer match. We’ve had a handful of people report in that they’ll be missing the first game. It’s about making the best hand with what you have. I think despite us playing a strong team we could take it. I’m coming to play in good shape and I’m ready to throw down. It will be a battle.
Keep fighting for your dreams.
DJ
Summer Saturday Random Ramblings
Okay here we are and it’s later in the day versus when I normally publish. I was lost in the day and I got to see many of the people I hold most dear. It was a simple day with no thought to the cost of a rain out on the day of pick ups. Yes. Since November when we had to bypass a series of scene shots due to conditions. What conditions? COLD. And we have action involving water. Long short was that from Nov until last week we worked away but knew we had left a man behind. That’s right – one of the story telling pieces was still needed/wanted? Either way we wanted to go that extra little mile for maybe an extra “Ohhh” or “Ahhh” to the viewers. I have to say that it ran smooth like clockwork. We had a skeleton crew about 1/3 the size. We all missed the other crew being there but this was the shuttle crew being sent down with a mission. Well mission accomplished. AND we might have gotten some great footage for our opening title sequence. So in a nutshell it feels good to have gathered that missing piece. Now with task completed and my onscreen character officially purged (Save any ADR if required) I felt and still feel great because when a project succeeds it directly benefits a slew of the artists involved. I think when you associate with quality and demand quality from yourself this opens you up to more quality opportunity. I see many people devoting high amount of energy to things that are improbable at best and more often impossible. I’m for all this growth. I’m happy when I get to work with young people who embrace both the arts and business. Many of the friends I had early on in the business fell to the road side or now reside in places of standing. Be kind to one another. Business… they can never take the art from you. But to survive as artists your work or the collective work must set you apart and create a demand. This leads me to again how proud I am of the “Ashes of Eden” crew. After an extended theatrical run in Lansing and ongoing in Grand Rapids we will soon be announcing Detroit area locations and perhaps a few other cities. We have started to have some contact from theater owners asking about our film.
“Supermodel Showdown, Costa Rican Adventure” shows 1-3 launched on Indieflix.com’s Afterdark Channel. Because the hot tropics might be too much for a few of you. I’m told we have an 85% approval rate and so the bikini angle worked:) Thank you all again!
A few other films we have moving through post production. The previously mentioned “Bestseller” should be assembled at month’s end and ready for final music and sound design. We did watch a rough cut and I think – well I think, it will scare people. Frightening movie my mom with probably not like it:)
“Dead Quiet” is sure to scare some folks. I’ve been trying to wait patiently for a trailer and my only guess might be they are targeting Halloween.
Also my man Jon Osman should be getting “The Terrorist” about complete. It is a slick film and I also think audiences will truly enjoy this NYC thriller.
“Donors” might be playing a festival or two this fall while we talk to distributors on that film. If you get a chance to come see Doctor Savior – please do:)
I will also leave you with this news – FACT – Some of the CDI library may be heading towards new releases. FACT – Jeff Kennedy, DJ Perry and Michael Walton have all had recent talks about KNIGHT CHILLS. Remake? Sequel? A TV Series? What is HAPPENING?
I’m actually excited as an actor that I don’t have any set obligation at this moment. I had talks on a few things but just not the right fit. I have to truly be inspired by the story and the character. So I’m enjoying the weekend. Don’t forget to give yourself a break once in a while. Enjoy those around us.
DJ
When Work Reflects Your Efforts – Updates
What a week, what a day… where to begin? We had a blitz of media leading up to the Lansing, MI release of “ASHES of EDEN” that kicked off last night. It will keep playing in theaters for another week and starts the Grand Rapids, MI run on Monday. We’ve received new national distribution offers this week to consider and will keep hitting the theatrical cicles. I think Detroit area is next for this film. We also have a nice support of directors DVD, posters and T-Shirts. Our first night was a great kick off and we had a handful of the stars show to do some signings.
I was with my CDI associate/close friend Dean Teaster who tied the knot last night. It was a great dinner and social and I had one of the best steaks I’ve had in a long time. I tried a bevy of drinks last night and was reminded of my age with a small ache this morning. I was able to meet up with our “Ashes of Eden” keys and enjoy the exciting stories from the nights first showings. So if you have not had a chance to see the film please do. (Look at the CELEBRATION CINEMA websites)
On deck is our final pick up shots for the dark thriller “Bestseller” and we have all those details just about worked out. It will be fun to return and capture these last few pieces. It will included a little bit of in-water work but at least I won’t be bumping my head on ice:)
An exciting drop that I will give you here first is that “Supermodel Showdown, Costa Rican Adventure” will look to launch on Indieflix’s AFTERDARK programming this forthcoming Friday. It is funny with a little sexy mixed into it all. The 1st three shows will be available on there and I think audiences will enjoy this adventure.
We are also about to start shopping “DONORS” which is another thriller starring Niki Saletta best known for “7th Heaven” and also co-stars in our upcoming “The Terrorist”. She does a wonderful job in both films and we are happy to have her artistry.
My parents both had birthdays this past week and we are have a party for my dad today and likely hosting a dinner with my mom first of the week. We’ve been using the smoker and grilling a lot and soon fresh garden veggies will be in abundance. Besides yard work that I need to get done this weekend we are going to put a cleaning on a new purchase. It is an old late 1800’s hutch that Doc Holiday would have been right at home with. It needs a little work but will be a great piece in the office.
My only advice this week for filmmakers or anyone working in art as business – don’t allow yourself to be dragged into peoples drama. Don’t associate with people that will tarnish your good name and work. Let those people isolate themselves and they will burn themselves out. It is funny how when I hear of projects that are disorganized cluster%##@@’s – I’m never surprised to discover that one of those handful of known screw ups is somehow involved. VET people out! If you are going to invest (I didn’t say donate like these social hand out sites) invest – talk to people. I would be happy if anyone were to talk with our past E.P’s because you would hear that we stayed on schedule, budget and handled ourselves professionally. Now, I’m not the only one that runs a tight ship in this area but there are only a few. There are many BS’ers out there trying to tell you what they think you want to hear and others still that will laugh and tell you how disorganized they are as if that is truly funny. No. Funny is when your work reflects your effort.
I need another coffee before going to see how we are going to clean up this old timey hutch.
Have a wonderful weekend and I’ll talk with you all next week. If you go see “Ashes of Eden” feel free to send me your comments here.
Be safe.
DJ
Post/Premiere Updates on “Ashes of Eden”/”Bestseller”
This new sunny day comes on the heels of a beautiful full moon and while cold something stirs. I think spring dares to creep into my mind – cook outs and cocktails. New showings will be forthcoming this year with I believe seven new films rolling out. I’ve grown to enjoy the marketing aspect. Working with the CDI sales team I really enjoy being involved with bringing this art to different countries and different people. While we have had some distributors that work we also have had our share of those that do not. I’ve had the pleasure of talking about our library of CDI films with distributors in many territories. For fans of my blog not in our TV/Film industry the domestic market consists of US/Canada. The rest of the world is divided up into forty some territories. Sometimes you sell a country or an area/region. So there is distribution 101 in TV/film. I’m looking to increase the number of allied buyers this year and we look to be in line to fulfill that goal.
We have been blitzing some PR on “Darkest Night” to align with its move to Hulu Plus. The recent success in Berlin of “found footage” style movies has directed some good heat to our film. So IF you like that type of film check it out. I’ll admit here and now NOT my favorite style of filmmaking BUT it was a good experience. Will I ever do another one? It would have to be the right project. I will be working with Russ Williams the writer/producer again but I think this next film will be more traditional.
Some exciting news is that our sales team will be handling “Judges” to the foreign market. I think Australia was the only foreign country that had an earlier release of the film. We plan to change that in the coming year so prepare for BUDDY COLT and the JUDGES to invade a country near you. I had great talks with director Stephen Walker and I will say that discussions about a JUDGES 2 are happening. A script that had “Father Kane” played by the late great Russ Stine, had been written. His passing away took the wind out of the sequel sails for a while but the winds are changing. We both agreed that after we do this foreign blitz with “Judges” we should prep for a sequel. So to all the “Judges” fans out there – things are happening.
I will be announcing a small pet project soon – actually 2014 could be the year of pet projects. If “Soul Eater” finds its legs along with a few others such as the “An Ordinary Killer” follow-up “Race to Judgment” – it could bring back some old faces. Old character faces, well my face maybe older – not really, grey…ok next topic.
“Ashes of Eden” is getting to the end of post production and our first premiere talks have started. We have had some wonderful interest in this film and I think it will have people talking. We have decided to walk at the end vs run so we make no mistakes and allow maximum creativity. This film is gonna play some theaters and is looking like we will have an international audience. If you have not seen these two trailers/previews go to http://www.ashesofedenmovie.com/trailer.html
As if that wasn’t enough – “Bestseller” is about a week from our rough edit. The goal is 120 minutes of heart pounding tension. The flight footage was just shipped in and we will all be excited to watch the 1st cut and start making notes. I’ve been happy with editor Chad Ice’s passion and excitement while working on this edit. I know that after the 1st cut we will assemble the first teaser trailer. Also things were put in motion to have the behind the scenes materials assembled. David Gries is going to edit some great footage captured by Seth Steele. Also look out for some upcoming poster art!
Distribution talks include too many films to break it all down here and now but trust me when I say that more of our international fans will get to see more of the films. My films are in more than twenty countries and I want to thank all the fans that reach out on the social media. I create these stories as do all the artists involved to entertain and share with you. So thank you.
OK. I have some work to do in the office and planning for the week ahead.
Stay warm!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 