Wave of Happenings – Just Keep Swimming:)
So I’ve got a busy Easter Sunday like everyone else and I have a good amount of info to get across. First let’s just talk about time – my thinking is not naturally inclined towards linear it tends to be more abstract. I saw a childhood friend of mine today. Yes, he’s part of the ole Saratoga Farms Goonie’s gang from our elementary school days. FOND MEMORY: Frozen pond playing ice hockey with no pads – branches for sticks and a petrified mushroom as a puck. This buddy of mine caught a power shot to his nugget. He always did have a good-sized melon but it gave him a K.O. on the ice. He got up after a few with a small mushroom-shaped bruise on his forehead. Well, long story short – his mother passed away. She was the jolly German mom who was always positive and funny. She always had cool activities such as coloring the glow-in-the-dark shrinky dinks. I also think her German chocolate cake was one the best desserts I can recall. So it’s been almost 30 years since I saw this friend and his father. It was wonderful to visit even if it took a memorial to bring us all together. Another close friend lost his dad when I was filming in Yuma, AZ. He always had a beer for us guys and was willing to school us all in a game of pool. It’s just an odd feeling as our wisdom keepers around us start to fade away just as our gray starts to fade in. Interesting. Well…
FADE IN:
INT. MY WRITING CHAIR – NIGHT
Returning as Jesus in ‘The Christ Slayer’
The Christ Slayer
I’ve been in research and writing mode. I start with just a little bit each day and honestly that’s all the time I’ve had time for. End of year business has kept me busy and working on the wrap up on “The Christ Slayer” production. But that is almost complete and the film is in editing where the magic can start happening.
Chasing the Star
Next week we have our Michigan premiere for “Chasing the Star” which is open to the public.
http://www.uica.org/calendar/chasing-the-star
Following that –
It will be moving to other cities in the days ahead including this showed up on my news feed.
Coming to…?:) maybe a hint below…
http://www.emagine-entertainment.com/showtimes/movie/?title=Chasing+The+Star
What will become of mankind? The Devil & Jesus debate the fate of mankind.
Forty Nights
This film is getting a wonderful launch during this Easter season. Here are some of the retailers that were quick to jump on this first telling in the trilogy. We thank you.
WORD ALIVE
CROSSROADS BOOK & MUSIC
GOOD NEWS BOOKS
BOOK STORE
BOOKERY INC
ABUNDANT BLESSINGS CHRISTIAN
CHRISTIAN BOOK & GIFT
MUSTARD SEED CHRISTIAN BKST
GALILEAN
CHRIST CENTERED LIFE STORE
MARDEL WAREHOUSE
TRI-CITY CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE
BREAD OF LIFE
GOOD NEWS BIBLE & BOOKS
NEW BIRTH MISSIONARY BOOKSTORE
WAY TO EMMAUS INC
LIVING ROOM BOOKSTORE LLC
EMMANUEL BOOKSTORE
CHRISTIANCINEMA.COM INC
GOOD NEWS CHRISTIAN BOOKS
LIGHTHOUSE BOOK & BIBLE
PATHWAYS CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE
CLC BOOKCENTER SONSHINE
HALLELUYAH WAY
BARNHILL CHRISTIAN RESOURCES
GREATEST GIFT & SCRIPTURE SUPPLY
BRIMAR – DBA J FARVERS
CROSSROADS
THE ARK BOOK AND GIFT
STEWART TRADING LLC
WILLAS BIBLE BOOKSTORE
This week the “Forty Nights” release has brought us all kinds of good PR. This is in the wake of the reviews and nominations by ICFF for four separate awards this May.
One of the stories from the week
Here is one of the powerful reviews coming at the film. For those who take the time to share their positive experiences with us we’re humbly appreciative. We hope the trilogy of films will create positive talk, discussions and actions.
Wild Faith
As if all this wasn’t exciting enough – I have a new cut of Wild Faith waiting to review and that means we’re close to a picture lock. That means music and sound will be on deck with Dennis Therrian. VFX discussions have been happening and I’m excited about some of the creative and business discussions we’ve had. We’ve got all kinds of links. Who wants to see an extra created “Wild Faith” BTS video from our Civil War shoot. I really enjoyed making this film – let’s take a watch.
Next week it will be picking right up where we left off. I’m diving deeper into development on 2018 projects and we have a few possible projects to finish this year. As for now I have a garden to get prepped and a soccer season about to kick off.
Have a great Easter weekend. Be good to one another.
DJ
Beautiful Sunday Updates
So I’m able to attract a distillery sponsor but still no coffee. Well, I’m sipping a nice dark coffee flavored with…you guessed it, hazelnut. I’ve been working hard to catch up on business and get back into the flow. I’m just about there.
Forty Nights
The Easter month has brought the beginning of our release schedule with The Quest Trilogy. We’ve started with the new release of “Forty Nights” – See here to buy the remastered DVD, digital stream to rent or own.
http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=7766
Funny story. Many themes are spotlighted in these biblical films. Several of these themes addressed are what works against organized religion to the everyday person. You have all these branches of the tree that all want to claim being the roots. But the tree has but one seed. While people argue to own divinity so much is missed. One retailer who deals in “Christian” merchandise passed on carrying the “Forty Nights” DVD. I found it amusing that here’s a gatekeeper who believes they have some sort of authority to judge. Meanwhile the film has been nominated by an international Christian body for several awards including “the most inspiring film” yet…
Therein lies the issues I have with the “status quo” of organized religion. The beauty of these stories produced by amazing artists will reach beyond the small genre audiences. They’ll reach audiences worldwide and not just the Christian audiences. I’ll be having conversations with our distributor about the possibility of another slate of biblical period films. I cannot see creating an inferior product just to appease one retailer gatekeeper. Make a film that people want to watch and empower those retailers that DO carry the title. I saw some of the communications and it put my artistic self directly against my business self. Now I’ve always said, we create the best art within our business lines. But, without a strong script you cannot get strong artists on board. You end up with watered down product and that’s not what I do.
I’m sure a good balance will be found. But this example is why I don’t get too high on the praise or the criticism. It just amazes me that some feel empowered to judge believing they have some real power. Actually the only power this one retailer had was over greed. They can try to impose their will by refusing unit buys unless it fits their view. I also thought about how commerce often works against spiritual when “Christian reviewers” where just hammering the film NOAH. Now I like Russell Crowe and thought the film was just okay with many “over the top” events but like I told one person in private – If it inspired one person to go read the source material and put them on a path towards God, would the film not be a success? After I make a film I strap on my business armor and enter the fight. The haters will always exist and they really don’t have much of an effect these days. I think this one situation bothered me because fresh off of playing Jesus I tried to get to discover the core of the man and his beliefs. What would he think of someone censoring in his name? It hasn’t stopped many from doing just that. I think much like the table tossing in the temple he would walk into their offices and crack the whip.
But I believe these parables were created to unite people not divide. So I hope audiences do continue to connect with the material and seek it out. Those like the censoring retailers will likely get forced out of business in time. The daily fan mail tells me that many are reaping the rewards of the positive messages. If you want to see “Forty Nights” and the other films demand them:) Seek them.
Chasing the Star
So the film was watched and listened to again by multiple ears and eyes in studio last week to prep for the theatrical lay off. We’ve got a couple of weeks before our Grand Rapids premiere on the 22nd. After that they’ve announced my home town of Lansing, MI as the next stop. The play dates will be on the 24th and 25th of April at Celebration Cinema. More cities will be announced as we move forward. Again Sept 5th is the national DVD/Streaming release and it will be a wonderful Christmas time film for the entire family. I know the marketing team at BMG is already working on the release.
The Christ Slayer
Here is the video that our director posted with his SELECT shots from the film.
Sound has been married to picture and Monday editing will begin. I will be giving many more updates and you can join the FB site and follow us.
https://www.facebook.com/thechristslayer/
Wild Faith
Our western is now in discussions over VFX work before we can lock the picture. We’ll have discussions with director Jesse Low this week. I will also be discussing poster art and marketing. The TV show is a real possibility and will be part of my business discussions this week. A busy week ahead.
OTHER:)
We’ll be looking at the CDI library to possibly re-release some of our other films into the market. A few foreign sales talks are heating up and I will be exploring that. I’ve recently undergone a major hair cut to be ready for soccer that starts this month. I’m in good fighting shape thanks to the deserts of Yuma, AZ. I’m going to go refill the coffee cup. We’ve been getting the yard around and soon the garden ground will be tilled. We’ve got many new projects that are just seeds. If we plant them in fertile grounds with a little TLC I’m sure we’ll have new projects sprouting soon.
Have a beautiful day and week ahead.
DJ
Wrapping the Circus
Today’s time has been filled looking for the return truck to carry gear that came from LA. Several departments have been securing props and wardrobe for transport. Key Set PA is looking everywhere for walkie’s that did not get returned during the excitement of wrap. These are all elements to breaking down the circus. By circus, I mean -film circus. We’ve just completed another amazing task of telling a feature-length biblical-era movie told largely in the wild deserts of Yuma, AZ. I’ve been living out of a motel for weeks, working hard with a very talented group of artists. After reviewing footage, I can say that once again we captured some movie magic. It’s all about a group of artists who care about the product. It’s not just a job, it’s a calling. Or maybe a disease:)
We pick ambitious goals and we strive hard to try and achieve them. That’s the great pride I get from visitors to set who talk about our professionalism. The distributors who know we work hard to bring art with the solid business. Our last director here on “The Christ Slayer,” Nathaniel Nose suggested the slogan “The CDI difference” – which is actually quite catchy:) Hey, we don’t always do everything right here but we’ll get caught trying to do it right every time. Best Effort’s is our motto and when challenged we sometimes discover where our best effort stride actually IS. These films keep getting stronger because the people involved are giving their best efforts. Yes, they tire and slow like us all, but they take pride in their work. They put the gloves and boots back on and attack each new day. It’s a huge collective effort and it always reminds me of the truth that lies at the heart of our company name – Collective Development Inc.
I will say a few words about the role of Jesus. He’s my 1st character I’ve played in a film twice. What an interesting and complex role to become twice. I’ve had several fine moments of pondering WWJD in different moments. I guess that’s what led to these stories in part. Well, Jesus has left the building and ascended to higher grounds. It’s mighty refreshing to let some of that heaviness go and to knock down some of that giant Jesus beard.
I’m going to return home this week and need to go finish breaking down the circus. But ahead of us lies music and sound design for “Wild Faith” – a new domestic release for “Forty Nights” on 4/4/17, a Michigan premiere and theatrical release of “Chasing the Star” and “The Christ Slayer” is officially in editing.
I’m looking forward to seeing family (Happy Bday baby) and friends, soccer games and working in the garden and yard. Almost time to turn that soil and fire up the grill. I will say that I feel accomplished now having finished The Quest Trilogy.
Keep following- much more more to come. “Forty Nights” releases April 4th!
WINS Of the Week
Ahhhh…coffee. Awoke to a beautiful light snow that adds brightness to what has been a dark week. Drizzle and dark clouds made the week drag a touch but I had much to do. I had lots of busy work with doing end-of-year taxes on our businesses. It’s surely the “unsexy” side of the business but it’s what keeps the machine working. We continue to refine our process and I appreciate everyone that works that end of the process. I want to welcome the additional countries reading the blog. Denmark is one of the new ones and I’m sure I have my host family and friends from my soccer days to thank. The week also had both post and development work grinding hard. Let’s look at a few of these updates.
WILD FAITH
We’re sitting at about the 70 minute mark with editing. I’ve seen early snippets and continue to release stills and behind the scenes to our website and social media sites. I’m excited about the themes we get to bring to light in this powerful action drama set in post Civil War Michigan. Once I get the business at hand underway I want to return my attention back to the series. I know that I’ve got a few business calls to return this week showing me that we have good buzz.
THE QUEST TRILOGY
DJ Perry as Jesus in FORTY NIGHTS
Forty Nights
The film is almost delivered both digital and paperwork. Again why so many filmmakers fail is because you must have all your process documented. Releases and agreements allow your film product to be taken to market. I know many films stumbled because of not having the required releases. It can hurt the film but also a distributor if it gets released and trouble arises. Years ago we had a film released by one of Hollywood’s top distributors and they insisted on using some box art that wasn’t cleared. We had communications against the art because it wasn’t our artwork, which made no sense. Long short, lawsuit. We were released because of our written objections. They had to yank the title. Our film sued, won and they had to pay a nice sum. But the film could have done more perhaps if someone would have made sure releases were in order. So while a pain in the ass it is a much-needed process. But when the filmmakers are at fault that can kill a film and bring unneeded legal issues so stay on top of your business unless you are just doing it as a hobby, not for profit.
CHASING THE STAR
Poster work for the theatrical is underway. The film is maybe two weeks from being done and we’ll mix and master everything. VFX is the final piece and once that is inserted we have a fully functional battle station. The paperwork with Bridgestone is signed and sent and I’m awaiting the countersigned agreements. Following that we should get our final street date for release. I’m looking forward to our review as a complete film. Success is when the audience can get lost in the story. I’m proud of everyone working so hard.
THE CHRIST SLAYER
This last film has been the main thrust of development. If everything stays the course we’ll enter official pre-production this week. Casting, crewing, VFX tests, location scouting are all underway. We announced Christine Solomon who will play opposite one of our new leads Carl Weyant. We’re soon to announce a few more supporting roles this week. I’m personally excited to return to the role I started in FORTY NIGHTS. It will be my first time returning to a character although it has almost happened several times. I’m excited to explore this other end of the spectrum. I think one of the best developments this week was the return of Chef Eddie. He’s a gourmet chef who spoiled our crew while shooting “Chasing the Star” – and I for one am happy to have him back.
FUTURE
We do have a few development projects starting to take shape that could be the projects we shoot following THE CHRIST SLAYER.
I have a few other thoughts I could ramble on but I refuse to add any negativity into the pot. I can say I’ve been extremely disappointed by several developments and happy that other neglected issues are finally being addressed. I have always had the goal to provide entertainment and to try to expand minds and hearts via storytelling. I will continue that journey and as always I invite you to join us.
Be good to one another. Talk at one another, don’t yell.
DJ
Enter December – Updates
Today is a fine Michigan morning sipping coffee and chatting with all of you. This is the first week in December and what change a week can bring. We’re expecting our first real snow that sticks today. That was one of the favorite days for our eldest dog Joplin that has passed on. We went out and got a beautiful tree yesterday and the other animals love it. I think that bringing of nature into people’s lives and living rooms is a good thing. Thankfully, my tooth issue has passed with a bill of health from the dentist. Hard to believe that little seed stumbled me up so bad. Like a thorn in the paw – I was humbled by it. Without that pain – I was able to finish lots of winterizing. Also got my ride ready for the winter and so let it snow, let it snow – let it snow.
This week saw lots of business moving forward in post, development and distribution work. I was happy to see “Christmas Miracle at Sage Creek” playing Netflix. “Figure in the Forest” played UpLift this past week. On iTunes we saw listings for “40 Nights” and “Bestseller” both film and soundtracks. Tis the season for family’s and friends to gather round and be entertained. Let’s look at a few of the updates this week.
The Quest Trilogy
“40 Nights” is prepping for a NEW 2017 release including foreign sales. We’ve had more attention brought to this film from reviewers and word-of-mouth. Paperwork is close to being signed so I can share some new updates. Patience:)
40 Nights Trailer
“Chasing the Star” trailer has been well received and the film is moving towards being finished. We’ve started working credit sequences and we’ll be looking at theatrical and event showings to follow our premiere. We need to reach out again but I think we’ll do another AZ premiere with Champion Church.
Trailer
The last chapter of the trilogy “The Christ Slayer” will start to make some announcements in the next couple weeks. We’re very excited to conclude this powerful series of stories.
WILD FAITH
Now 100% in the can (or on the harddrives) and editing is underway. We’ve been rolling behind-the-scenes photos both on social media and our website.
“Wild Faith” website
http://www.wildfaiththemovie.com
I have been working a bit on the outline for the series. I think it would be a great opportunity to tell an ongoing story of the challenges of the Murphy family and the community of 1870’s Hastings, MI.
I’ve been looking about at literary agents to assist in selling some of the script properties that I don’t plan to produce. I’ve also been back to doing some writing in my quiet time. I do enjoy the process and I’ve been thrilled watching “40 Nights,” “Chasing the Star,” and “Wild Faith” go from imagination to the page to the screen. I LOVE watching the words, scene and world come to life.
I’m going to cut things here, fill the coffee cup and prepare to decorate the tree while watching our LIONS go to battle again on the football field. I hope you all have a wonderful end to your weekend and a great week ahead.
DJ
Back To Post-Production and New Development
Chilling at the Office
Two days ago I was thinking about turning soil in the garden and also doing some training for soccer season. We had a flurry of snow the other night and that continues today. So the office wood stove has been getting a work out and I love the smell and vibe it puts out. I have a few more things to do to the office/fort this year but I was really happy to get the stove in.
When shooting “Chasing the Star” in Corunna, MI I was surprised to find a brew store at this little gas station sized store. I ended up getting some green foil tops for my upcoming bottling of “THE RETURN OF THE GREEN GOBLIN” an October wine. I will let it age until the fall – this summer will be some “Tropic Thunder” (Banana/Coconut) sipping.
Speaking of CTS (Chasing the Star) we’ve been wrapping up paperwork and books while the master audio and visuals are being married. Editing should start this upcoming week and also work on a first teaser will begin. Several key meetings happening this week and really just making that full shift into post-production.
T Rex and DJ Perry (Moses & Jesus) on set “40 Nights”
“40 Nights” has been a fun project to watch roll out into the marketplace including Walmart. I really feel that film will speak to people – not just church going folk but many people. It is a beautiful piece of art thanks to the stunning landscapes provided by Yuma, AZ. A lot of people worked hard on that film and I’m happy to see audiences get a watch. The feedback thus far has been very strong and I’m happy people are connecting with it.
WHAT’S NEXT
Promotion – “Donors” DVD snuck into the marketplace in Feb. and we’re prepping for the April digital release. “Bestseller” will be releasing on DVD in May and so we will start promotions on that film soon.
“Ashes of Eden” and “40 Nights” promotion will continue with possibly some foreign and other event showings.
“Dead Quiet,” “District 19,” and “The Terrorist” are still out there and I’m sure will announce distribution developments.
Location scouting and director talks on the 3rd film in the QUEST TRILOGY have begun. A final polish on the script this week.
Our CDI/Jesse Low project for the fall will start having meetings. I look forward to producing this Michigan based 1800’s story. There is talk of this being an on-going TV series.
I will be looking for a project perhaps just to act in this summer. I have a few films in talks but that always depends on their ducks lining up properly.
I have decided that I’m going to start pushing my writing aka selling scripts. I’ve been paid to turn a few books into scripts. I’ve had books written from my scripts. I’ve sold a few scripts and had a few produced here at CDI. I also have a few scripts that I could just sell. Those scripts are ones that I have no immediate plans to produce. I do also enjoy seeing others interpret my words be it by an actor, director or company. I will explore this path more.
I’m off to get some things done. Enjoy your day and may your week ahead be productive!
DJ
Casting, Candleberry and Create VS Hate
The first snow of mention kissed the ground last night. It’s beautiful and welcome at least for a while. The harvest was finished yesterday with the pulling of the beets. A final mulch and mow and stowing the last of the yard items until spring. This morning has been all coffee (BREAKING update) I may have a new coffee sponsor – stay tuned. Speaking of sponsors, this morning has been wonderful with coffee and The Candleberry Candle Company! They have been a personal sponsor for a few years helping me find my mindspace to work on scripts. My zen to keep patience when dealing with accounting and BS technology issues. OK. Let’s be honest on that front. 98% of my technology issues are with my technological issues. From my earliest days of friends playing with the video camera – my buddy Darrel was always the camera guy. He could get the camera to roll back to the right VHS frame. We didn’t have editing back in the day. We shot one take in order. Boom box on set was our music. Those days were fun and free. Of course being young without the daily adult issues was more free. I cherish those days beyond words. I’ve worked hard to establish a worth in our business and I can’t just play. It reduces value and being part of something “bad” (maybe still fun) can make you go backwards. I’ve got management pushing me up into the larger films. I’ve got a few studios that have taken an interest in developing my branding. I still have fun when playing on set now – it just has to make sense business-wise.
I had a funny message a few weeks ago but I was too busy to really even address it. It was from a filmmaker whom I had heard all good things about. Previously they had expressed to a mutual associate that they wanted to get a script in my hands. It was in the thriller/horror genre as I recall. With good recommendations behind them I even thought a future collaboration might be possible. I have a few horror scripts with interested distribution and foreign sales waiting. It has to be the right director and the project just is not front and center right now in development. They were working on a script and we inquired about bringing to the table scripts that made business-sense because business was there. I recall the idea being just lukewarm. Lot’s of people have their own scripts to do but if distributors/retailers don’t want it why shoot it? So fast forward and coming from Yuma shooting “40 Nights” I recall getting a script and reading it at the airport. It wasn’t bad as I recall just not anything I was into doing. Maybe I needed time away from playing Jesus before heading into the dark side again? But whatever reason – it was a pass. Now under some odd screen name I got contacted and scolded for talking SHI$% about their script and making a Jesus film. OK. They wanted to twist a dagger with a “So and so also just made the same Jesus film…” 🙂 First, you have not seen our film. Second, that is like saying, “someone else made a film about a haunted house” – okay. I’ve had rocks thrown at me for years and I’m okay with that. It is a badge of honor and respect – some of my celebrity friends have all confirmed – when hate starts you’re getting success. Now, when I got around to reading this message I wasn’t mad. To me, I saw a frustrated artist who took my rejection of a role as a rejection of his art. Not true. I almost reached out because if he is a good artist this kind of negativity leads to career death. I can say that because I’ve seen it. That was the funny thing about our screening of “An Ordinary Killer” last week. A perfect movie? No. Art is subjective. It did sell out 12 of 13 theatricals, USA/Australia distribution and played on ABC. We made that film 13 years ago. WOW! And that was our 5th CDI feature and the library is much larger now. The point is I want people to succeed but by good business and hard work. No shortcuts and half-ass business. People who know me will say that I give you an honest opinion. I’ve had lots of experiences in our business and while I learn something new daily – I’ve gathered a good amount of knowledge.
Terry Jernigan and DJ Perry in “An Ordinary Killer”
RESPECT. I’ve given it and had several good advisors and mentors.
IF YOU GIVE IT – you too can learn, grow and thrive.
That one communication was just a good example of how not to build bridges. You get feedback and you get defensive – that shuts down any respectful communication. Do I practice what I preach?
1st official teaser poster from the 2nd film in the QUEST Trilogy
CHASING THE STAR – On Friday Bret Miller, our director and I, concluded a three-hour plus script meeting. I’m happy to say we have draft 2 with the directors input. We moved a few scenes for pacing and flow and he had a few ideas that we put in there. Our distributors had purchased a suit and we were giving it a tailor. It is exciting and so that will start to go out next week.
On casting we’ve been looking at several reels – most on the west coast because we’re limited on flights. We also fly in several of our keys because that is just as important. They are stars on the other side of the camera. Funny. In Michigan I hear complaints when films come in and bring their keys. I will once again get back at them by bringing some of our Michigan keys. I can’t bring everyone and that is a hard balance. But once again some of us will depart Michigan in Feb for Arizona. Maybe that is why I can enjoy the snow.
“40 Nights” – the 1st film in the QUEST trilogy.
40 Nights – This week my goal is to pull in the intro sequence and VFX. Sound design is closing up and our director loved the direction. The music score is also coming together. We released a teaser that used a snippet of music.
The symbol of the KNIGHT CHILLS franchise.
We’ve been re-mastered the CDI library in prep of some new VOD, foreign, TV deals and a possible CDI Online store. The book/DVD deal on “Knight Chills” is signed and some PR will release on that.
DJ Perry & Shane Hagedorn on set “Ashes of Eden”
I thought some PR from our distributor was coming out on the “Ashes of Eden” TV deal. Something for next week! Closed caption deal on “Donors” releasing Feb 02. “Bestseller” is playing Grayling, MI Dec. 10th look for a new event page and updates. The national release date on “Bestseller” might be March 02 but we’re trying to confirm. I will confirm that artwork is being done and I’m looking forward to that.
Script, script, scripts… – I signed an NDA and had a book sent to me that will be followed by the script. A studio I’m working with sent me a script that they want me to star in. Also another couple of projects to consider/talk about – one is a TV show reboot and the other a major film on par with C.U.J.O.. That project is moving forward and looks to shoot in 2016. I will say more when I can.
My alumni school
Let’s wrap this up. I’m going to watch MSU and maybe read a script.
Enjoy your weekend!
DJ
