Your Friend in ART – Updates
WOW! Friday came this week and I was ready for a little mind rest. The week has been jammed full with following up on paperwork to make sure it is straight on a couple of projects heading into distribution. Also reviewing projects heading out to distributors soon. Several distributors have come forward to look at our slate of films coming down the pipeline. A couple of development projects are getting some legs under them with distributor support. I’ve had a small flood of possible acting roles which I’m looking at to see what FEELS right. I will ramble off a few updates in no particular order and I’m sure I will forget a few.
– “Dean Teaster’s Long Road Home” has some distribution paperwork forming up underneath it.
– Some additional biblical era films in the vein of “Book of Ruth” are getting close to greenlight.
– My long-standing efforts to put “Wild Michigan” back on the tracks continues. Three different paths being worked on this project and one of them should go eventually.
– Several films have open foreign rights and those are being shopped and interest is forming up nicely.
– “Darkest Night” has pushed the dist. screening in L.A. to late June to avoid a couple big festivals and also business in the Philippines is required as we prep for our next associated venture entitled “The Beast”. Several new promotional trailers have been released on this film.
– “Donors” the follow-up to “Deadly Renovations” (Aug 2012 domestic release) is moving along nicely.
-“Locked in a Room” is prepping for the May 3rd Michigan screening. I’ve watched director Larry Simmons work and refine the film and I think audiences will really dig it. Some good stuff looks to be hitting the editing room floor but that is sometimes needed to move the story.
– “7 Stones” released a new poster and the last pick up opening was shot last night and so just a little bit more tweaking and it will be complete. Festival play is next for that powerful film.
– New location photos for “Secondary Heroes” just arrived and so we will be reviewing those this week.
I will spend some of the weekend reviewing a few distribution deal offers and researching companies who have come forth wanting to talk business. I’m waiting on a few other large deals to close and I’ve been nicely informed as they move forward. In my normal everyday life I had a few fans of the work pop up and be surprised that I’m chilling in the Michigan. When not working out-of-town that is how I roll:) So many things in process and I hope to give more exciting news in the weeks to come. Otherwise I think we might finally bottle a batch of wine and pick lilac flowers to make another batch of that. Yard work and maybe till the garden may lie ahead today. I’ll relax and try to get some stuff done because next week is going to be a busy one again.
I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
Your friend in art,
DJ
Easter Sunday and Good Advice
It was a long week of business and this weekend has been spent largely helping someone move into a new home. The Full Moon shone bright through the trees Friday night and I think it helped to recharge the batteries. Outdoors the beauty is everywhere as everything seems to be in process of bloom. I’ve been working the yard and enjoying a fire in the pit. The garden is being cleaned and prepped for new growth and that is how I’m taking the day. We should all till our earth to our own gardens and prepare for that new growth. My mind is trying to relax away from the many deals that are in works but not quite complete. Last night on TED (A series of lectures by experts) I saw a good talk on trial & error. It is a process of tweaking that will eventually distill a process or product down to a sound effective piece/process. That is a lot like our own business model in filmmaking. Every project we’ve done has had good and bad elements that come into play. Both are important in gaining experience that will eventually take you to greater heights of success. I look at how much I’ve learned via the projects and I smile. Life is funny that way, it often rewards the fool and the courageous – they are often the same person.
Other insights from the week…
The art of prepping and packaging – finding the right partners to work on the right projects. I’m exciting about some communications this week whereas deals have been moved that much closer. I’ve also been disappointed in others about their communication skills. There are a few individuals I’m close with and if they contact with a business call I respectfully respond in a day or so if not sooner. I’ve had a situation as of recent whereas I called to help correct an issue and I’m still waiting from a Monday call. Now when the issue becomes larger and is a real problem I’ll likely get that call. COMMUNICATION! This has been an issue on a few of our associated films. What I have to remind myself is that they are greener and growing but I wish folks would listen to me sooner. Eventually it can and often will end up being my issue to fix whereas COMMUNICATION could have solved it early and immediately. I’m not going to go on and on with this. They will need something and I’ll get a call and yes, I will likely respond in good time and help where I can. I cannot alter who I am based on others shortcomings. Or have they always been like that and it is my expectations that are let down? Unfortunately, these expectation are what I have learned to be needed in moving forward. These communication issues apply to several people in my circle of business. OK. In summary – COMMUNICATE and TOGETHER ADVANCE and by TRIAL & ERROR success will grow in your given endeavors.
Some of the week was doing tax stuff – working on a CDI theatrical film series and a spotlight retail for our product with a major retailer. These deals are all moving forward step-by-step as all journeys do. CDI is growing a new TV/Web Division due to new Network contacts we’ve developed. There will be some new announcements in the weeks to come about all this.
Also I’m putting together my program for speaking engagements. I’ve been paid to be a key-note speaker at Michigan State University, speaking on SHOW + BIZ. After many interested parties asking would I speak here and there I’ve decided to go beyond my blog and do more speaking engagements. I would also say I’ve been inspired by some of these TED talks:)
Interested parties can contact MP Talent: malinda@mptalentagency.com
“Darkest Night” theatrical cut is DONE! PR will go out this week likely but again you heard it here first. We are getting a great list of distributors who want to attend a late May screening of the film in L.A. area. If you are a distributor out there drop me an email and I will see about adding you to that list. New promo material will be hitting very soon!
Other than that – working on getting producers rep agreements on both the above film and foreign rep for “Deadly Renovations” which announced an Aug. 7th release domestically!
I was contacted about a few acting projects. As I stated before looking for a solid May project before I get thrown into a larger multi week shoot that spans a few states. CDI is also playing a part in all that by providing all the EXTRAS (Making of, behind the scenes, interviews…) and so if you out there are about to film your movie and need marketing…CDI. Also if you have a chunk of money and want to make a film you can communicate with me and we can discuss an association. I cannot fund your projects at this time because if I have funds open they are directed to the tried-and-true tribal projects. If you bring your own funds and want to glean upon our experiences both good and bad – please do. Scripts, castings, distribution are all areas that will have strong contacts in and that not everyone can immediately step into. So if you have the will and the worth but not the experience it might make a good collaboration.
I think in summary we are open to working with others but these are a few simple rules to remember
1) If I’ve never met you and we’ve never done business – I can’t recommend you on LinkedIn,in-person and so on. Facebook friend does not = friend often it is peer or associate
2) This above statement applies also to getting through phone doors. You cannot say I’m friends with “DJ Perry” off a blind accept on social media built for fans, friends, family and peers – Can you say Godfather, Godmother calls? Also a friendly reminder – REMEMBER the folks who do open the doors for you. Going around people will usually screw you at some point. For many it is when I get a call asking “who is so and so” and I respond “I don’t know” …deal blown.
3) Don’t use acting roles with me to try to bait producer action – 9 out of 10 times it will not happen especially if you are bringing nothing to the table. Our production funds are invested within the Tribe – period. Want in the tribe? Bring something to the table…
We can start with those three little rules:) Feel free to explore more at the http://www.cdiproductions.com site. I’m excited by some of the future projects and I do hope to expand the tribe. If you possess respect, loyalty and hard work and know how to stand accountable – maybe we will see you in the future here at CDI.
Have a great Easter and be good to one another.
DJ
Embrace Change and Grow!
Here in Michigan we’ve been very spoiled with some beautiful summer type weather. Now we’ve got some rain and everything is in bloom. It is a sign that something in the ecosystem is changing. I’m very proud to report that “RED” our redwood tree that was a gift from my brother on his trip to California is alive and well and made it through the winter. The fact that we had a mild winter really helped. After 3 years indoors at wintertime and in a pot on the patio spring through fall – we finally had to put him in the ground. The yard is being cleaned up and the garden is being planned. New growth!
What a week! Change is here and there and although for some the act of change can be drastic (Like Red being put outdoors for a winter) once the roots take hold new growth can take place. For those friends out there going through life change I say embrace it. I’ve changed a few things starting with my hair. It is still long but I had a good deal removed mainly due to soccer season about to start.
So many pieces moving on the chess board. I’ve been having meeting after meeting either in person or on the phone to help move things forward. I’ve made some great new contacts with a few companies that I think will really plan into the whole. For my distributor friends out there we have lots of new product coming down the pipeline. I’m curious to see how “Deadly Renovations” did in Hong Kong at the film market. I’ll be working with others soon making deals on “Locked in a Room,” “Darkest Night,” “Donors” and “7 Stones” as well as a few other properties that I can’t discuss until paperwork is signed.
Development work continues to go well although always slower than what the executive teams desire. I read “THE BEAST” last night that is to be the next GPI/CDI Philippine film. I’m excited to start developing that with my partners there. I’m waiting to see if deals can be made on a few acting roles but I’ve very excited about a deal that will soon be announcing itself. It includes my acting and CDI helping behind the scenes. I can’t wait for the official announcements that might hit next week.
I hope all of you out there are having a good go at your artistic endeavors. It is not always the easiest of paths to travel but the rewards are more than just shells and beads earned. Also remember to embrace change as it happens.
Have a great weekend!
DJ
Irish Love and a Few Life Lessons
The corn-beef and cabbage cooking and coffee is flowing and today is a good day to be Celtic. Yes. Scottish/Irish on one side and German/English on the other I believe. The St. Patty’s Day has fallen on a Sat. and with the summer-like weather in Michigan we’re having an outside day of it. Bon-Fire, beer and burgers and later the corn-beef. It has been fun getting the yard and garden ready for the new planting. Bottling of the “Green Goblin” (Read earlier posts) will happen soon. I have a beer batch to try following that. The month was one of promotion and looking at projects both in development and submitted to me to act in. I cut about 5 inches from my hair in prep of soccer season and the coming heat. I’m excited about the projects ahead and development has also been moving steadily ahead. Let me see if I can give a few good updates but 1st let’s talk about – WORK!
Many people on the outside view our industry as fluff not realizing the intense work of developing, funding, executing and finishing film projects. I understand but still feel slightly put off when people just throw out the “Hey put me in a movie”. Yeah, because it takes no real skill or development to do what we do. BullSHI*! I would say that I work very intensely to get done what I must. I wouldn’t say “Hey how about you let me weld that ship panel in place” or “I’ve never coached but I can take over team for a week or so”… – you get my point. Ship may sink and team will lose but then again many folks think that TV/Film is done in a matter of hours or days. People are still surprised when I say a 12 hour day might get 3-5 minutes of a film done – rough footage only. Let me remind you that this is with new tech equipment unlike the old days and earlier. Have you ever spliced film together?
I’ve found some people want to say “I’m a filmmaker. I’m a director.” but don’t like to do the work. They are often quick to schedule showings and set unreasonable deadlines and act surprised when they fail to meet them. It does happens BUT this is something that must be corrected in good time or they will not last. It is like an actor that is often late. They won’t be around long because at the end of the day it is work and the weakest link can hurt the whole. Also a recent example which I will not highlight with a name but includes finger-pointing at the artists under them and FIBS. First if you are in a position of power it is your responsibility to motivate, manage and make sure things move along. If not it is YOUR fault. Sure you might have less dedicated artists and they should not be hired again. That said, if you hired/brought them onboard that = your responsibility. Also with filmmaking and other folks $ the executive team must deal in truth. The good, the bad and the ugly. If someone drops the ball you are the bigger person by admitting that. I’m still surprised at the people who would rather blame someone else than accept responsibility. And if they will fib on something small they will easily fib on something larger. It is a major issue with me and speaks volumes about character. My advice is be organized and focused – do your work and motivate/manage positively. A good leader will cover honest mistakes by accepting responsibility for the team, apologize and work twice as hard to remedy the situation. Some people do not know this lesson and will struggle in life because of it. Enough of the behind the curtains of the Great and Powerful Oz – onto updates on projects that have made strides. Just try to recognize how much work actually goes into your favorite film or TV program.
Updates –
– A “Donors” trailer will be forthcoming likely at month’s end or start of next month.
– I’m hearing Hollywood showings of “Darkest Night” will be in May so marketing materials can all be put together upon the completion of the film.
– The followup CDI/GPI film will be “The Beast” and a Philippine director has been chosen by Russ Williams – I need to read new draft of script this week.
– More “Secondary Heroes” location photos are being taken in Ohio & Michigan
– Waiting on some $ word on both “Soul Eater” and a reborn “Wild Michigan”
– “Race to Judgment” revised script complete and more packaging underway including the addition of Lana Wood, Roger Collard & Delvon Roe
– “Dean Teaster’s Long Road Home” packaging our distributor interest for a possible fall Michigan shoot
– “Locked in a Room” will have a Michigan premiere on May 3rd 7:00 and I’m told cast and crew will be free and guests and public will be a paid admission. Additional theatrical showings are also being set up by director Larry Simmons.
I might have a few updates on CDI TV division and our commercial division will soon be announcing a large “Making of” project for a large studio project I’m involved with. With the sunshine comes a new energy to work hard and tell some great stories. BUT today is going to be a day of friendship, family and enjoying the day!
DJ
May the blessing of light be on you—
light without and light within.
May the blessed sunlight shine on you
and warm your heart
till it glows like a great peat fire
Roadtrips & Rolling Cameras
What a week!
So tomorrow principal shooting on the thriller “Donors” begins in Yuma, AZ. The beautiful and talented Nicole (Niki) Saletta is playing our lead female. She has a youthful innocent nature that pulls from a deep well of drama. I’ve been prepping for my “Donors” role which is extremely dark and twisted. It is nice to bounce between kind and wholesome and dark and devious. Light and dark, good vs evil – the themes that have always been part of human history.
The New Video deal that has five of my titles announced a new theatrical division and I’m now hearing late 2nd quarter for a release. Some are Blu-Ray releases and others like “Figure in the Forest” and “Heaven’s Neighbors” will enjoy their 1st major national release. We were waiting for the company to complete their merger and complete their new deal with major retailer Wal-Mart. I’m also hearing that distributor friend Missionary Pictures International may handle all the faith retailers on the titles that fit.
In that faith/family vein we are on the move to get “Long Road Home” on the pre-production track. We’ve got a great script, cast and commits from distributors are underway. Dean Teaster will be the director on this film and it will be exciting to see him back in action. Dean had a chance to meet Melissa Anschutz, who is slated to be our female lead, at the sold out premiere for “7 Stones”.
Speaking of “7 Stones” – I want to thank everyone who attended and apologize to those who I did not get a chance to meet. We had a big snow storm move through and after the showing which ran late, our party heading back to Lansing from Grand Rapids. They have a month of polishing on the film with audio and CGI before paid showings and festival runs. The story is powerful and I think will really connect with people.
Curtis Hall and I made a run into NYC and retrieved some film stock from a film lab there. It was six boxes of film at 65 lbs each – ah yes, the days of 35mm. We also had time to catch up with our director of photography buddy Dave Isern. We had a lot of time to talk business and the drive through the mountains was incredibly beautiful!
As we enter Feb. I’m looking ahead to March film projects. I’m trying to schedule and finalize certain business deals. I read a powerful script that had a high dose of violence in it. I’m expecting an offer on that film this forthcoming week. I also have a few other films that I need to set in stone and start my character work.
Today, I’m off to visit an art museum in Detroit and tomorrow is an MSU basketball game and watching the Superbowl with my amigos. That will be a good time with food, drink and good commercials and film teasers. Michigan’s own Madonna will be doing the half time show. I saw her on the news and thought she looked good. I’m glad she has not gone overboard with plastic surgery like so many others.
Enjoy the weekend!
DJ
Hard blowing, sideways snowing, coffee flowing – Saturday chill!
Hard blowing, sideways snowing, coffee flowing – Saturday chill! So it was a long week but so very productive. Let’s start with premiere showings. Thursday night at the GRAM (Grand Rapids Art Museum) fans got a 1st look at “7 Stones”. This action/drama is a very strong character study with lessons to be learned. They are going to spend the final 3 weeks polishing the sound mix and CGI. It was a fine night and I was proud to be there with all the other artists. Other festival and public theatricals will be coming. We have a meeting next week to discuss the course of all this.
Last night in San Diego at the San Diego Black Film Festival “Locked in a Room” had a 1st showing. I was not able to attend as I had the premiere the night before as the male star and tomorrow I have a NYC trip to pick up film stock. So I’m very interested to see what the audience reaction was to the film as I have yet to see the full finished film.
Several of my films are prepped to go out to the marketplace with NEW VIDEO distribution. They are best known for cable network releases and we were awaiting them to finalize their Wal-Mart deal. They also announced they now have a theatrical division from a merger. We also have a deal in the works to work with Missionary International to focus on the faith retailers. I’m hearing late 2nd quarter for the titles which will include Blu-Ray releases of “An Ordinary Killer,” “Judges” and “Blood Ties” and DVD/VOD releases of “Figure in the Forest” and “Heaven’s Neighbors”.
It has been decided that a high-end action packed investor trailer for “Sherwood Horror” will be shot to show the studios. So I’ll be prepping to play Rob Locksley which will be shot in VA with some of my close actor friends that have been cast by director John Regan. I’ve been training daily as I always do but I’m going to step that up some so I can really bring the action. Needless to say – I’m excited.
Also I’m limited to what I can say on this project but I had the pleasure of reading the final shoot script on a project I’ll be shooting in Dearborn, MI, New Orleans and Toronto. This project is with the same team doing the “In Our Time” (Jesus) project but is first on the slate. I can announce that it is called “Henry Ford: An American Legend” and I know that it is already in process with the Michigan Film Office. This is slated for a May/June start and will release with a major studio. I’ll release more info as I’m allowed.
I’ve got several projects in the Feb-April time frame and we will see where the pieces fall. We also have several projects of our own in development and they are looking strong. I also heard the rough draft of “Darkest Night” at the theatrical run time is done and they will be polishing that up with March being the finish date.
I’ll wrap this up for now. There is a lot of 2012 business at hand. Work hard and create your own opportunities. They don’t all come and drop in your lap so be smart.
I hope you all have a productive week!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 