Thanksgiving Crash and Film Catch Up
It is a great Saturday after Thanksgiving and watching MSU play their final game of the season. We’ve also been putting up Christmas decorations outside and the tree may also happen today. Yesterday was a unique Thanksgiving as my girl Courtney and I went up North to a family dinner. Lansing was fine but as we drove North we entered into a good amount of snow. We had just turned onto the country road heading to our destination while listening to the Lions putting a final beat down when the car hit ice. I was the passenger and just stayed calm thinking – “Crap we might end up in the ditch”. The right side of the road was all tree’s including a down tree that had the broken back-end pointed at us like a lance. She calmly counter steered and we instead slid sideways to the left towards a ditch. The ditch ended up being a bigger drop off and next thing I know I’m rolling upside down. Glass breaking and food flying including 3 pies and two dishes of beets and cream spinach. We ended back upright and asked each other if we were okay. We were and realized that we had taken out a barbed wire fence and 3 or 4 wood posts. The engine was smoking some and we shut that down. Both driver doors crunched shut with her window gone. The roof and windshield all smashed in but still there. My door was against a small tree but opened. A few calls and we had tow truck, police and her family there. All good save one vehicle (likely totaled) and the food – so we consider ourselves lucky. More so because we usually take one of the dogs with us and did not and also we had no passengers on this day. So it was a first roll over for me and a Thanksgiving to remember for sure. It was the topper of an already interesting week.
So last week I did two radio shows to discuss our movie projects. One for Lansing Business and the other the Independent Corner. We’re now closing in on a finished “Ashes of Eden” and soon will begin actual editing on “Bestseller”. These films along with “Donors” (another thriller coming out of post) has made recent distribution talks interesting. Actually I’ve been discussing some studio production deals with CDI and I’ve had some additional interest in a few other scripts for possible production.
The drama “7 Stones” just released on Amazon last week on DVD and I think VOD also. “Wicked Spring” released last week in Germany and several of the CDI films will be moving out to these territories in 2014. New contacts are opening daily. Right now it is really making the time to vet out the people and explore the deals. From there it is seeing which projects fit and see how to proceed next.
I’m in negotiations to maybe do one more film this year only as an actor. I will let you all know if I sign onto the role. I’m waiting on dates to see if they work with my holiday commitments. I also signed a LOI to star in a western next year which I hope will have a full green light by Jan. 2014. I’ve had a few good opportunities present themselves but I will just take them as they come. It will be a productive 2014 both with releases and new projects. “The Terrorist” that I shot in NYC will also be an exciting release. I have much to feel thankful about on the career front.
This is always a time of planning, accessing and getting ready for the new year ahead. I also love the time spent with family, friends and close associates. I urge you all to do the same. Have a great day and for those braving the shopping chaos be kind and safe. I’m off to do a bit more decorating and prep some venison stew for my visiting brother and amigos tomorrow.
Stay warm!
DJ
Darkest Night Release and Get your Reels Ready!
Good morning to all you readers and dreamers out there. The birds are chirping and the heat seems to have broken. I’m sipping my favorite morning beverage and I’m going to give you a few little updates. It has been a good week that actually brought many new opportunities. The hard part is really finding the time to give the attention that a new lead or contact needs. Let’s see where to start.
I’ve been working to finalize delivery on some materials for the German distributor and it has been slow but I have to relax and realize that not everyone does business at a neck-break speed. We in America do often get caught up in the NOW, NEED IT NOW. I work hard to relax and have patience and succeed more often than not. Pace yourself and keep your stress low and watch how happily things get done. I’m waiting on a Fed Ex # from them and it feels like waiting on Christmas.
Parables network has been playing FIGURE IN THE FOREST and decided to hold back on WICKED SPRING for a few. They are paying their licenses so that is all good with me. I do want more audiences to enjoy the film but as I stated up top – all in time.
I met with a director from the UK on a possible acting role and it was a nice meet N greet. I did see the pains that aspiring actors go through with the waiting rooms, the nerves and such. I really don’t have any of that because I know the next role will come. It’s all a matter of schedule, business deal and a strong match between director and talent. Schedule may be the biggest issue on this project if it doesn’t work out but I do hope it does.
I’m putting a deal together now for an acting/producing job and it is really about just waiting on the Michigan rebate. I have had many great talks with the director in L.A. and if it all comes together many local talent will get some work out of it. HINT – We will be casting off REELS so get yours around.
I had some other talks with an old associate in Hollywood about collaborating on a series of films. I had discussions about licensing some of the CDI library to a theatrical indie-house in Michigan.
“Ashes of Eden” released a teaser poster but a really nice one is in the works as is the trailer for distributors to look at. I’m very excited about this film. The balancing of dialogue is where we are at and I do believe color correction is also happening as we speak. Look for a premiere in Michigan at year’s end.
Development on a few other properties are showing lots of promise and it is exciting to see others taking a strong interest in the scripts.
“Supermodel Showdown” TV series is moving nicely and we had some great creative talks over editing this week. We are starting to pull our marketing package together and we have many interested parties wanting to see what we have. I think it will be a great show for fans of reality shows.
Other than that we can take a few moments and talk about organization. I’m going to say I work very hard to do this in all my endeavors and I still make errors. It really irks me when others just do not take the steps to do things right. It leads to wasted time which = wasted $ which often results in getting just barely what is needed versus what could have been gotten under better circumstances. It’s horrible when someone or a group accepts payment to do a job that ultimately they aren’t qualified to do and royally screws the job up. I’ve been in the knowing on a project that several months back I was asked to consider a CDI association with. The initial offer was buried and never brought forth to the powers that be. When a second offer was discussed the fires were already burning. I politely declined. This makes the 2nd production offer I’ve declined. Collecting a paycheck is always nice but how much will you accept to do something foolish. Jump off a bridge, run into a burning house or try to take an inflatable raft across the ocean – what is your price? I declined an acting offer early on also (same project) and it was because their offer reflected their mismanagement of cash. Mistakes are rarely alone and they often happen together in a reactionary fashion whereas if you don’t fix the main issue it will only get worse and worse. When a film starts to fall behind schedule you must find the source issue and fix it. If not it spreads and can become a nightmare. Leadership is KEY.
Speaking of nightmares – Darkest Night is fully released in the USA/Canada and is selling well. This film wasn’t without issues but most were related to mother nature. I’m so proud of this film and the fact that we’re showcasing some wonderful artists from the Philippines. I’ve noted before what a wonderful experience it was with the people there. Music, laughter and cultural exchange of ideas and views – food and festivities. Please do take the time to rent VOD or buy the DVD in support of this film. If you watch it at night I promise you a few chills and thrills. I know Amazon has both DVD/VOD but you can get it at Google Play and many other rental and retailers.
I want to again thank all of you for stopping by to read my blog. As always feel free to share with any others and keep striving to make your dreams come true. I’m going to do a mix of film work and yard work today. We have another big soccer match tomorrow and I’m thankful the heat is giving way to some coolness.
Have a great Saturday!
DJ
NEW DJ Perry Reel & REcap for the Week
JUNE 1st! I woke up this morning and got the fresh pot of coffee going. I did the 1st of 3 interviews for the upcoming release of “Darkest Night”. I’m excited that this story is going to finally release here in the US/Canada. I won’t go on and on about this film as you will soon have many interviews to read and also the film itself. The end of the week has been rain, rain, rain which is great for the new plants in the garden. Let’s get right to some FILM NEWS!
ASHES OF EDEN rough cut is done and we are doing a producers watch on Tuesday to make final notes before Shane Hagedorn makes his final passes on the film’s edit. I’ve seen the scenes individually and I’m beyond excited. The scenes are POWERFUL and I’m so proud of all the artists involved.
DONORS is almost done with the music and so that film is closer to being ready for release!
CDI Distribution team is closing in on several deals for films in the CDI library. It looks like “Darkest Night,” “7 Stones,” “Locked in a Room,” and “Wicked Spring” are heading to Germany. We will be working to finalize that deal this month! Stay tuned for other territories!
“Wicked Spring” and “Figure in the Forest” should be releasing this month on Parables Network my contact is saying.
“Supermodel Showdown” TV series is also looking great. I think it gives a fun, honest look at what goes into a REAL reality show.
This week was great on the development front. I read a few scripts as an actor and I should be making some decisions on summer filming here soon. The picture is getting more clear as I go. On that note – David Gries is working into the tribe here at CDI. I’ve explored his on-camera work this year and we’ve been working on a few projects together. I’m most appreciative for his opinions and work in helping me put together a 3 min sizzle reel that I wanted for a few opportunities. I sent the reel along to a few professionals yesterday and I will share it first on here. Enjoy. This is what actors use to showcase themselves and their diversity. It gets so hard because you end up with so much material. What stays? What goes? So I want to thank David for his help with this.
DJ PERRY 3 min sizzle reel
Maybe this will also inspire you to watch a few of the films showcased. Anyway this is my Birthday month and I’m kicking it off with the new reel. This month will bring great growth and I will continue to move forward on this journey step-by-step. I encourage you to do the same. Don’t look at how far you have to go and let doubt sink in. Just take that step. Take that next step. Soon you will realize how far you have actually gone. Life is a journey and not a destination so enjoy it. You can’t enjoy a breakthrough without setbacks. You can’t have satisfaction without some frustration. You just want to try to keep your balance and tackle each issue as they come. From the struggle always comes growth.
Have a great weekend!
DJ
Boston, Benjamin & Being Thankful
Where to even start? Well let’s start with the topic dominating the US media – Boston. It has been very crazy because one of my best friends from kindergarten through high school was in Boston. Furthermore he had finished the race and was waiting for his new wife. He and I were in martial arts together, sledding, cub scouts, soccer (lots of it) and he was the guy I started doing movies with back in the day when my dad bought his 1st VHS camcorder. Needless to say he was a huge part of my youth and is connected to many of my memories growing up. The two guys behind him lost their legs in the blast. He had scrapes, cuts, blown ear drums and they pulled crap from his legs. They think one piece might be a bone from the guy behind him. Sick. I know. I had an hour whereas I didn’t know if he was dead or alive. This was followed by – if alive – is he intact? He was always one of the fastest runners and very good at sports. I shuddered to think of that but was happy to hear he was alive. He said he looks like he was dragged by a truck but his wounds will heal. I think it will take longer to heal what he saw. We’ve drifted over the years and connect here and there but I was not ready to take that worst case news. I’m so happy for his protection and feel horrible for those less fortunate. So again life trumps business and I’m so happy that this chaos has ended.
Film Updates
“Realizism” had a premiere last night and I have to say I was very pleased. I’ve seen lots of sub par filmmaking during my career. I’ve been on film festival boards who screened lots of entry films many that were nearly unwatchable. I have to say starting with the opening credits – I liked the artistic credits and the smile I wore stayed throughout the film. It was a comedic, dramatic feel good movie. Mitch Nyberg did a great job of bringing that film home. I saw some disorganization from the students here and there while filming but in post-production they turned out a professional quality film. Congrats to each and every one of the artists involved. I think they are going to tour festivals and DVD’s are for sale. Great after party with good food and we had a packed house so go Grand Valley – great program.
“Deadly Renovations” and “Locked in a Room” have continued to sell, sell, sell and if you have not seen these films it is worth a watch. I play a much larger role in the 1st film but my role in the latter is very unique. My 1st masked role:) I know – I have a face for radio:)
The campaign for the Philippine Nightmare “Darkest Night” is underway. Next week we release the PR including distributors poster, trailer, pre-sales – the film releases in July. http://www.darkestnightmovie.com please do check the website. Great inside information on the subject content of the film.
“Ashes of Eden” is over an hour and we have a big push coming up to get a rough cut. “Donors” work continues and “Supermodel Showdown” almost has a 1st show roughed out.
“Benjamin” is heading for a theatrical run before coming out this year so that great film is also on deck. I need to talk with our director and see what is the latest and greatest.
Many films out for licensing consideration. Some good development work underway on new projects. I’m also close to announcing my next actor role. Actually I might have two to announce in the next week or two. I do love creating that person onscreen and helping to tell a good story. Well crazy Michigan got some snow last night but the sun is out. Last week we got all the wiring done in the new office and all the panels inside up. Some cool cosmetic work also done and I’m ready to start having many more pow wow’s and launch more films. I hope you all have a wonderful day. Now I have a friend in Beijing that just got hit by a massive earthquake so I’m trying to see if he is okay. Appreciate your family and friends!
DJ
ASHES TRAILER, TV FILMS and NEW ROLE
Today has been Sunday sipping (coffee) and now I’m ready to give you the movie “Tippin'” or tip-off on what is new here in my film world. First, things are getting quite crazy with the release of two of my films in March. I’m very proud of both these films and all the artists involved. I’m ready for the masses to see these films.
LOCKED IN A ROOM – Releases March 7th, 2013 with Echo Bridge Entertainment
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UBc8ozv8ohQ
AND
DARKEST NIGHT – Releases March 22nd, 2013 with Midnight Releasing
http://www.traileraddict.com/trailer/darkest-night/trailer
Also I’m happy to announce that I’ve just put final ink to paper for two of our films “Figure in the Forest” and “Wicked Spring” to release in Feb. on a TV Network that I will release in a full press release later this week upon return of the contracts. For fans of both these films I can say be ready. Deals are underway to bring these out nationally and internationally.
Also today watch the “ASHES OF EDEN” website to get a sneak peek of the Official 1st teaser trailer!
http://www.ashesofedenmovie.com/
Other than that – many development talks. It also looks like I’ve got my 1st acting role for 2013. The business will wrap up on that later next week. I’ll talk more about that project once signed but it is a nice complex layering of character.
OK. Well everyone enjoy your Sunday!
DJ
Creative Endeavors in Motion
In one hour my alumni MSU will kick off against the Fighting Irish. I will take some moments to eat and enjoy the Michigan fall day. The last four days have been dealing with past, present and future. It is a delicate balance between it all. I’ve been working to establish my home base for work and creative endeavors.
My projects have become numerous and I’ve got folders and files at three different locations. I’m going to unify all that once and for all and increase the efficiency of my operations. It has been a great couple weeks as we work on final development for a new film “Ashes of Eden” and deals are underway for several of the CDI library.
I’ve been dealing with a few small issues on one of the films. It is funny how at the end of the day it really only requires good communication to work these things out. I often play the part of the guy who keeps his cool and just looks at the options and choices are made. There are many emotionally charged folks in the entertainment business and that can hinder if allowed. While I consider my passion for the arts to be charged I also think I save most of my high energy for ACTION:)When it comes to business it is usually a step by step deal. So this weekend I’m helping one associate deal with a film issue and we have been wrapping distribution items up for delivery on another. Every week is revising “TO DO” lists and crossing stuff off!
After much back and forth a few TV deals may be looming. These deals are only for a few of the films but you will have to wait to hear more on that. I also know “Outside the Wire” is getting ready to make some announcements and updates. We do have a couple of films heading to big festivals for audiences to enjoy. (Benjamin, Darkest Night)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTzthhqVGmM
Additional development work has been steady and I can see a busy 2013 shaping up. This year has brought some good filmmaking and artistry to the screen. I’m looking forward to bringing more of these stories to you all out there.
Tomorrow is the start of soccer play offs so that will be fun. The cool Sept winds have been wonderful for inspiring my morning hazelnut coffee:) That sounds like a good idea:) I’m going to sign off likely to have a beer and watch MSU but coffee might still be good!
Have a great Sat.
DJ
“Be real and get the deal”
Again I want to take this moment to thank of all you who take the time to read my blog and share it with those who are trying to make their way in this artistic industry of ours. It was one heck of a week and I will try to update folks on some of my adventures. I will say the garden is doing great save the fact our puppy decided to chew the garden hose in half. Today will be a day of getting the yard and garden cleaned up for Father’s day tomorrow. We are having him over and so with the exception of rain possible it should be a good day.
Last night I went to my 1st ever poetry reading. It was to see my girl read with several others in their group to honor their mentor. Mentors are very important in our business and working and getting advice from those who have lasted is so needed. I’ve talked before about some who want their 15 minutes of fame. I see social networking is full of LIKE this and LIKE that and people whose egos ride on a star meter or number of friends. None of this will be as helpful as seeking out those that have been there and done it. To get those gems of wisdom on how they got their foothold and the secrets to longevity. The power of the art will and should outshine the popularity contests at functions and now online. In casting we never look at number of friends or the often corrupt star-meters on IMDB. If you have little to no credits save glorified extra work and no reel to show do not expect to get treated like a star. Many of these massive mutual LIKE groups just come across as desperate computer hackers. Non-working actors who spend more time trying to find an easy path versus the real path of work hard to get the work. Followed by work that begets work. We use the database to show cast/crew lists to distributors but the once great database has lost so much credibility to real producers that it is kind of sad. So I say, focus on the work and the PR buzz comes second. Don’t be in the “Fake it to you make it” club as 99% of those folks will fail in their endeavors. “Be real and get the deal” that is the motto I would replace the previous with.
It was a very inviting reception in Saugatuck, MI for “7 Stones” which I’m very appreciative of. A welcome on the signs with my name was appreciated but a touch odd as I am only one of many great artists on that film. I was not blown away by the projection system but appreciative that it was donated. Also the film still needs some major audio mixing before it is sent to distributors but that is part of the learning curve for the new young company that CDI associated with. Overall I think my co-stars home town enjoyed the drama unfolding on-screen and I am proud of the product.
Early that same day the Philippine horror film “Darkest Night” played for a handful of distributors in Hollywood and more had screeners sent. We will see now where the offers come from but I think it was a success in that the interest is there. What deal is to be made is yet to be seen but I’ve heard that it gave some good exposure to some very talented Philippine actors/crew. I look forward to returning this fall for the launch of the theatrical run and in the Spring to shoot “The Beast”.
One of the best Bday gifts might be the funding of a film slate where I sit as a Production head with CDI there to help execute production. They chose a handful of properties to put on their slate and the first SOUL EATER could get full green light at month’s end. That would see MASON from “The 8th Plague” back in action in a prequel.
Dean Teaster’s next feature “Long Road Home” is also close to launching after a deal was put on the table for distribution. This Faith Drama will be a good next feature for Dean Teaster and I fully expect that to shoot late Summer/Early Fall if schedules allow.
A TV Division has been developing and we will soon be announcing some updates here. A couple of projects are in development and one series has Jeff Kennedy’s name all over it. He and I need to sit down and discuss so until I do I cannot put too much out there. All I can say it that it will be way cool and the path to production is clear.
I’m told we are closer to a start with the “Henry Ford” project as they attach the director. I would say that this directors is relatively well-known and worth the wait:) CDI is handling all the behind the scenes materials and so it will be a good project for me on both sides of the camera. I’m slated to play a major supporting character opposite an A-List talent that many will know. I’m looking forward to throwing down in this powerful drama.
I’ve got 4 directors and 1 producer call lined up for today so even while working about the Bluetooth will get some usage. My plan is to solidify these films so I can move out of the business phase and into what I feel I do best. That is, bring the character to life! I’ve had some communications with folks this week about the SHOW vs the BIZ and how they intertwine with one another. It is a delicate balance but once you get that balance you will see more doors open. I’m going to hop off here and get to my personal and work business. That is another balance that we all must achieve in our lives to be successful.
I want to thank Brother Max again for his sponsorship product. His hot sauces and BBQ sauces get much use and exposure at my various grill N chill meetings and personal hangs. So if you like natural ingredients in your sauces look at http://www.gourmetfoodandproducts.com/ .
Enjoy your weekend one and all!
DJ
Film Updates and Winter Fun!
A beautiful white snow is spread across the landscape. The steamy coffee tastes good on a morning such as this. I did a special mid-week blog based on a fan email I received earlier in the week. It was one of those emails that just deserved a response. I’m happy to see how woven our Civil War film “Wicked Spring” is into the fabric of films in that genre. How schools are using the film to stimulate discussions among the students. I encourage my weekly readers to go back and read the previous blog.
Our 1st look at the “Donors” teaser poster was released this week. We also announced the addition of more cast onto the project such as the beautiful Anne Gauthier whom I shared the screen with in “Darkest Night” and Lana Wood, a legend. Post work is underway and I think a 1st trailer will be following soon.
“Deadly Renovations” is being prepped for Hong Kong film market in March and our DVD/Blu-Ray extras are being delivered this week. I’m excited to see what countries are interested in our thriller.
I’m still trying to get exact street dates on our New Video titles. I’m told that the Michigan showing of “Locked in a Room” will be in May. I also hear that “7 Stones” will be polished up and submitted for showing at the Waterfront Film Festival in Saugatuck, Michigan. I still have no dates on “Benjamin” showings yet. “Darkest Night” will be ready to shop at its theatrical run-time in April. Development continues and progress is being made on the various films.
Verbal talks are underway and I soon may announce my involvement in a film next month. I will hint by saying that it would be the 1st sports film I’ve ever done. I’m also close to closing a deal on a film in April. There is a chance that one of our films may go up in that month if I don’t do the April project. I’m also close to signing a deal memo on a June/July film that shoots in 3 states including Michigan so that would be great.
I’m also waiting on news on “Supermodel Showdown” the TV show I worked on in Costa Rica. Creator Joe Murphy was supposed to take a look at it and get back with me. I think it is coming out on Telemundo/NBC here soon. We use to roll with Big Cat to Night of a 100 Stars on Oscar night and perhaps I will attend again soon but not this year. I’m sure Hollywood is buzzing with excitement and I know the artists there will party hard.
Well I’m going to do some work this morning followed by some domestic activities. The dogs love the snow so that might be in the future. Also might run to go get bottles for the next batch of wine that is to be bottled.
Have a great Sat!
DJ
This is the 1st teaser poster on "Donors"
CDI’s New Marketing Division & 2012 Scheduling!
I’m sipping the coffee on this quiet 2012 morning and feeling good about the new year. I did start back in on Tuesday and was just slammed with things to do as I think many people are eager to start the new year right. I think I was a little over-excited with how fast I hit the work. Many folks will still be out until end of next week but I’m getting done what I can. The holidays were wonderful and it was topped off by the great Michigan State Football Bowl win. Now if the Lions can push on things could be just peachy.
I’ve got so many things in motion right now. I’m really trying to get my first of the year schedule in place. Now when I say that it takes many forms – acting, producing and writing. I’ve taken the time to set my goals and now the steady walk towards them begins.
First thing solid on the schedule seems to be the World Premiere of “7 Stones” at the end of the month. I think this is just VIP cast/crew and their family members. I have not been actively involved in the post on this project but I’ve heard the footage looks amazing. So I guess we will all be excited to see just how the story unfolds.
I also talked with “Locked in a Room” director Larry Simmons and they are looking at a possible March showing. He also discussed what is in store next with his company and once again it sounds exciting. I also talked with “Benjamin” director Jon Osman and things are looking very good over there in NYC. We might have a festival showing or two and we’ve started some talks with distributors. On that note – we also start the first round of negotiation talks with a distributor on “Outside the Wire” this week. We have several theatrical showings already planned and so it will be a good year for this project. Last week the post team on “Darkest Night” started to work on the theatrical edit. Lots of good footage that has to be cut down for runtime so I don’t envy that job.
Development continues on our slate of films and I think 2012 will see a couple of films go into production. I also read in Variety about my good friends at SplitVision Entertainment moving ahead with a slate of projects. It is so cool to see friends all moving along the path in our career field. I think it will be a good year for many of us. You have to learn to look at what did go good in a year and not just the setbacks. Also the key is to not drag any negativity from past setbacks into the new garden of opportunity. I see that quite often from others and it’s exactly what will poison a new venture. My advice – Don’t carry that kind of negative energy forward. Sometimes the success we seek is right around the corner.
I’ve got a script or two to still read and one I want to re-read to get a better take on it all. Like I said, scheduling becomes one of the big factors now. I’ve also been doing a little script writing and that is always fun.
Lastly, our production company CDI has opened a new division that centers on marketing. We work via The PRNewswire services and can show you how your film, product or service can reach 100+million exposure points. Your news can be seen on the Vegas strip, New York Time Square and thousands of news portals. Feel free to contact us if you would like additional information.
https://sites.google.com/site/collectivedevelopmentmarketing/
I’m going to top off my coffee and get to a little bit of work today.
Have a safe and wonderful weekend.
DJ
A 2012 Preview!
As 2011 is coming to a close we can celebrate our survival of the ups and downs of the year. Once again we brought the CDI tribe together and renewed our bonds of friendship and toasted to the approaching 2012! The venison steak chili got huge raves and part of that was because of ONE DROP HOT SAUCE. (One of our sponsors) Homemade lilac wine and super-punch put the Holiday spirits into everyone.
This year saw CDI associated projects like “Deadly Renovations” www.deadlyrenovations.com (formerly Renovation) sign worldwide distribution. The powerful doc “Outside the Wire” had multiple theatrical showings and also is entertaining worldwide distribution offers. “7 Stones” and “Locked in a Room” will be coming out of post for a 1st showing early in 2012. CDI also had its 1st international production with “Darkest Night”. I went back to Manila, Philippines at years end for a promotion tour. These are the 1st steps in CDI building Asian distribution ties and participating in forthcoming productions.
New sponsors from candles to moonshine have aligned with CDI and we’ve got a larger development slate than we’ve ever had at CDI. Everyone of our CDI directors are in development and we’re working hard to package/fund these exciting projects that will carry CDI forward into the future. CDI’s directors are eager to be back and helm their own projects. We’ve got pieces coming together. Lets take a peek at what a few of these projects are and who is behind them.
“A State of Hate” and a follow-up project in the “Outside the Wire” series are both in development with Anthony Hornus and CDI. Script polishing on “A State of Hate” and outlining on the “Outside the Wire” follow-up have had Tony very busy.
Jeff and Juanita Kennedy have been busy working on new material as well. One project is the popular format of four stories that intersect one another. The film entitled “Mythos” is said to have a gothic horror tinge to it. It’s designed as a project to shoot between the larger projects. The first part will be casting to shoot very soon!
Dean Teaster has a new project that looks like it’s moving into pre-production very soon. It’s called “Long Road Home” and is one very inspiring drama. We’re working to lock distribution before moving to the next phase on this project.
CDI alumni Stuart MacDonald is gearing up to direct “Secondary Heroes” which has been casting and location scouting. It will shoot part in Michigan and part in Ohio.
The forces that be are also lining up for “Soul Eater”. This prequel to “The 8th Plague” should roll into production in 2012. We’ve been in talks with the film office and looking at locations. Paul Goldblatt is back to helm the special FX so fans will be happy about that.
“Wild Michigan” disappeared suddenly off IMDB but while it still holds the hardest to launch record “Holly, Jingles and Clyde” is trying to catch it. I still have a lot of faith in these two projects and before they throw dirt of me I will make those two films! “Make my word” – Ricky in “Trailer Park Boys”
I’ve got other faith films developing with Reel Frog Films and a solid slate with Gothic Pictures International. Now if we add in the acting projects which I’ve had more scripts/offers for 2012 than any other year that I can think of. I think overall filmmakers are ready to make 2012 into a great year of storytelling!
Part of getting distribution and getting sales strong lie in good marketing. That is one thing that we at CDI have gotten to be very good at. We go after the grassroots marketing as well as the mainline PRNewswire avenue. Our last send out reached over 120 million exposure hits and again had our story in New York Time Square. We’ve used the newswire releases on products as well as the feature films. We’ve done “Making of’s” for other companies, graphic work and poster concepts and now for 2012 CDI is going full ahead with our marketing division. This year saw our sales team and legal fall into place with our commercial production. Now the overall division is officially opening for business. CDI Marketing!
See the new site at:
https://sites.google.com/site/collectivedevelopmentmarketing/
For me it’s back to a bit of script reading and looking at proposed schedules for 2012.
For all of you who are getting crazy for the Eve of 2012 please be safe!
I’ll see you in 2012!
DJ
Believe and Be Merry!
The house is looking a lot like Christmas! I was wrapping, sorting, cleaning and such until the wee hours last, I mean this morning:) We had so many boxes that at 2:30 am I was burning boxes in the firepit last night. With the soft snow and fire the world seemed to slow and I felt the peace. It has been quite a year and while I can go on about the year to come in my next post I wanted to reflect for a moment.
I recall so many great Christmas times growing up. I was fortunate that way. My parents always worked hard to make it special for my brother and I. It is those traditions that have been left to me. Like the little chime/candles that burn and spin these little angels. DING. DING. DING. Makes me think of my Grandma Emerson. I recall fondly how much my Grandmas Swope loved Poinsettias. I miss not having any grandparents with us anymore. I also regret that after thirty some years my parents like so many divorced. Christmas is a bit more scattered with a get-together here and than there but overall it still brings back memories of past joy. Now new joy is achieved built upon old traditions.
You have to forgive me if my writing is a bit off. I woke with a small sinus headache (I think from wood smoke at 3am) but the coffee is chasing that away. I remember many Christmas Eve’s waking with a headache but it use to have beer or booze attached to it. I think I’m getting older:) We have a big dinner and family today and it continues to tomorrow. I also have one of my dearest friends flying into town. His parents live here and we’ve been friends since 1st grade. We usually do a dinner with several friends we grew up with but his trip is short this year. I will enjoy seeing him even for the short time.
Movies – As I watched all the Christmas films on TV while working about the house that is a goal. To make one really good Christmas classic. I think I have the script in “Holly, Jingles and Clyde” which I’ve been so close to getting off the ground on many occasions. If it has elves with axes slicing naughty kids up I could probably get it made faster but so far no dice. So for now I have to settle with Chevy Chase and family, Will the Elf and the Rankin/Bass classics.
I did a marathon of script reading last week. I had a slew of offers and scripts come in and I so appreciate when others invite me to participate is their storytelling adventures. Now I will take a couple days to chill with family and friends and give the work a rest. It is hard for me to do that because I really love what I do. I know that it all happens from hard work and taking the steps.
I will close here by thanking all of you who have faithfully read my blog this year. If you want to give myself and others a gift do so by introducing them to “Clawing My Way to the Middle”. I’ve gotten great response from artists who say the words have really helped them in their own journey. So bring someone new into the fold and perhaps they can also find some inspiration. I refused to believe those who said I could not. The trolls who would rather see others fail for they never tried. The unhappy who sold their dreams away. I’m here to say if you believe in yourself you can find success. It may take a while and will come at various degrees but things will happen. I appreciate each and every one of you so from the bottom of my heart I wish you all a Merry Christmas.
Believe!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 