“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” ― Sun Tzu

Posts tagged “flags”

Polar Patch for the CDI Folks! Updates!

Good Monday morning! I’ve been having cold weather internet issues so if you get to read this we’ll all consider ourselves lucky. If you stay up on my blogs weekly you know exactly why this blog is coming on Monday versus Sunday. Which we’ll address and that will put ROM COMS MUST DIE (RCMD) at the top of our update list. This weekend we filmed the most difficult portions of the production with most of the scenes being outdoors in the freezing cold. To get you up to speed if this is your first read this project (RCMD) is the result of a writers frustration with distribution development talks whereas a much more elegant film script was liked…but- what is trending is mindless horror and romantic comedies. The distributor asked if we could consider something like that which immediately brought a sarcastic story pitch out of me. And they liked it. Sometimes I feel like I’m living a movie. So I decided to channel this frustration into a comedic and seemingly simple story but is it? What RCMD actually depicts is the many frustrations of being an artist. Of being an actor, writer and filmmaker in a world being dumbed down by social media. Social media can be a great tool or a great time waste. It has made many people worse in their attentions spans and their cravings to be noticed. Internet Trolls are just attention craving people speaking against the grain seeking attention. Lonely, bored people who waste time scrolling through what has become what the trash tabloids of the past once were. They are not living they are just being fed, scrolling garbage.

Okay, back on track. We shot the first of two blocks over the weekend which was an amazing amount of footage. It takes efficient planning and cast and crew on point and focused. We had limos, drones, classic cars and more with one day having almost the full cast. Parking was one of the biggest issues which we managed. This is the first feature length directorial endeavor for Travis Hayward. I’m proud to say CDI has given many artists their first. Adam Towner, well loved by many for his comedic self brought to life his first co-starring role. Some featured actors from CDI got their fist major supporting role. A few others made their first on-camera film debut. Our set ran very smooth with politely interaction everyone happy to be doing our first major creative project of the year.

I was beyond happy to have McGraw Multimedia co-owned by CDI’s own alumni John McGraw. I owned an editing/commercial studio back in the day where he was the main editor/camera man. He edited several of the classic CDI films back in the day. He was in VA with us filming WICKED SPRING. So many adventures and now we get to collaborate again. He and his brother (Eldon) have a commercial studio and they want to expand into features with CDI. So this is our first one up with John McGraw being the DP and editor. I supervised and because of the limited budget I took on the production design. Much of the exterior look is supplied by the wacky, wonderful, wintery Michigan. It gave a great look that is both beautiful and harsh. My chapped upper lip can attest to the harsh part. But I gathered up the props with some help and next week we’ll shoot our studio stuff along with our few pick up locations. It took weeks of planning and prep as a producer but thankfully the cold outside made the days chained to the desk seem not too bad.

So we have a week to reset for the next block. Many things to do including finalizing the catering and having our dir/DP scout the final needed location. I’ll brush up on my lines which as a co-star have been considerable. But I have a great team of people helping and now that everyone is establishing their characters the final block will be made much easier. Plus the next block is in a HUGE, comfortable, climate-controlled studio. I’m thrilled to have a first feature shot so early in the year. We want to get to 2-3 films a year and being ready this early is a step in the right direction. Today after this will be unpacking and stowing the props we are done with. I’ve already been on accounting this morning and other assorting paperwork while waiting for the internet to return. I have several business calls on other projects today. Like what you say?

Harsens Island Revenge – we found one last set of names in the final credits listed in the wrong place so we’ll be re-rendering. But we are going to watch a 2k version that is what theatrical files are made from, on a big studio screen. And when I say big I mean BIG:) Once we are good we’ll re-render with those names in the proper order and any issues noticed corrected. I have our home video deal in front of me for a final review. I’m going to talk with our proposed theatrical rep. And we’ll be rolling either with the rep or with CDI taking point like we did with SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. SNIA (Which just played theatrically in Forest City last week!) But the next step after the final large screen watch is making our theatrical film and prep for a 4k home video delivery. Additionally to get some “outside our group” feedback on the film I sent it to the Red Letter Awards.

WHO ARE THEY? They are a group committed to movies with a message amongst many things. But we won last year’s BEST PICTURE with SNIA up against films with budgets as high as 90 million. So curiosity and a deadline had me submit Harsens Island Revenge and we were notified we are up for BEST PICTURE again. The awards director’s comments were as such (paraphrased) – CDI always brings the acting and production value around a story that is powerful and with a message but not blatant and forced. They don’t jump on any bandwagons or try to ride any trends. (Wonder how I got frustrated and wrote Rom Coms Must Die?) While (A popular pair of filmmakers) make quality good films they are not great like CDI films. (END) Okay, so I felt pretty good having my first ever communication with this woman. I have not attended the awards even though many CDI folks have on our film’s behalf. I don’t always need to be the guy handed the trophy and speaking my mind.

I like to have the spotlight often fall upon our hard working artists who deserve some shine. I’ve been blessed to be nominated and sometimes be handed a nice award. When doing so, I love talking about the TRIBE (WE) because no one person can do what we collectively do. But, I am that same young kid in the small neighborhood organizing the BB gun wars, playing capture the flag, building haunted houses and gathering warriors for snow fort building and snowball fights. I dream and believe deeply and when I do, I think that attracts the other like-minded artists. Often they just need that one other delusional persons who doesn’t laugh and shoot down an idea. You want to write a book? Make music? Weld metal? You just need one person to say need a pen? Rock on! And Like the heavy metal and suggest doing an art show. Lynn Drzick (In the Woods my 1st starring role) and after Jeff Kennedy (Who I formed CDI with) were those people. Together Jeff and I build a foundation where we value both sides of the camera equally as a family coming together to create. And working with a plan we have a flow we get into where attitude is valued over experience.

What do you mean DJ?:) If you have a negative mind set and work daily from that place you won’t last long inside the tribe. But if you are a positive, respectful person happy to be drawing breath and making some fun collective art, giving your very best, we’ll ride together until the end. We have employees in their 80’s and some tribal members have passed on to the great here after. But we also have young college folks working with us and everyone in between. We all at CALL TIME bow (Not really) like we do before entering a dojo. (Martial arts practice) Leave all your individuals save your creative spirit and plug into being 10 years old again collectively with your friends. The only time I can recall feeling injured (Not really) is when folks don’t see the whole game. By that I mean that while we (CDI and the films) are Incorporate we are a small business. It is a band of artists many whom are actor/producers who just want to work on quality projects without jumping through unreasonable hoops just to earn opportunity. CDI has the feel of what I imagine an old vaudeville troupe of talent might have been like or during the Golden Age of Studios. We have a focused group of artists who park their differences so we can align to tell a unified story. It’s a beautiful thing to watch. This last shoot weekend was all positive and it leaves one with a glow.

WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – Last week I got to watch the first really strong cut of the film! From the opening moments of having three of our principal actors back on the screen in our fictional town- I had goosebumps. The story flows both with nostalgic tingles and new fresh faces. We will look to polish the edit before we move to music and sound design. I’m happy to report that a first look trailer is well underway. I’m very proud of all the performances. I think fans of the first movie WILD FAITH will love returning to these characters and their new adventures. All this could lead to the Wild Faith Hastings TV series. One can only hope!

KNIGHT CHILLS will release on 1/31/25 on several platforms and I’m excited to see what the new generation has to say about CDI’s first feature film shot in the 90’s and remastered. Blu Ray is still my favorite way to enjoy the film. It has all the extras and BTS which is just as fun as the movie itself.

WRAP UP: I have boxes full of pro – I lost my wrap up writing when trying to add photos. Let’s just say my lost words were wise and profound. I have much work to get to today and this was suppose to be my simple morning coffee writings and rambles. But with the internet being on and off it has caused me many tech issues including not able to add any pics. If you want to see pics from ROM COMS MUST DIE you’ll have to seek out the Facebook site. Okay, stay warm and we’ll have a little more chit-chat next week!

Cheers!

DJ

January 27, 2025 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Reflections on a Past Year and Plans for Another!

(Finn waiting for Santa Paws)

Coffee cheers from a wet and rainy Michigan. I’m sipping some coffee and proud to be bringing you the last blog update of 2024. The years do click by and things come and go but I’m happy to have some consistant things and reflecting with you all is one of those things. I have a final holiday gathering today and so I’m writing with only a few sips in on the coffee. I usually like to get a full cup down me before starting my writing so forgive me if my words are a tad sleepier, sloppier? I had a very nice Christmas thus far that I found to be recharging, reflective and full of remembrance. We all have loved ones that are no longer with us and that changes things. But we try to adapt and appreciate where we are and who we are with. I think I hit a good life marker that should help reduce some of my concern I carry as a leader amongst artists. I’ve always been alpha organizing the sledding trips, the backyard football, capture the flag, or Dungeons and Dragons games with friends. Haunted Houses constructed yearly in friends basements or garages. I love to find gifts for people and even enjoying the wrapping. But why concern?

(Childhood – when life was more simple)

Those activities of youth were all under the roof of parents who took care of life’s concerns. Now I’m seeking larger budgets to do larger projects and compensate artists better. I try to stay organized and up on basic technology so that I can make sure to do everything that is required of me so that we can keep moving forward. You can add fear of doing things wrong to a list of why people don’t do things. I know that one day old age (may) sap my ability to oversee these big endeavors. Or that eternal rest might quiet all the calls to get things done. That TO DO box doesn’t exist that will pass onto a new generation. So while I’m here I will keep creating and doing all the things I need to do. It is not just doing but doing it well. I might control the process but not the end result.

(I’m not 20 anymore)

This week we watched many things but one was a documentary called BRAT PACK. It was about one media journalist article whereas it grouped and somewhat belittled the work of a handful of young 80’s actors. It was interesting to watch Andrew McCarty who was deeply affected by the label that these successful actors got lucky and were more about fame and partying versus taking the craft serious. Sounds faintly alike something we might hear about even today. It caused many of the actors to not work together again. It became what you accepted it to be. Many of these actors were young and so some of it really hit deep. But this actor wasn’t trying to be overly hurtful he was just trying to say something against the grain. He added a catchy phrase all in hope of keeping his young writing career going. Sounds a bit like social media these days. Someone is always going to speak against the trend to try and stand out.

Many still had fond memories like Demi Moore and others like Rob Lowe seemed to have taken it all with a laugh. But what it reminded me of was some of the early criticism from people watching my first films like IN THE WOODS or even KNIGHT CHILLS. I too was in my 20’s and the harsh words sometimes cut because I allowed them too. In the doc Rob and Andrew were talking about the fact that if anything lasts 30 years that is quite something. Now IN THE WOODS isn’t Breakfast Club and Knight Chills isn’t ST. ELMOS FIRE, but it is…kinda. They are someones version of those films. This past 18 months so both those above mentioned films to be remastered and released on Blu Ray. As of 1/31/2025 Knight Chills will go streaming and later this year I plan to see IN THE WOODS follow that up streaming. The beautiful thing is on the Vinegar Syndrome site for lovers of those classic horror films Knight Chills was adored and even mentioned as release of the year. It doesn’t matter but my point is that something that I was proud of back in the day of I was made to feel somewhat ashamed of because of mean words. But now almost 30 years later they are back because of the fans. And the fans are giving roses versus rocks. Not sure that is a good thing with Sir Kallio around. But I know Lynn Drzick (Dir of In the Woods) is talking about a few conventions to do meet and greet with fans. Maybe some of the cast and crew? I know a sequel script for both films now exist. Thank you to the fans.

Let’s fast forward back to the modern. I got to sit in the early theater show and watch and reflect on SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA (SNIA). It has been enjoying a jaunt back into select theaters for the holidays. Several locations in Iowa, Lansing (MI) and it still plays in Grandville (Outside GR) until 1/2/2025. It was such a moving experience and was one of those STOP, TURN AROUND and look at how far you’ve come. It seems only yesterday Darrel Folkert and I were making little videos with the family camcorder. This amazing film can be watched on Amazon Prime but for those able to see it on the big screen it is magic. As I sat there I remember being 7 years old with John Luginsland (Same name from SNIA) watching STAR WARS and RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. My favorite actor was Harrison Ford and he let me know that you could grow up and be something other than a Fireman, Policeman, Doctor…you could grow up and be an actor. And now I sat watching previews for our film in the theater and here is the new Marvel film co-starring Harrison Ford. They were promoting his new film in front of ours. It made me smile. Maybe as close as I’ll get to him but you never know. I’ve met some pretty amazing people in this industry.

(In the game – I love that our stories are being enjoyed)

Looking ahead to 2025! If you want to see bullet points on projects for sale, merchandise, books and more to go with our movies- go back and read a few entries. Every year I write down goals. Each December post Christmas I refine those for the new year. Which goals carry over? Which were achieved and what was achieved that I didn’t even predict the year prior? What I do know is that Harsens Island Revenge as of yesterday was undergoing two last steps before being called done. They were doing a last overall filter on the film and relaying the black bars. Also they were checking to make sure the opening logo was the best quality. But as of today or tomorrow that film should be done. I can’t believe I’m saying that. We’ll be uploading a lower res to a site for our distributors to see. I plan to sign both the new deals 1st of the year after they do a final watch. We will upload to a site for festival submissions as we’ll do a few this year. And it will be prepared to be tested in the theater for our premiere and theatrical run. The CDI tribe led by director Carl Weyant has brought us one heck of a film. It is not too early to start calling your film theaters and requesting it. It prepares the market for when the booker starts reaching out. So call, call, call instead of just wait, wait, wait…

WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS which was such a thrill to end the year on is past the hour mark in editing. The film advances about 5 min a day and so in a week or two we’ll have a first edit. Following that will be a first poster and trailer to share with awaiting audiences. I’m so proud of the job director and co-star Shane Hagedorn did and now he’s editing. A force of passion and that is what a director has to be. That leading, driving force pushing to see a vision through.

(GW Burns captures the miners from ‘Wild Faith Christmas’)

ROM COMS MUST DIE – is an intelligent mock on the state of the film industry filtered through the comedy/horror genre. We have our 1st prep meeting of the new year on day two of 2025. We’ll be locking dates and putting things in motion to shoot in Jan/Feb under the directorship of Travis Hayward. It will be fun to be back in action on the screen so soon. This is the first of many collaborations with McGraw Multimedia. John McGraw worked with CDI for many years as camera, grip and editor of several of the early CDI projects. They provided the B unit work on Harsens Island for the above mentioned film. John is the director of photography and we’ll be shooting both on location and in the studio. I’m excited to have John and his brother Eldon and their team joining forces with the CDI tribe again.

Misc./Wrap Up

We have a few additional projects developing for 2025. One which I’ve been waiting for Carl Weyant to read but wanted him to finish the ‘Harsens’ film first. I finished the new draft of show 5 of 8 on the WILD FAITH: Hastings TV series. I will work to finish 6/7 this week and 8 after that. I have the TV show now following the second film versus the first. Acting. writing. Producing. Goals for the property to complete in 2025 are set. Whereas last year it was the new deck build now it will be deck stain and who knows maybe a carport. So look at your 2024 and see what you got done and what you did not. Plan for your 2025 and develop a plan of action. There is development in 2025 that won’t shoot or happen until 2026 but the planning starts now. Have realistic goals. Set short term goals leading towards your long tern goals. I’m going to end this by wishing you a Happy New Year. I hope your Christmas was peaceful be it solo, a few together or many. I want to again thank each and everyone of you for stopping by each week to read these words. I hope some of it can be used to give you motivation, contemplation or any other help you might have needed. I will continue to give my best efforts on a daily basis and there is not anymore you can ask of yourself.

Happy Holiday and cheers to Happy New Year!

DJ

December 29, 2024 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Look Back at Past Birthdays and Movie Updates!

(DJ Year one)

Good morning! I’m officially another year older and I have to say it was a nice transition. June 23rd is my actual birthday and I often get to pondering at this time. I remember most of my childhood and college bday celebrations. One of my best friends from the neighborhood had a June 18th bday so we often had parties together. I could write an entire book on the adventures of our upbringing and just might one day. We had a wooded area that provided all kinds of fun activities from tree fort building to BB gun wars and capture the flag. We had a large enough group to play some great backyard sports. Dungeons and Dragons was a favorite from about 3rd grade onward. It is fun to see some of these things making such a come back into todays culture.

(Bday in the 70’s)

I did have a soccer match on Thursday that was likely my best of the season. I really wanted to win going into my Friday bday. It was hard fought and we did emerge victorious. You are always a little more sore when you lose. I’m appreciative that I’m still able to run and compete in the game I love. Friday was a good day starting with my brother and nephew visiting. I got a cool Conan the Barbarian tee-shirt and the chickens got some good attention from my nephew who also just had a bday. We ended with a dinner with the moms where I got one of my favorites, an olive burger. I also got to see one of my high school buddies in town and enjoyed a visit over one of my new beers. I’m happy to say from all my testers that it came out great. My high school buddy’s quote was “I normally don’t like beer but this is really good.” This is the Diego Jose’s Mexican Style Chili Beer and I’m happy to report the Rockin’ Rhubarb Wine is bubbling and fermenting like crazy. In a few months it will be ready and so when Fall comes we can enjoy Springtime in a bottle.

(More 70’s Bday)

Saturday was beautiful and I was enjoying the day both in the yard and running around seeking a few Estate Sale treasures. After we had a nice dinner with my dad and his wife where I got prime rib. It was such a big cut and I’m use to more modest portions so now we have leftovers for some steak and eggs. Speaking of eggs the chickens have been going crazy eating up all the mulberries on the ground. Yes, the berries are in full force and I probably eat about 20 or so a day right off the trees. The raspberries and rhubarb are ripening and I will pick and freeze some for the next batch of wine. We had the heat and humidity finally arrive yesterday and so now the air conditioner is kicking. I don’t mind heat as much as I really dislike humidity. Arizona or Las Vegas type heat suits me better versus Florida or Atlanta heat. The most humid place I’ve been was likely Costa Rica rain forest where you learn to live damp.

(More 70’s Birthdays)

I got a new magnetic iPhone car holder and charger since June 30th they have a law in Michigan of no hands on the phone. I use to hold it with the pop top while Siri helped GPS me drive to my destinations. Overall I think it is a law that will save many lives. I see daily distracted drivers and worry especially for motorcycle drivers. A few other little love gifts completed the bday weekend. I even got a nice bottle of rye whiskey from my high school buddy. Gifts to share are always good ones. I will see a few other friends and my brother later tonight and tomorrow I’m ready to attack my TO DO’s a year older.

(Rocking the ‘Star Wars’ Tee -shirt so likely 1977/78)

Let’s take a look at some of the things ahead-

  1. We have to review the new schedule draft for Harsens Island Revenge and look to lock it this week. We had a great meeting Weds with our director and 1st AD with the producers sounding in. Once we lock the script we can move to securing several other aspects of production.
  2. As we finalize some final fixes on SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA home video delivery, we hope to get final release dates soon. I know they are starting to work on home video poster/DVD art. Many are awaiting the streaming and DVD home video release and it will be exciting to meet that need. We will be bringing this story to millions.
  3. I’m going to start organizing things this week for dispersement to our backers of the various films. It is a task with so many films and a lot of check writing but I do enjoy it. Many of the films are really picking up and being viewed by millions worldwide.
  4. We have been working to restore and upgrade CDI classics and also working on some tie-in’s like Making of books. It is important to remember where you came from and it is fun to see how humbly we started. We have lots of fun extras from over the years and if I can get that all pulled into a few coffee table books that will be a great keepsake.
  5. Video game spin offs are also part of what we’re pulling together and once the ink is dry I will have more to discuss on this new emerging market. This is all part of the merchandise push I want to see continue. Only so many hours in a day.
  6. DEVELOPMENT is always underway and we’re making some strong headway in laying the foundation on many new endeavors. We are already working hard to see what will follow Harsens Island Revenge. We have several possibles but it is still too early to predict what will be the follow up film or TV series.
  7. Speaking on development – a meeting last week might have us doing the next music video. I really do like the medium and so I’m excited about the possibilities. More as this becomes more solid but I’ve heard the demo track and it ROCKS.
  8. Sponsorship and Product Partners – we’ve had many great brands associated with our films over the years. We have some great ones lining up for our next film. If you have a company and want your service or products highlighted via sponsorship please do reach out. I’m trying to feature some Michigan based companies and even better if they were around in the 1920’s.

(Shogan Warrior Bday gift)

WRAP UP: I’m going to wrap this up here soon and get on with my Sunday tinkering and getting ready for a productive week ahead. For me that is printing out certain documents to reviews and organize my TO DO’s. I want to once again thank each and every person who reached out to wish me a happy birthday. I appreciate you all and the journeys we’ve taken either in life or as fellow artists in our wonderful storytelling endeavors or as fans who invited us into their homes and let us entertain you. Thank you. Thank you. How far I’ve come off just a dream is amazing to me. I hope health and longevity will allow tribeCDI and I to keep bringing you stories for many years. Because one day we will all ride off into the sunset and the stories will be all that remains. Even now much of the music and movies I enjoy feature folks no longer with us. No longer dealing with life’s hardships. My hope for this next trip around the sun is more love, understanding, unity and acceptance. When you live with hate you ruin your own happiness. You deserve happiness and you will receive what you put out into the world. I hope you all enjoy the balance of your Sunday and start the week productive. I look forward to us meeting here again next week. Until –

Coffee Cheers!

DJ

June 25, 2023 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Happy 4th of JULY! Casting, Censorship & Current Events

HOT TOPICS – INSIGHTS

OK! I have my hazelnut coffee beside me as I work on a few business items. I think it’s good to first say thank you to all our military folks who allow us all the freedoms we enjoy. While we are far from perfect as a society here in the USA we do strive to better ourselves. I personally did not elect to be a politician and so my personal feelings on certain subjects are just opinions. I did choose to be a storyteller. Be you – Right wing, left-wing, wing nut, black, white, yellow, brown or purple – I want to entertain and enlighten you via motion pictures. I recall late last year getting fan mail from Egypt following one of our films playing the Cairo Film Fest. I got fan mail a few weeks ago from India over another film. I really love people’s cultures, traditions, foods and art. I think we are in a time whereas people are boldly putting mortal agendas onto divine heresy.   Words are symbols combined to convey meaning. I see communication breakdowns passing a few instructions down the film production line. Imagine various levels of educations, multiple languages, lacking the right word to describe something, unable to describe something  and the humanistic urge to put their own agenda and spin on something. Now multiple this by hundreds or thousands of years and things get very blurry.

JUDGEMENT

I would say preach whatever religion or outlook you wish. Shall and Shall Nots. But nowhere does anyone mortal have the anointed position to make judgement spiritually. People flock together to feel more confident in their own choices and decisions. Numbers don’t make one right. And each person may be judged (if you want to subscribe there) individually. But not by anything or anyone here – not in matters of soul, spirit or divine essence. If people would let people live and stand accountable in the end for their own actions – all would be better. Concern yourself with yourself, I say. The Golden Rule is beautiful because you don’t know if you are right. You can tell yourself that. You can quote from text that may or may not be accurate. But in the end IF you believe in judgement – what if you are wrong? What if a half-dozen people different from you in their beliefs are brought forth and asked if they would vouch for you as worthy. Did you give kindness, compassion and love to these and other people? Or did you pass hate, intolerance and judgement upon people. That feels like a power best left to scales held on a much greater divine level. When I see those who stand in high judgement I see the coming of their fall. When I hear talk so crazy or hate-filled – I imagine what great displeasure of someone who puts words into others mouth. People may await the return of a savior but from what I see – people should not be so excited by this unless God is grading on a curve. And those who think they have the cheat sheet created by authors – edited a thousand times – and hand selected for digestion again by Wise? Men? Be careful!

THE CLOAK THAT COVERS THE SPARK

The color of our skin is but the traveling cloak. Perhaps our body itself just the bio-organic clothes we wear over our individual sparks. I see how a spark within us could be created in the image of a greater – more vast powerful divine spark. Stripped of EVERYTHING mortal how are our sparks different from one another? Ponder that. I’ve often thought that while so many sit and await some return of a savior perhaps the people themselves have the power over when that someone will return, reveal or make oneself known. Should mankind evolve to a higher state where they are truly ready – maybe someone will step forth. It could happen:)

SYMBOLS – GOOD, BAD & UGLY

I have also done a Civil War movie in Virginia (Wicked Spring) and spent much time in the beautiful South. I was also born in the North, in equally beautiful Michigan. While I will be the first to say I’ve seen shunning and disparaging talks about people wearing different traveling cloaks everywhere. I’ve always been quick to step up on these conversations if in earshot. Some Brits talking about Indians. (From India) Indians (From India) talking about darker skin Indians. Japanese talking about the Chinese. Whites about blacks. Canadians about the Detroit Red Wings. Seriously – all shaped by our experiences with one another.  Be that good experience. I can say with all truth that in my travels IF people labeled me as an AMERICAN – I left them with a good impression of how we can be. FREEDOM TO BE. Just because we have the freedom to exercise something it is up to us to question should we. Where does the motivation lie? Pride, Shock, To Hurt, To Isolate, To Associate? Take a sensitive issue like FLAGS. What are flags? Symbols. These mean different things to different people. The cross. A dove. Crossbones with a skull. Symbols meant to rally, inspire, unify and identify. I keep hearing the comparison to the Nazi flag. The symbol on their flag was used first in Neolithic times. It has different meaning to the Chinese or the Indians. WW2 left dark meanings on a symbol that for thousands of years meant lucky. The beholder will see what they see. Today is a day that we celebrate the stars and stripes. I say it represents the GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY. We as represented by that flag – have done remarkable, shameful and unthinkable things. But UNITED WE STAND. Our goal is to add more GOOD to our list of accomplishments. Can we ever erase the BAD or UGLY? No. But the ratio can be off set by adding additional GOOD deeds. We are also a country of freedom that purposely limits censorship. The need for “Censorship” to me often shows a lack of faith in select individuals to make good choices. AND while those groups may be partial correct – (We make bad choices as humans all the time) – to error allows one to grow. You will fall learning to walk. We allow much free will in America and constantly try to adjust our compass. Politics and special interest of those who hoard of shells and beads (currency which = symbols on paper or metals) this will make change slow but it will change. For better? For worse? Flags can mean PRIDE or HATE. Flags can get a reaction of PRIDE or HATE. The stars and stripes do not bring tears of pride to inhabitants of a far-away village accidentally bombed in some drone attack. The stars and stripes proudly flew on the moon. A flag can be the good, the bad and the ugly. It often is all three.

FINALLY…MOVIE UPDATES

Finally! I know some of you are saying that. I usually take a step back on all those current issues but had many people ask my views. I had to ponder them for a while. Meanwhile in the film world GREAT things are happening.

TV DEALS

We announced our new Parables TV licensing for “7 Stones,” “Outside the Wire,” and “Standing Post” – congrats to those cast and crews.

ASHES OF EDEN Oct. 13th worldwide release and how about that poster art! I love it.

CDI Associated production releases Oct 13, 2015

CDI Associated production releases Oct 13, 2015

BESTSELLER – We will know Monday about the July 21st show date at Studio C Celebration Cinema BUT we have our week run at the south Lansing location from the 24th-30th of July and I’m excited that some home town folks can come see the film. Audiences have really enjoyed it. I’m in talks with a handful of distributors for VOD, foreign and such. We are close to setting up some dates in the Detroit, MI area. We also have been working several others in hopes of getting it to all of you. We’ve gotten your communications and we’re working on it!

DONORS does look like it is signing a domestic deal with one of the distributors CDI Distribution has been in talks with. More on this is the coming weeks.

CDI Distribution is in talks with the Philippines and India on some licensing of films. China may be next via one of our associations.

40 NIGHTS – I’m very excited by this film. I got my final notes over to our director/editor and I think we will be closing up the edit in the next couple weeks. I would love to have the film move to music and sound around July 15th. The first official trailer is also almost done and I love it. The great part is that the trailer is powerful yet the film itself holds so, so much more! Not one of those trailers where all the best parts are thrown into the teaser. We do have a place on the http://www.40nightsthemovie.com website where churches and organizations can sign up if they want a screening. We will push this harder once we release the trailer.

Jesus is the upcoming

Jesus is the upcoming “40 Nights”

UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS & CASTING 

I’ve finally gotten to a point where development (always ongoing) is ready to take front and center. I’ve been writing on a handful of projects which will have their own PR forthcoming BUT those of you who come here to this blog get the 1st drop on some of these developments. Let me bullet point a few as my fingers are growing tired and eggs are calling me.

CASTING

– We will be looking for (2) African-American Michigan-based talent. One is young girl 8-10 years of age and also a fine young lady of mid-late 20’s. We want to see dramatic resume reels and they can be sent directly to perrydj@aol.com and will be looked at by our development team.                                      NO OTHERS AT THIS TIME PLEASE.

SCRIPTS

– I’ve been working on the “Knight Chills 2” script and that is moving along nicely. It will possibly go into production this year.

– I have started in on the next biblical feature to be shot as part of our Lightworx Entertainment deal. It is entitled “Chasing the Star” and we are looking to once again shoot in AZ come Jan/Feb 2016.

A couple other scripts are also being worked on as time and inspiration hit.

ACTING PROJECTS

What is next acting-wise? I’ve gotten this question quite a bit as of late. We do have a few CDI projects as noted above that I will be participating in. Outside of that I’ve got a few projects my management has presented. It looks like I’m going to shoot a western trailer in August with an actor I truly admire. I’ve also been submitted directly to producers on a film to perhaps play a very famous person of history. Next week I’m also announcing my involvement in a studio project that has been coming together for a while. I had to get studio approval on everything but now that is all in place – SHAZAM!  My HINT: The original source material is a Stephen King book.

I might have missed a few things but it is the 4th of July. I need to go relax and eat some good food with family and friends. Be safe everyone!

DJ

July 4, 2015 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment