End of June Updates! Half Way Through 2025!
Good morning my friends. I’m sipping some coffee but with coconut vs hazelnut this morning. I’m glad the humid heat broke somewhat allowing a good mow on the property and some tree trimming. Everything green is growing like crazy with the rain and heat. I’ve been harvesting some herbs and berries for future wine. I’ve been balancing the work flow and trying to stay on top of everything. I’ve discussed this before but communication is so very important when you have projects with so many moving pieces. If you ever want to see your productivity grow focus on your team’s communication. I’ve still got a few folks that I’m working on. I had a good talk about this yesterday that when you are accountable you need to be in the knowing.
Harsens Island Revenge – Funny story. So from those asked to go to IMDB.com and vote and leave a review we had a 9.1 of 10 ranking. I had someone reach out happy about that and I replied “Our haters haven’t caught up yet.” This person said that this stat was posted because of joy and pride in the work. The very next day someone voted a 1 and the ranking fell a touch. So many jealous people in this world who just want to poop in the pool. They have been around since the beginning but to me it is sad and predictable. Another artists distraught that they cannot pull something together and so they lash out. Don’t hate, create. You think or know you can do better, do it.
We have two more nights of shows at the Wells Flame Theater in MN. I’m excited to see where we go next. We have been working on the Emagine/Detroit area now for a beat. If it takes much longer we’ll bypass the chains for now and go to the individually owned. It is a great Detroit area story and the people want to see it. Any way you cut it on Oct 6th it will release to DVD and streaming but it is something to watch it on the big screen. Texas just played Doc’s Drive in and that must have been cool. So keep calling your theaters and we will keep pushing on our end.
I will also drop some PR in advance of next week’s releases. The Red Letter Awards has almost released all the nominations for 2025. The awards show outside Nashville will be on Sept 13th. We have been nominated for Best Film (The Team!), Best Writer (DJ Perry), Best Actor (David Reardon) and Actress (Cassie Dean), Best Supporting Actress (Melissa Anschutz), Best Director (Carl Weyant) * PR coming and for Best Supporting Actor (DJ Perry & Dean Teaster) * PR coming. I think Axel is one of the coolest roles I’ve played in a while. Axel is the reluctant helping hand while Dean Teaster played a truly scary and dangerous character in Abe Axler. While I love the nod the role is a few steps from myself with some 1920’s filters. Dean on the other hand is the nicest person and his role is so far outside himself accent and all, that I believe it to be the better performance. But the great scenes we both had with the leads both nominated and the cast shows how important everyone is to a story. We had so many actors and actresses that were worthy of being nominated. A big thank you to the Red Letter Awards.
Wild Faith Christmas – My updates from director Shane Hagedorn and composer/sound designer Dennis Therrian let me know we are close to a finish on the audio elements of the film. VFX and credit sequences are being looked at. We need to review and add final end credits which is on my TO DO list. This film is going to be an amazing follow up to WILD FAITH. I will start having some conversations about the TV series and see where that goes.
ROM COMS MUST DIE – The first week in July we are set to have a final review of the picture cut, color and VFX that is being put in now. Sound design is being done and after it will be moving to Dennis Therrian’s studio for music score and mixing. The 1st trailer is roughed out but trying to get a few things lined up with that before a release. This comedy thriller (horror) will be a fun one and we will look to have a premiere in October. After maybe a few festival showcases but it will release to theaters and release to home video in 2026.
Development/ Pre-Production:
The Secret of the Kingdom Chip – Anthony Hornus, the director of Man’s Best Friend and Silent Night in Algona is stepping back into the director’s chair. Please do watch the previously mentioned films to get a taste of the powerful stories “Tony” loves to tell. This film almost has all the investment units assigned and once that is complete we move to official pre-production. We have our shoot dates and locations in place. We are filming again in association with McGraw Multimedia (Rom Coms Must Die) with John McGraw as the director of photography. We have been doing preliminary casting and crewing and reaching out for a few reads. This film is really special in that the story is a follow up to The Quest Trilogy, biblical series we shot in Yuma. If you have not watched these three films FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER do so! This is a story set in modern times. It is SciFi and spiritual mixed and the script alone has spurred so many great conversations. This film will leave you talking for sure. The film is also a great dose of positivity something badly needed in these days. We have a social media Facebook page feel free to leave your reels on there. Also looking at crew in the Lansing, Owosso area of central Michigan. We’ve already got art team working on breakdowns and conceptual work. Cameras will roll in September and we’ll have this film ready to release in 2026.
MISC.
We do have additional development underway on a few other films. We just had a camera team shoot promo for a music festival. We also hope to have the most recent music video from Shallow Rising release in the coming weeks. I do have a few script properties I am working on. But nothing we need to talk about now.
WRAP UP:
This week I’ve had some great formal and informal conversations on life, projects and more. We have several requested reads coming in for the upcoming film and those will be fun to review. We already have seen some amazing reads and are excited for the cast line up. I have a few more meetings set up to discuss potential crew. We will likely use a good amount of McGraw’s team as our associated partners. But will be bringing in our own folks too. John McGraw is an OG of CDI reaching back into the earliest days. It is such a joy having him back in the mix of things.
I was happy to finalize the end of year tax pay off which took a while but is now crossed off the list. We’re now moving to some disbursements which I plan to have done and out in the next 2-3 weeks if not sooner. I talked with a few folks about how much work goes on behind the scenes for months before shooting and years after shooting. If it was as easy as just playing with the camera. We all started that way but doing it as a profession is a whole different level.
I’m going to wrap things up here. On the home front we have two new chickens including one that did an escape on day one leading to a chase like ROCKY BALBOA. Our one sick cat is home and on the mend. Two of the foster kittens entered their new home yesterday. We are still awaiting a run of dry days to seal and stain the deck. Enjoying the days of Summer but we can do without the crazy humidity. I think it is time for a few eggs so I’m going to wrap things up here. Thank you all for stopping by and having a cup of coffee or two.
Have a great Sunday and week ahead!
DJ
Reflections on War, Birthday and Future Projects
Hello. I’m sipping my coffee and sitting down to share a few thoughts with you. My thoughts the last few weeks have been on the subject of peace. This morning the news was filled with the briefs on the US strikes aimed to remove the nuclear facilities from Iran. My mind reflects upon how that frightened pets, wildlife, families who are stuck dealing with the decisions of the leaders. I think we all agree that nuclear war is not good for anyone and I love the idea of the reduction of those such weapons. I truly hope that we can get back to a place of peace. Real peace. Is that possible because of the way we humans are wired? I don’t know. This is just one example of several on-going world issues. I’ve spoken so many times about communication. It’s so key to everything. The US is also divided whereas every difference of opinion is amplified and weaponized by activist, politicians and media who feed on the conflict. I wish I had a solid solution and even if I did I don’t know how you would ever implement it. In every conflict there are grieving families. For every father, brother, family member killed in conflict the trauma ignites hate and violence within what was once just innocence. I did not want to ignore these world events. I’m just a storyteller. We can tell stories of joy, love and pride as well as sorrow, shame and caution. Let us all hope that balance, harmony and peace can be restored to the world as a whole.
FILMS UPDATES:
Harsens Island Revenge– This amazing 1920’s action drama is on the last day of showing in Rogers City, MI to packed crowds. One more day, today! I believe Buda, Texas is next at the drive in location. I know talks are underway with Emagine to play several of their locations. Same with Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota where we play soon at the Wells Flame Theater. We’ve entered at least one festival and may enter a few more just for the fun exposure. I have to review the paperwork but I think our home video date will be 10/6/25 but I need to confirm that. We have marketing meetings coming up for that but until we want audiences to experience the big screen thrill. For those that have seen the film thank you for your support!
Wild Faith Christmas – Music and sound design is getting close to being done. The VFX shots are being worked on and will be the final pieces color corrected. We’ve started the difficult process of creating the end credits. I’ve said it before someone always gets accidentally left off or a name spelled wrong usually from bad handwriting by an extra. This powerful and beautiful film will grace theaters this holiday season. After maybe a few festivals before it starts the 2026 holiday run on home video. Shane Hagedorn did a wonderful job directing and Dennis Therrian is weaving his musical magic as we speak.
ROM COMS MUST DIE – The rough trailer is cut and it just needs to be polished up. The film is also at a place where the edit and color correction are about a lock. One more good pass is needed. The sound design is in a good place and the plan is to move it into Dennis Therrian’s studio to compose the score once we can lock it. 2025 in October it might be cool to do a premiere at one of these festivals but we will have to see how the work flow moves.
The Secret of the Kingdom Chip (TSOTKC) – This uniquely crafted story pulled from the headlines and given a SciFi spin (for now) is still bringing the last few investment units on board. That said, the interest in the story has been powerful and I’ve been humbled once again by the scripts feedback. Having been nominated for ‘Best Writer’ on our current Harsens Island Revenge release makes me smile. Several of the films have garnished those nominations and wins and often have left to Best Film, Most Inspirational and so on. I’m a firm believer that the script is the key. You have to have a powerful blue print to make a powerful film. I’ve had a half dozen talks this past week over the impact of folks reading the script. One trusted friend said that he has been enjoyed many great scripts from our camp but this one is the most profound. I know we have a great blue print. Our director Anthony Hornus has been working with our team on casting and locations. We have a few crew attached that need to start doing mental work and once we lock down the final few financial pieces we will reach out to more crew. It looks like it will be shot in Lansing and Owosso and will film end of September. Right now we will keep some of the project ‘Secret’ like the title suggests but soon enough we will have a lot more PR.
Other Development-
We have several other projects in development. We have someone traveling to Chicago next weekend to talk on a project. I’ve been in talks with folks from Iowa, mostly the Spirit Lake area. We have projects to consider for sure.
Birthday Reflections- I am on the eve of my birthday. My 55th but I really don’t feel that way physically just in accumulated wisdom. June 23rd, tomorrow (Monday) is that day. I’ve always been a dreamer and I’ve had many thoughts leading up to this new birthday about my journey. I had a great question asked to me by my mother. She in turn was asked by a few friends of hers. Why did I never go to Hollywood? Wouldn’t my career be further along if I have moved to Hollywood? I have many friends in Hollywood and love my visits like visiting Las Vegas. Everyone buzzes about the biz and you don’t have to worry about boring people with film talk. BUT…I love my family. I love my friends. I love playing soccer with my brother and team mates. Several years ago I had to really think about that and for me I cannot be one of those people who only gets to visit with my family a few hours a year. See my brother and his beautiful family once in a while. To see dear friends I have had from age 5 or 6 on only every couple years. Add in that I absolutely LOVE my state of Michigan and my town of Lansing. I’m a small town guy not an LA, NYC or any major city type of guy. I choose to take the long road and be content with wherever that took me. What could have developed if Hollywood was my home base? I might not ever get to any top of the mountain but I love my family, friends and my film tribe. I love the stories we’ve told. I still chase larger budgets only to compensate our artists better but that is always a difficult climb. But one I do happily because when I have a set back or a frustrating challenge I have family, friends and our tribe to fall back on. So if you want to do me a birthday solid watch a CDI film. SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA goes to ad based free watch with adds on 7/1/2025. Here several of our films can be found free with adds- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Tn2MhKrkFOCsmKZaxoZCT1R5GEOEL3E
So I’m happy with not being the king of the hill. I don’t need to be anything but me and I love our stories. I’ve been humbled by the tens of millions who have watched our films. I’m not trying to buy mansions, cars, clothes or anything of the sort. I work every day to make that one film story that turns someone into a fan. To turn and touch one of the ‘haters’ out there with a film story that hits truth with them. That would be amazing. I’ve said before that most of the ‘haters’ I’ve ever had were just frustrated artists. It must be easier to direct that at someone else versus take some sort of accountability. I’m a semi-reformed work-a-holic and that is why I’ve done more than some. Nobody is going to be everyone’s cup of tea. I go to an art gallery and see things that make me wonder why it is taking up space while someone else expounds upon the brilliance of poorly arranged soup cans and string. OK. I just don’t get it but that is okay. We’ve told many kinds of stories so I hope we might have a few that you truly enjoy.
WRAP UP: I’m going to wrap this up. Go pick some berries for future FRANENBERRY WINE. Have a few eggs. I sadly had to bury two of the elderly chickens but in the circle of life we have two new ones arriving Weds. I’m having a lunch with my dad today and seeing some friends and my brother tonight. Tomorrow another birthday lunch/early dinner with family. Next week I’m going to work hard to give myself the birthday gift of finalizing the business on TSOTKC film. I hope each of you have an equally amazing week. Our soccer match last week got rained out and I hope they reschedule that soon. Rain is also called for again this week so I hope we don’t have to reschedule that one too. Stay hydrated in this heat and we’ll talk again next week.
For peace.
DJ
Memorial Day Weekend – Updates on Releases, Post Work and New Films at CDI!
A hazelnut coffee cheers and a happy Memorial Day weekend. It is a day/weekend of remembering the fallen and CDI has a great number of films that recognizes the sacrifices made by soldiers. Wicked Spring, Wild Faith, Man’s Best Friend, An Ordinary Killer and more focus on what the loss often does to those who survive. So please do take the time to be thankful for the peace and security many of us live within thanks to their sacrifice and efforts.
On the home front I’m happy to report that our soccer season kicked off on a wet and cold Thursday. We outplayed a rival team in my opinion but lost 3-2 due to the factors that happen in a game. But above that it felt great to be pushing myself to the limit and to be in such competition. The next day I got up stiff but did a full property mow and trim but that led to a nap that lasted 3 hours. I usually do a 30min to 1 hour nap tops but my body and mind must have needed it. I woke feeling great! But my day two stiffness was pretty complete and today day three is better so it is something I’ll have to go through. But I feel so good now that my body is getting that “battle” on a weekly basis.
This week saw the announcement of Carl Weyant nominated for Best Director and myself for Best Writer (screenplay) at the Red Letter Awards for Harsens Island Revenge (HIR). More individual nominations will continue to roll out. Here is the announcement – https://www.prlog.org/13077745-red-letter-awards-rolls-out-new-nominations-for-harsens-island-revenge.html – The film concluded runs this week in Oscoda, Owosso, Lansing, Muskegon and Grand Rapids Michigan and in Middletown, CT. We are battling with the summer studio films for space. We have a June run in Rogers City, MI set and we are trying to confirm the run at Emagine Theater in Macomb. But people and their communication can be lacking. We want to form an event page and start some promo for the first Detroit area showing but they don’t make it easy.
You who have seen the film can make it easier by voting and leaving a review at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21062442/reference/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1 and also at Google, Rotten Tomatoes and more. The first hater came along on the review boards. I’ve seen lots of films and I know what a 1 or 2 film looks like even subjectively. Harsens (HIR) might not be everyone’s cup of tea but when we see a person who created an account to rate a 2. (Note on IMDB 1 and 10’s are not given the same weight as 2 and 9) plus a review that almost always traces back to a disgruntled actor, writer or filmmaker who cannot get their dream project off the ground. Jealously is never a good path and it makes me feel sad for them. There are many who work with budgets above what we can pull together. And in turn we have budgets better than many others but even more-so we have the #tribecdi team that can actually make it all happen. There is so much to filmmaking beyond what the hobbyist see’s. So when you see success on our end you are seeing a lotta hard work by a lotta talented and driven people.
So do review, vote, promote and call your theaters and request the film. But know we don’t really have any power of the set up. The theater is entering into a business arrangement and they have to be open to it. Open can also mean schedule with so many studio obligations whereas you must take these films in these many theaters and play them for this long. So we will be giving our best efforts to get the film into theaters before our Oct 1, 2025 home video release to DVD and streaming. Our friends in Algona, Iowa have been asking and so far the Fridley wants to play us in the fall which means likely Sept if at all. Forest City, Iowa we are trying to work that out. We do have some theaters asking us in Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota. Harsens Island Revenge is a good historical drama follow up to Silent Night in Algona.
Speaking on Silent Night in Algona it will finally go to the last phase of release which is ad based video on demand or free with ads like TUBI in July. It is one of the most popular stages for audiences well because it is free to them and advertisers pay the filmmakers. This is another film on Amazon and various platforms great for a Memorial Day watch. While on this film I will say we have a few Iowa-based film projects in development. We would really like to return there and tell a few more stories. We are in the funding stage and that is always the real trick.
Post Work is continuing with Wild Faith Christmas working on the final music and VFX. The color correction minus a few tweaks seems done. And ROM COMS MUST DIE is working down the post production path also. Color correction is about done and the picture is a lock. Sound design and VFX is underway and music will be the last step before an overall mix. I think with Rom Coms Must Die we will do a few months of festival showings before going to theaters. We are preparing marketing clips now and it will be fun to promote that film.
DEVELOPMENT– Now that theatrical is off and running and post work is moving smoothly along we are looking ahead. With the busy year of releases we’re going to tackle two smaller scope films meaning fewer locations, cast and not as epic in the world-building. Next up for us appears like another CDI/McGraw Multimedia collaboration follow up after Rom Coms Must Die. The film is a SciFi/Tech script with some religious themes called THE KINGDOM CHIP. The second project is the feature version of SMOKE & MIRRORS the Victorian turn-of-the-century who done it. Discussions have been underway for key players in these two projects. We will start to get more solid with these two projects in the coming weeks.
As I was waiting for a few book to script projects to solidify I wrote The Kingdom Chip script that is the right scope and uses the McGraw studio. We are also going to try and get a few more of the literary releases out the back half of the year. Also we will resume tests on the final three CDI classic films we are trying to bring up to HD. I recently did a Voice Over job for my alumni school Michigan State University. I am also looking at a few acting opportunities but it needs to make sense and I need to connect with a story and role. If you have interest in cast, crew, funders feel free to reach out. We keep a file of all those interested because sometimes schedules don’t work out for folks.
WRAP UP: I just had some eggs and things are doing well there. One of our fur babies has had upset stomach for a few days. She is slowly feeling better but you hate to see them off. It could be eating something in the yard from poop to a bad plant to water out of the bird bath. Either way we are helping her to slowly feel better. The yard is in good shape but I might work on the dismantling of the old wood shed and a retaining wall under the deck. We need to pick out a stain and get that done also.
I love all the green growth in the yard and I think some flowers and herbs will be bought today and planted. I do have some already growing and even tasted the first mint of the year. I do love working the dirt and watching things grow. That is kind of like the film projects. Nurturing brings about a final product/harvest and other people get to enjoy it. I’m really feeling so good now that Harsens is launched. Now it is giving best efforts every day to allow folks to see it. And come October it will roll out to the millions we do not reach.
I saw that LOST HEART which has a new campaign along with BEST YEARS GONE rolling out is gathering a new audience. Lost Heart almost has a million views on Encourage TV and exceeds a million when you add a few of the streaming platforms. Both of these are wonderful films again worthy of a watch by all of you!
I’m going to see my brother later today and some of my friends. Tomorrow we will enjoy another day of holiday. But know as soon as we get our full run of dates from Emagine Macomb we will spread that PR around. I don’t like that we don’t get a lot of lead up on some of these releases but others like Rogers City, MI we do. You just gotta roll with it and know that good things will happen. I hope you all have a safe and relaxing few days. Remember to be good to one another and we’ll talk again next week.
DJ
Humanity Net, Updates and Reflections of the Time
Good morning everyone! It has been a very interesting week. I will start by saying I am at least in part a person who enjoys ‘alone’ time. I always say the brainstorms and excitement comes in those meetings with friends and peers. But what really matters is when we are alone what happens. I’m like a multi-tasking little bee moving from one task to the next. Some people shut down once they have nobody there but I ramp up. In my solo days when struggling more in the industry I was a workaholic. I had family and friends worried and plenty of doubters and haters from the masses. I’m a fully committed artist and feel ‘best’ is subjective so I always strive for truth and unique. Those are things I can control. There is a secret there. Don’t be driven crazy fixated on what you cannot control. Work with what you can control. I’ve been behind on my emails and business since we shot LOST HEART. I’m using this time to really organize everything. This goes for the office also. I’ve got sheets of new ideas to implement in the coming years. So how you spend or waste your time is under your control. As it gets warmer the yard zen will be in full effect. PS: Welcome new readers from Japan, Bulgaria and Australia – cheers. So my point is you can spend vast amounts of time plugged into the 24/7 update machine or put some music on and get stuff done. If you spend this time organizing, planning and prepping when the fog lifts some will be relieved and some will be ready. I promise you I will be ready. I urge all of you to do the same. You can check in morning, noon and night if need be but don’t live the agenda of fear and pause. Let this situation make you afraid not to live.
This self imposed isolation marks an interesting place for an observer like myself. This marks a time when the value of life is being placed above the economics. Economics aren’t removed because the crippling financial effects would have happened slowly out of control. By halting certain businesses the action is controlled and damage can be mitigated but not removed.
This points out an interesting point – people in authority are expected to bring about certain changes but they are expected to do so flawless – impossible. Every transition will and does have casualties. How do you fix a situation? It’s a classic Star Trek moment – the engine room is on fire and going to destroy the ship. Spock contains and changes but at a great personal loss. Many world problems don’t have clean solutions and that creates ongoing suffering. I often refer to HUMANITY NET – what we all require regardless of anything else about us. Clean water, food and air – healthcare? These world issues are giving us as humanity a test run. World cooperation is underway, not without flaws but what is? Expectations? I remember feeling bad after 9-11 as reporters hammered the FBI, asking if they dropping the ball. Like watching the end zone pass dropped and keep asking if they dropped the catch. You know they did. Why keep asking silly questions? So as many deal with this for the first time – it isn’t flawless but people are trying and working very hard. We can come out of this better as humanity. I see glimpses just behind the tee-pee hoarders greed and the “must add politics” to everything. We will see.
FILM UPDATES
- First here is a bunch of teaser trailers and behind the scenes videos https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtJJRsD49k5DsNq11BD_40g
- Tomorrow I’m doing an interview with Isaac Hernadez about CDI and our scripts/films.
- I heard word that the India thriller “Karma: Crime, Passion and Reincarnation” is coming to USA streaming. Stars Carl Weyant from “The Christ Slayer” and maybe that DJ Perry guy:)
- I’m trying to arrange a few watch parties of CDI films that will have a Q&A session after. We will see as I must talk with our computer folk.
- I’ve got two different people talking about hiring some script work we’ll see – either way writing is happening.
- Good meetings last week on ‘Best Years Gone’ and we’ll be announcing our Director of Photography this week. Looking forward to working with this person again!
- Thank you to all for the fan mail on The Quest Trilogy, MBF, Wild Faith it truly makes my day. You all make my day and it keeps me moving forward.
- We are working on some new exciting releases and merchandise for 2020.
It is still chilly here in Michigan but I will be getting stuff done on this fine day. If you know some people sitting at home who might want to join our weekly time together – http://www.djperryblog.com
My closing statement is this – as much as I appreciate my solo time and get lots accomplished in those moments- I’m missing my family, friends and associates and I look forward to meeting with all of you soon. Use this “social fast” time to organize yourself.
Be safe.
DJ
Auditions, Updates and Other News
I want to sincerely welcome everyone out there for joining me again at ‘Clawing my way to the Middle” blog. I had a multitude of topics to discuss but events of the last few days have put my head in a spin. On a personal note I lost all my grandparents years ago but have enjoyed having that relationship with my lady’s grandparents. One of them passed away last week. She was 89 which is a full life but it still leaves a hole. She was a great supporter of our films especially the biblical adventures. Unfortunately she did not get to watch THE CHRIST SLAYER part 3 of our trilogy. We talked about it last time we were together. So I’ve had a few trips up North and will spend a few more days this week up there for visitation and the memorial.
As if that wasn’t bad enough a dear and close friend and associate lost his home in a fire. Also lost were the family pets and that is just devastating to hear about. This week it will be about helping him get back onto his feet. Luckily he himself did not perish in the fire but my heart goes out to him.
I had planned to discuss a topic with acting but after all the tragedy it has lost some of the punch. Basically I considered a role in a feature and was even willing to do a sketch read of the character from sides. The issue is that in ALL situations I will sign an NDA (Non disclosure agreement) so I can read the entire script/story. I know few successful actors that will jump on a project sight unseen unless they have immense trust from previous work. Their position was that a script will be provided once talent is signed on. Ummm…once you’re trapped contractually. But many actors due to lack of choices do just that – sign on sight unseen. I’m too far down the path to do such a thing. Also a director will a major lack of experience and it was a polite pass. Value yourself and know what you’re getting involved with. I do wish them luck on their storytelling endeavors.
I did agree to do two commercial voice over jobs. It pays well and I don’t have to get a hair trim. Anyone need a viking in your film or TV show? That’s me right now. LOST HEART is also developing nicely. As you all know we announced our director Jesse Low (Wild Faith, Forty Nights) and our star Melissa Anschutz playing country music star ‘Hannah Sweet’. She is returning home to her small Northern Michigan town of LOST HEART for her father’s funeral. This week we’ll be announcing Dean Teaster as the father Harrison. Also amazing actor David Gries will be announced as playing the younger version of Harrison in a few very important flashback scenes. So again you got the early skinny here. Later this coming week I will go page by page with our director and lock up a shooting script.
MBF: Man’s Best Friend – I have a first cut of the film edit. I did a first review for the story and it’s powerful. It got me at the end of the film emotionally. We need to review and trim for pacing but the story is there and it’s powerful. I was so proud to see the great work by everyone. A couple of weeks of trims before the next phase.
This past week we’ve been promoting the current digital release of THE CHRIST SLAYER and the upcoming March 4th DVD release. Also April 19 the film will play select theaters across the USA. I’m very proud of this film. As with every film when we get to credits we go over and over and try to put as many eyes on it as possible. But we always make an error of missing a name or more likely misspelling a name. It’s why we run the end credits by so many people. I was unhappy to learn that one of our incredible actresses had her last name spelled wrong. So Brittany Risner my deepest apology. The DCP theatrical is loaded, DVD’s are in the warehouse and digital is released. That film was so massive with VFX and digital info that it took days to render it. There is just no fix to the issue but I wanted to openly apologize here.
The film minus the ‘Jesus haters’ is getting a great reaction. I state it again, you don’t need to be a Christian to enjoy the stories of Ben Hur, The Ten Commandments or any other biblical stories. Also these films are not biographies or meant to be some historical documentary films. They are parable stories with lessons taken from the teachings of Jesus, presented in a unique and artistic way. No more. If you have not seen it yet I ask that you take a watch. The films are different from what you usually see on the topic I assure you. The first two films FORTY NIGHTS and CHASING THE STAR can also be found on Amazon Prime.
WILD FAITH is also preparing to ride into theaters next month March 23rd. I will be publishing cities and screens for both THE CHRIST SLAYER and WILD FAITH once provided. We’re also preparing some PR for this fine film that includes the addition of our added story narrator. I will again be publishing cities and screens once that info is provided.
I had planned to chit-chat more on various topics but my mind is on some of the recent events. I’m feeling good about the various CDI releases and I’m excited to get my notes over to our director and editor on MBF. Check in at http://www.cdiproductions.com during the week. We will be posting a few casting notices there in the next week or two.
Enjoy the balance of your weekend and have a great week ahead.
DJ
Beautiful Sunday Updates
So I’m able to attract a distillery sponsor but still no coffee. Well, I’m sipping a nice dark coffee flavored with…you guessed it, hazelnut. I’ve been working hard to catch up on business and get back into the flow. I’m just about there.
Forty Nights
The Easter month has brought the beginning of our release schedule with The Quest Trilogy. We’ve started with the new release of “Forty Nights” – See here to buy the remastered DVD, digital stream to rent or own.
http://www.christiancinema.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=7766
Funny story. Many themes are spotlighted in these biblical films. Several of these themes addressed are what works against organized religion to the everyday person. You have all these branches of the tree that all want to claim being the roots. But the tree has but one seed. While people argue to own divinity so much is missed. One retailer who deals in “Christian” merchandise passed on carrying the “Forty Nights” DVD. I found it amusing that here’s a gatekeeper who believes they have some sort of authority to judge. Meanwhile the film has been nominated by an international Christian body for several awards including “the most inspiring film” yet…
Therein lies the issues I have with the “status quo” of organized religion. The beauty of these stories produced by amazing artists will reach beyond the small genre audiences. They’ll reach audiences worldwide and not just the Christian audiences. I’ll be having conversations with our distributor about the possibility of another slate of biblical period films. I cannot see creating an inferior product just to appease one retailer gatekeeper. Make a film that people want to watch and empower those retailers that DO carry the title. I saw some of the communications and it put my artistic self directly against my business self. Now I’ve always said, we create the best art within our business lines. But, without a strong script you cannot get strong artists on board. You end up with watered down product and that’s not what I do.
I’m sure a good balance will be found. But this example is why I don’t get too high on the praise or the criticism. It just amazes me that some feel empowered to judge believing they have some real power. Actually the only power this one retailer had was over greed. They can try to impose their will by refusing unit buys unless it fits their view. I also thought about how commerce often works against spiritual when “Christian reviewers” where just hammering the film NOAH. Now I like Russell Crowe and thought the film was just okay with many “over the top” events but like I told one person in private – If it inspired one person to go read the source material and put them on a path towards God, would the film not be a success? After I make a film I strap on my business armor and enter the fight. The haters will always exist and they really don’t have much of an effect these days. I think this one situation bothered me because fresh off of playing Jesus I tried to get to discover the core of the man and his beliefs. What would he think of someone censoring in his name? It hasn’t stopped many from doing just that. I think much like the table tossing in the temple he would walk into their offices and crack the whip.
But I believe these parables were created to unite people not divide. So I hope audiences do continue to connect with the material and seek it out. Those like the censoring retailers will likely get forced out of business in time. The daily fan mail tells me that many are reaping the rewards of the positive messages. If you want to see “Forty Nights” and the other films demand them:) Seek them.
Chasing the Star
So the film was watched and listened to again by multiple ears and eyes in studio last week to prep for the theatrical lay off. We’ve got a couple of weeks before our Grand Rapids premiere on the 22nd. After that they’ve announced my home town of Lansing, MI as the next stop. The play dates will be on the 24th and 25th of April at Celebration Cinema. More cities will be announced as we move forward. Again Sept 5th is the national DVD/Streaming release and it will be a wonderful Christmas time film for the entire family. I know the marketing team at BMG is already working on the release.
The Christ Slayer
Here is the video that our director posted with his SELECT shots from the film.
Sound has been married to picture and Monday editing will begin. I will be giving many more updates and you can join the FB site and follow us.
https://www.facebook.com/thechristslayer/
Wild Faith
Our western is now in discussions over VFX work before we can lock the picture. We’ll have discussions with director Jesse Low this week. I will also be discussing poster art and marketing. The TV show is a real possibility and will be part of my business discussions this week. A busy week ahead.
OTHER:)
We’ll be looking at the CDI library to possibly re-release some of our other films into the market. A few foreign sales talks are heating up and I will be exploring that. I’ve recently undergone a major hair cut to be ready for soccer that starts this month. I’m in good fighting shape thanks to the deserts of Yuma, AZ. I’m going to go refill the coffee cup. We’ve been getting the yard around and soon the garden ground will be tilled. We’ve got many new projects that are just seeds. If we plant them in fertile grounds with a little TLC I’m sure we’ll have new projects sprouting soon.
Have a beautiful day and week ahead.
DJ
Climb to the Sun – Remember to Have FUN:)
in Costa Rica for “Supermodel Showdown”
Much of the country got hit by a major winter storm. I thought this pic would remind us of a warmer place. In Michigan we only got a dusting thanks again to the protection of the Great Lakes. It has been a busy week for sure wrapping up old business and beginning new business. To look back upon the previous week’s news of death, it reminds me to live. Do what you’re suppose to do. Use your gifts. Be happy. I’ve been entering new areas of business as we climb higher on the ladder. It’s always an adjustment to climb higher, to believe and in our case, put forth your art to a wider and wider – world audience. I talked prior about my refusal to complain but adapt to our new growth. I know a few filmmakers with talent but they don’t really grow. They spread along the ground – ground cover but they don’t grow UP! You have to compete with other trees for sun to do this. So while some will play if safe and spread – making more or less the same material. It’s about taking bold moves but having the right business in place. Sunshine can equal shelf space, theatrical time slots or just the attention of an audience pulled in a thousand directions.
I’m thrilled that younger people are again gaining patience and a new appreciation of character development that is coming through mini series and TV shows. I think that Starz or HBO may be one of our future destinations for production. I place “Game of Thrones” and “Black Sails” as two of my favorite shows. I like that different time and place – world creating. We’ve done it on several films and it takes artists who are 100% committed. I’m so happy with our latest and greatest period film. It takes place in biblical times, “40 Nights” the first of a three part trilogy. The three films explore the quests of some amazing individuals. Early test showings have way exceeded expectations. Now I would rather pull expectations down and not light a match to fire up the haters, but I think many audiences will sincerely enjoy this story. I think within the story is something for everyone. We’re now done with the film. From here, we’re looking at theatrical and event showings. Our distributor may do a month push on domestic release to give us a little more time. It’s a film that truly should be seen on a large screen if possible.
DJ Perry as author Mark Franklin
I’ve finally circled around back to the business of the soundtrack deal. The agreements are being put together. “40 Nights,””Donors,” “Ashes of Eden,” and “Bestseller” will be the first ones to roll out.
Original KNIGHT CHILLS poster – “Scream” style.
A lot of prepping and energy spent on these new films releasing to the world market. We have an entire group of the older CDI films in the library heading for a new release. At least in one case “Knight Chills” – it comes shortly before a sequel moves into production. Essentially, instead of going to film school for 4 years we made 4 test features in various genres – crossing all the T’s and dotting the I’s so they could keep selling like they do today. I like to call them the CLASSIC CDI FILMS. They can also be defined as the pre-HD generation of CDI films. I was working in film in the early years before it became video with poorly attempted film looks, hopeful multi-chip improvements and frame rate adjustments. CDI moved aggressively into HD using some of the first cameras used by George Lucas in “Phantom Menace”… Lastly the journey has brought us to the age of RED and a slew of great HD cameras in the digital uprising.
One of the locations for the upcoming CDI feature “40 Nights”
We’ve got so much going on with prepping for the roll-outs on these films. We’re looking at a few projects we were approached on for feature film production. (They have their $) A few script reads teasing future acting roles. But we’re excited as “Chasing the Star” is gearing up to enter official pre-production. Some good news is that 4 days will be shot in Michigan which will allow some of our great talent to be showcased. Right now we’re finalizing our business. Almost done. From there we get ready for the first part of the shoot in Yuma, AZ.
I’m happy to announce I’m done with the 1st polished draft of “Knight Chills 2” and almost done with the polish on the third script of the QUEST TRILOGY. (“The Christ Slayer”)
Stay safe. Stay warm. Stay the course with your dreams. Have fun:)
DJ
Advance, Enhance & Take the Chance – 2015
Well folks I hope your 2015 is off to a good start. I’ve jumped right into it with a bang and I’m excited for the possibilities of what lies ahead. I’m really happy at how enjoyable the holidays were and I do realize how blessed I am to do what I love for a living. A week before Christmas I was in a majestic place (The Valley of Fire) shooting what I would call R-Rated STAR WARS with our “Wasteland” film. It’s just funny because that film is what sparked my imagination and pushed me towards the path. Yesterday the editing on that 1st part of the film began in Florida. The website is now open at http://www.wastelandtalesmovie.com/. A teaser will soon be released and I will start putting new talent in front of our director and we will be doing casting calls via the website so stay tuned if you want to enter the Wasteland.
I will be doing some producing on that film now that my filming as an actor is complete. I’ve been prepping for my next role that I’ll be announcing soon. It will be most challenging but I’m ready and willing to accept that challenge. It’s a period piece that will film some in Michigan perhaps and the balance/bulk of it in Arizona. Location scouting and some select casting work has been underway for a while now. Let’s talk about some of the other exciting news that I can be somewhat less mysterious about – maybe. 🙂
We have release dates for our films releasing with the WINTERS FILM GROUP. I must allow the honor of announcing the “Ashes of Eden” street date to come from Shane Hagedorn. He’s very excited for the national release. Also we have a couple large foreign releases in talks now. I was talking with Parables TV about this film on Friday. They love it. It’s on the cutting edge being a crime drama infused with a healthy dose of faith but also not cramming the religious aspect down your throat. We’re greatly looking forward to audiences of all walks of life watching and enjoying this film. It gives a very humanizing look at the life police/law enforcement officers have to deal with. It looks at the challenges that face both parents and children in this day and age. It’s funny because I told Shane before the film was ever completed that he must also prepare himself for “haters” – (I believe that is the term) Basically, if you start to find success some insecure artists who have not yet been given that opportunity to succeed will resent you. Why his script? Why his film? Why? Why? The answer is usually better quality product, better business or both. I had truly hoped that Shane would not have to experience any of that but I knew better. Before the film was released someone trolled the voting on a data base in hopes it would hinder the film. It did not. Because distributors actually watch and evaluate based on their expertise and sales projections. Now as of late the film has also been given to a cross selection of film reviewers and once again the response has been very good. I expect sales to also be quite good. You can’t let those things even slow you down. When your audience becomes hundreds of thousands to millions vs a few hundred friends you learn to just let it roll off you. A few will always hate and that itself will keep them trapped in a cycle of failure. I would always rather just smile and create. If you’re still fighting for your respect and your success don’t hate. Try to examine what makes these other artists successful. I would say don’t imitate their art but imitate their business practice or principles. Don’t EVER fake it to make it. Build from mild success to modest success to great success. Keep it real and keep building and one day your success will start to multiply because it is REAL!
Let’s talk some REAL UPDATES:)
“Wicked Spring” will also be re-releasing soon. While an official PR release is forthcoming I’ll give my loyal readers a hint. It would make a nice gift to put in an Easter basket:) Now “Donors” will also be announcing their release date soon. Audiences will have a great opportunity to enjoy these films releasing the first half of the year. I hope you add them to your collection or viewing experiences.
Finishing up early this year will also be the horror film “Dead Quiet” – I hear they will be targeting fall for their big push. “Bestseller” is now in post sound/music and I’ve been seeing the FX/graphic work in progress. I’m VERY excited to see this film completed and premiere. “The Terrorist” feature was getting close to done in late December so I expect to hear some good news from our director soon.
I was in talks on a few more CDI films heading to TV. One will likely be our doc film “Outside the Wire” done with our friends at the RED, WHITE and BLUE PROJECT.
“Heavens Neighbors” and “Figure in the Forest” are looking at a new release in 2015. “Knight Chills” will be re-releasing with the novel to help promote and prep folks for the sequel that is coming. “In the Woods” re-release – trying to get that commentary done. We had one date reschedule because of snow and we’ll see if we can make it tomorrow. They had a 90 car pile up yesterday right where I have to drive through. So if it’s bad I’m not chancing it. I had the cold zap my battery one day last week and once I got it jumped and was off to my teeth cleaning I narrowly avoided a fender bender right in front of me. I had to BUDDY COLT* the car to keep from a crash but I did. (See * JUDGES movie)
This week ahead will be more development and prepping for delivery on these films heading out for distribution. Also a studio tour, theatrical talks on a few films and finalizing some artwork. It’s great weather for getting these things done. No nice sun and yard/garden work to tempt you just bitter winds and snow that would make a polar bear cold. So I’m going to focus on my film work and also write on the two scripts I’ve been working on. It all keeps the machine moving forward and I’m happy to stay busy. At CDI we are accepting some commercial work. We’ve got a cool project for a client lined up this spring. We’ve done some high-end commercial work in the past and we’re going to occasionally start taking on select projects here and there. So if you have a commercial project that you want considered – feel free to ask. If we don’t take it on I can always recommend someone whose work I approve.
I think that is all I have right now. I’m sure I’ve missed a few things but once again, thank you for stopping by. I hope you all have a great week and keep clawing your way to the middle! Accept that most things don’t come easy and enjoy the work. While others refrain, complain, abstain you advance, enhance and take the chance to move forward. Don’t be afraid to fail but you must be as prepared as possible and fight fiercely to succeed.
Welcome to 2015! Go get it.
DJ
Haters, Hazelnut and Hollywood Kick Off’s
It has been a nice week in Michigan with most of the humidity taking a break and beautiful, cool days to enjoy. Yes, the hazelnut is beside me as I type these words to all of you. I want to welcome even more readers from as far away as Italy and Australia – welcome. We are an international family.
Theatrical
This moment in our film industry is really quite unique as the theaters are down in attendance this summer. I think people can get their fill of flying metal and action that is hard to follow. These movies have their place just like visual rides like you might find at Disney World but people like to FEEL. This requires characters that you actually care about. Some of you might know our “Ashes of Eden” film is playing in select theaters in Michigan now and will be expanding. Our hometown run (Hard to be a prophet in your own home town) has been surprisingly good and was extended to the end of the month. We will see if they move us to other locations. Aside from Celebration Cinema where we are playing we have four other chains showing interest and with one chain we are locking down dates. I almost get tired of the daily promotions which I feel you can overdue but this film is worth a watch. We just got a 4 Star review from a Canadian film reviewer that reviews family/faith content and this follows a Michigan 5 Star review. I think the acting and the pacing of the film allows you to invest in the story. There’s also a wide age of interest in the film because everyone can relate to something/someone in the film. So as the film plays or expands into Detroit-area and other cities do take a chance and see why this film is grabbing attention. I’m also happy to say, should it be impossible to make it out to theaters it will be coming to TV and DVD, BlueRay and video on demand. Our best estimate factoring in our theater runs would be shortly after Christmas. That could change but we shall see what happens. But do try to see on the big screen as it is a great experience.
I spent yesterday packing and such for another trip North to complete the small pick ups on the “Bestseller” feature. (Which is looking great) It’s exciting to have so many wonderful stories/films rolling out one behind the other. This film is INTENSE and I think fans of dark thrillers will be on the edge of their seats. This film will also be doing theatrical runs once we get past post and our premiere(s). I think the premieres will happen in November/December.
“Donors” is looking to make a few appearances at a couple horror festivals this fall before releasing nationally. It’s time for some people to meet Dr. Savior:)
I could list more of the in “post production” films but you can see yourself on my IMDB.com (DJ Perry) – which brings me to that data base. I’m a beta tester for their casting sites and I love the direction that they are moving in. They are also cleaning up some of the Star Meter corruption that runs wild on there. Back in the day it was funny that we had issues with unreleased movies being attacked with ratings of 1’s and 2’s before a film had even released. The sad part for those folks lies in the fact that the final proof is in the pudding. Despite a few hateful remarks these films mostly got the release they deserved. A few bad comments thrown at “Book of Ruth” didn’t stop over 250,000 DVD’s from selling. Some rocks thrown didn’t stop “Ghost Town” from renting 85,000 times in the first week of release. On an international level this hatred is like throwing pebbles in a river trying to stop the water flow. Back in the day we traced IP’s and all this nonsense and it almost always went back to someone who we either didn’t hire or a filmmaker/screenwriter upset that someone else did the business and got their film made and seen. It has happen with almost every successful film. I can almost note which films are going to be successful based on how much hate comes at it.
“Ashes of Eden” has suffered a bit of this “Hate” as someone has added (usually via multiple accounts)… a series of 2’s when voting on IMDB. Now unbiased with test audiences and such we know what we have and anyone who actually watched the film I think would agree that they would never rate it below a 5 (on a scale of 10) unless they had other issues. I tried to explain it in a recent production meeting like this… People are quick to support if they feel they are doing a mercy favor such as buying girl scout cookies or going to see some hobby film to support an unlikely dream. But when that given support becomes real business and adds to the commercial power of an individual or group – some of that support dries up. The truth is that many artists don’t like to see others get ahead. I saw it in the actor slums of Hollywood my 1st trip out west. I had people saying to me, “You’ve done more in two weeks than I’ve done in two years.” Really? NEWSFLASH – Group hangouts whereas you bitch why you can’t get ahead or why you didn’t get cast in this or that WILL NOT get you ahead in our industry. Same goes with whatever industrious hater is spending time doing the data entry (I know I’ve done my share of data entry) trying to knock someone else’s business and/or art. IF that person spent the same amount of time refining their own craft or looking at more effectively marketing their own craft – those people would be much further ahead. The HATE effort might make a few people go see PLANET OF THE APES versus our film but on the overall stage we’ll just grow further ahead because you can’t beat good word of mouth. If that person(s) is using our success as hate fuel – it will only get worse.
I honestly, sincerely do appreciate true success from other deserving people. When the art is good, the process to get that art is done fair and it’s executed in a business way so that it can benefit the entire group of artists – I say GOOD JOB! BUT – Throwing together something subpar and wanting me to love it, like it or anything else just brings my fathers words to mind on half assin’ things. I do credit doers and motivated self-starters- I just think some of that needs to be refined or they will not evolve and thrive in the professional realm. So IF you are a person who looks over their shoulder constantly or is trying to move forward but spending more time being concerned with others art/success you will likely fail. This causes only more blame and resentment and the circle continues.
I’ve been rightly criticized because honestly I don’t pay much attention to other projects unless I really like it. I’m extremely busy with our slew of projects and when not doing my business I’m enjoying people, nature and learning new interesting things about our vast world. If I can inspire a few haters to redirect their energy towards positive growth – all good. Watch the films and if that hate is what your heart speaks by all means write it. It might make you feel better about yourself by not taking accountability for your own lack of progress. Blame others if you need to but know you can’t stop real success. If you can’t control your own destiny you sure can’t control others. Why? Good example below put into soccer terms.
In soccer terms – if you are pulling a jersey you are likely mismatched against someone better and you are about to be owned.
“SUPERMODEL SHOWDOWN Costa Rican Adventure” launched on http://www.indieflix.com See AFTERDARK Channel and TONIGHT in Hollywood our host Nadia Dawn will be front and center at a party celebrating the release. The first three shows are running on Indieflix and the others will roll out once an audience starts to grow. Pop over to the party and the Indieflix site to check it out!
We have had more investors approach on some upcoming films and so once I get past this pick up we will start looking at a couple of new film projects. I look forward to seeing where the path will lead and what new artists we will work with in the days ahead.
Have a wonderful weekend and be good to one another.
“Don’t hate – create!”
Nadia Dawn will host a “Supermodel Showdown Costa Rican Adventure” in Hollywood TONIGHT
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 