Film in Michigan, Financing and the SECRETS
What a great week. We had some good rain here at week’s end which has been great for the garden. We ended up with tomatoes, beans, peas and beets planted. I also had to fortify a wood tee-pee structure that has veggies planted within. I had to make sure our dogs could not get in and dig as they so love to do. I also have been doing some work on the two-tier pond. All these things play into the overall as it provides a great atmosphere to sit and take biz calls. This week I had some meaningful talks with my management, new filmmakers and also a few distributors. Let’s look at a few project updates…
BESTSELLER
We also just concluded our BESTSELLER theatrical run in Grand Rapids, MI to some great response. The film is about to move to additional cities and I’m glad that so many want to see it. I had several great communications from audience members and I’m happy that we as artists did our job. People are being thrilled by this Michigan based thriller and we are all…thrilled.
ASHES OF EDEN
The distributor has announced the official release date in October and showcasing the new DVD art. It’s starting to appear as a pre-order in select retailers now. We will promote these rental/retail sites as we get closer.
40 NIGHTS
This coming week we’re preparing to sit down with our FX supervisor and plan out the required shots. We will also tweak the final film edit as we plan to move into post sound in July. We’ve been pulling promotional stills and have started working the 1st trailer. I’m excited to watch this one move down the production line. Stay tuned!
DJ Perry as JESUS in 40 Nights
FILM IN MICHIGAN (My Opinions)
There has been a lot of news and anger flying around about the state of the filmmaking in Michigan. Now dear vendor friends such as David Lowing, lumber yards, hotels and many more such suppliers will certainly suffer some loss with the incentives gone. I see many people seriously upset about the tax incentives getting nixed. My initial hope was that the incentives would focus on the development of FILMMAKERS.
Education?
Previously I had helped construct a program whereas the arts (filmmaking) could be put on par with sports at the university level. Our program was well received by everyone from president down until it got to professors. Too many wanna-be chiefs with too little actual experience. TRUTH.
Maybe Government could be the answer?
The hope with the ideal government program would have been to assist business-minded (Read that part again) filmmakers to get to the next level. Controlled grants or matching funds programs for film corporations operating in Michigan for 5-7 years. Again I have many ideas on how we could have developed our creative force here. But importing was the agenda set with our incentives. Some of our best people on both sides of the camera would only find use as back ground extras, van drivers and production assistants. Good if you have zero experience and want a peek within – but these people I’m speaking of are highly experienced and working in non-challenging studio positions.
Filmmaking Added to The Vocabulary
All that the film incentive did in my world was make the word filmmaker legit in our state. When I started out we only had a handful of narrative filmmakers. People who didn’t recognize the industry in Michigan now saw enough headlines to put the word FILMMAKER out there.
New Growth
I think every young person unclear about what they wanted to do with their life loved the idea of filmmaking. To play with technology and create stuff to impress other people is enticing. But the business of it is not nearly as fun for most and that kills most careers. They don’t teach the business like they should.
Advice
SUPPORT THOSE THAT LOVE THEIR STATE. These people will plant and nurture seeds.
SUPPORT THOSE WILLING TO SUFFER THE HARDSHIPS OF LEARNING THE BUSINESS OF FILMMAKING. (Sorry social funding/hand-outs don’t count) ACCOUNTABILITY IS SOMETHING THAT MUST BE LEARNED! Mentors from the business community please help these people.
Interconnected
EVERY failed film project in our state that wasn’t self funded (By the artist) HURTS the whole state industry. Those that have disposable income to invest (Note they made their $ not begged for it via fundraising) will recognize a solid business plan. They see some of themselves in this young upstart. NOTE TO MANY – They also can see through BS. Many failed artists think they were/are smarter (in biz) than everyone else – they are not. The person who is being invested in is just as important as what is being invested in.
Character, integrity and responsibility. (People invest in this)
Peer Accountability
Artists need to hold one another accountable. But unfortunately for many in the local scene the worst offenders are also some of the best networkers. (Kind of) This often creates a fear of being blacklisted by the local networkers. But in my experience these people are rarely associated with the best projects. Why? Experienced people explore before hiring. The projects that do end up with these people are often not something to be missed – chances are strong for a disaster. I like to call it dodging the bullet. I’ve almost signed onto a few projects that I would have regretted.
Investors
Now – when an arts supporter/investor takes a burn on a venture they will surely communicate that to a wide circle. It may be it on the 19th hole of a golf course or some charity function. Often an industry/community can get defined by some of the worst participating in it. I have seen official statements made by individuals that I know – they don’t speak for me.
Respect earns Respect
When someone refuses to RESPECT and take the challenge of producing serious thus creating a mess – the insecure masses are still there to smile, hug and handshake at their next mixer. These fiascos mean that Michigan filmmaking has once again been defined and not in a good way. That’s why Michigan cast and crew are mostly not respected – I know that as truth as someone who does a fair amount of west coast business. I’ve fought the “Backwoods Michigan” view held by others my whole career. It was easier back than to defend the lack of work versus incompetence of work.
How can we improve this?
DON’T BE AFRAID TO SAY – NO! If the biz doesn’t add up say – NO.
Too big of a script, too little $, too few days – SAY NO PRODUCERS! You can’t remake the laws of the universe. People accept impossible tasks and I have to think it is for the paycheck. It’s like if you knew the ship the Titanic was going to sink how much would someone have to pay you to go for a ride? How much to charge a live firing squad?
EXAMPLE:
I have one project I co-starred in and finished all my scenes several years ago. It’s stuck in that in-between HELL. The result of a fight between the management entities of the film project. It’s hard because of all the hard work that many artists put into that project/film. I feel bad for all the artists but even more for the investors. They are victims of bad business. As just talent I just have to let things be. As a producer I wish they would have found me. If I had said, yes – they would have a film on schedule and on budget.
More Advice
If you can’t manage a group effectively – DON’T PRODUCE. I could not be a DIT on a film. So I don’t accept a job as one. Same with producers but it is a flashy title and so many are drawn to it – moth to flame.
If long set hours are not for you on a non-union crew job – SAY NO.
I’ve just allowed my thoughts to roll out but I think in summary I see the death of the film incentives and perhaps office as a new beginning. A new chapter could rise from the ashes. Let the fly-by-night people seek scraps from another table. Once the grumbling stops creative circles will start to look ahead.
CDI
With the exception of when a script requires a certain location – we always consider Michigan. FACT: Collective Development Inc. will be making films in Michigan and incentives and/or film office is not required for us to do so.
As you form your circle of filmmakers – dedicate the time to learning to do it right. I heard a story this week that a film group didn’t want to learn SAG union paperwork because it was too much red tape. I’m not a union cheerleader but what is “too much” to advance your career and learn? Learn the process!
HOLD your people accountable! Producers hold your cast and crew accountable. Cast & Crew hold your Producers accountable. We all make mistakes and set life is NOT a vacation or PERFECT but stand accountable. A full cast and crew should not have to lodge in one room – Poor planning. Tents are not acceptable crew quarters – Poor planning. Late. Unprepared. Lack of pre-production – failure is worn by all. Failure is a step towards success ONLY if you don’t keep making the same mistakes.
The Secret
I hear people asking about my SECRETS – The SECRET is if the business doesn’t add up – pass.
Inexperience in key areas + unreasonable schedule/script = PASS
Someone with a track record of bad producing = PASS
Dodgy answers or avoidance of answering questions directly = PASS
No plan of action after film is done “Get into some high-profile film fest” = PASS
If nobody would say YES to a poorly planned project they would be forced to re-evaluate a project and make modifications. Respect. Accountability.
Wrap Up
The incentives can come – go – come again and I truly won’t miss a beat. I’m a filmmaker who works with talented artists. I always strive to make things better. We make mistakes and try to always correct and learn from them. I hold EVERYONE of our artists on a project accountable and hire problem solvers not complainers. Your time working with us can be one and done or decades pending what YOU do. (Or don’t do) I may not be everyones friend but those artists that I work shoulder to shoulder with – who respect their contributions and take pride in their final work – we all share something greater than friendship. Craftsmenship. A tradition of storytelling. We share that film as our collective work at that point in our lives/careers.
I had a lot of words and I tried to put an order to them. We have a family event this afternoon so I’m going to bounce off here. These are but my OPINIONS for those that wish to read them. You can apply these principles despite what state or country you live in. Artists are an insecure lot and that gets exploited so often. But work hard and believe that your artistry will find the proper outlet. Just remember you are more often defined by what you say NO to versus what you say YES to.
Have a great weekend!
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
BESTSELLER Trailer, ASHES of EDEN theatrical and more…
Okay! I made it. It was an early morning of activity that ended with us getting everything we need for the garden. The seeds, the plants and everything to get that underway. The pond that we finished now has fish in it and I love the little solar fountain that creates such a relaxing sound. The backyard is really coming together which is nice because that is where many of the recent film meetings have been happening. It was interesting that I recently read an interview with music producer Rick Rubin and much of what he had to say were lessons I apply to my life. The best meetings don’t happen around a boardroom table and controlling your environment allows your energy to flow positive. I think that is something many people find attractive. I had several meetings with a director on a soon-to-be-released feature that I’m a producer on and also co-star in. I was watching the edit and giving notes and suggestions. We really came up with a few good ideas to add layers to the film. He commented on how he enjoyed our talks because they always left him feeling positive and full of inspired ideas. That is what we as artists should do and in the best collaborations that is what happens. Not ego-wars and bullshit drama but solid strides and passing of creative ideas. This particular director is excited to work together again on his next feature and a TV show that he has in the works. Life is too short for bad working relationships and so if you are in one – finish your obligations and part ways with sincere well-wishes.
I’m sure many out there are not tuning into my blog to listen to my rambling on gardening:) Let’s get to some film updates…
“BESTSELLER” – The 1st trailer for this thriller based upon Christopher Knight’s book of the same name is DONE. Tomorrow we will be releasing a PR release with the link to the trailer. So watch the BESTSELLER FB page and such for this official release. I’m very proud once again of the cast and crew made up mostly on Michigan folks doing work at the international level. https://www.facebook.com/BESTSELLERTHEMOVIE
We have had early interest from distributors and so I’m excited to give them the look they have all been waiting on. Oh! And you too – the audience:)
“ASHES OF EDEN” continues to move forward with distributors. This week we had a few respond with their interest. We have some meetings being set that will be our first rounds of negotiations to see who can provide the best home. We also have some exciting news coming this week about the 1st Michigan theatrical releases. We have a deal on the table and pen and paper should meet this week. Once that is done a press release with full details will be forthcoming. Multiple theaters, multiple screens, multiple weeks, multiple showings – very exciting stuff for all involved.
Lots of development work is underway with many investor talks, script reviews and such. As we get these post production films into their final stages it will be exciting to get into production with a new slate of film work.
Enjoy your weekend. I’m off to sow some seeds to reap at a later date. That is what you should do in your creative life also. Sow the seeds of good honest collaboration. Sow seeds of mutual respect and hard work. Sow seeds of always giving someone more than what they paid for. Sow seeds of not cutting corners, holding yourself up to higher standards and taking pride in your work. Do this and your personal garden will be filled with bountiful rewards later down the path.
DJ
Losing Training Wheels, Donors 1st Showing, Making a Classic
It is truly the journey not the destination in the grand adventure of life. A friend of mine who I called to catch up with had news that set me back. His father had unexpectedly passed away. This was the year of starting a retirement and of course he thought he had many more years of enjoying and learning from his father. That was not to be. As I like to say, losing parents seems like losing training wheels. Prior to this I was having my daily issues usually with patience at some timeline that was off or a communication I was waiting upon. I tell people that many folks could not lead the artist’s life whereas you don’t always know where that next paycheck is coming from. Now it is exciting when you get a nice lump sum or you hob nob with some other famous folks but there is a balance to it all. The following day my father and I were to have lunch and he insisted on picking me up. He rolled up on his Harley and we went on a couple hour ride in the country looking at all the places he grew up. Truthfully, it was one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. As a young child I use to wait for him to come home from work so we could go for a ride on his motorcycle. It was one of those full circle moments and also a deep appreciation for what I still had in a mentor and a sorrow for what my friend was now missing. So I guess my point is for all you driven artists inflicted with that ego driven urge to create art that will be seen and possibly appreciated – don’t forget what is in front of you. I know my father would likely be happier if I had a normal JOB but he also is proud of the character of his son who can thrive in my environment. I deeply cherish my friends and family and most of them haven’t seen half my films. I’m alright with that because I have my support for that in my fans. I appreciate the personal support that comes in laughter, insight on life and remembering the past. This fills my cup.
TODAY is the premiere of “DONORS” the thriller that I play a shadowy role in:) IF you are in Yuma, AZ area and want to see a cool indie thriller – please do. All info is right here https://www.facebook.com/events/649394905132609/
I want to give a BIG congrats to Niki Saletta who carries that film almost single-handedly.
We are getting close to announcing active development on a new associated film. It will shoot somewhere down South and has some development to finish but script work is coming along. I want to speak to some distributors in the coming weeks about it and also BESTSELLER that fits the demographic.
BESTSELLER is gearing up for planning on our pick up day. We will gather our clips and get this film moving onto the next phase. I’m waiting on the shot list from our director and editor. I’m excited about this because I’ve seen the footage and know what we have and seeing beautiful Northern Michigan even for a day or so will be great.
I had a wonderful email sent to me from an 8th grade history teacher Wade who uses “Wicked Spring” as a teaching aid in his 8th grade students. I think that is one of the best compliments as a filmmaker. That film has played network TV, played in the UK and sold hundreds of thousands of dvd’s and that was made over a decade ago. Now with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War I’m happy that we have made a “classic”. I’ve had a handful of emails from around the country about the performances and the picture of life in that time that we painted. Kevin Hershberger, Curtis Hall, Anthony Hornus – the entire cast and crew can be proud of the storytelling job. It was my grandmother’s favorite film and in a career lifetime you hope to have a handful of these. I recently also had that happen with “Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town” which could be on its way to a similar status. Strive for this and it may happen – only the audiences can make it so. I know that “Heaven’s Neighbors” has been used in classroom settings to illustrate mental illness. It is a grand ability to entertain and educate. So for crews working hard when the going is rough – if you are working on a project with heart, the right dose of business – you might be part of cinema history. Cast – there is no throw away roles – you should live, love and be the role you take on. This fan mail that included how many young minds were being taught via our storytelling was one of my weeks high points.
My script review continues on a few projects presenting acting offers. All of them are period pieces which is pretty cool in my book. Development continues on a few projects including gathering investors and setting up locations. Our sales team is in talks to bring the CDI library to many new foreign territories. “Ashes of Eden” distribution talks continue. All in all a very productive Spring whereas I’ve been holding court on the patio in the sunshine. I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable long weekend. I think I’m going to smoke or grill my first full duck (Thank you Shane Hagedorn). The garden got tilled (Thank you Stacy Hagedorn for the Mantis use) and I worked on the pond which we will fill today and add some water plants. Spend some time with your love ones and we’ll get back at it next week!
Keep clawing your way to the middle:)
DJ
Bananas, Bestseller and Being Sick
As a kid being sick meant no school, watching cartoons and reading books. This week I fought the good battle not to be sick because I always have stuff to do. I have a few days of working in the morning and trying to fight off chills and such in the afternoon. Well I am sick 100% now. I tried to pretend (act) like I wasn’t but I guess I’m not that good of an actor. Low grade fever, chills, achy and sore throat and sinus pressure. I think my triple concern over my brother having a healthy baby, a good “Ashes of Eden” showing and successful surgery for our two dogs knocked my immune system down. Add in the many, many people I came into contact with at these events…whatever the cause I’m now on the couch sipping hot tea and watching Scooby Doo. Some things never change but I’m bummed because we were going to have a get together at my fathers today and I can’t go. I can’t put my germ self anywhere near the new-born. Luckily because of the two recovering dogs we have a light Sunday planned. I may keep this brief but let’s look at a few high points.
“Ashes of Eden” showing was a huge event. To see the place sold out at capacity was awesome. The mayor commented we should have had a second concessions line and overall I think we made our hometown proud. At the climax of the film there was a roar of cheers that you just can’t plan. A double standing ovation later told us we had done our jobs as storytellers. We are now in the process of approaching some of the distributors who have waited for the film to be done.
Only one post issue whereas one actor feels the need to have his minute of footage prior to signing our distribution deal. That person was told that nobody is getting footage yet because any exposure that isn’t official can be bad. So our CDI policy has always been to wait for the deal to be done. This person feels that their want outweigh all the other artists and investors/point holders who are wanting the best deal. I don’t know this person all that well but I can tell you that not respecting the wishes of the business is a good way to not get hired again in the future. There are too many good actors who are about good business versus selfish wants. It likely is not truly harmful but when you’re trying to be fair to all and one person wants to cut in line…I was taught that at a very young age – it’s wrong. I’m not going to go on and on because I really don’t know this person like I stated and I really don’t care to. My advice to those actors out there – don’t be that person. Production is not trying to hold you back they are just looking out for everyone. Maybe this person needs to go watch the Star Trek movie where Spock is trying to save the entire crew – the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one. Or want in this case. More silliness in the world of film that I make a point to usually avoid.
So DVD and screening links have started to go out on “Ashes of Eden” and I’m happy that another major studio has rejoined the list of interested. Our goal is to set up a theatrical and run the entire list of platform releases. I will be on more distributors Monday making the rounds. Also on Monday…
The fine tune of the “Bestseller” trailer and film starts this Monday. This week we worked with graphic templates and such. This movie is also looking great. We will lock this picture and move down the post line. Chad Ice has done a great job getting the cut where it is. I’m excited about the first looks coming to audiences and distributors soon.
I’ve got PR on “Donors” going out next week that includes the announcement of the Yuma, AZ premiere. We also are getting closer to announcing a new film that will be rolling into pre-production if we can get our final financial support. We’ve got distribution offers attached already and a powerful script. More on this very soon:)
I’m anxious for soccer to be starting next week and also I’ve got the 6 gal of banana/coconut wine started. I think I just need to try to take it easy this weekend. It’s hard with lots going on but I’ve gotta rest and take it easy. I want to thank each and every person who came out and supported us at the Capital City Film Festival. They did a nice job hosting us and I think they were happy with our record-setting attendance. Enjoy your time with family and friends on this beautiful Easter weekend.
DJ
“Bestseller,” “Best Efforts” and “Being Responsible”
It is a wonderful Saturday and the dogs are watching some Scooby Doo as I’m doing some morning film work over coffee. This was a week full of announcements, many business calls and exciting updates. We will look at some of those updates and discuss a few situations surrounding them.
I think last week we talked a bit about the temptation for struggling artists to take on parts that aren’t right or tasks that they are not suited to do. It was announced this week that CDI http://www.cdiproductions.com will be the new management/production company on the Michigan-based feature “Bestseller”. Due to my association with the lead Melissa Anschutz I was in the knowing on the journey she was undertaking. I was privy to all the bumps, blunders and lack of organization. I was aware of who was solving problems and who was creating them. I let most of it roll off with a shake of the head because it was not my issue. Even so, it disappointed me greatly. Any hardworking filmmaker will tell you how hard it is to finance a film. That’s because of the large number of potential investors who have been burned or who associate with those investors who have been burned. By burned I also mean – unfinished films or films that have had such bad business done that they are not able to be taken to market. If someone truly puts their BEST EFFORT (That legal term from last week) into a project and it still fails that might be a different story. But when someone doesn’t put a best effort forward and they fail – where is the accountability? Many want to take accountability when things are looking good. When the PR releases are spewing hype or one is prancing about set playing “Hollywood” looking busy BUT when things go wrong they are the first of the finger-pointers. You MUST “own” both the good and the bad if you are in charge. If you are a chaotic mess that is the ripples that you will send forth from you. If you radiate a calm center that too spreads throughout a production.
COMMUNICATION
Screaming is NOT communication and shows weakness and frustration by the party doing so. I know personally an associate in the insurance realm who had to also deal with this chaotic force. I heard the stories from multiple people about this communication. You tie that with the lack of pre-production work and the picture is perfectly clear. Now on a personal level – I’m offended by people paid to guide who use inexperience against others to try to disguise their own shortcomings. A film set is full of challenges but the only ones you should be facing are those things you could not control with good pre-production work. I’ve halted shoots and pushed start dates when I saw a ship was not yet ready. If I see a place where leadership is lacking in a department – be it in the director, AD staff, office, anyone – I will rearrange or replace someone. You don’t just watch a boat fill with water and do nothing. If you are a lead producer or that staff – It’s your JOB to fix things that are broken. It’s your JOB to anticipate what could/or may break down and try to prevent a breakdown. It’s your JOB to fix something quickly, quietly with the least amount of attention or distraction. That means that this is not a dramatic “LOOK AT ME FIX SOMETHING” moment. The best producer work is often never seen or heard. It is known by the experience the cast and crew had and the final product they captured.
Now this situation on “Bestseller” is not isolated and this issue of poor management seems to be a pattern. Sometimes one doesn’t hire enough artists to properly execute a job or make sure that money truly finds its way onto the screen. You also don’t start playing “Hollywood” George Jefferson because you are connected to a large bank account. You treat those funds like your own funds and stick to the budget. Overruns are poor planning. A producer team is responsible for the hard work of all those artists. You represent how people will look at our state’s artists. Are we seen as capable leaders or forever doomed to feed on the scraps of others coming into our state. Now I did not have anything to do with this situation. As a matter of fact I turned down earlier invites on acting and producing. That rejection was based upon the fact that fires were already burning in PRE-PRODUCTION crisis mode. I also knew that much misinformation was flying everywhere either implying deceit or disorganization – both bad. Bottom line – I don’t like fixing other’s messes. The problem seems to be that while I’m hard at work finishing projects (2 features (Donors, Ashes of Eden) and 1 TV series (Supermodel Showdown) – someone else is at the local film festival mixers smoozing up any starry-eyed potential investor or novice filmmaker with a budget – selling a skill set they do not possess.
Now potential investors – YOU have a responsibility to vet people out and not get stung by the BUYER BEWARE. This “Bestseller” ship was professionally parked and the responsible parties removed. After that my company was recommended again to come manage. With a clean slate I listened and the deal was made. The ship is now being refitted and we will make one heck of a movie I can promise you that. I can promise this crew and cast will have an enjoyable experience filled with hard work but will be rewarded with respect. Those that know me can vouch that I take my film jobs very serious. I turn down lots of work because it must feel right. In this matter I wanted the truth out there. The fact that I don’t wander in many social circles I thought this direct statement best. I will say this to anyone out there unqualified to produce or unwilling to make the Best Effort – Stick with what you are good at and don’t muddy the waters. The sooner that the proper artists align in Michigan and the BS artists are benched – great things will come from our State. As we have more stories of success vs screw ups investors will start to take our artists more serious. So I ask you all to please clean up your act. For those who don’t – I would gladly testify at any arbitration or legal proceedings on how a film set should be ran. Enough of people giving half (if that) efforts and poisoning the money wells here in Michigan. I’ve been personally part of 2 projects that went south because of false promises from people. It hurt our momentum as a company but luckily our productivity outshines those few dark moments. One bad deal can kill others momentum and ruin dreams all together. And just how truly sad is that? I’ve made many friends in this industry around the world because of respect that grew from doing what was expected. I’m not in this industry to make friends first – I’m here to tell stories with other hardworking, passionate artists. Friendship and respect is earned. Period.
Okay, I’m off my soap box now. Other updates –
– It looks like I finally got my German invoicing all complete. It has been a good learning experience doing these foreign sales.
– “Ashes of Eden” new trailer is a week or so out from release. The trailer looks great. The film is having the dialogue polished and is almost done. Music and sound design is on deck.
– “Supermodel Showdown” I was in search of a few B roll tapes that we feared missing but I think those have now been recovered. The show is coming together and is looking great. Not as fast as I would like but there is no script. This is truly a reality show.
– I have agreed to play a role in “Bestseller” now that we are officially “in association” because with myself starring in 3 thrillers in the last 10 months it really boosts distribution. With CDI’s involvement I can say to all the artists that the film will get a release in several countries.
There is a possibility of another film shooting prior to “Bestseller” going into production but next week will tell. We have a window because of schedules and so will the chips fall right? That is the question:)
I hope you all have a great weekend and keep Clawing your Way to the Middle:)
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 