Back Home in Michigan- Production Updates
Photo by Scott Allen Perry
The desert heat is no longer with me here in Michigan. I came home to wet and cold weather but also to my family, bed and comforts of home. It has been major deceleration as I went from a wild circus of people on the constant move to a much more relaxed pace at home. Things slowing a touch was is a good thing since I had a good case of jet lag. I’ve been trying to sort through mail (and email), pay bills and unpack even as bouts of tired struck me at odd hours. I’ve had many people reaching out and I’m sorry that I’ve not been able to get back with everyone. I’ve had lots of wrap up work on the most recent film and catching up on immediate business.
FAMILY BUSINESS:)
This weekend was a good day catching up with family business first at my niece’s b-day gathering yesterday at the local science center, Impression 5. I took science classes there when I was in Elementary school with my buddy John. It’s truly a great place to take your children and I’m glad that the place has survived and thrived for all these years. Today I’m up North visiting family and celebrating another missed b-day. Speaking of missing b-day’s, my girl was good about me missing her b-day while in AZ and I do appreciate her holding down the fort in my absence. It’s a hardship for all our significant others when we go off to create these stories. I saw many happy faces when loved ones (cast & crew) returned safely from the deserts of Yuma. So I give me heartfelt gratitude to all of those significant others who worked hard to maintain households while we battled to tell our tale in the desert.
The Christ Slayer
If you’ve not been keeping up – we filmed the 3rd feature film in “The Quest Trilogy” entitled “The Christ Slayer” in AZ. We shot for three weeks and change with pre-production and wrap out. It’s an amazing feeling of accomplishment because it was a 3 part film series and also the first time I had played the same role twice. That role was none other than Jesus, so that was no easy task. It challenged me in many ways everyday but I want to say my director (Nathaniel Nose) and my co-stars who helped make the process so very special. Carl Weyant and Josh Perry made each and every day a unique experience full of smiles and fist-bumps. Christine, Mel, Shane and every other actor I was blessed to share the screen with made each day easier with their enthusiasm. Their love for the story and their roles inspired me and honored me as a writer. The crew consisted of many warriors I’ve worked with prior and once again they brought their best. I additionally had the pleasure of working with a handful of new artists who I think enjoyed the overall adventure. They all worked extremely hard and the desert proved to be no joke, but the final footage revealed the results of those efforts. BEAUTIFUL! To all the people of Yuma associated with this picture, we love you. We could not have done this without you. The biggest question I was asked by many there was IF this was our last film. It was the last of “The Quest Trilogy” but I’m happy to announce that I will be penning a second slate of biblical films. This process might have already begun. (Insert sly smile) They will be separate from the three films we explored in this current trilogy. We will likely be going Old Testament with these new films.
“The Christ Slayer” has entered post and we’ll be rolling out behind-the-scenes photos and powerful stills (Like the one above) in the coming weeks. Also a teaser trailer is in the works and will release in the coming weeks. Releasing spring of 2018.
Forty Nights
“Forty Nights” will enjoy its new release on 4/4/17 and I encourage all of you interested in the trilogy to watch it. Our post team did a very good job re-mastering the film both audio and visually and Bridgestone has put beautiful new artwork worthy of such a beautiful story.
Chasing the Star
On the heels of this new release the second film “Chasing the Star” will enjoy a premiere on the 22nd of April. Following this will be various theatrical showings starting in Lansing, Grand Rapids and Royal Oak with many more planned. Once we’ve done our theatrical run we’ll be releasing nationally on Sept 5th, 2017. Follow our Facebook social media page for updates.
Wild Faith
“Wild Faith” is close to a locked picture and will move into music and sound design. I can say that the initial talks on the TV series have been positive. I think we have a good chance at spinning off into a television series. I’m looking at the business of it now and also working on some of the creative aspects for upcoming meetings.
I plan on aligning all our business and setting up for a strong 2018. There is a good chance we may film another feature or two this year but nothing is solid on the slate. As I noted before, I’m back to my daily writing and making some great progress. As the sun returns and temps warm I look forward to a productive year ahead. Thank you all for your support. (Cheers with a sip from the coffee cup)
DJ
Film News and Release Dates
Good morn to all of you out there. I’ve got my trusty morning coffee by my side to sip as I interact with all of you. As of late we’ve got a new sponsor with Sanctuary Spirits who make outstanding liquors but that is not what I am into for my morning wake up. But I want to welcome them – they will be gracing the meeting table at some of our pow wow wrap ups. We’ve got several whiskey drinkers in our group so they will be happy. On that same front we might roll out a brand of adult beverage as part of a merchandising tie in. But I’m still looking for that sponsor for coffee. We’ve also enjoyed some beautiful weather almost sixty degrees which after freezing temps days ago is just…odd. We did a bit of yard clean up and I got some wood around in the office for the next freeze. Let’s jump into a few film discussions as I know that most did not stop by to hear me ramble about coffee and booze.
Let’s start with Wild Faith, our mid-Western. We watched the 1st rough cut and I have to say I was just stunned. First this film has been a long time in the making and maybe it is a lesson for patience. A film when be made when it is supposed to be made. The messages contained in the story are so important and powerful for the day we live in now. EVERY actor did an amazing job of bringing something special to the role. I know the vibe that happens with a cast on most projects and that is special. But when the writing flows and the artists behind the camera capture the performances and magnifies it with solid art, wardrobe, camerawork and the coordination it requires to create – I cannot even put it in words. I watched the first time for story and flow and the following time to look at tweaks. I found 5-6 small tweaks that were minimal and so my hat is off to Jesse Low our director who also cut the edit. I’ve been working in biblical for a while so it was a refreshing change to change time periods and worlds. The film will get tightened and prepped to move into music and sound design with Dennis Therrian. I think this film has great spin-off possibilities for television and when I return from AZ we’ll be dealing with this.
Coming out of post-production with Dennis Therrian is our second film in THE QUEST TRILOGY, Chasing the Star – directed by Bret Miller. This story we’ve been low-key on but I assure you it is anything but. I got to see some of the VFX opening sequences and the final VFX will be dropping into the film this week. Final sound design around these drop in’s and the picture will be complete. 5.1 mix will be up next and dropping our credits in. I know that the plan is to do a Michigan premiere in April. I’m trying to have a AZ showing in Yuma prior to shooting the third installment next month. We will set up theatrical and event showings from May -August and on 9/5/17 we release nationally with Bridgestone MultiMedia Group. A poster and more PR will start rolling out as we bring this film to a finish.
The first film in the trilogy “Forty Nights” had a Wal-Mart run last year and Sony Home Entertainment is releasing digital. We’ve remastered the film audio and visual for the new April release with Bridgestone (BMG) and it is exciting to have this film releasing.
“The Christ Slayer” has its business almost all done. I want to thank everyone who got behind the financial business as that is what makes projects go. The bank account is filling up and our pre-production team has flights booked for AZ. We have two weeks left here in prep and one additional week in AZ. We had good progress this week with wardrobe and our director Mr. Nathaniel Nose. Casting and crewing is down to the final few – mostly local AZ folks. I’m excited to be stepping back into this powerful role and work with some amazing people. Some concept art has been under development and location scouting has been underway. Full speed ahead!
Melissa Anschutz and DJ Perry in BESTSELLER
On other fronts we’ve got a deal on the table for foreign for “Bestseller” so that will be evaluated this week. The library evaluation will lead to some new releases on some of the properties. Our goal will be to keep pushing and bring these stories to you.
“Book of Ruth, Journey of Faith”
I’ve heard that the “Book of Ruth, Journey of Faith” film is getting a new General Market push I believe with Universal Pictures. Look for it at more major retailers like Wal-Mart, Kmart and other retailers. I’m sure this is being done on the run up to Easter. One link below –
On the DEVELOPMENT front a handful of projects are being discussed. Some have partial pieces in place (say that fast three times) and soon we’ll be looking ahead. Aside from all this film work I’m looking forward to lacing up my cleats and getting back on the soccer field this Spring. If you are enjoying this sunshine do something fun. If you’re dealing with the storms – keep your powder dry.
Have a great day.
DJ
Community of Artistry
USA, Australia, Brazil and China are the top four countries where our readers are from. I’ve not been to any of the last three but I’m appreciative to you all. I’ve had films released in all three of those territories – following the USA. What I do love is the community of artistry. We’ve had a lot of rain this week but also signs of the coming fall. MSU football is getting close to kicking off and that is excitement. With my boy Luke on recovery the squirrels have come in force stripping roughly a third of my apples off the tree and making a play for the garden harvest. I cannot blame theme but we’ve got more than enough for them to eat without their garden raids.
This week was full of ups and downs but steady movement forward especially with post work and development work that is about to go full pre-production. I will speak briefly about one encounter. I had a business intro call that was set up to make introductions and set the foundation for future business. This was to be with an executive at a well-known company. Just because you are dealing with a larger corporation does not make them BETTER organized. It had been many years since I had to deal with attitude from someone. But, I always go in with respect and professionalism. That said, when someone line steps you sometimes have to put them into check. But, you must be willing to lose the business. The best business is not when someone tries to discount a property to leverage the best deal. I love when they are honest with what they really like and express a wish to do some same-side of the table negotiation and create a WIN-WIN. That is the difference between true leaders and those who were in a position and gone in 8-18 months. These people also represent the BRAND. I take great pride in our artists on both sides of the camera. I would rather develop the right personality versus working with an ass that may be talented but makes the journey sour. This one individual had a couple of possible reasons for their odd behavior but most stem from low self-esteem. He had another young female executive on the phone call and was trying to be manly by being confrontational. Well, that conversation did not go exactly how he planned it. Remember this people.
YOU MUST EARN RESPECT.
Once again.
YOU MUST EARN RESPECT.
Many think that a name tag, door plaque or desk moniker will automatically give respect. Initially people will respect the office but if the personality is unfit they become a joke. That only enhances their need to try to feel powerful by treating people poorly. I’ve had many people over the years treat me well only to have me observe them treating others they feel below them, poorly. Don’t be this person. I respect everyone on our projects from DP to he or she who makes the coffee. This person will likely continue to hurt their branding. Don’t hurt YOUR branding.
FILM UPDATES
THE QUEST TRILOGY
40 Nights – As we move towards finishing Part 2 “Chasing the Star” more people are introduced to our biblical world in “40 Nights” – Also had the pleasure recently of taking several meetings over our third upcoming film “The Christ Slayer” which despite the attention grabbing title is a beautiful story.
“Chasing the Star” – some amazing new stills will be rolling out. A poster, a trailer – all these great promotional items will start rolling out as we close in on the finish line.
“The Christ Slayer” – The returning cast are very excited by the third installment. I’ve been looking at and developing some of the important foundation elements of this story. I will enjoy the final trek into this world one more time as Jesus. A swan song to a beautiful role which has brought smiles to many people. I thank all of you audiences for that.
DEVELOPMENT/PRE-PRODUCTION
“Wild Faith” – Our team has started to line up our cast and crew for this 1800’s story that takes place in Michigan shortly after the Civil War. I’ve been engaged in discussions with key artists and we’ll have many more announcements soon. This week we announced Melissa Anschutz and Lana Wood joining the cast. I’m excited about the additional announcements. I love Michigan in the fall. I love westerns. I love my fellow artists who will join in telling the story. Each cast and crew is unique. I’m excited to be prepping to play a role in this film and to work with all these fine people telling this story.
I’ve got much more I could ramble on about but instead I’m going to pick from the garden and do a few things around the homestead. Be good to each other. Keep following your dreams. Keep clawing.
DJ
Happy 4th Weekend Updates
Hello my friends – Walmart sales on “40 Nights” continues to grow. It’s a good place to pick one up in-store or order on-line. So if you have been waiting, now is the time. Order below!
Also on July 1st we released the 2nd CDI soundtrack. It is moody, haunting and beautiful. The “Bestseller” soundtrack scored by our composer Dennis Therrian.
BUY HERE
Soundtrack for “40 Nights”
You can also pick up the “40 Nights” soundtrack on iTunes as well as watching either of the movies on iTunes. I think “Ashes of Eden” will be the next soundtrack to release – stay tuned.
Enough business-
I want to thank those you visited yesterday. We had a belated bday gathering that was also our company gathering. It was a nice mix of CDI tribal and friends from several areas of my life. I was blessed with laughter and good stories. The libations flowed freely and I saw many artists sharing and enjoying each others company.
The previous two days had me up on ladders as we installed the phase one of siding on the fort/office. This year the wood stove was installed and the air conditioner is now operational. I think people really enjoy meeting at the office and now we can adjust for too much cold or heat.
This coming week we will be releasing a NEW promotional video for “40 Nights” and working to extend the reach to even greater audiences. Foreign audiences are hungry for the experience.
We’re also happy to announce the 1st cut of “Chasing the Star” is complete. Stay tuned for a 1st look at official photos coming this week. The first teaser will be close behind. Very excited for this second film in our QUEST TRILOGY to move towards being finished.
We also will be announcing a few of the development projects pushing to move into pre-production. It will be exciting to see all this come together.
I have to do some cleaning from our gathering and I hope you all enjoy your holiday weekend. Be safe and Happy 4th of July!
DJ
Taking a Few Moments in the Mountains
I’m experiencing culture shock as I’m in some ritzy hotel in Charlotte NC trying to catch up on this blog. People, people, people, people…city, cement. It was just hours ago, I was nestled deep in the mountains of Maggie Valley at a special place called Robert’s Roost. I’ve always felt a draw to mountains and the Smoky’s in particular. It was almost ten years ago that I spent so much time there prepping, filming and promoting our “Ghost Town” movie. It was wonderful to spend time with friends very near and dear to my heart. I also missed some of the souls no longer with us. Their dogs Gator and Ben, the rooster Sampson and panther-headed cat Toby have all passed. On the first night we arrived at the dinner hour and after relaxed with a bon fire and the best relaxing gifts including a peach whiskey of the white variety. The next day we traveled and explored the Blue Ridge and another night of laughter and remembrance. In my guest room filled with 1800’s treasures which included sleeping each night under the tanned hide of a buffalo blanket. They’re heavy and extremely warm, so I now understand why they were in such demand to fight the frontier cold.
My mind and spirit needed the short get away. One full year of prepping, shooting and posting “40 Nights” which released (April 5th). This film released just as we were shooting the follow-up film “Chasing the Star” – which we just put into editing. To adjust to the less hectic phase of development and post production was a welcome change. While many people highly enjoy the filming journey, which I do, it’s also when you’re on alert for any number of issues that could arise. I always breathe easier once we’re in post and things are much more controllable. I didn’t want to slow development, so upon returning from Yuma, AZ – I immediately finished the first polished draft of the third film in the Quest Trilogy entitled “The Christ Slayer” shooting spring 2017. I know that this fall could also see us in production so it was a needed pause, a reset and deep breath. PEACE.
I’m going to try to use the last few days here to catch up on some calls and communications. Our thriller “Bestseller” will start releasing to nationally retailers like Family Video and also online rental/retailers. Here’s a place where our “special edition” version can be purchased.
https://americanchillers.3dcartstores.com/Bestseller–The-Movie_p_192.html
Melissa Anschutz and DJ Perry on set BESTSELLER
“Bestseller” showcases the wonderful talents of Mrs. Melissa Anschutz playing the lead role. People have met her recently as Dana in “Ashes of Eden” and Mother Mary in “40 Nights” and I’m so honored to have such a talented, hard-working actor/producer following in the footsteps of the other CDI tribal members over the years. So look for this exciting thriller at your favorite retailers/rental outlets!
More Links to “Bestseller” will be appearing in these coming weeks.
http://www.videocollection.com/bestseller/091037974662
If thrillers are your thing “Donors” is another film one of ours that released recently. Buy it here at one of these retailers.
Stay tuned for new updates on “Chasing the Star” and several of our upcoming projects. I feel very blessed to be on this journey. I’m aware how the years move steadily forward. I’m appreciative to be working with such talented groups of artist making these life lasting stories. I’m blessed to have met so many great people in my travels. To be blessed to see so many beautiful places. I hope that people will continue to enjoy our collective storytelling. I’ve heard from many of you directly or in reviewing our films and I’m sincerely touched. Thank you. I’m going to end this blog for today and soak up a few more quiet moments in North Carolina.
Be good to one another.
DJ
N CUBE = New Developments, New Screenings, New Castings
Minus the humidity this has felt like fall. My hazelnut coffee welcomes me and football (GO MSU) is all over the TV. This past week I helped my mother move into her new condo and today a good part of our bathroom remodel will be complete.
DEVELOPMENT
I did not get my script work done this week that I wanted to but that will change. It looks like we are moving forward strongly with our 2nd biblical film in our series with Lightworx Distribution, “Chasing the Star“. Our funds are committed and so this development process will move ahead once I finish that 1st draft to get to key members. We will again be filming in the Yuma, AZ area.
We also are closing in on our final financial commits for “Wild Faith,” our last CDI film of 2015. It will shoot in Michigan and is being distributed under our deal with Lightworx Entertainment. I’m excited to do one more film before the holidays. Let’s look at a few other updates!
CDI Associated production releases Oct 13, 2015
“Ashes of Eden” is prepping for its 2016 release and we may have a few more theatrical showings leading up to the release.
Melissa Anschutz and DJ Perry in BESTSELLER
“Bestseller” will be doing an event showing on Nov. 1st in Owosso, Michigan at the Wrought Iron Grill. More will follow before the spring national release. “Donors” will also be releasing nationally in the spring.
This is the 1st teaser poster on “Donors”
“40 Nights” sound design and ADR/dialog work is coming along great! We hope to have a premiere in December before Christmas. April 1st is the worldwide release date for the film to home video. The initial response from retailers has been great.
DJ Perry as Jesus in “40 Nights”
Casting calls for both “Chasing the Star” and “Wild Faith” can be found on IMDB casting. This process is well underway and we have seen some great talent.
We will be announcing a once a month CDI movie night that will be at Sanctuary Spirits in Grand Ledge, MI. We will be kicking off this month I believe on Sept 24th with the smoky Mountain western “Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town” on the big screen.
Sir Kallio stalks in “Knight Chills”
“Knight Chills” the book and movie combo will be coming together for a winter release. This is all to get things ready for the production of “Knight Chills II” with shoot dates TBD.
I’m reviewing a deal now for our soundtracks to become available for purchase and I’m excited to have them in my collection.
We have had so much good business flowing and we are streamlining and preparing for a great 2016. I’ve got a few studio/network acting products coming together as many of you know. Just keep working smart and good things will come.
Keep clawing your way to the middle!
DJ
New BESTSELLER Showings, Apples and Announcements
Good afternoon fine people. I hope everyone is having a relaxing day. This week was busy with several things happening on many fronts. Some weeks tend to flow and some weeks feel like white water rafting. I think the holiday last Monday and helping a family member out put everything I had to do on just a few days. We did a new tweak on our previous 5.1 sound mix of BESTSELLER for the start of our theatre run. We also had to fix a credit and add our buddy Joe Carter who helped us grip. Let’s take one of my mistakes and use it to illustrate a lesson.
OH NO JOE
We stay organized at CDI with several processes that include standards in development, pre-prod, production and post. You MUST hire people who are accountable for decisions, spending, attitude, quality and take pride in their overall work. Our cast and crew lists are moved through the system from pre-prod to production. This info is used on film databases, websites, office and administration. We added Joe after we had started shooting and he fell off a list. Every film we’ve ever made – after all the hardship of taking so many layers of media and trying to tell the best story possible – the dreaded credits. Patterns have told me that you almost miss someone/thing always. If not a miss a misspelling. So on the way to the BESTSELLER premiere my girl asks me who might be there that she knows. I start reading some names off IMDB to her and I get to grips and ask myself where Joe is? WHO? She has no idea. I explain that Joe is a nice guy who works up North on productions and was added to help grip. He had even brought apples one day and was just an all-around good guy. He and I had several talks on Michigan and filmmaking. So, no data base credit means there is a good chance that…end credits!
TEXT TO MELISSA ANSCHUTZ:) Is Joe Carter in the end credits?
She doesn’t recall seeing his name. She recalls the nice grip who brought us all apples! (HEY Joe knows old school – like bringing a teacher an apple. Who doesn’t love a good apple?)
I feel bad. I really had thought that we had dodged that credit monkey that tries to always ride your back. It was easier in the early days with the 3 man Mike Kallio gorilla crew being chased out of a graveyard filming. I looked at the new MAD MAX credits last night – CRAP! Whose job is it to check those credits? DOH!
SHOW MUST GO ON:)
I’m told that you can’t let one thing ruin a good night. I find myself wishing hard that Joe could not make this show. Bad thing to say but honest – I don’t want anyone to be that guy watching the end scroll with family/friends and your name never appears. (So…you said you were gone on a film set for 3 weeks – right:) Just kidding. So honestly, I thought maybe Joe had missed our showing but my buddy Tony Hornus told me – Joe was there. With friends. He drove 3 hours. He noticed his name was not in credits.
Double DOH!
I contacted Joe first thing that next morning. He was very good about it. No poison apples. Well it’s now fixed and re-rendered from when we made the film for the DCP. It required hours from many of us including myself but well worth it.
The point of the story? PRODUCTION: Check harder. Maybe that last once over. (As if that will stop Murphy’s Law) and Cast/Crew – Have patience when mistakes are made. Finishing a film can be exhausting. We’ve even started working end credits in advance to get fresher eyes upon them.
BESTSELLER 5.1 and Credits T
The good news is after watching the film several times – I still enjoyed the film. I am enjoying watching people laugh at jokes and be frightened in all the right places. I’m a person who can watch one of my films a few times and then I’m good. I do go back and view occasionally on some anniversary or special occasion of a film. I do like when I find a random TV play of one of our films.
OK! So Grand Rapids is up next for BESTSELLER. June 5th is the kick off at Woodland Celebration Cinema, GR, Michigan showing. I will be there with some of the cast and crew (including Chris Knight aka Johnathan Rand) for a Q&A after. It will run for a week at that theater. It is Not Rated but I would considered it R maybe PG-13 – so not bringing young kids would be the best call.
Grand Rapids, MI
SHOW TIMES
This week I did get some good script writing done. We had some good development talks and are currently looking at CDI’s production slate for remaining 2015/2016.
“40 NIGHTS” is getting close to a 1st edit with director Jesse Low. I’m been working on some biz paperwork for licensing on that film. It seems you will be able to get lots of items in conjunction with that film. And I encourage you to buy all of it:) I want a “40 Nights” COFFEE CUP. Here would be my slogan “A day without coffee feels like 40 NIGHTS!” – Cool:) Do I have a coffee sponsors yet?
Paperwork came in last week to license some of our films to a TV network. We will announce some of that in the coming weeks. HINT- You can see Steven Sutherland, Dean Teaster, Melissa Anschutz, Mary Jo Cuppone, Dax Spanogle, Burt Johnson and others on TV. (Some again) It will also include the amazing efforts of some civilian and military folks making a true difference.
I’m sure I have more updates in me but I have a family member’s graduation party to attend. So I’m going to say goodbye and go get ready. I hope you all have a great day.
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 