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

Posts tagged “Movie”

Show Me & I’ll Show You – Plus Distribution Updates

I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee and the sounds of geese and morning birds are singing. Yesterday I got the back yard all mowed up and today we are working on the flooring of the office/fort. The pond, the garden (which has its first bean sprouts) – all these natural wonders that I try to surround myself with as I go through my day-to-day. Yesterday also included a meeting over ASHES OF EDEN distribution on a patio with sushi. I’m happy to say we have our first distribution offers on national domestic on the table. Now comes a process of looking at pros and cons and looking at our entire battle plan.  We also have some foreign interest that could turn into solid offers very soon. One of the things I felt really good about was the comments that they gave on the production value that they stated was extremely high. They deal with a 100 films a week in submissions and it was a great nod to all our artists. You have to find folks with the talent and inspire them to give their absolute best. Every time I hear ACTION! I give nothing but my very best. It doesn’t matter if I’m being paid $1,000 or $10,000 you still give it all. When a group of artists all do the same thing the results can be well…

“BESTSELLER” is a great example of REPEAT! Not a crime drama but a dark thriller but same breed of passionate artists who again are inspired to turn out quality. The 1st trailer has gotten lots of exposure and the 1st distribution interest. We now have our shot list of pick ups and that will be budgeted and we will schedule this one day pick up. I’ve been getting myself back into my previous role and I’m excited to play Mr. Franklin one more time. It will be nice to be up North and see friends again while completing our art. Our music and sound design deal is in place and we are ready to bring this one home by years end. Look for a fall premiere!

Advice taken from my dealings – If you’ve made a deal on something in writing don’t try to re-visit in the 11th hour. Also live by what the final deal is. Example – I knew a writer/director/filmmaker who was submitting around a business summary. In it was a bio whereas the filmmaker had himself credited as a Co-Producer on some large projects. So I had people vetting (background check) this person and nowhere could these credits be found. As I sincerely liked this person I confronted them about this. His response was about ghost writing and a verbal on a co-producer credit…blah, blah… I told him that nobody knows all that drama and if that was the deal it should have been put in writing and done deal. When someone cross checks and they don’t see a credit on a film, movie/poster billing block they just see a liar. Don’t be that person. Many won’t care about you enough to even bring it up but if you are trying to get someone involved and they find false info – look to be rejected. This also applies to name dropping. If I had a dollar for every time someone name dropped and I know the person – I mean can call them – I would have a nice handful of cash. Just be real. I’ve read websites whereas they encourage people to try underhanded tactics. Actor wants footage – get to know the editor. HINT: An editor that releases footage without production permission is open to being fired, sued and black-balled. Nice advice website – and the actor could get the same treatment. I’ve never worked with an editor that foolish but I guess they exist. Actors desperate enough to try it – ah many…but don’t. Patience. You are not part of a hobby 48 hour film short contest. These are business ventures with marketing and distribution plans and lots of money on the line. You want your footage while the film is still being edited go do a student film. That is what they are for but I’m just saying actors – be wise.

I had a nice talk with a director over a comedy film. We talked schedule and such and it may work out. But you want to sincerely connect. Initially I was talked to about two roles. The script was sent after I did a sketch read – meaning a few choice lines NOT 14 pages. They will not invest giving me a script until they like my reels or a sketch read. If they like that I ask for a full script. Why? Because if I don’t like the full script or think it will turn out poorly  I would rather work in the garden instead. Ask to see a directors reel – they want to see yours. It’s a two-way street. Now if you like the script make sure you connect with a character. Back to that example – after reading the script one role didn’t feel right to me. The other I really felt I could bring something to the role. I’ve often chosen a supporting role after being offered the lead because it fit better. So I’m not sure if it was a surprise but when I said I would not play the one lead role even if offered I think it strengthened my given interest in the second role. It wasn’t a game I was dead serious. I want them to make a good film. I want to perform a great role. It all has to fit together. Some people will take anything just to belong and I’m just not about that. When I sign on I bring all my energy with it. I don’t take that lightly.

These are all elements I try to use in my own productions I supervise and I think that is what helps direct these projects towards quality. Throwing a name actor in a wrong role makes others stand up and notice the mess of a film you created. Make a strong film and use that name actor wisely where they are proud of the work and they will always be there for you.

OK. Refill on my coffee and I’m going to get ready for food and fort/office work. We have a soccer match tomorrow and the sun will be shining. Have a great weekend with family and friends.

DJ

 

June 7, 2014 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Social Media Pros & Cons, Policy and Premieres

Another week down and the first signs of spring are showing despite the 2 days snowstorm that we had. I’m sipping my coffee and reflecting back on the week which was highlighted by the fact that I got an oak roll top desk for the house. I’ve got my office in full swing but I still wanted a place to work from in the house. I found one I liked and was offered a deal I could not turn down especially because it included drop off delivery. Let’s see what advice I can try to give before getting into updates.

SOCIAL MEDIA FUNDRAISING

We call this “tin can” shaking for handouts. We at CDI keep a policy of not supporting these campaigns in part because I know so many aspiring filmmakers that if I supported one we would be expected to support them all. Second, I don’t think this really helps develop business skills in filmmakers. Some of these campaigns allow people to keep money even if the full amount is not raised. I think this is the worst violator because I see people who every two months they have a new campaign for a new project. They set an unreasonable goal and when movie X doesn’t fund they cash out that account and move onto movie Y and movie Z and none of them ever get done but people give and people take. It reminds me of people on the corner with a sign and cup. Best situation would have been to budget properly, manage budget correctly and do it all on the business level. Now others might use it as an addition to a budget raised sometimes for post funds and sometimes for “marketing”. That to me is where it gets tricky. If marketing is giving money so a group can travel, party and try to get a pat or two on the back, I can’t support that. Now perhaps if it was a reasonable amount to create screeners and postage to send to distributors maybe but even that perhaps should have been planned on ahead of time. I just know a few people who were put in uncomfortable positions because of these campaigns. I think this would not sit well with investors either because if you can raise a set amount of money you can start to repay capital investment. I always say, a LIKE doesn’t = a BUY and when the family and friends finish giving money – the well dries up and usually only 10%-25% has been raised but that money will get used anyway. Note the project isn’t any closer to getting into the marketplace. Also if you promise perks and that is dependent upon raising ALL the money what happens when only a small % is raised? It all can lead to disappointed campaign backers, investors and potentially hurt the reputation of those who supported and/or endorsed it. You just have to be careful who or what you endorse and so the policy of not doing this works well for us. Bring a business plan and you never know. But if I’m giving away money it will be to the homeless vet with a disability versus a party fund for filmmakers.

Now onto some updates –

– As a recent PR release pointed out “Darkest Night” will release into Germany, Austria and Switzerland on March 28th. This is the 3rd release to those territories and we are currently working on getting more of our titles into this territory and many others.

– We are working on getting the CDI library organized with everything digitized for future delivery.

– The “Donors” film is completed and we are looking at a premiere in Yuma, AZ before going to our distributors.

– We’re also looking at doing another film that would be based in AZ again. We are getting very close to releasing some info on this project. Right now talks with distributors are underway and a few are already on board. Some early casting on IMDB has begun and I’ve been looking at a LOT of reels. Sorry but NO reel NO consideration. Young children can be an exception once in a while but experience gets 1st looks.

– First draft of a script that I’ve hired to write is complete and I’ve been doing a second pass and polish. CDI will also be producing it and so I’ve been having some great talks about distribution on it already. Stay tuned!

– These distributor talks have extended over to ASHES OF EDEN which is VERY close to being done and we will have some possible news on the premiere next week. BESTSELLER’s 1st CUT is being reviewed and notes gathered for the second pass at month’s end. Both of these films have distributors excited to review and they will without question find a home. I’m excited for audiences to enjoy the storytelling. Also THE TERRORIST is moving into sound design and music after a final edit polish.

– A theatrical showcase of CDI and CDI associated films is happening in the Detroit area. We are finalizing the deal and looking at a line up that will include weekly showings. If you ever wanted to watch the entire CDI library on a big screen this could be your opportunity. This type of program is also in talks to happen in the near future in the Lansing area. We will have a good template to follow once this Detroit deal is complete. Look for PR on this soon!

– CDI TV is making some small steps but those could turn into major strides mid year. Again stay tuned!

– Some incredible talks this past week with a studio that we’re in talks of doing ongoing business with. I’m starting to send packages for evaluation this week. I’m also being talked to about participating as an actor in a few of their films. So I will be transitioning into some studio level films for acting but I am doing via the producer path instead of the actor/agent…path. I see big things on the horizon and I’m honored that they want to bridge a deal. This is also a nod to all the artists who I work with who know how to follow through and collaborate as professionals. Those cast and crew that work with CDI know our sights are set high and we work hard to achieve it. I have patience and will do this right. I refuse to cut corners or step on people to get where I need to go. I hear the horror stories weekly and I say it again, be cautious in who you choose to work with. Two weeks due diligence can save two years litigation. If it sounds too good to be true it usually is. Be smart.

I’m sure I’ve missed a few things but I’m ready to get on with my day so thank you again for your support in following my blog. I was recently made aware of how many followers I have from all over the world. I’m humbled and hope some of these reflections can help you on your own path. Dream but also be prepared to work hard to make those dreams happen.

DJ

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March 15, 2014 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

BESTSELLER Week 2 Wrap Up

I’m sipping some hazelnut coffee and relaxing a few back at the condo before we go into our last day of the week on BESTSELLER. http://www.bestsellerthemovie.com  The film is the current thriller that CDI is producing and I’m co-starring in. I have to say we have been earning our pieces of footage each and every day via hard work and cooperation. Petoskey in late October has a bite for sure. We have some great artists working on the film and they are being challenged daily. I think several are more experienced in shorts and commercial and so the challenge here is just the endurance challenge. This is further out to sea than most have traveled. This is a shorter voyage for me and not in a far away place but it will leave a newly seasoned crew better suited for feature work. Most all the keys have fought the feature-length challenges and so they are showing the way. I had 3 days straight of high intensity and yesterday my voice was all Eastwood and rough. We are moving to interiors for our last day of the week and I only have one major talking scene so that will help recovery. I will use Sunday to additionally rest the pipes.  Overall I think this will be my strongest thriller produced to date.

I am just off the phone with our post supervisor and things are really sounding great with “Ashes of Eden” and I could not be happier. That will be exiting just as “Bestseller” is entering. I’m excited to bring both these projects to audiences worldwide. I’ve got other film things in motion and will have more to update you all on once I get a few more pieces in place. In the meantime I have an accounting meeting and have to get ready for tonight’s shooting. After that one more week and it will be a wrap. Have a great weekend and stay warm if you are in the midwest. Thank you Canada for all that cold air coming our way. I will appreciate that when I’m freezing in the water next week. Lastly, go MSU:)

DJ

October 26, 2013 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Ship Into Port

Today will be the last day of our ASHES OF EDEN journey. It has been an incredible journey filled with one powerful performance after another. It has also been captured by a very talented crew. I’ve had my patience tried once or twice over minor issues but all those things fade. What we will be left with is a story that is a testimony to what we cast & crew did this last quarter of 2012. I was surrounded by some of my old warriors and new ones. We attacked each day riding on the enthusiasm from the day before. What is great is that now the holidays are upon us and we can all rest knowing a job well done. The post process will begin with editing and move into music and sound with my supervisor Dennis Therrian.  This will be a great experience putting this story together.

The VOD (Video on Demand) sites for “Deadly Renovations” are starting to pop up. “Book of Ruth” in Meijer stores now and I think Wal-Mart also. Tonight is a big showing of “Benjamin” in NYC at the Big Apple Film Festival. I thought it was last week but that is because I was in some odd time warp and got my days mixed up. I’m excited for that whole team of artists that busted in the record NYC heat to capture that film. I wish I could be there with all of you but I know it will be well received.

The old FORT/office is sold. The new FORT office is built and most of the furnishings are there now just packed up. This week it will be about organizing everything. We are still doing the walls in a few places so that limits what can be placed but by 2013 it will be a fully functional Deathstar:)

I’m off to go prep the final payroll today and off to set to hand them out. After that I’m back to Ionia for the night to help breakdown and oversee the production breakdown. The ship will be in the port and it will be time to secure it and unload our precious cargo.

Have a great weekend!

DJ

November 17, 2012 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

“Darkest Night” Announces US Distribution Tonight & More…

It is the end of a long day and I’m tired. I’ve been doing some major moves on three different fronts. I’m packing up the old office, finishing stuff on the new office and prepping to go into high gear next week before we start filming Oct 29th. Today the final window went in and so it is all enclosed. Oak staircase being put in now and it looks great. I love the rustic and it has that charm. It has been odd packing up all the things at the old Fort but the new office is a big improvement. All day it has also been back and forth on casting, crewing, accounting, flights and prepping for day one of the production office. There will be some PR releases on new cast. We have some new sponsors coming on board as well. More ASHES OF EDEN updates soon.

Tonight in San Fran at the FACINE festival we are having the 1st public US screening of “Darkest Night”! There will be an announcement there which should excite the fans following this film. Next week a PR release will go out on this as well. Also look for some news on “Donors”! “Locked in a Room” also will be announcing our distribution very soon! So excited to have this rolling out to you.

Also it looks like a pair of our biblical films will be rolling into production. A lot of back and forth on that and I still need to read the most recent draft of one of the scripts for “Rachel” (working title). We are locking the “Ashes of Eden” script and it goes to printer tomorrow. It is great to now be able to read and visualize many of the actors. Boy! We have some real talent stepping up on this film. Watch IMDB.com to see who our in front of and behind the camera team consists of.

I’ve had many small trials and tribulations over the last week or so but I am flowing. I’m just trying to do what I can – where I can and not be unmotivated by what I cannot effect at this time. I’m excited to be riding out the year in and around my home town. I’m excited for the holidays that will soon fall upon us and allow us time with our family and friends.

Okay I’m off to catch a few Zzzzzzzzz’s!

Enjoy the weekend!

DJ

October 21, 2012 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

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