It is a beautiful Saturday in Michigan and today is a good rest after a busy, busy week. I’m excited that I’ve been able to enjoy grilling and chilling outside. We had venison burgers and mushrooms last night. It’s been a couple of weeks driving hard towards our final goals while not being distracted by other distracting variables. I was witness to a few examples of drama this past week but avoided any participation. Drama, except when on the screen is something I try to avoid. It’s one of those distractions that often derails or delays people from their goals. I’ve gotten good at not falling into these traps. I will illustrate a few examples to perhaps help some of you out there. IF you think I’m talking about you – I’m likely not but you might be one of these people just for thinking that:)
The Power of Positivity
Some people just have broken, clouded, paranoid, delusional filters around them. You could say just about anything to them and they will pull an insult, attack or some negative slant from the communication. These poor souls will have a hard go of it in life/business until they reach some self realization. I’ve had previous business/personal relationships terminated because of these same issues. Insecurity, self-doubt and other self-defeating attributes can only be healed by the individual. They need to somehow learn to stop feeding their own negativity. I only allow those types X amount of time to figure themselves out or they are dismissed. I have more patience in personal vs professional. They often have to learn on their own where they cannot influence others with their drama. Unfortunately, this dismissal often creates even more negativity as these people seldom can accept blame. It’s ALWAYS someone else:) The world is against them. A self made pattern that these people are amazingly blind to.
Emails, text and written communication is worse. These individuals cannot tell directness from sarcasm and so forth. They project their own insecurities on the words. I’ve seen people refuse to compromise because they see that as weakness. What could have been fruitful on-going business relationships becomes one and done. Often these people are stricken with mis-directed anger that comes forth as spite and hate. Nasty venom from forked tongues that once spewed you cannot take back.
Others swallow their own poison – never venting on others but compounding their failure. If you’re downtrodden and negative because nobody will invest in your dream project it only makes it worse. People invest in positive people. If you carry negativity within yourself you will not inspire others to believe in your dreams. I call these people CHARLIE BROWNS. If you’re constantly complaining POOR ME and HO HUM on social media walls – you paint a picture of someone nobody would or should invest in. I see so much pitiful self bashing as much as I see hatred towards others. I see artists who don’t realize that some choices are just different versus better. I’ve seen people with no qualifications judge others. Those people who stand alone in their own glass house and foolishly throw rocks at others. It’s only a matter of time before they find themselves cut and broken in their own ruins of a shattered glass house. I’m happy to say in these situations I witnessed- I stayed in silence and focused upon the important work at hand. But I see these toxic behaviors around me and it doesn’t surprise me when these people implode. Be happy, positive and productive. I truly would love to see these people change but only they control themselves.
The HUMBLE FIGHTER
All this leads also to the topic of tonight’s “fight of fights” GET READY TO RUMBLE! I was a fan of boxer Manny PacMan prior to filming in the Philippines. But after seeing how he has helped his nation with his success and how they honor him – my respect for him grew. He is a humble, spiritual warrior who gives his all each and every time. He has a depth of spirit that reminds me of Bruce Lee, another childhood hero of mine. Now, Mister Floyd can fight for sure but he really seems to have an ugly demeanor and messed up priorities. I hope he gets taught a lesson that money can’t save him from. This example can apply to successful people in our film business. Wear success like a humble hat. People will respect that much more.
Onto film updates!
ASHES OF EDEN Oct. 6th is the new wide release. We are closer to announcing some west coast theatrical play dates. Stay tuned!
BESTSELLER – It is being final mastered!
LIVE IN MICHIGAN? Do you want to see the 1st public showing of BESTSELLER in a cool historic theater? I will be there as well as many of the cast and crew. Info on how to get your tickets below.
MOVIE PREMIERE
“BESTSELLER”
BASED ON A NOVEL WRITTEN BY
CHRISTOPHER KNIGHT
MAY 23, 2015
7:00pm
$10.00 per person for viewing only
$20.00 per person for viewing and a DVD copy of the show
$30.00 per person for viewing, DVD and Backstage Meet & Greet
TICKETS
https://www.theoperahouse.org/tickets.php
“BESTSELLER” IS INTENDED FOR A MATURE AUDIENCE.
“40 Nights” – Post work is underway and this week we released our 1st Official Teaser poster.
NEW interview link below that gives some great insight into the filming of “40 Nights” – Interview by David W. King. Thank you my friend.
http://www.gardenoftheking.com/InterviewDJPerry40Nights.htm
THE TERRORIST – is also DONE. I need to watch my producers link of the final film. It will start playing for distributors in the weeks ahead.
WASTELAND Tales of the Desert Part 1 – We will have an official poster soon and I will let you all know where you can see this film play.
To bring this full circle – “Don’t HATE, CREATE! The secret is to keep moving forward and not being distracted by all the silliness that some individuals can create. Pull them like weeds from your garden and watch what grows.
I had one reader ask me about the film “IT FOLLOWS” – It was shot in Michigan and my brother watched it and liked it. I don’t think they reinvented the wheel with it but it IS a positive step for distributors to seek independent product. Radius, the distributor – is owned by the Weinsteins who build their company on a handful of indie directors. I would love to see more companies with P&A $ take a limited chance on some strong indie films. So, I think this was a good thing and big congrats to that cast and crew.
I’m going to go work in the yard some so have a great weekend.
DJ
May 2, 2015 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: 40 Nights, Ashes of Eden, Bestseller, Bruce Lee, burgers, business, charlie brown, Christopher Wright, David W. King, delusional, distributors, DJ Perry, drama, DVD, emails, film, garden, goals, hate, interview, It Follows, Manny, Michigan, mushrooms, Opera House, PacMan, paranoid, Phillippines, poison, positivity, power, premiere, saturday, screen, souls, texts, the terrorist, traps, venison, wasteland, Weinsteins | Leave a comment
NOTE: I made it back to the blog. I had most of this written this morning at 8:30 am but the distraction of errands got me. We had bathroom tile work and major leaf clean up….but the upside…Beer smoked chicken, corn on the cob, salad…and you get my point. So I’ve returned even if it is now 12 hours later.
The last few days have been beautiful outside here in Michigan. I ended my week with a marketing meeting over the upcoming BESTSELLER thriller that will release next month. It was discussions centered on projectors, DVD release parties and the theatrical runs. We are near the end of post production and I’m very happy with the product we have. I’m sure audiences will feel the tension throughout this film.
I think one of the great strength’s we’ve had as a company is a strong composer. Many young filmmakers put a focus on camera and visuals but often acting and sound/music becomes almost secondary. A film score has thematic threads that run through it and pulls it all together. It’s like the final breath into the clay that brings it all to life. We’ll have our final listen through next week with Chris Knight, our EP/author. From there we master up the DVD and get the film ready for projection. We’re having a media showing May 9th so if you’re in the Michigan area and want an invite email me perrydj@aol.com and following that is the premiere on May 23rd in beautiful Northern Michigan. Both showings are at Historic Opera House.
History of the Opera House
The Opera House, originally constructed in 1877, played an important role in the history of the colorful lumbering era in Northern Michigan. Twice ravaged by fires and rebuilt in 1888 and 1903, the facility now harmoniously houses its original combination of City Hall, Police Department, Fire Department and the 582 seat Opera House. In 1984, after having been closed for some twenty years, the elegantly restored Opera House re-opened its doors to the public once more. Managed by the Cheboygan Area Arts Council, with the support of The Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, this acoustically superb, Victorian theatre has become the focal point for entertainment and the performing arts in the Straits of Mackinaw area and beyond.
Ordering for the Premiere-
I think you can order tickets even now from their website but the ads for this will start next week. It will be a fun showing for sure. I’m proud that we took a book written by this very talented author and with some talented film artists created this motion picture. Stay tuned for some exciting updates including new poster art, trailers and more. Chris Knight wrote a strong thriller on BESTSELLER and I think we did a good job of adapting that to a film. We will see what others say next month.
“40 Nights” is solidly in post-production now. Editing has begun and we are weeks away from 1st looks teaser on the film. Also we’re slightly adjusting our title font so we have had a short halt on picture release while we adjust that. As stated earlier we will also have product licensing going on- so in the near future some great products associated with this film will roll out.
“Wasteland, Tales of the Desert Part 1” and “The Terrorist” have also been completed. So I will know more on when and where showings on those two films. I heard “Dead Quiet” is still moving down the post trail. It still ranks #1 on coldest day shoot for me in Pontiac and the drive to set that one day was epic in itself. MADMAX IN WINTER.
This week also had me putting in some work on a new script. I’m working on this script to collaborate with director Anthony (Tony) Hornus on. I like the role I would play and I think it would be fun to work with Tony again. This role would be strong but it also will allow several other talents to really shine in powerful dramatic roles.
KNIGHT CHILLS 2 had some good progress made just before I went to Yuma, AZ. This project is moving forward as the script develops. I think it would be a nice tip-of-the-hat, nod – coming full circle to see this 1st CDI film get a follow up. We’ve grown so much as a company and as artist it would be fun to revisit that world with all we know now.
Still no word on TANGY GUACAMOLE 2 – Still Tangy – Stan Reed says, call me!
I’m just smiling because I’ve got many things going on – crazy busy. But we are working focused and action lists are being checked off. I like the direction of these projects. Many are finishing. The cool part for me is that we are once again entering the “what’s next ??”- phase. We’ve got several projects with various degree of development on them. We also have a new deal to deliver two more biblical era films. We’ll get back to the sandals soon enough – it may be time to tell a few other stories first.
I’m getting the garden ready and prepping the yard for the year ahead. Soccer season is upon us and that is wonderful. I’m going to enjoy finishing out these films and getting them released. So prepare to be thrilled, chilled and entertained. I’ve heard from a few fans of ASHES OF EDEN this week. We’re working hard to set up a few AZ theatrical screenings before the wide home video release.
Final Words…
Keep pushing towards your goals. Enjoy your down time with family and friends. Shut down and recharge your batteries when required. Relax and visualize, it is a powerful tool. Every film starts as a thought and it always amazes me when we finish one.
Childhood Inspiration
I have to say that as a young child who was enchanted by Star Wars in 1977 – who was lured into the art of pretend by playing Han Solo with friends. It feels good to be excited about the whole Star Wars experience again. This new trailer really brought me back to where it all started. It is timely because with our upcoming “40 Nights” that was the goal. I wanted to tell a “heroes journey” like what I saw on the screen with that 1st 1977 Star Wars film. I decided to make Jesus and his quest of forty nights into my heroes journey. I have to give it to my my director Jesse Low and my DP amigo Jesse Smooth. (Also known as Jesse Aragon) These two fine artists truly captured that heroic vibe. I really feel that everyone involved with that project will be proud to have their name on it. Okay. I’m going to sink into BLACK SAILS. A most excellent TV show. Have a great weekend.
DJ
April 18, 2015 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: 1977, 40 Nights, arts, Ashes of Eden, author, bathroom, Bestseller, biblical, black sails, Cheboygan, chicken, Chris Knight, corn, dead Quit, DVD, film, filmmakers, font, Han Solo, kids, knight chills, knight chills2, licensing, Mackinaw, madmax, Michigan, morning, Opera House, score, Star Wars, tangy 2, terrorist, wasteland, Yuma | 1 Comment
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 