Random Update Tidbits
Hello artists! A busy week behind us and now the weekend is in full force. I’ve been looking into the possibility of building a new office at the house. Fort Perry is currently my office of solitude and I do truly love it. I’m exploring the new building as a way to upgrade all that to the next level. The garden is in and we are seeing the first signs of new growth. In a while we will be blessed with a bounty of fresh veggies. This week was much better than the previous week in terms of communication and getting stuff done. Let’s look at a few of the new updates.
June 13th is the big date this coming week with both a distributor screening of “Darkest Night” with Russ William’s arrival in the USA this weekend. Also that evening on Lake Michigan another screening event for “7 Stones” the action/drama that I was informed won the 2012 Overall Telly Award. I’m thinking that will help our TV licensing. It is a powerful drama and I’m happy for all the artists associated with it. Tickets for that showing at http://www.3rdcoastfilm.com
This week also had us working with the distributor to finalize artwork on “Deadly Renovations” that will release nationally on Aug. 7th. The other producer Charles and I have also been putting the final touches on a script that is on our associated slate. Also “Donors” (Same folks) should be releasing that trailer soon to audiences.
Among the random update tidbits – Commercial sales CDI meetings this coming week so I hope to get a few commercial crews working here soon. We might have a few feature film’s in pre-prod soon which will be nice. Distribution deal negotiation will continue over the next couple weeks. I also should be announcing a few acting roles soon. We have been discussing business on them and are close to agreements on them. Some good talks on our 1800’s films that are complete after the success of History Channel’s “Hatsfield & McCoys”.
OK. Lunch. Garden work and assembly of the new smoker. Sunday is another soccer match and after last week’s tie-game we are looking for a victory. I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.
DJ
Actors – Doors Open & Doors Close
Welcome one and all to the Sat. ramblings of “Clawing my Way to the Middle”!!! All of us here in the Michigan are ready for Spring to come and despite the chill it is starting to look like Spring is coming. I have been looking at acting projects while we continue to develop new CDI projects. I will speak on ACTORS and try to give a few new updates.
Actors – for some production companies/producers/directors the talent is not given the respect it is due. This is the other-side of the coin from whereas I came down hard on Diva-like attitudes with actors. Many actors are artists willing to fully commit and bring a character from the page. I’ve seen lately whereas many production teams focus on all the other elements of the film and lastly – Oh! Yeah! The talent. I’ve seen where productions are more than willing to spend a few extra dollars on production costs but will skimp on talent needs or basics. I work both sides of the fence and I know about costs but if the performances are bad the film is bad no matter how well it is lit, edited or shot. The other factor that plays in is distribution. If a production would spend that extra to get names that are of appeal and interest to distribution that is a responsible choice for investors and at least gets the film into the market. I can name a dozen films off the top of my head that were made and never got distribution. You can collect festival cheers but that doesn’t assure distribution. I just think when choices are being made on where to cut cost it should not always come from talent. As for talent – don’t accept scraps. Sometimes it is best just to say no to such offers that really just press upon the talent. I had a deal that was in talks not long ago and the artist and businessman were in conflict with one another. The artists wants to wear the role and bring it to life and the businessman pays the bills. On this one deal we were coming from two different places and after the plug was pulled – a new script/offer came in two hours later. Sometimes you have to let it go despite what the artist says. Sometimes this door close is what will allow that new door to open. You can than move on to a project where you are appreciated and never look back. It just might be meant to be.
This week had many good meetings on projects of ours that are developing. Feel free to look at http://www.cdiproductions.com and look at the new updates that took place last week. I’ve been reading scripts and I’m still not caught up yet. I’ve been reading projects shooting in the April-May time frame. This month I’m not sure if I’ll go back in front of the camera but I will say I’ve got the itch. I’m looking for that exciting script, perfect character that just speaks to me and comes with the right deal.
I want to give a shout to friend Amy Poggi who started an essential oil line called Aziza World Fragrances – another sponsor to CDI. Next week more press releases will come out on “Deadly Renovations” which is primed and ready for its debut at the Hong Kong film market. Russ Williams is overseeing the final stages of “Darkest Night”. Same situation with “7 Stones” and I’ve seen a peek at the “Donors” film site that will launch soon. It looks great! I’m still waiting on details for the May Michigan “Locked in a Room” screening(s).
I hope you all have a great day.
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 