Today is a fine Michigan morning sipping coffee and chatting with all of you. This is the first week in December and what change a week can bring. We’re expecting our first real snow that sticks today. That was one of the favorite days for our eldest dog Joplin that has passed on. We went out and got a beautiful tree yesterday and the other animals love it. I think that bringing of nature into people’s lives and living rooms is a good thing. Thankfully, my tooth issue has passed with a bill of health from the dentist. Hard to believe that little seed stumbled me up so bad. Like a thorn in the paw – I was humbled by it. Without that pain – I was able to finish lots of winterizing. Also got my ride ready for the winter and so let it snow, let it snow – let it snow.
This week saw lots of business moving forward in post, development and distribution work. I was happy to see “Christmas Miracle at Sage Creek” playing Netflix. “Figure in the Forest” played UpLift this past week. On iTunes we saw listings for “40 Nights” and “Bestseller” both film and soundtracks. Tis the season for family’s and friends to gather round and be entertained. Let’s look at a few of the updates this week.
The Quest Trilogy
“40 Nights” is prepping for a NEW 2017 release including foreign sales. We’ve had more attention brought to this film from reviewers and word-of-mouth. Paperwork is close to being signed so I can share some new updates. Patience:)
40 Nights Trailer
“Chasing the Star” trailer has been well received and the film is moving towards being finished. We’ve started working credit sequences and we’ll be looking at theatrical and event showings to follow our premiere. We need to reach out again but I think we’ll do another AZ premiere with Champion Church.
Trailer
The last chapter of the trilogy “The Christ Slayer” will start to make some announcements in the next couple weeks. We’re very excited to conclude this powerful series of stories.
WILD FAITH
Now 100% in the can (or on the harddrives) and editing is underway. We’ve been rolling behind-the-scenes photos both on social media and our website.
I have been working a bit on the outline for the series. I think it would be a great opportunity to tell an ongoing story of the challenges of the Murphy family and the community of 1870’s Hastings, MI.
I’ve been looking about at literary agents to assist in selling some of the script properties that I don’t plan to produce. I’ve also been back to doing some writing in my quiet time. I do enjoy the process and I’ve been thrilled watching “40 Nights,” “Chasing the Star,” and “Wild Faith” go from imagination to the page to the screen. I LOVE watching the words, scene and world come to life.
I’m going to cut things here, fill the coffee cup and prepare to decorate the tree while watching our LIONS go to battle again on the football field. I hope you all have a wonderful end to your weekend and a great week ahead.
That first wonderful sip of hazelnut coffee on a chilly morning is O’ so Good!
I returned from our N.C. trip which took me first to the mountains and the second to a city of cement. It was a good trip to take a breath between these films and get a view of where I want to go.
Melissa Anschutz and DJ Perry in BESTSELLER
“Bestseller”
While there in N.C. we saw the start of the national roll out on our thriller “Bestseller” and I encourage you to add this taunt thriller to your collection. If you are opposed to language and intense situations this film is not for you. If being scared while watching a film is your thing…
Following the capacity church event in Yuma, AZ at Champion Church (Seen above) The Good Shepherd Church in Beverly Hills, CA got their 1st watch of “40 Nights” on the big screen. I’m waiting to see how all that went but if it went anything like Yuma, I can imagine the experience. Do you want to license the film for an event? Reach out directly perrydj@aol.com or contact us via the http://www.40nightsthemovie.com page.
Additionally
We had an in-depth review by BIBLE BLOG and here is what they had to say.
This forthcoming week we’re finalizing artwork on “40 Nights” soundtrack. The beautiful score by the amazing Dennis Therrian will soon be for purchase. We’re also releasing a new promotional clip from the movie to help bring exposure. It will be a good week ahead.
“Chasing the Star” the second film in the QUEST TRILOGY
Editing has been underway as we push towards a first cut. We’ve also just reached an agreement to partner with CHOP & HUE to once again provide the opening into for our film. Also a teaser trailer and 1st official photos will be rolling out to social media and such in the days ahead.
We’ve also been having a few development meetings over upcoming projects. We know the third film in the trilogy “The Christ Slayer” will be shooting in the spring 2017. As for which projects move ahead this year we’re close to a few announcements there. It is Mother’s Day and I want to thank my mom for giving this dreamer the best childhood. That is what fueled all that I do now. I love you and I’m so happy to have you. To all of you out there remember those who brought you into this world with a dream of making the world better – we’re trying.
It is a slightly humid Saturday in Michigan. We had a good amount of rain which meant morel mushroom harvest but also lawn growth. Slightly behind on our garden but we do plants vs seeds most of the time. I’ve had a very busy week finishing up BESTSELLER and happy to have this film releasing. It’s a major thing to say, I’ll oversee a film. You are accepting someone else’s money. Now you can’t always predict market appeal but you must make a product worthy of market. We have a taunt thriller and I think it will catch on especially with vacation goers and fans of the genre. Watching this film in a dark cabin in isolated Michigan/Anywhere will make a few hearts beat fast. Once the film kicks into high gear it will have people on the edge of their seats. We learned this reaction to the film from our media showing. So I’m excited to now let others have this experience. The 23rd will be fun showing in the old historic theater which will also host the afterglow. So as DVD’s are being made and the event showing draws near – I’m starting to slowly relax. After the premiere I will be talking to interested distributors on BESTSELLER, THE TERRORIST and a few other projects.
In other Film News-
I’m awaiting offers on a few films for additional TV play. Business is going good on many fronts. I’m as busy as I want to be. That said, I have had a few film projects circling and they are acting projects. If the right deal comes together I might step into a new role. I’ve been working business on “40 Nights” as post editing continues. We are going to start putting some “40 Nights” marketing materials (trailers and such) together following our BESTSELLER premiere. “40 Nights” is a powerful story and I can’t wait to show this later in the year. As the 1st of 3 biblical films it is a great start off film. I’ve been putting together my outline for my follow up biblical-era script. I love that writing process.
Scripts-
With writing I’ve been working on two other new scripts pending my mood. I’ve also started to update an older script that almost got made. I had positive updates on a script of mine under option. It is moving along that studio slow process:) So in between all this crazy business I find my moments to just write.
I often get asked to give advice to filmmakers so I will try to drop some here…
BRANDING –
In days of old where resumes were the 1st step followed by interviews people were careful about what appeared ON their resume. In interviews people often wanted to be on their best behavior and say the right things – Why? To get employed.
Now social media has invaded every aspect of our lives. As someone who hires cast, crew, vendors and such…I do occasionally pop over to someones social media. It is the most revealing of people in my opinion. But if/when you pop over – you see people who wear their every insecurity, displeasure, angst and so on for the world to see it often plays against a person. EXAMPLES
If they whine over every decision not in their favor in a public fashion to try to lobby opinion – WE HEAR – DON’T HIRE
If they complain how on the edge with stress they are and how they’re not sure how much more they can take – WE HEAR – CAN’T HANDLE PRESSURE – POOR HIRE
If they complain about their fellow employees constantly – WE HEAR POOR SOCIAL SKILLS – PLAYS POORLY WITH OTHERS
Can’t catch up, frustrated, behind, blah, blah… WE HEAR POOR TIME MANAGEMENT
I can’t every catch a break. NEGATIVITY, INSECURITY…
Even if some of these things are true to you – why would you shine a light on your weak points in hopes of someone hiring you? I find the honesty refreshing but many of you are saying to people who hire – DON’T STOP HERE – DRAMA BOMB IN FULL ACTION
It isn’t even talking coming from behind people’s back this is FROM THE HORSE’S MOUTH as they use to say.
RUDE, VULGAR, HATEFUL – it just gets laid out there. Often in the same sentence with their disbelief that they can’t get hired or constantly get overlooked. Back in the day some people took competitive nature too far and bad mouthed others. But now people bad mouth themselves by how they represent themselves.
Hey! If you are independently wealthy and don’t need to be hired – Richard Branson can say whatever he wants. Cool. But if you are looking to get hired – consider presenting yourself professional. One buddy of mine occasionally works with kids but his posts are often off-color and with adult language. I like to swear at times without a doubt but not in a social media post. I don’t do it for shock value and feel public professional is better. I have films and fans of films – some that have adult language/violence and others that do not. I try to be respectful to audiences in general. My two cents. Just something for those of you trying to make a go at business endeavors to consider next time you want to let your fingers fly.
#$@@$#^$#& – OK. I’m going to get on with some other Saturday activities. We have another soccer match after having Mother’s Day off. I’m looking forward to that. I hope you all enjoy your weekend as well.
This morning was chilly here in Michigan with temps at 9 degrees and falling. But the blowing snow is even more crazy. I know that our friends on the far east coast are getting it much worse. This morning after a coffee warm up we went out and about. We like to go visit estate sales looking for antiques or collectibles for the house or my office. We’ve truly found some wonderful treasures and it also usually includes breakfast which is a nice bonus. We braved some crazy snow and found some great items. One thing for the office is a like-new professional rotating DVD holder. I will use that to store copies of some of my CDI films kept in the office. Also found a few antiques for the office porch. Add a few other items which begged to follow me home and the trip was an overall success.
Books are one of the things that I enjoy collecting at these sales. I enjoy the feeling and smell of the paper. Even as I work with my new script, I NEED the paper. I’ve had many people in our organization who want to go all digital with paperwork. It’s fine for moving data quickly but at the end of the day paper is tangible. If a drive crashes you could lose important docs unless you have many back ups. So yes, I’m old school in my love of paper. I am a fan of wood also which is what I tend to collect. Some of you might have seen the wooden hammer pic I posted last week. It’s indeed a prop of mine for our upcoming film.
Let’s discuss the new film…
I’m encouraged by legal – not to fully disclose on this film for about another week. I can say the LLC is formed. The bank account is now open. The documents are all in process and things are all coming together smoothly. We also have some interesting things happening with distribution. This film will have distribution signed before we shoot. We have had more than one company show interest in this new film. The deals being offered are getting more interesting and next week will reveal even more. So a bit more patience here please and in time all will be revealed.
POST WORK
WASTELAND, our associated CDI, Sci-Fi film is 80% done with editing on Part 1. A small teaser is about to release. First poster art is being completed. All exciting stuff!
BESTSELLER – We went into the studio and did a few small dialogue tweaks to enhance the quality of a line here or there. The visual is about locked now and following will be the color correction. Music is our next layer and as we move steadily towards the finish line lots of exciting updates will be coming.
THE TERRORIST may be fully finished next week. I have a call scheduled with our director but I think we are just about there.
DVD art on WICKED SPRING, ASHES OF EDEN and DONORS is moving towards being completed.
Theatrical, TV and foreign sales talks have been very steady. We’ve got a little commercial work in development. The work overall has been steady and I think following some upcoming meetings – we may have features launching back to back.
I also had some good talks with my management on upcoming acting projects. They’re happy for my next lead role and I’ve purposely kept my schedule open past March. They have several developing projects that they want me to participate in.
Aside from all that. Let me see. I caught up this week with a few filmmakers I’ve known for quite a while. Some collaboration was discussed but it was not the right fit for either of us. I told this particular individual that the great part is – “you don’t need us and we don’t need you.” So basically, when/if it does happen it’s because the project was the right fit.
On another front – I got a report that again someone (A filmmaker) was unhappy because CDI won’t support social crowd funding as it applies to filmmaking. We’ve got a polite policy in place on all that. If others are offended by that and offer negativity back – we will ignore them. Our beliefs on doing business obviously don’t match up. earlier I spoke of a talk whereas the business did not align. It was professional and this person left me with a “God Bless”. Now this other individual seemed like he came off rude and unprofessional.
My simple advice to him.
If you’ve got your own company you’re entitled to do as you see fit. If you want to beg for donations – great. Our investors, partners, distributors and such see social-funding actions as last-ditch efforts to get funding by a hobby filmmaker or someone pushing a project that nobody wants to invest in. NOW. Before those of you out there doing social funding get your knickers in knots – I’m not saying you have to agree with them, with me or our company policy. Do your own thing. Follow your own path. Good luck. May the force be with you. NEXT.
I’ve had a lot of communications recently about KNIGHT CHILLS 2. The script is moving along and I think fans of the first will get a healthy dose of what they so enjoyed the first time around. The film itself will be much stronger in regards to the production due to all the experience and advances in technology since 1997.
I hope everyone has a great weekend. Work steadily at whatever you’re building. Things happen less by chance and more as a result of hard work. If you want to get ahead you must move when others rest. Work when others play. When you work, work smart. Know your goals. Plan. Execute. Follow through. Keep trimming away those variables around you that are not sincere, supportive or loyal.
Hello everyone! I want to welcome our new readership from Greece. It has been a busy week here in the good old USA. I’m not going to touch the powder keg that is Michael Brown/police relations but I can say I’ve been a smart ass to the police as a teenager. I’ve been roughly questioned and searched BUT I’ve never hit or tried to take a gun away from a law enforcement officer. All actions have consequences some tragic and some with wonderful outcomes. Other high points this week – the new Star Wars trailer. I was an absolute Star Wars fanatic and I’ve said in many interviews that I got into acting largely because I wanted to be Han Solo when I was seven years old. I’m excited to play my 1st role this December in a Sci-Fi western “Wasteland” playing a shady space pirate type. I flatly refuse to accept the three prequels in my mythology of Star Wars. I think they were mostly poorly casted and some of the plot holes were too far for me to jump. A jedi-knight in my mind would have never left a poor women enslaved to a flying worm. Period. But I’m personally a fan off JJ (the new director) and with the old cast back I feel the excitement from when I was a child.
I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. I have great respect for Native American rights and therefore can’t fully attach myself to the traditional meaning of thanksgiving. You don’t accept help from your neighbor and one day decide to take his house. But the Natives have figured out the white man’s greed and casinos are a great revenge. Plus you can see Tom Jones sing:) I do like the idea of family, friends and being thankful – reflecting upon all that is good in our lives. As Americans we do have it better than many who struggle each and every day for basic rights and necessities. We went up North and feasted with family and watched our Michigan Detroit Lions win. Today we are having more family over and yet another feast. We are doing two turkeys and I’ve been smoking one which was started at 4 am this morning. Tomorrow we are getting the Christmas tree so we will be flowing right into the next holiday. I do love having a fresh tree in the house. I also planted a new tree in the yard. My brother gifted me a red wood tree “RED” which we had for several years. That ice storm last year put the kill on poor Red who is now a Harry Potter-like wand hanging in the office fort. My brother bought me a Giant Sequoia. It should survive in Michigan better and so it took the spot where “Red” once was. This week I also tried my hand at venison jerky and from all reports it was a success. I’m going to fire up a beer batch this coming week to share with my amigos.
Movie Biz
This week I address a question to the social media public about social funding. More specific the type that accepts donations in exchange for perks and allows you to keep said funds even if the goal amount is not reached. In doing this the campaign people default in the perks because most are tied to having a finished project. Give A in exchange for B once C is completed. But if C is never completed B cannot be given yet A is kept. By logic it sounds like fraud. Or another way – I’m hosting an event and selling signage sponsorships. I take that money for said promotional signage and never hold the event. I posted asking for failed campaign people (Lots of them around) to give me their thoughts. The post was read by hundreds and not one comment or LIKE. An associate also shared or re-posted this posed question and only one filmmaker liked it. It was a director we’ve worked with and my guess is that he has never engaged in that social funding fraud and so felt comfortable posting. Now this only pertains to these ENTERTAINMENT properties. If you are raising money to offset funeral costs of Uncle Sal’s passing and you raise 1k of the 5k campaign and use it to offset the costs – great! That is a different story. So all I can say is that a lot of guilty filmmakers or weak spine filmmakers afraid to rock the boat because they have friends/associates engaging in this type of campaign. Bottom line is use that energy more wisely and do yourself a favor and learn some business along the way. I’ve said the same thing about enterprising criminals that if they put the same energy into legit business they would be successful. As a joke I am going to create some goofball campaign in the near future to showcase this but I just can’t believe nobody has ever pointed this out. Someone will end up one day with 25 group action in small claims court. I think that is the protection for these people. Who is gonna chase $50 or $100? Instead they brand filmmakers as hucksters and investment opportunities dry up. So next time you have trouble getting something financed maybe blame the never produced social media crowd. Let’s get to some real business.
Movie News
It was announced that “Wicked Spring” our Civil War drama is going to get a reboot this spring with the Winters Film Group. We’re targeting a wider audience and I’m excited to get this film out there on PPV, VOD and a new version of DVD and maybe Blu Ray. The hour-long making of when be included amongst the extras.
“Donors” the horror/thriller will also be releasing this 2015 also signed to the Winters Film Group. This creepy film examines the dark seedy underbelly of kidnapping and organ stealing.
“Dead Quiet” is starting to make some noise as they head towards the finish line for a 2015 release.
“The Terrorist” also is wrapping up post-work for a 2015 release.
“Ashes of Eden” is being prepped for its release and should announce a release date by years end. Also some foreign sales are underway.
“Bestseller” is being worked on with the score, sound and visual FX all coming together. This will have a premiere early in 2015 and I’m very excited from what I’ve seen/heard thus far.
Other re-releases are being looked at including a deal that should have several of our CDI films releasing in India. Many know I co-starred in a film “Karma, Crime, Passion, Reincarnation” that released wide in theaters there in 2009. I’m excited that a bridge to our product is being constructed.
The announcement of the novel being written off the “Knight Chills” script has sparked some interest in the sequel. The prequel to “The 8th Plague” is also in talks with a new director. A few other (for now secret) projects are getting very close to launching. Some major business talks begin again 1st week of December to see if we can lock up a few things before the year ends. I’ve been in talks with my management over a few high-profile projects. I’ve been in talks on a few other new independent projects and so I’m excited to see what projects/stories I end up doing. Well, I need to go refill the water pan in the smoker. I hope you all enjoy your weekend.
I want to start by welcoming some of our additional new blog readers from Brazil! What I love is that artists from all corners of the globe are finding this blog journey of interest. I know that it often contains bits of wit and wisdom that one can apply to their own person journey. It has been a great time lately refocusing, evaluating and preparing for the next set of adventures and actions to be put in motion for the forthcoming 2015. I’ve really been training mind, body and spirit – removing distractions and reassigning energy.
In this age of social media expression I find that many waste precious moments. Rather than look within they are seeking something externally. I’ve heard people say that much of the social media experience has become listening to venting, complaining and such. I have removed almost all my attention from these such distractions. In my opinion, venting should give way to visualization of new avenues and course of actions. Complaining often shifts blame from where it should be – the self. If you aren’t the source issue you are surely allowing others to effect you. I’ve seen immense amount of time people have spent to negatively try to verbally belittle someone else’s artists doings. By the time they’ve spent all their time on others they could have created something new. Now those people can compound their waste of time and energy trying to hate on each new venture. I would often wonder why these people don’t selfishly use that energy to benefit themselves. If you can’t overcome your own laziness, failure, shortcomings you will never reach your goals. And the blame will always be placed on others who are gaining success by hard work.
I’m happy to have risen above all that nonsense. Like I’ve said before – it gets to a point where if someone throws an insult, slant or a jab – I’m asking …”Which project are you talking about?” and “Who are you again?” – If you’re a negative person – I likely have not invested much time getting to know who you are. I don’t like business associates nor friends who seem to carry their dark cloud with them. Honest fact can also be harsh but I never say things to harm. It is a fact that if I don’t care I won’t even spend the energy to say anything. Life will teach you your lesson(s). But if I care – I may speak and I won’t be one of the sugar-coated, silver tongue devils. If your shit isn’t together I may encourage you to do so- which is a good sign that I may wish to collaborate at some time. But I’m not about helping someone who won’t help themselves. Some choose to remain in their ass kiss circles – lying to one another and wondering why they aren’t developing as quickly as they had hoped. And of course it’s often made out to be someone else’s fault. So if you have toxic people like this in your sphere they are due honesty or avoidance – pending how likely you see an ongoing business relationship.
Speaking of business – let us look at some developments.
ASHES OF EDEN – Deliverables are being put together and marketing will begin in full very soon. The distributor is excited and so are we. We know the power of this film and it will translate to a solid business endeavor. Also some major foreign deals are underway.
BESTSELLER – This film has visual mastering underway. Also music, sound and FX work – we have had some early interest from our preview trailer during the AFM market. After our post production summit we are all excited to see this film done. Audiences should really enjoy this film. It will be another great project created right here in the state of Michigan.
DONORS – This film has a foreign offer forthcoming and I believe next week we will have a domestic offer. This cool little thriller deals with some important subject matter. Check it out at http://www.donorsthemovie.com
The Special Edition announcement of IN THE WOODS might be joined by another classic film. The Civil War drama WICKED SPRING has a few options and I’m reviewing a deal as we speak. This film will get a special edition in 2015. Stay tuned.
WASTELAND – The CDI Associated Sci-Fi Western will have some interesting announcements this week. One includes a key crew member that I’m happy to say is coming from our state of Michigan. I will pull the right artist where it is deemed the best fit. This individual has passion that reminded me of myself many years ago. He gave his interest and passion without first asking what was in it for him. He was willing to work the lowest of jobs just to learn and be part of an organization like CDI. He was surprised by what happened next I’m sure. We have plans for this person in 2015 so look for an announcement next week.
Good Job Advice –
Those out there who have had to “learn and earn” through hard work and not simply feel entitled by some degree . If you ask about money first when you are inexperienced – you’re in the wrong business. You can make much better money in other careers for sure. I think for many, filmmaking sounded like fun. Face it, It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like films. But when it gets hard many want to cut corners or wash their hands of something as quickly as they can. That is NOT how films are made. Those are the weed that need to be pulled from the garden. I will nurture when I see the true passion to do what we do. Many others will have their phase and move on into other career fields. I take what I do very serious and I know what its taken for me to get this far. I can often work one film with someone and usually tell who will still be around in five years. What we do is hard. Not everyone can do it. Not everyone should do it. If you are a complainer, venter, blamer – you should seek a new career field. Because you will slowly just burn bridges and be left on an island of isolation whereas a new career field is your only choice. You may also damage projects, communities and yourself deeply before you are marked and avoided. So I think many communities of film business artists would benefit from the early retirement of many of these people before they are forced out by their bridge burning. (Long Pause) Now if you’ve read this previous set of harsh statements and said, “I’m staying.”
“I’m going to be that person who makes the set fun.”
“I’ll be the first to set and last to leave.”
“I will speak kindly on the hardest days because I truly love being part of a teams making stories.”
“I’m going to make myself be valued to the extent I will always be the object of someone’s hiring.”
To those people – I welcome you. You might have what it takes to be part of an ongoing tribe. A rich tradition of storytelling. To give yourself fully to the story once committed despite the size of the crew, paycheck or equipment package. Actors for all their flaws gets this mentality. Once they are committed they don’t care what kind of camera is pointed at them. They will give 100% every time. It is why most of my producers are actors. The best crew members are also of this mentality. They set out to make something great with each set up, take and scene. When you bring committed artists together on both sides of the camera behind a powerful script (Note I didn’t say improv/or winging in) – that passion will bleed onto the medium. That story will have the heart and love infused and audiences will respond. Wrap this all in good business and you have contributed to filmmaking as a whole. I have sacrificed much in my life and I always give 100%. I just cannot and do not respect anyone in our field that gives anything less. That is my truth.
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.
It looks like here in Lansing, MI we avoided most of the crazy weather. We had a little wind and snow but overall the sun gave us some melting. It has been a busy couple weeks and I’ve just got to keep my patience and zen as many deals move about on the chessboard. I’ve had a few projects move a touch slower than I wanted but I will be happy for what did get done versus what did not. Let’s look at some of the positive steps taken in this past week. Before we get into that I will vent off on a small issue. IF you are a university who is making your money off film students in a film program. IF you make a solid film that really showcases good production value, performances and direction. The university SHOULD invest in promoting its own program. PROMOTION = ENROLLMENT = $ for the UNIVERSITY. I’m not going to waste too much time on this topic but I’m never surprised by people’s shortsightedness.
Also I’m surprised (No I’m not) that when local media is trying to promote a city/area to inspire others how only the hobbyist get recognized. What happened to real journalism whereas you seek out the real story. In our area it use to be our local media was only interested in local community theatre and now they are focused on local hobby filmmakers. Now you can give recognition to these aspects but they do not represent the professionals. POLITICS. To be direct it is why I like the business side of things. IF your art is good it will find an audience and sell. I feel as if these organizations and projects that put equal importance on SHOW & BIZ should be highlighted. Now for a long time now I’ve been content making my home here and that is good enough for me. Michigan artists are undervalued often on the world market and much of it is because many are seen as “Community Theatre/Hobbyist filmmakers”. When the films and filmmakers that are making real business endeavors are overlooked for some social media panhandling a $500-$2,500 film that won dozens of remote festivals that never will get major distribution – it brands us. Now I consider myself MINOR LEAGUE so let’s get that straight. BUT we work hard to recreate a growing business like what Motown, Two Men & A Truck and many other business pioneers worked so hard to do. The worried parents of these starry-eyed filmmakers would be emboldened and given hope when they read of other business filmmakers making a solid go of it. I’m content living below the radar most of the time because it saves me from the constant “I’ve got a great idea for a movie” talk that follows me. So let’s get onto some business updates!
A few months ago we saw our Civil War film “Wicked Spring” release into the German, Austria and Switzerland market. Now following that we just enjoyed a Feb 21st release of “Locked in a Room” to that same market. And next month March 28th will see the release of our 1st international collaboration “Darkest Night”. Also “Darkest Night” released recently to HULU PLUS and so that will help reach hundreds of thousands of new viewers.
Our CDI sales team is working hard engaging in talks with many new foreign territories. Also many great new deals are being negotiated on new upcoming product. “Ashes of Eden” has several buyers interested and once we have our finished film we will start that process. New poster feedback is being gathered from readers who can vote on http://www.ashesofedenmovie.com . Also our premiere is being discussed and we should announce on that soon. So look for a cast and crew premiere that will happen followed by a public premiere and theatre run. We’ve got excited interest from several distributor/studios in this film and our most recent ‘Bestseller”.
“Bestseller” is about done with the rough cut. I will be calling our editor today to get an update and soon we will screen the rough edit. I’m excited about this project and I think it will be a high intensity film. Patience:)
“7 Stones” is out on the market both streaming VOD and DVD so check out this powerful little drama.
While overseeing post work and sales I’ve been engaging in some major screenwriting action. I don’t promote this aspect much but I’ve been paid multiple times to pen original scripts and adaptations from books. I’ve had projects optioned ($ against a sale price) – and I’ve had projects purchased and produced. I just finished a pet project script that I’m developing with an old school friend. Let’s just say that fans of “Book of Ruth” will be very happy. I’ve also got another script on deck to write after after that. The contracts are approved just need to be signed this coming week. I may also be taking on yet another project to write in the wake of an option/purchase agreement made with a studio in Florida. Some close to me know my furry boy Luke had knee surgery and so it has been good to hunker down from the cold and enjoy writing.
Also I’ve been doing some major internal CDI structuring with our accountant, lawyers and a film archive supervisor. All the CDI projects need to be put to digital to make it easier for delivery on all these new sales. This is again the BIZ side that has nothing to do with the artsy-fartsy aspects but it is what separates the professionals from the hobbyists. I love what I do but I don’t do it for just fun – I do it as a career. Therefore bad communicators, slackers, excuse makers will not find a home at CDI. Nothing like having your hard work and efforts wasted as something sits in limbo for years OR a film that lacks business structure leaving you with a well done home video to show family and friends. I’m happy that we have some new hardworking blood rolling with the CDI tribe. It’s quite an eye opener when they discover there is another way to do things. There is a better use of time and energy. Do we fall short and make errors? – Of course we do. But how many are really STRIVING! WANTING is NOT STRIVING. I mean really giving that extra effort at every turn that gets recognized. I’m talking about taking that pride in your work. Trust me, I know the difference by looking someone in the eyes. If it is just a JOB to you – find another industry because there is easier money to be earned elsewhere. REMEMBER actions always speak louder than words.
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 