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
The Development Storm Cometh
I love this sandstorm picture. The last few weeks I’ve been working on the follow up film in our biblical series with Lightworx Entertainment. It will be announced in some official development PR soon. The script is called “Chasing the Star” (working title).
Casting has been on-going and I have to say I’ve seen some great talent from around the world. This film is gearing up for an early 2016 shoot.
Staying on the topic of development – it’s an exciting and challenging time. I know what follows the casting, financing, scheduling and development work – PRODUCTION. (Battle Drums) I really take these opportunities serious. A successful project brings continued prosperity for all those involved. It’s a team of people making their artistic mark within set business parameters. If you don’t agree our “tribe” is not for you.
Development…
We’ve had exploratory talks (J.M.) that yielded good financial news. This week we’ve had several productive talks with certain keys on some of our upcoming projects. These films have their worldwide distribution deals in place. It’s a new experience working with the distribution studios in advance but I like it. It means no shopping required after the fact which increases production flow. With a good deal that means less financing effort and with worldwide rights pre-assigned – it means moving into development on something new sooner.
Biz Topic…
REPRESENTION-
I’ve had representation of many types from small local agents to Hollywood big 3. I’ve had managers from many different walks – all with their own ideas of how to promote. Many wanted to mold or change you – following some trend. I think most artists fight to be understood and respected in our business. RULE #1 for someone representing – that is they have to believe in what they are selling. You NEED someone who really GETS YOU. Are you a character actor? A lead? Do they understand why you say YES or NO to a gig? Many agencies are shotgunning talent aiming for anything and everything. I recall years ago when starting out, I asked Bruce Campbell at a sit down with director buddy Mike Kallio, “Any advice on finding a GOOD agent?” to which he responded “Good agent? Good luck with that one kid.” I think he meant finding a good agent was like finding Bigfoot. At another dinner I asked actress Lana Wood the same question. “I’m still looking honey” was her response. I’m saying, if you find that person who believes in you treat that like gold. How many actors would be lured by the grass being greener seduced by bigger agents or opportunities? Be loyal if it’s working. Col. Parker, Peter Grant and others played a large part in the overall success. Art and Business.
My Manager
She recently had my work put before a well known director. I was presented exactly as I should be and without any BS spin. I think in our faced-paced world just getting someone to stop long enough to see your talent is half the battle.
Other Updates
I will be working to get the release dates on “Donors,” “Bestseller” and “The Terrorist” . “Ashes of Eden” is gearing up for the 13th of October US release. I think we might have a theatrical ASHES OF EDEN re-run just before the DVD/VOD release. Stay tuned.
“I didn’t hear no bell” – Rocky
40 Nights
“40 Nights” is now undergoing dialog polishing. VFX work is underway and sound design/music on deck.
CDI Films
I’m very proud of the last three CDI associated films cast and crew. The Michigan reputation has gotten better with west coast executives but the truth is we have been seen as backwoods. Hey, I love the outdoor association to backwoods. We have our pines, birches, oaks – Michigan is full of breathtaking nature. I’m told, We’re Southern Canadians in many ways. They believe that in Canada because it helps soften the blow when the Red Wings kick on them.
Back to the backwoods and how that relates to the former incentives – let’s be truthful, our cast and crew got fed mostly scraps. There exists exceptions and if you’re an exception – GREAT! Only love. But for most – the jobs offered were much below their true skill level.
The State of the State Now
I think we’ve got great talent in Michigan. We produce good players but often bad teams. I think the competitive in-state nature doesn’t always allow the best collaborations.
– To bring this full circle
Kudos to the crews from the previous three CDI features. But if I’m going to do that I can go all the way back to CDI film one. We’ve always taken filmmaking serious. I knew what Hollywood thought of us even then. We often get labeled as inferior but I know we’re NOT inferior. But to say that isn’t the best way. To show them now that’s the way. I’m pleased by what I’ve seen in the wake of the film incentive death. Some cried and left and others are finding their grit again. As the eye of TMZ moves away from Michigan, so does the vast amount of people wishing to be celebrities versus those working to have their art revealed.
In Summary…
I’ve been filled with compliments recently by “Hollywood” insiders on not only the final product but our dependability. That is something that is such a secret to success. If you cannot keep a timely/on-budget production or post a film within a timely turn around -you’ll likely NEVER make it in a studio system where production funds are granted. They are investing into dependability that a marketing team can work with in unison.
CDI – The Brand
We’ve built a BRAND (Collective Development) that represents diversity, quality and dependability. And we’ve been able to do that because we hire people who take great pride in their work. Hire people who are truly talented, accept accountability and maintains a professional respect amongst peers. I’m just very proud because all these films are built largely upon the Michigan talent pool.
DO IT. DO IT RIGHT.
REPRESENT MICHIGAN.
WE WILL ALL WEAR THE FAME OR SHAME OF OUR UNITED ACTIONS
BE THE CHANGE YOU DESIRE
DARE TO BE FAIR
SAY NO VERSUS GO IF THE SHIP AIN’T TIGHT
ONE STATE TO RULE THEM ALL (Sounds Lord of the Rings)
A STATE OF WINNING (Okay this fun exchange just went Charlie Sheen on me – I’m out-E)
Have a great weekend everyone. HOPS are almost ripe. Maybe time for a warm up cup of coffee.
DJ
Advance, Enhance & Take the Chance – 2015
Well folks I hope your 2015 is off to a good start. I’ve jumped right into it with a bang and I’m excited for the possibilities of what lies ahead. I’m really happy at how enjoyable the holidays were and I do realize how blessed I am to do what I love for a living. A week before Christmas I was in a majestic place (The Valley of Fire) shooting what I would call R-Rated STAR WARS with our “Wasteland” film. It’s just funny because that film is what sparked my imagination and pushed me towards the path. Yesterday the editing on that 1st part of the film began in Florida. The website is now open at http://www.wastelandtalesmovie.com/. A teaser will soon be released and I will start putting new talent in front of our director and we will be doing casting calls via the website so stay tuned if you want to enter the Wasteland.
I will be doing some producing on that film now that my filming as an actor is complete. I’ve been prepping for my next role that I’ll be announcing soon. It will be most challenging but I’m ready and willing to accept that challenge. It’s a period piece that will film some in Michigan perhaps and the balance/bulk of it in Arizona. Location scouting and some select casting work has been underway for a while now. Let’s talk about some of the other exciting news that I can be somewhat less mysterious about – maybe. 🙂
We have release dates for our films releasing with the WINTERS FILM GROUP. I must allow the honor of announcing the “Ashes of Eden” street date to come from Shane Hagedorn. He’s very excited for the national release. Also we have a couple large foreign releases in talks now. I was talking with Parables TV about this film on Friday. They love it. It’s on the cutting edge being a crime drama infused with a healthy dose of faith but also not cramming the religious aspect down your throat. We’re greatly looking forward to audiences of all walks of life watching and enjoying this film. It gives a very humanizing look at the life police/law enforcement officers have to deal with. It looks at the challenges that face both parents and children in this day and age. It’s funny because I told Shane before the film was ever completed that he must also prepare himself for “haters” – (I believe that is the term) Basically, if you start to find success some insecure artists who have not yet been given that opportunity to succeed will resent you. Why his script? Why his film? Why? Why? The answer is usually better quality product, better business or both. I had truly hoped that Shane would not have to experience any of that but I knew better. Before the film was released someone trolled the voting on a data base in hopes it would hinder the film. It did not. Because distributors actually watch and evaluate based on their expertise and sales projections. Now as of late the film has also been given to a cross selection of film reviewers and once again the response has been very good. I expect sales to also be quite good. You can’t let those things even slow you down. When your audience becomes hundreds of thousands to millions vs a few hundred friends you learn to just let it roll off you. A few will always hate and that itself will keep them trapped in a cycle of failure. I would always rather just smile and create. If you’re still fighting for your respect and your success don’t hate. Try to examine what makes these other artists successful. I would say don’t imitate their art but imitate their business practice or principles. Don’t EVER fake it to make it. Build from mild success to modest success to great success. Keep it real and keep building and one day your success will start to multiply because it is REAL!
Let’s talk some REAL UPDATES:)
“Wicked Spring” will also be re-releasing soon. While an official PR release is forthcoming I’ll give my loyal readers a hint. It would make a nice gift to put in an Easter basket:) Now “Donors” will also be announcing their release date soon. Audiences will have a great opportunity to enjoy these films releasing the first half of the year. I hope you add them to your collection or viewing experiences.
Finishing up early this year will also be the horror film “Dead Quiet” – I hear they will be targeting fall for their big push. “Bestseller” is now in post sound/music and I’ve been seeing the FX/graphic work in progress. I’m VERY excited to see this film completed and premiere. “The Terrorist” feature was getting close to done in late December so I expect to hear some good news from our director soon.
I was in talks on a few more CDI films heading to TV. One will likely be our doc film “Outside the Wire” done with our friends at the RED, WHITE and BLUE PROJECT.
“Heavens Neighbors” and “Figure in the Forest” are looking at a new release in 2015. “Knight Chills” will be re-releasing with the novel to help promote and prep folks for the sequel that is coming. “In the Woods” re-release – trying to get that commentary done. We had one date reschedule because of snow and we’ll see if we can make it tomorrow. They had a 90 car pile up yesterday right where I have to drive through. So if it’s bad I’m not chancing it. I had the cold zap my battery one day last week and once I got it jumped and was off to my teeth cleaning I narrowly avoided a fender bender right in front of me. I had to BUDDY COLT* the car to keep from a crash but I did. (See * JUDGES movie)
This week ahead will be more development and prepping for delivery on these films heading out for distribution. Also a studio tour, theatrical talks on a few films and finalizing some artwork. It’s great weather for getting these things done. No nice sun and yard/garden work to tempt you just bitter winds and snow that would make a polar bear cold. So I’m going to focus on my film work and also write on the two scripts I’ve been working on. It all keeps the machine moving forward and I’m happy to stay busy. At CDI we are accepting some commercial work. We’ve got a cool project for a client lined up this spring. We’ve done some high-end commercial work in the past and we’re going to occasionally start taking on select projects here and there. So if you have a commercial project that you want considered – feel free to ask. If we don’t take it on I can always recommend someone whose work I approve.
I think that is all I have right now. I’m sure I’ve missed a few things but once again, thank you for stopping by. I hope you all have a great week and keep clawing your way to the middle! Accept that most things don’t come easy and enjoy the work. While others refrain, complain, abstain you advance, enhance and take the chance to move forward. Don’t be afraid to fail but you must be as prepared as possible and fight fiercely to succeed.
Welcome to 2015! Go get it.
DJ
New Fall Releases & New Upcoming Projects
I’m sitting here relaxing and thinking back on the busy week. It was truly a busy, busy week but I’m happy with all the new developments. I’m happy to report that almost all these business actions were all done against the backdrop of our emerging fall. Let’s look at some of the things that happened this week and let’s hope that I don’t forget any.
ASHES OF EDEN – We just concluded our theatrical run in Canton & Novi in Michigan. No sooner had we concluded and we have more good news concerning this film. I know that PR is about locked and loaded to share some of this good news with all of you. I enjoyed the nice comments from all the people who came out to see the film. This film has been a strong showcase for Lansing, for Michigan and for some of the best emerging talent in the region. There may be some new opportunities to see this film – stay tuned.
LOCKED IN A ROOM is getting a new Halloween season release from Echo Bridge Entertainment packaging us with some classics.
BOOK OF RUTH, Journey of Faith is now selling in a 2 pack at major retailers.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004KO1OQQ/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_ymijub0P3CRMW
“GPS The Movie” that played CHILLER TV is getting a new release in November and heading to the foreign market.
BESTSELLER has started sound work and CGI/Graphic work. We are all excited to have this moving down the post production line.
THE TERRORIST is another film that is in post sound and we hope to have done at the year’s end.
I also was informed that my 1st feature I starred in called IN THE WOODS is having a theatrical screening to celebrate 15 years since the video release. That is the film that put me on the map first. While it does have a good cheese factor it has become a favorite of many fans out there. For all of you – some special news will be forthcoming! Stay tuned.
I think one of the biggest questions I get is WHAT’S NEXT? My management has been in talks with several casting agents as we try to find the right projects to showcase my acting craft. I’ve been introduced to some amazing production groups working on some amazing films. But I did have one extremely exciting project come to me. In the period of a week this film just seemed to just come together. The ink is dry, flight and hotel booked and I’m excited to announce this week my involvement in a SciFi/Western. I’m playing one of the leads and will be assisting in distribution via a CDI association. The official press release will be coming this week. It will be shooting out west in a famous State park and I’m beyond excited. The 7-year-old in me who wanted to be Han Solo is excited:)
I’m sure I missed a few updates – mostly development talks. We’re close to launching a few other films. Upcoming 2015 will be a BUSY year I can tell already. This weekend will be some fall clean up, football and archery. I’ve bottled up the TROPIC THUNDER wine and I think next week some hard cider might be in order. I’m also almost through my STAN REED SUMMER BREW and so time to get another batch of that going. Michigan folk know how to stay warm.
Have a great weekend!
DJ
Darkest Night Release and Get your Reels Ready!
Good morning to all you readers and dreamers out there. The birds are chirping and the heat seems to have broken. I’m sipping my favorite morning beverage and I’m going to give you a few little updates. It has been a good week that actually brought many new opportunities. The hard part is really finding the time to give the attention that a new lead or contact needs. Let’s see where to start.
I’ve been working to finalize delivery on some materials for the German distributor and it has been slow but I have to relax and realize that not everyone does business at a neck-break speed. We in America do often get caught up in the NOW, NEED IT NOW. I work hard to relax and have patience and succeed more often than not. Pace yourself and keep your stress low and watch how happily things get done. I’m waiting on a Fed Ex # from them and it feels like waiting on Christmas.
Parables network has been playing FIGURE IN THE FOREST and decided to hold back on WICKED SPRING for a few. They are paying their licenses so that is all good with me. I do want more audiences to enjoy the film but as I stated up top – all in time.
I met with a director from the UK on a possible acting role and it was a nice meet N greet. I did see the pains that aspiring actors go through with the waiting rooms, the nerves and such. I really don’t have any of that because I know the next role will come. It’s all a matter of schedule, business deal and a strong match between director and talent. Schedule may be the biggest issue on this project if it doesn’t work out but I do hope it does.
I’m putting a deal together now for an acting/producing job and it is really about just waiting on the Michigan rebate. I have had many great talks with the director in L.A. and if it all comes together many local talent will get some work out of it. HINT – We will be casting off REELS so get yours around.
I had some other talks with an old associate in Hollywood about collaborating on a series of films. I had discussions about licensing some of the CDI library to a theatrical indie-house in Michigan.
“Ashes of Eden” released a teaser poster but a really nice one is in the works as is the trailer for distributors to look at. I’m very excited about this film. The balancing of dialogue is where we are at and I do believe color correction is also happening as we speak. Look for a premiere in Michigan at year’s end.
Development on a few other properties are showing lots of promise and it is exciting to see others taking a strong interest in the scripts.
“Supermodel Showdown” TV series is moving nicely and we had some great creative talks over editing this week. We are starting to pull our marketing package together and we have many interested parties wanting to see what we have. I think it will be a great show for fans of reality shows.
Other than that we can take a few moments and talk about organization. I’m going to say I work very hard to do this in all my endeavors and I still make errors. It really irks me when others just do not take the steps to do things right. It leads to wasted time which = wasted $ which often results in getting just barely what is needed versus what could have been gotten under better circumstances. It’s horrible when someone or a group accepts payment to do a job that ultimately they aren’t qualified to do and royally screws the job up. I’ve been in the knowing on a project that several months back I was asked to consider a CDI association with. The initial offer was buried and never brought forth to the powers that be. When a second offer was discussed the fires were already burning. I politely declined. This makes the 2nd production offer I’ve declined. Collecting a paycheck is always nice but how much will you accept to do something foolish. Jump off a bridge, run into a burning house or try to take an inflatable raft across the ocean – what is your price? I declined an acting offer early on also (same project) and it was because their offer reflected their mismanagement of cash. Mistakes are rarely alone and they often happen together in a reactionary fashion whereas if you don’t fix the main issue it will only get worse and worse. When a film starts to fall behind schedule you must find the source issue and fix it. If not it spreads and can become a nightmare. Leadership is KEY.
Speaking of nightmares – Darkest Night is fully released in the USA/Canada and is selling well. This film wasn’t without issues but most were related to mother nature. I’m so proud of this film and the fact that we’re showcasing some wonderful artists from the Philippines. I’ve noted before what a wonderful experience it was with the people there. Music, laughter and cultural exchange of ideas and views – food and festivities. Please do take the time to rent VOD or buy the DVD in support of this film. If you watch it at night I promise you a few chills and thrills. I know Amazon has both DVD/VOD but you can get it at Google Play and many other rental and retailers.
I want to again thank all of you for stopping by to read my blog. As always feel free to share with any others and keep striving to make your dreams come true. I’m going to do a mix of film work and yard work today. We have another big soccer match tomorrow and I’m thankful the heat is giving way to some coolness.
Have a great Saturday!
DJ
Marketing, Magic Ruby Slippers and Michigan!
What a good week on many levels for me. I’ll sip some of my favorite coffee and reflect with you all. I decided to accept an offer to do a local Michigan project that is being done in connection with a university. It is a project that gives students experience and exposure to a professional world of filmmaking. I have to say I am deeply concerned on many levels about the future of filmmaking in our state. I ranted enough on the casting situation in Michigan last week, which in many ways is ass backwards. I saw more examples of it this week. For some I don’t think it is a desire to present poorly. It is just our entire environment is not accepting of the next level of film work. It is why in years past people would outgrow this market and be forced to move to another place. With the technology we now possess the country/world is becoming smaller. You have to believe in what you are selling. If an agent doesn’t fully know, understand and process this worth into a proper pitch they revert back to the one size fits all shoe store approach. The talent needs to be realized by the agent as a hand-made unique, special, magical pair of shoes – like ruby slippers or LIKE MIKE’s magic basketball shoes. You would have to sell 10,000 or 100,000 pair of average shoes to even come close to a pair of the above-mentioned special shoes. So if agents can’t get over the shoe store mentality they should at least become the seller of odd, unique, special, one-of-a-kind shoes. I can assure you the +10% will be much higher and you won’t have to do a mountain of paperwork.
The local acting union rep was approached to handle this university film program. When the programs information was brought forth to the rep they pushed the wrong agreement. This agreement had previously been used in years prior but still it was the wrong agreement. If you distribute the film for profit it is this agreement, if not for profit the one proposed would be fine. My question was why would someone push an agreement that puts already struggling actors on a “deferred” type agreement? If this agreement was used in past years whereas they did distribute the film for profit – why was this not adjusted? I can tell you those actors have monies due to them. If nobody brought it to anyone’s attention – Let’s stop there. I heard that the response to the notice of the wrong agreement attempted to be used was “If we get attention – we’ll renegotiate.” This is the person entrusted with the job of fitting the right project with the right agreement? Why would someone push an agreement that doesn’t pay talent up front and has no benefits of health and pension or residuals? There is more work associated with the next contract up, which requires deposits and more paperwork. Why do you think an employee on likely a straight pay would elect to take the easiest course of action. Again the same rep pushing the same agreement when confronted with the info that the wrong agreement was being proposed responded with – “Why not just accept donations for viewings or DVD sales?”. Again the situation calls for an obvious different agreement yet still the wrong one is pushed, why? Also this is in an environment whereas the students are intended to learn the correct process. There is a reputation given to our local acting union and I’ve never spoken badly about them, but I see now where this stems from. This is the office responsible to work on behalf of our local talent. Put that with the one size fits all agent mentality and the casting director’s common view of talent as cattle – It doesn’t make me mad but it does make me sad. I’m not on a witch-hunt. I don’t want anyone’s job or head. I just want people to put in an honest effort and do things right so we can work to eliminate the backwoods reputation that people attach to our state and film industry. I think the project is now non-union because so much time was wasted and wrong information given. Good preventative action always outweighs reactionary fix it actions after the fact.
Now let us bullet point some updates –
– The casting for the next GPI/CDI Philippine feature “The Beast” is underway. We are continuing our distribution discussions over “Darkest Night.” Actresses meeting the requirements should submit!
– I’ve been working on our “Faith” slate with Reel Frog Films and I think we will have an entire slate in production including Dean Teaster’s next feature “Long Road Home” which was requested by financiers this past week.
– “Deadly Renovations” is going up for pre-sale and we will keep feeding you these outlets.
– I’m waiting on final word on another film slate that CDI will operate as the production entity. “Soul Eater” is first on deck and it includes a series of western films.
– Development talks to match the right project with the proper opportunity continue.
– “Benjamin” is working distribution after a great NYC screening.
– At Risk Entertainment and CDI have been evaluating distribution deals for “Locked in a Room” and I think we will have something soon!
– I’m looking at acting offers presented that extend from now to 2013.
– CDI Commercial is working towards a few deals including a great “Making of” deal.
Lastly, I promised a little bit on my next acting role. The film has a working title of “Realizism” but I think I might start calling it “Strippers”. I play a colorful character Manny who I’ve been describing as a rogue with a heart of gold. The drama has a strong comedic edge to go with its serious message. Mitch Nyberg is directing it. It will have me working with some old friends and new ones. I film in a little more than a week and I’m excited to be working with my old friend the camera again!
Have a wonderful weekend everyone! My best to each of you and your endeavors!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 