Build on the Past. Dare to Stumble. Find your Strength.
A gentle rain is falling nurturing all the plants we’ve got started and the lawn which has been seeded with clover for the leprechauns and chickens. I want to welcome the abundance of new readers from India, Italy, Poland, Philippines and more. I LOVE that our readers are from all over the world. This year I’ve been struggling a bit but it is with success. I will tell you a story of a silly little boy (Who could that be?) who just wanted to be an artist. My father who was a practical man due to his responsibilities of having a family when young, had a hard time seeing my dream. We had many disagreements in those early teen years and I recall one that ended loudly with me announcing that “I want to be an artist, not a businessman and become an assH!%#& like you.” Boy was I stupid. Unaware of how the world turns I struggled to find my way. My dad was my first mentor and still is a steady voice that I listen to these days versus argue with.
(Jeff Kennedy)
Thanks to people like Lynn Drzick (IN THE WOODS) and later Jeff Kennedy (CDI) and Bill Breakey (Imaginative Endeavors) I started to learn the business that went with the creative. In the case of Lynn Drzick and later Kennedy, they both were dreamers like myself. They didn’t discredit ideas they just helped to illuminate the needed steps to get to that next place. Bill Breakey was a many times over businessman retired to just doing fun endeavors. We had an editing facility together right up to his death at a young 80-some. Our weekly business lunches allowed me to table any issues and get some sound advice. Rance Howard, yes, Ron and Clint Howard’s dad, was my last real mentor and the only one from the entertainment world. I always got straight forward mid west kind of advice without a shred of Hollywood BS. Again these people were very valuable to me in my journey.
(Rance Howard)
My biggest fear is of making mistakes but I’ve learned that by stats alone you will make some. These are some of the best growth building events but don’t feel like it at the time. My college education gave me a process and a path to discover answers outside of me. But most of my real experience has been forged in the fires of doing. As I’ve grown into the fringes of being an elder in our business that often burns people up, I have evolved. I see more clearly my mistakes and miscalculations. Friendships hurt even in trying to do the right thing. You learn that you’re not perfect. Not the perfect businessman, friend or associate. Even those who don’t particularly like me cannot question my passion and drive. At times I keep taking on more and hope the weight of it doesn’t break me. Maybe that is where the slow growth has allowed my legs, back and mind to grow stronger. I was never the genius at the top of my class. My mind drifted off to far away places and stories danced in my head. High school was always trying to keep my head above water. A struggle to keep myself out of trouble for average grades that were in constant danger from my artistic distractions.
(Lynn Drzick front and center)
If I had better budgets I could hire wiser people to handle certain aspects but our modest budgets only allowed needs versus wants. I’ve had to learn to do many things unable to pay for the service. I have adapted and manage but I’m now working to try and streamline. To resurrect older films and ready them for re-entry into the marketplace. But is it worth it? As the storyteller it is. As the businessman it can be a question-mark. Some projects at CDI were ahead of their time. And dishonest distributors early on were the bane of our progress. Now much of that has been worked out and I’m giving my best efforts to make sure these films are not left behind. To die on a format no longer in use and unable to be retrieved. I gain no extra income from any of this and it taxes my peace of mind for fear of doing something wrong in the process. I’ve carried some of this same worry throughout my journey but you stay steadfast and when you look up decades have gone by. In your wake are beautiful stories that elicit the occasional fantail saying how your story helped them in their darkest hours. Maybe I do that for them. Some a grieving couple being torn apart by tragedy can find some healing in FIGURE IN THE FOREST. Or someone struggling with mental illness can feel less isolated and find a spark of joy in HEAVENS NEIGHBORS. AN ORDINARY KILLER will be used by a non-profit that helps military families. I am leaning more into charity as I go deeper into this journey.
I want to thank all of you for being out there. I think putting these feelings into words and confronting some of these fears helps me. I really only have one “pain in the butt” project from the past that is full of complexities. Some 15+ years later trying to breath life back into it and untangle all the strands. But I will spend a certain amount of time each week to this past projects. Already with some great help from Dean Teaster, John Mashni, Brett Frame, Scott Bakkila and others these stories will live on for many more decades. I liked a statement that said, the first time you do something is always difficult. Much truth there. Also, you get by with a little help from your friends. We are a tribe and I’m very thankful to have all these wonderful people on this adventure of life.
READY TO TALK MOVIES? Enough DJ Ramblings…
Harsens Island Revenge – From the director’s POV the film is a lock and he’s very happy. This Weds we’ll get to view it with most of the VFX inserted by our supervisor Erik Steele. This was suppose to happen last Weds but our director’s flight back into the country was delayed. That said, music is already being worked out for some of the chase scenes that were already locked up. We will be having fun in studio working on this film with Dennis Therrian. Next up for discussion will be the theatrical poster and trailer cut. Exciting times ahead!
(Prep in SNIA)
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – The home video release has been going strong and we’ll soon be starting to see the results of our flow. Once received, it is a process of reporting and processing on all the films. Our release to UP Family & Faith is growing closer. I’ve enjoyed all the positive communications from people who enjoyed this film. I think this movie will just grow over the next few years. The story is beautiful and showcases a piece of almost forgotten history. CDI is very good at capturing these stories and making sure they are not erased from the public’s mind. I’m still very curious to hear how the German people enjoy the film as it reaches them.
I’m excited to say that our distributor TWIN ENGINES GLOBAL/DESKPOP has launched their non-family/faith free with ads streaming site called FREE4ALL that features some of CDI’s our CDI associated films like BEST YEARS GONE and BESTSELLER.
WATCH ‘BEST YEARS GONE’ HERE: https://youtu.be/U4lxhZ2CQkc?si=g02ymDiHiZmzbXGR
WATCH ‘BESTSELLER’ HERE: https://youtu.be/NoGBwWEtk7s?si=tUN4zExfQpBC9oX5
Meanwhile the CDI family faith films FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR, THE CHRIST SLAYER, WILD FAITH, MAN’S BEST FRIEND, LOST HEART are on Encourage TV for your viewing pleasure. Also good to leave on for your furry friends when you have to step out. Love animated stories check out THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ. Documentary lovers check out FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH.
(Rare pic of just DJ Perry not in character – pic by GW Burns)
NEW DEVELOPMENT
Development has been in high gear here at CDI. Packaging and pitching and the gathering of investors and sponsors are all underway. We are working hard to get into production on a few CDI stories. Some exciting new stories to be told only how CDI can tell them. I’m hearing our new music video to shoot might be coming up here in May. I’ve been doing voice over on another book in the series that has been ongoing the last few years. I even took ten minutes during our pick up shoot for Harsens Island Revenge to have the great GW Burns pop off some new headshot pics for the new agency. My page will be going up on Treasure Coast Talent Agency, so if you want me to consider bringing a role to life on your project please do reach out there. I’ll attach one on this blog in Black & White which is how they use to be. The agency one will be full color. I’ve recently just finished one script for a development package and I’m 1/4 of the way through the next one. It is interesting because it is writing
WRAP UP:
I’m enjoying coming out of winter and with today in the 70’s we might be leaving the days of the wood stove shortly. But maybe a few outside fires. Also looking at a few yard builds this year. I LOVE all the nature that is on our little piece of property. I’m looking forward to more training. The martial arts keeps me limber and ready for action. Soccer season starts NEXT week and I’m excited to be out with the team battling it out. I do truly love that competition and pushing myself to my limits each week.
Inside the office I’ve been doing major organizing and I’m happy about that. Like I mentioned earlier I might start moving some of the swag and memorabilia out as charity to our fans. There are many organizations in need and we’re already doing that with our doc film FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH that helps wrestling clubs and organizations struggling. Dogs, military families…the causes could go on and on. We’re taking steps in that direction and I’m proud to see that keep growing.
I just enjoyed some of our eggs and 4H bacon and I’m going to get on with my Sunday. Maybe a bit of screenwriting but next week will be a busy one. I have some meetings starting Monday and they could be rather exciting. I hope you all have a great weekend and start strong on your TO DO’s for the week ahead. Don’t forget to enjoy the journey along the way. Until next week, coffee cheers! Congrats to the Alpena Bears our friends at Pepsi for a great Willy Wonka Event. We are so proud to be partnered with you here at CDI!
DJ
Set the Pace & Win the Race
Another snowy day here in the Michigan with -11 temps so staying inside and focusing on work has been easy. I’m tempted to discuss a few issues I’ve observed as of late – but I don’t want to dwell on other’s negatives when we have so many positives unfolding. Since this blog is to help others grow it would not be interesting to just talk about the roses. My opinions are based upon my years of experience and you all are free to explore my filmography if you wish. I think some of you are here because of that and if so – I thank you. I will let my past work speak for my expertise in certain areas.
Now often observations are not always appreciated especially if they put something in a shaded light. Many about would rather the subject(s) stay hidden in the dark. I say, if they don’t affect my endeavors I guess they are fine residing there. I know that human nature when focused upon accumulation of material things or accolades has a very USE, USE, TAKE, TAKE mentality. I’m often hesitant to spend precious time on people or endeavors that drain and take but do not return the same energy. I’ve had a few people successfully drain like this for a short period until they are just cut off. I’ve had people literally say, “We’ve gotten all we are going to get out of myself and/or CDI”. Oh, had these people been sincere so much more could have been available. Why try to steal crumbs from the floor when if you had been sincere I would have invited you to the table to eat and drink your fill?
Additionally, I’ve also spent precious time giving council and encouragement to some only to have that kindness forgotten when one cannot face the shame for their own poor actions. It’s as if you don’t invite someone to a party if they know the dirt that was swept under the rug. Actually I don’t mind missing most social events these days but it is the thought that counts. A common statement but a true one that really defines the character of people. I wish all people well but I know certain actions and character traits will not lead to real success just temporary appeasement of the self-delusion. I will end this with one of my favorite sayings that almost always holds true, you reap what you sow.
Now let’s see what is growing in the garden from the seeds we’ve sown.
– I’ve recently completed the script on a powerful little film that has already gotten distributors making offers. It is a passion project and smaller in scope but I have no doubt the impact it will have. It will shoot in AZ and we will soon be doing some casting calls. I wanted to let people know we will be using the new IMDB Casting as we are now associated with them. Among the castings I will say that I will be looking for powerful pre-teen actors – one that could pass for a young version of myself. If you fit this description feel free to email your reel to me directly. (perrydj@aol.com) A formal press release on this project will be forthcoming.
Speaking of press releases you all should be on the look out for new releases updating on the progress of “ASHES OF EDEN,” “BESTSELLER,” “DONORS” and more…
Marketing and poster work is underway to give the distributors something to chew on. The 1st rough cut of “Bestseller” is done and so far the footage is looking great. I’ve previewed the first hour and the smile on my face is because we’ve got a very engaging film. “Ashes of Eden” is near the end of post and that film WILL move you with the emotional performances. Shane Hagedorn and I have been having lots of discussions on all aspects of this film. Stay tuned for many bouts of good news about this film including possible foreign theatrical releases.
There are many new talks with distributors over licensing and development. I think this month we will be announcing new distribution territories. Last month saw the release of “Locked in a Room” to Germany, Austria and Switzerland and on March 28th “Darkest Night” will release to the same market. With a half-dozen of our films in these territories our fanbase over there is growing quickly. There will be more to come so thank you so much to those foreign audiences for allowing us to entertain you.
Domestic sales continue on several of the CDI associated films like “Deadly Renovations,” “Darkest Night,” “Locked in a Room,” “7 Stones” and more – so if the snow has you inside please consider taking a watch.
This week has more meetings over our TV series “Supermodel Showdown,” a new CDI film association underway and multiple licensing talks on many of the films in the CDI library. I’ve also been recently hired to write a new film script set for production in the near future. We’re not ready to discuss this property yet but it has been an extremely FUN script to write and will be an even more FUN film to shoot:) It’s an exciting time at CDI so once again thank you for the blog read. Every Saturday I will post another so if you think someone else can take something from these writings pass the blog on. Now get to work:) Remember, the fastest runners never look over their shoulder. Just keep your eye on the finish line and MOVE AHEAD!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 