Updates from Yuma
It is a glorious sunny Saturday in Yuma, AZ. Last week our pre-production team on the upcoming feature film “40 Nights” flew in. Working with our Yuma based team we quickly got our departments underway. I’m so happy with how everyone has just been peacefully moving through their days doing what needs to get done. Morning meetings followed by work, work, work and post day meeting and meals. The people here have been so nice and we are getting huge support from the community. Once again I’m super proud to have the Collective Development Inc. name out there. Not only do we produce films in our home state but other states and countries.
Today secondary crew is starting to come in as we build towards the first day of principal photography. We had an amazing day of camera tests yesterday in the desert that yielding some amazing B Roll footage. I also got to see my character in full garb existing in the world we are creating. Budgetary reasons had us bringing in some keys and also using some west coast production folks. New family joins with the old family and as I said prior – making me proud.
Also the same goes for talent. Today Mr. Rance Howard came in with his wife. It has been a few years since I worked with Rance and it was a pleasure. We had a nice lunch and we’re running lines for a few before he has a wardrobe fitting.
I have many old friends coming in with the cast and I’m looking forward to meeting a few new artists. The last week flew by and I’m sure with me working every day these two weeks of shooting will also fly by. We will also have some exciting news in regards to distribution very soon. We had multiple parties interested in this film. I’m sure audiences will enjoy it. Also official .com website going up this weekend.
The new WICKED SPRING website is also up now. http://www.wickedspringfilm.com
ASHES OF EDEN and DONORS will be having more announcements as they move towards release.
BESTSELLER composing has begun and the 5.1 mix is complete. Color correction is 95% done and the FX have all been completed. May premiere!
Speaking of FX the work on WASTELAND our Sci-Fi is also completed and that film should finish up this month.
THE TERRORIST is completed and I’m hearing great stuff about that film and so I’m excited to see the final version.
I know I’m missing a few things but I have to get ready for my read so I will say goodbye for now.
Happy Saturday!
DJ
NEW FILM ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PROJECT UPDATES
Coffee, snow and here we go! The last few weeks have been focused as we worked to stay on a developmental timeline for a film project. It is a project that we’ve only spoken about on a TV interview a few weeks ago. I don’t like to blow the trumpets on a project until full money is locked up in the bank. Our account opens on Tuesday and by the end of next week all funds deposited. This is a project that I was compelled to write and that really resonated with investors, actors and distributors. But even more important it resonated with me. I have to feel a connection to a role/film.
I often see films that make me wonder why they are lackluster in their execution but I think it starts with the core people. If you’re making a film only for projected profits or even just to make “something”… I think the special qualities never become fully realized. Think of some of your favorite films, even little films and they have heart. Now I’ve gotten on my soap box many times over the business aspects which we are also doing but the artistic is also important. When I see a project asking for volunteers in important artistic functions I know there is a good chance that the opening credits might be the best part about a project. I’ve also made sub par product in the beginning of my career but I can say it usually boiled down to budget, or lack there of. But even a few highly skilled artists with vision can do amazing things. Anyway, I’m not quite ready to fully announce this next project but at least I explained why. I will say that it is entitled “40 Nights” and is a period piece. We have some amazing talent on board and are still bringing a few more to task. It will shoot in Yuma, AZ in March so we will be departing this cold for a few weeks. Now let’s look at a few new film updates.
This weekend the FX and opening credits are being dropped into BESTSELLER. Next week we will have a marketing meeting with Chris Knight over the roll out of the film. Dennis Therrian is working on scoring the film as he does a final pass on sound design. The film may also be releasing another trailer soon. The film has really come to life and with so many distributors asking about it I’m confident it will please the masses.
WICKED SPRING new DVD artwork was released as well as the June 2nd release date. The distributor has begun talks with retailers and I am planning a few theatrical showings to kick off the PPV, VOD, BluRay-DVD re-release. I’ve had many fans reach out already to share their excitement. Thank you so much.
ASHES OF EDEN is rolling out nationally in May and we are all excited to promote this title. The reviewers are enjoying this film and I think audiences will also. I know that at least a 1st draft of a follow-up project with Mr. Hagedorn may be in his hot little hands.
A slew of films were sent over for review by a couple of TV networks. I expect a couple of titles to be picked up. I have to follow-up on several foreign sales deals underway.
KNIGHT CHILLS II also released some 1st artwork and that script is moving right along. A shoot time has not yet been set but I would guess autumn 2015. The interest is there and I’ve even had some 1st distributor talks. Beware!
WASTELAND teaser should be getting close to done. The movie poster is being painted, yes I said painted. And the film edit should be about half way. We have also started some 1st talks with a CGI individual about the Sky Marshal ship. All very cool stuff!
DONORS – Official release next week with release dates and other information!
I have a 9:30 am coffee meeting with our director on the yet to be fully discussed film. So I’m going to wrap it up here and refill the old coffee cup.
Enjoy your weekend!
DJ
Losing Training Wheels, Donors 1st Showing, Making a Classic
It is truly the journey not the destination in the grand adventure of life. A friend of mine who I called to catch up with had news that set me back. His father had unexpectedly passed away. This was the year of starting a retirement and of course he thought he had many more years of enjoying and learning from his father. That was not to be. As I like to say, losing parents seems like losing training wheels. Prior to this I was having my daily issues usually with patience at some timeline that was off or a communication I was waiting upon. I tell people that many folks could not lead the artist’s life whereas you don’t always know where that next paycheck is coming from. Now it is exciting when you get a nice lump sum or you hob nob with some other famous folks but there is a balance to it all. The following day my father and I were to have lunch and he insisted on picking me up. He rolled up on his Harley and we went on a couple hour ride in the country looking at all the places he grew up. Truthfully, it was one of the best days I’ve had in a long time. As a young child I use to wait for him to come home from work so we could go for a ride on his motorcycle. It was one of those full circle moments and also a deep appreciation for what I still had in a mentor and a sorrow for what my friend was now missing. So I guess my point is for all you driven artists inflicted with that ego driven urge to create art that will be seen and possibly appreciated – don’t forget what is in front of you. I know my father would likely be happier if I had a normal JOB but he also is proud of the character of his son who can thrive in my environment. I deeply cherish my friends and family and most of them haven’t seen half my films. I’m alright with that because I have my support for that in my fans. I appreciate the personal support that comes in laughter, insight on life and remembering the past. This fills my cup.
TODAY is the premiere of “DONORS” the thriller that I play a shadowy role in:) IF you are in Yuma, AZ area and want to see a cool indie thriller – please do. All info is right here https://www.facebook.com/events/649394905132609/
I want to give a BIG congrats to Niki Saletta who carries that film almost single-handedly.
We are getting close to announcing active development on a new associated film. It will shoot somewhere down South and has some development to finish but script work is coming along. I want to speak to some distributors in the coming weeks about it and also BESTSELLER that fits the demographic.
BESTSELLER is gearing up for planning on our pick up day. We will gather our clips and get this film moving onto the next phase. I’m waiting on the shot list from our director and editor. I’m excited about this because I’ve seen the footage and know what we have and seeing beautiful Northern Michigan even for a day or so will be great.
I had a wonderful email sent to me from an 8th grade history teacher Wade who uses “Wicked Spring” as a teaching aid in his 8th grade students. I think that is one of the best compliments as a filmmaker. That film has played network TV, played in the UK and sold hundreds of thousands of dvd’s and that was made over a decade ago. Now with the 150th anniversary of the Civil War I’m happy that we have made a “classic”. I’ve had a handful of emails from around the country about the performances and the picture of life in that time that we painted. Kevin Hershberger, Curtis Hall, Anthony Hornus – the entire cast and crew can be proud of the storytelling job. It was my grandmother’s favorite film and in a career lifetime you hope to have a handful of these. I recently also had that happen with “Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town” which could be on its way to a similar status. Strive for this and it may happen – only the audiences can make it so. I know that “Heaven’s Neighbors” has been used in classroom settings to illustrate mental illness. It is a grand ability to entertain and educate. So for crews working hard when the going is rough – if you are working on a project with heart, the right dose of business – you might be part of cinema history. Cast – there is no throw away roles – you should live, love and be the role you take on. This fan mail that included how many young minds were being taught via our storytelling was one of my weeks high points.
My script review continues on a few projects presenting acting offers. All of them are period pieces which is pretty cool in my book. Development continues on a few projects including gathering investors and setting up locations. Our sales team is in talks to bring the CDI library to many new foreign territories. “Ashes of Eden” distribution talks continue. All in all a very productive Spring whereas I’ve been holding court on the patio in the sunshine. I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable long weekend. I think I’m going to smoke or grill my first full duck (Thank you Shane Hagedorn). The garden got tilled (Thank you Stacy Hagedorn for the Mantis use) and I worked on the pond which we will fill today and add some water plants. Spend some time with your love ones and we’ll get back at it next week!
Keep clawing your way to the middle:)
DJ
Making Beer & Wine/Films Releasing in the Springtime
What a great week it was both personal and professional. I have to say that seeing plants start to grow and the warmth slowly creep over the land has been a positive and uplifting thing. I do love winter but this one was pretty intense. I had a chance to do some yard clean up. We’ve got plans to get the patio rocking this year also getting the pond going. Taxes both company and personal are submitted so that is off the plate. This week should have me becoming an Uncle which is an exciting thing. I have 6 gal. of beer brewing which I’ve called STAN REED’S SUMMER BREW. It is named after my character in the spring break movie TANGY GUACAMOLE. I’ve also got everything for my Banana/Coconut wine and that will be put into play very soon. So I’ve about drained the hazelnut coffee and I’m ready to throw you all a few new updates.
ASHES OF EDEN – This week has been watch-overs on the final version looking for tweaks here and there to be made before it all gets mastered out. We have one final watch/listen again on Tuesday of the stereo mix version. We spotted 5 or 6 improvements and those are being made as I type. The excitement by the masses is growing with record-setting ticket sales topping 500+ in only a few days. We could have close to a 1,000 people ready to watch the local showing. I hear that we will have several of our out-of-state stars coming in as well. If you are in the Michigan area and you want to be part of this showing go to the Capital City Film Festival site. Tickets are only $5 through the festival. I’m looking forward to telling this story to the masses. From there we will start talks with the interested distributors.
BESTSELLER should be close to a locked edit by month’s end. We should also be releasing the 1st trailer about that time. I’m excited by the preview because it really did capture the essence of the original story.
DONORS, the thriller we helped produced out of Yuma, AZ will have its first local showing on May 24th. There is a good chance that we may be in the area shooting on another feature. That is a HINT and if things go as planned I would look for an announcement around Easter.
REALIZISM a great short film that I acted in for Mitch Nyberg will play also on April 13th at the Grand Rapids Film Festival. Check out their site for times.
Several of the CDI films are in talks for additional Network and foreign licensing and I’m confident that we will have several releases to inform you of very soon. I’m going to keep it short but let me see if I can give any insights pulled from this week of business.
My advice would be to invest of yourself and your time wisely. If a project is going to be sub-quality or never be seen by any audiences beyond a few fest crowds why do it. If you need to build a resume and hone your skills – sure. But if you are established, which can be hard to do, do not kill your worth by taking on projects that are not worthy. Value yourself.
Have a great weekend.
DJ
ASHES, BESTSELLER, REALIZISM and MORE – Updates Galore!
The hazelnut coffee is flowing and I wanted to get this blog update complete before we head up North for some R&R. I will get right to some film updates since we have a few important ones.
ASHES OF EDEN has its cast & crew showing with public in attendance sponsored by the Capitol City Film Festival – tickets can be purchased here http://capitalcityfilmfest.com/event/ashes-of-eden
BESTSELLER is working to prepare the 1st trailer and I can tell you it is looking good! It will be released mid to late April and the film edit is being fine tuned.
THE TERRORIST that we did in NYC is also in a fine tune edit and I hope to see it release at year’s end. NEW poster art has been released.
DONORS the thriller we shot in Yuma, AZ is completed and is setting for a premiere in late May. There is a chance I may be in attendance for that showing if this other project in Yuma, AZ area launches.
A CDI association deal as well as my participating as an actor on a follow-up picture with At Risk Entertainment is underway. The talk is that cameras would roll in July. They have been doing camera tests and so things are coming together on that front.
REALIZISM a great short film is playing at the Grand Rapids Film Festival also on April 13th (Yes same day as ASHES OF EDEN) at http://www.grfilmfestival.com/schedule/short-narrative-block/ I will be unable to attend that due to commits on the other screening.
DARKEST NIGHT released into Germany, Austria and Switzerland joining THE 8TH PLAGUE, WICKED SPRING and LOCKED IN A ROOM. Thank you to all the new fans from over there.
Again BOOK OF RUTH will be playing in the 2 week block of films on the UP NETWORK for Easter so check your TV listings.
I think that will about wrap things up. I want to thank CANDLEBERRY CANDLE COMPANY who has been a sponsor for some time now for sending me their entire Jim Beam collection. The smell of those candles and coffee is just – heavenly!
Be good to one another and enjoy your weekend.
DJ
Pre-Birthday Reflections, Being Reclusive and New Films
So today is the cusp of the BIG MOON, the closest full moon of the year. I’m sipping the hot coffee and looking forward to the day hanging with my brother and his girl. Upon finishing this post I’m getting the smoker going and going to have a relaxing day. It was a crazy busy week as many have been lately and I’ve just continued to sail the ship forward. “Donors” http://www.donorsthemovie.com film has moved to Yuma for final sound mixing. “Supermodel Showdown” is looking great as we are chunking in footage on the 3rd show and I’m extremely happy with what I see. “Ashes of Eden” is having the sound/music review meeting next week and also starts color correction. I also might have a few upcoming announcements on projects the start of July. Final approval on German distribution contracts for three of the films underway. “Darkest Night” PR is in full swing next week as we head towards our VOD and DVD/TV releases in July. I want to discuss a few attributes that apply to activity this week. It also ties in to what we discussed last week.
KNOW YOUR ROLE
I’m in a stage of possibly signing onto a couple of films as CDI associated producer and talent. In these situations you must first stand your ground and use your experience. IF someone wants to work with you it is because they are buying your experience. The things you’ve done right and wrong. To avoid pitfalls and follow well-traveled paths whereas they will maximize your chances of repeat success. What I look for always in a partnership is LISTENING. I can tell if the cup is already full of ideas and thoughts often based not on experience but opinions. Opinions are like assh%#%! everyone has one and… You know the saying. I try to base my decisions on reason, common sense and some gut feeling. I always try to fully explain the reasoning. If someone isn’t listening and you can tell – that relationship will be a painful one that will mostly bring frustration and regret. I avoid these situations because if you want to make mistakes or non calculated risk decisions, I would rather not be along for that ride. I’ve been there, seen that and got the T-shirt:)
Now for a film crew to work effectively or any group dynamic – each person must know their role and respect one another. This is even more important with your above the line executive team. I have one project that is close to a go and I’m set to be the ship captain (producer) but before we set sail the ship needs to be ready. First and foremost is for WRITER, DIRECTOR and PRODUCER(s) to know their role, their scope of power and how decisions will be made. I’m very good at this and that is why I do the business I do. I respect and enforce these divisions otherwise chaos will grow. Chain of command is very important and especially where writer and director are concerned. Once the script is handed off the new creative leader IS the director. Business decisions from a producer can trump but only if they are legit and not subjective opinions. I’ve written screenplays and for me it is easy to let go. I think it is because the actor in me surrenders to a creative director and I just focus on my role. As a producer I watch the ship and make sure that the overall vessel stays the course. But as a writer I’m flattered and inspired when someone adapts a story of mine from the page to the screen. A writer too close to the material can become a nightmare and slow a project, killing schedule and budget over subjective topics. I always tell my producers when they get caught line stepping that it appears they are heading for the directors chair BUT this is not your ship. So I address these issues right up front while the ship is in port. I don’t wait until 2 weeks in when so much frustration has built and the tensions are high. I will risk someone saying this doesn’t look like it will work, I will readily agree with them. I’m not getting on a ship that is going to become a floating emergency out at sea. As I stated before too many people will bite their tongue and say nothing because they need the work that bad. I would rather stay and work the garden, brew some beer and sell some films in our library versus going on a nightmare cruise to shit island.
This week I also met some artists with one of my friends filmmaker Nathan Quinn. I’ve actually met quite a few of the artists growing in Michigan after several years of being semi-reclusive. I’ve just been away from the film social scene because honestly I can’t take the fake sincerity and one-up attitudes I often observe. Do you art and be unique. Do so with the least amount of drama save what you put on-screen. Always give more than what you were paid for. Don’t compromise your best and be willing to let a project go knowing the universe will bring to you what is meant to be. Find your faith and hold on to it. Don’t EVER grab for the dangling carrot and become someone’s puppet. Many have wondered why I won’t work with them. If you bullshit you will lose my attention almost immediately and seldom do I revisit these folks. Many act on their best behavior when they want something but it is only a matter of time before their true nature returns. Take a deep look at yourself and see if these traits exist and if they do – sincerely, spiritually purge them from your self and live as the best you that you can be.
I wish you all a great weekend!
DJ
Autumn Film Updates
So this has been a wonderful week of prepping for the “Ashes of Eden” shoot. I’m actually writing this Sat. night so I can actually catch some of you up on the events as of late. We assembled an excellent crew – so much that for the last two nights I’ve looked to my phone for texts or emails with fires to put out or issues to address. It has been quiet. The office today was just a relaxing atmosphere. We’ve got a great cast and a powerful story to tell. We’ve got a few major studios tracking us and I think this film will be a classic. It has been front and center but in no way is it the only thing moving forward.
“Locked in a Room” completed final mix and was delivered to the distributor. More announcements there very soon. “Darkest Night” had its first US showing where it announced that it will release in the USA on March 22nd, 2013. I’m told that the S. Korea deal is now underway and I’ve very excited for US fans to see this film. It also took home a contribution award for the bridging of East/West at the FACINE festival in San Francisco. As for “Deadly Renovations” it opens on various VOD networks on Nov. 1st so look for it there or buy at amazon.com, rent at Blockbuster but enhance your Halloween experience:)
Speaking of that I want to thank Nancy Gideon for the wonderful interview she did for her Haunted House online site. It was good to talk about film past, present and future:) Thank you Nancy.
I’m waiting on release dates nationally for “Heaven’s Neighbors” and “Figure in the Forest” after a deal with our rep went South last year. It has been reset and will finally be coming to you on DVD. Also some TV play looks to be at hand so stay tuned there as well.
I’m told “7 Stones” will be done Nov 15th and will play TV in December and I do hope that it does. Also I got to see a rough cut of “Realizism” and it is one funny film. Joe Andersen is one funny man:) “Donors” is in fine editing before moving to music and sound design. I will be releasing the new poster here soon that showcases Dr. Savior on the poster as well as our female lead Niki Saletta.
“Benjamin” is playing a few more festivals internationally and will be heading for theaters in early 2013. I’ve seen working cuts but I’m anxious to see the final film. Jon Osman was a great director to work for and I think he might just have something special. My buddy Carlucci from “Karma” and “Benjamin” is onboard “Ashes of Eden” and so it will be cool to see him in a few days.
The NEW fort office is structurally sound and while I’m working the AOE production office the inside wiring and walls will be worked on. I’ve been packing up the old fort office and soon the transition will be complete. A new chapter will begin and I for one am ready to attack 2013. We have another paid of biblical era films and Dean Teaster’s “Long Road Home” looks close to financing. I have several other film partnerships underway and I hope they get to be told in 2013.
Well, I’m happy that I had a chance to really fill you all in on my endeavors as of late. I’m a person who loves fall and this thinning of the veil.
Dance ye round the balefire:)
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 