DJ's Journey
A personal journal:
I was approached by Pepper about doing
a journal and I was against it at first. I
run company business that doesn't
need to be released and I have a few
cyber-stalkers. Wait! Do those count
as fans? I could bring the total fans up
to 10. Truth is, it feels good to write.
I was approached by Pepper about doing
a journal and I was against it at first. I
run company business that doesn't
need to be released and I have a few
cyber-stalkers. Wait! Do those count
as fans? I could bring the total fans up
to 10. Truth is, it feels good to write.
STARTING: May 2nd, 2004
I feel misunderstood in many ways. My days have been filled with domestic work on the
new "Fort Perry". [Learning to light the furnace without re-enacting a scene from "Lethal
Weapon" was this weeks big event] Weight training, soccer, guitar playing [which I've
tried to do everyday as a New Year's Resolution] reading lines, writing script, practicing
gun play. [I have a ding in my coffee table to prove it] I also think that my neighbors
think I'm crazy. They see a dude in his boxer shorts spinning a pistol around like Doc
Holiday or more like the 3rd member of the Apple Dumpling Gang... Me, Don Knotts and
Tim Conway. I don't think anyone will be gung-ho to break into the house. Looks like
we're just waiting to test them out on an intruder.
"KNIGHT CHILLS" has been re-released April 13th with a "NIGHT CHILLS" box set. It
is going over to the Canne Film Market where it will join "WICKED SPRING" and "AN
ORDINARY KILLER". Got a wonderful not from a Sam & Michelle Hunt from Abilene,
Texas. It was a greeting from West Texas and it was to let me know what an "excellent"
film "Wicked Spring" was. They sent it to our distributor ARDUSTRY who sent it to me.
I was really touched and wrote them a personal note back. We hope to get "An Ordinary
Killer" out on the market end of the year. People, I hope, will be again moved by a highly
charged emotional movie. The Terence Knox fans will be deeply moved. T.Knox and I
had a great time and we grew from the experience. I also bought "CHILDREN OF THE
CORN" just to see my man T.Knox. I started in horor and so I understand the genre. I
want to ask him about the pink shirt.
Okay, my thoughts will be random so don't look for any real order as they are just
"flowing" from my crazy head. I watched "HANG EM' HIGH" with Eastwood for some
study on "JUDGES". http://www.judgesthemovie.com and I plan to watch "THE GOOD,
THE BAD AND THE UGLY" later tonight while studying lines.
I'll be gone filming during May and I'm excited. I have started to wrap myself around the
character "Jack Creed" who hides behind the alias "Buddy Colt". I think it will introduce
audiences to another side of my acting and maybe a few more fans will follow!
Big meeting tomorrow over "CROSSING THE KING'S HIGHWAY" and I think much will
finally get settled. Mark Koch is a big producer, "BLACK DOG" & "LOST IN SPACE"
and also handled theatrical on Mel Gibson's "THE PASSION" which makes him perfect
on our biblical retelling of "The Book Of Ruth". He called the meeting and I hope he will
close the deal. The director is busy first 2 weeks of July so, August 1st could be BOAZ in
Brazil.
Trying to get an answer on a few other movies that I'm up for and our two CDI projects
are looking good. Lionheart has a Civil War docu-drama getting ready to shoot in
July/August 04 called "NO RETREAT". I'm only assisting in producing at this point.
Between "Wicked Spring" and doing something in Chuck Utersee's Civil War feature
"REBEL PRIVATE" I think I'll have my fill of wool.
Trying to find out when I can get to LA for various meeting. Should hear in the next two
weeks about release dates on "FROM VENUS", "HEAVEN'S NEIGHBORS" and
"FIGURE IN THE FOREST".
new "Fort Perry". [Learning to light the furnace without re-enacting a scene from "Lethal
Weapon" was this weeks big event] Weight training, soccer, guitar playing [which I've
tried to do everyday as a New Year's Resolution] reading lines, writing script, practicing
gun play. [I have a ding in my coffee table to prove it] I also think that my neighbors
think I'm crazy. They see a dude in his boxer shorts spinning a pistol around like Doc
Holiday or more like the 3rd member of the Apple Dumpling Gang... Me, Don Knotts and
Tim Conway. I don't think anyone will be gung-ho to break into the house. Looks like
we're just waiting to test them out on an intruder.
"KNIGHT CHILLS" has been re-released April 13th with a "NIGHT CHILLS" box set. It
is going over to the Canne Film Market where it will join "WICKED SPRING" and "AN
ORDINARY KILLER". Got a wonderful not from a Sam & Michelle Hunt from Abilene,
Texas. It was a greeting from West Texas and it was to let me know what an "excellent"
film "Wicked Spring" was. They sent it to our distributor ARDUSTRY who sent it to me.
I was really touched and wrote them a personal note back. We hope to get "An Ordinary
Killer" out on the market end of the year. People, I hope, will be again moved by a highly
charged emotional movie. The Terence Knox fans will be deeply moved. T.Knox and I
had a great time and we grew from the experience. I also bought "CHILDREN OF THE
CORN" just to see my man T.Knox. I started in horor and so I understand the genre. I
want to ask him about the pink shirt.
Okay, my thoughts will be random so don't look for any real order as they are just
"flowing" from my crazy head. I watched "HANG EM' HIGH" with Eastwood for some
study on "JUDGES". http://www.judgesthemovie.com and I plan to watch "THE GOOD,
THE BAD AND THE UGLY" later tonight while studying lines.
I'll be gone filming during May and I'm excited. I have started to wrap myself around the
character "Jack Creed" who hides behind the alias "Buddy Colt". I think it will introduce
audiences to another side of my acting and maybe a few more fans will follow!
Big meeting tomorrow over "CROSSING THE KING'S HIGHWAY" and I think much will
finally get settled. Mark Koch is a big producer, "BLACK DOG" & "LOST IN SPACE"
and also handled theatrical on Mel Gibson's "THE PASSION" which makes him perfect
on our biblical retelling of "The Book Of Ruth". He called the meeting and I hope he will
close the deal. The director is busy first 2 weeks of July so, August 1st could be BOAZ in
Brazil.
Trying to get an answer on a few other movies that I'm up for and our two CDI projects
are looking good. Lionheart has a Civil War docu-drama getting ready to shoot in
July/August 04 called "NO RETREAT". I'm only assisting in producing at this point.
Between "Wicked Spring" and doing something in Chuck Utersee's Civil War feature
"REBEL PRIVATE" I think I'll have my fill of wool.
Trying to find out when I can get to LA for various meeting. Should hear in the next two
weeks about release dates on "FROM VENUS", "HEAVEN'S NEIGHBORS" and
"FIGURE IN THE FOREST".
May 17, 2004
We are just finishing the 1st week of shooting on the set of "JUDGES", the modern day
Western. I'm staying with my actor buddy Terry Jernigan in Norfolk, VA where most of
the shooting is taking place. He is playing a bad guy, BIG surprise. For being the nicest
person he always lands the bad apple roles. The movie has a comic book pacing but a
hard edge to it. The crew has been wonderful to me and I'm really enjoying not having to
handle the day to day problems.
The rugged wardrobe looks cool but the heat is... HOT! I'm really rethinking Boaz in the
upcoming "Crossing The King's Highway" project as having shorter hair, toga and going
"commando". Brazil has got to be HOT! That project is over in France at the Canne Film
Market being pitched to several countries. For that matter, "Wicked Spring", "An
Ordinary Killer", and "Knight Chills" are being licensed over there as well, so the next
month should be exciting.
This week had the introduction of my "JUDGES" character and has me strutting most of
the day in a low slinging holster with an old six-shooter. I found myself feeling naked
today as I climbed into the car without my gun. I've worked with some great actors thus
far. I'm enjoying this Jack Creed - aka - Buddy Colt character with his one-liners. It is fun
to play him after the dialogue driven Kendall in "An Ordinary Killer".
Talked with Kevin Hershberger yesterday and besides the short docu-drama in
July/August, we are getting close to closing our 3 picture deal. CDI has pitches underway
with "Wild Michigan" and "Cloudy In The West" that look promising and we are doing a
rewrite on "Money Shot". We should have a new version in a few weeks to pitch to the
studios.
Also looks like roles are looming on a few other projects this year. I might have to go to
Florida and L.A. to lock a few down. Crazy busy but right now I'm doing what I love
most, playing. I got to showcase a bit of martial arts in this film as well as some real cool
gun play. It is awesome having a crew that WANTS to get another shot. No crew
members grumbling because of turn around time. Although the hours have kept right
around 12-13 per/day.
Talked with PEPPER and it seems the fan-club has a new favorite DJ movie with
"KNIGHT CHILLS". I promise that if a sequel does get made it will be much more action
packed. We were lucky enough just to make it through the shooting of the first. The
freezing rain, bitter snow and gaps in our knowledge made "Knight Chills" a true learning
experience.
First batch of "JUDGES" film went off to the lab today and we should have footage back
early next week. I know a trailer will go up pretty quick and then everyone can get a taste
of "JUDGES". I know that it is all very stylized and has a good dash of humor. It was a
good choice to work with these folks. I think it will be the first of many projects.
I miss my family and friends and ole' "Fort Perry". I wonder if my grass seed started to
sprout? Three weeks to go with much fun to be had! I'll write again next week.
Western. I'm staying with my actor buddy Terry Jernigan in Norfolk, VA where most of
the shooting is taking place. He is playing a bad guy, BIG surprise. For being the nicest
person he always lands the bad apple roles. The movie has a comic book pacing but a
hard edge to it. The crew has been wonderful to me and I'm really enjoying not having to
handle the day to day problems.
The rugged wardrobe looks cool but the heat is... HOT! I'm really rethinking Boaz in the
upcoming "Crossing The King's Highway" project as having shorter hair, toga and going
"commando". Brazil has got to be HOT! That project is over in France at the Canne Film
Market being pitched to several countries. For that matter, "Wicked Spring", "An
Ordinary Killer", and "Knight Chills" are being licensed over there as well, so the next
month should be exciting.
This week had the introduction of my "JUDGES" character and has me strutting most of
the day in a low slinging holster with an old six-shooter. I found myself feeling naked
today as I climbed into the car without my gun. I've worked with some great actors thus
far. I'm enjoying this Jack Creed - aka - Buddy Colt character with his one-liners. It is fun
to play him after the dialogue driven Kendall in "An Ordinary Killer".
Talked with Kevin Hershberger yesterday and besides the short docu-drama in
July/August, we are getting close to closing our 3 picture deal. CDI has pitches underway
with "Wild Michigan" and "Cloudy In The West" that look promising and we are doing a
rewrite on "Money Shot". We should have a new version in a few weeks to pitch to the
studios.
Also looks like roles are looming on a few other projects this year. I might have to go to
Florida and L.A. to lock a few down. Crazy busy but right now I'm doing what I love
most, playing. I got to showcase a bit of martial arts in this film as well as some real cool
gun play. It is awesome having a crew that WANTS to get another shot. No crew
members grumbling because of turn around time. Although the hours have kept right
around 12-13 per/day.
Talked with PEPPER and it seems the fan-club has a new favorite DJ movie with
"KNIGHT CHILLS". I promise that if a sequel does get made it will be much more action
packed. We were lucky enough just to make it through the shooting of the first. The
freezing rain, bitter snow and gaps in our knowledge made "Knight Chills" a true learning
experience.
First batch of "JUDGES" film went off to the lab today and we should have footage back
early next week. I know a trailer will go up pretty quick and then everyone can get a taste
of "JUDGES". I know that it is all very stylized and has a good dash of humor. It was a
good choice to work with these folks. I think it will be the first of many projects.
I miss my family and friends and ole' "Fort Perry". I wonder if my grass seed started to
sprout? Three weeks to go with much fun to be had! I'll write again next week.
May 29, 2004
ANOTHER WEEK!
I have to say it was a long yet productive week on the set of "JUDGES". We finished the
bulk of the drama this week and ended on Saturday with a gun fight in the alley. It was
just like the "Old Western" showdowns. It was great fun and besides a few mishaps of the
coat, a broken DAT player and a close call with a rusty beam, the scenes ran very smooth.
The actor playing "Black Jack" is a powerful combination of Ving Rames and Mr.T. We
start the week indoors filming the TEMPLE Club. Footage coming back looks awesome
and the crew is very excited. Two more weeks to go!
Got an email about starring in a SAG short experimental in Chicago mid-June. Also
might have to fly to LA to meet with the "KILL DR.LUCKY" director. Trying to find out
some info from Charlie Matthau about his next movie. He emailed so I'll see what he has
going on.
Met with the potential financiers of Lionheart's "NIGHT FALL" feature. That is moving
slow but just might launch itself. "MONEY SHOT" is undergoing the rewrite, "WILD
MICHIGAN" is being submitted around Hollywood. "CLOUDY IN THE WEST" is
looking strong as is "CROSSING THE KINGS HIGHWAY". Still waiting to hear on
"MOUNTAIN MAN CHRISTMAS".
DJ
New pictures are up on a new page: JUDGES
I have to say it was a long yet productive week on the set of "JUDGES". We finished the
bulk of the drama this week and ended on Saturday with a gun fight in the alley. It was
just like the "Old Western" showdowns. It was great fun and besides a few mishaps of the
coat, a broken DAT player and a close call with a rusty beam, the scenes ran very smooth.
The actor playing "Black Jack" is a powerful combination of Ving Rames and Mr.T. We
start the week indoors filming the TEMPLE Club. Footage coming back looks awesome
and the crew is very excited. Two more weeks to go!
Got an email about starring in a SAG short experimental in Chicago mid-June. Also
might have to fly to LA to meet with the "KILL DR.LUCKY" director. Trying to find out
some info from Charlie Matthau about his next movie. He emailed so I'll see what he has
going on.
Met with the potential financiers of Lionheart's "NIGHT FALL" feature. That is moving
slow but just might launch itself. "MONEY SHOT" is undergoing the rewrite, "WILD
MICHIGAN" is being submitted around Hollywood. "CLOUDY IN THE WEST" is
looking strong as is "CROSSING THE KINGS HIGHWAY". Still waiting to hear on
"MOUNTAIN MAN CHRISTMAS".
DJ
New pictures are up on a new page: JUDGES
June 8,2004
THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME...
I am back in Michigan. We had a great last day of shooting with the final showdown with
the movie's main bad guy, Sonny King. Big FX shot for the final shot of the picture.
Can't give any spoilers :). Had a little blow out on the final Saturday at Terry Jernigan's
Tiki Bar in his home. Such great people. I found some wonderful people that I would
love to work with again. Went to the beach on Sunday for a short stay before the evening
wrap party with food and a slide show. I would work with this group again in a heart beat.
Made some great new friends and I'll miss the daily conversations with of Terry, Bill
Bishop and Trent who stayed occassionally at Terry's for ease of shooting. Terry lived
near the shipping docks we used as a set in the final week. I know that this will be a
breakout picture. It looks great with wonderful actors and great action. The director
Stephen got a kick out of Pepper's comments on the "JUDGES" board. I shaved the
beard the Saturday we finished shooting and got a hair cut yesterday. My next role will be
in a horror film shooting in LA end of June. "CROSSING THE KING'S HIGHWAY" is
moving slow but developing. FOX TV and ABC want to look at it so we'll see what
happens. Just catching up on cleaning, banking and bills. Should know more on a few
other projects soon! Things are moving on development as well :)
DJ
I am back in Michigan. We had a great last day of shooting with the final showdown with
the movie's main bad guy, Sonny King. Big FX shot for the final shot of the picture.
Can't give any spoilers :). Had a little blow out on the final Saturday at Terry Jernigan's
Tiki Bar in his home. Such great people. I found some wonderful people that I would
love to work with again. Went to the beach on Sunday for a short stay before the evening
wrap party with food and a slide show. I would work with this group again in a heart beat.
Made some great new friends and I'll miss the daily conversations with of Terry, Bill
Bishop and Trent who stayed occassionally at Terry's for ease of shooting. Terry lived
near the shipping docks we used as a set in the final week. I know that this will be a
breakout picture. It looks great with wonderful actors and great action. The director
Stephen got a kick out of Pepper's comments on the "JUDGES" board. I shaved the
beard the Saturday we finished shooting and got a hair cut yesterday. My next role will be
in a horror film shooting in LA end of June. "CROSSING THE KING'S HIGHWAY" is
moving slow but developing. FOX TV and ABC want to look at it so we'll see what
happens. Just catching up on cleaning, banking and bills. Should know more on a few
other projects soon! Things are moving on development as well :)
DJ
"Tell Pepper I'll call her later...
Right now I am busy trying to
put a ding into another table."
Right now I am busy trying to
put a ding into another table."
June 21, 2004
I'm eating toast and having coffee waiting on Tony Hornus to come pick me up. We are
working on a trailer for "An Ordinary Killer" and it is a powerful teaser. We are also
mastering the DVD for "Beyond Ordinary" the behind the scenes of "An Ordinary Killer"
that has great interviews with the cast, Knox, Haggerty, Nendick, Jernigan, Matthau,
Haskins, Thompson and myself... Premiere footage, cast and crew at work and the REAL
sentencing footage. We plan to have it for sale in August to build hype for the main
movie's pending release.
I've also worked a non-exclusive deal on domestic releases on our three early films, "From
Venus", "Heaven's Neighbors" and "Figure In The Forest". What that means is that we'll be
able to sell direct while the company sells to rental chains. Foreign is also being represented
by the same company. While we have several much larger projects coming together, we still
all want to see these fine stories make their way out there.
Tony Hornus will also be rolling with me to LA. We have several meetings over distribution
and development deals. I'm co-starring in a horror film called "The Task" that has a
"Gothika" feel to it. I know some of the stars that are in it as well but until I get the go
ahead to release that info... mums the word, sorry :-). I'm meeting a few A-List casting
agents and overall it could be one of the most productive trips to date. We are planning to
sit down with the upcoming director of one of the CDI films. You will all know his name but
again... untill it is a done deal, "NO DICE :-)". Development is what we are all about right
now.
Friday I had a producer interested in talking with me about co-starring in a thriller set to
shoot on August, 2004. The group had a very good short in the Canne Film Festival and this
would be their step up. Much like the Virginia group, they seem to really have all their
ducks in a row. Speaking of Virginia and "Judges", I got a musical teaser of character
images from Stephen, the director, and I really dug it! Everyone looks great and wait until
everyone sees the drama worked into the story.
We have our next Lionheart Filmworks project going up in July. I will not be acting in it. It
is another Civil War project and my body needs a rest from wool :-). My birthday is on the
23rd of this month so I will be doing the family thing. That about wraps up this journal
update. :-)
DJ
working on a trailer for "An Ordinary Killer" and it is a powerful teaser. We are also
mastering the DVD for "Beyond Ordinary" the behind the scenes of "An Ordinary Killer"
that has great interviews with the cast, Knox, Haggerty, Nendick, Jernigan, Matthau,
Haskins, Thompson and myself... Premiere footage, cast and crew at work and the REAL
sentencing footage. We plan to have it for sale in August to build hype for the main
movie's pending release.
I've also worked a non-exclusive deal on domestic releases on our three early films, "From
Venus", "Heaven's Neighbors" and "Figure In The Forest". What that means is that we'll be
able to sell direct while the company sells to rental chains. Foreign is also being represented
by the same company. While we have several much larger projects coming together, we still
all want to see these fine stories make their way out there.
Tony Hornus will also be rolling with me to LA. We have several meetings over distribution
and development deals. I'm co-starring in a horror film called "The Task" that has a
"Gothika" feel to it. I know some of the stars that are in it as well but until I get the go
ahead to release that info... mums the word, sorry :-). I'm meeting a few A-List casting
agents and overall it could be one of the most productive trips to date. We are planning to
sit down with the upcoming director of one of the CDI films. You will all know his name but
again... untill it is a done deal, "NO DICE :-)". Development is what we are all about right
now.
Friday I had a producer interested in talking with me about co-starring in a thriller set to
shoot on August, 2004. The group had a very good short in the Canne Film Festival and this
would be their step up. Much like the Virginia group, they seem to really have all their
ducks in a row. Speaking of Virginia and "Judges", I got a musical teaser of character
images from Stephen, the director, and I really dug it! Everyone looks great and wait until
everyone sees the drama worked into the story.
We have our next Lionheart Filmworks project going up in July. I will not be acting in it. It
is another Civil War project and my body needs a rest from wool :-). My birthday is on the
23rd of this month so I will be doing the family thing. That about wraps up this journal
update. :-)
DJ
July 3, 2004
Again I sit drinking my coffee. It has been a very busy week getting ready for the
Hollywood trip. Several companies to talk with concerning "AN ORDINARY KILLER".
Jaki Baskow, my friend and agent from Las Vegas, LOVED the film. She has been much
harsher on some of my other work so I trust her comments. She is currently in Spain and
will be meeting with us in LA for a meeting or so when she returns. HBO has it and I would
love to get a release through them but we are still looking at a regional or plat form release
to theaters. We will have for sale in August a "BEYOND ORDINARY" DVD that contains
interviews with cast and key crew as well as theater footage and actual sentencing footage of
the real killer. We cut a great trailer that will be on the DVD as well as composer featurette
and a few other little extras. Any interested people can email me at perrydj@aol.com and
I'll put you on a list.
The horror film "THE TASK" in LA is trying to get its feet underneath it. It has a cool cast
and I love the script. Great job Kenny. I got an offer on another thriller called "GPS"
scheduled to shoot in August, 2004. I like this group and they had a very slick short they
shot previously. We are negotiating contracts now on this project.
We are still trying to launch "WILD MICHIGAN" in October and have added Lana Wood
to our cast. We'll be meeting with her out in LA... I also got her involved with "CROSSING
THE KING'S HIGHWAY", which is moving like a slow giant but as of Friday we were close
to having all the pieces in place. The main producer Ray has decided that we will shoot in
Canada over Brazil, Oh well :-). This will be a great project well worth the work put into it.
Our trip will also include several development meetings. "WILD MICHIGAN" being one of
the projects and the other secret project is half financed and may be fully by next wee. It is
the one with a solid recognizable director. Working to put things together on the slate,
Kevin Hershberger and I, have been fighting to launch our current project in Virginia.
Also talked with my buddy Thadd in Arizonia. They just finished producing their action
adventure flick. I wanted to play with them BUT I was filming on "JUDGES". He and I
will meet in LA to see about doing some crossover work with one another. Great guy who
knows his Western stuff :-). He'll play some part in our two upcoming projects I would
imagine. He wants me to come play a part in his next feature that is a Western. I think I'm
building quite a base in this genre. That is okay... I love it.
WELL, enough of the movie BS. I have to go mow my lawn :-). Planted my little garden
last week and a few of my little sprouts are coming up. What a bargain! Until next time...
DJ
Speaking of "JUDGES", editing starts this week. Watch the www.judgesthemovie.com
website as LOTS of material will start going up. I'm talking teaser footage out west and it is
creating a bit of a stir. I think that it is a very commerical movie that will be fun to watch.
Stephen Walker and his team are a talented bunch.
Hollywood trip. Several companies to talk with concerning "AN ORDINARY KILLER".
Jaki Baskow, my friend and agent from Las Vegas, LOVED the film. She has been much
harsher on some of my other work so I trust her comments. She is currently in Spain and
will be meeting with us in LA for a meeting or so when she returns. HBO has it and I would
love to get a release through them but we are still looking at a regional or plat form release
to theaters. We will have for sale in August a "BEYOND ORDINARY" DVD that contains
interviews with cast and key crew as well as theater footage and actual sentencing footage of
the real killer. We cut a great trailer that will be on the DVD as well as composer featurette
and a few other little extras. Any interested people can email me at perrydj@aol.com and
I'll put you on a list.
The horror film "THE TASK" in LA is trying to get its feet underneath it. It has a cool cast
and I love the script. Great job Kenny. I got an offer on another thriller called "GPS"
scheduled to shoot in August, 2004. I like this group and they had a very slick short they
shot previously. We are negotiating contracts now on this project.
We are still trying to launch "WILD MICHIGAN" in October and have added Lana Wood
to our cast. We'll be meeting with her out in LA... I also got her involved with "CROSSING
THE KING'S HIGHWAY", which is moving like a slow giant but as of Friday we were close
to having all the pieces in place. The main producer Ray has decided that we will shoot in
Canada over Brazil, Oh well :-). This will be a great project well worth the work put into it.
Our trip will also include several development meetings. "WILD MICHIGAN" being one of
the projects and the other secret project is half financed and may be fully by next wee. It is
the one with a solid recognizable director. Working to put things together on the slate,
Kevin Hershberger and I, have been fighting to launch our current project in Virginia.
Also talked with my buddy Thadd in Arizonia. They just finished producing their action
adventure flick. I wanted to play with them BUT I was filming on "JUDGES". He and I
will meet in LA to see about doing some crossover work with one another. Great guy who
knows his Western stuff :-). He'll play some part in our two upcoming projects I would
imagine. He wants me to come play a part in his next feature that is a Western. I think I'm
building quite a base in this genre. That is okay... I love it.
WELL, enough of the movie BS. I have to go mow my lawn :-). Planted my little garden
last week and a few of my little sprouts are coming up. What a bargain! Until next time...
DJ
Speaking of "JUDGES", editing starts this week. Watch the www.judgesthemovie.com
website as LOTS of material will start going up. I'm talking teaser footage out west and it is
creating a bit of a stir. I think that it is a very commerical movie that will be fun to watch.
Stephen Walker and his team are a talented bunch.
July 25th, 2004
Back Home Again!
Hollywood is an exhausting place when you try to cram months of meetings into two and a
half weeks. Coffee by my side I will once again spill my thoughts out to you people in
cyberland. Making movies is a wonderful thing and so is coming home to see that my acorn
squash looks to be coming up. Prior to leaving for LA I had just recently planted my little
garden. As I sat down at meetings over our projects I often thought about that little
garden. Somehow the two are very connected. The LA meetings went VERY good. Too
good to allow oneself to be overly optimistic but, we had already planted the seeds. Maybe
our business, much like the garden, was slowly starting to sprout and grow. It is such a
blessing to be able to do what I love to do but it comes only at the price of much hard work.
Often months of hardship fall in between the good times.
It looks very promising for "An Ordinary Killer". Every place that we sat down with
realized that we had capitalized on the CSI craze that is running wild on television and
made a feature film. Tom Hanks is rushing to put one in production for the next year but
ours is done! The reviews are good with wonderful endorsements from the leaders in the
field. Our week run in the theaters was incredible with 12 of the 13 shows sold out. We have
a wanted product, period. In addition to this we have a very high profile attorney that will
help navigate the shark infested waters and wants to work together on future endeavors.
We had great meetings over placement of our early works, built a great relationship with a
well known casting agent, landed a manager to help me submit me onto larger projects and
lastly have interest in securing financing for future projects with Kennedy, Hershberger and
Hornus. (Sounds like a law firm) Also "Judges" got some good exposure and buzz at the
meetings and I think that I will be a good sell as well. We seem to have the attention of
studio players, finally... That doesn't mean a darn thing other than we have to keep fighting
the good fight.
Went on the set of some other filmmakers that we are looking at to work with and got to
hang on set with Michael Rooker, Michael Madsen and Gary Busey. It is hard to watch
others having all the fun. We also got a private tour of Universal Studios and have to
believe we will be working on a studio lot ourselves sometime soon. I'm still partial to
location shoots though. Speaking of other filmmakers, we met with Thadd and I have to
say he is one cool dude. He is the man when it comes to westerns and we are looking
forward to working with him as well.
As for the acting game... everything is squashing together :-) "GPS" the movie in
September. "The Task", also in September. "Kill Doctor Lucky" all together now... looks
like September.
Also looks like we are going to film a pitch piece of "Wild Michigan" for potential investors
in August and that should be exciting to say the least. If I can lock the $$ in for it by the
end of August, then we will look at a mid October shoot. Too much... and I will push to
Spring but, I'm also trying to get Lionheart's NIGHTFALL up in February 2005 so...
Crazy stuff :-) Let us just keep on truckin'!
DJ
Hollywood is an exhausting place when you try to cram months of meetings into two and a
half weeks. Coffee by my side I will once again spill my thoughts out to you people in
cyberland. Making movies is a wonderful thing and so is coming home to see that my acorn
squash looks to be coming up. Prior to leaving for LA I had just recently planted my little
garden. As I sat down at meetings over our projects I often thought about that little
garden. Somehow the two are very connected. The LA meetings went VERY good. Too
good to allow oneself to be overly optimistic but, we had already planted the seeds. Maybe
our business, much like the garden, was slowly starting to sprout and grow. It is such a
blessing to be able to do what I love to do but it comes only at the price of much hard work.
Often months of hardship fall in between the good times.
It looks very promising for "An Ordinary Killer". Every place that we sat down with
realized that we had capitalized on the CSI craze that is running wild on television and
made a feature film. Tom Hanks is rushing to put one in production for the next year but
ours is done! The reviews are good with wonderful endorsements from the leaders in the
field. Our week run in the theaters was incredible with 12 of the 13 shows sold out. We have
a wanted product, period. In addition to this we have a very high profile attorney that will
help navigate the shark infested waters and wants to work together on future endeavors.
We had great meetings over placement of our early works, built a great relationship with a
well known casting agent, landed a manager to help me submit me onto larger projects and
lastly have interest in securing financing for future projects with Kennedy, Hershberger and
Hornus. (Sounds like a law firm) Also "Judges" got some good exposure and buzz at the
meetings and I think that I will be a good sell as well. We seem to have the attention of
studio players, finally... That doesn't mean a darn thing other than we have to keep fighting
the good fight.
Went on the set of some other filmmakers that we are looking at to work with and got to
hang on set with Michael Rooker, Michael Madsen and Gary Busey. It is hard to watch
others having all the fun. We also got a private tour of Universal Studios and have to
believe we will be working on a studio lot ourselves sometime soon. I'm still partial to
location shoots though. Speaking of other filmmakers, we met with Thadd and I have to
say he is one cool dude. He is the man when it comes to westerns and we are looking
forward to working with him as well.
As for the acting game... everything is squashing together :-) "GPS" the movie in
September. "The Task", also in September. "Kill Doctor Lucky" all together now... looks
like September.
Also looks like we are going to film a pitch piece of "Wild Michigan" for potential investors
in August and that should be exciting to say the least. If I can lock the $$ in for it by the
end of August, then we will look at a mid October shoot. Too much... and I will push to
Spring but, I'm also trying to get Lionheart's NIGHTFALL up in February 2005 so...
Crazy stuff :-) Let us just keep on truckin'!
DJ
August 12th, 2004
I sit drinking my coffee once again and I'll try to catch you all up on my going on's. I'm off
to Detroit where I'm being a segment producer for a Hawaiian Tropic Celeb Golf Outing
and the regional finals for the Detroit area. I've busted my butt getting everything in line.
There will be some old friends there, Dennis Haskins, Dan Haggerty, Robert Levy and some
new ones as well. I hear that David Carridine is suppose to be there and I'm excited about
that. I've been a HUGE fan since the "KUNG FU" days. So we should have a good time
with the VIP Party tonight and the shoot tomorrow.
Immediately following that we are doing a 2 day teaser shoot for "WILD MICHIGAN". It
is to help sell our interested parties on the movie and to allow the assigned distributor to go
to the International film market in November and start pre-selling foreign territories. So it
has been lining up guns, costumes, a covered wagon with mules, horses, etc... Most of the
wonderful crew of "AN ORDINARY KILLER" is back in action and this will be very cool!
I have 2 special treats for you all out there. Two teaser posters for "WILD MICHIGAN"!
Once Pepper can learn to stream video, we can start posting video.
I have signed a contract on the thriller "GPS" shooting in Seattle, Washington. I will be
playing the antagonist. It will be a rugged action packed thriller with some cool twists and
turns. I will be sending you a link for that picture soon. From there it looks like back to
Hollywood to shoot the horror film, "The TASK" and lastly a Western in Arizonia. More
as that solidfies. THEN... we hope to be shooting "WILD MICHIGAN" late Fall into Winter!
Got our first solid offer on "AN ORDINARY KILLER". Actually we have had several
interested parties but this one seems ready to deal. "CROSSING The KING'S HIGHWAY"
is slow moving but coming together in a very good way. Actually it is good that it is
creeping with my other commitments.
"JUDGES" is about 20 minutes into editing... about 70 minutes to go. We are still looking
at November and sequel talk is in the works. Got more feedback out of L.A. and people are
lining up to see the final product.
Everything else is good. My squash is getting bigger in the garden. My favorite season of
Fall is coming and I'm pretty darn happy. More updates soon.
Take care,
DJ
to Detroit where I'm being a segment producer for a Hawaiian Tropic Celeb Golf Outing
and the regional finals for the Detroit area. I've busted my butt getting everything in line.
There will be some old friends there, Dennis Haskins, Dan Haggerty, Robert Levy and some
new ones as well. I hear that David Carridine is suppose to be there and I'm excited about
that. I've been a HUGE fan since the "KUNG FU" days. So we should have a good time
with the VIP Party tonight and the shoot tomorrow.
Immediately following that we are doing a 2 day teaser shoot for "WILD MICHIGAN". It
is to help sell our interested parties on the movie and to allow the assigned distributor to go
to the International film market in November and start pre-selling foreign territories. So it
has been lining up guns, costumes, a covered wagon with mules, horses, etc... Most of the
wonderful crew of "AN ORDINARY KILLER" is back in action and this will be very cool!
I have 2 special treats for you all out there. Two teaser posters for "WILD MICHIGAN"!
Once Pepper can learn to stream video, we can start posting video.
I have signed a contract on the thriller "GPS" shooting in Seattle, Washington. I will be
playing the antagonist. It will be a rugged action packed thriller with some cool twists and
turns. I will be sending you a link for that picture soon. From there it looks like back to
Hollywood to shoot the horror film, "The TASK" and lastly a Western in Arizonia. More
as that solidfies. THEN... we hope to be shooting "WILD MICHIGAN" late Fall into Winter!
Got our first solid offer on "AN ORDINARY KILLER". Actually we have had several
interested parties but this one seems ready to deal. "CROSSING The KING'S HIGHWAY"
is slow moving but coming together in a very good way. Actually it is good that it is
creeping with my other commitments.
"JUDGES" is about 20 minutes into editing... about 70 minutes to go. We are still looking
at November and sequel talk is in the works. Got more feedback out of L.A. and people are
lining up to see the final product.
Everything else is good. My squash is getting bigger in the garden. My favorite season of
Fall is coming and I'm pretty darn happy. More updates soon.
Take care,
DJ
August 25th, 2004
It is 8:37 a.m. and I'm... YES! You guessed it. Drinking Krispy Kreme coffee but, I stayed
away from the doughnuts. If I ever have to put weight on for a role... I'll know how! Let
me see... The Hawaiian Tropic Golf outing went great. Kato Kaelin was our host and I
really got to know him over the course of the day. Had Taymour "Von" Ghazi in from
L.A. and he helped greatly with his knowledge of golf. I'm use to windmills and waterfalls,
better known as PeeWee Golf [PuttPutt Golf]. Great crew (Will, Gregg, Angela, Dave, Bev)
and met many great personalities from the sports and entertainment world. I knew several
of them from my VIP parties with the Hawaiian Tropic family. Dan Haggerty and his
brother Bill, his manager Terry Bomar, Dennis Haskins, Robert Levy (Tapestry Films) and
Chris Williams (National Lampoon) Denny, Rob Cortis and the gang had one cool shindig
with the pageant later that night. We filmed both in high definition. Meeting David
Carradine from "Kill Bill" and "Kung Fu" was my highlight. I watched that show everyday
after school. I want to work with him and you know... maybe I will!
We wrapped out of there late and high tailed it back to Lansing so that we could all make
an 8:30 call time for our "Wild Michigan" teaser shoot. David Lowing (Bless that man)
brought a full grip truck and we had a full day shooting until 4ish in the a.m. on Sunday.
Mary Darling helped set up the horses including "Markee" who decided to go buck wild
with me on her. The cables in the high grass appear to be snakes and she got spooked. We
have footage on the behind the scenes cam of me defying gravity and staying on when I
should have fallen. Yeah... I'm a cowboy. Was I scared? Ah.. Yeaah! NOTE: All actors
need more riding prep and horses take a bit longer to schedul. We got everything though. I
was extremely happy about all the actors we cast as my love interest, her daughter, my son,
Rugged Bill and Jeramiah Jones and the posse. Sunday had us up early with me being
harassed on screen and also driving a covered wagon with a team of mules, Rudy and Ruby,
both having been featured in "Dances With Wolves." Train footage and then a wrap
cookout at Tony Hornus's in Owosso, Michigan. (Tony was the Co-Director, writer of "An
Ordinary Killer") It was good to see Jeff Kennedy in the saddle again and this should
dispel any stigma of not being and action director.
This last weekend I judged a Hawaiian Tropic contest for the other side of the state. I will
send some pics on that later. Surrounded by beautiful women, I was there to meet also with
a few potential investors. All went great! Susan, the coordinator liked how I handled
myself and I may judge the international contest in Hawaii.
I have my tickets ready and I fly out to Seattle, Washington tomorrow. I'm playing the
jackass in the thriller "GPS". A great group who did a cool short that traveled about and
now they are stepping up to their first feature. I play SAM, who is a rival treasure hunter
using the global positioning deals which will be funny to anyone who really knows me
because my sense of direction sucks. Actually, it is much better in the woods once you get
me out of a car. I will be there 9 days shooting my part and of course I'll have pictures for
that as well.
I have tentative dates on a Western that I'm on in November 15th-December 10th. I may
not be needed that entire time. A few other movies in negotiations for roles so we'll just
have to wait and see what pans out.
"JUDGES" was at the 30 minute edit mark last week. We shoot 3rd week on "NO
RETREAT" the feature this weekend that I'm producing with Kevin Hershberger. Working
on getting "NIGHT FALL" up for the Spring of 2005. I'm suppose to have an offer today
on "AN ORDINARY KILLER". I think we are looking at a pay cable deal followed by
foreign and domestic. CDI may also be doing a slate of horror films with the same
company. Back to the roots baby! :-)
I'm off for now, car chases and fist fights at the waterfalls! www.gpsthemovie.com should
be up soon and I'm sending Pepper pics and posters from the "WILD MICHIGAN" shoot.
DJ
away from the doughnuts. If I ever have to put weight on for a role... I'll know how! Let
me see... The Hawaiian Tropic Golf outing went great. Kato Kaelin was our host and I
really got to know him over the course of the day. Had Taymour "Von" Ghazi in from
L.A. and he helped greatly with his knowledge of golf. I'm use to windmills and waterfalls,
better known as PeeWee Golf [PuttPutt Golf]. Great crew (Will, Gregg, Angela, Dave, Bev)
and met many great personalities from the sports and entertainment world. I knew several
of them from my VIP parties with the Hawaiian Tropic family. Dan Haggerty and his
brother Bill, his manager Terry Bomar, Dennis Haskins, Robert Levy (Tapestry Films) and
Chris Williams (National Lampoon) Denny, Rob Cortis and the gang had one cool shindig
with the pageant later that night. We filmed both in high definition. Meeting David
Carradine from "Kill Bill" and "Kung Fu" was my highlight. I watched that show everyday
after school. I want to work with him and you know... maybe I will!
We wrapped out of there late and high tailed it back to Lansing so that we could all make
an 8:30 call time for our "Wild Michigan" teaser shoot. David Lowing (Bless that man)
brought a full grip truck and we had a full day shooting until 4ish in the a.m. on Sunday.
Mary Darling helped set up the horses including "Markee" who decided to go buck wild
with me on her. The cables in the high grass appear to be snakes and she got spooked. We
have footage on the behind the scenes cam of me defying gravity and staying on when I
should have fallen. Yeah... I'm a cowboy. Was I scared? Ah.. Yeaah! NOTE: All actors
need more riding prep and horses take a bit longer to schedul. We got everything though. I
was extremely happy about all the actors we cast as my love interest, her daughter, my son,
Rugged Bill and Jeramiah Jones and the posse. Sunday had us up early with me being
harassed on screen and also driving a covered wagon with a team of mules, Rudy and Ruby,
both having been featured in "Dances With Wolves." Train footage and then a wrap
cookout at Tony Hornus's in Owosso, Michigan. (Tony was the Co-Director, writer of "An
Ordinary Killer") It was good to see Jeff Kennedy in the saddle again and this should
dispel any stigma of not being and action director.
This last weekend I judged a Hawaiian Tropic contest for the other side of the state. I will
send some pics on that later. Surrounded by beautiful women, I was there to meet also with
a few potential investors. All went great! Susan, the coordinator liked how I handled
myself and I may judge the international contest in Hawaii.
I have my tickets ready and I fly out to Seattle, Washington tomorrow. I'm playing the
jackass in the thriller "GPS". A great group who did a cool short that traveled about and
now they are stepping up to their first feature. I play SAM, who is a rival treasure hunter
using the global positioning deals which will be funny to anyone who really knows me
because my sense of direction sucks. Actually, it is much better in the woods once you get
me out of a car. I will be there 9 days shooting my part and of course I'll have pictures for
that as well.
I have tentative dates on a Western that I'm on in November 15th-December 10th. I may
not be needed that entire time. A few other movies in negotiations for roles so we'll just
have to wait and see what pans out.
"JUDGES" was at the 30 minute edit mark last week. We shoot 3rd week on "NO
RETREAT" the feature this weekend that I'm producing with Kevin Hershberger. Working
on getting "NIGHT FALL" up for the Spring of 2005. I'm suppose to have an offer today
on "AN ORDINARY KILLER". I think we are looking at a pay cable deal followed by
foreign and domestic. CDI may also be doing a slate of horror films with the same
company. Back to the roots baby! :-)
I'm off for now, car chases and fist fights at the waterfalls! www.gpsthemovie.com should
be up soon and I'm sending Pepper pics and posters from the "WILD MICHIGAN" shoot.
DJ
"Let me see if I got ya right... To stop his rifle from shooting me... All I have
to do is... Stick my finger in the barrel??? Here I thought Goofy is a dog from
Disneyland... That's a great make-up job Dan... !!"
to do is... Stick my finger in the barrel??? Here I thought Goofy is a dog from
Disneyland... That's a great make-up job Dan... !!"
September 7th, 2004
It is 4:30 a.m. in Seattle, Washington. I've just come off the "GPS" film set, which was set
deep in the mountain Wilderness. I played the charater Sam, which is set up as the
antagonist of the story. The film crew took over a summer camp and darn but it was fun.
It was like being at camp including a made up game of EXTREME PING PONG (4 to a side
with the entire mess hall as the arena) but much better food then I remember. (Cheers to
my mate Gates!) We also had a huge sponsor in product placement, BEER! I will be
sending the picture of our beer fort made of cases upon cases of bottled Sierra Nevada Pale
Ales and such. I drank red wine but not much beer. I did get a little "tipsy" on my last day
with the cast and crew. It was the wrap day for the week, which added a great incentive for
everyone to join in! Fellow actors Artine, Paul, Daniel, Dani, Nicola, Hallie and the whole
gang were wonderful. There were several great scenes and stunts in this movie, which I
think, will play really well. (Falling off a waterfall, cliff fights, ATV chases, crashes off
bridges, etc...) I'll be assisting in post-production and distribution as we go along. I think
this thriller/horror film will do quite well in the overall market and it really is beautiful with
the huge trees and natural beauty all captured in high definition. I kept expecting EWOKS
(Return Of The Jedi) to jump out at any given moment in the deep woods of "Endor
Seattle". First time I've ever been on set with a bear and cougar alert in effect by the DNR.
CONTINUED...
I'm in the airport now and I plan to use my time here to write this journal update. I have a
slew of promotional stuff starting. I got called about possibly doing a promotional shoot
for Harley Davidson Motorcycles and then I got offered to be a judge for the International
Hawaiian Tropic Finals in HAWAII! I said... a... YES! The same promotional group has
asked me to do an All-Star Hawaiian Tropic Ski weekend in February and to judge some
Miss Junior Michigan Pageant. If I'm not filming then I will be there even though my ski
abilities are below par. (Just ask my cousin Jerry:-)!)
"JUDGES" will be making an appearance at the Virginia Film Festival. Just a sneak peak
trailer as the movie should be around the 60-minute rough-cut stage.
The CDI gang has been busy at work assembling the "Wild Michigan, First Look" footage.
We are in negotiations on "An Ordinary Killer" and also putting together a slate of films for
2005/2006. One will be a slate of horror films and the other slate will be a mix and match of
films with our directors. I'm not sure when we will pull the trigger on "Wild Michigan"
since we are still locking down financing and scheduling is becoming an issue.
Got a call from our distributor on the "Cloudy In The West" project and she should have
word from Beau Bridges here soon. I talked with him in L.A. and so we are just looking to
see if we are going to move forward with this project at our current budget.
The "Crossing The Kings Highway" project is still being finalized by distributors who are
deciding on who gets what sales rights. Last talk with the main produce Ray things were
getting close to being finalized but with everything else going on, I'm happy it is coming
together in it's own time.
The two westerns I'm cast in through Arizona may have spawned two additional movie
offers. I still have yet to read scripts on the other two but the pitch was good.
Looking at CDI doing a few other co-productions out of Michigan and overall I'm
extremely happy with all the good progress. Still in talks over our earlier films for home
video and television but did get word that "Knight Chills" and "From Venus" will be going
onto the newly launched national MONSTERCHANNEL.
We are also gearing up for CDI Releasing first DVD release, "Beyond Ordinary" which has
interviews, premiere footage, behind the scenes in Owosso, MI where the film was shot and
lastly sentencing footage of the actual killer. I think it is going to be $14.95 and promises to
be a unique product.
Hmmm... I'm still getting wonderful emails and letters from people all over the country who
are moved by "Wicked Spring", our Lionheart Filmworks release. I think I might have
some of those posted. It makes me feel really goot to read those and that is why we make
movies. To entertain, educate and make people "feel". We knocked down another week of
shooting on our 2nd Lionheart Filmworks feature, NO RETREAT and I'm in talks over
distribution. The trailer for that should be up soon on the site. Once I get home I'll check
the squash and try to get things back to normal. I hope everyone is doing great and thank
you for following along.
Sincerely,
DJ
deep in the mountain Wilderness. I played the charater Sam, which is set up as the
antagonist of the story. The film crew took over a summer camp and darn but it was fun.
It was like being at camp including a made up game of EXTREME PING PONG (4 to a side
with the entire mess hall as the arena) but much better food then I remember. (Cheers to
my mate Gates!) We also had a huge sponsor in product placement, BEER! I will be
sending the picture of our beer fort made of cases upon cases of bottled Sierra Nevada Pale
Ales and such. I drank red wine but not much beer. I did get a little "tipsy" on my last day
with the cast and crew. It was the wrap day for the week, which added a great incentive for
everyone to join in! Fellow actors Artine, Paul, Daniel, Dani, Nicola, Hallie and the whole
gang were wonderful. There were several great scenes and stunts in this movie, which I
think, will play really well. (Falling off a waterfall, cliff fights, ATV chases, crashes off
bridges, etc...) I'll be assisting in post-production and distribution as we go along. I think
this thriller/horror film will do quite well in the overall market and it really is beautiful with
the huge trees and natural beauty all captured in high definition. I kept expecting EWOKS
(Return Of The Jedi) to jump out at any given moment in the deep woods of "Endor
Seattle". First time I've ever been on set with a bear and cougar alert in effect by the DNR.
CONTINUED...
I'm in the airport now and I plan to use my time here to write this journal update. I have a
slew of promotional stuff starting. I got called about possibly doing a promotional shoot
for Harley Davidson Motorcycles and then I got offered to be a judge for the International
Hawaiian Tropic Finals in HAWAII! I said... a... YES! The same promotional group has
asked me to do an All-Star Hawaiian Tropic Ski weekend in February and to judge some
Miss Junior Michigan Pageant. If I'm not filming then I will be there even though my ski
abilities are below par. (Just ask my cousin Jerry:-)!)
"JUDGES" will be making an appearance at the Virginia Film Festival. Just a sneak peak
trailer as the movie should be around the 60-minute rough-cut stage.
The CDI gang has been busy at work assembling the "Wild Michigan, First Look" footage.
We are in negotiations on "An Ordinary Killer" and also putting together a slate of films for
2005/2006. One will be a slate of horror films and the other slate will be a mix and match of
films with our directors. I'm not sure when we will pull the trigger on "Wild Michigan"
since we are still locking down financing and scheduling is becoming an issue.
Got a call from our distributor on the "Cloudy In The West" project and she should have
word from Beau Bridges here soon. I talked with him in L.A. and so we are just looking to
see if we are going to move forward with this project at our current budget.
The "Crossing The Kings Highway" project is still being finalized by distributors who are
deciding on who gets what sales rights. Last talk with the main produce Ray things were
getting close to being finalized but with everything else going on, I'm happy it is coming
together in it's own time.
The two westerns I'm cast in through Arizona may have spawned two additional movie
offers. I still have yet to read scripts on the other two but the pitch was good.
Looking at CDI doing a few other co-productions out of Michigan and overall I'm
extremely happy with all the good progress. Still in talks over our earlier films for home
video and television but did get word that "Knight Chills" and "From Venus" will be going
onto the newly launched national MONSTERCHANNEL.
We are also gearing up for CDI Releasing first DVD release, "Beyond Ordinary" which has
interviews, premiere footage, behind the scenes in Owosso, MI where the film was shot and
lastly sentencing footage of the actual killer. I think it is going to be $14.95 and promises to
be a unique product.
Hmmm... I'm still getting wonderful emails and letters from people all over the country who
are moved by "Wicked Spring", our Lionheart Filmworks release. I think I might have
some of those posted. It makes me feel really goot to read those and that is why we make
movies. To entertain, educate and make people "feel". We knocked down another week of
shooting on our 2nd Lionheart Filmworks feature, NO RETREAT and I'm in talks over
distribution. The trailer for that should be up soon on the site. Once I get home I'll check
the squash and try to get things back to normal. I hope everyone is doing great and thank
you for following along.
Sincerely,
DJ
"Just think... I am just beginning and
already I'm tuckered... WHEW!!!"
already I'm tuckered... WHEW!!!"
September 15th, 2004
All together now I sit here at Fort Perry, drinking my coffee as I once again dig deep within
and try to give you a peek into my personal journey.
The air has a wonderful fall feeling starting to stir it. Gentle winds and ripening squash!
Yes, I don't think I would survive a winter on my garden harvest but they are starting to
grow. "Sow, grow, reap." Words to ponder upon. I've had a good year so far but it is a
result of the gardening and tending to the tasks at hand. Weeding out the negative
influences. Not only external but, internally. Making sure that one has plenty of water and
sun for their soul. I feel blessed in many ways and I continue to try and pass that energy
around.
I feel that many people may curse and throw stones at me as I journey forth but, I will
smile. For me it is not just the product, some good, some bad, and some in-between. Each
movie is a lesson in teamwork and a special moment where a group of people came together
as storytellers. Each movie is a time capsule of where I was and who was in my life at that
moment in time.
As an artist, it is great to put forth a creative_expression and allow people to make their
opinions. Some are honest, as I've been to the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam, and some
pieces of work were simple to the point of making one question if it was worthy to hang
upon a wall. Other works, so complex and stumulating that it is hard to believe this came
from a mind and brush. I understand the subjective eye is the filter of experience that
allows one to see things. Good example, I rarely rent horror films. My most recent ones
include "JEEPERS CREEPERS", which I didn't really care for, "THE RING", which I
liked, and "FREDDIE VERSUS JASON", which brought me back to the days of
"sleep-overs" in middle school. I guess my point is that I still like creating the material to
give the experience to others. My taste may change as I change, but still, I love to create.
I read movie reviews and such less and less as I move forward in this business. I feel
honored by the fan mail that I get on a weekly basis and I enjoy the occasional debates on a
movies worth or merits. When it becomes malicious though I think it is an insecurity that
dwells deep within individuals. An insecurity that makes them feel as if they are being
forced to measure up against someone else's doings. This is untrue.
I do not think that what I do is terribly important. I think it is a powerful tool that can be
used to educate, entertain, and to allow people to escape, to think outside of themselves.
The nurses who treated my dying grandmother, that was an important job that takes a
special kind of person. Garbage men, factory workers, mid-level executives, fast food
workers, parents, all very important to the cycle of things.
and try to give you a peek into my personal journey.
The air has a wonderful fall feeling starting to stir it. Gentle winds and ripening squash!
Yes, I don't think I would survive a winter on my garden harvest but they are starting to
grow. "Sow, grow, reap." Words to ponder upon. I've had a good year so far but it is a
result of the gardening and tending to the tasks at hand. Weeding out the negative
influences. Not only external but, internally. Making sure that one has plenty of water and
sun for their soul. I feel blessed in many ways and I continue to try and pass that energy
around.
I feel that many people may curse and throw stones at me as I journey forth but, I will
smile. For me it is not just the product, some good, some bad, and some in-between. Each
movie is a lesson in teamwork and a special moment where a group of people came together
as storytellers. Each movie is a time capsule of where I was and who was in my life at that
moment in time.
As an artist, it is great to put forth a creative_expression and allow people to make their
opinions. Some are honest, as I've been to the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam, and some
pieces of work were simple to the point of making one question if it was worthy to hang
upon a wall. Other works, so complex and stumulating that it is hard to believe this came
from a mind and brush. I understand the subjective eye is the filter of experience that
allows one to see things. Good example, I rarely rent horror films. My most recent ones
include "JEEPERS CREEPERS", which I didn't really care for, "THE RING", which I
liked, and "FREDDIE VERSUS JASON", which brought me back to the days of
"sleep-overs" in middle school. I guess my point is that I still like creating the material to
give the experience to others. My taste may change as I change, but still, I love to create.
I read movie reviews and such less and less as I move forward in this business. I feel
honored by the fan mail that I get on a weekly basis and I enjoy the occasional debates on a
movies worth or merits. When it becomes malicious though I think it is an insecurity that
dwells deep within individuals. An insecurity that makes them feel as if they are being
forced to measure up against someone else's doings. This is untrue.
I do not think that what I do is terribly important. I think it is a powerful tool that can be
used to educate, entertain, and to allow people to escape, to think outside of themselves.
The nurses who treated my dying grandmother, that was an important job that takes a
special kind of person. Garbage men, factory workers, mid-level executives, fast food
workers, parents, all very important to the cycle of things.
The Point: I can fully understand individuals whom I don't know willing to take shots at
things I've worked on. We all know the shortcomings of certain projects. [Darn horse
wouldn't cooperate, sun went down and we lost our light, inexperience in a situation, lack of
funds, etc.] What baffles me is when a friend who I've known for some time decides to
strike at myself or at un-released material. The latter almost lead to legal action because to
other investors this is business and that individual was being malicious. They don't give a
huge rats behind about the material but sought to protect their investment. But beyond
that what I really lost is much greater. Respect once lost is hard to rebuild. I want to say
here that I feel bad that Pepper, had to endure an email from this individual. He is troubled
within, he has a disease, drinking. He is myh friend still because I have compassion for him.
He is a good guy at heart but I did lose a lot of respect for him because of his own lack of
compassion. In the short time I've known Pepper, she has proved to be a good person, who
is disabled and often deals with medical problems. Her reasons for enjoying escapism
(movies) can be understood. We all escape at times into the fantasy of movies. One should
be happy that they can walk or run, breath properly, see, hear, etc. I lost much respect in
this friend of mine because of his lack of compassion. He doesn't respecthimself psychology
would say. Only he can truthfully answer that question, I cannot.
I know that he has posted mocking messages on films not yet released and against myself
personally. Yet I was good enough to use as a reference when he sought employment. Ten
minutes of singing my friend's praise and he did indeed get that job. I cannot and will not
fight every person who wishes to throw verbal barbs but in this case it was someone I know
and care about. Well, enough on all that. Pepper, I'm sorry that you had to deal with that
and just know that you are a good person. If that is the level of compassion that he has
than he is the one truly disabled.
I didn't give much of an update but I felt I needed to address this because it was heavy on
my heart. I just completed writing eight wrap-around scripts for "Monster Theater" as
show on a newly launched, Nationally broadcasted, "THE MONSTER CHANNEL". See
www.themonsternetwork.tv/ "KNIGHT CHILLS" and "FROM VENUS" will be playing on
this channel.
I have a new PR agent who is really hustling on getting me celebrity gigs. I'm off to Hawaii
at the end of the month to judge the Hawaiian Tropic National finals followed by Vegas for
the international finals. I'm on hold for a Harley Davidson promotional shoot until this
new line of jackets come in next week. I did a photo shoot for new head shots and promo
pics and should have those soon. "JUDGES" is showing a sneak peek at the Virginia Beach
Film Festival in October. The movie should be done in November. We have another offer
on the table for "AN ORDINARY KILLER" and should sign a deal soon. A few more
interested parties came out of the woodwork. Deals brewing everywhere as we finish up or
promo short for "WILD MICHIGAN". I'll update more soon but that should get you by
for now.
Best,
DJ
things I've worked on. We all know the shortcomings of certain projects. [Darn horse
wouldn't cooperate, sun went down and we lost our light, inexperience in a situation, lack of
funds, etc.] What baffles me is when a friend who I've known for some time decides to
strike at myself or at un-released material. The latter almost lead to legal action because to
other investors this is business and that individual was being malicious. They don't give a
huge rats behind about the material but sought to protect their investment. But beyond
that what I really lost is much greater. Respect once lost is hard to rebuild. I want to say
here that I feel bad that Pepper, had to endure an email from this individual. He is troubled
within, he has a disease, drinking. He is myh friend still because I have compassion for him.
He is a good guy at heart but I did lose a lot of respect for him because of his own lack of
compassion. In the short time I've known Pepper, she has proved to be a good person, who
is disabled and often deals with medical problems. Her reasons for enjoying escapism
(movies) can be understood. We all escape at times into the fantasy of movies. One should
be happy that they can walk or run, breath properly, see, hear, etc. I lost much respect in
this friend of mine because of his lack of compassion. He doesn't respecthimself psychology
would say. Only he can truthfully answer that question, I cannot.
I know that he has posted mocking messages on films not yet released and against myself
personally. Yet I was good enough to use as a reference when he sought employment. Ten
minutes of singing my friend's praise and he did indeed get that job. I cannot and will not
fight every person who wishes to throw verbal barbs but in this case it was someone I know
and care about. Well, enough on all that. Pepper, I'm sorry that you had to deal with that
and just know that you are a good person. If that is the level of compassion that he has
than he is the one truly disabled.
I didn't give much of an update but I felt I needed to address this because it was heavy on
my heart. I just completed writing eight wrap-around scripts for "Monster Theater" as
show on a newly launched, Nationally broadcasted, "THE MONSTER CHANNEL". See
www.themonsternetwork.tv/ "KNIGHT CHILLS" and "FROM VENUS" will be playing on
this channel.
I have a new PR agent who is really hustling on getting me celebrity gigs. I'm off to Hawaii
at the end of the month to judge the Hawaiian Tropic National finals followed by Vegas for
the international finals. I'm on hold for a Harley Davidson promotional shoot until this
new line of jackets come in next week. I did a photo shoot for new head shots and promo
pics and should have those soon. "JUDGES" is showing a sneak peek at the Virginia Beach
Film Festival in October. The movie should be done in November. We have another offer
on the table for "AN ORDINARY KILLER" and should sign a deal soon. A few more
interested parties came out of the woodwork. Deals brewing everywhere as we finish up or
promo short for "WILD MICHIGAN". I'll update more soon but that should get you by
for now.
Best,
DJ
Quick note from the desk of: Pepper
I consider it quite a privilege to be able to work on this website with
DJ. In the time that I have known him, he has always been gracious
enough to grant me time to chat with me about nearly anything. And
I know that he is one busy gentleman. DJ is always willing to take a
few moments with his fans, be it may be ever a short moment he still
does. In my opinion what DJ and others in the film industry does is
a very important job. They not only allow us to escape our own
realms into the ones that they create... some of thier features are true
life stories, a part of history and should be told. The toughest part
for any storyteller is to be able to get each event told as it had
actually happened without all of the Hollywood glitz. The people at
CDI along with DJ have done a pretty darn good job... KEEP UP
THE GOOD WORK DUDES AND DUDETTES!
Cheers!
Pepper
I consider it quite a privilege to be able to work on this website with
DJ. In the time that I have known him, he has always been gracious
enough to grant me time to chat with me about nearly anything. And
I know that he is one busy gentleman. DJ is always willing to take a
few moments with his fans, be it may be ever a short moment he still
does. In my opinion what DJ and others in the film industry does is
a very important job. They not only allow us to escape our own
realms into the ones that they create... some of thier features are true
life stories, a part of history and should be told. The toughest part
for any storyteller is to be able to get each event told as it had
actually happened without all of the Hollywood glitz. The people at
CDI along with DJ have done a pretty darn good job... KEEP UP
THE GOOD WORK DUDES AND DUDETTES!
Cheers!
Pepper
