December 5th, 2004
I'm sitting here at Fort Perry drinking Holiday Nog coffee. The story is that I really
HATE to shop most of the time. When I do shop around Christmas, I always find
stuff that I want. I decided to be jolly and buy some festive coffee. It is really good!
The sunshine is coming through the window and so we have a cold beautiful day. Just
saw a story on T.V. about actor Tay Diggs getting threatening mail because of his
interracial marriage to some Broadway actress currently performing in WICKED. I
hope they catch whomever and throw the book at them. That is why I think movies
like WILD MICHIGAN are very important to produce. It also shows how certain
people should be forced to be responsible for their actions when threatening and
damaging.
Been doing some writing on a drama and getting ready to start writing on an
action/comedy. Also I've been reading several scripts from directors who I'm talking
with about 2005 projects. Went to Flint, Michigan and met with a filmmaker there
about a comedy film. We had great fun and a few too many shots at the screening
party. Tis the season!
Trying to get a years end report on WICKED SPRING, KNIGHT CHILLS, FROM
VENUS and IN THE WOODS. Should get a full report on foreign territories and a
street date for home video releases and/or re-releases. WICKED SPRING should be
heading out to sell through in the Spring/Summer 2005.
FIGURE IN THE FOREST has had an interest from the 1st distributor and we should
have feedback from the others this coming week. HEAVEN'S NEIGHBORS is making
the rounds as well and so, although it has been slow, they will find their way to market.
AN ORDINARY KILLER has a great promotion around the bend in BEYOND
ORDINARY and DVD that fuses the real story with the fictional movie. We are going
to do some commentary on that Monday. (Tomorrow)
JUDGES, AND JUSTICE FOR ALL and the GPS trailers will be released this month so
I'm very excited.
Got a start date for THE TASK of January 23rd, 2005 in L.A. and with the firefighter
film pushing back deeper and negotiations going "see-saw" that project may get left.
Thadd and I have the new version of WILD MICHIGAN script and the short film
trailer is out to many individuals involved. We are looking at casting again with the
new version. In February 2005 I will be traveling to Arizona to act in Thadd's
MIRACLE AT SAGE CREEK and that should be great fun.
I'm still evaluating and talking with people over which film to try and land in March.
I hope to launch WILD MICHIGAN, after that. We will see how all the elements come
together. That is as much of an updat that comes to mind.
I'm enjoying the LEADING LADY section. I think my male fans will enjoy these
talented beauties that I've had the great honor of working with. I know that Pepper
has been working hard to add new things for you all out there. Be safe as you all do
your holiday festivities and shopping.
Best,
DJ
HATE to shop most of the time. When I do shop around Christmas, I always find
stuff that I want. I decided to be jolly and buy some festive coffee. It is really good!
The sunshine is coming through the window and so we have a cold beautiful day. Just
saw a story on T.V. about actor Tay Diggs getting threatening mail because of his
interracial marriage to some Broadway actress currently performing in WICKED. I
hope they catch whomever and throw the book at them. That is why I think movies
like WILD MICHIGAN are very important to produce. It also shows how certain
people should be forced to be responsible for their actions when threatening and
damaging.
Been doing some writing on a drama and getting ready to start writing on an
action/comedy. Also I've been reading several scripts from directors who I'm talking
with about 2005 projects. Went to Flint, Michigan and met with a filmmaker there
about a comedy film. We had great fun and a few too many shots at the screening
party. Tis the season!
Trying to get a years end report on WICKED SPRING, KNIGHT CHILLS, FROM
VENUS and IN THE WOODS. Should get a full report on foreign territories and a
street date for home video releases and/or re-releases. WICKED SPRING should be
heading out to sell through in the Spring/Summer 2005.
FIGURE IN THE FOREST has had an interest from the 1st distributor and we should
have feedback from the others this coming week. HEAVEN'S NEIGHBORS is making
the rounds as well and so, although it has been slow, they will find their way to market.
AN ORDINARY KILLER has a great promotion around the bend in BEYOND
ORDINARY and DVD that fuses the real story with the fictional movie. We are going
to do some commentary on that Monday. (Tomorrow)
JUDGES, AND JUSTICE FOR ALL and the GPS trailers will be released this month so
I'm very excited.
Got a start date for THE TASK of January 23rd, 2005 in L.A. and with the firefighter
film pushing back deeper and negotiations going "see-saw" that project may get left.
Thadd and I have the new version of WILD MICHIGAN script and the short film
trailer is out to many individuals involved. We are looking at casting again with the
new version. In February 2005 I will be traveling to Arizona to act in Thadd's
MIRACLE AT SAGE CREEK and that should be great fun.
I'm still evaluating and talking with people over which film to try and land in March.
I hope to launch WILD MICHIGAN, after that. We will see how all the elements come
together. That is as much of an updat that comes to mind.
I'm enjoying the LEADING LADY section. I think my male fans will enjoy these
talented beauties that I've had the great honor of working with. I know that Pepper
has been working hard to add new things for you all out there. Be safe as you all do
your holiday festivities and shopping.
Best,
DJ
Quick note: DJ recently did an interview about film
production with Indie Club. You can go directly to
the interview just by clicking on DJ's picture.
production with Indie Club. You can go directly to
the interview just by clicking on DJ's picture.
| DJ's JOURNAL |
| Through time and space... The journey continues... The journey that will take you into the... MOVIE ZONE... |
December 14th, 2004
The holiday season is upon us. I'm trying to wrap things up and planning for 2005,
which looks to be a good year already. Looks like we are going to sign a rep deal on
AN ORDINARY KILLER. The BEYOND ORDINARY DVD will be out in January
2005. FIGURE IN THE FOREST looks to have a few distribution deals on the table.
HEAVEN'S NEIGHBORS looks to be not too far from a few offers. KINGHT CHILLS
and FROM VENUS should have their new home video/dvd deals in place soon via
BRAIN DAMAGE FILMS. They have sold the UK on these two titles and are working
on Japan and a few other territories as we speak. WILD MICHIGAN has heat from a
few investors and I think we will shoot that later into next year. CLOUDY IN THE
WEST is looking on track just waiting to hear info back from Beau Bridges. CDI has
had a very productive year. I am happy :-)
Lionhear Filmworks is now going to see money back from revenue share programs at
the major chains. We have a second Civil War feature in post production entitled NO
RETREAT FROM DESTINY and will work towards a deal while also putting together
NIGHT FALL.
Trying to do commentary for the re-edited Special Edition of IN THE WOODS this
weekend. It will be good to see Lynn Drzick as it has been a few years. JUDGES
director Stephen Walker is flying in to do my final ADR work. Only one scene to do
but still very important.
Finished the dramatic script I was working on and all parties seem pleased. I will begin
on another script here very soon. I really enjoy writing but this last script was very
deep and thought provoking. It dealt with death, abuse, and forgiveness. It was very
draining at times. The next one is fun-filled with plenty of action, thrills and scares. It
will be much more fun to write.
Just had a close family relative pass away after just seeing her on Thanksgiving Day.
She was like a third Grandmother and she will be missed. Appreciate the people
around you because one day they will not be here. Script and real life themes come
face to face. My Mom's mom passed around Christmas last year and while we don't
have the drama of all that this year, I miss her. It is the first Christmas that I've not
bought her a gift. Last year on Christmas Day, we brought the presents to the hospital
but while the machines kept her body alive, she was gone. The day after she finally let
go all together. I got off the movie track somewhat. The movies are something that I
do that doesn't feel like work because I love it. Do what you love because life is too
short.
Work seems to be popping and scheduling is the name of the game. THE TASK looks
to have a start date around the 23rd of January with Ken Yackel directing. It will have
a theatrical run and I'm playing a techno nerd. I may be a nerd yes, but
techno...ahhh, that is where the acting comes in. I know a few of the names they are in
negotiation with but I'll wait until it is locked.
THE MIRACLE AT SAGE CREEK looks like it starts February 10th. Had a long talk
with Thadd today and it should be a fun shoot. Jimmy Intveld is going to direct.
Other actors involved are Bruce Boxleitner, Billy Drago, Marty Kove, Buck Taylor,
Francine York, Paul Gleason, Rance Howard and CDI's own Tony Hornus.
Talked this week with the director of a horror/thriller going down in March. They are
also in negotiations with a very cool cast and as soon as I can announce something I
will. All I'll say is that one of the actresses is a favorite of my buddy Jason Check.
Ray called and said that letters should change hands this week that will have money in
the bank on CROSSING THE KING'S HIGHWAY. With new US incentives they want
to shoot here in the US, which may have us waiting for Fall's wheat fields. We want to
take our time with casting and a script rewrite, so we will move slow.
I'm cast in another Western called THE LAST HORSEMAN and so that along with our
own projects... should make for a busy year.
My Christmas shopping is about done and so I can enjoy the holiday season without
last minute hustle and bustle.
To all of you out there, Happy Holidays. I hope you have a safe and wonderful end to
your 2004.
DJ
which looks to be a good year already. Looks like we are going to sign a rep deal on
AN ORDINARY KILLER. The BEYOND ORDINARY DVD will be out in January
2005. FIGURE IN THE FOREST looks to have a few distribution deals on the table.
HEAVEN'S NEIGHBORS looks to be not too far from a few offers. KINGHT CHILLS
and FROM VENUS should have their new home video/dvd deals in place soon via
BRAIN DAMAGE FILMS. They have sold the UK on these two titles and are working
on Japan and a few other territories as we speak. WILD MICHIGAN has heat from a
few investors and I think we will shoot that later into next year. CLOUDY IN THE
WEST is looking on track just waiting to hear info back from Beau Bridges. CDI has
had a very productive year. I am happy :-)
Lionhear Filmworks is now going to see money back from revenue share programs at
the major chains. We have a second Civil War feature in post production entitled NO
RETREAT FROM DESTINY and will work towards a deal while also putting together
NIGHT FALL.
Trying to do commentary for the re-edited Special Edition of IN THE WOODS this
weekend. It will be good to see Lynn Drzick as it has been a few years. JUDGES
director Stephen Walker is flying in to do my final ADR work. Only one scene to do
but still very important.
Finished the dramatic script I was working on and all parties seem pleased. I will begin
on another script here very soon. I really enjoy writing but this last script was very
deep and thought provoking. It dealt with death, abuse, and forgiveness. It was very
draining at times. The next one is fun-filled with plenty of action, thrills and scares. It
will be much more fun to write.
Just had a close family relative pass away after just seeing her on Thanksgiving Day.
She was like a third Grandmother and she will be missed. Appreciate the people
around you because one day they will not be here. Script and real life themes come
face to face. My Mom's mom passed around Christmas last year and while we don't
have the drama of all that this year, I miss her. It is the first Christmas that I've not
bought her a gift. Last year on Christmas Day, we brought the presents to the hospital
but while the machines kept her body alive, she was gone. The day after she finally let
go all together. I got off the movie track somewhat. The movies are something that I
do that doesn't feel like work because I love it. Do what you love because life is too
short.
Work seems to be popping and scheduling is the name of the game. THE TASK looks
to have a start date around the 23rd of January with Ken Yackel directing. It will have
a theatrical run and I'm playing a techno nerd. I may be a nerd yes, but
techno...ahhh, that is where the acting comes in. I know a few of the names they are in
negotiation with but I'll wait until it is locked.
THE MIRACLE AT SAGE CREEK looks like it starts February 10th. Had a long talk
with Thadd today and it should be a fun shoot. Jimmy Intveld is going to direct.
Other actors involved are Bruce Boxleitner, Billy Drago, Marty Kove, Buck Taylor,
Francine York, Paul Gleason, Rance Howard and CDI's own Tony Hornus.
Talked this week with the director of a horror/thriller going down in March. They are
also in negotiations with a very cool cast and as soon as I can announce something I
will. All I'll say is that one of the actresses is a favorite of my buddy Jason Check.
Ray called and said that letters should change hands this week that will have money in
the bank on CROSSING THE KING'S HIGHWAY. With new US incentives they want
to shoot here in the US, which may have us waiting for Fall's wheat fields. We want to
take our time with casting and a script rewrite, so we will move slow.
I'm cast in another Western called THE LAST HORSEMAN and so that along with our
own projects... should make for a busy year.
My Christmas shopping is about done and so I can enjoy the holiday season without
last minute hustle and bustle.
To all of you out there, Happy Holidays. I hope you have a safe and wonderful end to
your 2004.
DJ
December 26, 2004
Happy Holidays
I'm sitting back at Fort Perry sipping the last bit of Holiday Nog Coffee and I must say
what a relaxed morning. I'm very happy with how the holidays went. I got some nice
gifts from family and friends and spent some time with loved ones. I still have a few
friends to catch up with and a few holiday gatherings to go.
UPDATES: Stephen Walker, the director of "JUDGES" came in and we corrected
sound work on the two scenes we needed. I saw the movie authored to DVD with most
all the sound effects in. Once the music is set into the picture, I think it will be an
entertaining movie. The reviews for the "preview trailer" on several sites has been very
positive. Feel free to check the site out that also includes a couple really cool online
comics. www.judgesthemovie.com
"AND JUSTICE FOR ALL" had a good picture screening at the Regent University and
they are set to do final sound/music mix on the 28th-30th. I can't wait to see the final
picture. The link for updates and such is: http//home.regent.edu/rogespe/AJFA/ The
will start hitting the festival circuit with it 1st of the year.
Got an email from Hallie (See Leading Ladies page) on "GPS" and they just got in the
new editing equipment and they are going to put together a trailer soon. I think a
Halloween 2005 release would be a good target date for us with this project.
I'm trying to get release dates for domestic home video on Special Edition releases of
"KNIGHT CHILLS", "IN THE WOODS", and the premiere release of "FROM
VENUS". Our UK fans will have it this coming year and Japan looks to be next.
Proposed agreements on "FIGURE IN THE FOREST" are on the way and we are still
shopping for "HEAVEN'S NEIGHBOR". These two films are really off-beat for CDI
but, I think they were really important in the development of our company. I still say
that our first four films, "KNIGHT CHILLS", "FROM VENUS", "HEAVEN'S
NEIGHBOR" and "FIGURE IN THE FOREST" represents our film school. We just
happened to have created 4 products that could be put to market and sold. I don't
think that any of them are masterpieces but as far as production goes, they threw every
problem, situation and snag at us and we still came through with a product. Without
the trials and tribulations of these films, we would not be working at the level we are
now. I've had bigger budgets on a 4 minute automotive promos then most of our early
pictures. Therefore, I am very proud of these projects that really define PHASE 1 of
Collective Development. The Quad-Pack of features. Also at that time our knowledge
about the true inner workings of the business was limited. The plan was to create 4 low
budget properties in different genres to test the marketplace. A Horror film, a comedic
SciFi/Horror spoof, an artfilm drama and a family film. The workings of the business
model since has become much more clear and so things are getting easier but we are
getting our feedback still from these "test bullets". Horror is looking to be the
strongest when the medium is weak and the name power limited. We will have more
reports and monies generated in 2005 so I will continue to share the insights as they
come in.
A REFLECTION:
It is amazing that the journey has gone this far. Funny, all this business and financial
stuff we deal with now. I can remember as if it was yesterday, getting home from high
school so that we could film our planned out little skits/movies on the ancient
camcorders. The organization skills were a foundation to what we do now. Just bigger
toys and budgets! Who would have thought that from making the "War Of The
World" or "The Hunt For BigFoot" or "The Lucifer Cole Show" that we would have
advanced to million dollar budget films. I'm eternally grateful that I've been able to
make a living thus far doing what I love to do. Life is modest as I am no superstar,
but I am content to put one foot in front of the other and continue to move forward.
Follow the dream! What else is there to do other then be born, adventure and one day
die. So be it.
2005 is looking to be a great year and I can hardly wait to see what adventures lie
ahead. I hope everyone enjoys their final days of 2004 and has a GREAT 2005! Set
your goals and put yourself in a mind set to manifest those goals. Life is magic and
the will of oneself can bring about much change. My best to all!
DJ
I'm sitting back at Fort Perry sipping the last bit of Holiday Nog Coffee and I must say
what a relaxed morning. I'm very happy with how the holidays went. I got some nice
gifts from family and friends and spent some time with loved ones. I still have a few
friends to catch up with and a few holiday gatherings to go.
UPDATES: Stephen Walker, the director of "JUDGES" came in and we corrected
sound work on the two scenes we needed. I saw the movie authored to DVD with most
all the sound effects in. Once the music is set into the picture, I think it will be an
entertaining movie. The reviews for the "preview trailer" on several sites has been very
positive. Feel free to check the site out that also includes a couple really cool online
comics. www.judgesthemovie.com
"AND JUSTICE FOR ALL" had a good picture screening at the Regent University and
they are set to do final sound/music mix on the 28th-30th. I can't wait to see the final
picture. The link for updates and such is: http//home.regent.edu/rogespe/AJFA/ The
will start hitting the festival circuit with it 1st of the year.
Got an email from Hallie (See Leading Ladies page) on "GPS" and they just got in the
new editing equipment and they are going to put together a trailer soon. I think a
Halloween 2005 release would be a good target date for us with this project.
I'm trying to get release dates for domestic home video on Special Edition releases of
"KNIGHT CHILLS", "IN THE WOODS", and the premiere release of "FROM
VENUS". Our UK fans will have it this coming year and Japan looks to be next.
Proposed agreements on "FIGURE IN THE FOREST" are on the way and we are still
shopping for "HEAVEN'S NEIGHBOR". These two films are really off-beat for CDI
but, I think they were really important in the development of our company. I still say
that our first four films, "KNIGHT CHILLS", "FROM VENUS", "HEAVEN'S
NEIGHBOR" and "FIGURE IN THE FOREST" represents our film school. We just
happened to have created 4 products that could be put to market and sold. I don't
think that any of them are masterpieces but as far as production goes, they threw every
problem, situation and snag at us and we still came through with a product. Without
the trials and tribulations of these films, we would not be working at the level we are
now. I've had bigger budgets on a 4 minute automotive promos then most of our early
pictures. Therefore, I am very proud of these projects that really define PHASE 1 of
Collective Development. The Quad-Pack of features. Also at that time our knowledge
about the true inner workings of the business was limited. The plan was to create 4 low
budget properties in different genres to test the marketplace. A Horror film, a comedic
SciFi/Horror spoof, an artfilm drama and a family film. The workings of the business
model since has become much more clear and so things are getting easier but we are
getting our feedback still from these "test bullets". Horror is looking to be the
strongest when the medium is weak and the name power limited. We will have more
reports and monies generated in 2005 so I will continue to share the insights as they
come in.
A REFLECTION:
It is amazing that the journey has gone this far. Funny, all this business and financial
stuff we deal with now. I can remember as if it was yesterday, getting home from high
school so that we could film our planned out little skits/movies on the ancient
camcorders. The organization skills were a foundation to what we do now. Just bigger
toys and budgets! Who would have thought that from making the "War Of The
World" or "The Hunt For BigFoot" or "The Lucifer Cole Show" that we would have
advanced to million dollar budget films. I'm eternally grateful that I've been able to
make a living thus far doing what I love to do. Life is modest as I am no superstar,
but I am content to put one foot in front of the other and continue to move forward.
Follow the dream! What else is there to do other then be born, adventure and one day
die. So be it.
2005 is looking to be a great year and I can hardly wait to see what adventures lie
ahead. I hope everyone enjoys their final days of 2004 and has a GREAT 2005! Set
your goals and put yourself in a mind set to manifest those goals. Life is magic and
the will of oneself can bring about much change. My best to all!
DJ
I would like to take this moment to thank all the fans and
friends who have visited this site for DJ Perry. It has been
a joy to build it and I am looking forward to bigger things
for us all. God bless you all. Have a safe celebration of
the coming New Year.
The Pepper Phantom
friends who have visited this site for DJ Perry. It has been
a joy to build it and I am looking forward to bigger things
for us all. God bless you all. Have a safe celebration of
the coming New Year.
The Pepper Phantom
I think that creatively, great strides were made this year with my work on 3 features, 2
shorts and the Hawaiian Tropic productions. Signing deals on IN THE WOODS,
KNIGHT CHILLS and FROM VENUS to have them introduced or re-introduced back
into the marketplace was awesome. The starting foreign sales (UK) is great news and
I'm told many other territories will also be sold soon. The release of GPS in 2005 as
well as the forthcoming acting work in THE TASK and a few other possible
horror/thriller projects slated for 2005 can only add momentum to career in that genre.
I'm excited to meet new friends, work with old friends and basically have a productive
2005. AN ORDINARY KILLER, JUDGES, FIGURE IN THE FOREST and HEAVEN'S
NEIGHBORS, should open a few more doors as they come out. Just got word today
that offers are coming on FIGURE and HEAVEN'S including domestic release. We
will review the deal agreement and get those rolling our. We'll also see if our rep on
AOK can bring us a better deal then the 3 we have standing. JUDGES will be ready
for screenings in February, 2005. I saw the DVD cut and I'm really happy with it. I
want to thank Pepper for all her work on the site this year. It has been fun and
interesting to see all the work gathered in one place and share my experiences with all
of you. May everyone out there have a safe and fun night welcoming in 2005.
Best,
DJ
shorts and the Hawaiian Tropic productions. Signing deals on IN THE WOODS,
KNIGHT CHILLS and FROM VENUS to have them introduced or re-introduced back
into the marketplace was awesome. The starting foreign sales (UK) is great news and
I'm told many other territories will also be sold soon. The release of GPS in 2005 as
well as the forthcoming acting work in THE TASK and a few other possible
horror/thriller projects slated for 2005 can only add momentum to career in that genre.
I'm excited to meet new friends, work with old friends and basically have a productive
2005. AN ORDINARY KILLER, JUDGES, FIGURE IN THE FOREST and HEAVEN'S
NEIGHBORS, should open a few more doors as they come out. Just got word today
that offers are coming on FIGURE and HEAVEN'S including domestic release. We
will review the deal agreement and get those rolling our. We'll also see if our rep on
AOK can bring us a better deal then the 3 we have standing. JUDGES will be ready
for screenings in February, 2005. I saw the DVD cut and I'm really happy with it. I
want to thank Pepper for all her work on the site this year. It has been fun and
interesting to see all the work gathered in one place and share my experiences with all
of you. May everyone out there have a safe and fun night welcoming in 2005.
Best,
DJ
December 31st, 2004