Besides the comments here on this blog and our ‘Dreams Awake’ Facebook Page, I received several emails after my last blog posting.  So I thought I’d follow it up and go a little farther than before.  But of course, I think we all know there will never be any kind of end to a discussion like this.  I also thought that responding on 9/11 would be somewhat appropriate, as I think the role and responsibility of traditional organized religion represents a sorted stake in this conversation.  By that I mean both the growing political nature and negative polarization of religion that is going in our world today.  The tired din from these quarters from all corners of the world has become quite sickening.  I just have to say that I am personally repulsed by the pessimistic rhetoric that comes from these so-called ‘religious’ people.  I am not going to specify any one person or any one religion here, but take your pick and you’ll find them well represented in the flame-throwing category.  And to take the leap from referring to them as ‘religious’ people and then calling them people who are being or acting ‘spiritual’ is a leap that’s too hard for me to make.  Oh well, I guess we all have things to learn, obviously some more than others.  Whew, now that I’ve got that off my chest I can move on.

So, once again, what is spiritual?  How about we try to go beyond our physical perceptions, our personal emotions and our mental gyrations, and see if that can take us anywhere.  In other words, can we step outside our physical world and all the devices through which we register and filter our experiences in this world?  Let’s try and experiment a bit with that.

So if we could do that, what would that leave us with?  Well, that would mean we’d be stepping outside the physical world, and leaving us…where?  Maybe, in a spiritual one, don’t you think?  Ah damn, sorry we can’t use our minds to try and figure this out, because didn’t we just say we couldn’t do that.  Wow, this makes it all more complicated.  In fact, using any type of language to communicate any of this breaks our own rules.  So maybe, it just can’t be done the way we’re trying to do it.  Which takes me back to one of the points in my original posting.  What is spiritual, is very personal to each of us.  Religion cannot codify it and sell it to others the way they do.  That makes it false at an individual level, doesn’t it?  Did I just actually say religion is false?  Maybe, maybe not.  Right here right now, I choose to plead the fifth and let others determine that for themselves.  Okay, I stray.  Circular logic will never go anywhere.

Having spiritual experiences?  Is that a possible key?  A possible path?  A possible answer?  Many people since the dawn of time have claimed to have these ‘spiritual experiences.’  And actually, many people I know have had these experiences.  And in fact, I’d been known to have a few myself.  Haven‘t most of us, in some form?  For the sake of this argument, I’m going to say here that spiritual experiences are a part of the human experience, and in fact are what drives us towards a spiritual life.  Now these events probably happen over eons of lifetimes in a spiritual evolutionary pattern, creating who we truly can become as each personally evolve.  Of course, that presupposes that reincarnation is a part of the process, but let’s not go there as that’s a whole other argument for another day.

To take this idea of spiritual experience farther, it seems how we perceive the original experience through our personal filters, then comprehend it based on our mental capacities, and finally incorporate it all into our overall being is very paramount and very personal.  It makes us each so very unique, not just in a physical genetic way, but in a very inner spiritual way.  Which brings me to a quote I particularly like, ‘We are not here to find ourselves, but to create ourselves.”  Could that be a clue?

Let’s try this on for size.  What if the Being or Force that created this Universe grew up spiritually like we are right now (a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away), and that this whole Cosmos is just a huge nursery for the creation of Gods, of evolving spiritual life on many levels.  Gods who grow up to create more Universes within this Cosmos.  And we can each take however long we take to get there, which might seem like forever for some of us.  And we each grow to be a unique God that creates a unique Universe within this huge space of the Cosmos.  As many or more Gods and Universes as there are cells in our bodies?  Is this possible?  Am I going off the deep end?  ???

We do hint at some of this in the film, but I’ll leave it up to you, the audience to take it where you will.  On that note, I have bit of film news.  We just finished our first poster for the film, which you can see on our Facebook Page, or right here!

JAD

Have you ever noticed that people many times define something by what it is not before they say what it is?  I’ll try not to do that here, even if what I’m attempting may not even have a real, objective answer for everyone who reads this.  Especially since this is such a huge topic.

But anyway, I will put this to you: what does spiritual actually mean (to you)?  I know that’s opening up a huge can of worms, one that’s been around for forever.  I’ve been wondering this because of what people have expressed to me about our little film.

To say our film fits into the category of ‘spiritual cinema’ can be construed as very broad or very narrow, depending on how you want to look at it.  I know a wise guy (no, not a Mafioso) who once told me that “all experience is ultimately spiritual.”  I think the key here is ‘ultimately’ as in stepping back and taking in the big picture of our whole existence.  Yes, I think in the long history of our spiritual beings those words are probably correct, but let’s talk about here and now.

Then it seems a given that spirituality can be both broad and/or narrow, complex and/or simple, collective and/or personal.  And like I said, let’s go with narrow, simple and personal as one layer, and let’s put our film “Dreams Awake” on another layer.  And see what that does.

Of course, right off that creates a paradox, because if we look at a simple definition of spiritual it already gets complex.  Spiritual usually deals with things of the spirit or soul, supernatural constructs, or even religious and sacred issues.  Even if we start simple, it’s already quite complex.  Ah, therein lies the crux.  It actually seems like this is hard to nail down in a real specific way.  Maybe a bit like our film?  Or maybe because the true concept of spiritual is very personal, and each one of us can only answer that for ourselves in the innermost part of our beings.  Which in a way, makes the collective idea of spirituality a bit odd, doesn’t it?  Except, isn’t that the way traditional, organized religion packages and sells itself?

I would venture to say that possibly the foundation for spirituality is based on three very basic questions.  First, “who am I?” – (no, it’s not your given name).   Second, “where do I come from?” – (no, not your mother’s womb).  Third, ‘where am I going?” – (who knows, maybe up to you?).  However, all three of these questions beg another nagging one.  Is there even an answer to any of these questions?  Well, if we don’t or can’t even ask these questions, there certainly will never be any answers.  And if for the sake of argument we say it could be possible, right then we present the idea of something larger than ourselves.  Whether it be God, Deity, Master Creator, Divine Force, Eternal Source, whatever.  That progresses on to a connection to this being or force to at least answer these first three questions.  It is here where it seems that religion stepped in to be our ‘agent’ for contact with this Divine Cosmic Consciousness.  Wow, sounds like a Hollywood deal all over again.  And I know from personal experience those don’t always work out too well.  Hhhmmm…

So, is this Deity or Force too important to communicate with us personally?  Do we actually need a middle man to speak for us?  Are we not important enough for its attention?  If so, why or why not?  I know, so many more questions than answers.  However, I still suspect that the answers are personal to each of us and that is why we each walk our own personal path of (to?) spirituality.

And that is one idea is we present in “Dreams Awake.”  And for the very same reasons I argue that each of our spiritual journeys is a personal one, is exactly why each of you will probably get something different out of our little film.  At least, that is my theory.  Which will be up to you to prove or disprove.  Either way, the journey should be fun (and maybe even spiritual?).

JAD

I want to offer some news about our film’s release, but I also would like to qualify where our position is in relation to the state of the film industry today.

Years ago when home video (and then DVD) appeared on the landscape, Hollywood studios used to dump their lower budget genre films straight to home video instead of having them screened in theaters.  They felt that these films didn’t warrant as much of a marketing investment as their star-driven films.  Because of that situation, the term ‘straight-to-video’ or ‘straight-to-DVD’ developed a negative connotation, supposedly because the quality of these films was perceived as inferior.  Even though that was not always the case.

However, in the crazy world of low budget, independent filmmaking, home video or DVD has been one of the better ways for those films to be distributed.  These films usually appeal to smaller, niche audiences, and it can be more cost effective to reach their audience in this fashion.  As the Internet has developed over the years, digital download and streaming has also become a factor in the indie distribution equation.

In addition, as in many other industries, it is usually the distributor of a product who makes the money, not the producer of the product.  In the film industry if an indie producer gets a distribution deal, he/she usually gives up the film rights for 20-25 years, has to deal with the distributor’s outdated, costly and wieldy methods, and finally, has to endure huge fees and percentages to middle men and third parties before they see a dime.  And usually most filmmakers never see a dime because of their rampantly questionable accounting practices.  Having worked at one of the large studios, I have seen this first-hand and was totally amazed at their unbelievable ‘creative’ accounting practices.  I’ve sometimes thought that they should have an Academy Award for ‘Best Creative Accounting’.  But then of course, if it was offered up for that kind of notice it wouldn’t be very creative, meaning part of the creativity is how well they bury the actual monetary performance of their films.

The traditional film industry is built around films that perform theatrically.  Without that success, even if it is a loss leader (meaning their real profits are made in the exploitation of subsequent rights and markets), then their business just doesn’t work.  But part of the reason these distributors are in trouble is because they have a serious disconnect with their audience, treating their films only as products and their audience only as consumers.  And they love the theatrical release because it is pay-per-use, but consumers are getting fed up with that model.  They prefer to own films and view them when they want.  A lot of indie filmmakers understand this, even if they sometimes give into their vanity and feel they have to have their films seen on the big screen.  I can certainly empathize with that feeling.  But there is one reality that has hit us hard recently.  Since the last quarter of 2008, right after the economy really starting tanking, people over 30 have gone to the movies about 50% less than before.  So, unless you’re doing sophomoric juvenile comedies or formulaic teen horror films, the theatrical markets for lots of indies have dried up.  Yes, the deadbeats in the traditional film industry need to learn how to listen to their audience.

So now, indie filmmakers are becoming more empowered, partially out of necessity and partly because the tools and mechanisms are being put into place for them to be so empowered.   Also, indies are seeing the true value of their audiences and are more in tune with developing relationships with them.  But what’s really too bad is that the term ‘straight-to-DVD’ still projects a negative image for many audiences, even though it continues to be one of the best ways for indies to get their films to their audiences, whether you call it ‘straight-to-DVD’, ‘direct-to-audience’, or ‘straight-to-audience’.

However, I want to state here that I prefer a new term, ‘Straight-to-You’.  Yes, I want to truly capture a more positive spirit for the release of our film, so I prefer to say we’re releasing “Dreams Awake” as a ‘Straight-to-You’ release.  And reiterate in the process that we are taking control of our distribution process, while also trying to serve the needs of our audience.

Our Release Statement:  Way To Go Media will be releasing “Dreams Awake” as a ‘Straight-to-You’ release in a 3-pronged pattern.  First, this fall (Oct/Nov) we will release our film first on DVD, to be purchased off the Internet (exact date to be released soon), along with some extras that tie into the film’s themes.  Second, next spring we will start a 6-month national, alternative screening tour (“Participation Screenings” – see note below).  The plan is to start around the middle of March and go until the middle of September.  We also intend to have some surprises at some of these screenings.  Third, after those windows are done, we will release it as a digital download.  As far as what happens beyond that, we’ll see how that plays out.  We certainly have some other ideas and plans we’re developing.

A couple things to point out as to why we are going this route.  We do not believe in the tired, dark ages, pay-per-use model that Hollywood still promotes.  We want to get the film in your hands, to watch it when and where you want, and as often as you want.  In fact, we’re learned (and I’ve written about) that because of the nature and subject matter of our particular film, it takes several viewings for all the nuances of the film to really come across.  Of course, for those of you who are smarter than the average bear (which we feel our audience will be), maybe once is enough.  But as the filmmaker on record, I will respectfully challenge you on that.  I of course say that tongue in cheek.  My hope and real point is that I feel you will get more enjoyment from the film through multiple viewings.  I think it’s just that kind of film.

And to spice this all up, we are officially announcing the idea of our “Participation Screenings”.  So, instead of having any kind of theatrical release first and then a DVD release, we are reversing that model for another reason.  Which takes us to this next point.  There are several provocative, possibly controversial, and hopefully exciting, issues that we touch upon and explore in the film.  Also, for obvious reasons, we generate more questions than we could possibly answer in a film of 105 minutes.  It will be through our screening tour, after you (our audience) have had the opportunity to view the film on DVD (hopefully multiple times with friends and family), then think about, process and consider what the film could be all about, that you will be given the option to ‘take us to task’.  In other words, after the screenings we will conduct a Q & A (question and answer) participation session to get to the bottom of the film’s issues.  Issues that face us all, whether we want to admit it or not.  Sound provocative enough?  Good.  In a nutshell, after you have had the chance to listen to us, we will literally be available to listen to you.

When all is said and done, I know this film is definitely not for everyone.  However, I do strongly feel that “Dreams Awake” will have a special audience, so I believe we need to treat you that way and service you that way.  After all, it is Straight To You.  And you are special, right?

JAD

“I consider the evening twilight on Mt. Shasta one of the grandest sights I have ever witnessed.” — Theodore Roosevelt

The past several days I’ve been on Mt. Shasta taking a little time off from prepping the film for its release this fall; just having fun camping, hiking, meditating, stargazing, sitting around campfires with friends, communing with nature, and revisiting some of the locations where we shot some of the scenes for the film three years ago.  Wow, hard to believe it’s been three whole years since we were in those heated battles of production up here on the mountain.  Time just doesn’t fly when you’re having fun.  It kicks into warp drive!

I first saw Mt. Shasta in 1972, traveling there with a group of friends from Texas, a rowdy bunch of spiritual explorers (outlaws?).  In those days Mt. Shasta had been slipping more and more into the public consciousness as a ‘Spiritual Mecca’ destination to explore and experience.  In fact, the following year Time magazine had an intriguing article about all the odd spiritual happenings on Shasta, along with the assorted groups of spiritual seekers gathering there.  It seems some of the locals were not amused.

Since then it has been classified as one of the seven sacred mountains of the world, as well as a major spiritual energy center on the planet.  Mt. Shasta reportedly being a focal point within a global energy grid encompassing the whole planet.  And actually, we do make reference to that in the film, as well as using it for a minor plot point in the final climax.  If you have the time to talk to some of the locals they may tell you about some of the experiences they have had.

Having made several trips to Shasta over the years, at times it does feel I have been growing up spiritually on the mountain.  Of course, that only means something to me.  But I suggest you take a little trip up here some time and spend a few days actually on the mountain.  It might surprise you what you find, and what can happen.

JAD

“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.” — Frederick Nietsche

I wanted to let you know about a new website that a friend of mine just put up – http://theoraclestar.com.  She has some similar spiritual interests that I do, so I thought I’d plug it here.  Why is that even important?  And what does it have to do with ‘Dreams Awake’?  Well, first of all, she’s allowed me to put the film’s trailer on the front page (the first site to allow us that privilege).  But maybe more importantly (we’ll see) her site is going to do the first review of the film.  On the surface that sounds cool, but I have to admit I feel a bit nervous about it.  I know it’s part of the game, but still I have my issues with critics, which I’ll just have to get over.  Personally, I rarely rely on critics when I watch a film, because I hardly ever agree with them.  Is that a filmmaker bias towards critics? Or am I too sympathetic to filmmakers, realizing how much work it takes to get that film on a screen?  And believing that critics have no conception of what that does take?  Of course, I guess I really am revealing my bias towards critics.  Oh well, my friend won’t be doing the review herself, probably being a bit biased herself, so I’m not sure who she’ll have write it.

Certainly I have had several others ‘critque’ it, but that was for different purposes.  Interestingly enough, this does remind me that during that long and varied analytical process there seemed to be one layer (nuance? subtext? level?) of the film that I still don’t think anyone ever really got.  It has been on my mind periodically, a feeling of unfinished business.  And I’ve been wondering if I did something wrong there.  Or am I continually second-guessing myself?  No, I’m definitely sure no one got it (at least they didn’t communicate it to me), so that is probably on my shoulders.  Which makes me think sometimes that I may have actually outsmarted myself.  Have you ever done that?  Not sure I was ever smart enough to do that, but in trying to not make a point in the movie too obvious I may have buried it too deeply, thus hiding a major point of the film.  After the film is released this actually may be very intriguing to watch, to see what the reactions are.  At the very least I may see soon what a certain reviewer thinks about it all.

“All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.” — Edgar Allan Poe

JAD

We are going to try a little experiment with “Dreams Awake”.  For awhile now I have wanted to take the film out on a tour around the country, and to have more interaction with an audience about some of the ideas and concepts presented and expressed in the film.  As you can well guess, that endeavor would probably be a quite a huge undertaking, and one that could become financially prohibitive.  Well, to test the waters a bit, we’ve decided to do a little mini-tour in the Pacific Northwest in October, just before the film is released on DVD.  We initially have in mind a six to eight city run, with multiple nights in a couple of them.  How many places we go and how long we stay depends entirely on you, our audience.  Tentatively, we would start in Mt. Shasta, then head up to Ashland, then on to Eugene, Portland, and Seattle, with maybe another stop or two in there somewhere.  Or maybe scoot over and down to Boise, and then back to Mt. Shasta for a final screening.  If any of you in those areas have any input, please let us know.  We are still searching for the right venues to screen it.

Anyway, to restate a point I’ve made before, the film was never intended to be an end in itself, only a beginning of something more than a film would ever be.  Something of a catalyst, if you will, to ignite (incite?), to provoke (stoke?), to engage (maybe enrage?), a discussion, a conversation, a debate … and beyond.  About what, you may heartedly ask?  Aahh, there is the rub.  You will certainly have to show up to find out.  But just to throw out a hinting tidbit; we hope to get into one of the great mysteries of life.  Sounds somewhat grandiose, possibly invoking the b.s. meter, doesn’t it?  We shall see, we shall see.  But just maybe, we’ll dig out a few signposts from the film, and we’ll find some direction where we least expect it.

When I originally had an idea for a national tour, I was pulling my hair out to come up with some kind of identifier or name for it.  I threw it around with some of my cohorts, and when I finally came up with something I liked, something that seemed to resonate with its meaning, and something that would get people’s attention, these same cohorts immediately raised their eyebrows.  They were probably thinking, “Uh oh, Jerry’s finally gone off the deep end.”  They didn’t really express disagreement, but their body language and expressions gave them away.

So, the name of the tour I came up with is the “Dreams Awake Fugitive Tour”.  Huh, you say?  I agreed with them that on the surface it seemed a bit edgy for this type of film, but that got me thinking even more about what type of film this is and who it is for.  After some more consideration, it seemed to fit even better.  Let me explain.  I feel, think, believe, that this film actually can draw from quite an eclectic group of people to create its audience.  I also think that it doesn’t quite fit into any particular genre, as others have attempted to pigeonhole it and came up short.  Also, it seems no particular studio or distributor knows what to make of it, or how to handle it out in the real world (marketplace).  In a way, it is a film with no home.  Truly a film that it is in search of its home, its destiny, its future, its audience … You.

It seems to not quite belong anywhere, so searching for its destiny on the road seems quite appropriate.  It is like a fugitive with the touch of a bohemian vagabond.  Not being chased by anyone or anything, only elusively and longingly searching like an orphan for its true home.   A home only you can help create for it.  It is truly an original with unrealized potential, only fully realized when audiences can help put together its destiny and morph it into more than just a film.  That can only happen with your help.

The bottom line is that our little mini-tour will help gauge the appetite and logistics for doing a much grander national tour next year, so we can continue the film’s journey.  (And no, we haven’t decided on a final name for the tour, just tossing out ideas for now)

JAD

“It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt

This quote by Teddy Roosevelt happens to one of my favorites.  It was part of a speech called ‘Citizenship in a Republic’ he gave at Sorbonne, France in April of 1910 (The Man in the Arena), which essentially was about taking on the responsibilities of being a part of a successful democratic republic.  I must say that it seems very noble for someone to actually be in “the arena,” and respond to a calling that rarely speaks out today.  But I think it has a lot of meaning in today’s world.  Meaning, in the real world, it’s where you can experience the most, where you can learn the most, where you grow the most, and yes, where you can do the most good.  Yes, at times that means you can get the hell pounded out of you, but I think it’s usually worth it.  I also feel it gets harder to find that arena, to get into it and to stay in for very long.  Yes, you could even say in some instances making a worthwhile film feels like being in that arena.  If it goes beyond what the film is, if it aspires to be something more than just a film, if you start to forget the whole progression started as a film.  And guess what, something we are humbly attempting to do as we take ours out into the arena.

I say it’s sometimes harder to get into that arena because we’ve become such a self-obsessed, complacent, spectator-driven world.  We watch and consume so much that we are not a part of.  Sometimes we actually get close to that arena and almost participate by cheering screams or some such interaction, such as sporting events or music concerts.  And actually, many of these so-called arenas may not even be the ‘worthy’ ones old Teddy was referring to, but just ones erected for our temporary mutual pleasure.  Certainly not ones where we actually can do much good.  But really, to be honest, most of where we usually spend our time consuming is in front of some type of screen.  Really, is that a true pathway to any arena?

As far as staying in that arena very long or very consistently, that seems even more problematic.  It’s where the title above actually leads us in wrapping this idea up.  Festina lente is Latin for ‘hurry slowly’ or to ‘make haste slowly’.  It’s usually invoked to communicate that there needs to be some type of balance in our actions, most notably between urgency and diligence.  So, we shouldn’t rush too quickly to complete tasks, or we’ll make too many mistakes, and thus, our long-term results suffer the consequences.  Let me put another spin on it.  I take it to mean ‘hurry up and wait’.  That phrase I’ve heard so many times in the development, production and now, distribution of our film.  Yes, I know, I know, patience is a virtue, one I’ve learned to live with.  And actually, I can be very patient.  But my gosh, when it takes longer than five years to create, produce and distribute a film, the patience wears thin, and that arena seems so far off.  In our attention deficit world, it does seem so easy to lose sight of the final goal, of that final arena, that such a long labyrinth of a journey as we’ve traveled on can melt all meaningful focus.  Plus, it can probably make our audience even forget we are here at all.  So it does my heart some good to remind myself of what we are doing by bringing up ol’ Teddy’s quote.  And to also remind myself that festina lente seems to have been the path we were always on for our arrival towards this final arena.

JAD

It’s a pretty much agreed-upon proclamation these days that the film industry has been going through lots of changes the past several years.  I’ve talked about that on this blog a number of times over these same few years, many times referencing comments from others who are much more versed in this than myself.  As we get ready to release our film, these issues have been on our minds quite a bit.  They certainly have affected how we will be taking it out into the world.  Most films obviously do a theatrical run first, then move on to VOD (video on demand), then on to DVD units, and on and on.  But for independent films that model not only has been disappearing, but when it is tried it rarely succeeds.  Nowadays, many indies release on DVD or go to VOD, and possibly do a limited theatrical or alternative screening model.

Today I’m here to tell you what part of our plan is.  Only part, because we are currently devising some Transmedia elements that will enhance the overall experience for our audience.  And we not only don’t want to spoil the fun for you, but we are continually developing and fine-tuning what we are conjuring up.  Now, as for the release, we originally wanted to put the movie out this summer.  However, all the so-called marketing experts we’re been talking to have advised against that.  Instead, we are waiting a little later to get the film out to you.  We will initially be releasing “Dreams Awake” on DVD in the fall, supplemented with alternative specialty screenings.  If you have any interest in hosting a screening in your area, please go to our Host Screening Page and fill out the info, and we’ll get you more information to you about how to do that.  In addition, if you’re interested in having yours truly there for a Q & A to discuss the film, along with any subject in relation to the film, then let us know.  To add a little spice to this discussion, we will want to bring up the ‘spiritual issues’ raised in the film, some of which may be controversial to a traditionally religious audience.  So be prepared for a few sparks if you want me to be a part of the package.  We’ll make it fun and lively, but never negative or judgmental.

And finally, another reason we are foregoing the traditional route for the film is that we feel this film is not for an overall general, traditional audience.  By that I mean, the genre of “Dreams Awake” fits in with the type of film that would probably be in ‘The Spiritual Cinema Circle’ that Stephen Simon set up several years go.  However, having said that, I do believe there is a crossover market for audiences that like family films, as we are billing it as a mystical family film – plus since it would probably have a PG rating.  Anyway, hang in there, we will be working hard to get the film out to you one way or another.

JAD

Yes, no matter what I or anyone else has to say about the film, in the end … it is all about YOU. There is no other way for it to be.  It’s not about me, or any of the others involved in making the film, or getting it out to you. We all got to be a part of its creation, and hopefully we all got something out of that process. We all learned from it (hopefully) and it may become a small part of us, but in that final part of its life, it is really all about you. You, who give it its final life, its place in the world, and maybe even get something out of it personally. That would not only be a treat for you, but for us as well. For creators should be here to service the people we create for, not just to indulge our personal whims or fantasies. There is so little time here, so why waste it with such trivials.

As for me, I have a very strong creative drive, which is something I have always had to contend with. Unfortunately, that has the potential to be destructive as well as creative. Outlets have not always been as readily available as I’d like. But my own personal management of that drive is my own responsibility, something they don’t teach you when you’re growing up. It is the double-edge sword of the artist, and I suspect the scientist, and everyone else who has to dig deep inside themselves, pull something out of their imagination and birth into this physical world. I also think it is a very beautiful thing, which can lift us higher and higher to the heavens, inspiring us to the highest heights within our own beings. The highest high and the lowest low, a vast world we must manage inside ourselves. A challenge, a gift and in the end, a legacy to fulfill. So I feel. In the end I feel humbled that I was able to be involved in making and getting this film out to you. But yet, it was meant to be, for I have been laying the groundwork for a good portion of my life. I did not always see that, but now looking back at the path I have walked, it seems so very clear. I thank the world there was a way for that path to be there.

But once again, enough of me. This is about you, right? So, what does that really mean though? I’ll start with a similarly-stated comment several people who previewed the film communicated to me – (I’m paraphrasing here): “You know, at first I wasn’t sure what to make of it (the film). I liked it, for the most part, but I didn’t really connect with it. So, I decided to watch it again. After the third or fourth viewing, I could feel it washing over me. Then came an ah ha moment, then another and others. So it took watching it several times for me to feel ‘I got it’.  I kind of liked that.” On one level that was a bit of a revelation for me, but on another it actually wasn’t.

On the surface, the film has a few typically traditional moments that you may have seen in other films and appear to be quite simple. Yet, if you really pay attention closer and dig deeper, you’ll see that some of these ‘simple’ moments only cover up or obscure other themes and messages going below the surface. Ideas we might deem spiritual, mystical or metaphysical, things not so obvious to the naked eye, but yet are presented in a visual medium like film. The script was written in various drafts to build the layers for this effect, but I wasn’t sure if we could capture it in production. Certainly not an easy challenge to undertake. And yes, a car chase, a building exploding, or a body being violently maimed may certainly have made any scene basically more understandable. But to what purpose? We do not have violence or sexuality in this film, even though we may hint at it. In fact, earlier drafts of the script did have some of that, which were later nixed because it essentially became unnecessary. Actually, I’ve become numbed by these overworked conventions in modern film and rejected them for this particular story.

For you. My hope is that you will get something out of this film. As entertainment, yes. As food for your mind, even more so. As nourishment for your spirit, excellent. Don’t worry, I am not a preacher, a proselytizer or a guru. Far from it. I like to create. I like to have fun. I like to live. I like to be me. I like to teach. I like to learn. I like to fly. I got to do all of these things in the creation of this film. I hope you get something out of it beyond just watching another film. If not, well…that’s completely up to you, as it always should be. After all, this will be your film now.

JAD

Just checking in over this holiday to update you on a few things going on with the film …

Trailers — we’re working on a couple more trailers to tantalize your appetite while waiting for the film, as well starting up a viral campaign to spread across the web …

Posters — we have one poster about done, and a couple more ideas we’re starting on, an ongoing search for that special, iconic image for the film …

Partners & Affiliates — we’ve begun looking for partners to help us get the film out to our niche audiences, lots of possibilities and potentials here.  If you’re interested in getting involved in helping us here, or know someone who would be a good fit, please contact us …

Transmedia — we’re getting more into the extra parts of the story that “Dreams Awake” presents as the main driving force of a larger story world.  In fact, we’ll be going to a big transmedia event in a few days - Transmedia Bootcamp and we’re listed here …

Social Media — we’ll be increasing out presence in this space also, on more platforms as well as being more involved in our current ones …

Clips — and yes, we’re putting together more fun clips from the film, for all to enjoy …

Film Festivals — we’re also starting to get the film out to those film festivals that fit our unique niche …

Screenings — and finally, we’re looking for alternative venues to screen the film – if you have any interest in getting involved with that, check our ‘Host a Screening’ page …

JAD