' MAN'S BEST FRIEND' WRITER PERRY SHARES FILM'S INFLUENTIAL MESSAGE
Inset at left, Gary Nation poses with D.J. Perry. At right, in a scene from "MBF: Man's Best Friend," D.J. Perry (in handcuffs) as character Paul Landings, is being lead away by an officer of the law.
▶ BY KRISTEN AND KEVIN COLLIER
You have to think twice about someone who’s not afraid to face-off with Satan on-screen, but who is afraid to play a military veteran suffering from PTSD, out of concern for not doing our servicemen and women justice. In this age of paranormal and supernatural, popular shows like Ghost Adventures eagerly embrace the demonic realm, while churchgoers are afraid to even address it, in lieu of potluck recipes and book club discussions.
With CM all-in for End Times battles, and engaging on the media front, it gave us pause to read the following interview from award-winning writer/filmmaker, D.J. Perry (40 Nights, Chasing the Star). Very eloquent. Insightful. Not the normal potlucks and book club pablum often recited amongst the suburban churchy set. Read for yourself:
CM: With MBF: Man's Best Friend, what inspired you to write the story and what influences went into it?
DJP: As a writer and actor, I’m ever the observer, who ponders deeply all these issues around me. I watch how people often poorly communicate with one another, yelling their opinions into each other’s faces. But we all have a defensive wall that comes up when people poorly communicate. When I see people all worked up, yelling, I see people who want attention even more than the issue at hand. But storytelling is a noble craft, whereas we can bring people into a place of grace. A place where we digest a story deeply, without the walls of defense.
CM: Servicemen serve, but are we serving them?
DJP: Our military serves us in many ways more pure than the ones who make the laws. They sacrifice more for less and they should be post-cared for better. Not just by the government who employed them, but by the community. One homeless veteran is one too many, when these costs could be handled, even if it slightly nicks a defensive budget. One less spy plane ordered could seed that endeavor.
CM: You said, "The age-old changing definition of 'property' is also at the heart of the [Man's Best Friend] story. Can you explain and expand on that?
DJP: We all own property, but do we really? The Native Americans had the right perspective with land/property, that we borrowed it, tended and cared for it, during our short stay. In certain places people will argue property over a wife. Property is to ownership what family is to duty. Do you protect something because you own it, or do you have a duty to protect that springs forth from love?
CM: How does this relate to dogs placed into service?
DJP: Dogs are put to this property question, and our military stood at the front line, for this debate. Dogs were used in war situation as sentry, and later, bomb-sniffing. At one time, they were put down after their service ended. It was the family bond of military folks whose bonds grew strong by facing danger. Their lives, often saved by these dogs, who also usually crapped (dice) out after so many successes. These dogs sacrificed and were family. The military changed their stance on this. Now, they have retirement/adoption options (Robby’s Law)--do read about it. The country is catching up and animal abuse is being met with harsher sentencing. And I would not be surprised, with as many prison rehabilitation programs using animals, if offenders don’t start being treated as child abusers.
Man’s Best Friend is a weaving of many observations into a tight story of faith, duty, compassion, and more. Actions have consequences--in war that is learned quickly, but in normal life, some might not grasp that lesson until it’s too late.
CM: Tell a little about your role in the acting lead?
DJP: I will tell you after all the years of doing roles this one scared me. I did not serve in the military, yet I was going to be a voice for them. I did not want to overdo a performance, aka Tropic Thunder (You know my reference), or under-sell the role, because this was SERIOUS material. I was never outside myself monitoring Paul, I just WAS “Paul Landings” from ACTION to CUT. I immersed myself in footage, docs, vlogs of wounded servicemen and women trying to piece lives back together. I took bits and pieces from real veterans and noted similar attributes between them. I also realized while I was concerned with going TOO FAR, I was on the mild side of of the spectrum. It was at that time I knew I only wanted the acceptance of the military men and women. I wanted our STORY to be felt and accepted by everyone, but for Paul, I wanted them to see one of their own. From the generous feedback I’ve received from those in the military, I think Paul was accepted to tell their story. I’m humbled and appreciative to have been given that honor.
CM: There’s a lot of self-examination in the film, the WWJD factor. What’s the take-away?
DJP: Paul gets mad, at one point in the film, at his father who’s going on a church date. Paul is in violation of a local law because of how it sits on his heart. He has to act. It’s a good example of people who like to play “WWJD?” What would Jesus do? What would you do? What do you do now? Is there more you can do? Does your heart want you to do? If the film inspires talk, conversation, and awareness - that is what I want people to take away. If you enjoyed this film, share it with other people who might enjoy this film. VOTE! Review on our Amazon or IMDB.com page.
CM: What impact did theologian Garry Nation have on the direction of the production?
DJP: We hired Gary again for a Collective Development, Inc. film. He was our Chasing the Star lead as Melchior, the lead wiseman. His theology studies help him bring layers to his characters. He’s an amazing man who can live a character with power, integrity and intellect. He only had direction of his character and performance, no more. But his performance inspires powerful performance around him, and vice versa. He plays opposite our conflicted prosecutor, opposite many amazing talents, such as Melissa Anschutz, Kim Harsch, Don Most, Dean Teaster - I could go on and on. I think the secret to a strong film is the script/blueprint and getting all the casting right. Gary was the right casting and I’m sure we will share the screen again one day.
CM: Thanks so much D.J., and for bringing this story into theaters.
DJP: Thank you again Kevin and Kristen for presenting these questions about our film Man’s Best Friend.
You have to think twice about someone who’s not afraid to face-off with Satan on-screen, but who is afraid to play a military veteran suffering from PTSD, out of concern for not doing our servicemen and women justice. In this age of paranormal and supernatural, popular shows like Ghost Adventures eagerly embrace the demonic realm, while churchgoers are afraid to even address it, in lieu of potluck recipes and book club discussions.
With CM all-in for End Times battles, and engaging on the media front, it gave us pause to read the following interview from award-winning writer/filmmaker, D.J. Perry (40 Nights, Chasing the Star). Very eloquent. Insightful. Not the normal potlucks and book club pablum often recited amongst the suburban churchy set. Read for yourself:
CM: With MBF: Man's Best Friend, what inspired you to write the story and what influences went into it?
DJP: As a writer and actor, I’m ever the observer, who ponders deeply all these issues around me. I watch how people often poorly communicate with one another, yelling their opinions into each other’s faces. But we all have a defensive wall that comes up when people poorly communicate. When I see people all worked up, yelling, I see people who want attention even more than the issue at hand. But storytelling is a noble craft, whereas we can bring people into a place of grace. A place where we digest a story deeply, without the walls of defense.
CM: Servicemen serve, but are we serving them?
DJP: Our military serves us in many ways more pure than the ones who make the laws. They sacrifice more for less and they should be post-cared for better. Not just by the government who employed them, but by the community. One homeless veteran is one too many, when these costs could be handled, even if it slightly nicks a defensive budget. One less spy plane ordered could seed that endeavor.
CM: You said, "The age-old changing definition of 'property' is also at the heart of the [Man's Best Friend] story. Can you explain and expand on that?
DJP: We all own property, but do we really? The Native Americans had the right perspective with land/property, that we borrowed it, tended and cared for it, during our short stay. In certain places people will argue property over a wife. Property is to ownership what family is to duty. Do you protect something because you own it, or do you have a duty to protect that springs forth from love?
CM: How does this relate to dogs placed into service?
DJP: Dogs are put to this property question, and our military stood at the front line, for this debate. Dogs were used in war situation as sentry, and later, bomb-sniffing. At one time, they were put down after their service ended. It was the family bond of military folks whose bonds grew strong by facing danger. Their lives, often saved by these dogs, who also usually crapped (dice) out after so many successes. These dogs sacrificed and were family. The military changed their stance on this. Now, they have retirement/adoption options (Robby’s Law)--do read about it. The country is catching up and animal abuse is being met with harsher sentencing. And I would not be surprised, with as many prison rehabilitation programs using animals, if offenders don’t start being treated as child abusers.
Man’s Best Friend is a weaving of many observations into a tight story of faith, duty, compassion, and more. Actions have consequences--in war that is learned quickly, but in normal life, some might not grasp that lesson until it’s too late.
CM: Tell a little about your role in the acting lead?
DJP: I will tell you after all the years of doing roles this one scared me. I did not serve in the military, yet I was going to be a voice for them. I did not want to overdo a performance, aka Tropic Thunder (You know my reference), or under-sell the role, because this was SERIOUS material. I was never outside myself monitoring Paul, I just WAS “Paul Landings” from ACTION to CUT. I immersed myself in footage, docs, vlogs of wounded servicemen and women trying to piece lives back together. I took bits and pieces from real veterans and noted similar attributes between them. I also realized while I was concerned with going TOO FAR, I was on the mild side of of the spectrum. It was at that time I knew I only wanted the acceptance of the military men and women. I wanted our STORY to be felt and accepted by everyone, but for Paul, I wanted them to see one of their own. From the generous feedback I’ve received from those in the military, I think Paul was accepted to tell their story. I’m humbled and appreciative to have been given that honor.
CM: There’s a lot of self-examination in the film, the WWJD factor. What’s the take-away?
DJP: Paul gets mad, at one point in the film, at his father who’s going on a church date. Paul is in violation of a local law because of how it sits on his heart. He has to act. It’s a good example of people who like to play “WWJD?” What would Jesus do? What would you do? What do you do now? Is there more you can do? Does your heart want you to do? If the film inspires talk, conversation, and awareness - that is what I want people to take away. If you enjoyed this film, share it with other people who might enjoy this film. VOTE! Review on our Amazon or IMDB.com page.
CM: What impact did theologian Garry Nation have on the direction of the production?
DJP: We hired Gary again for a Collective Development, Inc. film. He was our Chasing the Star lead as Melchior, the lead wiseman. His theology studies help him bring layers to his characters. He’s an amazing man who can live a character with power, integrity and intellect. He only had direction of his character and performance, no more. But his performance inspires powerful performance around him, and vice versa. He plays opposite our conflicted prosecutor, opposite many amazing talents, such as Melissa Anschutz, Kim Harsch, Don Most, Dean Teaster - I could go on and on. I think the secret to a strong film is the script/blueprint and getting all the casting right. Gary was the right casting and I’m sure we will share the screen again one day.
CM: Thanks so much D.J., and for bringing this story into theaters.
DJP: Thank you again Kevin and Kristen for presenting these questions about our film Man’s Best Friend.
