“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” ― Sun Tzu

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PEACE AND BALANCE – OCTOBER 2026 UPDATES

Hello my friends from around the world. I love seeing the breakdowns of all the readers. I so appreciate all the artists who stop through to reflect on the journey of an artist. To read my trials and tribulations and apply it to your own journey. I am sipping my hazelnut coffee which is my morning favorite. I got up and when cup in hand I explored with my furry son Finn. We listened to all the various birds and watched the squirrels wake and start their morning activities. I try to start my day with nature not technology. It is hard sometimes because of deals or medical monitoring for aging parents. But I try to start my day and end my day with zero technology.

I am and always have been a SciFi fan. I do love that technology has moved from SciFi into our real lives. What we once saw in STAR TREK or STAR WARS is now part of our lives. I’m still wrapping my head around my childhood on fascination for UFO’s now being front and center in the news. I said a month or so ago that riding in a TESLA driving itself was the most SciFi moment I’ve had in decades. We have a great film coming out at the end of the month that puts a spotlight on spirituality and technology sharing space in the new world. I think it is odd for us to image not being the Apex Thinker. We do still process information in a way energy wise that machines cannot quite replicate yet. When robots threatened to replace blue collar jobs the noise was not as loud as when it was suggested that white collar “thinker” jobs could be replaced. This stopped many in their tracks. Accountants billing hours could see machines or programs that can process the information in minutes or seconds. Hours of billable research by attorneys, consultants and such, done in moments. Many industries have been forever changed by advances in technology. Horses and wagons in transportation and military use replaced by autos. The mighty train and streamliners replaced by airplanes. Telegraphs replaced by the telephone. I could go on and on. And for those in the fading professions it became change or die. Not literally but you get it.

This week was a hard one for me personally because of juggling several things at once. Like many my age lucky enough to have one or both parents, I deal with their issues. Both have their current issues in very different ways. The medical system is a double edged sword. Modern meds that can now save someone from was once a death sentence. And a system that knows how to put a medicine bandaid on issues without regular evaluation. And doctors and medical staff are human, for now. We watch LUKE SKYWALKER inside a Bacta Tank being healed by a medical robot. (Sorry non Star Wars geeks) Would they do better at analyzing symptoms, labs and applying the correct medicine. Would they immediately know any bad drug interactions? Likely. A sad truth but the stresses and anxiety of the mind is something more complicated. The issue with compounding medicine is you lose track of what is treating the source issue and what is treating just a side effect.

So this week had me dealing with human faults. Not on purpose as I like to see most human beings as wanting to do kindness because they too benefit from that. Lazy could play into something or job burnout that is real. Another check on why technology and robots could get the edge on humanity. On one small piece of business something off my desk came back to it because someone did not read the submitted letter. On a personal level I also dealt with spending time on something that was declared as “simple” and wasn’t. And it was also thrown back because of their form not being clear. So something technology could do in seconds we take days to sort out. It is not looking good for us on that level. I also think phone trees were created by the Devil. Just joking, maybe.

So this week was full of issues and in the middle of that our elder cat foster-fail Fredrick who was showing serious symptoms has passed. We gave him a beautiful 8 months. He was loved by us and his three female kitty sisters. Or maybe he was Fredrick Hefner with his three ladies. Either way Fred had a good end of life and I encourage folks to give older adoptees a great send off. For me it is the seeking of peace. I saw a high-school classmate say something about peace over happiness. When times are tough strive for peace. Balance is what martial arts teaches and that can be mental also. So I hope all of you find peace and balance and happiness will find you. Onto some movie updates-

UPDATES-

  1. ROM COMS MUST DIE – has released to DVD and streaming. This is an over-the-top dark comedy about the frustrations of being an artist. The release will widen even more at the end of the month. I’m not sure how audiences nationwide are enjoying it but I’m happy that it is out there. The main push comes as we close in on the end of the month. Record a video and let us now your artist frustrations and maybe we will post it. Write a review on Amazon, IMDB, Letterbox or any review sites and we might spotlight your review. For those who have watched it Amos and Clem thank you.
  2. Next up to release will be AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip that will start its release on 10/30/26. Like my talk on technology above this film will make you laugh and maybe cry but it will make you think. It isn’t a cheap scare about the coming technology but a real look at the potential good, bad and ugly. I was inspired to write this after a real news story. I did add a SciFi spin but it is a projected path of where we might end up. So add this DVD to your CDI collection when it starts pre-sales in the coming weeks. And watch it when it streams and have those conversations with one another. I look forward to the reviews as I really don’t know how audiences will take it. The acting by the three leads Michael Rene Walton, Melissa Anschutz and Taylor Nichols is great. So I think everyone should enjoy the film. That of course is our goal every time.
  3. WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – This is the follow up to one of our most popular films. Having seen the reaction to the film by our theatrical crowd I am excited to get this out to the tens of millions who have seen the first film WILD FAITH. It will be a beautiful gift of a story that I believe captures the true Christmas spirit much like SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA did. The film releases on DVD and streaming on 11/3/26. I will be heading to the Will Rogers Awards in a few weeks to see if we won GOLD, SILVER or BRONZE for my screenplay, the producing team and CDI as a production company.
  4. DEVIL’S PASS – (Now in post-production) This film was a collaboration with McGraw Multimedia and our friends in GA. If this project was a success it would have CDI helping produce their slate of films. It is different from CDI just having full control over production but has been healthy. It forces good communication between the parties. So far it has been a very smooth process. We have a few meetings coming up over the next two weeks that is just about communication and eliminating any grey areas that can slow the post process. We all want to make the best film we can and that is the underlying directive. We did a great Channel 10 Lansing/Jackson story that will air this week. The edit is moving right along and our director’s are very happy. If you follow our FB page we are dripping out Screen Captures and other great promo pieces. Coming in 2027!

DEVELOPMENT– I’m happy to be in a place of downshifting from production and looking ahead. As I noted CDI and our GA partners will be discussing a slate that bounces back and forth with our own CDI slate. I have truly enjoyed working with the CEO Dan Searles who like myself is a writer/actor and loves telling these stories. I am reading a few of his properties and vice versa. Our RETURN TO ALGONA (Working Title) has over half the funding committed by organizations and we are looking to close that with participating brands and private investors. It is a beautiful comparison of life from 1944 to 1968 during one of the most conflict ridden time in America. We once again follow the German artist and ex PW on his return to the town that once imprisoned him. The other film being considered being put back on the slate is the feature version of SMOKE & MIRRORS a comedic turn of the century who done it. Twice it was on the runway only to be bumped by two financed projects.

On thew writing front I’m working two scripts MBF2 which is the follow up to MAN’S BEST FRIEND, a powerful drama that has had fans clamoring for a follow up. I am in no rush to produce it but I do want to get the script out of my head. The first draft is almost complete. But I’ve been having a whole lot of fun writing WILD FAITH 3. I’ve had an 8 part TV series ready since Covid times but when the funding opportunities had too many strings we just did another feature film. I’ve adjusted the TV series to take place after the second feature film but if a good deal doesn’t present itself we will just do a third feature film. It is a world that I really enjoy writing in and so it is moving along quite quickly.

We are also working to develop several other film properties and even possible TV. I always like to put forth goals for 2027 and examine how I did with my 2026 goals. We are being forced to reexamine our processes always in the efforts of improving, streamlining and launching new initiatives. I still occasionally have that thought of how much easier it could be to just go bartend at the MooseLodge with my lifetime of stories and adventures. But soon after I realize my adventuring days are not over. I still might have a few characters locked up in my imagination to let loose on the screen. So development continues.

WRAP UP- This weekly reflection really helps me put my TO DO’s front and center. And the ability to talk about some of my own issues personally or in the artistic world helps. I still feel lucky that every day I get to do what I love. I get to work with people I love. I get to be myself and not play a role at a soul stealing job. I sometimes also enjoy the positive energy that comes with someone who was moved by a film or a performance. I don’t always have rainbows and flowers but I do realize how blessed I am. And this blessing came with sacrifice and very hard work. I try not to slip into the work-a-holic mode that helped me build what I have. But to also keep that hunger to push forward. I will be an artist until my last breath. Until I return to the fire ashes to ashes. But as you keep on your journey seek out that peace and balance. Until next week my friends! Coffee Cheers- DJ

Posted by  |  October 11, 2026 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

One of the Best Compliments Ever – And CDI Film Updates

I’m up on a sunny Michigan morning and sipping my hazelnut coffee. Fall is in full effect and I’m loving it. We wrapped filming on “Devil’s Pass” our recent western and I’m happy to say things went smooth. Only a few bumps with most being a few spots of rain but in many cases it added to the mood of the moment. I’m always hesitant about collaborations because the wrong one can lead to much strife between parties. I’ve got 30+ year into my relationship with the McGraws and so that was predictable and smooth. I was not the screenwriter on this film and we worked with two companies out of GA and I really connected with these owners. We shared many of the same creative and business views. It was more involved the management of this film because I wanted to make sure everyone knew why we did certain things. I recall the first day of pre-production asking the barriers between cast and crew at the base camp dining area be removed. I understand first through the food line if there is a reason due to crew needing to pre-light a set or whatnot. But eating segregated is not something I ever agreed with and so we’ve eliminated that at CDI since the early days. The idea of this is what the big studios do gets an “I don’t care this is CDI” response from me. Over the years I’ve had several things brought to my attention that we do differently. As an actor on visiting sets I saw things I agreed with or did not agree with and it allowed me to customize a company that is exactly how I like it. Most of those changes are about unity and inclusion before these were buzz words. We have diversity without trying because we pull from a collective base of artists. All we ask for the short run is to put the story first. It is also a company where you can get true opportunities in this business. I always say, who you know may get you a first opportunity but your efforts get you rehired. We had so many wonderful artists and some were stepping up into 1st key positions for the first time. What I love about this film is the overwhelming positive attitudes we had on set. There were tense moments where a piece of wardrobe ripped or a horse that might not have cooperated in the moment but with grace all issues were dealt with quickly and professionally. I think this crew was just incredible and I see a strengthening of our infrastructure that will carry us forward.

Casting was a long process but was well thought out right down to the featured players. As CDI is ran by actor/producers it is one area we take very serious. A talented and on-point cast will not only bring elevated performances but will help you make your day. Weather, horses and odd variables can drag you back time wise but when the actors were on things moved just swell. A film will truly live or die by the performances. To have strong heroes you need strong villains. We had strength across the board bringing the roles to life. I’m proud to say that I got to play one of the most unique roles to life in my career. Both the character and how the character interacted throughout the film. As a supervising producer I often like to put a little distance between myself and production and observe. I look for issues or elements of production that can be streamlined or improved upon. This distance plays into my character ‘McBride’ save one character whom I was very much in their personal space. In THE QUEST TRILOGY I got to write a role akin to mine in “Devil’s Pass” for others. Those others being Joe Cipriano, Tamour Ghazi and Rance Howard playing the devil. I would suggest going to watch FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. I play a very challenging role in 2 of those 3 films. I loved the role of ‘McBride’ and I’m so curious to see how it manifests on screen. But I enjoyed seeing many actors I’ve watched over the years create marvelous characters do it once again. In some cases they took it all to new heights and it was awesome to see. On day four our directors put together a highlight reel so that everyone could see just what we were creating. And it was…amazing.

We enjoy bringing legends into our fold and allow them to play and perform in new and challenging ways. Several can make a living just engaging with the fans of their previous roles they made famous. But to allow them to create anew is a special thing. Darby Hinton is a great example of someone who even later in his career is actually challenging himself more and more. He found fame early on the Daniel Boone TV show and survived into adulthood. I think he is starting to create some of his best work as he opens to the opportunities that challenge him. Butch Patrick (Eddie from The Munsters) was also a child actor who has carries on with creating new roles but also cherishes the one that put him on the map. I’m a huge fan of the show with Herman and Grandpa among my favorite “buddies” in a show. Butch had great stories of this time and also gave us something comedic and special and I believe we will all work together again one day soon. But I was very impressed by Mitch Vogel a Golden Globe Nominee from co-starring with Steve McQueen and the last surviving principal actor from Bonanza the last two seasons. I’m not sure he was aware of it but he gave me one of the greatest compliments. We were in wardrobe preparing and he told me that all this (the production) was impressive and so well ran. He said that the last time he felt such a family like vibe on a set was on Bonanza and not since. This was an outside opinion and not something I asked for. But I will say that it really made me feel like a million dollars. There are things in our business that money cannot buy. I work every day to try and get to larger budgets to benefit the artists that work so hard. But we still run things as professional and prepared as possible and that doesn’t just happen. HARD WORK makes that happen. So I will cherish those words always from someone who has been there and done that. Thank you Mitch and I know we will work together again. Thank you for coming out of retirement for this film and I’m so thrilled you felt it was a good choice to do so.

Before getting into the wonderful updates I will say that the CDI tribe lost two past members in one day. Dennis Haskins best known for SAVED BY THE BELL passed away. He was a dramatic powerhouse in AN ORDINARY KILLER the true life crime drama we released in 2002. You can watch it now streaming. I met Dennis on set of TANGY GUACAMOLE a crazy Spring Break romp in 2000. We also attended several events in Las Vegas and Dennis was Mister Vegas knowing everyone in that town. I will cherish the times. At the end of the day I heard that David G. Smith “Smitty” our DP and editor on FROM VENUS had passed away. He struggled with health problems the last few years but I will always remember the long rendering times working in his basement studio. “It is what it is” was his favorite saying and he was a jolly soul who LOVED movies and music. Their journey has come to an end and so we push on. I create for all those whose journey has ended. RIP to all my artist friends.

EXCITING FILM UPDATES- Now onto some more upbeat updates!

  1. October is spooky month and my first feature starring role as Alex Kerwood, monster hunter has been going strong since 1999 when it released. Hollywood Video, Blockbuster and dozens of countries. The film was mastered to Blu Ray last year with the classic cut and a new director’s cut. That new cut is going to be playing several night shows at the Spectacle Theater in Brooklyn NY. Sat Oct 10th at midnight! Oct 12th at 10 pm, Oct 20th at 7:30 pm and Oct 28th at 10pm! Look up http://www.spectacletheater.com for more details. The film has never been released streaming and we will be setting that up for 2027!
  2. 2026 and I’ve finally done another film in the comedy/horror genre ROM COMS MUST DIE. On 10/2/26 is began streaming and is for sale on DVD. It showcases the frustrations of artists worldwide and comedically goes to the Nth degree. I love my co-star Adam Towner in this film. A humorous person in real life and a winner of several comedic shorts this was a chance to see how he played in a feature length film and it works. The supporting cast works on every level and I personally LOVE Melissa Anschutz and Dean Teaster as the ROM COM stars kidnapped in this film. Both are amazing actors and they once again show why they are great. It is now on Amazon Prime and appearing on more and more streaming platforms. If you watch it and like it please leave a review on Amazon Prime and/or our IMDB page. It is closer to R rated vs PG 13 for language and mild violence. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but I think many will get a few great laughs and relate to the frustrations of Amos and Clem. I see already some SUCKER MC gave us (1’s) where you can vote. Even if not your cup of tea the film is not a one. I would bet that the rating came from an artist which is the funny irony of it all. Millions watch our films and never review and vote so I’m not sweating a few rocks thrown. You just best hope Amos and Clem don’t come knocking and send you to the pigs. So give it a fair shake and let us know what you thought. Even a video review would be fun. Do you blog, podcast or whatnot- give us a shout. WATCH IT HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Rom-Coms-Must-Travis-Hayward/dp/B0H9CNXQ6B/ref=sr_1_3?crid=8M50EWYTF7UA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8dwmiRr6bKlk4mL0ZRtVHw7yFF38HqBoX2sob9TcijHrfbPfQokstPOAbQ4ZRltkd9g-ekVn1uknyGmDAAtoqssEnxLTxnCZkxokU5tzQlHBdOzU_mDEfqRYDbHg58aijtc1qJRNZEe_qewKd2i8t4tddd39DMQ5I7GnPxmgLFrYWKBvuhOwkltgoltMGa-UGTDojJ4S6QmHQw9Z3QWGVOr4yFyujFblzRwacsW440s.9h5GKlFXmlb5soZyo7JYgPtSvMNrkY858Kp9XzH6KXU&dib_tag=se&keywords=Rom+Coms+Must+Die&qid=1791121997&sprefix=rom+coms+must+die%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-3
  3. AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip – The PR will start on this film as it releases to DVD and streaming on October 30th, 2026. This film centers on the highly discussed topic of AI. This film was inspired by true events and I added a SciFi spin to it. Strangely the spin might not be too far off and I think this film will have folks talking. PRO AI, CON AI, this film will question it all and do some with a good comedic element to it. At the same time it examines spirituality and technology coming together. Watch Amazon for DVD pre-orders and follow our FB page just like all our films.
  4. On 11/3/26 the wait is OVER! WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS the follow up to the hit WILD FAITH releases on DVD and streaming. Upward of 30 million have seen the first film and the follow up as been long awaited. We made a run at the TV series but the potential funding came with strings attached that I could not live with so we did a second feature. The TV series has been updated to take place after the 2nd film and we’ll see – but I’m well into a 3rd feature film so even if the TV series doesn’t launch the franchise will go on! But I think audiences will really love this story and the Christmas angle is so beautiful.
  5. As the holidays approach THE QUEST TRILOGY, LOST HEART, SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA and all the CDI films are there for you as the cold arrives and a good story is what you need. I’ve had several random encounters with folks who tried telling me I should “check out” this film or that film only to find out that is OUR film. I had someone recently telling me how much they loved this bootlegger film HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE only to discover they were talking to Axel. Or most recently a billing person telling me about a great western WILD FAITH only to realize Ben Lily was standing in front of them. I had to show a picture to convince them. I love the way our films are finding their way into the public pop culture.

DEVELOPMENT – When I was in the heat of battle on the last film I did not like looking too far ahead but now the dust is settling and I’m getting back into development. I’m examining a great comedic who done it film that we’ve almost done twice but had fully funded projects bump it. Also RETURN TO ALGONA the follow up to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA has a good amount of funding committed and I will look to put the final pieces in place. I will finish WILD FAITH 3 and MBF2 this winter which will allow me to project budgets. I will also be developing a mutual slate with our new GA partners after a very successful “Devil’s Pass” shoot. We have several other projects looking to put solid pieces into place. I even had a very productive talk recently with a friend and major player in the Las Vegas film scene Jaki Baskow. Many doors of opportunity to explore and the key is to follow the proper order of business. I will say that ANGEL STUDIOS beat me to the HERSHEYS story I wanted to tell. It looks like they did a great job and I cannot wait to see it. They were our product partners on our WW2 drama.

WRAP UP – I just freshened up my coffee as this blog has been a touch longer but had more to say. I talked about the wonderful adventure our cast and crew had filming “Devil’s Pass” and it will always be uniquely ours. The beautiful compliment that made my heart soar. The new releases and the new development. This end of year will be pushing these films out while prepping for 2027. End of October I will travel with some of the CDI team to Oklahoma to receive the Will Rogers awards for screenplay, producing and production company. We will have end of year disbursements to investors and also the year’s end wrap up that should be easier due to the holding co our legal and accounting team helped to put into place.

I’m working on getting the property cleaned up before winter arrives. I harvested all the herbs save the mint which may happen today. I’ve got most all the production gear stowed save a few creates I will pick up this week during an interview at the historic village in Corunna, MI. I’ve dealt with a few personal and family situations that are part of life. I’m looking forward to the holidays and catching my breath from a wild year. I’m going to bring it to an end here until next week when we chat. Thank you all for showing up each week. That goes for all the artists around the world. Coffee Cheers! DJ

Posted by  |  October 4, 2026 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment