Happy 250th birthday to the USA. We represent an imperfect nation working towards perfection. That is not truly possible since everyone has a different idea of perfection. Hazelnut coffee tastes near perfection, for me. I hope everyone had a safe 4th. I’m past my days of strong drink and fireworks thankfully. One of our dogs absolutely hates fireworks. Over the years he has gotten better but still to see him shake makes me sad. I once was one of the hooligans drinking and causing a ruckus. Sorry Miss C. Our cats including old Fred doesn’t like the explosions and I can’t speak for our hens and the squirrels and such on the property but last night it sounded like a war zone. We watched something loud “Band of Brothers” to try and drown out the noise. On that note we only have 1 or 2 shows left to watch and I know I’m late to the party but what a great series. While we don’t have Tom Hanks/SS budgets I’m proud to have created many historic dramas and we have many more to tell.

I did wake up feeling very lucky to be alive and living in the USA. I’ve always loved the romantic notion of the 17th century but with the state of technology, medicine and more, I know that life was much harder than we imagine. The above ‘Band of Brothers’ also helped strip away the heroic glamour of war seen in movies. In many cases it did not matter how athletic you were it was where the mortar round fell or the machine gun nest scattered bullets. And the mental anguish that still haunts war time soldiers to this day. That makes me again proud of how many of the CDI stories look at the plight of soldiers after war. An Ordinary Killer, Ghost Town, Wicked Spring, Harsens Island Revenge, Wild Faith, MBF, Silent Night in Algona and more. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to experience these stories.

This past week we left June behind and entered July. For me it represented many things aside from turning another year older. CDI finished the third film that will be rolling out this year. On that topic, we debate the value of theatrical release more and more. The communication between these bookers can be difficult. New reports state that indie film houses are on the come back. I would love to see that. So we’ll keep pushing on that front. We’ll get into some of the film updates now.

FILM UPDATES:

1. I spent 4 days doing the film disbursements to our investors and residuals on the union films. I’m proud of what we’ve built slow and steady. I want to thank legal and accounting for helping us streamline the process going forward. I love writing checks out to people. It has always been one of my favorite things to do and it is why I still write the checks myself versus automating the process. That day might come but not quite yet.
2. WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is slowly starting a pre-campaign to get people ready for the 11/3/2026 release to DVD and home video. It is also encouraging people to watch or re-watch the first film WILD FAITH. We might try to slip into a few more theaters in October. It would be great to play both films back to back.
3. ROM COMS MUST DIE is prepping for a 10/2/2026 home video release. The new poster art is great and we’ll be doing some PR on the three films coming out this year. I’ve got a Lansing, MI based brew N view I’m putting together with one of our collaborators/supporters. We are still pushing the theaters and we’re excited to have this film seen. The response so far from the comedy and horror crowd has been amazing. Follow the FB pages on your favorite films to keep up with all the updates.
4. AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is being delivered to the home video distributor. We’ll be planning a premiere likely in Owosso, MI the home town of the director and where we filmed. This unique film centers on topics that everyone is talking about. It is part truth and part SciFi fiction blended in a frightfully real way. AI is not going anywhere and so society will have to adjust. Much like the internet itself, I cannot say that people spending hours a day on their phones or online is healthy but it is what it is. Go watch the trailer and get ready for this film. A BTS is being worked on too my Adam Towner and I hope to have that out to audiences soon.
5. DEVIL’S PASS – This action packed mid-western has been in pre-production. I’ve been working to pull in the paperwork and funds so the bank account can be opened. We’ll start locking in other logistics once that is underway. The final casting and crewing has been underway. We had a several hour meeting last week over cast and crew. We had two larger speaking roles and we have several featured that are action versus dialog. It was a great opportunity for several CDI folks to gain the experience of auditioning. It was/is a very competitive process. I myself have lost roles to others. One actor I recall was strong but did not fit the family dynamic. I know that one actor who auditioned for PETE was the one to beat. He is an amazing actor who has co-starred in two other CDI associated films. The other role was a brother to our main antagonist and is so very complex. The actor who stood out for this role was totally unexpected. He had shown a lot of dedication being an extra in no less than three CDI films. I know some folks were disappointed to not get the role but that is part of the growth also. Like in martial arts and soccer the role is earned. I saw a lot of promise in several of the reads they are just green. They need to work on their craft and get more comfortable with the camera. I use to teach workshops back in the day teaching acting for camera. This helped talented stage actors make the transition. We had a couple of reads that were just over-the-top theatrical. Some auditions had people pacing or rocking back and forth out of frame. Grounding your energy and stillness can be a strength in film acting. We will be working to distribute the schedule this week to the department heads and to actors. We are all excited to bring this next film to life this September.

DEVELOPMENT: I’ve been outlining scenes and prepping to finish the script for MBF2. I’ve had more than enough fuel for this story and unfortunately much of it is inspired by the ugly side of human nature. MBF was raw and the follow up needs to also have that teeth. I’m also working on WF3 which again has big shoes to fill with WILD FAITH ands WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS but I think this new story is up to the challenge. I do have a few books that have been submitted for consideration in being turned into a screenplay/movie, but no deal has been made.

RETURN TO ALGONA is the follow up to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA and I’m really excited to bring this next chapter to life. We are in talks with sponsors that will assist with that. Watching Band of Brothers last night made me proud to be capturing history. These stories need to be told or they will be forgotten.

Now that I’ve got much of this accounting and dispersement work done I can also return my focus to the Katharsys Media three film deal. The proposal draft is much longer than what I normally use or submit. A tip here with raising funds includes not putting in a bunch of fluff. Just the facts Joe Friday. I have a few other projects to touch base on and see where we are in the development process.

WRAP UP:

I’m again going to express my appreciation. My mind drifted to many good folks no longer with us. That is in my business and just in my life. I’m deeply appreciative that I had the tenacity to not give up. I had and still have such great people willing to work towards a collective dream. I’ve balanced my work life with a wonderful personal life. This past week I would take a break every few hours from accounting to go put my hands in the dirt. I love working on the property even though the pollen this year has given me an allergy issue to deal with. I will be taking an R&R trip to CA next week to go to the Disney Star Wars park. I will try to set up a few visits with a few local friends but if unable you will find me by the pool.

This week before I go there we’ll celebrate my mom’s bday although we did a little surprise party for her last Sunday. And my dad’s bday is also this week and we’ll be celebrating that later this month. Again, a blessing to still have my parents with us. I know many that do not have that any longer. I want to thank everyone who took the time to wish me a Happy Birthday. It was low key and calm, something I do enjoy. I just had some eggs from our hens and I’ve topped off the coffee several times. I’m going to wrap this up and I don’t know if I’ll be doing a video update from CA or if I plan to bring my laptop. I know I could get more business done but maybe I could use a break from the computer. Happy Bday to America and let us all try to remember UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL. Be good to one another. Coffee Cheers! DJ