HAPPY EASTER 2020 RECAP

Happy Easter my friends. I’ve got the hot coffee here and I’m happy to join you all for a few. This is truly a unique time in our world and has to be an Easter for the books. I work from home save when I’m off on a film shoot. I’ve been using every moment to re-organize and catch up on things. Everyday has brought some great new conversations with acquaintances and friends from my past. I’ve also been having some great business talks. I think people are using these moments to analyze their endeavors. We never know  when our time may come but that has always been the truth. This worldwide virus that has no targeted group has unified us in that truth. Both the rollercoaster stock market and the desire to create something meaningful has brought wonderful new film discussions.

I’ve never been more proud as a storyteller since getting all the fan mail from all of you out there. The smiles, the inspiration and the deep retrospective thinking on the various topics we touch on. Faith, Fear, Family, Forgiveness, Racial, Abuse, Veterans, Dogs…I’ve enjoyed reading all your notes. I don’t follow the reviews heavily but it is important to help others find the stories. The negative and the unhappy still exist and spread their toxins but they are the goal. To bring some light and change their glass from half empty to half full. We make films that don’t preach or sugar coat – serious topics with a dose of humor. Just ‘Google’ any of these films and find your favorite platform. Some are free with ads and others have a rent fee. Or if you are like me you can add to your physical media by ordering a DVD. Check out http://www.cdiproductions.com

Our biblical adventure series THE QUEST TRILOGY is a perfect watch anytime but even more so today. FORTY NIGHTS is part 1 and CHASING THE STAR part 2 and THE CHRIST SLAYER part 3 is perfect for the day. Several networks like UpTV and others are playing the films. We hope this becomes an ongoing tradition with your family. Happy Easter!!!

The HASTINGS TV series has had a few great development conversations and this just strengthens as the WILD FAITH movie gets more fans daily. Our talks are with financiers and distributors and I have faith that these characters will end up back on TV weekly.

I’ve been doing a few interviews most recently with ‘Faith on Film’ podcast that will be out in May. The reviewer was just blown away by the power of the stories with WILD FAITH and MBF being the two new releases. Again just floored by the fan mail. I had a nice note from an actress from NYC American Playhouse comment on the role of “Paul” in MBF. She had to spend time after the film researching because she wasn’t sure if the actor (ME) was disabled in real life like Paul. She was surprised like many to learn that it was a character. A character I created watching hundreds of hours of actual wounded warriors coping with their injuries. As I’ve said before I can only accept a bit of the praise because while I could return to my life others go one facing the same challenges. I’m beyond proud to be a voice for these wounded veterans and for the love and peace dogs can bring us all.

LOST HEART – This beautiful film will find its way to audiences late summer/early fall. We’re about an hour into Dennis Therrian composing a beautiful score. We have a few great music artists contributing as well. That will be another PR release:)

BEST YEARS GONE – This past week we got a lot more done on the prep of this next CDI film. We’ll be announcing a few more key crew and cast and we’re using this time both creatively and business-wise to be ready as soon as the storm passes. I’m going to start having some conversations with some of our sponsors to join us in this film about FAMILY, LOVE, FORGIVENESS and from a realistic point of view.

We’re adjusting our schedule and development based on all the things happening but make no mistake we’re coming out swinging when the bell rings. This is allowing my to look at expansion and upgrades. Even my site here I think I’m going to take it to the next level with advertisers and such. The blog here has readers in 80+ countries and growing. It started as a way to get updates out there to family, friends, cast and crew and to discuss issues all artists have. It has grown into a circle of artists compelled to create and trying to survive.

I’ve had a few talks over work-for-hire screenplays but until something closes I’m working on a few “works in progress” including my first Science Fiction script, a few ‘Hastings’ scripts and such. In my cleaning and organizing where I must have used 100 pounds of old paperwork to start the office wood stove, I’ve found gems. Forgotten pics, treatments, notes and more as I’ve worked daily to re-organize. In this down time there is no reason not to get your footage around and make a new reel, update resumes and bios. Here is my 2020 sizzle reel with clips from a few of the films.

Lots of new developments coming. So use this time to help yourself grow. Let go of the old. Start anew. I’m a daily workout person but I’ve intensified that getting ready for the next film, next soccer season and just to be in excellent shape as I finish off my first 50 years on this planet. I’m not sure how many more I may have but I will appreciate what I do have and I will keep creating. I hope all of you do the same and reflect on blessings that you have with family and friends. Happy Easter to you all.

Be safe and be good to one another.

DJ