CDI Tribe Spotlight and 2026 Updates!

A screen shot from the upcoming ‘AI Jesus: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip

What a chilly morning here in the Michigan. I’ve had talks with folks in Florida and even there cold. We might get one more blizzard hit over the next two days. This cold steals a little bit of my motivation. We are deep into the first month of the new year. I have hit the ground running and working hard to get things done. Today I’m going to finish working on some writing for our CDI web page that is getting a few updates. Our Christmas tree came down last week after my blog writing. New gifts and such have been being put into new places. 2025 was a blessed year in many ways and I’m working to make 2026 also be about abundance. I will give a few updates on where things are in the world of CDI. CDI is 30 years old! That is a great accomplishment I’m told and I’ve had everyone suggest I write a book pulling on many topics from my blogs. The idea of a CDI documentary has again resurfaced. I have a meeting coming up to readdress the uprez of three of the early CDI Classic films. I’m excited about that. I do feel the pride of having this company grow and survive the ups and downs for all these years. Let’s spotlight some of the old guard CDI leadership still making it all happen.

My fellow CDI founder Jeff Kennedy was an inspiration in high school of making learning fun and cool. He and his wife Juanita are two of the most creative people you would ever meet. They believed in me and the idea of CDI when nobody else would. Since 2007 time frame Jeff has been medically retired. I add the medical because if Jeff did not have his back issues he would still be in the mix creating. He deserves the peace and happiness he is living in. Not a day goes by that I’m not appreciative of both of them. Knight Chills, From Venus, Heaven’s Neighbors, Figure in the Forest are the first four films we did at CDI. In a way it was our film school. On the 30th anniversary I want to really give the Kennedy’s their due. Without their love and support there would be no CDI. I will work to get those last three films to HD and back into the market. KNIGHT CHILLS can be watched on Blu Ray or streamed now.

Dean Teaster is another gent who I consider one of the founders of CDI. If not a true founder he helped forge the business flow at CDI. Operating as the COO, Chief Operating Officer he help implement many processes that we still use today. He is responsible for the onset accounting we use to this day. It dovetails into our end of the year tax work that keeps everything moving in the right direction. Not only is he one of my closest friends he is a pillar at CDI. His acting has been riding high later in life as he completely surrenders himself to the character he is becoming.

Anthony Hornus was one of the earliest producers at CDI and has proven his value as a writer, actor and director. He is a creative warrior that will go out on his shield. As a writer/co-director he brought us AN ORDINARY KILLER (streaming) but in recent years he directed Man’s Best Friend, Silent Night in Algona and the upcoming AI Jesus: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip. He also runs a military themed Non-Profit The Red, White and Blue Project that works close with CDI. Together with CDI assistance he has produced such powerful content such as OUTSIDE THE WIRE: The Forgotten Children of Afghanistan, Standing Post and For the Love of Catch. As a senior producer he is known for his ability to connect with government officials and extras on our film sets.

Melissa Anschutz while seen often starring in CDI films serves as a senior producer onset often working as the unit production manager. She works closely with the marketing of CDI films due to her position of CMO (Chief marketing Officer) for Twin Engines Global that has much of the CDI library under their umbrella.

Shane Hagedorn serves as a senior producer at CDI. In addition to his powerful acting his directorial endeavors have given us Ashes of Eden, Best Years Gone and Wild Faith Christmas. He is a pillar of the CDI company and loves making content that inspires people.

John Mashni is part of the CDI production team serving as CLO (Chief Legal Officer). From investment, cast and crew or distribution documents, Mr. Mashni handles all aspects of legal as it pertains to CDI endeavors.

Dane DeFord has joined the producer’s team as the Transportation Captain. He has been responsible for off set production vehicles and on-set picture cars, boats, planes, wagons/horses and more. He is also building his front of the camera resume with several attention getting roles.

David Gries has worked with CDI on both sides of the camera both by bringing multiple memorable roles to life while also handling the web design and IT work for the CDI tribe. He also works as a designer for Twin Engines Global marketing bringing that experience with him to everything his does with CDI.

Dennis Therrian while maintaining his identity as a powerful composer musician he has also become an amazing sound designer. He is the pos-production supervisor who assists in delivering the completed films to our distribution partners. He has been with CDI from film one and his work has become a pillar of quality in the library of CDI films.

In addition to these good folks this “tribe” of artists has raised the bar for independent film production with a wide group of investors, sponsors, key crew and directors-for-hire chosen to fit the right script.  CDI 2026 celebrates 30 years of creating stories via motion picture, commercials, music videos and more. They built the company on basic key points 1) Staying on budget 2) Staying on Schedule 3) The films are all handcrafted with a unique quality that only comes from artists who deeply care. 

We have many new artists working to earn their place within the tribe. Some people find that the journey of telling these stories is too difficult. There is no shame in that as our people work very hard to stand out from the clutter of content in the marketplace. Let’s look at the progress being made on the current films.

1. Harsens Island Revenge joins many of the CDI films streaming on the popular ad based VOD like Tubi, Xumo, Encourage TV (Youtube) and more. This film is well rounded and full of excitement and drama.
2. Wild Faith Christmas just completed an extended run in Lansing and Grand Rapids, MI at Celebration Cinemas. Now Fridley in Algona, Iowa is welcoming the film Jan 23-29th! We are still working several chains so please do call your theaters and request the film.
3. Rom Coms Must Die will marry the new color corrected version visual to the sound this week. We’ll do another hard look at the end credits but we are close to a final watch. From there we’ll set up the theatrical which I hope to have hit April 1st. We are looking at a few festivals for fun. Our home video release will be Q3.
4. The trailer for AI Jesus: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is being worked on as we speak. Once the music and sound is done we will do final watches before it moves into music and sound design. I’ll be working to land the last few marketing investors/sponsors and we are excited to bring this to theaters before a Q4 home video release. This is gonna be a powerful film but presented in a very entertaining way.

DEVELOPMENT: I did have a good sit down meeting with John McGraw and we are considering putting the feature version of SMOKE & MIRRORS back on the slate. Few locations and a smaller scope makes it appealing. I’ve also been working on some script writing. The work is on sequels to a few of the more popular titles. We also have a few pitches for founding out and we will see how that develops. We all would love to see the season 1 of WILD FAITH: Hastings go into production but we will see.

WRAP UP: I’m going to wrap this up and go make some breakfast. Already gathered an egg from our chickens this morning. I’m going to do some work for the CDI website and I’ve got soccer playing. I did sub in for a house team last week playing indoor soccer. It was good to get some intense running in. First half breath was a touch off but I got my second wind. Second wind but my legs felt heavy second half. I was a touch sore overnight and mildly stiff the day after but I’m ready for Tuesday again! Do something physical to get your body moving and to help clear your head. I hope you all have a great week ahead. 2026 is full of possibilities you just gotta go after them with a good, organized plan. Until next week my friends, COFFEE CHEERS!

DJ