Finishing the 2026 Year Strong and Looking Ahead!
I woke right up today filled with energy. I was up to greet the new day with coffee in hand. It is no secret that I enjoy my hazelnut creamer but I will be trying pistachio flavored later in the week. I had a lot on my mind last week with balance being the goal. I have to say with the days are tough bring your focus in and just knock down each day as it happens. I’ve been dealing with an ill parent and navigating the system can be a true challenge. But, progress has been made. We have a one month follow up coming up this week. At that time we will access several things pertaining to outside help or care. It is easy to become overwhelmed but slowing things down and following one path of information has helped. I am happy to say we are experiencing improvement and much of that is because of taking a hard look at medication. Doctors are quick to add but not to subtract without some prompting to reevaluate. I don’t want to go any deeper on this but you have to try and pay attention and ask questions.
Dealing with other people dealing with anxiety or depression makes you evaluate your own feelings. I think I’ve always had anxiety in some form because it steps from not wanting to make mistakes in a new process. Luckily I have more courage and passion version anxiety. If you accept the worst that could happen and move ahead you often find that those issues never arise. And if they do they are often much more navigational than originally conceived. Every year should and will bring new unsure challenges but that is the excitement of life. So many things in my life I might not have experienced if I did not push forward. Traveling around the world to film with more or less unknown folks as this was before Skype, Teams or FaceTime. India, Philippines, Mexico, Canada and so many states in America to work with other storytellers. So embrace the challenges the rewards can stay with you a lifetime.
Let’s examine a few film updates-
- ROM COMS MUST DIE is streaming and on DVD. I’m starting to hear from people enjoying a watch diring this spooky Fall season. It is fun to read or watch reviews pertaining to the film. So if you’ve enjoyed the film give us your thoughts and any frustrating artists stories that could make you join team Amos and Clem. You can buy the DVD or stream here: https://www.amazon.com/Rom-Coms-Must-Die-DVD/dp/B0HCXXQYMZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=X8UUY5LE7A76&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8dwmiRr6bKlk4mL0ZRtVH1ZoPIuUiWRW1F4-Pb2_hk3BLdL8zOT4P581MzjSaCKlstZ6Z8L0mkn2MOzeS6l7SmMmYDHomJmmkVH3Js56vHguCHajle-cX9qJ5aALdauCQDpI2ej5jresRg0fGM2oeRzSonruyGvAxs4N5KGHpPvtI5MCrWUsQKeBlw3Lc6hjB_JJGZHQZ0aYPAQCtvC11AuZBkLs1zCe7ZhDH_cfd9s.9hN0RzWwz-oa9VNqcOPT4sP2goE3E6gXziRIvXUvRHM&dib_tag=se&keywords=rom+coms+must+die&qid=1792326736&sprefix=%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1
- Next week I’m guessing the PR rollout will begin on AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip. I’ve been awaiting the DVD pre-sale site to appear and on 10/30/26 the streaming rent or buy will kick in on Amazon Prime and other participating platforms. This film marks the 3rd time I’ve played Jesus. To see the other two performances watch FORTY NIGHTS which is part 1 followed by CHASING THE STAR part 2 which I am not in, And Part 3 is THE CHRIST SLAYER, a clever play on words as we examine a famous biblical event from a unique perspective. All can be found streaming on multiple platforms.
- I will be going at the end of the month to attend the WILL ROGERS AWARDS for WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. I’ll be accepting for the screenplay and as the supervisor of our incredible producer team. Lastly CDI is being recognized and we will be in some great company of writers, musicians and actors.
- Speaking about WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS which will release on DVD and streaming on 11/3/26 had a great interview with our friend Isaac with FAITH ON FILM Youtube podcast featuring Shane Hagedorn as their guest.WATCH here: https://youtu.be/QAJJTgqlI80?si=Wk2w5ysLcFU6vjZj
- My first starring role in the creature feature IN THE WOODS is playing a few more NYC dates at The Spectacle Theaters. Look them up for times.
- In Post Production is DEVIL’S PASS the stylistic western with a supernatural twist. We had had some great meetings over the flow and I’m exciting to say that the first cut is almost complete. I’m excited by this collaboration because it flowed and that is due to everyone being professional and communicating respectfully. I’m excited to see some first poster art and teaser trailer. So many cool things to say about this film but I will let it speak for itself. If you follow the Facebook page (All our films have FB pages, are you following?) you will be up to date on all things Devil’s Pass.
DEVELOPMENT: I
When I returned from filming I spent some good time organizing and getting ready for the end of the year. That means end of year disbursements to investors of the films. It also means getting all the end of year accounting stuff ready for taxes. And it also means looking ahead to 2027 and what projects to focus on. We are in talks with our GA friends and the McGraws on future collaborations. And internally we have two films that we are starting to make some moves on. The first part of the year I would like to film a who done it starring David Gries and Melissa Anschutz which has almost launched two other times but got replaced by another film. And we are making some good strides in putting this funding together on RETURN TO ALGONA (Working title) the follow up to CDI’s SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. We’ve been in talks with organizations and brands to help support the new endeavor. We will be talking to private investors also once we get a few more of the pieces in place. This would be a 4th Q 2027 film shot in Iowa.
Additionally, I’ve been writing and researching daily on a 3rd WILD FAITH adventure hence WF3. As the 2nd film enters the market we’ll have a few talks on the TV series but if the offers don’t make sense we’ll roll with a 3rd feature film. I am also getting close to my first draft of MAN’S BEST FRIEND 2 which I’ve been working on. I do enjoy the writing and once I get these two finished I will see what I want to focus on. I had a few different talks about screenplay writing or turning someone’s book into a screenplay but those talks did not go beyond that.
Since filming on DEVIL’S PASS I’ve had daily pitch letters on scripts, stories, etc…and I try to respond to most of them. But without financing committed it will not replace anything on the CDI slate. I do know and admire the process. It is hard and I firmly believe that a good blue print is the key to a successful shoot. To some it is only a box to check but I think it is the start of everything. But I am biased when it comes to writing.
WRAP UP: This week ahead I have a good mix of things on my TO DO list. I’m still settling the few action points on my DEVIL’S PASS wrap up. I’m feeling pretty organized and accomplished moving into the end of year. My mind has started to drift a bit to the holidays. I do love the time with family and friends. The cold has had a few nice fires in the office wood stove. I’ve been doing Fall clean up and soon it will be winter prep.
I’m going to wrap it up here and we’re going to stop at the last flea market of the year down the road. We have a family birthday party to attend and that will be fun. I might also need to get after a few eggs. The chicken egg production is slowing down as it gets colder. I thank you all once again for stopping by to read and engage with our circle of artists. I look forward to talking with you next week. Coffee Cheers! DJ
