Good morning! I’m getting a later start today having stayed up past my bedtime to watch our Detroit Lions play last night at Dallas. Man the calls were really against them and that final “situation” was disappointing. I’ll let those wiser in football knowledge debate and discuss that final call. I think it will all fire the team up for their next encounter. My alumni school Michigan State University also had a hard year in football but their basketball team is looking like their getting back on track. I’m really looking forward to our outdoor soccer season. I’m looking to have an even better season but overall it is just fun and healthy to compete like that each week.
Health is wealth is still the mantra I’m sticking by. I like the idea of never saying you are sick but you’re always healing. My ailments this year have thankfully all been minor and I’m putting more energy and effort towards that in the coming year. I’ve got a few action films or films with action still in me. I’ve been moving from just daily maintain workouts to building. Usually just flexibility and tone are my goals but I’ve moved into more building. Each of you should either start or perhaps try to build upon your own routines. I’m thankful for the martial arts that I’ve practiced since I began in 7th grade. The only film I’ve displayed any of my martial arts was MAN’S BEST FRIEND playing Paul Landings. I’ve used my training to allow and assist me in doing many of my own stunts. I’m really proud of the knock down drag out fight scene in WICKED SPRING with actor buddy Terry Jernigan. We’ll see what the future holds.
REVIEWING 2023 GOALS–
As I look over my goals list that I make each year I’m reasonably happy with the results. It is good to put it down in writing and it is okay if you fall short. You almost always will. I had plans to have a deck built and finish these rafter coverings on the fort/office but that did not get done. But it will go on my 2024 list. Producing a feature film and music video both were achieved. Harsens Island Revenge was filmed and is now being edited together. A great rock music video was shot a follow up to our DEEPFALL “Revolution” video. It will be releasing soon but it came out great. Best part was exchanging stories with the drummer Chris Adler (Megadeath, Lamb of God) about all our mutual associates in Virginia where he lives. That goal was met and I plan to match or exceed that in 2024. I had a goal of acting in an outside CDI film which is always fun because I don’t carry the responsibilities of producing. I graciously did have an offer to star in an outside CDI film but it was too close to our Harsens Island Revenge shoot and I was already in the look and mindset of ‘Axel’ and could not switch gears. But I’ll give myself partial credit for I could have but I like to focus on one at a time and give my full attention and effort. My gardening efforts were successful and I enjoy my ongoing study ofherbs and fungus. Such healing power in nature and it is fun to unlock the secrets. I will continue that into the new year. I set a safe soccer season as a goal and that was met. Again I hope to play with the same strong intensity and stay safe and healthy. Finish two new scripts was a goal and while I did not finish two new ones I made new progress on four or so pet project scripts. Pet project scripts are ones not on a fast track and I’m not being paid to write. While I did not get SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE financed progress was made and perhaps 2024 will see that follow through. I had a goal of assembling the CDI film back up RAID that will store and allow easy access to the footage. I’m happy to report that all the equipment is in and next week it will be active and ready to start loading up with CDI films. I wanted a CDI highlight reel cut but that was dependent upon the RAID build so while I don’t get to unveil that today it will be coming soon. I asked for a smooth tax season which it was thanks to my great team of people. I ask for that again this year. The development of a theatrical division was a goal and I’m happy to say with had our best run in 2023 with SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA going into 70+ theatres and playing 9 months in the midwest theatres. I have zero doubt that Harsens Island Revenge will build upon that and go even higher. My last set of goals was the development of a full on merchandise and music division. Steps were taken but not fully realized and those goals will carry over to 2024! As you can see I too did not achieve all my goals but some of them and took good steps towards the others. So write down your own goals and that will help you work towards them.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA released nationally on December 1st and has been an extreme joy during the season. So many people are now getting to watch this beautiful story at home with family and friends. Such a great story of hope. Hope that even during dark times we can reach down and find the good parts of ourselves. It is available on DVD and streaming so please do enjoy a watch. If you liked it please leave a review on it’s http://www.imdb.com or Amazon page or wherever you can.
Harsens Island Revenge – I just actually received an update from our director Carl Weyant who is editing. We have a solid hour edited and he’s been fine tuning it. The last quarter of the edit starts with the new year. I’m excited to get working on a ‘behind the scenes’ and a teaser trailer not to forget the director’s theatrical poster built from GW Burns powerful elements. I cannot wait to start having Dennis Therrian put a score to this powerful film.
HOT ROD LOVE was on the development track last year when Harsens Island Revenge came in fully funded. The 70’s comedy/drama set against the backdrop of drag racing was put on a shelf but is now moving back into active development. We are proud to say we’ve got our friends at PEPSI onboard and even the first committed funds. We’ll be giving our past backers the first opportunity to get involved and that process will start first of the new year. We’ve made several new friends who’ve given interest in getting involved with these stories and so rest assured opportunities will be presented.
WILD FAITH celebrated passing the 8 million views mark at Encourage TV meaning 20-30 million worldwide not counting broadcast. The Wild Faith: HASTINGS TV series that continues the story from the feature is being looked at by several parties. The key has always been creative control. The series might have been produced already if deep compromises had been made. I was unwilling to do so. If and when it is brought back it will be done properly.
2023 saw the rebirth of KNIGHT CHILLS on Blu-Ray. The film which has built a following over the years was released in Oct. having been digitally remastered. The 1st special cover run sold out in 6 days. A director’s rewrite of a sequel is going to be submitted and 2024 might see the sequel ride into production. Also the original will be heading to streaming we are just looking at the best course for it.
The possibility of several of the CDI Classic Collection being remastered and re-released is moving forward. It takes time but it is worth it to see these films brought back into the marketplace. My coffee is getting low and I’m feeling a need for some eggs. I’m going to try and wrap this up and enjoy my day. I had the last of my Christmas family gatherings yesterday and get to see some family I haven’t seen since pre-Covid. At the gathering we got word of a family members passing. We took a moment of silence right in the middle of a game full of laughter. A reminder that each year is precious and that loved ones will pass on. I know of several friends who lost loved ones. So again bringing it full circle, I ask for health and happiness for you all in the coming year. Work on your goals but be kind to yourself when you fall a little short. Try to be more kind. More understanding. More compassionate. More giving where you can. Sometimes that giving is just time. Time. A way we measure our journey. I wish you all a beautiful 2024 journey. I’ll be here to share mine with you. I’m also really considering the podcast FIRESIDE WITH DJ PERRY, suggested to me so often the last few year. If it happens or not I’ll still look forward to those fireside chats at the fort/office with all my dear friends and associates. To you all I wish you a Happy NEW YEAR!
I’ve awaken to the foggy chill rolling over a Michigan morning but have the hazelnut hot coffee to combat the cold. I see that many more circles of people are suffering losses from the Covid. Again the toll that it’s taking on all fronts will cement this year into the minds of many. I hope the that year ahead brings comfort and better fortune to many who suffered. But the losses of family and friends gone will be more apparent. Businesses that collapsed will have to be re-tooled and for many that means starting over. I hope we can get politics to disappear into the rear-view mirror as the energy between parties and people has been downright shameful. But for the many times whereas I turned off any news and turned on music = JOY. I’ve rediscovered or introduced myself to lots of new music. I’ve pulled myself away from the world of digital text/email communication and enjoyed phone calls again. That has effected my personal and professional relationships in a very positive way. I hope that what we all bring forward is a deeper appreciation for one another. Kinder communication is needed and will enhance all endeavors.
One form of communication that has become popular is grandstanding and lobbying. If a person gets an answer they don’t like or that goes against their desired result they are in essence a poor loser. Now I know the example that leaps into many people’s mind. Accepting that our efforts or the acceptance of our ideas has fallen short is hard for many to take. Often these people might seek to vent their issues to others to gain sympathy and in some cases empathy. I use to marvel in Hollywood at the number of artists flocked together in the cheapest drink joint to loudly complain about all the external forces keeping them from their dreams. Seldom did I hear about sub-par materials, motivational issues and the blame always seemed to fall on someone else. To someone not in this ‘trap’ it feels like you’re standing on the banks of a river watching people swirl hapless and pinball down the river. Who walked into the river? Why? Did someone say it was a shortcut? Get out. Dry yourself off. Get your direction straight and set off towards your goals.
I wanted to think of other examples to help folks. I recently read a huge rant from a crew person in our industry. It proclaimed their willingness to work without pay with people or projects they found fun because of friendship. They also ridiculed someone who had offered them a low paying gig. And it was grandstanding at its finest and it worked to grab attention. Did it get the desired result? The friends of this person who had this person often work free were in agreement. But they did not see themselves as part of the problem. The venter also did not see the issue. A person has so many days a year they can earn. Giving up an unhealthy amount of those days can create a financial strain. This frustration stems from giving too much to an unpaid source (friends?) and creates a desperation when bills come. Now said associate(s) come with a paid offer that doesn’t meet the expectations of individual because of their poor time managing. AND so they are basically saying they cannot manage their work to recreational time. And they like to blame others. And they’ll loudly vent their self made frustrations to anyone who will listen. Usually the only ones who will comfort these people are the non-paying friends. And those with resources to pay realize they don’t want to buy that person at any price. They don’t take accountability and they poorly manage their lives – is that what you want to bring onto a project? But people truly think they are doing something positive by claiming justice and righteousness but really they are saying DO NOT HIRE ME. Don’t be one of those people. I’ve seen so many just take themselves out of the game. Maybe that is what they wanted all the time. They believe they need an excuse to bow out making it someone else’s fault. The reasoning is someone gathering funds to pay cast and crew, standing accountable to investors, is gonna evolve and grow faster than a bunch of friends playing. That has always seemed obvious to me but the logic utilized by many people is very strange.
We live in a melting pot of beautiful people in this world. All biologically more or less the same but wrapped with different customs, food, dress, culture, beliefs and music. With most projects or artistic endeavors – the artists involved are from all ends of the spectrum and therefore cannot be rendered into one group. They can be inspired to focus on one story but still all have various backgrounds to be respected. One of the best respectful practices one can give is to listen. Real listening allows real dialog. This becomes healthy communication. In all walks of life and in all endeavors I hope that in 2021 healthy communication becomes a practice. Good storytelling is not condescending, preachy or judgmental and when done proper is one of the most powerful forms of communication. I will continue to practice this form of communication because I believe it most effective and leading by example is best in my opinion. Maybe a year of less talk more action will influence others and the world can shift. Shift to a place of beautifully differences but none-the-less all the same.
Much of this stems from the masses of people wanting 2021 to be very different. Some things are outside your control but are you doing your best with what you can control? I certainly would get an A for effort. Now by the nature of who I am and what I do I’m a self starter. Others are learning this as they are forced to work from home. Work when you decide to work and relax when you decide to relax. Know thyself. Learn to shift gears cleaning. At rest be at rest do not let the mind spin with regret of the past or anxiety of the future – relax. In the present get the recharge and rebalance you need and with a new day adventure forth. You cannot stop age and death but you can control what you do on your journey. Appreciate yourself, others and this life adventure. I try to remain modest in the light of success and view loss and setback as a learning experience. I know of some fighting battles to stay on this journey of life – do not take it lightly. Think through your stresses and remove their hold on you and watch certain binds disappear with a thought. We can imprison or set ourselves free. We have that ability. 2021 set yourself free and be the best you.
OK – enough of the deep ramble… I’ve refilled the coffee cup and the smell of bacon fills the house so let’s get on with this. Onto the movies and other endeavors-
Let’s talk about THE QUEST TRILOGY. The three stories are unique because of the glimpse into how these important and overlooked events in films 1-3 effected or were effected by angels fallen and faithful. Because they are the thread between all three stories and time, space and dimension are powerful aspects of existence slowly being revealed to us, the stories go from PRESENT (Forty Nights) to the PAST (Chasing the Star) and land in the FUTURE (The Christ Slayer). As the new campaign rolls out for the holidays I had to enlighten parties to the fact that the lack on linear was intentional and part of the greater story. So many little nuisances to discover. I had a fan last week talk about with each viewing they discover a new gem. Something they missed prior and so I’m thankful that some are studying the trilogy. If you have not seen these three films please do in the proper order and leave a review for THE QUEST TRILOGY as a whole. I look forward to seeing those reviews so peel the onion and enjoy.
MBF: MAN’S BEST FRIEND
Available on many platforms – on ENCOURAGE TV we’ve topped 700k viewers with millions overall watching. Now you can watch FREE with ads.
WILD FAITH – As this film makes its way around the world it’s always interesting to see how other countries view a story. Humor is different from place to place as is the general acceptance or sex or violence and just “grasping” the story as a whole. It is interesting because the ‘Civil War’ was the American Civil War although several countries were involved. Here is a pretty good review from the UK that I enjoyed.
Also funding and distribution talks on HASTINGS the spin-off TV show is underway. Season one is written and the budgeting and production flow is being examined. The first round of proposed directors are looking at the scripts for assignment. I have several more talks to have but this next endeavor is coming together and what a win it would be for Michigan. I think we’ll be starting a Hastings FB development site. Also I think my clean face is going away as I let Ben Lily slowly start to creep forward.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA The end of 2021 will include the filming of CDI’s 1st WW2 era film. We are gathering our commits before forming the business entity in early 2021. We have almost all our funders in line. We had additional funders jump on board last week and the final few should be on board by year’s end. In the new year we’ll also be talking with various sponsors to travel with us on the film. Right now we’re looking at German or German-speaking actors as several of the leads are German POW’s. If you fit the bill feel free to reach out with a reel on the http://www.cdiproductions.com website (Subscribe to the Tribe) or right here.
SMOKE & MIRRORS – the final VFX work is underway and we’re taking our time and we’ll hit some festivals and a special showing at the Dodge Turner once this virus passes. The full feature is in development with me revisiting the feature script. This is a great turn of the century based story that will star David Gries from the CDI tribe.
FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH – this project has completed some early filming but is now preparing to go full steam ahead into 2021 with a series of interviews. We will premiere this later in 2021 another great thing to look forward to.
LOST HEART – This film is like a lighthouse casting its positive light out into the darkness giving laughter and hope to many out there. This is a feel good, thought-proving film and audiences are responding in kind. I’ve been just elated by some of the wonderful pieces of fan mail. What makes its even more exciting is when it comes from peers I’ve never met. I had a nice note from an actress who has watched it twice after it was referred to them by a friend who illustrates for the Jim Henson company. I’ve said it before, I think this is the closest to a feel good Spielberg movie that CDI has done. I’ve gotten lots of compliments on the script but I want to say that without the great performances the writing would not be enough. If you are in need of a smile, laugh and uplift please do watch the film. It is available on most platforms!
I might have missed something but I think it’s time I get on with my day. I have a week of investor dispersement ahead and more development work. Plus each day playing elf wrapping up some love presents. I will end with this tidbit from Nathaniel Nose who is editing BEST YEARS GONE. He reached out one day after reviewing all the footage and complimented me and the cast on performances. He was excited to see me doing comedy (Mike Deeney:) and he thought this was the best performance of my career. Okay that is subjective but it still made me feel good. I left it all on the table as Gil Gilles and I’ve brought some wonderful characters to life (Jesus, Ben Lily, Paul Landings, Stan Reed, Buddy Colt, Lynn Kendall…) so I’ll just take it for what it is – it tells me that if you’ve enjoyed my other roles you might enjoy this one. He also gave very high marks to my co-star Erika Hoveland and that is part of the key. Having great artists to co-exist with and create so thank you Erika/Sylvia.
Have a great week. Lead by example. Seek accountability. Control what you can. Be good to others.
As promised, I’m here with my trusty coffee beside me. The hurricane is now hitting the tip of Florida. I think every one of us have family, friends or associates in the state. As I stated before, as dangerous as the crisis is at least I see Americans helping one another versus throwing their anger. You know how you defeat hate? By doing acts of love, compassion and caring. I know it’s just starting so I hope that the people who remained can safely ride out the storm.
Today my mind is on the first of our soccer playoff games. May the force be with us:) My alumni school Michigan State University had a good showing yesterday. My brown furry buddy Luke is doing much better and on the mend after a good check up. Another week and they might start to reduce his meds if all stays strong. The office siding is now all up and only the rafters to cover. This week ‘Ida’s Wine’ will likely go to bottle and will be a nice holiday treat. I will also be harvesting the hops either today or tomorrow. So my day-to-day has been productive but let’s look at film.
FILM UPDATES
I’m happy to report we finally have agreed upon our first “Wild Faith” poster. Once they polish that up we’ll roll it out to all of you. I’ll be getting an update on the music this week and that really leaves only the VFX to finish.
“Chasing the Star” is making its way out to audiences. I’ve started to get some really nice communications about the film. The best way you can express your gratitude is to VOTE and REVIEW on IMDB.com and whatever retail site you used. EXAMPLE: Amazon, Christian Cinema…
As THE QUEST TRILOGY gains awareness people are also looking back to FORTY NIGHTS and ahead to THE CHRIST SLAYER. Watching the trailer with all three films is really quite humbling. It represents story ideas that formed in my head and was brought to life by a small army of artists. Please take a look –
This trilogy of films has increased my confidence to tackle another trilogy that is in development. Also the TV series behind “Wild Faith” which I’m in talks on.
MBF (Man’s Best Friend)
Our foundation business is in place and our targeting of cast and locations is almost done. This next film by CDI is one of my scripts and really touches upon some very important themes. We have many military folks involved and with military vet treatment highlighted we’re proud to have them involved. Additionally shelter dogs and the plight of many of them is our other major theme. I’m going to be pushing hard to get our investor commits these next couple weeks so we can hit our window this fall to shoot. I’m most excited because I think I have found the core of my character in the film. He’s a wounded warrior and I have been studying brain/nerve injury. You also know you represent the actual soldiers but unlike “Wicked Spring” (Our Civil War film re-releasing in 2018) those soldiers are still with us. But I put down three sketch reads and I was actually moved emotionally. It is a very vulnerable character and I like it when I’m a touch afraid to tackle a role. Trust me – I was afraid at the beginning stages of “Forty Nights” playing Jesus. So I think I’ve found the heart of the character and I also think audiences will feel for him. I’m excited that Jesse Aragon looks as if he will once again join us as our talented Director of Photography. We’ll be announcing our director this week and from there collecting LOI’s from talent and announcing them. The decisions have been hard as we’ve seen some wonderful performances. Stay tuned for many more exciting developments.
Thank you for your time and I hope everyone has a productive week.
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 