Family, Friends and Films – Updates
I’m sipping my hazelnut coffee and sitting down to reflect with all of you. I have had a rollercoaster of exciting highs and sad lows as is life. Last Thursday I headed to CA on one of the first real vacations in recent memory. It was a trip to Disneyland which I’ve never been to. I’ve only been to Disney World as a child a few times since we had grandparents in Florida. Just before leaving I heard from a dear friend that his father was moved into end of life care. His father was more than just a friend’s father. He was the head of the family that babysat me when I was young up until five years of age. But they stayed lifelong friends with our family and I recall many pool trips and New Year’s Eve parties in the 70’s with music, drinks, laughter and games. I will say goodbye this week. The morning of Disney I saw that one of our actors from SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA (SNIS) had beat stage 4 cancer! A few hours later I discovered that another amazing actor Garry Nation who had been in SNIA and a handful of other roles from CHASING THE STAR, MAN’S BEST FRIEND and HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE was moved into hospice. I dedicated that fun day to those on their way out. A reminder to never take any day for granted. The years click by and losing people is a part of life but doesn’t mean I have to like it. Like us all I still feel like I did in my youth. My immaturity dragged with me as life grows longer. I’m blessed that both my parents just had another birthday and I did as well. I am fully aware that not all people still have parents and I’m so appreciative. I’m appreciative of the good friends and family I have in my life.
The mountains that I climb as an artist have been many. It is never easy but always rewarding. There is conflict, setbacks and obstacles in all professions. I’m appreciative that I get to live my dream and I’ve sacrificed much to get to this point. I watched others achieve success professionally and personally while I struggled. But I’ve gotten to a place where I’m just steadily creating with our tribe of artists. Each one emerges into the world and is received differently. I’ve seen audiences laugh, cry and be deeply moved by our storytelling. I’ve heard from people whose life was made better by a story. I’ve had veterans shake my hand for bringing important topics to light. After much work we’re about to see three new CDI film release to the world market. We’ll discuss these and some other updates below.
CDI UPDATES:
- Working backwards starting with AI JESUS. we’ve almost delivered all the assets and we should have home video dates by the end of the month. But some exciting news is that we’ve partnered once again with the good folks at Dreamscape Productions to once again take point on the theatrical release of the film. This film talks about the good, the bad and the ugly of technology and especially AI that is a hot topic everywhere. It has been an amazing tool but one that is causing a shift in society whereas a process or service can be done in seconds and at no real cost. This threatens many occupations as many advancements have over the last several hundred years. I’m not PRO or AGAINST certain technologies. As a storyteller working in our medium I try to responsibly work with each new technology. Before digital we shot several movies on film. Before drones we hung a camera man outside a helicopter to capture a beautiful landscape. You can’t stop advancements, evolution and change. But ignoring some business because they used AI to create a banner or poster is a little extreme for me. But everyone is allowed to have their feelings on something and I respect that. But this film also examines what AI may or may not do to religion. It is a very deep film but wrapped in a lighthearted comedy very much like the O’GOD films from past years. But it does mix in a little WAR GAMES vibe also from many years ago. It will go to theaters for a while before it hits streaming and DVD. We will explore a premiere for this film soon. Also consider a watch on CDI’s THE QUEST TRILOGY of films. That being FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. Follow our FB page!
- ROM COMS MUST DIE – The new home video poster has been released and the film is continuing its pop up tour of theatrical and a few brew N views. The next looks to be in Lansing, MI at the Midtown Brewery on August 28th. That will get locked in next week. I would like to see a few specialty drinks and I think this will be a fun romp. The DVD and streaming release on 10/2/26 and that will be exciting also. We hope to announce a few more Aug/Sept theatrical screenings once we are past the Summer glut of studio films. I will continue to give a few special media sneak peeks as we get closer to the home video release. The response so far has been great! A dark comedy dipping into horror that makes fun of our own independent film industry. If you like to laugh CDI has had a few great comedies and some films just have really funny moments. Check out BEST YEARS GONE, BIGFOOT, UFOS and JESUS for a few good laughs.
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – One of the most exciting releases for me is the follow up to WILD FAITH. That film pulled a large audience, tens of millions who loved the characters and the world. We tried to launch a season 1 TV show but anywhere the money lingered also loss of creative control also lingered. So we made a second feature film and what a beautiful film it is. The TV series has been updated to take place after the second film but I expect many of the same roadblocks but maybe not. But I will say that the 3rd feature film working title WF3 is underway. One of the biggest responses I got from people having just seen film 2 was when will film 3 come out. We will do either a 3rd film or the TV series…or both! But I am very excited to release this second one. It might go into a few theaters again on the 2026 Christmas run up. But 11/3/2026 is the DVD and streaming release and the tens of millions of fans can finally see the film. We don’t control the theaters that will play our films. The owners are starting to see the value of independent films again so maybe that will help theaters and filmmakers. Go and watch the original and get ready for another adventure.
DEVELOPMENT– When the going was good we really put the pedal down on the production slate hence why we have three films releasing this year. We at CDI entered into an exciting project called DEVIL’S PASS working with a writer/company that I’ve admired for a few years. Along with our friends at McGraw Multimedia we’ve been putting everything together. There has been a few parts of the process that went a tad slower due to multiply parties but we’ve worked out each and every issue. The bank account opened last week and I’m wrangling to get all the committed funds into the account. Everything follows an order of business and I like being ahead of schedule versus playing catch up. It is hard when everyone wants everything done ASAP. But we have an incredible team of cast and crew that is almost complete. I’ve been rather uncomfortable growing out this facial hair to play this next role. But it’s the way every film and acting role has developed. Step by step. Layer by layer.
RETURN TO ALGONA – the follow up to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA our WW2 film is in development. We’ve started talking with sponsors and we’ll soon be also talking to investors. I was further inspired watching BAND OF BROTHERS in full finally. Again our film looks at the changes from the 40’s to the 60’s. My goal is to try and have all our commits to fund by the end of the year. We would film in Nov of next year if we can achieve our goal. If you have interest in supporting this film feel free to reach out. We have over half the funding committed.
Again, I could go on about Development as that is always underway. But I only like to discuss when things start to become solid. But this is the years of work behind the scenes by producers that never gets seen. Many show up on set ready to film but don’t understand the time it took. Countless hours that can result in nothing or in a new story coming into the world. I hope I can keep doing this until late in life. Family, friends and films.
WRAP UP – We came back from beautiful CA weather to humidity. As if that wasn’t enough, add wildfire smoke. I was ready for a good soccer match last Thursday but the league cancelled all games. That is a good thing with how bad the smoke was. The plants have been growing well in the heat and humidity. The chickens have enjoyed the property with lots of shade and areas to keep cool. I hope the smoke stays away so we can play our soccer match this week and our make up game too. Today we have the flea market down the road and so I’ll be stopping down to see if I can find any character items. I love slowly pulling together all that. I’m going to go get after a few eggs. I hope you all have/had an enjoyable restful weekend. I had calls right up to 6 pm on Friday and was ready to rest my brain. I will be ready to attack my TO DO’s for next week and give everything I do my very best effort. So until we speak again next week I hope you all have a wonderful productive week ahead.
Coffee Cheers! DJ
Happy 250th and Welcome July! Updates on CDI Films!
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Another Trip Around the Sun and CDI Updates!
Hazelnut coffee cheers! I recently just went down and celebrated by dear friend Robert Bradley‘s 80th birthday and now I’m the one adding a year. I want to thank all the new readers from Australia, Mexico and more. Again I’m so proud of how our little weekly artist chat circles the globe. We are all connected by storytelling. We all want to make the world better by not forgetting the stories of days gone bye, the good, the bad and the ugly. I was thinking this morning of my humble beginnings and my many family and friends that have made this journey so enjoyable. It also creates pain when they are no longer with us but that is the turning of the wheel. I’ve been enjoying instagram because of the video reels I’ve been putting to music. Please join officialdjperry to enjoy some of these. Here is the video I posted this morning – https://www.facebook.com/share/r/sM85TFFwcCdWK6ii/
As a bday surprise I wanted to release the Harsens Island Revenge first official trailer but the narration by our young lead David Reardon is not yet done. That means the trailer will not release until this coming week but it will be worth it. It is really a wonderful piece and the film is something everyone involved will be proud of. Carl Weyant directed a powerful piece and the composed music by Dennis Therrian just stirs the emotions. The dialog has been polished and the work is now centered on VFX, Sound design and musical score. The work is moving along strong and at the end of July we’ll evaluate our progress and see if we can set a premiere date. We want to premiere in Oct/Nov but that all depends on our post production work. But we’ve got this trailer and another trailer being worked on plus a theatrical poster and even a music video. The 1920’s are going to roar alive in this Karl Manke story adapted from the book to the screen. I really love Karl’s stories and if this does what I think it will we’ll be adapting more of his books.
Yesterday I had some great conversations with professor Nicholas Mercuro who was associated with the WW2 museum established in New Orleans. I’m looking forward to his feedback on SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. I plan on getting a film review from him and we might establish some great associations with the WW2 museum. He’s worked with some major players in that world including the film world. SAVING PRIVATE RYAN, BAND OF BROTHERS. Our smaller film hits strong with our home front story. I look forward to directing some new international attention to the film. Have you seen the film? It is on Amazon Prime and several other platforms now. It won’t play on free ad based platforms until next year as it is just starting its broadcast run in July. The lead character in the film made a return to Algona several years later and I’m exploring to see if a sequel to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA would make sense. RETURN TO ALGONA? We’ve got a great base of films that have attracted tens of millions of fans and many want to see what happened to some of their favorite characters. So we’re serious exploring that while still bringing you originals.
Speaking of sequels and originals – we’ve got two films in active development with the first one about to enter pre-production. Yesterday we brought on our second Executive Producer which is an investor who makes a large contribution to a project. Thanks to that we’re moving ahead with the smaller of the two projects. A PR release will be coming soon on that project and the second film, the sequel is to WILD FAITH. I’ve had a season 1 with eight 44 min WILD FAITH: HASTINGS TV shows written since Covid and had a few near launches but too many strings were attached. So inside the world we created we’ve got a beautiful Christmas story that has many of your favorite characters in a side adventure. I’m so happy with the script because it has all the heart of the original. And the thought is that this film could be the match to light the TV series. We’ve got about 1/2 the budget committed and were in talks with several more good folks. If all goes as planned we’ll film in November. What I will say is that starting to grow my beard in this heat has been challenging. I’ve been pretty clean shaven the last couple of movies. Time to get rugged again.
Dean Teaster’s GHOST TOWN is streaming now on TUBI and other platforms. Next week I’ll have a link for the HD DVD AN ORDINARY KILLER that is being done with The Red, White and Blue Project Inc. and Two Average Joes Media to benefit veterans and their families. I also had the pleasure of looking at Adam Towner‘s new KNIGHT CHILLS trailer for the fall streaming release in HD. It is really cool to see the first CDI film getting a fresh breath of life. I actually just got off a call with Dean Teaster who has been trying to de-noise and up Rez Heavens Neighbors, Figure in the Forest and From Venus. We are taking our time and really trying to get it right. The new technology is amazing but also a bit complicated. We are also looking to create some new DCP (Theatrical) files so we can do some special screening events.
Past, present and future CDI film projects. I’m excited about the pre-orders underway for my first starring feature IN THE WOODS. I have to make time to get these literary properties moving forward. We’ve got a few documentary films being worked on and a few great projects slated for next year if we can get all the planets to align. I’m going to wrap it up here and go eat some breakfast. It has cooled down and we might actually grill out before my brother and a few amigos come over later. I want to thank everyone family, friends and fans for following along on the journey. I appreciate each and every one of you. Remember to be good to one another, we’re all in this life together.
Best,
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 