“Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” ― Sun Tzu

Posts tagged “BB Gun”

Polar Patch for the CDI Folks! Updates!

Good Monday morning! I’ve been having cold weather internet issues so if you get to read this we’ll all consider ourselves lucky. If you stay up on my blogs weekly you know exactly why this blog is coming on Monday versus Sunday. Which we’ll address and that will put ROM COMS MUST DIE (RCMD) at the top of our update list. This weekend we filmed the most difficult portions of the production with most of the scenes being outdoors in the freezing cold. To get you up to speed if this is your first read this project (RCMD) is the result of a writers frustration with distribution development talks whereas a much more elegant film script was liked…but- what is trending is mindless horror and romantic comedies. The distributor asked if we could consider something like that which immediately brought a sarcastic story pitch out of me. And they liked it. Sometimes I feel like I’m living a movie. So I decided to channel this frustration into a comedic and seemingly simple story but is it? What RCMD actually depicts is the many frustrations of being an artist. Of being an actor, writer and filmmaker in a world being dumbed down by social media. Social media can be a great tool or a great time waste. It has made many people worse in their attentions spans and their cravings to be noticed. Internet Trolls are just attention craving people speaking against the grain seeking attention. Lonely, bored people who waste time scrolling through what has become what the trash tabloids of the past once were. They are not living they are just being fed, scrolling garbage.

Okay, back on track. We shot the first of two blocks over the weekend which was an amazing amount of footage. It takes efficient planning and cast and crew on point and focused. We had limos, drones, classic cars and more with one day having almost the full cast. Parking was one of the biggest issues which we managed. This is the first feature length directorial endeavor for Travis Hayward. I’m proud to say CDI has given many artists their first. Adam Towner, well loved by many for his comedic self brought to life his first co-starring role. Some featured actors from CDI got their fist major supporting role. A few others made their first on-camera film debut. Our set ran very smooth with politely interaction everyone happy to be doing our first major creative project of the year.

I was beyond happy to have McGraw Multimedia co-owned by CDI’s own alumni John McGraw. I owned an editing/commercial studio back in the day where he was the main editor/camera man. He edited several of the classic CDI films back in the day. He was in VA with us filming WICKED SPRING. So many adventures and now we get to collaborate again. He and his brother (Eldon) have a commercial studio and they want to expand into features with CDI. So this is our first one up with John McGraw being the DP and editor. I supervised and because of the limited budget I took on the production design. Much of the exterior look is supplied by the wacky, wonderful, wintery Michigan. It gave a great look that is both beautiful and harsh. My chapped upper lip can attest to the harsh part. But I gathered up the props with some help and next week we’ll shoot our studio stuff along with our few pick up locations. It took weeks of planning and prep as a producer but thankfully the cold outside made the days chained to the desk seem not too bad.

So we have a week to reset for the next block. Many things to do including finalizing the catering and having our dir/DP scout the final needed location. I’ll brush up on my lines which as a co-star have been considerable. But I have a great team of people helping and now that everyone is establishing their characters the final block will be made much easier. Plus the next block is in a HUGE, comfortable, climate-controlled studio. I’m thrilled to have a first feature shot so early in the year. We want to get to 2-3 films a year and being ready this early is a step in the right direction. Today after this will be unpacking and stowing the props we are done with. I’ve already been on accounting this morning and other assorting paperwork while waiting for the internet to return. I have several business calls on other projects today. Like what you say?

Harsens Island Revenge – we found one last set of names in the final credits listed in the wrong place so we’ll be re-rendering. But we are going to watch a 2k version that is what theatrical files are made from, on a big studio screen. And when I say big I mean BIG:) Once we are good we’ll re-render with those names in the proper order and any issues noticed corrected. I have our home video deal in front of me for a final review. I’m going to talk with our proposed theatrical rep. And we’ll be rolling either with the rep or with CDI taking point like we did with SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. SNIA (Which just played theatrically in Forest City last week!) But the next step after the final large screen watch is making our theatrical film and prep for a 4k home video delivery. Additionally to get some “outside our group” feedback on the film I sent it to the Red Letter Awards.

WHO ARE THEY? They are a group committed to movies with a message amongst many things. But we won last year’s BEST PICTURE with SNIA up against films with budgets as high as 90 million. So curiosity and a deadline had me submit Harsens Island Revenge and we were notified we are up for BEST PICTURE again. The awards director’s comments were as such (paraphrased) – CDI always brings the acting and production value around a story that is powerful and with a message but not blatant and forced. They don’t jump on any bandwagons or try to ride any trends. (Wonder how I got frustrated and wrote Rom Coms Must Die?) While (A popular pair of filmmakers) make quality good films they are not great like CDI films. (END) Okay, so I felt pretty good having my first ever communication with this woman. I have not attended the awards even though many CDI folks have on our film’s behalf. I don’t always need to be the guy handed the trophy and speaking my mind.

I like to have the spotlight often fall upon our hard working artists who deserve some shine. I’ve been blessed to be nominated and sometimes be handed a nice award. When doing so, I love talking about the TRIBE (WE) because no one person can do what we collectively do. But, I am that same young kid in the small neighborhood organizing the BB gun wars, playing capture the flag, building haunted houses and gathering warriors for snow fort building and snowball fights. I dream and believe deeply and when I do, I think that attracts the other like-minded artists. Often they just need that one other delusional persons who doesn’t laugh and shoot down an idea. You want to write a book? Make music? Weld metal? You just need one person to say need a pen? Rock on! And Like the heavy metal and suggest doing an art show. Lynn Drzick (In the Woods my 1st starring role) and after Jeff Kennedy (Who I formed CDI with) were those people. Together Jeff and I build a foundation where we value both sides of the camera equally as a family coming together to create. And working with a plan we have a flow we get into where attitude is valued over experience.

What do you mean DJ?:) If you have a negative mind set and work daily from that place you won’t last long inside the tribe. But if you are a positive, respectful person happy to be drawing breath and making some fun collective art, giving your very best, we’ll ride together until the end. We have employees in their 80’s and some tribal members have passed on to the great here after. But we also have young college folks working with us and everyone in between. We all at CALL TIME bow (Not really) like we do before entering a dojo. (Martial arts practice) Leave all your individuals save your creative spirit and plug into being 10 years old again collectively with your friends. The only time I can recall feeling injured (Not really) is when folks don’t see the whole game. By that I mean that while we (CDI and the films) are Incorporate we are a small business. It is a band of artists many whom are actor/producers who just want to work on quality projects without jumping through unreasonable hoops just to earn opportunity. CDI has the feel of what I imagine an old vaudeville troupe of talent might have been like or during the Golden Age of Studios. We have a focused group of artists who park their differences so we can align to tell a unified story. It’s a beautiful thing to watch. This last shoot weekend was all positive and it leaves one with a glow.

WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – Last week I got to watch the first really strong cut of the film! From the opening moments of having three of our principal actors back on the screen in our fictional town- I had goosebumps. The story flows both with nostalgic tingles and new fresh faces. We will look to polish the edit before we move to music and sound design. I’m happy to report that a first look trailer is well underway. I’m very proud of all the performances. I think fans of the first movie WILD FAITH will love returning to these characters and their new adventures. All this could lead to the Wild Faith Hastings TV series. One can only hope!

KNIGHT CHILLS will release on 1/31/25 on several platforms and I’m excited to see what the new generation has to say about CDI’s first feature film shot in the 90’s and remastered. Blu Ray is still my favorite way to enjoy the film. It has all the extras and BTS which is just as fun as the movie itself.

WRAP UP: I have boxes full of pro – I lost my wrap up writing when trying to add photos. Let’s just say my lost words were wise and profound. I have much work to get to today and this was suppose to be my simple morning coffee writings and rambles. But with the internet being on and off it has caused me many tech issues including not able to add any pics. If you want to see pics from ROM COMS MUST DIE you’ll have to seek out the Facebook site. Okay, stay warm and we’ll have a little more chit-chat next week!

Cheers!

DJ

January 27, 2025 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Loss, Gains and Everything In-Between – CDI Updates!

(Life can sometimes have clouds but the sun is still there)

Hazelnut coffee cheers. I was planning on jumping right into all the film updates but I have to mention a subject we all deal with. The death of a friend. I have spoken before about how blessed I am to have many of my friends from elementary school, middle school and high school. I think it is about friendship. If we are friends that means something to me. I have many friends from different circles and movies are actually more recent if you want to call 30 years recent. Before that I’ve got friends from martial arts, gym, soccer and of course classmates. One of my friends from middle school carried through several years after college where we just drifted a bit due to life. Chance brought us together again maybe 4-5 years ago and we’ve stayed close. He was one of a handful of friends that enjoyed ole school wrasslin’ stories. He had the best sense of humor and laugh. I use to train him when I managed a gym. He was trying to get into the police academy. He always fought his weight but was a fearless talker to the ladies, a real charmer. I taught him martial arts when he was a bouncer. I have a slew of fun stories that only really mean something to the handful of us but he was just jolly. I use jolly because the years apart allowed him to get heavy. We were once again working on that with better habits and food choices. He was making progress and feeling better about himself. He cared for an ill parent for several years putting their health above his own. Once she passed he was really dedicated to working on himself. His confidence was growing and he was becoming more sociable and got back into the work force. We got together every 2-3 weeks but talked or texted weekly about some childhood BS. We got together shortly before I had to go to Alpena and film WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. Upon my return last week I texted to check in on him. After two texts went unanswered I rang him to find his phone disconnected. My heart sank and I had a bad feeling. I googled his name and an obituary immediately came up. He had passed on November 6th. I’m not sure how he passed it was sudden and at home but I cannot believe that I’ll hear no more laughter recalling the college heist of a keg of beer from May Fest back in the day or BB gun wars because we didn’t have paintball guns. This is not a trend I’m looking forward to at all. He was enjoying making his way through the CDI catalog of films and was eager to hear about the new adventure. RIP my friend.

I have some holiday music on and I’m actually feeling very good about everything that has been unfolding. The death reminds me to not sweat the small stuff as when the game is over there is no more stress, worry or concern so give yourself a break. But until it is my time I’ll keep on creating and spending time with friends from all my circles. I was tired last weekend but not exhausted. It was a smooth ride filming our Wild Faith sequel. One of the smoothest in recent memory. And I think we created a wonderful story with powerful moments. It still takes a few weeks to deconstruct the circus. I’ve had craft, wardrobe and several folks come through the office. We discuss, debrief and wrap up business. I still have props coming through likely next week. These are all secured until the next big adventure.

(Ben Lily as captured by GW Burns)

WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS UPDATE:

The film elements of visual and sound have been married and editing has started. Shane Hagedorn our director is editing and he is several scenes in and very happy. We plan to move quickly through the process to release to theaters Nov 1st 2025. We are also using this film as a test of sorts for the TV series. A teaser poster won’t be far behind and a trailer cut in the new year. Currently people are enjoying all the BTS and official GW Burns photos on the FB page for the film. If you have worked on any of the CDI films I ask you to join and invite your friends and followers. Thank you again to all who have helped make this film happen.

Harsens Island Revenge UPDATE! The film is sprinting towards the finish line. The word that came from the director and the post supervisor is FANTASTIC. It felt like you were watching an exciting film when we completed the edit. But now with music, sound, VFX and color correction the film is gonna be amazing. We have our in studio review on Dec 6th and if we can toast and call it a picture lock we’ll move to the next phase. That is setting up the theatrical and premiere showings for Q1/Q2 2025. I’ve also been in negotiations for the home video side of distribution. The back half of 2025 will be home video.

SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – We’ve signed a theatrical deal with Dreamscape Productions to book our WW2 holiday film back into theaters due to the demand. We’re also working with them to get the film (and others) out to military base theaters. I do know the Fridley theater in Algona will run the film Dec 6-12th and it is the remastered best version of the film. The first run we were rushed by early dates given by the theater and so the VFX were not at 100% and now they are. Those who don’t want to brave the outdoors can still watch the film on TV (UpTV) or various streaming platforms. It will go to ad-based streaming like Tubi and such summer of 2025. Check with your local theater and if they are not running it request it. It is a wonderful watch on the big screen.

NEW CAMPAIGNS– We have new release campaigns for both LOST HEART with great new artwork. The same for BEST YEARS GONE. The latter was the last film that WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS director Shane Hagedorn directed with your’s truly starring. Both of these films are fun to watch and we’re just trying to capture more eyeballs. Tis the season for THE QUEST TRILOGY also and I try to watch every year. Watch them in order FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. These films showcase the one other time I’ve played a character twice, Jesus.

Misc Updates/PR and more:

  1. The KNIGHT CHILLS book has just released https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNTC87LN/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oWEuGRguzuwqKy9XFPbUPfLJRAVIgJdOuUU7SgI0KXAZ4iDSoEToT_Xya5E4yfrlCFKsGyaIil8uGpbIv6Q6P7fYzPyAd8qYgNViSddkWXiYe1WGJmzEuFFj2ItcxvE188xDjA4iFtyckUSblL-bYA2uXaAVRbRifNm7PGt0eMQjBL6iRvrD3Thkn443l2hwAMLsv2LQGcZzvCl_cMwHTJxSszMCydREd_JsfJJba6I.R_s_RN1krO1XGsddtx_8B-Cw_go2tuYC6nCF6Kqzntw&dib_tag=se&keywords=Knight+Chills&qid=1732301704&sr=8-3
  2. Read all about the KNIGHT CHILLS book and the upcoming 1/31/25 streaming premiere here: https://www.prlog.org/13049488-classic-role-playing-movie-knight-chills-coming-to-hd-streaming-and-book.html
  3. AN ORDINARY KILLER HD releases to streaming on Dec. 15th, 2024
  4. Casting has resumed for ROM COMS MUST DIE a Q1 film that will be Travis Hayward‘s first collaboration with CDI as a director.
  5. I finished revamping the 4th of 8 tv show episodes for WILD FAITH HASTINGS. I will get the others updated to take place after the 2nd film versus the first.
  6. I was also approached about two additional feature writing projects that would not shoot this year but if all goes as planned we would have two scripts. Development-
  7. I also have a book from Baker Publishing releasing December 2nd and it is fun stories about birds. I’ve contributed stories to books on horses, cats and dogs. Now to round it out with birds. I will provide a link once available.
  8. I think the next book to release under our CDI/Katharsys Media deal after Knight Chills will be the Ghost Town book. The movie Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town has been released to Tubi and other platforms under our Ammo Content deal. WATCH HERE: https://tubitv.com/movies/616519/dean-teaster-s-ghost-town

WRAP UP: I’m going to keep working towards wrapping on the last film shoot and getting our new film ready for 2025 release. I’m also looking ahead at our new productions. I’m reconnecting with many friends over the holidays and being thankful for what the year has provided. I’ve been also working to winterize the yard. I might have to split some more wood as the wood stove is now in use at the office. Again thank you to all the family, friends and fans who support these creative endeavors. I do know how lucky I am to do what I love and I never take that for granted. I will see my brother and a few friends tonight and likely raise a toast to our departed friend. It has been a year of loss, gains and everything in-between. That is life I suppose. I hope you all have a good Thanksgiving and enjoy getting ready for Christmas. I enjoy finding little appreciation and love gifts all year round but this time of year is extra special. I look forward to the tradition of the live Christmas tree that makes the house smell so wonderful. We usually go on a tree hunt after Thanksgiving. Be good to one another. Check on your friends and loved ones. I hope you all have a wonderful week.

DJ

November 24, 2024 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

First ‘Lost Heart’ Impressions and Christmas Season Updates

Welcome new readers from Vietnam and France! We are in the Christmas swing here in Michigan. The house is very festive with the tree and wreaths up, a few outside lights and our holiday candles lit! (Thank you Candleberry Co) We’ve taken a few shopping trips out and about but also spent just some good family time including watching some of our favorite holiday shows. Rudolph, Raphie and his BB-gun and just a slew of good spirited content. Speaking of…

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So go to Amazon or any of your favorite platforms or purchase a DVD and take a family watch. I would love to answer any questions you the fans might have. Let’s look at a TOP 10 from the past week developments.

  1. I had another great talk with the author of the book I’m translating into script format. A deep, insightful person and the script is now underway. I’m enjoying the story I cannot think of a better way to spend time while forced inside by the cold.
  2. Another film project that is looking to shoot in 2021 with lots of prep in 2020 is moving along. I’m excited about this project but until we are 100% green lit I’m going to just sit on those updates. I will say that it is another period piece:)
  3. I had meetings over another film that is developing nicely. It is tied into one of our past CDI projects. Some of the business is coming together and even some camera tests this weekend.
  4. Yet another film perhaps in development – a western perhaps. We did a script read this past week and it gave us a look on where the story needs to be tightened.
  5. I concluded some accounting/payout on a recent commercial project that we did and this week we’ll be dispersing $ to the investors on two of the CDI films. Also more revenue rolled in so we’ll just keep the train moving into the new year.
  6. I did some recording for an audio book by another author friend. It was the sections of the story that surrounded the Civil War. So fans of that time period might enjoy this when it is completed.
  7. I’ve been working on putting some promo materials together for a new management relationship I’ll be entering for 2020. It will cover acting, writing and some producing. I’m excited to be working with this new company.
  8. MBF just played in Kentucky and is part of the awards show tonight. Thank you to the Equus Film & Art Festival. Watch for a few more events in the new year!
  9. I’ve been doing some planning on a new biblical adventure trilogy and that is coming along strong.
  10. Also Wild Faith TV series ‘Hastings’ will be one of the projects being pitched around for 2020. How many out there would like to see a sequel or TV series?

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LOST HEART – So I got to watch the first rough cut on the film. As the writer, I was again moved at hearing the words that started in the imagination. To meet the characters on-screen that were dreamt up and have them make you laugh or cry.  The story WORKS! It more than works, it is truly worthy to be another step on the Tribe CDI climb. The actors are not just good, many are great. Our cast is just outstanding led by Melissa Anschutz. If you know her you know she takes no prisoners on-camera. This is her most powerful role and that says a lot. Victoria Jackson…all I can say is after this movie you better still take my calls:) Your phone is going to be ringing. Right story. Right words. Right actors. Between now and the end of the year Jesse our director is taking in our notes and will do the last fine tuning cut. This allows him to input his style into the transitions and to fit everything better with the envisioned soundtrack.  I cannot say enough about Taylor, our young lead. She already is a star if you’ve heard her sing. I met her as an actress on ASHES OF EDEN (Take a watch on Amazon) first and saw her potential ability. Learning of her musical gift and knowing our story needs, her casting and this story met in a perfect place. You will see. And Ponceman…an awesome talent with an awesome last name – Perry. He has Down syndrome but is not defined by it. He allows himself to be an example and inspiration to others. I’ve seen first hand a child with Down Syndrome in Yuma, AZ amazed and satisfied that we were making a movie and someone like HIM, was the co-star. THE CHRIST SLAYER, part 3 of our trilogy. Part 1 Forty Nights, Part 2 Chasing the Star take a watch. If you haven’t watched you need to so you can see what I’m talking about. Anyway – (call with Jesse Low) Yes. Exciting times. So I’m trying to give a small snippet that reflects tone of our story to our distributor’s marketing team. We are in talks on a music video and we’ll be looking at a trailer for the new year.

I’m going to call it here. We might do something in the holiday spirit again today. Tomorrow will start a busy week with lots to do. I’m ready and excited to get after it all. Writing, distributing, developing and renewing friendships by the office fire over coffee, wine, whiskey or water. I’m grateful for all my family and friends and so reach out and add to your own. In the words of Lost Heart’s Hannah Sweet “Success doesn’t mean anything if you don’t have anyone to share it with.” What wise man wrote that;) Work hard but not to the demise of your foundation, your strength, your roots.

Note: I see lots of cool projects developing in Michigan and that is something. I’ve been Michigan since day 1 and I know the production wasteland from whence we came. I was just reminded that my first starring film IN THE WOODS is 20 years old. That classic put me on the world map and gave me a creative rope to climb. I don’t work ‘no pay’ these days but for those that need to showcase themselves, no pay’s serve a purpose. It surely will weed out the lazy. Knowing your own worth and being lazy could be two sides of the same coin/argument. If people are not biting and you need to be seen – a serious attitude and some dedication can open doors. Or you can spend that on Actors Access send outs. Just kidding AA.

My point is WOW, we have some great storytellers developing out there.

I’m looking forward to Tom Norton’s new film. That MASK project, Lance and team are doing, the hard work shows. Dan Falicki’s DWARFHAMMER film (I’ve loved his painted film style since the ‘cave dancers’ in another piece.  NECROLAND had an epic amount of actors, action and extras. I see banter both ways about NO PAY projects and know YOUR WORTH. The fact is I could have held out for “my (perceived) worth on IN THE WOODS and might still to this day be waiting on that starring role. But what he offered was a showcase. As the star, I slept on the couch and catering coming into the apartment was my wake up call. Ultimately the charming film took more rocks than roses initially from critics. We showcased moments of potential excellence in a look, an effect, a mood – we grew by doing. Consistency comes with practice and honing the craft (usually hitting marks, finding lights, know the camera like an old college drinking buddy). If I was starting out as an actor in this Michigan climate, I would be very happy. Invest your time in four or five of these ‘no pay’ (which they do pay with opportunity) showing diverse sides of you. After perhaps consider a move into the competitive ‘Paid Only’ film circles.

So if the ‘No Pay’ part puts you off, triggers you – just walk away. It’s potentially someone else’s chance to shine. Sometimes a more casual, less stressful environment allows talent to gain confidence. That reminds me of  another great example. A good buddy Johnny D has played smaller supporting roles in several CDI films. He recently got to star in CONFIDENCE OF A TALL MAN by Lansing filmmaker Michael McCallum. Johnny D was allowed to showcase a deeper range of emotion in a story that he connected with deeply and his confidence grew.

Additionally, some people are just NOT good at auditions and are so angry because their nerves get them disqualified from the bigger roles. Now on the other side – filmmaking is making your day and pressure is part of that, so you need players. I mean the basketball term of someone who will make the buzzer shot in pressure but not airball under stress. Be the ball Danny…nananan…

OK. I carried on a few but maybe a few nuggets of insight exist. Keep creating and growing.

DJ

December 8, 2019 | Categories: Blogroll, Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment