Dream, Devise, and Detail plus Chickens, Bees and Butterflies
Good morning good people. I’m once again here sipping the hazelnut coffee. This morning I was looking over some questions on schedule with our developing film. Pieces fit. Pieces don’t fit. Readjust. It fits! This is what I do. I dream. I devise a plan. I work with others to detail the plan. From the plan comes the budget. From the budget comes what is needed. Time windows. Trying to get everything to meet at the right point in time. Every film is hard work and that is why so few can actually achieve it. It is also a reflection of my life aside from the precious moments spent with family and friends. I am discussing with others the merits of these stories from preserving history to a unified endeavor that brings together artists for a short period of time. Only so many a year and only so many in a lifetime. This is what I do. This was the answer to my meditation this morning.
This past week was nurturing several projects in post production and putting pieces together for the upcoming. This coming week I’ll also be writing checks to the investors/supporters of the previous CDI films. We have a great group of supporters who help make these endeavors happen. For some they go without a new ‘toy’ in order to make these project happen. They want to be part of a positive, powerful story that will live on beyond them, me, us. On the new SECRET OF THE KINGDOM CHIP, I finally released the PR on my own involvement acting wise. I’ve got the long hair and beard in this humid heat and it is truly suffering for your art. You can read about it here: https://www.prlog.org/13086932-ai-jesus-movie-moves-into-production-this-fall.html – I’m excited to tell this story. The script alone has created so much energy and feedback. It will be a worthy addition to the CDI group of films. We ended the week with another step towards full financing but still have a little ways to go. The goal is to have it completed this month and we are on course to do just that. We’ll be opening the LLC and bank account soon. The business paperwork will soon be drafted and we’ll be starting the more intense pre-production work. This week we are also going to start fishing for product placement partners and sponsors. We’ve had many large and small who are just as important as our investors. They help with the unseen issues. They help make the ride a little bit more special and memorable. Let’s look at some of the other developments.
Harsens Island Revenge – I’m told that we have dates for Riverside Cinemas by this coming Tuesday. It is close to the actual Harsens Island and should be a great showing. Also Forest City in Iowa is looking like September and I’m guessing Fridley’s in Algona and other Iowa locations. I think we’ll start booking and finish the Summer strong. We are putting things in motion for the home video release on 10/6/2025. They are also working on DVD artwork which will be exciting. This is a special movie and we’re so happy to be ever-expanding our audience.
Wild Faith Christmas – The film minus a few tweaks and a few VFX shots plus final end credits is about done. Director Shane Hagedorn and composer/sound designer Dennis Therrian are extremely happy with the story we have. Very moving and the beautiful score just magnifying powerful performances. We have a date for a producer’s watch through. From there we will start our theatrical planning which will be here in no time. Holiday 2025 will be theaters and holiday 2026 will be home video. This is a follow up film to CDI’s successful WILD FAITH. Please do watch that film or rewatch it to get ready for the sequel.
ROM COMS MUST DIE – This dark comedy is also powering towards a finish line. VFX and sound design is being laid atop the color corrected cut. I watched it just recently and loved the flow. It is so funny and makes fun of our beloved industry. The idea here will be a premiere. A few festival showings. Theatrical followed by home video. The trailer is waiting to swap out the shots for the best res and color corrected shots. I think folks will really enjoy this film that surprisingly somehow has you cheering for the bad guys. Go figure.
DEVELOPMENT – We talked about The Secret of the Kingdom Chip which is a stand alone film but has loose tie-in’s to CDI’s biblical trilogy part 1 Forty Nights, part 2 Chasing the Star and part 3 The Christ Slayer. If you haven’t seen these three films they are also worth a watch and it will give you some background information.
The SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE film developing in Iowa behind our SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is gaining more supporters. I have to set up a few calls this week about this project. It would be a powerful, ‘based on a true story’ historical drama. Also I’m exploring a few avenues with the GOTCH biopic also to be filmed in part in Iowa.
I teased that I had started on another sequel script to one of the films. This film I’ve been asked about sequel more than any of the others. I don’t have any plans for active or immediate development but I wanted to get the blue print where I like it. In the original film the protagonist was left in jail heading to prison. Any guesses?
WRAP UP – Once in a while I feel the difficulty of managing all the variables but with a team many things can be achieved. I also am a diligent worker putting one foot in front of the other. You have to have faith in yourself, your team, the story and the life path you’ve chosen. I had a great talk with a VERY successful 88 year old businessman this week. Neither of us truly believe in retirement. There is always something to create. He had some wonderful things to say to me and I was appreciative and humbled. I have faith that this week a few more pieces will fall into place. I have some great meetings being set up this week.
On the personal we are back at soccer after a rain out and two weeks off. We had an off game and lost but the battle is the reward. I like that pushing oneself to the max. As for the homestead – we keep waiting for a time to seal and stain the deck but we keep getting rain. The plants are growing like a jungle and I’ve kept it more wild because of the chickens, bees and butterflies but I think another mow is on deck. The berries are at their sweet peak and we’ve got tomatoes about to ripen soon. The herbs are really growing and I need to step up my harvesting. I will keep working to keep up with it all. I have several friends with more property and that must be a chore to keep up with.
There is a flea market which I might attend. But I think today I will focus on taming some of that yard stuff I mentioned. I will end with a little story that I’m sure many artists deal with or have dealt with. I was looking up some of the ad-based video on demand platforms now carrying SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA like Tubi, Roku, Xumo and Encourage TV. I saw someone from our state being negative towards the film. While I’m not sure I have the resources to ever make a film that is a 10 I can say that even if something isn’t your cup of tea we’ve never created a 1 or 2 rated film. But when people trash a film 9 out of 10 times jealously is at the heart of it. They want to know why their script, their team, their film never gets made when others do. We simply out work people. It is that simple. It is always hard work and even our crew members never know all the work that goes into a project months or years before ever hitting set. But this individual was checked by one of our past crew members. They have moved onto some full time endeavors but it was nice to see the gesture. It is like that saying of what people do or say when you are not in the room. I’ve done horror films, action films and what some might consider ‘cool’ films versus our positive, heart felt films. That feeling of healing ala helping people cope with issues they have is hard to beat. Those films give back to the storytellers and is a real motivator. I’m not against a good scare film or taunt thriller but I’m also about character development. I’m about unique perspective and stories. If I just wanted to make genre fluff I would be missing something. Anyway, I commended this past crew member for his words in defense of 200 plus artists. A story that captured a true story from history so it would not fade away. An endeavor that had our cast and crew in another state fighting the elements and the day to day issues of production. Many truly love the film and it plays yearly in theaters. Many people travel to the museums that hold the remaining history. The film will have a special place at the museum as big things are being planned. Or we could have made a film of teenagers poking around in a scary place and random psycho with this or that mask kills them one by one maybe leaving one alive for a sequel. Been there. Done that. Got that tee-shirt. Nothing wrong with those films they are early proving grounds for storytellers but try creating a new time period and that is challenging.
I’m off to make some breakfast. One of the new chickens has started kicking out eggs. I hope you all have a great week ahead and wish me luck as I try to put the remaining pieces in place on the new film. We are close as I mentioned, and once we get this schedule worked out we’ll be locking in the final cast and crew. We are awaiting some cast reads and some of the crew are already planning ahead. You only have this one life so don’t be afraid to go after your dreams. I’m living proof that you can achieve it.
Until next week, coffee cheers!
DJ
Showtimes are Coming for CDI’s Next Film!
(The previous film adapted from a Karl Manke book – watch it now!)
A chilly good morning to you from Michigan. Hazelnut coffee cheers! We had a handful of nice days followed by rain and cold and now just windy and cold. But the sun has been out and I’ve started the yard clean up. I’m slowly dismantling the old wood shed and plan on a new set up. Maybe even a greenhouse we’ll see. I did reorganizing the remaining wood and we’ll have a few more good fires in the office. Speaking of the office, my spring cleaning and organizing has been going great. The new shelf unit has helped tremendously. I’m holding off on any mowing or mulching to give the bees and such time to get past the frost. The birds and squirrels are about and setting up their springtime dwellings.
Let’s get to some other news concerning the films.
Harsens Island Revenge – The film has been tested at the Sanctuary theater and the reviewers loved it. Shane Hagedorn was responsible for us finding the beautiful city of Alpena to film in. He will be the master of ceremonies for our kick off April 25th release. An early showing will be for our local cast and crew and few VIP guests although everyone who helped I consider VIP. But only 95 seats for that first show. But tickets will go on sale soon for a 5:00 and 8:00 showing. It will run for a week at the 3, 5, 8:00 time slot in the big theater. After that it will go to a smaller theater and play multiple showtimes. A fun 1920’s afterglow is being set up and I hear some folks may go in 1920’s dress. I will not be attending the Alpena showing but will be anxious to hear audience reactions. After watching feel free to go to IMDB.com on the film’s page and leave your thoughts. I do promise to attend some future special screening for signings.
I’m also proud to say our theatrical partnership deal with Dreamscape Productions is done. They will be reaching out to other Northern, MI theaters to see if they want to play the same Alpena dates. We will also start working to set up the Owosso, MI kick off and run with the NCG theaters. This is the home town of the author Karl Manke, co-producer/actor Anthony Hornus and the Stuarts whose Alpena house was used in filming. I hope the film gets placed in many of the NCG theaters.
From there we’ll be planning Lansing, Grand Rapids and Detroit, Michigan showings. I saw that Dreamscape Prods working our friends film WAS ONCE A HERO is booked in a few drive ins. That would check a goal of mine to have a CDI film play a drive in. We use to attend lots of them back in the day. From there we’ll start to spread across the USA and so contact your theaters and request the film. Reach out on our HIR Facebook and let us know the theater. I know we want to come to all our friends in Iowa and Minn. who enjoyed our SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – Speaking of- it will be going July 1st to the popular AVOD platforms. That means ad-based so you can watch for free if you watch ads. Platforms like TUBI and the distributors Encourage TV. If you have not seen this powerful WW2 wartime drama please do. Available now on many platforms to rent/buy.
Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town is coming to HISTORYFIX! This site is for fans of history and period films. The film was previously mastered to HD but now has been re-mastered to 4k providing the best version of the film.
Look for new marketing campaigns for both LOST HEART and BEST YEARS GONE. Both bring the drama and the laughs which can sometimes be tricky for marketing. Both these films should be required CDI viewing! Let me know your thoughts on them both.
Wild Faith Christmas is in post production and being worked on hard for a holiday release into theaters. The color correction process is underway as is dialog, music and sound design under the masterful ear of Dennis Therrian.
ROM COMS MUST DIE – will be making some production announcements as we prepare to shoot the final pick up day. We wanted a different season so we had to wait a few weeks. April 6th we will film our last pieces and we’ll be able to lock picture soon after. This film is crazy fun with some wild performances but our cast. Our partners the McGraw brothers are taking a few days to remember their dear father who passed. I’m glad he got to enjoy our rough cut and gets some laughs and joy from the viewing.
DEVELOPMENT –
I’ve been working on that one script I mentioned that I was highly motivated to write. A small scope and powerful piece pulled in part from our news headlines and given a good WHAT IF twist. I’m halfway through the script and very happy with it.
I’ve also got two books being sent to me that the parties may want me to write the script and possibly produce the film. The above mentioned McGraw brothers also have a project that they want me to write on for us all to produce with our CDI association.
We have a few scripts that I’m considering putting some of our investors behind and producing this year. One promising development funding path hit a roadblock and I mention this only because our success often gets mentioned but not the setbacks. We have many setbacks on the way to success. Patience and persistence play into the equation often.
In the wake of Wild Faith Christmas we will see if we can get some traction on the WILD FAITH: HASTINGS TV series. We have a built in tens of millions audience that grows weekly. We will see if the season one, eight shows can find a funder or distributor who does original programming. Creative control is still my main concern as I’ve seen way too many projects go South due to bad variables.
THE QUEST TRILOGY – I hope that some of you have sought out and enjoyed our three biblical adventures. Forty Nights, Chasing the Star, The Christ Slayer and in that order. This are very unique in their telling and have brought strong recognition from people from all walks. With one of the scripts I’m writing we might look to return to Yuma, AZ to film we will see. We have some great folks there and it has been too long.
WRAP UP: My film end of year work is over. I had one investor move without notifying so I had to make sure he got his proper paperwork. I will be looking at paying all those off plus my own personal taxes. I have about two weeks to get into my ROM COMS MUST DIE role for one more scene. I’ll finish that script I’m working on likely this week. The cold days keep me writing more.
My dental implant went great and all is good save my checking account. But it is worth not having the dental pain that cracked tooth gave me. Speaking of cracked teeth soccer season is right around the corner. I hope for a fun year with no injuries to anyone.
I might actually work on that script a spell while the coffee is flowing and so are the words. I was a sad at my schedule conflict on the Alpena premiere dates but it happens. More of my family will be attending one of the showings down state and it will be nice to enjoy it with them. I know all the folks in Alpena will be proud of the showing.
Until we talk again next weekend I hope you have a smooth and productive week. I’m going to keep the wheel steady as she goes. Enjoy some nature. Enjoy some family and friends. Move ahead on your goals and smile. The sun will keep coming up and shining. I see many swimming in negativity but do not get dragged down in it.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
‘Best Years Gone’ revs up beginning to Announce Sponsors and stars! Also Lost Heart premiere and more…
In Michigan we are waking up to some chilly mornings and that has me rethinking my wardrobe on this next film BEST YEARS GONE. We were ready to shoot in April but with the virus shut down it has dragged us into fall. So I need to re-look at my clothes and such because Oct/Nov can be COLD in Michigan.
We have our shoot blocks set and we’ve put a few days between blocks to let us adjust, pivot and deal with any issues that could arise. We also pulled the shoot location down to better scout, prep and film this next story. We have some great locations forming up and cars, did I say cars? We will once again have some cool rides showcased.
We’ll be announcing this week the addition of a new guest star to our cast whom we’ve worked with before and is always a joy. Additionally we’ll be announcing the first of our sponsors. We have several jumping on board to get millions of exposure eyes upon their goods or services. The first is our longtime partner The Candleberry Candle Company. They have helped make our away from home trips more special. The other is Lerma Transportation that has been a sponsor since we filmed the biblical adventure trilogy in Yuma.
But before that we have an exciting event coming up. We’re doing a cast and crew screening that will be filmed so that we can bring the event and premiere right into your homes for one night only via ENCOURAGE TV. It is a free app and will allow you to watch several movies of ours including the premiere. It costs nothing and you don’t have to provide credit cards or anything. So download it now and enjoy the product of CDI and other filmmakers. November 7th is the online LOST HEART premiere.
My CAT book that I was a contributing author has been released nationally and I’m curious as to what you all thought of my story in there. If you take a read please do let me know your thoughts! It might make a good Christmas present.
WILD FAITH – We are enjoying a beautiful surge in audiences watching and sharing this film. Here is the Encourage TV link –
The millions of views is giving us solid ground to launch the TV series. I have some important meetings coming up about the series. Our hope is to film those in the Spring 2021 before filming a WW2 drama in the fall. I do love this movie and seeing all the positive reactions made me feel grateful.
Also building an audience with over 400k+ views on just Encourage TV is MBF: MAN’S BEST FRIEND – watch free here!
I’ll wait to push THE QUEST TRILOGY but I’m excited to watch and see the films as they bring us into the holiday season. The three films FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER will reach even more audiences this year!
WRAP UP:
The chickens in the new coop have been doing great. The garden harvest is going strong with green beans coming in now. I harvested the HOPS and last week we had the first test tastes of the AUTUMN ALE. I need to rack the wine to my secondary and that will be ready in a few weeks. I have some wood cutting to do since I’ve already had the office wood stove kicking on two different days. I also had an unusual situation yesterday. I had a weak and stumbling bumblebee and I had recalled reading about at the end of the season they can overwork. Their sugars drop and they are unable to fly and often die. I took a drop of molasses and put it near. It drank and after a few minutes flew off. I was really happy that I could help. We are going to head off in a few to one of the last flea markets of the season. I love looking for props and wardrobe. I found a great piece for the next film in some tattered mechanic jump suit for only $1.
I hope that during these times you all make the extra effort to show kindness and understanding to your fellow human beings. We have a lot of issues putting pressure on our lives. Make sure not to vent that on loved ones or strangers. They are also likely facing some of the same challenges and maybe some you are unaware of. Be appreciative of the family and friends in your circle. Enjoy the time with one another and keep creating!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 