Formation, Communication and the Art of Victory!
Hazelnut coffee cheers to each of you. It is again a very snowy morning here in Michigan. I’m excited to sit down and reflect about the journey and the accomplishments. Recently I was reading one of the many versions of THE ART OF WAR and one thing jumped out on this read. FORMATION AND COMMUNICATION. Now I’ve spoken many times on communication and that being a key to success. Formation was a new concept to ponder. As a lifelong martial artist my goals are to bring out the best in each individual and when placed in a proper “formation” victory is achieved. The soccer player and coach in me allows two perspectives of teamwork that I also find helpful. My camp counselor training helps best when we are off filming. Because you have people living outside their comfort zone pushing their focus and artistic abilities to the max.
The enemy of most artist lie in-between the gigs, campaigns, adventures. Any organization thrives by having a strong core and for our group that is the producers. They don’t work per hour, task or under salary. They work to develop properties and do the hardest part of it all, fund it. Once up that big hill is when the next stage of hard work begins which is putting the plan in motion. When you look at all the work that goes into it you might be lucky to make a penny an hour. (Maybe less) Why do we do it? When you see all the happy artists working like ants, all knowing their task, it is a sight to behold. When you see that story that started on a page flicker to life in a dark room it is truly magic. When your name arises to say that you worked with this team and created something that would have never existed. Furthermore will continue to exist after one passes from this lifetime. I have an ever-growing list of filmmaking friends no longer with us and I would like to think that they are happy that they created with their friends as they look us still living.
Financially for a large % of artists you make very modest wages if lucky enough to make wages at all. We take pride in the preserving of history both in story and the artists that told those stories. Kathryn Combs, award winning wardrobe supervisor. Actors like Randy Godwin, Bill McKinney, Rance Howard, Pappy, Russ Stine, Popcorn Sutton and Dan ‘Grizzly Adams’ Haggerty just to name a few who brought characters to life. Sound operators like Eric Holloway and Josh Holloway. I could unfortunately go on and on but at least their names are still spoken with a laugh and a good story. I task myself with the funding of these projects and collectively it is made a bit easier. I work to earn and justify larger budgets to help ease the life of our artists. But the truth is I only take a few weeks of the non-producers life each year. I always say, if the 3-6 weeks I work with someone paying modest wages fumbles up their year someone is doing something wrong elsewhere. I would love to be at the level where 3-6 weeks working with us could be a good part/all of that person’s yearly income but I’m not there.
But I can say that I’m getting closer every day. Because I work towards that goal every day. I often joke when someone addresses the modest wages that unless they rip off their ski mask and hand me a bag a money, I’m doing the best I can. I think what I’m saying is you get zero bonus points for pointing out the obvious. I like to say, I pay problem solvers not identifiers. Why? Because problems have been identified. So the team works hard to obtain the funds for a new story endeavor. At that point we evaluate the crew. (* See that ART OF WAR ‘formation’ talk above) And offers of “date, rate, do you wish to participate?” is presented. First right of refusal usually goes to the previous crew member who did a job to their very best. I will say that in the few times that someone is passed over it is almost NEVER because of their skill set. It is almost always because of their attitude. Negativity is a cancer on a film set and there is nothing wrong with not being cut out for feature filmmaking. Some thrive much better in short, controlled environments like commercials and/or music videos… So if production or the artist aren’t happy they just pass on a project. A new hungry, enthusiastic person will be given an opportunity. NOTE I did not say young. Those attributes can come from anyone with their race, age, sex, religion or politics not disqualifying them. At CDI we have the entire spectrum. You leave those personals at the doorstep and come to collectively tell a story. The only thing we own is the ability to collaborate with one another and if both parties agree to collaborate a mutual artistic bond is forged.
Heat and pressure are applied to the coal and some will burn up and others will become diamonds. Over time you will have a handful of diamonds. Pressure can be external and internal and that is what you control and what you process. We always have artists under pressure and they will either burn out or diamond up. Many great artists have burned up and retired from the hardened journey and they are still celebrated for what they did. I always try to share stories of CDI’s journey as we are built now on multiple generations of artists. Others will march on and fight until they are carried out on their shield. That is their story. I often try to tell people if you can do anything else and your spirit is at peace, do it. But if not you better find your tribe. The journey is hard alone. I know because I started that way but I’ve got an army of artists now. I want to give my sincere and heartfelt appreciation to all the artists at CDI. Enough of the hardships let’s talk about the results.
FILM UPDATES:
- https://mmw.news/2025/02/15/harsens-island-revenge-signs-home-video-deal/ The news is spreading that ‘Harsens Island Revenge‘ has signed their home video deal for DVD and streaming. It will release on Oct 1st, 2025 with theatrical play running from March-Sept 2025. The film is being brought to the Lansing, MI studio to start mastering for delivery to home video and to create our theatrical film. Once in hand we will set up the screening in Alpena, MI if the theater management is open to it. So start your call in campaign now:)
- Sticking to the Harsens Island Revenge film, I’ve seen a new trailer recently mastered by Dennis Therrian. It is one of several new marketing pieces that will start rolling out. We already have other theaters starting to inquire about the film playing so that is a good sign.
- WILD FAITH is one of CDI’s most popular films. We have worked for years trying to launch the TV show HASTINGS. Being such a large step which could have happen but I refused to let go of creative control. So our in-between step was the sequel feature film WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. I’m so giddy with delight because I’ve been the recipient of so much fan mail from fans who love the original film. They are why I could not sell out the creative control. What will have now is a sequel that matches all the magic of the original. I literally get goosebumps watching the film and I think fans will love this next installment. The distributor was pushing us for Christmas content and so this film made sense. Not the run-of-the-mill romantic comedy silliness this has all the adventure of the original. BEST NEWS is that on Tuesday which happens to be both our director Shane Hagedorn and senior producer Anthony Hornus day of birth we will be dropping the trailer. This morning one little end credit correction but it is ready to roll. We are all so excited for you all to see it!
- Just as Harsens Island Revenge finishes the film’s theatrical run on Sept 30th, Wild Faith Christmas will be releasing Nov 1st into theaters for the holidays and into the new year. The film trailer will release on the CDI Youtube Channel and be shared to social media on the CDI/Wild Faith Christmas Facebook page. In 2026 after the theatrical run the film will be prepared for holiday 2026 home video release!
- Let’s take a hard left turn to ROM COMS MUST DIE. This dark comedy was an awesome challenge to shoot in a few days with some of those days being bitter cold. The others in the studio with our partners at McGraw Multimedia. CDI is going to be producing a series of feature films that are shot both on location and in-studio. The first experimental film was a HUGE success! The shoot went very smooth and I’ve already seen a rough cut. The film is everything we had hoped for and more. I found myself impatiently tuning in daily to see editing progress because I wanted to see what was next. I knew what was next as I wrote the screenplay but to see it come off the pages it a thrill only writers know. Zany, funny, smart and highly entertaining is my first response to watching it. Director Travis Hayward will start refining the cut with the editor John McGraw. But what I’ve already seen has me excited. Poster and trailer talk as well as I’ve seen a BTS underway. The BTS has a few spoilers so we might have to hold on that but it captures the fun we all had.
- Behind the scenes I’ve spent two weeks behind the desk working with legal and accounting getting end of the year and new year business all completed. We had a payout to investors at the end of December and so that was completed. We’re looking at ways to streamline our business even more as we are growing and producing more content. This is the unsexy part of our business but needed to move ahead. Special thanks to COO Dean Teaster, legal John Mashni and the staff at Davison & associates and my bankers.
- As I’m almost caught up on the business I’m looking ahead. We have a few projects gaining momentum and developing. I’m excited to start looking ahead. We have so much going on now and it is only Feb! I don’t want to get too much into development today but know it is always happening.
WRAP UP: The chickens have been increasing their egg laying as the light returns. Now if only the warmth can return. I’m already looking ahead to gardening and the new improvements to the property. A new firewood rack is going to be put together. I also might replace the old firewood structure with a little greenhouse. The new deck is going to be fun to work on and under. A new retaining wall and either pavers or a bottom deck will be added. At some point a sanding and staining will also take place.
I also have some ideas for inside the office to help organize better. I have a corner shelf unit I want to install. I’m just trying to wait until it gets a touch warmer. But I might go ahead and order it soon. I do hope each and everyone of you is having a good start to your year. I know everyone has challenges and the key is coming up with a plan and moving in that direction. I’m thankful that a loved one who gave us a recent health scare had good news. I know a few others awaiting good news and I hope they get it. This world is always changing especially with technology. We are embracing that technology and those changes. We are going to keep doing our thing and we hope our stories bring a little joy and laughter to your lives. I’m going to go make some breakfast and refill ye ole coffee cup. Until next week!
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Happy Early Easter! Embracing the Battles!
Good afternoon! My hazelnut coffee is at an end but it occurred to me looking at my tomorrow that it will be hard to get my writing in with family, friends and Easter. I want to welcome all our new readers including some from North Macedonia which I need to explore as I know little of this place North or South, East or West. I just read up on it and looking at pictures. What a beautiful place. Welcome! I have to say that I’ve been waking up daily with good energy and optimism as I attack my TO DO’s each week. I’ve been reminded how special each day is again with the loss of one of our supporters and investors which I’ll post more on next week. But these stories will and do live past us carrying the stories to new generations. CDI is now multigenerational with several folks retired from the business or all business. I do have close schoolmate friends soon to retire. I had lunch a week ago or so with one preparing for retirement by building his woodworking shop. I’m on the Rance Howard & Bill McKinney plan which is to work right up to when they throw dirt on me. I might slow down one day and become more selective but I love to create. Another close member of the early CDI films Bill Bishop is facing some health issues in his late years. He is the man responsible for many of the exciting explosions in our films working as pyrotechnics and often armorer. Wicked Spring, The Nest, Judges, From Venus and more in a time when digital explosions was rare. Strapping a small explosive squib on your body was commonplace. Some scenes were made easier requiring one to muster less acting because you were REACTING. Watch the final scene of THE NEST and those chain of explosions were real and I was really running for my life. Well, it felt that way. FX HOT! Man that got your blood really pumping when you heard those words and saw ole Uncle Bill with a dynamite plunger and knowing you had wires running up your pant leg to a small explosive. Watch Matthew Broderick in GLORY‘s end scene, he knows what I mean. Bill has COPD bad and if anyone who worked with Bill wants to send him a card and well wishes his address is on the CDI Facebook site.
(Acting pre-war in WICKED SPRING)
Sunday is Easter and that day always makes me think of THE QUEST TRILOGY, the 3 biblical films we shot in the Yuma desert. The first film in the trilogy FORTY NIGHTS will be 10 years since we filmed in 2025. Hard to believe. I’ve been collecting stories from our three directors and plan to release a book in 2025 full of beautiful pictures and stories. Maybe the scripts we will see. If you have not watched these films please do. They are not heavy handed but were inspired by the old biblical dramas done by Chuck Heston. I think people will appreciate the fresh perspective.
(Acting in THE QUEST TRILOGY)
I’ve been balancing my time between past, present and future. We are trying to streamline our business flow this year especially with the older “classic” CDI films. Many are being converted into HD files and many will be returning back into the market this year. Presently we have Harsens Island Revenge making of, trailer and main feature all in the works. And future-wise we’ve been in funding mode on a few different projects. I had a great meeting Friday on both a new CDI film and one project that will be in association with CDI. All very exciting as we look ahead and this next month will be really pushing hard to finish getting financial commits for our Summer/Fall CDI film HOT ROD LOVE. We took more steps towards our goal and we have to just stay focused. Some of the other projects are prepping for filming next year. And one for next winter which is almost ready to present to our funding source I’m just working up a cool poster to present with it. All very exciting and I’m reminded as I look back at how far we’ve come as a company.
I leave you with a few stills from our recent pick up shoot for Harsens Island Revenge. I want to wish you all a great welcome into the month of April. I sincerely hope that the year continues to lead you to your goals and you find happiness. Recently reminded of the Samurai wisdom pertaining to the battles we all face. Embrace them because battles are the challenges of life. Quiet and peaceful graveyards are full of those who no longer battle. We will all eventually lay there to so until that time of rest embrace the battles. Laugh at the missteps and smile at the experience and wisdom gained by taking the wrong path. I’m working on not reacting emotionally to certain situations which can be made hard when you care about the outcome so badly and want success for all. Again I live by BEST EFFORTS and that is all we can truly do. A life of strawberries is enough phase I heard this week that stuck with me. To enjoy each day, passing week and the endeavors we undertake.
(Young dreamer DJ in The Valley of Fire, outside Las Vegas)
I want to thank some of the fans who reached out this week. No I have not played a western villain but perhaps one day. Yes. I do love comedy and our next film will give audiences a good dose of that from myself and many others. Will I do another horror film? I would say that is very likely. Thank you to all of you out there who watch and enjoy the stories.
(The beauty of nature)
Until we all gather to sip a beverage and reflect, I hope your weekend is relaxing and enjoyable. I’ve been using the day to organize my workshop and basement to get ready for the springtime activities. From Christmas we have a few outdoor things to assemble in the coming weeks. I look forward to growing and gathering in the coming months. We grow some of our own teas and we’re going to once again be getting veggies from MSU’s agricultural program. I look forward to more grilling the few nice days we had were a good tease. I love when our CDI meetings can take place over darts or some other outdoor game. Soccer season and flea markets are right around the corner.
Be good to one another!
DJ
Ten Project Updates – Remembering Friends
(Filming Ghost Town w/ Herbert Cowboy Coward in the middle)
Good morning out there to my friends across the globe who stop in with their morning beverage to read and ponder. This has been a productive week in business but I’ll start by talking about a subject often on our minds as mortal folk. Death. This week I was stunned one eve as I received tragic word that one of my costars and friends Herbert Cowboy Coward had passed away. For those that don’t immediately recognize that name I’ll give you some background. This man worked and entertained at a NC theme park called GHOST TOWN IN THE SKY. A western town high atop of a mountain often shrouded with clouds. At its peak the live gunfighter shows thrilled 10,000 visitors a day from Spring-Fall. Friends like Robert Bradley were amongst the famed gunfighters as was CDI’s Dean Teaster’s dad Doyle Teaster. And Herbert better known just as Cowboy. The movie and TV studios would send stars up there to participate for a few months when the shows were on hiatus to gather fans and the actor and shows. Stars like Tony Dow (Leave it to Beaver), Dan Blocker (Bonanza) and Burt Reynolds (Too many to count) spent time up there. When Burt’s career took off and they were casting DELIVERANCE and needed a second mountain man to “harass” our vacationing men, Burt knew a perfect one. The legendary casting story was that Cowboy who had lost his front teeth due to a non-trained stand in gunfighter at Ghost Town, was called in. Burt said give him a good scare. So the producer who was there to interview Cowboy was thrown against the wall and subjected to mutterings of this man about to…to…to… (Cowboy stuttered) cutting him up. Cowboy got the part on the spot and a smile replaced the grimace and history would be made with Bill McKinney (Outlaw Jose Wales) as his co-star. They were voted by Maxim Magazine the top screen villains of all time. Watch the film DELIVERANCE and you might agree. When we did our Ghost Town in 2006 movie * (I’ll get more to this film soon) we reunited Cowboy and McKinney on screen going head to head. Bill made a living playing bad guys and to this day is one of the most intense actors I’ve ever worked with. Cowboy was tough but got to show his tender side. After Deliverance Cowboy could be found at the local flea market chatting up fans and introducing them to his pet squirrels. He was like a wildlife rehab where they often lived out their days with Cowboy. Bobcats, squirrels…you name it. The other other person I’ve met with those kind of Dr. DoLittle skills was Dan “Grizzly Adams” Haggerty. He was a gentle soul and just a kind simple man. To get that call that he, his wife, pet dog and squirrel all died in a car accident hit me hard. From what I’ve heard he turned in front of a young man, new driver in a big truck. I pray and believe that it was an instant death. I felt worse thinking of his loved ones that also perished and I felt bad for a young teenager who will be forever scarred. Those that know those twisty turning mountain roads can see how it could happen. Add snow and ice and it only gets worse. Gone in a flash. Now both Bill McKinney and Dan Haggerty died from cancer. F$#$%#@ cancer! We’ve often debated amongst friends if quick and instant with no farewell or longer illness with suffering but time to say final goodbyes and get affairs in order is better. Pros and Cons top each but lessons once again about appreciating each day we have and our loved ones. In all three of these cases I believe they were 75+ and so while many live longer they surely lived some full lives. I also learned this week that our ASHES OF EDEN costar Josh Carrizales (Ponch) died in May of 2020. I don’t know the details but I do know that he was too young. So ends my talk on death but I lost a friend and discovered that another one of our fellow actors has left the stage. I’m sorry if I went on a bit about this less than happy topic but it was important that you knew who this simple man was.
(Josh in ‘Ashes of Eden’ RIP)
FILM UPDATES:
- Ghost Town – We get the film rights back this year from Lionsgate and we’ve got a new campaign in the works. A Blu-Ray is planned as part of the ‘Special Edition’ reboot of the film. Also some special new releases of some of the merchandise that sold up at the now closed theme park and some new items also. One such might be a re-issue of the novel packaged with the screenplay. This film marked the end of the classic CDI period.
- Speaking of the classic CDI period another one of the films might be gifted to a non-profit in honor of the now deceased backer. The film AN ORDINARY KILLER is a fictional retelling of the actual famous cold case film. The film revenue will be used to provide financial support to military personal and wounded warriors. The non-profit has helped the children of Afghanistan and several other veteran causes via past projects. The lead detective played by yours truly is a Vietnam Vet and has his own complications from his times served. I also see a screenplay and book combo for this film. This is the film where I met long time friend and collaboration Terry Knox, best known for his work on St. Elsewhere and Tour of Duty. It seems like a fitting place for this film to land and that is better than it just being dead. It’s highlight was playing on ABC across the country. For lovers of true detective
- Speaking into the subject matter above – true crime, our own Dean Teaster has been participating in a podcast with retired detectives still working cold cases – subscribe by following along HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@TwoAvgJoes
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA which just released 4th Q onto home video is also back into theaters by request. Cherokee, Iowa American 3 is playing it until Jan 31st. We’ve also just gotten another request so I think it will be rolling into more theaters once again as people want to see it on the big screen. We’re told that the film is doing very well on DVD and Streaming but won’t really know until we get 1st Q reports from 2024 as it is a process of reporting and collecting. But please do buy a DVD for your collection and/or stream it will family and friends. This war drama is really being received well.
- We are starting to talk about theatrical roll out for Harsens Island Revenge because you have to start that far out. We are planning the theatrical premiere in Alpena and one likely in Lansing plus a hosted DVD/streaming release party in Lansing. We have Red Cedar Spirits as a sponsor in Lansing as well as the director Mr. Elliott of SW Growth Corp another sponsor just happens to run the Ellison Brewing Co. So 4Q of this year will be full of parties to celebrate the film. Our director returns from Brazil in a week and we’ll be doing a producer watch on the cut of the film. We also will put into motion the filming of the one opening scene of the film that is WW1. The BTS video is being worked on now so any cast or crew reading this that wants their video considered please contact Mr. Adam Towner. We’ll be planning the new theatrical poster using GW Burns amazing photo elements and the first teaser trailer! All very exciting news. Join our FB pages on any of these films that interest you to stay up to date.
- Let’s just from my most recent film that I acted in to my first feature IN THE WOODS. Fans of the creature features are in for a treat as we prepare a fun PR release. The cult classic of monster hunters Alex Kerwood (Me) and Wayne Higley (Only if not meal time) played by my first feature film co-star Jim Greulich just might have a new distribution deal. It might include a Blu Ray of the digitally remastered classic movie with a new director’s cut. It might even be getting a VHS and streaming release. Furthermore rumor has it that we might possibly see a soundtrack released on classic mediums. But wait could there be even more rumors? Maybe even merchandise including clothing, toys, toothbrushes, frisbees, fishing poles, rifles and…okay maybe some of this is just rumor. You will have to wait and find out the TRUTH. Coming soon! I can confirm that there will be a theatrical premiere of the new director’s cut sometime this year in the Kalamazoo MI area. More theaters after that? You never know:)
- Speaking on my acting which is still my driving force- I think I’ve mentioned last week that I’ve joined a new agency Treasure Coast Agency. I finally feel good that if someone reaches out wanting to hire the actor behind roles like Paul Landings, Ben Lily, Col Lodell or Jesus, that they will be treated with kindness and respect. That has sadly not always been the case and it has made deals fall apart. You can still reach out direct but I’ve got help it sorting affairs and it won’t cost you any more. I’m not listed on there yet but will be soon. You can find many great talent at this site but also will be treated well. HERE: https://www.treasurecoasttalent.com
- HOT ROD LOVE is in active development to shoot this year. We’ve been having meetings with sponsors and funders and are happy to have made even more steps this past week. This 1970’s racing comedy will be a lot of fun to film. Each week we’re taking steps and once we’re there financially we’ll start the engine! Thank you to everyone already working hard to make this happen. We’ll see Shane Hagedorn once again directing and telling this groovy story!
- We’ve got development happening on a few other fronts that could put Carl Weyant and Curran Jacobs back in action in the near future. I’m looking forward to finishing the month strong with more development talks and meetings. Every project is the result of thousands of little steps. We’re going to keep on stepping!
- I’ve been enjoying writing on a few scripts in between the business work. We’re finishing our end of year work with our accounting firm and legal. I want to thank these parties for their hard work. This is not as exciting as new artwork, trailers and such but it is the work that makes it all go. The creative of picking up a camera and making cool lighting is fine and dandy but without the foundation it is just play. So make sure you balance what you like to do with what needs to be done. That balance will make things happen much faster. BALANCE!
WRAP UP: Our chickens have their new feathers and with the growing light we’ve had our first eggs. And thanks to them we just had a great breakfast of bacon and eggs. I’m going to bring this to a close so we can do some grocery shopping and get ready for the Lions NFL football game. If they win tonight it is off to the Super Bowl! As I’ve said before we’ve had family member fans go to the grave waiting for a Detroit Lions team like this. We never know how many days we have so live richly and appreciate the journey. I thank you all for being part of my journey.
Be good to one another!
DJ
NEW YEAR 2022 In Focus
I’m sipping my hazelnut coffee and also working with a Santa gift which happen to be reading glasses with blue-blocker to reduce eye strain. I think my eyes get a little worse on me every few years but these glasses seem to really help. I can’t attest to long-term. Since the Christmas week of activities we’ve gotten a nice white snowstorm. Our New Year’s Eve included an Uber-cozy eve with a sip at Midnight but bed shortly after that. I did not enter 2022 with any hangover or dehydration. I’m not into the dance party thing unless you count my listening/air MC at home to Beastie Boys or Public Enemy. I recently was in Iowa with a circus full of people and so I’ve enjoyed the slower, quieter pace of getting things done. 2021 had myself and CDI being very productive and we’re looking to do more of the same in 2022. I have to note turning on the TV and seeing Darby Hinton in a Christmas Hallmark film something with mistletoe in the title. Back to our updates:)
In retrospect and in no order some of the good, bad and ugly of 2021. The first is the sad loss of many good friends and family during the past year. That is something that I hope we don’t heavily repeat. And 2021 went out with the passing of Betty White at 99. I love all the fan flair especially the one claiming she sacrificed herself taking 2021 with her. She reminds me a bit of Rance Howard (RIP friend/costar) who worked right up until he died. Same with Bill McKinney and many more artists I’m sure. Age will continue to give you a unique perspective through your entire journey. But growing old can be a privilege.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – Filming this safely in 2021 was a major highlight. This highly ambitious home front drama was many years in the making. It is in the wonderfully creative hands of our editor and I’m excited to see the scenes come together. I’ve almost got the business all caught up and we’ll be putting some advance promo together. From there we’ll enter into some additional marketing/product talks with some of our sponsors and those coming on board. In Canada we have model building underway. I’m just so happy that we have all these puzzle pieces and can start to assemble. It is going to be amazing since all the artists gave everything they had. We’ve been releasing stills on our Facebook page so follow along.
BEST YEARS GONE (BYG) – This breath of fresh air which we filmed between the 1st and 2nd Covid lockdown of 2020. Shane Hagedorn and I shared a motto to have fun while filming. Everyone had been kept uncertain and in self-isolation and smiles and laughter were much needed. This film might be just what many people need. The humorous abilities of the CDI Tribe can be seen in several CDI films including strong moments in WILD FAITH and LOST HEART but BYG really takes it to another level. Adapted by yours truly from the book HOPE FROM HEAVEN by Karl Manke. http://www.karlmanke.com if you want to explore his works. I think another collaboration is on the horizon but right now we are discussing which book to bring to the screen. Any favorites? Lastly, I’m hearing that the film has been chosen as a participant in a London-based festival. That PR will be forthcoming once I get more info from our director Mr. Hagedorn.
Speaking of films that sprang from books – BESTSELLER is finally getting a home video release this year. The book written by Christopher Knight is a twisted tale of a tormented literary agent played by Melissa Anschutz. CDI was the producing entity and I’m happy that our existing relationship could give this film the deserved send off. In May the film will be ready for home video audiences and will widen the release in September likely to hit the prime October window for thrillers. This film is beautifully shot and showcases Michigan’s beauty. I’m excited to see new poster art and trailer for the home video release. I would love to turn another Chris Knight story into a film. We shall see…rumor is he also writes under another name also…
BEST YEARS GONE and BESTSELLER are not the only films rolling out in 2022. SMOKE & MIRRORS short just had a final tweak and is being prepped for a few fun festivals. The CDI/Red, White and Blue Project documentary film FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH just finished last week. Directed by Curran Jacobs, edited by Adam Towner, mostly shot by DP Dan Chipman – this feature length doc is being hailed as the best of its kind by wrestling historians. I’m proud to have been involved producing on this wonderful piece of history that was in danger of fading, lost to the past. That will not be the case after this film. Thank you to all the interview participates who made this work so special. We cannot wait to show the world this entertaining and informative film. We are looking at doing another documentary film in 2022 stay tune.
BIGFOOT, UFO’S & JESUS – Our inspirational film has found a great main stream audience under the alternate title by which LOST HEART appears on some platforms. Here is the amazing Josh Perry inviting you to watch. If you did not you should. Click below to watch on FB – I hope my linking here works.
WRAP UP
2021 had us filming music videos, releasing into theaters, traveling to Algona, Iowa and more. As noted earlier some friends and family like CDI’s Pappy won’t be traveling with us anymore. They are RIP and not dealing with the waves of life. These deaths, like the childhood neighbor remind us of the precious value of time. Spend time in good company and working towards goals that mean something to you. Life is short so commit to making steps towards whatever your creative endeavor is.
If you want to hear about our new year development we discuss that quite a bit in the previous few blogs. I want to film WILD FAITH: HASTINGS and while this endeavor is mighty we’ve been chopping away at it. Giddy up. A new CDI animated feature, a new dramedy, sequels and more in development as we enter this new year. I need to look over the CDI website and see where that needs to be updated. I want to once over the FB pages and see where I can enhance. End-of-year taxes for the projects is at hand but I have the best team ever for all that. I will spend the month also finishing the script I’m working on now. I’m in talks with a few projects to script write in Feb which is when we’ll also pull the business together on the first spring CDI film. I’m here in the 2022 and ready to march so put down the Christmas cookies and party hats it’s time to get after it.
Have a great first week of 2022!
DJ
Welcome to December full of updates!
Always building…
It has been a week of just beautiful days in Michigan. I was able to enclose my wood shed in with logs from the recently fallen tree. I also took the axe to the older logs and so the stockpile for the office wood stove is growing. I want to welcome our new readers from Ireland and Japan. That is what I love about this blog. Artists, perhaps filmmakers but united here by passion. Invite someone you know to share with us.
Now last week was an unexpected loss of a mentor (Rance Howard) and to all those who reached out – thank you. I’m at a loss of exact words but we met over storytelling on Miracle at Sage Creek and that relationship took us through many stories. I will miss sitting on the patio in Yuma, AZ having a nice Mexican food lunch and just talking.
On set “Forty Nights” with Judy & Rance Howard and T (Tony Hornus)
With my experience I find myself being a mentor more often and losing my own mentors. What a man Rance was working right up until his passing. Bill McKinney (Deliverance) was the same way having filmed 2 weeks before he passed away. I don’t think you retire from being an artist. I am sad that I won’t be able to get Rance’s feedback on The Christ Slayer film. He was so excited about the final chapter of our trilogy. It was a major accomplishment and he loved playing the Devil. He also loved that we took an honest look at the ‘being’ and relationship he shared with others, Jesus in particular. But he will be looking down and I hope he is proud.
The Howard boys several years ago –
I do look forward to working with Clint one day and perhaps Ron and sharing some of the great conversations I had over the years with Rance about his family. I will be sending a nice note to both of them with the trilogy once Part 3 is done and released.
The Christ Slayer is locking up the VFX and edit and preparing to move into post music and sound design with the amazing Dennis Therrian who will once again compose the heart and soul into the story. The first official director’s poster is about to be completed. Also once we hit the new year the PR on TCS will pick up. Right now it’s all Forty Nights and Chasing the Star. They have been doing great over at Amazon and our other fine rental/retailers. Family 7 TV network in the Netherlands will be showing Chasing the Star and soon after I expect Forty Nights. Also I saw some promotional give aways for Chasing the Star to celebrate the release into the United Kingdom. Forty Nights should also be joining our friends in the UK. This time next year all three will be released! Also Chasing the Star will be playing on the big screen in Bedias, Texas at Miller’s Theatre I believe on Dec 7th. I’m very happy about all the developments on these films.
These two knuckleheads from ‘Wild Faith’
Wild Faith – the end credits are almost done. The VFX work is all in and the audio is being tweaked around it while color correction takes place. We did paperwork on all this at week’s end and so if a short time we’ll have all that complete. We will have a finished film VERY SOON. Before the end of the year – Merry Christmas to all of us.
This month we also did some work on other properties to boost them back into the marketplace. ASHES OF EDEN has a few options/offers to rejoin the market. We’ll be making a decision on that this week. A child’s animated feature THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ will be releasing back into the marketplace and FIGURE IN THE FOREST is making a few moves. Our bridge into India is also underway and soon I should have news to report there. In 2018 we will have that bridge open. Many more deals will be put into play.
Where ideas are born…
This week will be several meetings as we bring 2017 to an end. I’m going to cut this short as we’re taking the mom’s to a beautiful turn of the century house for a Christmas event this afternoon. I hope you all get to spend some quality time with your loved ones. Our development work on MBF continues and we plan to move into full preproduction at the end of January 2018.
Be good to one another!
DJ
Events, Upcoming Films and Fall Updates!
It took me a while to sign in to my blog here. There are so many media communication sites. I get communications coming from all sides. Email is still the best way to contact me but even that is getting more complex. This morning we had a great breakfast in what use to be a train station in the late 1800’s early 1900’s. The chill today is perfect for all the football on deck. MSU, my alumni school plays in a few short hours. Lions on Sunday plus last regular season soccer match before play offs. It was another grinding week but extremely productive. Let’s look at a few of the wins this week.
I’m working the last few pages on “Chasing the Star” our follow-up biblical drama. I was so happy about how the “40 Nights” script evolved and how it translated to the screen. This follow-up has distribution and it appears all our funding commits are in place. So we are looking to return to AZ and film our second film for Lightworx Entertainment.
“40 Nights” has been exciting because we are now seeing dialogue cleaned up/balanced and environmental sound design. I got the signed paperwork on our licensing deal for management of merchandising. This movie should be complete end of November.
Now we have a partially funded western also being distributed worldwide by Lightworx. Not only will it be a feature film but used as a pilot for a TV series that we hope to shoot in Michigan. We have been in talks with several actresses over a lead role. Also some great Hollywood celebs may come out to participate. Funding talks continue and we have a real strong shot at doing this film before the holidays hit.
Development talks for films beyond April 2016 are underway but I also have a few projects to act in that I’m watching to see when their schedule lands. The C.U.J.O. movie has been talked about prior and also my management is targeting a strongly anticipated TV series. Not sure if we’re looking at a guest starring or being a regular but I would be happy with either one.
NEW Poster art for “Wasteland Tales of the Desert Part 1”
WASTELAND poster is being sent and the director has been trying to target festivals that focus on Science Fiction. I also want to get updates on THE TERRORIST (Release dates) and DEAD QUIET (Premiere dates).
From the motion picture “BESTSELLER”
“BESTSELLER” is having an event showing at the Wrought Iron Grill in Owosso, Michigan on November 1st. An EVENT PAGE coming soon! “BESTSELLER” is also being delivered to our distributor as is “Donors” so when I have release dates I will let everyone know.
In Lansing, MI we are kicking off a monthly CDI film screening starting in Oct. 15th at Sanctuary Spirits in Grand Ledge. I think it is $5.00 cover at door and the opening film is “Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town” – a smoky mountain western. It pits the two mountain men from DELIVERANCE – Bill McKinney & Herbert Cowboy Coward against one another.
CDI’s Smoky Mountain Western released domestically by Lionsgate
I think Sanctuary Spirits will have some great whiskey specials. They have an apple and maple whiskey that is really good. I love their gin also. Not only can you have drinks there but you can buy bottles to take home. EVENT PAGE COMING SOON!
DJ Perry as Donnie in ASHES OF EDEN
“Ashes of Eden” is gearing up for a release in less than a month. Here is a pre-sale link for BEST BUY
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/ashes-of-eden-dvd/27981334.p?id=3374781&skuId=27981334
We will provide more ways for you to see this fine film in the weeks ahead.
In summary…working hard to finish up and deliver our current slate. We have some of the next slate funded and working on the ones after that. We are at a good place – working with distributors and making films to release directly into the marketplace. I’m really enjoying this new work flow. We will finish up this slate of films and look at moving to a few larger films. Patience is a virtue.
Have a great weekend and spend some time with friends and family.
GO MSU! Go LIONS!
DJ
RIP Bill McKinney – Appreciate the Artists
So I want to start my post this morning honoring a great actor whom I had the pleasure of working with on our Lionsgate western “Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town” (Comcast On Demand, Netflix, Amazon). This actor is Mr. Bill McKinney famous for many roles in great films such as “Deliverance,” “The Outlaw Josey Wales” and of course my favorite playing my father in GHOST TOWN. I recall doing producing paperwork at Robert Bradley’s home and on TV I’m watching Clint Eastwood and Bill verbal spar on-screen. I remember thinking “tomorrow is my turn” to play with this great actor. Our 1st day together was shooting the father/son stable scene and it is currently one of the 1st scenes on my reel as I believe it reflects some of my best work. Bill felt the scene because of not always seeing eye-to-eye with his own son and God knows my father and I have also had our disagreements. So the scene really worked and we had great respect for each other from that first day. I have been looking forward to the next time we would work together but yesterday I got word that told me I would just have to appreciate the time we had. Bill McKinney passed away from throat cancer. His family said two weeks earlier he was shooting a commercial for DORITOS which doesn’t surprise me as the man was a battle axe. I hope the commercial is for the Superbowl because that would be a fitting send off. To work with Bill was to work with true greatness. It is why I will continue to be a fan of working with the aging vets of our industry despite what some casting folks say about BUZZ, HEAT and FLAVOR OF THE MONTH type B.S.. When the goal is to make a good film go to the old pros! They will add so much depth to your roles, your film and they are doing it for the love of the craft! So I want to give my on-screen dad a heartfelt send off. I only hope that I can be part of a string of hit films like he was. When it comes to intensity he could stand toe to toe with ANYONE. Cheers to Bill!
This week had me working film sales, development on no less than 4 different films and discussing acting roles in a few other movies for 2012. I did read a cool script the other night and I’m in discussions on that film. I’m told another director wants me to look at a role in a Michigan film so I expect to take another read soon. I’ve been doing a bit of writing on a script I’ve had upstairs in the nugget for quite a while so that has been enjoyable. I’ve also been sending paperwork around on the upcoming studio films I’ve got moving down the line. So overall it has been a very busy week. Thankfully I’m almost back to feeling myself again. I had a hard time with jet lag and came home just slightly sick.
We do have some casting calls slowly rolling out. You can seek out the COLLECTIVE DEVELOPMENT INC. Facebook site as they are posting there first. The first call was for a very experienced actor of Indian (India) background/look. Those who know me can attest how much stock I put into reels of previous work. Cold auditions suck and never yield the same results as seeing the actor in the real deal. So if you’ve been slacking on putting a reel together or getting your footage of past work – do so.
We’re also going to be posting at the CDI Facebook site to see if any female TRIPLETS that have that country girl “Daisy Mae” sort of vibe exist in Michigan or the surrounding states. I also heard that some of the Michigan film incentives were going to be back in action for 2012 so that is good news!
On the personal level I asked for some beautiful snow and boy we sure did get some. Almost eight inches of the white covered everything in the Lansing area. I’m going to have to do a little clean up as the heavy snow brought down a heavy tree branch on a portion of the garden fence. Not a problem as fences can be mended and now we have some more kindling to burn in the fire pit.
I will leave you all with the plea that next time you work on a project with a group of artists truly appreciate that opportunity because as the wheel of life turns we will lose friends and peers. On the CDI Facebook site there is also an album that honors many of the fellow artists that have passed on. Remember and respect those artists who made their mark and passed on. Appreciate the artists and the moments spent with them. They are your history and part of your mythology.
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 