CDI Tribe Spotlight and 2026 Updates!
A screen shot from the upcoming ‘AI Jesus: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip
What a chilly morning here in the Michigan. I’ve had talks with folks in Florida and even there cold. We might get one more blizzard hit over the next two days. This cold steals a little bit of my motivation. We are deep into the first month of the new year. I have hit the ground running and working hard to get things done. Today I’m going to finish working on some writing for our CDI web page that is getting a few updates. Our Christmas tree came down last week after my blog writing. New gifts and such have been being put into new places. 2025 was a blessed year in many ways and I’m working to make 2026 also be about abundance. I will give a few updates on where things are in the world of CDI. CDI is 30 years old! That is a great accomplishment I’m told and I’ve had everyone suggest I write a book pulling on many topics from my blogs. The idea of a CDI documentary has again resurfaced. I have a meeting coming up to readdress the uprez of three of the early CDI Classic films. I’m excited about that. I do feel the pride of having this company grow and survive the ups and downs for all these years. Let’s spotlight some of the old guard CDI leadership still making it all happen.
My fellow CDI founder Jeff Kennedy was an inspiration in high school of making learning fun and cool. He and his wife Juanita are two of the most creative people you would ever meet. They believed in me and the idea of CDI when nobody else would. Since 2007 time frame Jeff has been medically retired. I add the medical because if Jeff did not have his back issues he would still be in the mix creating. He deserves the peace and happiness he is living in. Not a day goes by that I’m not appreciative of both of them. Knight Chills, From Venus, Heaven’s Neighbors, Figure in the Forest are the first four films we did at CDI. In a way it was our film school. On the 30th anniversary I want to really give the Kennedy’s their due. Without their love and support there would be no CDI. I will work to get those last three films to HD and back into the market. KNIGHT CHILLS can be watched on Blu Ray or streamed now.
Dean Teaster is another gent who I consider one of the founders of CDI. If not a true founder he helped forge the business flow at CDI. Operating as the COO, Chief Operating Officer he help implement many processes that we still use today. He is responsible for the onset accounting we use to this day. It dovetails into our end of the year tax work that keeps everything moving in the right direction. Not only is he one of my closest friends he is a pillar at CDI. His acting has been riding high later in life as he completely surrenders himself to the character he is becoming.
Anthony Hornus was one of the earliest producers at CDI and has proven his value as a writer, actor and director. He is a creative warrior that will go out on his shield. As a writer/co-director he brought us AN ORDINARY KILLER (streaming) but in recent years he directed Man’s Best Friend, Silent Night in Algona and the upcoming AI Jesus: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip. He also runs a military themed Non-Profit The Red, White and Blue Project that works close with CDI. Together with CDI assistance he has produced such powerful content such as OUTSIDE THE WIRE: The Forgotten Children of Afghanistan, Standing Post and For the Love of Catch. As a senior producer he is known for his ability to connect with government officials and extras on our film sets.
Melissa Anschutz while seen often starring in CDI films serves as a senior producer onset often working as the unit production manager. She works closely with the marketing of CDI films due to her position of CMO (Chief marketing Officer) for Twin Engines Global that has much of the CDI library under their umbrella.
Shane Hagedorn serves as a senior producer at CDI. In addition to his powerful acting his directorial endeavors have given us Ashes of Eden, Best Years Gone and Wild Faith Christmas. He is a pillar of the CDI company and loves making content that inspires people.
John Mashni is part of the CDI production team serving as CLO (Chief Legal Officer). From investment, cast and crew or distribution documents, Mr. Mashni handles all aspects of legal as it pertains to CDI endeavors.
Dane DeFord has joined the producer’s team as the Transportation Captain. He has been responsible for off set production vehicles and on-set picture cars, boats, planes, wagons/horses and more. He is also building his front of the camera resume with several attention getting roles.
David Gries has worked with CDI on both sides of the camera both by bringing multiple memorable roles to life while also handling the web design and IT work for the CDI tribe. He also works as a designer for Twin Engines Global marketing bringing that experience with him to everything his does with CDI.
Dennis Therrian while maintaining his identity as a powerful composer musician he has also become an amazing sound designer. He is the pos-production supervisor who assists in delivering the completed films to our distribution partners. He has been with CDI from film one and his work has become a pillar of quality in the library of CDI films.
In addition to these good folks this “tribe” of artists has raised the bar for independent film production with a wide group of investors, sponsors, key crew and directors-for-hire chosen to fit the right script. CDI 2026 celebrates 30 years of creating stories via motion picture, commercials, music videos and more. They built the company on basic key points 1) Staying on budget 2) Staying on Schedule 3) The films are all handcrafted with a unique quality that only comes from artists who deeply care.
We have many new artists working to earn their place within the tribe. Some people find that the journey of telling these stories is too difficult. There is no shame in that as our people work very hard to stand out from the clutter of content in the marketplace. Let’s look at the progress being made on the current films.
- Harsens Island Revenge joins many of the CDI films streaming on the popular ad based VOD like Tubi, Xumo, Encourage TV (Youtube) and more. This film is well rounded and full of excitement and drama.
- Wild Faith Christmas just completed an extended run in Lansing and Grand Rapids, MI at Celebration Cinemas. Now Fridley in Algona, Iowa is welcoming the film Jan 23-29th! We are still working several chains so please do call your theaters and request the film.
- Rom Coms Must Die will marry the new color corrected version visual to the sound this week. We’ll do another hard look at the end credits but we are close to a final watch. From there we’ll set up the theatrical which I hope to have hit April 1st. We are looking at a few festivals for fun. Our home video release will be Q3.
- The trailer for AI Jesus: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is being worked on as we speak. Once the music and sound is done we will do final watches before it moves into music and sound design. I’ll be working to land the last few marketing investors/sponsors and we are excited to bring this to theaters before a Q4 home video release. This is gonna be a powerful film but presented in a very entertaining way.
DEVELOPMENT: I did have a good sit down meeting with John McGraw and we are considering putting the feature version of SMOKE & MIRRORS back on the slate. Few locations and a smaller scope makes it appealing. I’ve also been working on some script writing. The work is on sequels to a few of the more popular titles. We also have a few pitches for founding out and we will see how that develops. We all would love to see the season 1 of WILD FAITH: Hastings go into production but we will see.
WRAP UP: I’m going to wrap this up and go make some breakfast. Already gathered an egg from our chickens this morning. I’m going to do some work for the CDI website and I’ve got soccer playing. I did sub in for a house team last week playing indoor soccer. It was good to get some intense running in. First half breath was a touch off but I got my second wind. Second wind but my legs felt heavy second half. I was a touch sore overnight and mildly stiff the day after but I’m ready for Tuesday again! Do something physical to get your body moving and to help clear your head. I hope you all have a great week ahead. 2026 is full of possibilities you just gotta go after them with a good, organized plan. Until next week my friends, COFFEE CHEERS!
DJ
CDI Film Updates! Plus the Secret to Making Your 2026 More Productive!
Good morning! After a few days of rain and gloom we got our pretty snow back. We did enjoy some warm temps for a stretch of days. Yesterday the Christmas tree came down which is sad but also signals the start of the new year being in full swing. It was a very productive week on many levels but still the world seems to be off balance again with negativity in abundance. I’ve said before, it’s what I love about being a storyteller versus activism. I can work with artists from many circles to collectively tell a story that is beneficial to all. That helps remind us of what brings us together and inspires hope for a day of better harmonious co-existence.
On a business level we are in full swing of streamlining CDI and preparing for some great things in 2026. I’ve nearly got all the end of year materials forwarded to our accounting firm. Just a few December statements once they are sent and legal will send investor dispersement breakdowns for last year. I’ve just got my personal taxes to complete but I’m close to having all that together. There is so much business to attend to and I think that for many struggling in the arts that is a direct result of all show and no business sense. I’m proud that we’ve been working to do it right from movie one at CDI.
I’m still working out HOW TO’s on little functions of my new laptop but as you can read I’m getting there. I guess I could say the same thing about my jeep. I’m still working on understanding a few of the buttons and gizmos. Evolving is slow for me as I get proficient in a process and I’m not easy to change. But with good folks around me I’m slowly making changes. CDI’s website will be undergoing some much needed updates thanks to David Gries. CDI has turned 30 years old this year and we’re celebrating that. Adam Towner has been working on a CDI highlight reel. I’ve had others suggest a documentary film, a book and more. One step at a time. I do have a meeting on the books about working on Classic CDI films 2-4 which need restoration work before being ready for the marketplace. We are working on a few literary releases associated with the movies and I still want a few record albums showcasing Dennis Therrian’s amazing work. Maybe like a KTEL (Old School) best of CDI music. I have ideas. Let’s look at some of the more recent updates!
- CDI’s roaring 1920’s film Harsens Island Revenge released to home video on the ad-based platforms like Encourage TV, Roku, Tube…meaning you can watch free with ads. We get paid by advertisers. I’m about to release the first investor checks from theatrical once I get it properly recorded with legal. Again this was based on a book of the same name by Karl Manke so read the book as well!
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS gave us one of the happiest pre-Christmas run in theaters and was extended in Lansing and Grand Rapids, MI playing Celebration Cinemas until the 15th of January! We are trying to lock in dates with NCG and Emagine but things have been slow. Even when we have audiences ready we still need to wait because we don’t control the theaters. We’ll keep playing this film all winter and it will release to home video 4Q before the holidays. The distributor is planning a campaign with the original film WILD FAITH 3Q promoting the forthcoming follow up. The original has done well for us and justified the second film. We do have the TV series to push towards production and I’ve been slowly working on the 3rd stand alone film. This franchise has become a bright spot in the world. Thank you to the tens of millions who have supported it.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE – This film is a parody from start to finish about the filmmaking industry. The hardships of actors, filmmakers and distributors who often want junk content. The new audio mix was amazing and of course it was because that is what Dennis Therrian does. Our director is doing a final visual test on film using a filter to see if we/he likes the enhancement. After that we’ll put it all together for a final watch through . We are almost ready to start talking premiere and the theatrical run. I would like to see an April 1st theatrical release. The home video release is set for Q3 before Halloween. It is comedic with a dark, twisted sense of humor. We all think audiences will enjoy it and if you work in the industry you’ll get a few more of the inside jokes.
- In the same week we got to do a watch of AI JESUS: THE SECRET OF THE KINGDOM CHIP with all the VFX inserted. WOW! It was so cool to see the entire flow with completed VFX. We are making some final tweaks and reviews before the film moves over to music and sound design. It will drop into the studio end of January and I’m guessing 2-3 months of work bring us to May/June. We’ll do a summer theatrical release and home video is set for 4Q. You cannot turn on the radio air TV without ongoing talks on AI. The film used AI in various parts of the production flow and even included a high end production robot. A trailer is being polished up and will have the music and sound design done before work on the main feature goes into high gear. I’m still sitting down with investors and sponsors over the last few marketing units. I’m working to close that up since everyone is excited to get back on set with new film production. PS: This film does have ties to THE QUEST TRILOGY the three biblical adventures CDI produced in the desert of Yuma, AZ. So do take a watch on all three FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER.
DEVELOPMENT: We’ve got a few commercial and narrative projects in development. A few films have pitch packs out to funders and I’m working on a few new scripts. The follow up films are fun allowing endearing characters to return. With pre-existing fans it makes sense business-wise too. Aside from the WILD FAITH franchise there’s 2-3 other CDI favorites that might get a follow up. We do have some original films in development also and I’m excited to see which ones get traction.
WRAP UP: So I talked with Terry Knox this week who people know mostly from ST ELSEWHERE and TOUR OF DUTY but we’ve done a half dozen films together since AN ORDINARY KILLER in 2002. He was bragging at the production value of HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE which he had just watched. He plays a member of the Purple Gang. Somehow we got talking about conventions and meet and greets. I know they have them for horror films, comics, sci-fi and war films/TV series. It must have stuck in my mind. I awoke this morning from a dream I had gone with T Knox to a convention that had actors from all different TV shows. I was representing WICKED SPRING, MBF, SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA…I was meeting folks from Hogan’s Heroes, Band of Brothers and MASH. In my dream I was talking with Gary Burghoff (Radar) from MASH and told him how much I’ve enjoyed his work and asked how he was doing. He was starving and so I went and got him some snacks from a green room table. Funny stuff!
I’m going to wrap things up here. I’ve got some other work I want to get done but as always I appreciate the time we had today reviewing our progress. With the extension of Wild Faith Christmas in the theaters, Harsens Island Revenge to AVOD and the post work flow I’m pleased with how 2026 is already started. We have had a few negative folks come out of the wood work throwing stones at the art. I told someone recently almost all the negativity any of us artists get comes from other artists not the general audiences. Writers who cannot option or sell a script. Producers who can never finance a project. Directors who will never sit in the chair. Actors that don’t get cast. ROM COMS MUST DIE is a love letter to some of these folks but Amos and Clem are doers. Channel this frustration into work and progress versus pooping in someone’s punchbowl. Haha! Maybe too much. But you get the point. Most don’t take the time to review or are unable to navigate the process. But if you can and you want to counter some hate with joy, please do. Amazon reviews. IMDB reviews. And believe or not I’ll send positive wishes even to those struggling and aiming their frustration at at working artists. In the time it takes to write a negative review something positive could have been done to move their own pieces on the chess board. But negativity is part of the game. My above friend T Knox once said if you don’t have haters you’re not doing something right. The rocks thrown haven’t slowed the forward train in 30 years so I don’t think it is going to happen. If you are one of the frustrated focus more on your business and less on the art. The art is fun and the business often is not. But the secret to success lies in doing both and in good time. A company that distributes films cannot work with you if your biz is not in order or your film cannot make deadlines or pass quality control. So focus on these things and make your 2026 better than your 2025!
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Thankful For the Journey Thus Far – Embrace the Past That Created YOU. Oh, and Film Updates!
(Done with the clean shaven for a while, snow is about to fly in the Michigan)
I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee and sitting down with you all on this fine Sunday morning. I want to welcome all our new readers from Norway, Germany, Saudi Arabia and more. We are expecting snow here in Michigan today and the bitter chill is a precursor. Only a few more things in the yard to stow away until the springtime. This past week was a busy one with Thanksgiving falling on a Thursday. We went up North and spent time with family. Friday and Saturday were getting things ready for Christmas. I was happy to spend a little time with Dean Teaster who came to pick up a few of his props. He had several period phones that we used in Harsens Island Revenge. Saturday we got supplies for the chickens and also went and cut our Christmas tree. It is up and awaiting decoration which will happen over the next few days. I’m feeling thankful at this time of the season. I’m trying to slow my roll from the active year and recharge. I’ve had several great meetings last week both by phone and in-person. The fire at the office is a great place to sit around and throw ideas. Let’s look at some of the meetings and developments from the week.
- The top news is the special screening of SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA for one day FREE w/ ads at Encourage TV. It is free to subscribe and plays on Youtube, Roku and various platforms. Read all about it here: https://www.prlog.org/12995184-silent-night-in-algona-one-day-free-screening-on-encourage-tv-before-release-to-home-video.html and watch the interview here – https://www.facebook.com/share/v/MgHsnnVRqwsR6SVF/?mibextid=hubsqH
- On December 1st the film SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA will start its DVD and Video on Demand run. A great family watch or a holiday gift for lovers of history. It can be found on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Night-Algona-Anthony-Hornus/dp/B0CL7DFYSK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1WMZK4FVE00Y7&keywords=silent+night+in+algona&qid=1701008715&sprefix=silent+night+in+%2Caps%2C212&sr=8-1
- Got word that SAVAGE, a Bigfoot story that I wrote and developed with director Lynn Drzick (In the Woods) was sold and script was produced. It is now making its way to digital home video on Jan. 1st. Read about it here! https://www.horrorsociety.com/2023/11/20/savage-the-bigfoot-legendlives-on-digital-platforms-jan-1st/
- This is AWESOME – Encourage TV has given CDI its own Playlist so you can watch all the family films playing on Encourage TV. You can now do a marathon of CDI films at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Tn2MhKrkFOCsmKZaxoZCT1R5GEOEL3E
- Harsens Island Revenge is full speed ahead on editing. We are looking this week at a possible model boat explosion. I need to speak today or tomorrow with our director Carl on that front. Our Production Designer Greg Burns (GW) has created a group of Christmas cards using our locations and vehicles. If you are interested in these you can reach out to GW at gwburnsphotography@gmail.com (See the Harsens Island Revenge FB page to see pics)
- Knight Chills is performing well with its new Blu Ray release. I will be looking to get our materials back and set up the film in 2024 for streaming. Here is where you can buy the Blu Ray- https://www.amazon.com/Knight-Chills-Tim-Jeffrey/dp/B0CJ5WBSZR/ref=sr_1_2?crid=VH32AUSX4DRN&keywords=Knight+Chills&qid=1701010903&sprefix=knight+chill%2Caps%2C267&sr=8-2
- WILD FAITH is about to cross another mark on Encourage TV, EIGHT MILLION VIEWS! This will happen in just days and that number is increasing at all the platforms. We will be working hard to position the TV series HASTINGS for production. The demand is there we just need to get the right partners lined up. Creative control has been the biggest thing to deal with but we are making progress.
- DEVELOPMENT – This is a great time of year where we are planning the next several years of projects at CDI. I’ve got some good script writing on deck and we’ve been making moves on positioning other films to launch. We mentioned Hastings above and we’re actively looking at a primarily location for HOT ROD LOVE. We’ll be updating some of the materials soon which will also include the addition of Pepsi to our package as a sponsor. We will be approaching other sponsors and funders in the new year with the hope of rolling cameras in the summer 2024.
In wrapping up this blog, I reflect the sentiment of the recent holiday, appreciation. I’ve been enjoying meeting with so many of you as we prepare to celebrate a NEW release as our holiday WW2 film hits the market Nov 30th. We will be enjoying behind the scenes, posters and trailers for Harsens Island Revenge as we enter 2024. Our back up system for the CDI films is being build now and we’ll soon have easier access to footage. I am planning to release a 2024 CDI highlight reel on New Years Eve we will see. I was reminded by a friend that I need to enjoy the victories and not just jump to whatever is lagging or under performing. In time, but again I’ll take the moments to celebrate those wins. And I will say that this blog and all of you are part of that win. I appreciate those artists who’ve reached out and expressed how the blog has helped them. Sometimes it the stimulating of an idea that can be implemented into your own endeavors. Sometimes it is just the comfort of knowing that struggling is just part of living. If you picked the arts you’ve chosen the harder path. But I have been rewarded by the places I’ve been, the people I’ve collaborated with and the creation of stories into the world that would not have been there otherwise.
(Always the dreamer – I’ve done some biographical writing over the years and one day it might make a good book)
Off some recent conversations – For those just starting out. There is no shame in doing other work as you build a foundation. Writers pull on those early jobs. Remember write about what you know. I use to go home from my first job at PONDEROSA steakhouse with a pocket full of napkins full of my scrawling for script and movie ideas. When I managed a fitness club it also became my office. This was at a time of using calling cards for long distance so having phones set up for free long distance was a plus. I had a mail system which made send outs easy. But I also lived in Kinkos for several years – I remember having to go up there to get my Scream 2 sides faxed. That audition is what took me to Hollywood for the first time. Everything leads to something else. Embrace your journey. Patience is a hard thing to master and you might spend a lifetime trying to tame it. Faith that everything led you to where you are is also nurturing. Any variance or change could have affected many outcomes. Be mindful of the past and note the future but really do focus on the present. I’m spending this winter reflecting, recharging and refocusing – when the new year comes I hope to bring some hard fought and earned wisdom to the next leg of the adventure.
Coffee Cheers! Maybe 2024 will be the year of the full time coffee sponsor!
Be good to one another, DJ.
Week’s Top Eight Updates
Good morning to all of you out there. I’m happy to see all the readers from our Canadian neighbors, Germany, China, Australia and more… if you think someone might benefit from a read please do share our blog site. I’ve been sipping the coffee this morning as I ponder what I should discuss. The holidays are now truly behind us. The beautiful Christmas tree is now seasoning by the woodpile to give fire starting material as the last years tree does now. We had a touch of warm yesterday that melted some of the snow and had all the animals out enjoying the day and gathering food. I’ve been sharing some old peanut butter holiday cookies with the squirrels each day. Now they look in my windows as if to say – hey now.
So this week has been full of steady work and so I think I will random a few of these updates out there.
- End-of-the-year tax work on the movies. It’s not the most fun you’ll have in film but it comes with the territory. If you aren’t doing that work you’re likely a hobbyist and aren’t accountable for anyone’s money. Hobbyist is fine but when you do start working in film professionally do your required work. I see people who want to just play and I understand that but paying people (which requires tax work), union, insurance, state filings… the biz of showbiz. I want to thank my hardworking team. I’ve said it before, it is not easy to do things right and even with best efforts we make mistakes. But when people don’t even try…
- We’re banking more capital on CDI’s next movie MBF (Man’s Best Friend) and still in talks to assign the final units. We’ve got several projected plans pending what happens in the next few weeks. People think raising money is easy and it is not. Even when you stay on budget, schedule, assured distribution to the marketplace, talented artists – it can still be difficult. I think with the tax change it had many pausing until the new year. But we’ll lock it up soon.
- So “Chasing the Star” has been submitted to ICFF and the Crown Awards by our distributor. It was a strong Christmas season and we’ll start to feel that in the next few months. The biblical adventure is a worthy watch at any time of the year. As Easter approaches BMG will keep pushing both “Forty Nights” and “Chasing the Star” we also are expanding into more foreign territories. I think Germany was most recent. Also what a great fan responses over the holidays. Thank you for all the communications.
BREAKING – So a good case point/example. I was sipping coffee and typing to all of you when I got a communication from one of my producers asking for additional info for our tax reporting. Forty minutes later – I’m back. But it’s why I don’t run the streets hard like I did as a younger man. Business pops up and you have to try to be prepared to keep the train a rolling. More coffee vs whiskey and more tea versus wine but I do still enjoy the sip with company. Being well rested is another key. Many people openly brag about how run ragged they are and how little sleep and such. It’s worn proudly like a badge of honor. But I don’t see a badge nor honor. I see a person admit that their time management is not good and likely most of their endeavors are wrought with mistakes and oversights due to being “tired”… put a spin on tired if you want but it still just plays as tired. Look how hard I work! Maybe look how smart I work is better. It’s the angst of the living artist. Look at me I’m suffering. Yes, when dreams are just outside your reach there is suffering. Usually self-induced suffering because we look at what we want and don’t have versus what we have and use that as steps to a new place. So in 2018 if you’re one of those who takes on too much – do less and do it well versus more and tired. I think you will like the changes it makes around you.
4. The Christ Slayer is locking up VFX and will move into studio for sound and music. The trailer will get a mix before releasing in a couple of weeks. The first poster is also looking to release next month. I’m excited to bring the last chapter of the trilogy to audiences and let them enjoy them individually or together.
5) Wild Faith. Yes. Quite the buzz building over this powerful 1800’s story. That time period is a favorite of many of us at CDI. We watched the most recent pass of the color correction with the theatrical 5.1 surround mix. WOW! Meetings this week about the premiere opportunities and theatrical roll out. I’ve had a few more talks on the TV series and I’m feeling good. Good about the fact that once people are brought into the town of Hastings, Michigan in 1875. Once they meet and grow close to the lovable characters in Wild Faith, that a TV series will happen. I am going to talk to broadcast sponsors also. I would love a MI based series as it would allow us to work with many artists in our state. If this is the first time hearing about this film look up the trailers, Facebook page or website.
6. WEBSITE – Collective Development Inc. is revamping its website to take us into the new years ahead. http://www.cdiproductions.com is still under construction but it will be a place for a) better casting info for people b) A streaming community with interviews, film advice, BTS and a movie watching club. c) Merchandise. I’ve been asked over the years about merchandise. I LOVED it as a kid, okay and as an adult. We will be seeking to enhance this area. Lunch box? Action figure? Posters?
7. The animated division is going to get more attention. Why? As a kid I loved cartoons and so why not. “The Patchwork Girl of Oz” is on Vimeo On Demand and will be releasing to Amazon. We’re also in talks on another collaboration that will be animated. More soon.
8. I’m reading a few scripts and I have several to get back to that I started before Christmas. Most are from past collaborators bringing new projects forth to see if I/CDI would be interested in involvement. Yes. I do enjoy going to work on other’s projects – it really is about the role and compensation is also a factor. I’m also trying to do my daily script writing but actually it’s been only a few times a week. Organize that time. I try to take my own advice.
This is me returning a handful of hours later. That business work can take over that fast. I’m sure I might have missed a few updates but some of the deals are highlighted here. I hope you all have a productive week.
Be good to one another.
DJ
International Audiences, Updates, Advice
Welcome December! I’ve got the hazelnut coffee brewed and I’m ready to have a little chat with the “Clawing My Way to the Middle” readers. First I want to say it is an honor to have each and every one of you take the time to read my journey. I try to present lessons that can help others on their own journey. I wanted to let you all know where many of our readers are from. Of course the USA, Brazil, Mozambique, Portugal, Spain, Italy, Norway, Thailand, Australia and Netherlands. How great is it that we all reside within our boarders of our country but we are all on this planetary journey together. Storytelling as been helping to shape society and artistic expressions while various all share common traits. I’ve always been drawn to culture that is different. I think that is what is uniquely special in all of us. That is why I could never get the concept of unifying. No one art is better – it is uniquely different. My mind even goes to food and drink when I look at that list of countries. I know all the unique traditions that surround great meals prepared in all those lands. USA is the hodgepodge for sure and that is our thing. But I’m deeply appreciate of food, song, culture, religion (as an expression) and storytelling. I’ve been honored to have worked with a handful of international filmmakers and I plan to work with more. I think my interest in ancient history, martial arts and even the culture of futbol/soccer has driven me to explore and enjoy the diversity we have on this planet. I want to thank all of you readers for your precious moments. I also will make it a goal to get more and more of our films into your territories. Some of them already are but with distribution growing as they say at Disney world “It’s a small world after all.” True words:)
I’ve had a great week both personal and professional. The Thanksgiving family time is past us and now the Christmas tree is up. While not yet decorated it has been a welcome sight each day. The tree will become the fuel of the transformation fire (Fire pit) that will help burn up the winter clutter once spring arrives. I’ve been gathering gifts for family since I will be gone the week before Christmas week. I’ll be in Nevada playing space cowboy in the Valley of Fire. I was informed that as a young child I went there and even saw a few old photos yesterday. I look forward to gathering with these artists and performing with a few actors I admire and have not yet worked directly with. I’m ready save my packing so soon it will be time to shoot in the WASTELAND.
2015 Distribution Updates
CDI projects
ASHES OF EDEN – Feel free to read a great review of the film. More of these will be releasing leading up to the 2015 national release. I have a goof vocabulary but I had to look up the word they associated with my name. I thought it might mean “Loud and Opinionated” Ha! But I was happy to see that it meant “marked by outstanding strength and vigor of body, mind or spirit.” So please do take a read on the review and we will be getting the film on the market and out to you very soon.
REVIEW LINK
http://cinemaheadcheese.blogspot.com/2014/12/movie-review-ashes-of-eden-2014.html?m=1
DONORS – Also will be releasing nationally in 2015 – more on this in the weeks to come
WICKED SPRING – produced under Lionheart Filmworks when that was our southern sister company. The companies split ways a handful of years ago and now “Wicked Spring” is under the CDI banner and is getting a 2015 spring special edition release. Also on BluRay!
We will see a 2015 re-release of KNIGHT CHILLS with a novelization release. Likely fall 2015. Also work on a sequel script has begun.
HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST rights are back at home here at CDI and a domestic release set up will also happen. “Figure in the Forest” can be seen on TBN and Parables TV.
BESTSELLER – Early look at FX work is very exciting! I know music work is in full swing. We are looking at a 1st test showing of this film early in 2015. We are getting some early interest from distributors. It is going to be another film that proudly showcases Michigan filmmaking at its finest.
NON-CDI RELEASE INFO
I have a few co-starring/supporting roles in THE TERRORIST & DEAD QUIET and make appearances in DIVISION 19 and SMALL TOWN SANTA (Released now).
Several VERY exciting projects are in development some with partial funding. We’re hard at work with some script work and prep that will lead to more production in 2015!
My last advice pulled from recent events. ALWAYS, ALWAYS give more by way of effort than what you are paid for. NEVER be one of the people who does just the absolute minimum. Maybe at some boring desk job but in an industry that moves on passion you never want to be seen as just a functional piece. Your passion is what makes you an artistic contributor. It is what will get you re-hired. A great example taken from BESTSELLER film shoot. I like to ninja about and just observe people at work. I came up to the grip truck one day to find our key grip Paul Burt busy organizing. Most people were just trying to stay warm and get the shots as this was a wet, cold day on a remote dirt road. I watched him move and arrange. Wipe down and clean C stands and such. When I revealed myself to his surprise – I was met with a smile and asked if I needed anything. My response – “I need an entire crew with an attitude like yours.” I said, hot coffee was ready and he explained that he would go up in a few minutes. This was HIS responsibility. HIS grip truck for this shoot and HE wanted to make sure it was clean and orderly because it was a reflection on him. WOW! I want people like that on our team. That is a reflection of us as a company. That is a reflection of us as an industry. Character is what you are when you think nobody is looking. Pride starts with yourself and extends outward like a pebble thrown in water. Paul Burt’s phone will ring again. Will yours? With only so many people making narrative features and with the way producers get referrals on performance. How many times can someone give just the bare minimum before one of your peers with passion takes that hire away from you? Let me answer that for you – not many. This goes for actors. This goes for vendors. I’ve had companies mad because I continued to get my gear over the years from LOWING LIGHT & GRIP. I even had a trash talking vendor from Detroit once ask how she could steal my business. Her choice of words alone made me say, NEVER. David (Lowing) was there when I first stepped up to fight monsters in IN THE WOODS. He has always been there for me. Like I said about cast/crew, he always gave more goods or service than the dollar amount on the check. That intangible is where loyalty lives. The actor who gives every ounce of themselves – I immediately think of Melissa Anschultz freezing in a warehouse under rain machines while filming “7 Stones”. I already spoke about Paul Bert and David Lowing as examples of crew and vendors. If you desire loyalty from people you better give them a reason. I know people out there get mad (of course at someone else) if they get passed over. We know sometimes it’s just a casting thing or a key crew position that was already in play – but look at yourselves. Are you respectful to those above and below you? Do you give your best effort, always? Do you spread positive energy in your wake? Would you be an example for others to follow? If you can’t answer YES to all of these your time could be limited or your advancement may stall. Stand accountable and watch your career and life experience amazing growth.
Happy Full Moon!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 