End of June Updates! Half Way Through 2025!
Good morning my friends. I’m sipping some coffee but with coconut vs hazelnut this morning. I’m glad the humid heat broke somewhat allowing a good mow on the property and some tree trimming. Everything green is growing like crazy with the rain and heat. I’ve been harvesting some herbs and berries for future wine. I’ve been balancing the work flow and trying to stay on top of everything. I’ve discussed this before but communication is so very important when you have projects with so many moving pieces. If you ever want to see your productivity grow focus on your team’s communication. I’ve still got a few folks that I’m working on. I had a good talk about this yesterday that when you are accountable you need to be in the knowing.
Harsens Island Revenge – Funny story. So from those asked to go to IMDB.com and vote and leave a review we had a 9.1 of 10 ranking. I had someone reach out happy about that and I replied “Our haters haven’t caught up yet.” This person said that this stat was posted because of joy and pride in the work. The very next day someone voted a 1 and the ranking fell a touch. So many jealous people in this world who just want to poop in the pool. They have been around since the beginning but to me it is sad and predictable. Another artists distraught that they cannot pull something together and so they lash out. Don’t hate, create. You think or know you can do better, do it.
We have two more nights of shows at the Wells Flame Theater in MN. I’m excited to see where we go next. We have been working on the Emagine/Detroit area now for a beat. If it takes much longer we’ll bypass the chains for now and go to the individually owned. It is a great Detroit area story and the people want to see it. Any way you cut it on Oct 6th it will release to DVD and streaming but it is something to watch it on the big screen. Texas just played Doc’s Drive in and that must have been cool. So keep calling your theaters and we will keep pushing on our end.
I will also drop some PR in advance of next week’s releases. The Red Letter Awards has almost released all the nominations for 2025. The awards show outside Nashville will be on Sept 13th. We have been nominated for Best Film (The Team!), Best Writer (DJ Perry), Best Actor (David Reardon) and Actress (Cassie Dean), Best Supporting Actress (Melissa Anschutz), Best Director (Carl Weyant) * PR coming and for Best Supporting Actor (DJ Perry & Dean Teaster) * PR coming. I think Axel is one of the coolest roles I’ve played in a while. Axel is the reluctant helping hand while Dean Teaster played a truly scary and dangerous character in Abe Axler. While I love the nod the role is a few steps from myself with some 1920’s filters. Dean on the other hand is the nicest person and his role is so far outside himself accent and all, that I believe it to be the better performance. But the great scenes we both had with the leads both nominated and the cast shows how important everyone is to a story. We had so many actors and actresses that were worthy of being nominated. A big thank you to the Red Letter Awards.
Wild Faith Christmas – My updates from director Shane Hagedorn and composer/sound designer Dennis Therrian let me know we are close to a finish on the audio elements of the film. VFX and credit sequences are being looked at. We need to review and add final end credits which is on my TO DO list. This film is going to be an amazing follow up to WILD FAITH. I will start having some conversations about the TV series and see where that goes.
ROM COMS MUST DIE – The first week in July we are set to have a final review of the picture cut, color and VFX that is being put in now. Sound design is being done and after it will be moving to Dennis Therrian’s studio for music score and mixing. The 1st trailer is roughed out but trying to get a few things lined up with that before a release. This comedy thriller (horror) will be a fun one and we will look to have a premiere in October. After maybe a few festival showcases but it will release to theaters and release to home video in 2026.
Development/ Pre-Production:
The Secret of the Kingdom Chip – Anthony Hornus, the director of Man’s Best Friend and Silent Night in Algona is stepping back into the director’s chair. Please do watch the previously mentioned films to get a taste of the powerful stories “Tony” loves to tell. This film almost has all the investment units assigned and once that is complete we move to official pre-production. We have our shoot dates and locations in place. We are filming again in association with McGraw Multimedia (Rom Coms Must Die) with John McGraw as the director of photography. We have been doing preliminary casting and crewing and reaching out for a few reads. This film is really special in that the story is a follow up to The Quest Trilogy, biblical series we shot in Yuma. If you have not watched these three films FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER do so! This is a story set in modern times. It is SciFi and spiritual mixed and the script alone has spurred so many great conversations. This film will leave you talking for sure. The film is also a great dose of positivity something badly needed in these days. We have a social media Facebook page feel free to leave your reels on there. Also looking at crew in the Lansing, Owosso area of central Michigan. We’ve already got art team working on breakdowns and conceptual work. Cameras will roll in September and we’ll have this film ready to release in 2026.
MISC.
We do have additional development underway on a few other films. We just had a camera team shoot promo for a music festival. We also hope to have the most recent music video from Shallow Rising release in the coming weeks. I do have a few script properties I am working on. But nothing we need to talk about now.
WRAP UP:
This week I’ve had some great formal and informal conversations on life, projects and more. We have several requested reads coming in for the upcoming film and those will be fun to review. We already have seen some amazing reads and are excited for the cast line up. I have a few more meetings set up to discuss potential crew. We will likely use a good amount of McGraw’s team as our associated partners. But will be bringing in our own folks too. John McGraw is an OG of CDI reaching back into the earliest days. It is such a joy having him back in the mix of things.
I was happy to finalize the end of year tax pay off which took a while but is now crossed off the list. We’re now moving to some disbursements which I plan to have done and out in the next 2-3 weeks if not sooner. I talked with a few folks about how much work goes on behind the scenes for months before shooting and years after shooting. If it was as easy as just playing with the camera. We all started that way but doing it as a profession is a whole different level.
I’m going to wrap things up here. On the home front we have two new chickens including one that did an escape on day one leading to a chase like ROCKY BALBOA. Our one sick cat is home and on the mend. Two of the foster kittens entered their new home yesterday. We are still awaiting a run of dry days to seal and stain the deck. Enjoying the days of Summer but we can do without the crazy humidity. I think it is time for a few eggs so I’m going to wrap things up here. Thank you all for stopping by and having a cup of coffee or two.
Have a great Sunday and week ahead!
DJ
Back To Post-Production and New Development
Chilling at the Office
Two days ago I was thinking about turning soil in the garden and also doing some training for soccer season. We had a flurry of snow the other night and that continues today. So the office wood stove has been getting a work out and I love the smell and vibe it puts out. I have a few more things to do to the office/fort this year but I was really happy to get the stove in.
When shooting “Chasing the Star” in Corunna, MI I was surprised to find a brew store at this little gas station sized store. I ended up getting some green foil tops for my upcoming bottling of “THE RETURN OF THE GREEN GOBLIN” an October wine. I will let it age until the fall – this summer will be some “Tropic Thunder” (Banana/Coconut) sipping.
Speaking of CTS (Chasing the Star) we’ve been wrapping up paperwork and books while the master audio and visuals are being married. Editing should start this upcoming week and also work on a first teaser will begin. Several key meetings happening this week and really just making that full shift into post-production.
T Rex and DJ Perry (Moses & Jesus) on set “40 Nights”
“40 Nights” has been a fun project to watch roll out into the marketplace including Walmart. I really feel that film will speak to people – not just church going folk but many people. It is a beautiful piece of art thanks to the stunning landscapes provided by Yuma, AZ. A lot of people worked hard on that film and I’m happy to see audiences get a watch. The feedback thus far has been very strong and I’m happy people are connecting with it.
WHAT’S NEXT
Promotion – “Donors” DVD snuck into the marketplace in Feb. and we’re prepping for the April digital release. “Bestseller” will be releasing on DVD in May and so we will start promotions on that film soon.
“Ashes of Eden” and “40 Nights” promotion will continue with possibly some foreign and other event showings.
“Dead Quiet,” “District 19,” and “The Terrorist” are still out there and I’m sure will announce distribution developments.
Location scouting and director talks on the 3rd film in the QUEST TRILOGY have begun. A final polish on the script this week.
Our CDI/Jesse Low project for the fall will start having meetings. I look forward to producing this Michigan based 1800’s story. There is talk of this being an on-going TV series.
I will be looking for a project perhaps just to act in this summer. I have a few films in talks but that always depends on their ducks lining up properly.
I have decided that I’m going to start pushing my writing aka selling scripts. I’ve been paid to turn a few books into scripts. I’ve had books written from my scripts. I’ve sold a few scripts and had a few produced here at CDI. I also have a few scripts that I could just sell. Those scripts are ones that I have no immediate plans to produce. I do also enjoy seeing others interpret my words be it by an actor, director or company. I will explore this path more.
I’m off to get some things done. Enjoy your day and may your week ahead be productive!
DJ
Bananas, Bestseller and Being Sick
As a kid being sick meant no school, watching cartoons and reading books. This week I fought the good battle not to be sick because I always have stuff to do. I have a few days of working in the morning and trying to fight off chills and such in the afternoon. Well I am sick 100% now. I tried to pretend (act) like I wasn’t but I guess I’m not that good of an actor. Low grade fever, chills, achy and sore throat and sinus pressure. I think my triple concern over my brother having a healthy baby, a good “Ashes of Eden” showing and successful surgery for our two dogs knocked my immune system down. Add in the many, many people I came into contact with at these events…whatever the cause I’m now on the couch sipping hot tea and watching Scooby Doo. Some things never change but I’m bummed because we were going to have a get together at my fathers today and I can’t go. I can’t put my germ self anywhere near the new-born. Luckily because of the two recovering dogs we have a light Sunday planned. I may keep this brief but let’s look at a few high points.
“Ashes of Eden” showing was a huge event. To see the place sold out at capacity was awesome. The mayor commented we should have had a second concessions line and overall I think we made our hometown proud. At the climax of the film there was a roar of cheers that you just can’t plan. A double standing ovation later told us we had done our jobs as storytellers. We are now in the process of approaching some of the distributors who have waited for the film to be done.
Only one post issue whereas one actor feels the need to have his minute of footage prior to signing our distribution deal. That person was told that nobody is getting footage yet because any exposure that isn’t official can be bad. So our CDI policy has always been to wait for the deal to be done. This person feels that their want outweigh all the other artists and investors/point holders who are wanting the best deal. I don’t know this person all that well but I can tell you that not respecting the wishes of the business is a good way to not get hired again in the future. There are too many good actors who are about good business versus selfish wants. It likely is not truly harmful but when you’re trying to be fair to all and one person wants to cut in line…I was taught that at a very young age – it’s wrong. I’m not going to go on and on because I really don’t know this person like I stated and I really don’t care to. My advice to those actors out there – don’t be that person. Production is not trying to hold you back they are just looking out for everyone. Maybe this person needs to go watch the Star Trek movie where Spock is trying to save the entire crew – the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one. Or want in this case. More silliness in the world of film that I make a point to usually avoid.
So DVD and screening links have started to go out on “Ashes of Eden” and I’m happy that another major studio has rejoined the list of interested. Our goal is to set up a theatrical and run the entire list of platform releases. I will be on more distributors Monday making the rounds. Also on Monday…
The fine tune of the “Bestseller” trailer and film starts this Monday. This week we worked with graphic templates and such. This movie is also looking great. We will lock this picture and move down the post line. Chad Ice has done a great job getting the cut where it is. I’m excited about the first looks coming to audiences and distributors soon.
I’ve got PR on “Donors” going out next week that includes the announcement of the Yuma, AZ premiere. We also are getting closer to announcing a new film that will be rolling into pre-production if we can get our final financial support. We’ve got distribution offers attached already and a powerful script. More on this very soon:)
I’m anxious for soccer to be starting next week and also I’ve got the 6 gal of banana/coconut wine started. I think I just need to try to take it easy this weekend. It’s hard with lots going on but I’ve gotta rest and take it easy. I want to thank each and every person who came out and supported us at the Capital City Film Festival. They did a nice job hosting us and I think they were happy with our record-setting attendance. Enjoy your time with family and friends on this beautiful Easter weekend.
DJ
Making Beer & Wine/Films Releasing in the Springtime
What a great week it was both personal and professional. I have to say that seeing plants start to grow and the warmth slowly creep over the land has been a positive and uplifting thing. I do love winter but this one was pretty intense. I had a chance to do some yard clean up. We’ve got plans to get the patio rocking this year also getting the pond going. Taxes both company and personal are submitted so that is off the plate. This week should have me becoming an Uncle which is an exciting thing. I have 6 gal. of beer brewing which I’ve called STAN REED’S SUMMER BREW. It is named after my character in the spring break movie TANGY GUACAMOLE. I’ve also got everything for my Banana/Coconut wine and that will be put into play very soon. So I’ve about drained the hazelnut coffee and I’m ready to throw you all a few new updates.
ASHES OF EDEN – This week has been watch-overs on the final version looking for tweaks here and there to be made before it all gets mastered out. We have one final watch/listen again on Tuesday of the stereo mix version. We spotted 5 or 6 improvements and those are being made as I type. The excitement by the masses is growing with record-setting ticket sales topping 500+ in only a few days. We could have close to a 1,000 people ready to watch the local showing. I hear that we will have several of our out-of-state stars coming in as well. If you are in the Michigan area and you want to be part of this showing go to the Capital City Film Festival site. Tickets are only $5 through the festival. I’m looking forward to telling this story to the masses. From there we will start talks with the interested distributors.
BESTSELLER should be close to a locked edit by month’s end. We should also be releasing the 1st trailer about that time. I’m excited by the preview because it really did capture the essence of the original story.
DONORS, the thriller we helped produced out of Yuma, AZ will have its first local showing on May 24th. There is a good chance that we may be in the area shooting on another feature. That is a HINT and if things go as planned I would look for an announcement around Easter.
REALIZISM a great short film that I acted in for Mitch Nyberg will play also on April 13th at the Grand Rapids Film Festival. Check out their site for times.
Several of the CDI films are in talks for additional Network and foreign licensing and I’m confident that we will have several releases to inform you of very soon. I’m going to keep it short but let me see if I can give any insights pulled from this week of business.
My advice would be to invest of yourself and your time wisely. If a project is going to be sub-quality or never be seen by any audiences beyond a few fest crowds why do it. If you need to build a resume and hone your skills – sure. But if you are established, which can be hard to do, do not kill your worth by taking on projects that are not worthy. Value yourself.
Have a great weekend.
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 