One of the Best Compliments Ever – And CDI Film Updates
I’m up on a sunny Michigan morning and sipping my hazelnut coffee. Fall is in full effect and I’m loving it. We wrapped filming on “Devil’s Pass” our recent western and I’m happy to say things went smooth. Only a few bumps with most being a few spots of rain but in many cases it added to the mood of the moment. I’m always hesitant about collaborations because the wrong one can lead to much strife between parties. I’ve got 30+ year into my relationship with the McGraws and so that was predictable and smooth. I was not the screenwriter on this film and we worked with two companies out of GA and I really connected with these owners. We shared many of the same creative and business views. It was more involved the management of this film because I wanted to make sure everyone knew why we did certain things. I recall the first day of pre-production asking the barriers between cast and crew at the base camp dining area be removed. I understand first through the food line if there is a reason due to crew needing to pre-light a set or whatnot. But eating segregated is not something I ever agreed with and so we’ve eliminated that at CDI since the early days. The idea of this is what the big studios do gets an “I don’t care this is CDI” response from me. Over the years I’ve had several things brought to my attention that we do differently. As an actor on visiting sets I saw things I agreed with or did not agree with and it allowed me to customize a company that is exactly how I like it. Most of those changes are about unity and inclusion before these were buzz words. We have diversity without trying because we pull from a collective base of artists. All we ask for the short run is to put the story first. It is also a company where you can get true opportunities in this business. I always say, who you know may get you a first opportunity but your efforts get you rehired. We had so many wonderful artists and some were stepping up into 1st key positions for the first time. What I love about this film is the overwhelming positive attitudes we had on set. There were tense moments where a piece of wardrobe ripped or a horse that might not have cooperated in the moment but with grace all issues were dealt with quickly and professionally. I think this crew was just incredible and I see a strengthening of our infrastructure that will carry us forward.
Casting was a long process but was well thought out right down to the featured players. As CDI is ran by actor/producers it is one area we take very serious. A talented and on-point cast will not only bring elevated performances but will help you make your day. Weather, horses and odd variables can drag you back time wise but when the actors were on things moved just swell. A film will truly live or die by the performances. To have strong heroes you need strong villains. We had strength across the board bringing the roles to life. I’m proud to say that I got to play one of the most unique roles to life in my career. Both the character and how the character interacted throughout the film. As a supervising producer I often like to put a little distance between myself and production and observe. I look for issues or elements of production that can be streamlined or improved upon. This distance plays into my character ‘McBride’ save one character whom I was very much in their personal space. In THE QUEST TRILOGY I got to write a role akin to mine in “Devil’s Pass” for others. Those others being Joe Cipriano, Tamour Ghazi and Rance Howard playing the devil. I would suggest going to watch FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. I play a very challenging role in 2 of those 3 films. I loved the role of ‘McBride’ and I’m so curious to see how it manifests on screen. But I enjoyed seeing many actors I’ve watched over the years create marvelous characters do it once again. In some cases they took it all to new heights and it was awesome to see. On day four our directors put together a highlight reel so that everyone could see just what we were creating. And it was…amazing.
We enjoy bringing legends into our fold and allow them to play and perform in new and challenging ways. Several can make a living just engaging with the fans of their previous roles they made famous. But to allow them to create anew is a special thing. Darby Hinton is a great example of someone who even later in his career is actually challenging himself more and more. He found fame early on the Daniel Boone TV show and survived into adulthood. I think he is starting to create some of his best work as he opens to the opportunities that challenge him. Butch Patrick (Eddie from The Munsters) was also a child actor who has carries on with creating new roles but also cherishes the one that put him on the map. I’m a huge fan of the show with Herman and Grandpa among my favorite “buddies” in a show. Butch had great stories of this time and also gave us something comedic and special and I believe we will all work together again one day soon. But I was very impressed by Mitch Vogel a Golden Globe Nominee from co-starring with Steve McQueen and the last surviving principal actor from Bonanza the last two seasons. I’m not sure he was aware of it but he gave me one of the greatest compliments. We were in wardrobe preparing and he told me that all this (the production) was impressive and so well ran. He said that the last time he felt such a family like vibe on a set was on Bonanza and not since. This was an outside opinion and not something I asked for. But I will say that it really made me feel like a million dollars. There are things in our business that money cannot buy. I work every day to try and get to larger budgets to benefit the artists that work so hard. But we still run things as professional and prepared as possible and that doesn’t just happen. HARD WORK makes that happen. So I will cherish those words always from someone who has been there and done that. Thank you Mitch and I know we will work together again. Thank you for coming out of retirement for this film and I’m so thrilled you felt it was a good choice to do so.
Before getting into the wonderful updates I will say that the CDI tribe lost two past members in one day. Dennis Haskins best known for SAVED BY THE BELL passed away. He was a dramatic powerhouse in AN ORDINARY KILLER the true life crime drama we released in 2002. You can watch it now streaming. I met Dennis on set of TANGY GUACAMOLE a crazy Spring Break romp in 2000. We also attended several events in Las Vegas and Dennis was Mister Vegas knowing everyone in that town. I will cherish the times. At the end of the day I heard that David G. Smith “Smitty” our DP and editor on FROM VENUS had passed away. He struggled with health problems the last few years but I will always remember the long rendering times working in his basement studio. “It is what it is” was his favorite saying and he was a jolly soul who LOVED movies and music. Their journey has come to an end and so we push on. I create for all those whose journey has ended. RIP to all my artist friends.
EXCITING FILM UPDATES- Now onto some more upbeat updates!
- October is spooky month and my first feature starring role as Alex Kerwood, monster hunter has been going strong since 1999 when it released. Hollywood Video, Blockbuster and dozens of countries. The film was mastered to Blu Ray last year with the classic cut and a new director’s cut. That new cut is going to be playing several night shows at the Spectacle Theater in Brooklyn NY. Sat Oct 10th at midnight! Oct 12th at 10 pm, Oct 20th at 7:30 pm and Oct 28th at 10pm! Look up http://www.spectacletheater.com for more details. The film has never been released streaming and we will be setting that up for 2027!
- 2026 and I’ve finally done another film in the comedy/horror genre ROM COMS MUST DIE. On 10/2/26 is began streaming and is for sale on DVD. It showcases the frustrations of artists worldwide and comedically goes to the Nth degree. I love my co-star Adam Towner in this film. A humorous person in real life and a winner of several comedic shorts this was a chance to see how he played in a feature length film and it works. The supporting cast works on every level and I personally LOVE Melissa Anschutz and Dean Teaster as the ROM COM stars kidnapped in this film. Both are amazing actors and they once again show why they are great. It is now on Amazon Prime and appearing on more and more streaming platforms. If you watch it and like it please leave a review on Amazon Prime and/or our IMDB page. It is closer to R rated vs PG 13 for language and mild violence. It may not be everyone’s cup of tea but I think many will get a few great laughs and relate to the frustrations of Amos and Clem. I see already some SUCKER MC gave us (1’s) where you can vote. Even if not your cup of tea the film is not a one. I would bet that the rating came from an artist which is the funny irony of it all. Millions watch our films and never review and vote so I’m not sweating a few rocks thrown. You just best hope Amos and Clem don’t come knocking and send you to the pigs. So give it a fair shake and let us know what you thought. Even a video review would be fun. Do you blog, podcast or whatnot- give us a shout. WATCH IT HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Rom-Coms-Must-Travis-Hayward/dp/B0H9CNXQ6B/ref=sr_1_3?crid=8M50EWYTF7UA&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8dwmiRr6bKlk4mL0ZRtVHw7yFF38HqBoX2sob9TcijHrfbPfQokstPOAbQ4ZRltkd9g-ekVn1uknyGmDAAtoqssEnxLTxnCZkxokU5tzQlHBdOzU_mDEfqRYDbHg58aijtc1qJRNZEe_qewKd2i8t4tddd39DMQ5I7GnPxmgLFrYWKBvuhOwkltgoltMGa-UGTDojJ4S6QmHQw9Z3QWGVOr4yFyujFblzRwacsW440s.9h5GKlFXmlb5soZyo7JYgPtSvMNrkY858Kp9XzH6KXU&dib_tag=se&keywords=Rom+Coms+Must+Die&qid=1791121997&sprefix=rom+coms+must+die%2Caps%2C139&sr=8-3
- AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip – The PR will start on this film as it releases to DVD and streaming on October 30th, 2026. This film centers on the highly discussed topic of AI. This film was inspired by true events and I added a SciFi spin to it. Strangely the spin might not be too far off and I think this film will have folks talking. PRO AI, CON AI, this film will question it all and do some with a good comedic element to it. At the same time it examines spirituality and technology coming together. Watch Amazon for DVD pre-orders and follow our FB page just like all our films.
- On 11/3/26 the wait is OVER! WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS the follow up to the hit WILD FAITH releases on DVD and streaming. Upward of 30 million have seen the first film and the follow up as been long awaited. We made a run at the TV series but the potential funding came with strings attached that I could not live with so we did a second feature. The TV series has been updated to take place after the 2nd film and we’ll see – but I’m well into a 3rd feature film so even if the TV series doesn’t launch the franchise will go on! But I think audiences will really love this story and the Christmas angle is so beautiful.
- As the holidays approach THE QUEST TRILOGY, LOST HEART, SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA and all the CDI films are there for you as the cold arrives and a good story is what you need. I’ve had several random encounters with folks who tried telling me I should “check out” this film or that film only to find out that is OUR film. I had someone recently telling me how much they loved this bootlegger film HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE only to discover they were talking to Axel. Or most recently a billing person telling me about a great western WILD FAITH only to realize Ben Lily was standing in front of them. I had to show a picture to convince them. I love the way our films are finding their way into the public pop culture.
DEVELOPMENT – When I was in the heat of battle on the last film I did not like looking too far ahead but now the dust is settling and I’m getting back into development. I’m examining a great comedic who done it film that we’ve almost done twice but had fully funded projects bump it. Also RETURN TO ALGONA the follow up to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA has a good amount of funding committed and I will look to put the final pieces in place. I will finish WILD FAITH 3 and MBF2 this winter which will allow me to project budgets. I will also be developing a mutual slate with our new GA partners after a very successful “Devil’s Pass” shoot. We have several other projects looking to put solid pieces into place. I even had a very productive talk recently with a friend and major player in the Las Vegas film scene Jaki Baskow. Many doors of opportunity to explore and the key is to follow the proper order of business. I will say that ANGEL STUDIOS beat me to the HERSHEYS story I wanted to tell. It looks like they did a great job and I cannot wait to see it. They were our product partners on our WW2 drama.
WRAP UP – I just freshened up my coffee as this blog has been a touch longer but had more to say. I talked about the wonderful adventure our cast and crew had filming “Devil’s Pass” and it will always be uniquely ours. The beautiful compliment that made my heart soar. The new releases and the new development. This end of year will be pushing these films out while prepping for 2027. End of October I will travel with some of the CDI team to Oklahoma to receive the Will Rogers awards for screenplay, producing and production company. We will have end of year disbursements to investors and also the year’s end wrap up that should be easier due to the holding co our legal and accounting team helped to put into place.
I’m working on getting the property cleaned up before winter arrives. I harvested all the herbs save the mint which may happen today. I’ve got most all the production gear stowed save a few creates I will pick up this week during an interview at the historic village in Corunna, MI. I’ve dealt with a few personal and family situations that are part of life. I’m looking forward to the holidays and catching my breath from a wild year. I’m going to bring it to an end here until next week when we chat. Thank you all for showing up each week. That goes for all the artists around the world. Coffee Cheers! DJ
Power of ‘Purpose’ PLUS the TOP TEN CDI Updates
Hazelnut cheers! A beautiful snowy morning here in Michigan. I want to welcome all the new readers from Germany, Sweden, Germany and China. I appreciate you stopping by to take a read and apply what you can – where you can in your own personal journey. I’m not going to spend a lot of time on the unity topic we’ve had for a few weeks. My fireside meditations led me to the analogy of a spending train. We’ve got so much developing here at CDI we’re thundering down the track. The occasional hater throwing rocks out of boredom or a need for attention. If a few people threw rocks at a speeding train what would happen? They would bounce off the steel hull and be gone down the tracks. The train had places to go, people to see and things to do. They would never stop the train to debate or waste time – they would stoke the fire and full speed ahead.
In this time of Covid it’s a great time to stoke the fires of passion within. Build up your reserves of energy and get yourself in your best shape. Do all those things that often get neglected because you have others things to do. How many hours saved by not spending two hours in a car commuting back and forth to work places. More time to read. More time to update. More time to plan. From March 2020 I have been putting this into practice. While I could list so many things missed in 2020 I could also make a list of the things I got done using the extra time. Again as I write on such topics of motivation and such I say again that I am not better than anyone. You have the ability to make changes in your situation and it starts with a thought. Thought powered by the imagination, focused by the will, held strong by faith in yourself and your life purpose.
This week was very productive against a backdrop of ice and snow. Let’s see if we can do a TOP 10 updates from the week. Refill your coffee and let’s take a look.
- Additional “end of year” tax materials supplied for the fun part of filmmaking. We’re streamlining this process all the time to try and better the overall process.
- Our WW2 Christmas drama Silent Night In Algona is now formed as a corporation. We’ll open the account soon and start bringing on the funds. We still have a few units to assign but within 60 days of entering into pre-production. Casting has been full speed ahead with a national casting for our young lead. We’ve also been doing a lot of casting within the tribe of talent we’ve used before. The audition reads have been great to see the words ALIVE! I’m excited that we’ve almost got our lead family cast. We’ll announce that in a few weeks likely dripping them out or in pairs. This project will be a great story of love and unity set in small-town USA in 1944.
- I had a wonderful call from Darby Hinton, an actor best known for playing the young lead on the Daniel Boone TV show but has reoccurred or guest starred on many of the great shows of Hollywood. He was our ‘Gerald’ the shopkeep in WILD FAITH. He was one of the folks I offered a read on season 1 of ‘Hastings‘ the Wild Faith TV series. He called to tell me he wasn’t blowing smoke – he has read and been part of shows with great writing and THIS (tv series) is great writing. He said he reads at night (like myself) and to his wife’s regret he had to keep reading. He asked if I had writers meetings, other writers…to which my response was just me and the voices in my head:) I would ponder and spill notes out onto paper. From those legal pad notes I just dive in and start writing. I’m going to get the 8 shows edited up and ready for outside presentation. If you haven’t seen the pilot feature do yourself a favor. A fun film with a powerful message.
- Best Years Gone – So this week we prepped the new audio studio and I’m beyond thrilled that it is amongst the pines and forested fields that we’ll breath the audio and music into these stories. We will be rolling some new still photos out this week. I just might have a Valentine’s Day gift for our cast, crew and fans and I think we’ll give it to you on Sat. the 13th on the BYG Facebook page. Are you already part of that? If not come on over. We have some exciting things still in store including merchandise that is coming and the BOTB. (Battle of the Bands) I’m working to get that launched. We are also soon to have the next draft of the film edit now that Shane (our director) has given his new round of notes and adjustments. This film is heartfelt and will be funny for sure.
- The CDI website http://www.cdiproductions.com is undergoing updates. First you can now subscribe to the tribe which will become a center of updates. I even thought of my blog existing as a weekly send out. But the film pages are updated. Streaming is now connected to our distributor’s ENCOURAGE TV. Merchandise is slowly coming together with a few new items. This will explode by year’s end. We will also be doing artist spot lights and have some of their work on consignment. If you have any ideas feel free to drop a comment. From those subscribed we might start looking at pre-orders and that could allow some larger piece orders. Lunch box? Bobble heads? Posters?
- LOST HEART & MBF are the most recent releases. Both are growing their audience nicely and I so appreciate all the fan mail from folks. We’re not big festival folk at CDI but like to select a few. In my experience and opinion the festivals best serve if someone from your team can attend. But with everything going virtual you are essentially paying to have them do a free streaming of your work. But new circles of exposure and if people are truly impressed you can have lifelong fans. I’m a person who in the last handful of years I’ve not attended industry mixers and such. But with the absence of even my few – I’m looking forward to talking film and the arts not by phone or zoom. Again get up to speed with the CDI stories with a watch on these two films. Do you have a favorite CDI film? Comment and let me know.
- THE QUEST TRILOGY – The CDI Tribe earned their desert stripes with this trilogy of biblical adventure stories. I’m excited that PUREFLIX (Sony) is going to do a big push as a series to their viewers. Now with ad based Video on demand everyone can take a watch and experience the CDI films. These films have the trademark style and quality that you’ve come to expect from our storytellers at CDI. The bible is full of stories many untouched because of the R or X rated material suggested within. We haven’t tackle those stories but did find “unexplored territory” to address with our speculative storytelling. I think this is more interesting versus retelling the same handful of stories. I do have my next trilogy of stories to tell back in the sands but that is a way down the path.
- This year we will have SMOKE & MIRRORS finishing. This has no deadline so it got moved down the release line. But this decision allowed us to make some more aggressive choices on VFX work. I LOVE this short and I’m excited to see it develop into a full feature. I am retooling the feature based on the short film. Knowing locations really helps in planning the story. David Gries and Melissa Anschutz are MUST SEE in this film. But those that know their work will not be surprised in the least.
- ‘FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH‘ – the CDI associated with Red, White & Blue Project doc will start shooting again this month. I think we’ll have some sort of promo video for this documentary in the coming weeks.
- We also have something special coming from one of our crew/associate producer Nate Robertson. Nate was our foreman on the last film that set sail through the storm of Covid. Nate took a job that already had pressure and had it magnified by Covid procedural pressures. As a show of how our system at CDI is strengthening. The producers create a bubble of harmony for the set to exist within. Inside the set, the flow is controlled by the AD. The flow was there, time was managed and Nate was able to express some of his artistic self via a BTS video of sorts. I know we’re excited to see it. I think we’re just seeing the tip of the iceberg.
If I forgot anything it will have to wait until next chat. I’m going to make some good food and watch the football contest and the commercial creativity. I have a few emails/calls I might make to get a jump on my week. That is another good secret – work with people you truly enjoy. I never roll my eyes or stress over phone calls. They are always good touching of bases between fellow adventurers in life. We discuss our separate ventures, our shared ventures, and those yet to be made. I don’t have a close relationship with everyone as time won’t permit. But those who do know me truly, I think would speak well of my intent. My intent is to see dreamers win. I want you to break poor patterns and do better by yourself. If the artistic path is a true calling that calling grants faith in yourself and a purpose. The latter is priceless and exactly what is missing from many people. People who check many ‘success boxes’ yet still are unhappy. To me it’s like the moment when Obi-Wan puts the helmet on Luke to further test him against the remote droid. Reach out. In those moments of sensory deprivation if the calling is heard – have faith. If you don’t know ‘Star Wars’ you are now assuming I have had a stroke.
If storytelling is a great road winding up a mountain – many people are at various places some higher and some lower. What I’ve always prided myself on is being in good company at wherever place I’m at on the road. Climbing higher only changes the view but it’s still about the laughter and fellowship that accompanies the climb. And when my time comes to leave this world where I’m at is where I’m at. Always a work in progress. So the secret is enjoying the early struggles of beginning filmmakers or the challenges of the mid-road struggles – have friends on the journey of storytelling. Have friends outside the journey of storytelling. Have these things and your journey while unsure at times will not eat at you with stress. Living by ‘Best Efforts’ will allow one to laugh off the failures (with friend), toast the wisdom learned (with friends) and forever be the better person. Getting along with a little help from my friends.
Be good to one another.
DJ
A Day Like Today Reminds You To LIVE! Film Updates
A beautiful pick by artist Jeff Butler
On this day we remember our stories about where we were at when the 9/11 attacks happened. I remember that I was having a morning much like today – hazelnut coffee, chill music and doing some film work. Dean Teaster called me to ask if I was watching TV, to which I said I wasn’t. I turned on to see one tower on fire and replays of the impact. BOOM! Another plane impact and we all know the story of the other planes. I remember MaryJo Cuppone’s flight attendant friend died in one of the planes. I remember Ed Schaefer in NYC being in the street dust after the impact. Killing is not divine. Hate is a choice. We are all neighbors in this world.
Film
It has been a whirlwind of film activity. As we get ready to review some of the first numbers on “40 Nights” I’m proud of the growing base of viewers. The film did not roll out with huge fanfare but has become a film you hear about – you hear good things about and you seek it out. Here is one of my favorite reviews.
http://biblefilms.blogspot.com/2016/04/40-nights-2016.html
If you watched this film and enjoyed it – reach out and share it with someone.
Chasing the Star – the 2nd film in The Quest Trilogy has a first trailer which is still getting a polish. I expect we will roll out a new poster here soon. The music is almost complete and VFX has started. Our friends from CHOP & HUE have also joined the project – making this their second film with us.
The Christ Slayer – As soon as “Wild Faith” ship is out to sea I will start putting the business together on our third film in our trilogy. I’m actively looking at directors and speaking to talent and keys. We will look to shoot in the spring in AZ.
Our midWestern “Wild Faith” is loading the ship as I like to call it. The foundation work is well underway and this week we’ll open the account and start to prepare for the journey. We’ve identified most of our artist sailors of our cast and crew. This week we will finalize that process. I’m excited also by the idea of an ongoing TV series because of the great talent. I have ideas for many guest stars including many of your favorite legends of the genre. It looks like Mr. Darby Hinton will be joining our cast. He has a long impressive list of TV & film but many love him from Daniel Boone still playing strong on 3 networks right now. We also have a list of extremely talented actors from Michigan joining our cast. We’ll be announcing more of these cast and crew as we start signing deals.
Well, MSU is off this weekend. The Lions play in a few hours and so I’m going to get some additional work done around the yard. The garden is full and needs to be harvested. Speaking of, I bottled 2 cases of “Return of the Green Goblin” that came from last years harvest. I’ve been dealing with this mega beard during our humid heat but now we’re in a beautiful cool phase. Tonight I may even make a fire. Enjoy the remaining weekend and be good to one another.
DJ
