Finishing the Year Strong! CDI Tribal Updates Entering September 2025!
Here we are again my friends. I’m sipping on the hazelnut coffee and reflecting on my busy week. We had a surge in readers from China this week. Welcome. This past week has been eventful. First at the semi-final stage our soccer team’s season finally ended. We started strong but at the end of the day they capitalized on a few more opportunities. What a great season and a great work out. My abs are killing but not from soccer from being on a ladder and putting a new gazebo together on the freshly stained and sealed deck. It is a lovely reddish color and will give a wonderful place to make calls from and relax. I’ve been harvesting mint, sage, oregano and more from the garden. I’ll be doing some trimming and cutting more firewood soon. I’m going to have some builders look at closer the office rafters in to keep the birds out. Aside from that it has been collecting eggs and organizing the under deck. Always something to do but those little improvements are well worth it.
To the movie updates-
- Harsens Island Revenge is playing until Sept 3rd at the Riverside Cinema and now in Grosse Pointe at the Okulski Theatre until Sept 4th. It is coming one night only to Forest Theatre on Sept 19th. We are working to try and get dates in Algona at Fridley’s for all our friends there. Emagine said if anymore openings they will try to slide the film into some additional slots. The film is being submitted to a few festivals via our home distributor. We had a great meeting with their marketing team and in September the marketing campaign will really heat up. It will be available on DVD and streaming on 10/6/2025. It is also up for several awards on Sept 13th for The Red Letter Awards. I think you can tune in online!
- Wild Faith Christmas is needing a last look on credits before it is mastered for theatrical. It is being submitted to the Wild Bunch Film Festival. The original cleaned up with like 13 awards at the AZ festival in October. We will be meeting over theatrical and our partners will start pitching to theaters. We hope to get it in where they will take it. It is a powerful story and we are excited to bring it to you. We will be doing the MI run for sure with Lansing, Alpena, Owosso, GR and Detroit. From there we’ll go to as many theaters as we can.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE is at the sound studio and we’ll be doing a watch through soon. We’ll get our director Travis Hayward in there to discuss music beds. The first teaser trailer is going to come out this week and I’ve been working on the PR release materials. I’m really proud of this comedy gem and Adam Towner makes a good debut in his first co-starring role. We might be looking at a premiere at the end of the year pending how progress goes. But 2026 will be the theatrical and home video release. Be ready to laugh!
- The Secret of the Kingdom Chip (TSOTKC) is moving full steam ahead on several fronts. I’ve been collecting biz paperwork and funds and fine tuning our budget. We are still assigning a few pieces of that to parties and we’re still bring sponsors on. We’ll be welcoming an Aussie company Three Cuts Gin to the film. Several more will be announcing and we are so thankful to them. Actor reads, set building, camera tests and more are all underway. We start rolling cameras in 18 days! All very exciting developments and we cannot wait until audiences see this story. I was given a great compliment on the script from Mary Badham who said it had a Rod Sterling flair to the writing. I’m a big fan of Rod Sterling so that made my week.
- IF you are excited about some of these new releases there are some CDI films you can watch to be ready. If you haven’t seen Harsens Island Revenge yet and want to see another film adapted from a Karl Manke book by Wild Faith Christmas director Shane Hagedorn watch BEST YEARS GONE. If you are awaiting Wild Faith Christmas make sure you watch part 1 WILD FAITH now streaming! If you are awaiting the Secret of the Kingdom Chip watch our 3 part The Quest Trilogy (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star, The Christ Slayer) and get some hints to the follow up story. Wanna see Tony Hornus previous directorial stories watch MAN’S BEST FRIEND and SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. LOST HEART, GHOST TOWN, AN ORDINARY KILLER, KNIGHT CHILLS, BESTSELLER…the list goes on. As the cold sets in make sure you catch up on the Tribe!
DEVELOPMENT: TSOTKC will be my last feature film for the year. After we have lotta roll our showings and events in planning. We are working on a few film series consisting of dinner and a movie plus a mixer with Q&A and more. I’m finally to the agreement stage of a writing project that is pretty exciting. I will be finishing up MBF2 this winter also. We have some major meetings ahead on film projects as we have many working to try and take the CDI productions to the next level. The Hastings, Wild Faith TV series will get another push with the sequel release. So many stories to be told. I’ll be circling back to some contacts in Iowa trying to help launch a few stories there. I have a few associates with proposed collaborations that I need to dig into more. Both are westerns.
I’m full of ideas for moving into the future. Right now I’m focusing on the projects sitting square on my plate. We will have a great production in 3 short weeks and I’ve got a good amount to do between now and then. I’m going to go get ready to eat some of those delicious eggs. I’ve still got some business to wrap up to help get a jump on the shorter week ahead. If you again want to join us on this next story adventure feel free to reach out. We have a few more crew and a cast or two to lock in but we are looking good.
I hope you all are enjoying the slow transition to Fall. MSU won their first game and that was nice to watch. The LIONS are on deck and that is something I always enjoy. I’m going to work in the yard some today and start that transitional clean up. Maybe a fire outside and maybe even a first fire in the office stove. Push on everyone and lets make this a great year. I cannot believe we are in September already with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner. It feels like the Christmas tree just went down. That is how the wheel turns and so keep a smile on your face and be kind to everyone. I’m deeply appreciative to everyone who has supporting our artistic endeavors this year. My heartfelt thanks.
DJ
The Battles to Create Art – Updates and Release Info!
Announcement art for ‘The Secret of the Kingdom Chip’
Hazelnut coffee makes me smile. It was a wild week but much good to report. I am trying to think where to start. Yesterday at a family trip I had BLT pizza and it was very good. A local place makes a Reuben pizza we like but this was also VERY good. We had our final regular reason soccer match against a strong team who had beat us previously 5-2. We battled back from being down 4-2 to tie it and took the lead 5 to 4 before they tied it 5-5. And we got the winning 6th goal with just minutes to go. It was a great battle and my favorite game of the season. We finished the season in 4th and now we go into the play offs. With property/yard updates the deck stain and seal is almost done. A second coat on the stairs and a little trim should finish it off. It looks great. The berries are starting to slow and the other veggies and herbs are still kicking. Fall will be right around the corner. I was reminded of that with-
Wild Faith Christmas! We did a listen at the studio of the next CDI film releasing into theaters and it was awesome. Our artists did a great job and the world comes to life with great performances throughout. It reminded me that Christmas is around the corner. How the wheel turns. But the music was just incredible and brought even more to powerful moments. As I fight the battles that all the films bring it was good to see the sum of the hardworking there right in front of us. Now a big screen watch before prepping for the theaters. As it moves out of the studio- ROM COMS MUST DIE (RCMD) moves in!
RCMD was looked over for dialog and audio and now will move into the studio for the musical score! In a few weeks we’ll be sitting down to look over this feature film! It is comedy and pokes fun at our own industry. The actors, the filmmakers and all the struggles it takes willing a film into existence. The HD trailer is almost done and we’ll look at the best time to release that but it will be soon. I have not seen a watch through yet that doesn’t include a lot of laughter.
THE SECRET OF THE KINGDOM CHIP – Casting is close to done and crewing is on-going we added an artist or two. We worked to get our insurance quote and art department work continues. I’ve been pulling in all the business paperwork now that our account is open. Communication can be an occasional issue with people’s busy lives but we have timelines we need to stay on so that can sometimes provide an unwanted challenge. But we also have sponsors starting to really flow in and help support this story. We’ll be announcing some more in the coming weeks and we are appreciative to the ones already onboard. I love the statement I heard this week and we say it often, “if it was easy anybody could do it.” But we know it is not easy and not everybody can do it. We have a month plus before we roll cameras and we will be ready. Several awesome updates but a few I cannot mention until we get the PR approval.
Harsens Island Revenge will play next week both at the Riverside Cinemas and Emagine Macomb Aug 22-28 both in the Detroit area. I don’t know if it will expand into more in the Detroit area but I can assure you it will be worth the drive. The Purple Gang vs WW1 vets! Iowa it is coming your way next. Friends in Algona now is the time to start calling the local theater. We played great there with Silent Night in Algona and I’m sure they will enjoy this film as well.
WRAP UP: I’m ready to hit it hard again this week on all our fronts. I’m going to try and make the Emagine Macomb kick off showing on the 22nd. I’m going to keep on all the business for The Kingdom Chip and be ready to tell that amazing story. I appreciate all the help I’ve been getting from our team. We’ll be pushing the showings of Harsens Island Revenge and getting it also ready for the 10/6/25 home video release. Wild Faith Christmas will look to premiere in Lansing followed by Alpena ands Owosso along with as many theaters nationwide that we can book for the next 5 months or so. This winter will be a Wild Faith Christmas tour!
I’m going to wrap it up so we can hit a breakfast before the local flea market. I will have my brother and a few friends about this eve before I hit the ground running for another week of film work. The chickens have been doing their job and the eggs have been plentiful and yummy. I’ve also been doing a touch of developmental writing here and there. I will lean into that more once I get more off my TO DO list. I hope each and everyone of you had a recharging weekend and have a productive week ahead. Until we chat next week be good to one another and keep following those dreams.
DJ
Father’s Day! New Releases! Casting & Crewing For Next CDI Film Discussed
Good morning. Happy Father’s Day! Hazelnut coffee cheers! It is a beautiful day and I’m sitting here and enjoying the morning vibes. I fed the fur babies this morning and also posted a nice little social media message to my dad. He likely will not see it but I will see him later today. He is almost blissfully free of the whole computer/social media thing. He enjoys the yard, his dog and is really enjoying his non hectic years. He took on a lot of responsibility at a young age. He built a lot from very little. He along with my mom gave us a foundation of love to build from. Our neighborhood was our own little paradise that we grew up in and I have a thousand stories I could tell from our upbringing. I know that not all children are given such a good foundation. He created our strong foundation because his was not there save with the help of a foster family. He was/has always been more practical because he had to be. I’ve always been a dreamer because I was allowed that luxury. I’m convinced that him allowing us to ‘play’ with the camcorder is why I have a career in film. It is why all these film stories have been born over three decades. Fathers, parents, mentors can make such a huge difference and without them so many of the great things we enjoy may never come to pass. So I’m going to finish this update before stopping by the flea market down the road and over to my dad’s place for a visit.
This week is also the run up week to my birthday. I’ve been known to get odd around my birthday. I’m a deep introspective person who really feels everything. I’ve often sought solitude because it helps me to focus. I can only be a storyteller and try to remind EVERYONE of our best selves. To recall and record our collective stories that showcase our best attributes or times where we overcame hardship. The world is in that place and many struggle to find their balance. I love that we try to speak to everyone and look to strengthen our common bonds versus what divides us. Everyone has their role to play and people all try to follow their own hearts. Problems don’t go away they change and the youth of today will become to ones to deal with the world issues. I hope we can move towards a place of peace and harmony, like John Lennon said, IMAGINE.
Film Updates-
Harsens Island Revenge is starting to book dates and our director is working to put Detroit in play. The heart of the story stems from Detroit history and we want the good people of the D to enjoy it. We are also looking to attend a few select festivals in addition to the theatrical play that will go through Oct 1st. I’m excited that next weekend our Northern Michigan friends can again enjoy the film in Rogers City around their wood boat show. Also Buda, Texas will be playing the film at a drive in which is way cool. It was always a dream to have a CDI film play a drive in. Now I need to find one close enough to attend. The film is also being prepped for home video. Some of our revenue from theatrical will be used to get E&O insurance which stands for Errors and Emissions. It is required by many distributors and is just another one of the little biz things required. But soon I will have an exact release date for DVD and rent/buy streaming! Find of Facebook page for this and all the CDI films. CDI and myself both have an instagram page where cool promos are promoted. Thank you for all the love so far concerning this film.
Wild Faith Christmas is moving strong down the line. We are getting close for a producers listen to the movie with music and sound design. We’ll start working end credits and the few VFX shots are being worked on now that color correction is about done. This follow up film to WILD FAITH has been anticipated for many years. I’ve noted I have a season 1 written for a TV series that happens after Wild Faith Christmas. I just need to find the right distribution/finance deal that allows creative control. I’m so proud of this film and it was emotionally powerful dry or without music. Now with music the emotion is magnified. We are looking forward to trying to get this into as many theaters that will take it for this holiday season. And on the lead up to the holidays in 2026 will be the home video release. I love this world and hope we do get to play in it more either as a TV series or more films.
ROM COMS MUST DIE – This dark comedy that spoofs that popular trend of romantic comedies and senseless horror come together in this film. We are looking to release a trailer towards the end of the month. On my Bday June 23rd? Maybe? Adam Towner and director Travis Hayward are polishing up the trailer. I’m really happy with how this film came out and it has a lot to say about the biz of film. Essentially it is a film about 2 struggling filmmakers working to get their second feature film launched after the first is a flop. The characters in this are all so enjoyable to watch. We are looking to have a Halloween season premiere and do a short festival run before theaters and home video in 2026. Again you can find the Facebook page and enjoy the promo as it rolls out.
NEW PROJECTS- We are in the process of launching a few new films. We will be looking at cast and crew in the mid Michigan area. We are still assigning a few of the funding units but we are almost there and on target to roll cameras in September on The Secret of the Kingdom Chip. SciFi and Spirituality mix in this uniquely powerful film. The response to the script from initial send outs has been great. We are in talks with cast first and will move to crew. This will be the second collaboration with McGraw Multimedia with John McGraw serving as director of photography. Returning to the director’s chair is Anthony (Tony) Hornus who helped bring such powerful films as Man’s Best Friend and Silent Night in Algona (SNIA) to life. A note on SNIA, it will start playing ad-based streaming on July 1st! So that means the film will go to ROKU, Encourage TV, XUMO and TUBI. We announced two of our leads Dean Teaster and Melissa Anschutz. We have cast/crew talks going on this week and will start initial scheduling. You can find the Facebook page for this new film also and follow along with all the new developments.
The Smoke & Mirrors (The short can be seen on CDI’s Youtube Channel) feature may or may not launch after we film The Secret of the Kingdom Chip (TSOTKC). We might wait until the new year but that depends on how smooth everything rolls with TSOTKC and our releases. I’ve also been working with several developing projects. I’ve been negotiating on several book to film deals but nothing has landed. I am soon to begin writing on another sequel to a very popular CDI film. We are not yet planning to shoot it but I want to get the first draft of the story down on paper.
I did read an outside script recently for a possible acting role but it looks like the schedules could overlap. One thing I’ve really learned over the years is to not commit to too much. I see many younger people fight with that. It can be scary when you are a freelancer and so many say yes to everything. That can be a mistake. I really put everything into whatever I’m working on. So with this Sept film around the corner we will see if I take on any outside acting. I do play a role in the upcoming film but we’ll talk about that on a different day.
WRAP UP: I’ve been feeling pretty good with how everything is flowing. We are working to streamline CDI business. My soccer season has been much needed. Our game last week had us win 4-1 our second win in a row. We lost the first two games 3-2 but we are now getting our groove with our team. I’ve got the yard in good shape with the plants. The mulberry and apple trees are heavy with fruit and I might start collecting mulberries this week for future wine making.
We will be scouting for our one needed location on the next film. I look forward to some of the meetings next week. I always have things on my TO DO list. I have several things I’m always working on. I love the good folks I get to work with and create. The journey is again that wonderful process. It will be fun having folks in the theater watching our current film. For my birthday (June 23rd) a good present would be to watch a CDI film(s) and if you have a favorite tell someone about it.
I’m going to go eat breakfast, water the plants, flea market and visit dad. Later today I will get to spend some brother time. I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and spend time with your dad or spend a few remembering your dad if they have passed on. I hope each of you has a productive week ahead. Chip away at your dreams and don’t be hard on yourself if you go slower or make less progress. Just make sure you keep going in the right direction. Have faith in your dreams and be good to one another. When we speak again I’ll have made another trip around the sun official. I enjoy being where I am age-wise. I loved my younger days but I love my growth and wisdom too. Thank you for all joining me each and every week.
Coffee cheers!
DJ
Every Task is a Test!
Good morning all my artistic minded friends. I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee and sitting down to review the week and to look ahead. It is June 1st the first day of my birthday month. I sometimes get a little edgy during my birthday month wanting to get things done. Now I’m looking at not our 1st film of the year but film 2 and 3. And as for releasing we are releasing film 1 of 3. Lotta that number 3 floating about. We have had two soccer matches where we lost 3-2. But I have to say my recovery during week 2 here has been much better. My body has that good sore that those in sports know very well. I’m happy with my play and endurance and last Thursday I was pushed to my limit and it felt great. Sadly, one of my dear friends broke a bone in his leg and will have some recovery time. It might be a season ending injury when you count rehabilitation into the equation. I’m wishing him a speedy recovery. Others on both teams made minor injures including one guy on the opposing team took a friendly fire shot to the head. He was dazed hard and it just goes to show soccer is truly a full body battle. We don’t have people taking dives and magic mists and water bottles like on the pro stage. These are aged warriors battling it out. I love being back at it.
This last week was horrible for communication. I’m trying to excuse some of it with everyone coming off the holiday. But that is hard to do when we have individuals who are solid, regular communication. We are in an age where you can whip off an update via text or even hands free with voice command. If you have a deadline and you are going to miss it you better follow up with an explanation. Every task is a test. You might be handling a small but important part of the greater task. But you are being evaluated to see if you are ready for more. The goal for an individual is to become known as reliable, dependable and someone who always gives a best effort. These are the things that lead to major roles on feature films. These hints work for both sides of the camera. I have one individual I’ve been trying to communicate with on some business but I also had something greater in the back of my mind. But bad communication takes them off that casting or crewing list. Communication amazingly seems more regular when you are offering something versus asking. I worked some hard to build my career with professional, prompt communication. I just can’t wrap my head around it all. I know the opportunities a person had within their grasp but they lost those opportunities by painting themselves unreliable.
But in the spirit of competition everyone trying to get ahead counts on people self destructing themselves. I’m thanked often by executives at our accounting firm, distributors, etc…for my prompt response. So when people wonder why do I get opportunities that others don’t I have things like those examples to point to as an example of why. I work with a handful of the younger generation trying to teach what has worked for me. You won’t find anyone with their nose buried in a cell phone at one of our meetings. That amazing tool is a pacifier for many people. You add up your hours wasted and compare that to presentations, pitches, scripts and more that I fill that time with. Now again I’m not saying this to hold myself higher but I am suggesting to others a better use of time and communication. But again when others don’t display the same level of professionalism that is why they aren’t entrusted with capital. Ultimately that works out in our favor but I still work hard to try and streamline our work flows and communication is that key.
Let’s move into some discussion on our CDI films.
Harsens Island Revenge (HIR) is in somewhat of a holding pattern with several of the chain theaters. We are waiting for the summer glut of films to lighten so we can get some dates. We were tentatively given last Friday as a release date for HIR at Emagine in Detroit. But in the lead up the communication to solidify the run dates when quiet. So we’re looking at more mom and pop theaters while waiting on the chains. We also might open up a couple opportunities for dinner shows at a pair of event halls wanting the film. We are also doing the marketing prep for home video (DVD and streaming) that launches in October. In the meantime we hear you and want you to be able to see the film on the big screen. CDI and our theatrical partners at Dreamscape Prods are working hard to lock in those showings.
This past week Melissa Anschutz was nominated for ‘Best Supporting Actress’ joining noms for Best Actor (David Reardon), Best Director (Carl Weyant), Best Screenplay (DJ Perry) and Best Film! More to come who knows we might receive a few more. We are grateful for the recognition.
Post Production:
Wild Faith Christmas music, VFX and color corrections are underway. This is another very exciting film that continues where Wild Faith left off. I might look at a producers rep to work with CDI on the TV series set up. We’ll be preparing this film to hit theaters in November.
Rom Coms Must Die is locking up color correction and the VFX list is being prepped. Sound design is underway and the last step will be moving this over to Dennis Therrian for the score and final mix. I was promised a look at version 2 of the trailer this weekend so we’ll see if that lands today.
Development:
The next film up looking to film this Summer is THE SECRET OF THE KINGDOM CHIP. This will be the second CDI collaboration with McGraw Multimedia. The Director of Photography will again be John McGraw. We are just starting to look at key cast and director. Also we are rounding out the funding with half of the funds committed. I’ve had a few conversations and will be putting some materials together to present this coming week. The second project being looked at for Fall/Winter is looking like- (one announcement at a time:)
Writing:
I was pleased with my Harsens Island Revenge script nomination. I’ve had many and won several over the years. I do love that this part of my skillset has been so active the last decade and a half. Script-wise I am working on a few projects but one treatment/script that I’ve been working on is a sequel to a CDI favorite. I have a great story in place and I just need to work it all into script format. If you are looking for that original script or book adaptation feel free to reach out.
Misc:
- I had some great conversations this week catching up with some filmmaking amigos like Terry Jernigan and Taymour Ghazi just to name a few. I love catching up with their newest projects and talking about possibly collaborations.
- Great meeting with ‘Tiger’ this week (John Mashni) about the evolution of CDI work flow.
- Set several meetings this week to advance certain projects on several fronts.
- Setting a few PR podcasts and such which will be fun.
- I need to work with Dean Teaster and get our next literary project (Ghost Town book reissue) out to market.
- We are starting to prepare the dispersement/returns for investors on the various CDI films.
- I have to check and see when the release on the music video “Blizzard’ by Shallow Rising is due to drop.
WRAP UP: I’ve been processing wood for next winter. I’ve constructed a new wood rack and I’m slowly dismantling the old wood shed. Much like the turning of seasons you have to always be prepping for the seasons ahead. I’ve been loving working outside whereas my work breaks are business calls. The office and surrounding area are my good zen. In those quiet times with the birds and squirrels I’m able to see where I need to put my next efforts.
We ended up getting the sealant/stain for the new deck and soon that task will be up. You always have the small fix-its to do. So I’m going to wrap things up here. I want to try and get some of those fixes done. I also have a few catch up biz calls I want to make. So I’m going to thank you all for stopping through here and having a coffee, tea…whatever and share a read. I hope you have a great week ahead. Welcome to June! May it be productive for us all.
DJ
‘Harsens Island Revenge’ Theatrical Roll Out Picks Up Speed! (Plus other CDI updates)
(Owosso, MI kick off at NCG Theaters!)
Good morning to you all. The hazelnut coffee is tasting extra good this morning as I am trying to get the cobwebs out of my head. I was up past my bedtime last night after a fun kick off of the Harsens Island Revenge (HIR) movie in Owosso, MI the home town of the book author. The NCG had us kick off in red carpet style and we had a nice afterglow also. There are some great pics starting to roll in and you can see them on the HIR Facebook page. It will play Owosso until Weds unless they extend it and we hope to travel into other NCG’s. The night before was more low key in Lansing, my hometown due to the storms that still has many without power. We still had a good turnout just no after party as people either had been doing tree clean up or had to the next morning. Not good for food people have in the fridge or freezer. But that is the two local kick off’s with Oscoda and CT theaters playing until Weds/Thursday. Grand Rapids and Muskegon might end after today unless the audiences really showed for them. Next up is Detroit and we’ll start moving into other midwest theaters. The audience reaction has been great with folks really enjoying this story. If you can see it in the theater please do it plays great! Home video won’t be until October so see it when you can in theaters.
(Coming (we hope) to a theater near you!)
OTHER FILM UPDATES!
- Lost Heart aka Bigfoot, UFO’s and Jesus and BEST YEARS GONE have new campaigns underway. If you haven’t seen these two CDI films you should. The latter was also adapted from a Karl Manke book.
- Knight Chills is CDI’s first film from the 90’s enjoying a new HD streaming and Blu Ray release. I want to finish the publication of the script and making of book.
- Ghost Town also got the HD re-release to streaming including HistoryFix and the novel is also close to being ready for a re-publish.
- An Ordinary Killer was also re-released to HD and the book on that is slated to be released. All these will show the rich history of CDI’s storytelling. This film was filmed in the Owosso and Durand area where last night’s HIR premiere was.
- Fan favorite WILD FAITH had audiences asking for a sequel and come November they will get it. Wild Faith Christmas director Shane Hagedorn had great things to report on the music/sound design and also the color correction. That film is going to be another great release!
- The dark comedy ROM COMS MUST DIE is also working color correction and sound design and will start music scoring once Dennis Therrian gets Wild Faith Christmas finished. This week we’ll see a second draft of the movie trailer. This year has several great CDI films rolling!
- Next week I’ll continue my development work. I took a week off to just focus on promotion of HIR but now I’ll get back into prepping our next couple films. Several of the supporters will have opportunities to get involved. I’ll also be working with our team to prepare some disbursements as the circle turns. We are in process of working to streamline the entire CDI biz process as we keep growing. It really does take a team of business folks just like production requires a team.
WRAP UP:
If you have seen Harsens Island Revenge and want to share your good thoughts on the film you can know leave reviews on HIR’s http://www.imdb.com page. Also Google, Rotten Tomatoes and several places allow reviews. If you feel like leaving something please do. My appreciation to Dreamscape Productions helping with our theatrical releases. They have been a joy to work with. All of us at CDI thank you!
Aside from films we did construct a new side coop for the chickens who give us the daily fresh eggs. I’ve got the property looking pretty good and I love all the growth happening and the wildlife that goes with it all. I still have some poles trimming to keep some of the trees from getting too crazy. Soccer season is about to start this week and I’m very much looking forward to that weekly workout. I’ve been training some to get ready and so we’ll see how the season goes.
I’m going to jump off here and refill ye ole coffee cup. We have a flea market down the road and I’m going to go see what props I can find. Tomorrow will start another busy yet productive week. I want to thank everyone who has been supporting all the theatrical releases. It is our pleasure to entertain you. I’ve read each and every bit of fan mail you all have sent and as I said, we so appreciate it. I appreciate all the kind comments on ‘Axel’ my new character in HIR. He’s a pretty cool fella and I’m glad audiences are connecting with him. I hope you all have a great Sunday and a smooth week ahead.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
‘Harsens Island Revenge’ Has Roared Onto The Big Screen! (Plus other CDI Developments)
(Graham Turner showcasing one of the cast/crew mugs from our Reinert Pottery sponsor)
I woke to beautiful sunshine streaming in the window even though the outside is a touch chilly. We have flowers blooming and trees are budding and everything is starting to take on a beautiful green color. This past week I finally did my lawn mow and mulch. I finished my trimming of the apple trees and the mulberry trees might be next. I’ve loved that I can disconnect from the desk at times and go tinker on the property between business calls. I hope everyone had a nice Easter and carry that good feeling into the spring. We lost one of our hens to an illness and I buried her. The next day my lil mouse Jerry who I had been working to live trap and relocate got hung up on a sweet potato bag. When I say hung I mean just that found him dead. Poor lil dude was still warm I cut him free and tried to rub some life into him with gloves on but no dice. So another day and another burial amongst the raspberry bushes.
(The film is bringing family and friends together!)
Okay let’s talk movies! Friday up in Alpena the classic cars were out and the flapper dresses and soot suits made an appearance for the kick-off showing. Of what? Harsens Island Revenge of course. An afternoon showing for cast and crew and the public got to see the first showing Friday night! A packed house and that carried right into yesterday and I’m going to guess today. I know folks who have seen the film three times already. It plays great on on the big screen and I’m excited to see it play Owosso, MI starting on May 17th! That is the home town of the book author Karl Manke and fellow actor/producer Anthony Hornus. There will be an afterglow party there also. Lansing, Grand Rapids and Detroit bookings are underway. We will try to hit as many as we can put people need to reach out to their theaters and request it. You can see some great pics from the Alpena showings by going to the FB page of the same name. Also if you saw the film and what to talk about it you can put your review comments on http://www.imdb.com (Harsens Island Revenge)
The next film coming down the pike (funny term) is WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. We are seeing a nice surge in viewing of the original film WILD FAITH. The sequel has a first pass on color correction and music has started as well as the opening credit sequence. This film will bring some of the favorite characters back to the big screen in November. The Season 1 that I have written might find its funding/footing we will see. I think fans of the first will really love this follow up and first time viewers will love the film. But they might be inspired to go back and watch the first film. Either way this amazing film is moving down the post process with Dennis Therrian’s music being currently created! Follow this film’s FB page for more updates.
ROM COMS MUST DIE the dark comedy about filmmaking and the first feature by Travis Hayward. On Monday we’ll watch the film on the big screen and see if we want any adjustments before we lock it. We are going to also look where we can add additional sound design. I completed my Voice Over work on Saturday so that will be laid into the picture. We’ll also discuss any tweaks to color correction and next week I should see a first trailer cut. This film is wildly unique and I think will be well received especially by artists. Follow this film’s FB page for more updates.
MISC.
- I did a VO for an MSU promo piece which was really cool because it is my alumni school!
- A new music video for SHALLOW RISING should be coming out soon!
- I sent the new Semi-Sci-Fi script THE KINGDOM CHIP to a few individuals for feedback. I’ve gotten some great feedback on the script and some input that had me tweak the dialog a bit on a few scenes and I like the flow much better. This is sitting with one of our directors and I’m awaiting their feedback.
- After ROM COMS MUST DIE (RCMD) will decided to do a few of these lower-budget films giving some new opportunities to artists. I have two scripts being evaluated and I’m working to identify directors and DP’s (Camera). While releasing these two big films it might be a good breather to do the smaller scope films for a beat. We had so much fun with RCMD.
- Last week I did a newspaper interview and two podcasts. Here is the Alpena newspaper interview– https://www.thealpenanews.com/life/2025/04/harsens-island-revenge-opens-tonight-at-sanctuary-cinema/
- Here is the ESPN podcast with 3PP – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr55Z78nMpo
- The other podcast is THE INTENSE LIFE and I will post next week once it goes live.
- Collaborations – I have a few follow up phone calls on possible collaborations. In these situations they have their own funds and want it done properly. A few of these include scripts already written and in development. In a few others it could have me writing the script. It all starts with the script.
- This week I talked about the post film work but it will be diving deeper into the development. Even typing here has helped me put everything into perspective. I think I know the direction I want to take. I’m anxious for some feedback this week that will help influence those decisions.
- Again if you have a theater near you and you want the film to travel to your back yard please contact the theater management and request the film. If you can pass on the contact info I will put that into the hands of our theatrical booker!
WRAP UP: What a week! I want to thank all the wonderful fan mail I received for the performance in Harsens as ‘Axel’ the WW1 vet who assists our lead Frankie (David Reardon) in his situation with the Purple Gang. We will try to get some more reviews done and announce some new theater dates! In the meantime the film will play in Alpena for at least the week maybe longer. A trip to Alpena would be fun and you could see a film too in that beautiful Sanctuary Cinema. Thank you to our friends there! I’m off to make a few eggs and work in the yard today. It is really looking good and soon the summer zen will be upon us. Until next week be good to one another!
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Updates a Day Early Due to Easter! My Gift to You All!
(A beautiful shot from Part 3 of The Quest Trilogy “The Christ Slayer” )
It is later on a Saturday and I’ve decided to start putting my update together as tomorrow is a busy day being Easter. So this past week was busy and I was tired once Friday came along. The week prior ended with my lil brother’s birthday and that was a fun celebration. Monday was back to business with a meeting with Travis Hayward and Adam Towner. It was to both cheer accomplishments (Their local festival win) and plan the next steps with Rom Coms Must Die (RCMD) feature marketing. The film is soon to address additional VFX and sound design before music and mixing. We’re working on the first look trailer and poster art for RCMD So that will be exciting also. I also got to enjoy their short film that won the local festival.
Good meeting mid-week with Shane Hagedorn and our friends at Dreamscape Productions about the theatrical release of Harsens Island Revenge. The film starts its theatrical run in Alpena, MI at Sanctuary Cinemas this coming Friday and will play for a week or so. How long depends on interest in the area. The Owosso, MI showings will start May 17th at the NCG and we’re guessing a week or two there as well. We are also looking to see if it will release in other NCG’s so if you have one near you call and request the film. Lansing, Grand Rapids and Detroit will likely be the next showings working with Celebration Cinemas and Emagine.
Speaking of theatrical showings, on Friday I went to the opening of WAS ONCE A HERO a unique western that friends Darby Hinton, Shane Hagedorn and Rebecca Holden acted in. Actor, producer and writer Dan Searles played the shopkeep in Wild Faith Christmas. If you get a chance to see it please do. It is now in Lansing, Grand Rapids and other locations. Wild Faith Christmas is about 60 min into the color correction. Dialog clean up is complete and sound design is also almost done. Next up is the music score which is where the film really comes to life. This follow up to our WILD FAITH is heading to theaters this holiday season.
Thursday I started the day by watching a director friend’s memorial for his dad who passed away. I had to stay home and be ready to receive a truck load of props from Wild Faith Christmas. I’m still putting stuff away. I had to reschedule a later meeting with an actress/producer friend but that happens especially when little children are involved. Friday as noted I had that screening but also had a good meeting over possible acting, writing and producing work for CDI. I just finished the script I had been working on which might film in Spring 2026 pending on chips fall. I’m in talks about several books to script and I’m hoping to lock one of them. I do enjoy writing and it is something I really embrace. The feedback so far on the script I just completed is strong.
I was waiting for many folks to get past tax deadlines but I’ve got several film projects in development. I’m going to give a few folks a first right of refusal on funding. We’ve had to turn away a few people on the last couple films and I don’t like to do that. Funding can be really hard and so we’ve got a good slate of projects from smaller to larger in budget. I’m really hoping to be filming this summer followed by fall and spring. We have the resources and manpower now to handle more films. It takes time to develop people and get them into the CDI flow. I’m also going to be talking with a few management folks about music videos for bands. We have the new Shallow Rising video releasing soon and will be shooting some promo for a music concert venue soon. We really like the music videos also they are a lot of fun.
Today in Muskegon our IN THE WOODS writer/director Lynn Drzick is meeting and greeting fans of our classic monster movie film. The Blu Ray is released and these are all steps for a possible follow up film. Next week I have an interview on Monday for Harsens Island Revenge and a podcast on Thursday. Friday we’ll get to hear what audiences think of the film! I have another podcast (Premium Podcast:) that we are trying to get on the books. I hope to have to good development follow up meetings next week too. So on the movie front things are busy as usual.
WRAP UP:
I’ve been loving being outside and doing the yard clean up. It is starting to come together. I spread the red clover seed and have some other herbs starting to sprout. The chickens have been doing pretty good with 3-5 eggs a day. I was doing well with my office organizing until two wagons full of props arrived. The Paw Paw/Rhubarb wine has gotten good marks from folks at our meetings. I’m still exploring the idea of using the lumber from the old deck to build a greenhouse. The new deck will soon need to be sanded and stained and I’m trying to prep for that. I’ve also been trying to clean on the shed which the squirrels invaded once they found we had chicken scratch in there. They are pretty determined when they wanna be. Flowers are popping up all over and my brother already found a morel on his property. We usually get them so I’m keeping an eye out.
I’ve done some PR on asking and encouraging people who enjoy the CDI films to watch The Quest Trilogy where we make a go at the biblical dramas like what we grew up on with ole Chuck Heston. They can be found free with ads and please do watch them in order. Part 1 Forty Nights, Part 2 Chasing the Star and Part 3 The Christ Slayer. I hope you all have a wonderful Easter and a great week ahead. We are enjoying the days getting warmer we actually had one day 78 degrees or so. I hope you enjoy getting this a day early. I just didn’t want to be rushed tomorrow because we have a full day. There is the first flea market of the year down the road also. Those are always fun. Soccer is also right around the corner starting in May! Until next week!
Coffee Cheers! Tea at night for me!
DJ
Springing Ahead – Updates All Across the Board
(A moment from part 3 of The Quest Trilogy: The Christ Slayer)
Hazelnut coffee cheers on a sunny but chilly morning in Michigan. I have had a productive week that left me ready for a recharge. I started last Sunday with a wonderful VIP back stage tour of our local zoo Potter Park. I’ve been going there since I was a wee lad with my grandfather and family. It was nice to get to meet and greet some of the animals up close. Petting the rhino was probably the highlight. What an amazing animal and I truly hope we do leave it alone to survive in the wild for many, many years.
Monday was a morning of business which we’ll get into more but the afternoon was sitting in studio with ROM COMS MUST DIE editor John McGraw and Director Travis Hayward. We watched, stopped, tweaked scenes using primarily the director’s input. Once all those changes are made final we’ll be close to locking the cut. The film really is an entertaining and unique parody, dark comedy about the state of our industry. It talks about the desire of actors that can sadly dip into desperate. Filmmakers that will almost do anything to get that passion project launched. It was an all-star cast and it shows. Plus you got to see folks doing comedy which is a nice change. I was going to record some VO but had to wait. Why?
I’m now in the final stages of an implant for a tooth that cracked below the gum line. I tried to nurse it and keep it but in the end it had to go and be prepped for an implant. The post got put in and that was an easy enough process (not on the wallet) and is healing. I’m taking a week off from wearing a bottom retainer I’ve had for years that just keeps the bottom teeth from shifting. It gives me a funny voice naturally and so I wore it in ROM COMS MUST DIE. I need to wear it to do my VO (Voice over) and so we decided to wait. We also have one flashback pick up scene to film. We wanted a different season and with the snow melting we will likely film it in April. But the first few days were soft foods like soup so I had to limit my food choices. The good news is zero pain. So I’ll take it.
I had a meeting that is for a couple possible new films that got pushed to Monday. And I was back at the McGraw studio on Friday for the last meeting of the week. I’m going to pull pulling together a feature film script from all the story pieces they have. This will result in some associated CDI/McGraw films and this one will be a good one. I’m truly blessed to have a mind that easily orders a story into script format. I also had a development talk with our Harsens Island Revenge director Carl Weyant. But I’ll discuss that film soon but he has a few developing stories that he wants me to consider scripting and producing with CDI and his production partners. This week I’ve also been finally writing a script that has been sitting up in my head. I haven’t had this impulsive inspiration since the biblical trilogy.
THE QUEST TRILOGY were three films we shot in and around the desert of Yuma, AZ. I’ve said this many times that if these films represent your path of faith or parables with positive lessons they are worth watching. They are beautiful in their presentation and showcase little known parts of scripture. They can be watched on Amazon, Tubi, Encourage TV (YouTube) and more. You should watch them in order of FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. In these times of negativity and division sometimes you need a good dose of positivity. These films will do that and not in a preachy way. So for this and every Easter season or any season, watch all three. They are the type of films that you will take something new away with every watch.
Back to the script I’ve been writing last week and I’m going to look to finish this week is a follow up to these three films. I don’t want to get into it too much here but it is a unique presentation. I think people will really be drawn in by the story. I plan to finish this while I get the McGraw script loaded into my software and prepped. I have and always used Movie Magic software. Before that it was a typewriter. Go to a museum if you don’t know what that is. I think I might have mentioned that I finished last week my rewrite on the 8 shows for season one of WILD FAITH: HASTINGS. I had to rewrite to take place after our sequel script Wild Faith Christmas.
Wild Faith Christmas is in the final editing pass while our composer Dennis Therrian is reviewing and starting to sketch out some musical pieces. We have heard some of them already and it is once again incredible. Director Shane Hagedorn is evaluating color correction and the opening credit sequence. This follow up to WILD FAITH is powerful, heart warming and we had tears in the test screening.
The next big treat for audiences is about to be Harsens Island Revenge. Action. Romance. Slick storytelling that brings the 1920’s to life. The film is done. It is being prepped for delivery to home video which is looking to be 10/1/2025. But the theatrical version is done and will be tested next week and if we are all good the premiere and 1st run will be set. The film took a few weeks longer but we wanted it to be perfect. The film will start with an Alpena, MI run. We’ll be looking at other Northern cities but also bringing it down to Owosso, Lansing, GR, Detroit. After that we’ll be expanding into several states and thrilling audiences with this exciting story based on Karl Manke‘s book of the same name. So fingers crossed that we have no tech gremlins and we’ll get this party started.
MISC NEWS:
I’ve got a story I contributed to another Baker Book House collection on bird stories coming out this year. This one centers on our first experiences with raising chickens. It is nice to write for these books and I’ll be grateful to Callie Smith aka Lonnie RIP who brought me into this circle of writing. I hope to keep doing it for many years to come.
My other big task is ‘spring cleaning’ at the office. I ordered a new corner shelf to help organize many of the business assets. But that is requiring several shelves and such to move around. I’ve started to prep for it but it will be a several afternoon endeavor. But I plan to put the needle on the record and listen to jams while building, moving and re-organizing. My goal is that by next Friday the upstairs of the office we be back and much better organized. With a nice week ahead I might be able to start clean up on the property. Big plans for the new year and I’m looking forward to it. I did some wood prep for the wood stove tonight. Once past the season I have a chimney sweep going to come in and give everything a professional clean.
Lastly, the end of year movie work is almost done. K1’s are going out which report returns to investors for their taxes. The movie taxes have all been filed. My personal taxes are submitted and so that part of the filmmaking game is almost all done. We are going to be meeting (legal & accounting) and talking about how we can streamline biz moving forward. We are growing and we have to keep up with that growth. The cold weather has been perfect for these end of year tasks. I’m looking forward to working and holding some meetings from the new deck. The chickens might get some improvements and upgrades since eggs are like gold now. Looking forward to planting our veggies and herbs and I like to wildcraft collect berries from our trees. I might have to put a trim on the mulberry and apple trees. A new system for the wood chopping and storage will be coming into play. I might consider a small greenhouse. We will see said the wise man.
WRAP UP: I’m going to wrap it up here. I might get after a few of those eggs I was talking about. I might do some more yard or office prep. Movie star stuff like dog poop or stick pick up. I want to start adding some running to my work outs as soccer season is right around the corner. I need to prep for some landscaping to fill in where the old deck stairs once were. A retaining wall needs to be addressed before we do too much to the under-deck. Everything is always an evolution and I enjoy that tinkering as my grandfather use to put it. I have some of my best ideas while engaging in this puttering about. But spring is in the air and I for one am really ready. The winter was harsh and even now the cold hangs on. But the birds are returning and soon plants will start to sprout. I will be planting more clover in the yard again this year. It is good for the animals and is beyond beautiful. Until next week I hope you have an amazing week. I hope to have good news to report next week on our theatrical tests and my office organizing.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Loss, Gain and Everything In-Between – CDI Updates!
Good morning from an icy Michigan. I’m sipping on the hazelnut coffee and about to give you some of the updates. Let’s start first on the personal level. I want to send out healing wishes to CDI tribe member, actor and friend Greg Mason who had a heart attack. I spoke with him and he is doing better but has a road to recovery ahead of him. Also in your life you have women aside from your mother who are like a mother. I had three really, my real mom, my babysitter mom Marie DeFord and lastly spending three summer sin Denmark I had my Danish Mom Gerd. I won’t use her last name for respect to the family who might not want the attention as they mourn her loss. I was 16, 18 and 20 when I stayed with her and their family. It was when I played soccer overseas and was the assistant coach and the head coach. She and I would drink coffee and talk history of Denmark and places around the world. She really loved Egypt. We have stayed in touch over these last 35 years and I was shocked and saddened to hear that she passed recently. I know her large family is really feeling the loss. My heart and prayers of peace go out to them.
I’ve been nursing a head cold after not being sick for a long time. I think cold weather and long days filming finally got me. That said, I think I’m on the tail end of it today. I still allowed myself to do a lotta desk work. This week I will have more to organize but CDI has been very busy with the 3 films moving down the line. Let’s take a look shall we-
Harsens Island Revenge – This movie is truly so cool. The look, the story, the acting, the clothes and the music. The challenge is to find our place in the market being filled with schlock. We are looking at an extended roll out theatrical. The final tech touches were being done to the 4k master this weekend. Once we have that and a DCP can be created we’re looking to premiere first in Alpena. So all those folks in Alpena start your call-in campaign to the Sanctuary Cinema and ask for the film. The issue we face is good projection but small seating and they have to dance around the studio films. I had a good conversation with Dreamscape Prods who looks like we’ll partner with for the roll out. Once we have Alpena premiere done and the theatrical run underway we’ll move to Owosso, MI and the NCG theaters. From there Lansing and Grand Rapids, MI which will likely be Celebration Cinema. And Detroit, MI where we’ll explore Emagine and some of the chains there. I explored The Henry Ford Museum and I think the cost against us is too great. We need to start our recoup with theatrical not dig a hole. I need to get final confirmation this week but we’re talking about Oct. 1st (4th Q) release of DVD and buy/rent streaming in 2025. Prior to that it will be playing multiple cities across the country with this cool WW1 vs Purple Gang film based off Karl Manke’s book. It is coming and when it does it will be a wonderful thing. I think many 1920’s type parties are being planned around the premieres. We already have some event centers that wanna do dinner and viewings but that will run after the main theatrical run. Or at least towards the end after audiences have a chance to see it in the theaters which is best sound and picture. This film is beautiful and sounds great so we want that experience for our audiences first.
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – This film is the next adventure following WILD FAITH and we’re all so excited. Having big shoes to fill due to the popularity of the original I am thrilled to say that the sequel will live up to it. The magic is back from the original and introduces so grand new elements. Our director Shane Hagedorn has been working on the trailer and it is powerful! It has moved into sound design this weekend. I know some poster art is being discussed and with such fine elements/pictures from GW Burns the poster will be great! We are looking to lock the film end of the month and move it into sound design and music with Dennis Therrian. The plan is to release it into theaters Nov 1st and play it until Easter. After that we’ll let it rest during the summer as the home video marketing team prepares for 2026 Holiday push to DVD and streaming. It all has to follow a roll out plan. But I’m so excited about this film and I think all of you will be also. For the tens of millions of fans we are bringing you another adventure.
ROM COMS MUST DIE or is it ROMCOMS MUST DIE – Hmmm…. This film is a mash up of two popular genres that is currently the trend. Romantic comedies and mindless horror – but what we created was a dark and zany film that really has a lot to say about our industry. The plight of filmmakers, actors and the uphill battle to create art. Travis Hayward has directed his first feature film for CDI in association with McGraw Multimedia. We’ve already laughed and been thrilled by raw footage played on the HUGE LED wall. This film might be ready for a premiere this October 2025 with home video being May 2026. We will have fun with the marketing of this film. It was truly written out of frustration from distributors development meetings. We all felt as though we were creating something very special. It is being edited as we speak and I believe it will move quickly down the post line.
NEXT MOVES – Okay this is the 3rd time I’ve typed this and it has disappeared. I’m already having issues with pictures. But what I was saying was that we are going to work on trying to re-master the final three films in the CDI Classic Collection (From Venus, Heaven’s Neighbors, Figure in the Forest) * On DVD the later two can be found at the http://www.cdiproductions.com STORE.
- I’m exploring a new film transfer of WICKED SPRING for a new Blu Ray.
- The Ghost Town book will be next up with CDI Literary.
- I’m exploring a Blu Ray of The Quest Trilogy. Our three biblical adventures.
- Knight Chills is now streaming on Free4All, Xumo and more emerging – Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ognETSVqirEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ognETSVqirE
- An Ordinary Killer is now on ROKU and might look into this film and Ghost Town to Historyfix.
WRAP UP: I thought I might have one of several script writing options locked in but nothing yet. So I plan to finish the WILD FAITH Hastings shows. I might be taking on a script for McGraw Multimedia which will be another feature film working with them. We have a few other projects in funding development as we speak. I think we’ll get a few more shot this year to release next year.
I’m very pleased with how the year has started off and I’m going to remain focused and work hard. I’m looking forward to springtime so the garden can grow and soccer season will be here again. I shared some of the teas I grew and harvested this holiday season. We have enjoyed an on-going supply of eggs which is where I’m about to go now. Nature is the great energizer and balancer of the self.
I hope all of you continue to follow your dreams. It will be a very interesting year with all these stories coming to audiences worldwide. As some of the losses last year and this year have shown, life passes so live it. Enjoy it. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back. Learn from set backs and use that to build. I’m so appreciative that you all stop through to bask in these words. Don’t hate. Create.
Until next week my friends, coffee cheers!
DJ
CDI UPDATES – “Don’t be afraid to try or fail or to be ridiculed.”
Good morning on what will end up being a very chilly next couple days. I’m sipping the ole hazelnut coffee and I have several thoughts running through my head. First after a fun season our Detroit (MI) Lions football team will not be going to the Super Bowl. They had a great season but they played a talented team and their errors tipped the game in their opponent’s favor. How many times do we do that? Our own errors tip something against us? This awareness is called accountability. Many want to blame external factors but you have to look at the internal factors also.
I also awoke to do a brief morning scroll that has unfortunately replaced the “reading the newspaper” time with that first coffee. I saw news concerning a young actor/filmmaker that I don’t know personally but is friends of several of my Detroit area associates. He had a heart attack and died. My first thought was way too young. I also recall the postings over the years where he lamented the struggle of our business. On a positive he went out chasing his dream and even had some success. On another note, his struggle is over now just rest. A slew of RIP’s and messages of love and soon his day to day presence fades as the rest of us keep on. I was actually thinking of several friends who have passed no longer in the game of life. Another reason to enjoy it and don’t be too hard on yourself. We will all live our lives of ups and downs until there is only rest. My thoughts are with the family of this young man.
I’ve been working very hard on all the projects including the new film we are about to start filming in a week. I’ve been getting the business done on these cold days chained to the desk. I’ve been enjoying creating a new character to bring to the screen and I would say he is close to being ready. It is a comedy and I’m excited to do another one. Humor and laughter are one of the great things in life. We are down to some of the main issues being parking at a location so that is a good place to be. The project for those who have not been following along is ROM COMS MUST DIE. It is the first feature directed by Travis Hayward and a reunion working with John McGraw who was a friend from the earliest days of CDI. I have a few solid days of work still required but we are almost all ready. Let’s look at a few other projects that will release in 2025.
Harsens Island Revenge has been worked over with a “fine tooth comb” to make it the best we can. It is being evaluated for theatrical and I plan to get word tomorrow. It is being reviewed by our home video distributor and talks on finalizing that on Tuesday. I did let a sneak peek go out to an awards/event organization that we’ve been nominated by and won awards from in the past. The film has many positive values and lessons to it but wraps it in action and some historical violence. I wanted to submit it to a 3rd party unrelated to the project. I’ve never met the people or even spoken by phone with anyone at the event. They reviewed and I received a wonderful message about the film. A follow up phone call had me listening for the good part of an hour about the film and what makes CDI films stand out so much. I think it is because I don’t follow the trends or what not. We don’t jump on any bandwagons and always choose unique stories to tell. I will say that the story was well received and it has been nominated for BEST PICTURE. I’m sure there will be some other nominations but I’m just happy that the story connected with outside parties. I’m thrilled for the nomination because it represents ALL the artists. I will release more on this when the event announces more. But it was very encouraging to hear the feedback. I think all the films are special but they are our “children” so to speak. But we are creeping closer to setting up the premiere runs. I’m very proud of director.editor Carl Weyant’s first feature film collaboration with CDI.
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is done with the first pass on editing and has been in the polishing pass for several days. I plan to see the film this week and soon we’ll lock it up and get it to Dennis Therrian to start dialog, music and sound work. Shane Hagedorn the director is very happy and said it is full of gems. By gems we mean scenes with moments of strong emotion. I know that a trailer and official director’s poster are in the works. We hope to have this film playing in theaters for this 2025 holiday season (Nov 1st) so we are moving along nicely to hit that goal.
MISC UPDATES:
- KNIGHT CHILLS, our 1st CDI film from 1998 is preparing to release on streaming on 1/31/2025 on several platforms. Amazon, Tubi, Roku, Xumo and more!
- HERE is a fun round table Indie Film Cafe review on KNIGHT CHILLS – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlAe0Gbnzrs
- Also IN THE WOODS my 1st starring role Creature Feature got the 25th anniversary Blu Ray treatment and here is a cool interview with the director Lynn Drzick – https://fb.watch/xcQnN7O1jE/
- There is talk of appearing at a few conventions in the state to promote the horror film properties. We will see but one being discussed is in April in Muskegon, MI.
- AN ORDINARY KILLER is released on The Roku Channel now! It has been remaster and looks beautiful. Furthermore the watch now benefits veterans and their families being managed by a non-profit.
- We are going to be doing some remastered tests with the final 3 films in the CDI Classic Collection starting with FIGURE IN THE FOREST. This film was the first starring role for Dean Teaster. He has been creating some great characters in our recent films and you can see the talent right from the start.
- I’m going to be working to prep a few more of the books based on CDI films to become available. Music and soundtracks would be nice we will see what we can do this year. Merchandise is up on the STORE http://www.cdiproductions.com site. Let us know what you would like and we’ll try to make it available.
- CDI Highlight Reel and a few personal actor reels need to be cut. I will work towards that end when I clear some of this end of year stuff off my desk.
- Development on a few new projects is underway so if you have some interest in seeing some films being made and want to get involved you can always reach out and see what we have cooking. I know we have two projects in active funding as we speak. It is a cycle of develop, produce and release. We have a great group of backers and we’re appreciative to them all.
- SPONSORS. If you have a company that wants to align your company with other great brands like PEPSI, SMITHFIELD FOODS, HERSHEYS, HORMEL, TRU-HILTON and more…reach out. We are accepting sponsors on our current film right now!
WRAP UP: I’m going to eat a bran muffin and refill the coffee cup. I’m going to send some communications out to our art team on the next film. After I might gather up a few more props and work a few lines. I have company this eve at the office/fort so I’m going to get the fire kicking! I’m appreciative of the journey I’m on. The great support of family and friends in and out of the business of film. I’m happy for the challenges as they force me to grow. One day I too will breath no more, be concerned no more and just be at peace. But until that day I’m going to keep doing what the young boy in me always dreamt of doing. I hope each of you keep chasing your own dreams. Don’t be afraid to try or fail or to be ridiculed. I recall those distant days and while hurtful those folks were motivators. But you must motivate yourself. I hope my actions alone motivates others. Until next week-
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Into 2025! Here We Go!
A big hazelnut coffee cheers on a VERY bitter cold morning. And WELCOME to 2025! We are off and running in the new year. This past week was some good prep and progress on projects. We are starting to collect our paperwork and funds for our ROM COMS MUST DIE comedy we will be shooting with Travis Hayward directing. I’ve been slowly morphing into this new role and working to get stuff prepared to film at the end of the month. We had two end of the year Christmas gatherings with my parents and family. Good food, fun and laughter. We are preparing to send over info to the accountants for issuing 1099 and K1’s on our last film WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. On last briefing with our director Shane Hagedorn the edit was at the 70-72 min mark. We are in the final act of the story and Shane commented how enjoyable it was spending time with those characters.
Harsens Island Revenge has been in final color correction and clean up. I watched the most recent version yesterday. It was beautiful and sounded just incredible. The added days for the color mix were worth it. We noted a few end credit format fixes and a handful of small fixes that would make the film even more complete. That is noticeable out of period things that appear in the film. Only noticeable to a few folks perhaps but if we can fix it we will. So we’re taking another 3-4 days to correct and another 19 hour render for our lower resolution film file. The 4k takes almost two days to render out. But my plan is to show the nearly complete film file to our potential distributors. These fixes have dragged our timeline by about 2 weeks. But thankfully we are not in a crunch. But it is looking like the 1st premiere might be end of February as it takes time to set up and market these events. But I promise the slight delay will be worth it when it hits the big screen.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA has been being enjoyed by families both on select big screens and streaming on most platforms with Amazon Prime being most popular. This year in June/July we’ll see the film move onto even more platforms for ad based video on demand. If you have not seen this CDI wartime film set during WW2, do so. It is a great piece of true history and one that will touch your heart.
KNIGHT CHILLS our 1st CDI film is going to get its first streaming release on 1/31/25. We’ll be doing some more PR on this as we get a bit closer but I am excited to have it play streaming. Buy the book on Amazon too now!
Looking Forward into 2025–
- As noted we’ll be rolling cameras on the comedy ROM COMS MUST DIE.
- End of February will likely be our first Harsens Island Revenge premiere.
- End of February will also be the targeted month to move WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS into music and sound design. We are still targeting a Nov 1st theatrical release.
- Projects are under development that could have us filming a feature in the Summer and one in the Fall. Script feedback and funding are always factors so we’ll see how that works out.
- More merchandise will be finding its way to the CDI Store which you can get to via http://www.cdiproductions.com
- More literary work will be coming out in 2025 on Amazon joining the IN THE WOODS (script/making of & novel) and the KNIGHT CHILLS novel.
- We have plans to try and remaster the remaining 3 films in the ‘CDI Classic Collection’ FROM VENUS, HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST. The last two can be bought as a DVD double feature on the merchandise site. We are fighting against old format and a ‘film look’ filter applied all those years ago.
- I’m going going to finish the last couple of the WILD FAITH HASTINGS TV series scripts that need to be adjusted to take place after film two. I’ve got a few other pet projects and possible work-for-hire scripts to write. I do love to write and this cold weather is perfect for allowing one to focus upon this task.
- I do want to get a CDI Highlight Reel and also an actors reel for myself showcasing some of the more recent performances. I got some new headshots late last year but I need a few new showcase pieces. But the roles keep coming so I guess that is a good excuse for not getting new materials together. But still…
- Lastly, I’m looking ahead to warm weather and the new endeavors on the property. I’ve got a new log rack and want to rebuild the wood shed. The above and below parts of the new deck will be fun to “deck out” to coin a phrase. I harvested and gifted a lot of tea this year. I’m going to bottle a new wine made with paw paw fruit. I also have an Irish beer to make sometime this winter. It is always nice to pop a few bottles over a good meeting. So it will be fun to revitalize the property and that always takes some planning.
WRAP UP: As the news said, a horrible way to start the new year with the attach in the French Quarter, New Orleans. Someone stole the new year optimism and lives from a handful of people. Others forever changed by injury and the poor families. I’ve spent time there in the French Quarter and it is heartbreaking. I’m more low key these days having already done the crowds and crazy in my youth. Now I like quiet contemplation going into the new year. I’m ready to create projects, moments and memories with fellow artists, family and friends. I’m looking forward to the journey and will work to keep the energy bright and positive. Enjoy the challenges and the rewards. There are many who are unable to meet challenges beyond day to day survival. But each day and breath is a reward. I love nature and use it to rejuvenate myself. I had a moment the other day with technology, one of the few things that can disrupt my zen. But thankfully I have talented friends with some patience. I do try to learn new processes and technologies but it doesn’t always come easy.
I’m going to wrap things up here to go to bday gathering for a family member. Later I will get to see my brother and a few friends for the first time in 2025. Stay warm. Stay safe. And we’ll talk next week. I hope you all are enjoying your first days of 2025. Look ahead at what you want to accomplish and start moving in that direction. And for our Detroit Lions (football) let’s hope for a victory tonight. Coffee cheers to you all.
DJ
October in Full Effect! CDI Updates 2024
Coffee cheers from a cool damp Michigan. Welcome new readers from Portugal and Romania and more. October has been beautiful but a bit dry. I haven’t had to mow in quite some time which is fine. I’ve harvested most of the herbs and I’ve been cutting wood getting ready for the coming cold. I might even polish up the stove and have a first fire tonight. The new younger chickens have been accepted into the big coop and so that is a positive. The older girls are molting and slowing on their egg laying. But the young ones might be getting ready to start. I’m looking forward to steak (venison) and eggs after I finish this. Also we have two more local flea markets one this morning ands one next week. Just in time before we travel up North for our WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS prep. My beard I’ve got to bring ole Ben Lily back to the screen has me wearing a bit of every meal. But I’m feeling ready to ride. I found the last few prop pieces for ‘Ben’ and so that should be good to go.
Staying on topic with WFXmas we’ve been having some great meetings. I’ve got all but one of the investor checks deposited and just a few more sponsors to collect on. The charge on sponsors is being led by PEPSI and had a great meeting with our rep there. I’m awaiting thermal mugs from our friends at the Michigan Community College Association. We have a few more great sponsors to speak with. We are enjoying the partnerships on production sponsors and are starting to explore release sponsors which is for our theatrical runs. If you want to align your company with WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS about to go into production or Harsens Island Revenge about to release in 1st Q 2025 please get in touch!
Harsens Island Revenge team was working to have a special pre-release screening on November 1st in Alpena, MI but to do so would disrupt on final post flow. Additionally the film would not be our final best film but a rushed version. Rush means mistakes and rush would have meant incomplete. We are still going to do a great premiere in Alpena, Owosso, Lansing and likely Detroit and Grand Rapids. We are in discussions over the theatrical and I have some paperwork to review this week. More on this amazing story very soon! If you cannot wait search up the title online and buy the book!
KNIGHT CHILLS – CDI’s first feature film from the late 90’s has now been delivered for streaming. I’ll be awaiting a release date but I also got some great news about a December theatrical play in Brooklyn, NY. More on that deal as I receive it. AN ORDINARY KILLER is still on track for a December 15th streaming and the HD DVD is also coming soon! I’m also excited for the special podcast that features the film coming from TWO AVERAGE JOES MEDIA. Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town smoky mountain western is streaming and the special edition DVD from the Ghost Town in the Sky theme park will be available soon. All CDI merchandise will be charity driven with a % of the revenue going to military veterans and/or animals. We will even have some movie props and wardrobe that people can bid or purchase. More on all that soon!
We are enjoying rounding the corner into the last Q of 2024. It has been a productive year and we are looking forward to 2025. Nov/Dec will be some prep for ROM COMS MUST DIE the feature film debut of Travis Hayward with CDI. We are exploring a few theatrical plays of SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA for the holidays. This movie continues to play on TV and available to rent/buy digital or DVD. Next year it will move to ad-based free with ads. We are also starting to push some of the other Fall/holiday titles like THE QUEST TRILOGY. Part 1 FORTY NIGHTS surpassed 2.5 million views on Encourage TV. If you have not watched these three films give them a go. I promise they are not your typical biblical adventures but have a unique perspective to each of them. There is a good change of a few more of those type films making it on our production slate.
BREAKFAST BREAK and WRAP UP!
I have to note I took a break during that last paragraph and ate my eggs and venison steak – so good. The key to venison is prep. Our fresh eggs are also splendid but there is a lot of work involved with chickens. This week will include insurance, communication devices, prop gun pick up, more craft service goods, hard drives and starting to pack personal stuff to be gone 3 weeks. I’ve already been swapping out my warm weather for cold weather clothes and gear.
I’m going to go get dressed and go walk around this flea market. See if any last minute props or wardrobe stuff jumps out at me. I found a great period derby hat that might end up on our antagonist. I hope you all are enjoying the turn of season as we enter that darker phase. As noted earlier I think I’m going to polish up the wood stove and get that ready for a first fire of the season. I’ve had several outdoor fires but there is something about crackling wood in an old stove.
Until we chat again next week have a productive week and be kind to one another.
DJ
Powerful Posters, ‘Harsens’ Post-Production and Premiere Info and ‘Wild Faith Christmas’ Pre-Production Updates
A light rain and cool breeze is welcome versus the horrible storms they’ve got down south from the hurricane. I checked in with many of my friends and some like my cousin outside Tampa, FL had nothing but wind. Others like Robert Bradley in Maggie Valley, NC are good but their town and region is not. Highways washed out and roads impassable. The main drag of Maggie Valley is flooded out. Just sad that so many are facing the hardships they are. Knock on wood- but we’ve been lucky being on a high hill and our property is sandy and absorbs water quickly. My thoughts and prayers with all those suffering in the aftermath.
I want to welcome out new readers from France, Netherlands and more. I really love the global artists circle we have. I had several folks comment and we’ve had lots of new subscriptions which is great. I’m going to provide some great updates and I hope give some insights that you can apply to your own endeavors. I’m going to do a warm up on my hazelnut coffee and we’ll get into this. Speaking of coffee we’ve been enjoying the new enhanced deck for sipping coffee and watching the morning nature. The dogs enjoy having a better view of the surrounding area and the gate allows me to have them enclosed. That helps at night if I smell skunk in the area which anyone who had had to bathe a dog who has been sprayed knows. I built a small step deck off the office/fort porch and a new compost bin from some of the old deck wood. I still have a good amount left for some of my projects. I’m still harvesting the end of season herbs and using them in cooking and for tea. So many great compounds that are in plants.
NOW TO THE PROJECTS!
With every CDI film we really try to let the director’s pick, choose and oversee one poster, the theatrical one. Because marketing staff at the home video level will put together the artwork that will best serve their purpose. This is the beautiful picture that our director Carl Weyant put together for our theatrical run. Below is some moody shadows and reminds me of the old detective posters of the 20’s and 30’s. Above you see The Purples, a glimpse of the Harsens militia and the innocents put at risk with this conflict. I’ve had a lot of people talking about wanting to buy a poster and all in good time.
We will be getting an RSVP for main cast and crew to see who can attend a private showing in Alpena. Following the screening they will have another show for sale for the public and it will play for several weeks in Alpena. That is what the deal is looking like. The theater controls how many screens and times so we are limited. But as I’ve said before, the more the demand the more screens and times they might open. Currently the invite is for just cast and crew and not plus one. Folks will be responsible for their own travel and lodging. I’ll keep you all informed here and of course we’ll be posting on the Harsens Island Revenge Facebook page. Now in January 2025 we’ll start our theatrical run. Several runs might be kicked off with a special event party like in Owosso, Lansing, Grand Rapid and Detroit so that might be closer for many of you!
We’ve been working hard on end credits trying not to miss any or misspell any names. That said, it happens every film because of the sheer amount of names and sometimes handwriting by people. Lastly, it is passing through human hands and we all make mistakes but we try to keep that as low as possible. The music, color correction and VFX are being finished and polished up. Next week they start to pull that all together. Dennis Therrian has been working a powerful musical score and every artists has been putting his all into the film. Final posting and mixing always requires an increase in focus and communication. Something I myself also work on and try to encourage. If you send something let the party know it has been sent. If you are the receiving party let the sender know it has been received. There is a reason the military is so effective with their communication. The thing to remember is that you all have the same goal and you’re trying to make a process as smooth as possible. Bottom line is the film is getting close to being done.
AN ORDINARY KILLER streaming will be on December 15th and I’m hearing that it will be going to XUMO and The ROKU CHANNEL. Likely it will go to AMAZON and possibly PLEX and PLUTO TV.
DEAN TEASTERS GHOST TOWN is streaming on TUBI and various platforms. We do plan to start selling the special edition theme park DVD’s prior to Christmas. For those that know Robert Bradley this was filmed in his home town and he co-stars.
KNIGHT CHILLS is starting to deliver assets for the streaming release. I also wrote my foreword for the new release of the novel. I’ve been collecting some materials to put together a nice script and making of book also. I’m excited that this film is out there on HD Blu Ray and will soon be streaming! I would like to see this franchise take another step and we’ve got a script. So we’ll see what happens!
Looking Ahead!
This year saw three of the films from CDI’s library (Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town, An Ordinary Killer, Knight Chills) get set up for a new release. We’ll tackle a few in 2025 also. We have to get the technical correct in order to HD remaster the films.
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is in the final weeks of pre-production. We had a great meeting on Friday looking at the remaining TO DO’s. I’m happy to say that the main cast is all DONE! We found our last two leads and we could not be more happy! The sets are on point and we’re working on the last of the logistics. I met with our associate producer and legal over sushi and he’s putting the final pieces in motion. As I was reviewing the new official script and highlighting my Ben Lily lines I was so taken by the story again. I’ve been up to my neck in the business of it but it was pure joy to do lines and re-read the entire story. We have some new sponsors coming onboard with DEANS TREE FARM, SPORTS UNLIMITED and ANCHOR CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION! Thank you to all the fine companies and individuals helping to make this film be everything it can be.
ROM COMS MUST DIE is still on deck for the first of the year. We’ve been quiet as of late but that is because we have a lot out there. That said, we do keep moving pieces on the board. We’ve added Ian Griffin as the AD and will be playing a role in the film. He is an amazing actor that I met in 2002 on AN ORDINARY KILLER. He’s been in many of the films such as BEST YEARS GONE (The police officer) and he’s Boozy Jack the bootlegger in Harsens Island Revenge trailer that says he would sell to the devil himself.
Tis a good season to watch some scary films like IN THE WOODS, now on Blu Ray!
WRAP UP:
We have lots of things in development but like I mentioned we’ll wait until we have more in place. It is rainy and so I’ll likely work on getting some stuff done here in the house and at the desk. I like to get a jump on the week so I’ll soon switch to hot tea and keep at it. I am going to try and catch up on a few calls too. So until we chat next week I hope you all have a great day and week ahead. Remember that everything happens by slowly chipping away at the TO DO’s. I’m going to FOCUS and try to COMMUNICATE and promote better COMMUNICATION This week. We have a lot of exciting things ahead. Happy Sunday and coffee cheers!
DJ
Casting, Pre-Production, Premieres and More…
Good morning friends from Germany, India, Brazil, UK and more. Again I love that our weekly circle is international. I want to welcome everyone to Sept 1st and hope the month is a great one for you all. I was walking about the property and enjoying the cool morning that has fall in the air. My college alumni started their American football season will a close win. Our state team the Detroit Lions will start their season next week. I do enjoy a good game on TV while multitasking. I watched a great soccer match yesterday that had me missing my favorite game to play. I am already looking forward to next year but this time off is allowing my body to recoup. I’ve replaced some of that workout with some heavier yard work as I prepare for the new deck build. I approved the paperwork and so materials will be purchased this coming week with the build soon after. It will be nice to have a new improved deck to relax on and enjoy morning coffee and dinners at dusk. I might put a mow on the lawn today or tomorrow. Yesterday I had a nice fire outside and was burning sticks from the storms all day. I also did another harvest on all the herbs growing. I’m thinking of a good crockpot of root veggies if this cool weather remains. Always something to do on the property but I enjoy it between business phone calls.
This past week saw the opening of the account for the new film, the sequel to WILD FAITH. (Wild Faith Christmas) I’m happy to announce that the crew is in place and our cast is getting close. Our director is up in Alpena, MI where we will be shooting and has scouting the final locations. This coming week we’ll lock the shooting script and schedule. Official breakdowns for departments will be issued. We finally got lodging all set and will be working on catering. Along with the mine set the building of an explosives shed also began. It all plays into the story. I’ve started work on bringing ole Ben Lily back and that was a hoot. I did some wardrobe work with Shane for Emmett and again too much fun. I have a tote that I call ‘Ben in a box’ and inside was all of Ben Lily’s gear just waiting for a sequel. It was fun to open it and go through all his wardrobe and props. Our main casting is still looking at reads for two of the children actors. We also brought on some additional sponsors this week that will assist with some of the flights and lodging costs. We so appreciate all the support we get from these businesses who want to be part of something so heartwarming as this film. I LOVE that this is a Christmas story and I think the fans of the first film will too. I will work on updating a few more of the TV series this forthcoming week. I’ve been enjoying that process as well.
ROM COMS MUST DIE our comedy slasher will remain inactive until Jan 2025 so we don’t have to do any end of year work on a film just at the ready. But once this Wild Faith sequel is done we’ll go full on with the Travis Hayward directed film. We are still casting for an actor that has the KEN from KEN & BARBIE appeal. Also a stereotypical country girl actress. If you fit either of those roles feel free to submit something to me.
Harsens Island Revenge – This is the wrap up month for this exciting film. Dennis Therrian has been hard at work on the music. The director Carl Weyant says the VFX should be about done and we’ve been mixing as we go. Once everything is in a final color tweak and mix will be done. We’re about two start looking over the end credits that Anthony Hornus is compiling for review. We’ll take a week or two to review all those to TRY and not miss anyone or misspell anyones name. Sometimes that comes down to the extras handwriting. We are planning a cast, crew, sponsor and investor screening on Nov. 1st in Alpena, MI. We want to have a premiere in Owosso, the book writers hometown and Lansing as well as Detroit near the island itself. A full on theatrical is being planned for the 1st Q of 2025. This film is full of romance and excitement and I think audiences will really love it.
Sept 1st is also the start of the window for some of the fall favorites of the CDI films. LOST HEART also known as BIGFOOT, UFOS and JESUS. BESTSELLER, BEST YEARS GONE (For Race Fans), WILD FAITH, MBF, SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA and The Quest Trilogy! I started a new instagram account for CDI and I’ve been adding CDI and CDI associated movies. To be a true fan you should see them all. And for fans, NEWS! A new CDI Merchandise site will be going up on EBAY managed by Bart Ketner. I want all sales to have a donated % to charities and we’ll have some great items going up on there. Maybe even some one-of-a-kind props that can go to fans. A lot of asking for the old Ghost Town in the Sky collector DVD’s of Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town movie. We have some posters available but might start printing up more plus even 3D printing. Anyone down for a KNIGHT CHILLS, Sir Kallio statue?
Speaking of KNIGHT CHILLS, the ink is dry and a streaming release is coming from our friends at Twin Engines Global/Deskpop. To go with is we’re going to re-release the novel and I’m prepping for the script/making of book. AN ORDINARY KILLER collectors HD DVD is also coming. I’ve held the DVD in my hands and it is a worthy additional to the shelves of CDI and True Crime fans! This year which is not over, will see the re-release of three CDI classics. In 2025 I plan to have the others restored and re-released.
WRAP UP:
I’ve already got my two pages of TO DO’s for the coming week. I have to order checks. I’m getting our software set-up ready for our next film. More deposits and collecting of paperwork. We have some new poster work being done. New trailers being cut including a CDI Highlight Reel which I would love for Jan 1st, 2025! We’re working to get our backup RAID working properly. Additionally premiere work for Harsens Island Revenge needs to be set. A theatrical poster for the premieres also should be done this week. I’m going to check on that this afternoon. The list keeps growing and we keep checking things off and once in a while you look back and notice how far you’ve come. There will come a day of rest but while you still have ambition and dreams, keep going!
I look forward to speaking with you all next week!
Coffee Cheers, DJ
PS: Having issues with pics so there will not be any this week.
NEW Releases, NEW Casting Updates, NEW Developments
Handcrafted Films like ‘Harsens Island Revenge’ – airplane pick ups
A wonderful Sunday to you all. I love seeing all the new readers from Ireland, Sweden, Lithuania and more. Again it makes the circle seem so much smaller. That is one of the great things about the worldwide web. I have been working hard and the results keep coming. To truly succeed most everyone has to overcome some manner of fear. At times there is the paperwork, the new territory we all enter as we seek to grow. As a small business owner it really is a different mindset but most every big business started small. I don’t mind keeping it smaller and handcrafted versus larger and generic. There are times of terminal illness where I’m sure everything else in life has lost its urgency. And once at rest all the things in life that nag at the mind must grow quiet. So while I’m healthy and motivated I’m going to keep pushing without fear. Fear can be cautionary but also can be wasted energy that can be redirected into being prepared. Also when you have a great tribe of people living and working beside you the fear can be replaced with power.
AN ORDINARY KILLER (2003) Based on a True Story
If you go to the CDI In Memory you will see artists and friends of the tribe no longer on the physical journey. We added a Joseph St. John to our RIP list. He and his organization Two Average Joes Media works on cold case files. Through our 2003 movie AN ORDINARY KILLER, based on a true case, Dean Teaster connected with them. Podcasts exploring the case in our film and new light shed upon it were filmed and some still to be released. In conjunction with the non profit The Red, White and Blue Project a charitable release of a remastered film was/is planned. First as a collectors HD DVD and after as a streaming film. The non-profit benefits veterans and their families like the lead detective in the film that I played Lynn Kendall. And of course the Two Average Joes Media to continue their mission of truth and bringing peace to families that lost loved ones. Joseph if given more time would have lived fearless. Damn cancer. Our dear friend and co-star Victoria Jackson is fighting cancer also and I’m sure she is living deeply. So the perspective of all this lends me to live fearless.
Joining Ghost Town and An Ordinary Killer as remastered and re-released films was Knight Chills, our 1st CDI film. The Blu Ray is awesome chalked full of extras. I have a draft of the streaming deal on my desk and this week we’ll close that deal up. For the first time at HD version of Knight Chills will stream to the masses. I will turn my attention back to the literary whereas we will release both the novel and the making of/script in print. I have some exciting new artwork coming for that thanks to my work with Adam Towner.
Third film with this young man – can you name them all?
Harsens Island Revenge is heading towards the finish line. The plan is to finish 2024 with a few premiere showings in Alpena, Owosso, Lansing and Detroit. IN 2025 we’ll be looking at a theatrical launch into theatre chains. Our director Carl reported that the theatrical premiere poster is about 50% done. The VFX work is coming great and a final explosive scene is being worked on. Music and coloring will be the last items to finalize and that is getting close. I’ll be touching base with our composer Dennis Therrian this week and look forward to hearing more amazing music.
Following the sequel film is a season one consisting of 8 shows
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is full steam ahead. I will be opening the account this week. I’ve been collecting paperwork this past week and we’ve locked our crew. A welcome will be going out from the office this week. I’ll start drafting agreements soon after. Casting is moving along and we’re getting closer on our remaining roles. We are still seeking our young Native American actor age 8-12 and our African American actresses of the same age 8-12. The schedule is almost locked but our director Shane has one more Labor Day scout trip planned. We are still working on lodging and a few other logistics but the battle plan is well established.
WRAP UP: I won’t go into a bunch of development work but I did finish last week rewriting the 3rd of 8 in the WILD FAITH: HASTINGS series to fit after the two films versus between them. ROM COMS MUST DIE is making some progress and we’ll look to film first of 2025. We have several other possibles to go up in 2025 but it is a brick by brick process. Aside from the films my body has been recovering from soccer season. I’ve been harvesting herbs and doing improvements to the property. I’ve been prepping for the new deck with several days of taking down privacy screens and moving those. Plus a cement retaining wall that has been a touch taxing. I was a young man when I put the wall in versus now taking it out. I might make a run of winter beer which is always fun to have on those cold days. I’m still more tea than alcohol these days but on a special occasion it has been nice. Soon the ole wood stove will be roaring and giving off heat. I’m enjoying the change of seasons and I hope you are also. Until we speak next week – coffee cheers!
DJ
Secrets to Success – Starts With Attitude
(Color test on ‘Harsens Island Revenge’ footage)
Coffee cheers to all of you out there. I want to once again thank all the readers who stopped through last week. We had some readers from different countries joining us including Ukraine. My sincere hope is for peace and for issues and misunderstandings to be settled by words not war. We had a slight reprieve from the arctic chill but it is back this weekend. I had an eventful week both business and personal. On the personal it included helping a buddy out on a couple afternoons and engaging my love of herbal concoctions by making my first batch of ‘Fire Cider’. I already take a shot of apple cider vinegar everyday. This mixture is comprised of maybe 20 ingredients infused over several weeks in apple cider vinegar. Ingredients like garlic, ginger root, turmeric, orange, lemon, thyme, cinnamon bark, honey and more. I’ve also been enjoying my ongoing study of the individual ingredients also including many teas. I’ve been into wild crafting for a long time but I’m just being more disciplined in my approach. I’ve got a journey that I’ve been using to record and review my studies. A great external salve something that medieval medics have used for centuries to treat battle wounds is ‘garlic honey’ or honey infused with raw garlic cloves. For years I’ve studied the natural pharmacy on our property. The sap of the white pine is also great for wounds. The needles make a great tea with lots of vitamin C. Many of the herbs, fungus, roots, barks and berries hold great beneficial properties. Knowing what is edible and what isn’t is a good knowledge to have. For those that don’t know I use to be a camp counselor at a nature center and I love that connection with nature. So if this filmmaking doesn’t work out you’ll find me running DJ’s Potions & Lotions. But seriously, many minor health issues or the strengthening and reinforcing of ones constitution can be done with natural properties. This was part of my New Years resolution to take my casual interest and study and make it a daily routine. I’ve spent many years of my life to the study of the warrior and this phase of life has me becoming the healer. I touched on that last week talking about haters. Where a decade or two ago such remarks would bring out the warrior I now see the negative mental anguish of someone and I feel sorry for them. The healer in me wishes that find a filter of happiness to start looking at life through. When you have those dark negative filters in place everything positive in others sparks those negative traits. Sadly that negativity only draws more negativity to them. Use bad reviews that are not just stating something is not their cup of tea but digs deeper – click on their profile and most all their reviews ring negative. For them even sunshine is too bright. Stars twinkle too much. Roses smell too sweet. Some only create a profile only to spread negativity. That is giving a lot. I follow my mother’s advice if I don’t have something nice to say…you know the saying. Wise words. I just go on to something else. I watch programs all the time whereas some don’t do it for me. But I don’t spend any energy discouraging someone else. I will on occasion when something leaves a very positive effect recommend it. A film, a restaurant, a band or song or a place to visit. Because I want others to possible have the same positive intake of energy that I did. It is a way of living. Mental illness can stem from living in that negativity. Be careful what you say about or to yourself. A few weeks ago we talked about broadcasting unbalance. To put into filmmaker terms – a person lamenting about their unbalance and bemoaning a lack of funding is like a babysitter broadcasting their lack of attention and/or responsibility and bemoaning nobody wanting to hire them to watch their kids. Hence no money and the negativity circle continues. You must be first seen as capable and earn that reputation by following through. No big secret just common sense. I really do hope that these simple words help a few folks out there.
(‘The Actor’ was a NYC film I did with director Jon Osman – seen here with actor James Russo)
Another simple lesson that I use and has resulted in many positive outcomes. When you aren’t sure what to do next or what your next destination is – organize and prepare. When a ship doesn’t have an immediate destination the captain will order the barnacles to be removed. The hull to be tarred. The sails to be mended and for rations to be restocked. Prepare to play. An athlete doesn’t wait to be put in the game to prepare to play. They’ve spent countless hours running or strength training or coordination drills. Whatever they need to be when the time comes they’ve prepared for. Slow times for your acting career- polish your resume, get new promo materials and get yourself feeling and looking your best. I have been quite satisfied by my acting work and even turned down a few opportunities due to timing. I aways have ‘working on a few outside acting projects’ as a yearly goal because it’s fun to just create a role without all the added production responsibility. In my past I’ve been with several small agents in various markets and I’ve been with one of the big three agencies also. The shingle of the agency can get some respect from some but it is really about the integrity and character of the agent and agency itself. I’ve had a few deals in the past wrecked by agents playing hardball or just leading with their ego. So for many years I’ve just handled my own business with my legal team. Over the past several years we’ve brought in many talent from a certain agency and agent and they’ve always been a joy to deal with. I’ve seldom said that about previous agents we’ve had to deal with. But that has been different with Treasure Coast Talent Agency. And so I’ve decided to align myself with them. I’m picky about my projects but I’ve built a relationship with them over the years and realized I like the way they present, conduct and handle their business. So I’ve been updating my Actors Access page which I’ve not touched in years. I’m going to cut a new reel for 2024. Maybe some new pics although I do have many great ones but mostly in character. I’ll be doing some PR likely next week announcing this new partnership.
But, don’t think that is going to replace production work. We are only picking up steam on that front. Let me run down some bullet point film updates.
FILM UPDATES–
- CDI has done a variety of “in association” films whereas they were funded by others so they are the managers of the property. One of these was a “found footage” horror film shot in the Philippines entitled DARKEST NIGHT. For being a dark horror film it was such a joy to film. It was the first film by author/producer Russ Williams and it recently just celebrated over 300,000 views! Congrats and if being scared is your thing, take a watch HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PZtiDrLfRM
- Staying on the subject of scary films KNIGHT CHILLS, CDI’s first film from 25 years ago enjoyed a BluRay release in Oct of last year is looking to expand its new release campaign with streaming and a book release of the novel and the screenplay together with fun BTS pics. The Blu Ray can be purchased HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Knight-Chills-Tim-Jeffrey/dp/B0CJ5WBSZR/ref=asc_df_B0CJ5WBSZR/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=680424942453&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10064638097126313670&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017262&hvtargid=pla-2260223998064&psc=1&mcid=399dd8121370380c8b97cdbf876e05c6&gad_source=1
- IF you want to see what kind of book we’re talking about see the link for my first feature film I starred in IN THE WOODS, as Alex Curwood monster hunter. It is now in hardcover! BUY HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Woods-Lynn-Drzick/dp/B0BXMTJS9C/ref=sr_1_7?crid=2OOFTD9VKNH5U&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CxQQRxhTMPJogT4O2O30vsyJcCJ3gFeJ-fI7WGXy4ho2tAPbZc4IS5HYIpTwheQuUqatHw6OBsjqeoAEi9J67L5vFCUCK35bd8ghehGN5rysnRWhjxiW1FDmn-PFjcv3B9dIQKqtp1dlZAbu39VB3LrXCUkVmr4tRlraeuuj0onZ9dJITDj_ldwUwu2tj5l6edYa0Q1hXXembWYic6ujeO7GVGQ8l899XbAGFljpGJg.eFyhsOAOm9yBoXDimPiE3Qq6D-4Ho0z-gvBFVZjYoRw&dib_tag=se&keywords=IN+THE+WOODS+screenplay&qid=1705849771&s=books&sprefix=in+the+woods+screenplay%2Cstripbooks%2C94&sr=1-7
- Furthermore with IN THE WOODS, the film has been digitally remastered plus we also have a new director’s cut that is much more enriched. I’m waiting until the theatrical premiere to see it. But we shopped the film and have had a few good distribution offers. I think we know which one we want to go with for BluRay and merchandise. The novelization by Nancy Gideon is also going to get a re-release and perhaps even the origins script I penned many years ago. It is fun to see these classic films get remastered and enjoyed and appreciated by a new generation.
- Following KNIGHT CHILLS, CDI’s second film was a nod to comic books and the pulp SciFi entitled FROM VENUS, directed by Jeff Kennedy. New art work is being assembled/painted by Tom Miller the fan artists who did the amazing paintings for the Knight Chills Blu Ray. Once I have this packaged we’ll shop it to a few of the companies that focus on these films. It is an honor to have these films appreciated as classics. I want to preserve them and allow them to be seen by upcoming filmmakers. We are started somewhere.
- Jumping 20+ year ahead let’s talk about the films front and center. SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is really doing well on home video. We’re still getting theaters asking to have the film play on the big screen. We are able to do that so we might start having some select big screen showings. But the DVD and STREAMING has been strong and I hope to have more specifics on how strong very soon. This WW2 home front war drama is a must see if that time period interests you at all. DVD and STREAMING can both be bought or rented HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Night-Algona-Anthony-Hornus/dp/B0CL7DFYSK/ref=asc_df_B0CL7DFYSK/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=680424942453&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7946069189314477119&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017262&hvtargid=pla-2260853923386&psc=1&mcid=a5b5ef0d428739e98e194c62143ee272&gad_source=1
- Harsens Island Revenge editing is still going strong and our director Carl will be home in a week and change. The film is really coming together and beyond the intensity of the characters and story the footage is just beautiful. Carl was also working on a few settings for the color correction and it made the beautiful footage even more amazing. I cannot wait for us to sit down with Dennis Therrian our composer and sound designer. He’s been sketching sound and score samples to discuss with Carl. Also we’ll be bringing the producers together for our one opening scene shoot to kick off the film. It’s WW1 and will be quite exciting to film. If we shoot in Feb or March will depend on the snow, the military base and how quickly we can pull it all together.
- HOT ROD LOVE – This is the next feature film looking to shoot this Summer. It will be directed by Shane Hagedorn and is a drama-comedy set in the 1970’s with drag racing being the back drop. I think we’ve found our track partners but need to do a formal scout. We’ve got some of the first commits to funding and will keep on those. Following Pepsi we have some other sponsors landing and this will be a fun one for advertisers. The race track, cars and racing suits and such will allow us to really capture some great brands. If you or your company want to know about involvement feel free to reach out to me.
- Additional Development – I had a few nice calls this past week about CDI coming back into Iowa to film again. I had a good meeting with Curran Jacobs, who we’re looking to work with again and we think we’ve got the right project. Some development paperwork will be put into play and once done we’ll talk more about that project. SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE was discussed this week and we have some forthcoming talks that might move that piece on the chessboard. WILD FAITH: HASTINGS has some interest but patience is in practice as we await a few developments.
- If you’ve not watched the CDI library many of them can be found on Encourage TV on a Playlist so please do enjoy these film. WATCH HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0LCdlq-BK0&list=PL2Tn2MhKrkFOCsmKZaxoZCT1R5GEOEL3E
I’m going to wrap up this blog update so I can get some breakfast, shower up and be ready to cheer on our Detroit Lions football team. I had a Lions helmet as a child and I’ve been a lifelong fan along with many family members now deceased who would have loved to see this game. Win or lose we will all be proud of this team but we’re all looking for a win. I know we’ll get their very best. GO LIONS! I’ll look forward to sharing with you all again next week. Stay warm for those in the arctic zone and be good to one another.
DJ
‘SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA’ Director’s Screening plus ‘Harsens Island Revenge’ pre-PR Updates and more…
Good morning to you all. I was up past my bedtime a touch yesterday, so the hazelnut coffee is much appreciated. We did a special directors screening kick off showing of SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA, our true event WW2 film. We had two screenings yesterday and we all went to an afterglow at Romas, next to the NCG in Owosso. This is back in our home state and while the film had a Michigan premiere at the Celebration Cinema, I was at a funeral. My family finally got to see all our hard work. We had a strong first showing at 4pm and I’ve heard from and seen posts from many friends who went to see the film. I like all filmmakers want a good showing, technically and being outside my area, that raises my temp. We had a super chilly last few days in Michigan, record breaking. I dressed well for outside travel but was too hot for crowds, pictures and such. I even wore a lighter jacket. I should have traded by beanie hat for something less hot. But, enough of the heat talk. It was HOT with enthusiasm, even walking up to the theatre ran into a fellow actor/filmmaker from the Detroit area who had just watched the 4:00 showing. He was sincere in his compliments and that set the tone. Iowa LOVES this story because it is their story. But the greater story makes it ALL OUR STORY. Our history. On the edge of Owosso, MI there is a race track once a PW camp like Algona. Many towns have this kind of history but many are unaware.
This month we’re pulling together the film for home video in the fall. We’re entering the deal phase and we’ll get the enhanced version to the distributor. When we saw it on the big screen, you always can notice things that if you can, you would change. A tweak of color correct here and there. Some enhancements in a few CGI plates. Subtitle tweaks. But these are artistic nuisances that many never see nor notice. Some errors may exist in period – we work hard to achieve this but it is all smoke and mirrors. Many enjoy trying to find these spots. In Star Wars you can see Kenny Baker inside R2D2 in a scene. In GLORY you can see the squib (fake bullet hits) lines running up the legs of some actors. MOVIE MAGIC. We try to transport you to another place and the audience is asked to relax and bring your imagination.
Last night I think people were taken to that time period. People will get to enjoy the film until Thursday and I hope we our powerful attendance last night they will move us into other cites with NCG. I am going to try and bring it back to N. Lansing at the Eastwood NCG. I will let you know. Again people are calling their theatre managers and asking them to book the film. They want your business so call and their bookers will reach out. They are reaching out every week. Also http://www.imdb.com is a place that is used in part to help the expansion of the film. We’ve had hundreds of beautiful comments and the attendance and growth speaks for itself, but many of a certain age do not use the computer much. Or as little as possible and so sometimes the best comments and reviews don’t make it to the official data bases. If you saw it go ahead and go to http://www.imdb.com you can vote (10 best) and leave a review or message about the film, and what it meant to you. I love reading all the stories of grandparents and their interaction and connections to the German PW’s.
We are going to keep the film traveling and hope to play a few festivals. Many of the big ones want a first ever premiere and this film is traveling so that isn’t a fit. But we are looking to play in Hollywood so we can highlight our amazing German cast. I’m damn proud and having a good dose of German in my heritage it’s another thing I’m proud of. This movie is spreading some love, understanding and compassion. I heard many times last night that people loved the story and we need more films like this. I agree. That takes me into-
Above – DJ Perry, Karl Manke, Carl Weyant
HEAR YE, HEAR YE
Harsens Island Revenge – Last night was both a celebration of the present expanding release of our WW2 German PW film but also a toast to the future. We are in official pre-production which means our business paperwork is all in order and we’ll be opening the bank account this month. We will start official pre-production meetings with our director Mr. Carl Weyant. Carl has worked independently and with the CDI Tribe on both sides of the camera. Many will know him from starring as Longinus in part 3 of The Quest Trilogy, entitled The Christ Slayer. I met him in Otty, India in 2008 where we co-starred together in a film there. He has been working several years as a director and director of photography on various projects from music videos to feature film. After months of discussions with the CDI producer team, his stylistic vision and kinetic style will lead the direction and vision of this action-packed film. I, as the writer worked several weeks with Carl, to get a final polished shooting script. This process happens with all our directors. We’ll be discussing many wonderful aspects of this film and casting will take place likely end of the month. We plan to run duel cameras on this project and that will allow us to capture more of the action, more efficiently. Carl and previous director of photography Travis Hayward (Best Years Gone) have been working in tandem on several projects both feature and music video. They were first brought together on the CDI produced music video for ‘Revolution‘ by DEEP FALL. You can watch that here-
Travis Hayward will serve as the Gaffer (cool lighting) and run second camera. I knew they would be a good pairing and I was correct. Our goal, as always, is to have a lot of fun telling yet another great story. Lessons. Always lessons to be illustrated via story, but it a very exciting way. WW1 veterans. Purple Gang. Bootlegging. The CDI Tribe is going into the Roaring 20’s, again taking on a wonderful book written by, Karl Manke. I adapted the book into a screenplay and I’ve very happy with the end product. We have had a positive reaction from a few guest stars who want to participate in this story. It will be a wonderful blueprint for all our artists. We’ll do some official PR in the next two weeks on the project. But, you all get the first drop of developing info just for tuning in and stopping by for a read. We’ve also had several more subscribe join here – so welcome! You can subscribe to our CDI Youtube and http://www.cdiproductions.com is going to be updated so follow us there also.
FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH: BATTLEFIELDS
The first doc FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH is now set up in the market place and just starting what will be a nice long run of being introduced to new audiences. Even those not wishing to rent or buy it can watch it via TUBI and other ad based video on demand. Meaning-you watch for free but you watch with ads and we get paid by advertisers. It is a major rev stream these days. Ground work and talks with potential donors has begun. The Red, White & Blue Project Inc. is the non-profit we are working with. This next project will expand upon part of the original doc. It leans even heavier into the military history and Catch Can’s influence in all of that. Curran Jacobs is directing once again.
SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE – We’re close to moving into the next development phase of this project. I’ve had some good talks about the history of the story and I think we’re on target. Some of the folks involved are not always prepared to read scripts which require imagination and practice. Very unique medium that I liken to poetry and trying to say as much as possible with as few of words as possible. To invoke imagery and to carry the readers (soon to be viewer) through the story. A journey to be sure. I am working to try and keep this on schedule for a 2024 filming. One brick at a time.
BEST YEARS GONE – Now that Covid lock down and virtual festivals have returned to in person – we’re going to enter BEST YEARS GONE into some comedy festivals. We did not want to attend virtual (I spend enough time on a computer) but now it could be a better experience. MAN’S BEST FRIEND, LOST HEART, WILD FAITH, THE QUEST TRILOGY exciting marketing as the films keep growing in audiences. New posters. New trailers. Interviews. Promotional videos. Merchandise. Oh, yeah. It’s all coming.
WRAP UP AND THOUGHTS FROM THE WEEK
Man! I’m still coming down from last night. Again, it was a treat to hug and shake so many hands. We don’t get to meet our vast audiences like live performance. We have 3-5k in social associates and from that maybe 300 that we are in direct contact with. But a film is being viewed by millions to tens of millions that we never meet. We were just talking about the joy we get when someone is surprised and they get to meet someone from a movie that moved them.
We are occasionally accused of being ambitious with our storytelling and we truly are. I’m proud of this last SNIA journey because it was our hardest yet. Harder than most even know. On SNIA, we had our directors mother hit with Covid days before shooting and just days after his best friend died of Covid. Pappy, who passed, was a long-time member of this tribe working several times with CDI on both sides of the camera. A shameful loss. One of our main producers came to set with her own oxygen tanks after her own bout in the hospital with Covid. Simply put, CDI HAS WARRIORS.
I hear of businesses that can’t get employees to show up or stay employed and CDI has folks, so dedicated that it would take – well, a damn lot to keep them away. We are accused of working hard and we do. To make something that might be seen as great by some, you have to work hard. VERY HARD. If hard work and trying to create greatness isn’t for you, CDI isn’t for you. I’ve told folks that something ‘short form’ and not as hard, might better suit some for their talents. Being away for weeks is hard and it’s a sacrifice all our artists have made to help tell that story. We know how special these stories are too many out there, because you’ve reached out to let us know. You are why we sacrifice and do this.
Hey DJ, it ain’t all love:) Listen, the sprinkling of hate and bashing doesn’t provoke hurt in me but actually more sadness. Every negative comment that is tinged with dark emotion cries of dreams unrealized and often never even attempted. They’re afraid to try because they know someone like themselves is waiting, who might throw a stone at their passion or dream. A good example- I don’t love stage musicals as a whole, but I don’t go out of my way to trash them. That is someone’s jam, singing Annie Get Your Gun or something, just not my jam. And that’s fine. I’m just always amazed how little people value their own TIME. IF I enjoyed something I might go out of my way, spend my time, to make my opinion known, because I’m sharing some positive energy. IF I don’t like something – that LAST thing you will get from me is my TIME. I can just scroll on. I can choose something else. I have turn content off but I never ran to a keyboard to trash something. Why? Not worth my watch time not worth my type time. But how others spend their time is their business. But many negative barbs are sadly from fellow artists struggling to the point of collapse and wondering, why not me? My script? Where is my funding? When you put your mind in the wrong place you widen the gap. For when they are manufacturing hate, we create. Which fuels the negative feelings and the cycle continues. One path makes you sicker with the poison you spread and digest. And the other path, it inspires – you think you can do better? Get some of your most loyal, trusted, creative friends and DO IT! Like film itself, SHOW don’t TELL. You will have fun and learn about yourself. Give 100% of your TIME, on your path and see what happens.
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I’m amused only slightly in those situations where people lacking the true experience try to speak loudly into something they know nothing about. They become ‘know it alls’ quickly and are unable to take on any new knowledge and experience- their growth stunted. Some opportunities given can inspire maturity, accountability and responsibility and spur personal growth. In others they can be become drunk and delusional with newly gifted power. We’ve had examples of both. I’m always cheering for SPUR versus STUNT but ultimately they control that outcome.
Every project moving forward is living evolution through experience. I work hard to develop people and give opportunities for self growth but sometimes people reach their limit on learning. You always have risk empowering people and when they grow in the right direction – wonderful. Wrong direction- just like the apple tree, it needs to be pruned. Giveth and Taketh Away
POSITIVE. RESPECT. APPRECIATION. SINCERITY. LOYALTY. – these attributes have to already exist within someone and can be nurtured. I often say, I will always work with a slightly less experienced person with the right long term attitude, versus the opposite. We can provide experience and adventure with some of the best artists I’ve encountered on my path. We say at CDI meetings, that a door closing brings us to a new door opening. CDI has grown into a multi generation of artists and we’ve got grand plans to keep moving up the mountain. As I’ve said before, it is not how high you climbed on the mountain it is who you traveled with, that will matter in the end.
I’m a tad tired from being up somewhat late and might need a short cold winter nap. The sunshine is out and that feels good, so maybe time to play cat. Thank you to each and every person who came out last night and to all the shows. It had been a few since I had seen our film play. A touch of distance is nice and gives you a fresh perspective upon viewing again. Having our family and friends there made it special, especially my parents. Both, had funny comments of having created me. They were not so quick to take that same credit after the numerous knuckle headed things I did growing up. I’m already excited for the coming holiday season when SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA will be out on DVD and streaming. We will have just finished filming Harsens Island Revenge and into editing. And so the storytelling cycle continues. Thank you to Karl Manke for trusting us with his story. His book HOPE FROM HEAVEN became BEST YEARS GONE. Read the book. Watch the film. Giddy up as Gil Gilles would say!
I’ll talk to you all next week. I hope you all take giant steps towards your endeavors.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
The Secret of ‘Fire’ ‘Music’ and ‘Know Thyself’ – plus a few film updates…
Good morning my friends. I’m sitting by our new electric fireplace near my chair. Our old one died during the holidays so a new one has replaced it. I’ve got my steaming cup of hazelnut coffee with me as I ponder the past week. I want to thank all the new readers from around the world for stopping by to take a read. I hope there is a few nuggets of wisdom you can pull upon. I had so many good calls this week and 2023 business is underway. I have new goals and already I’m knocking some of them down. I’m sure this year will come with wins and losses as that is the way of life. I’ve reminded a few people, to stop. Turn around. Look at how far you’ve come. Be happy with what you have done, not just fixate on what you have not done.
This week I’ll be gathering up end of year tax stuff to generate any 1099’s for the films. We also do K1’s for all the investors. I was able to get all the check dispersement written and sent out. I only had to resend two as addresses had changed. I’ll also get things around for our company and myself. These are the needed but unsexy parts of the film business. It is so much more than playing with the camera. There is a massive amount of work that goes into each and every film. This is the biz side of show biz.
I’ve been told recently, and not the first time – that I work people hard. I ask artists to dig deep and to put their very best forward. I’ve dedicated my entire life to telling stories, and while we have much fun, we also work very hard. But when the artists finally see the final product, 9 of 10 times, that creative endeavor is one of the best, if not the best, endeavor that artist was involved with that year. They take family and friends to watch the stories and they’re proud to have been part of the stories telling. I’ve got family who have not yet seen our recent film. Our holidays were disrupted by a loss in the family. In my hometown they played the film for several weeks but I still did not get out to see it. But many did! We’re working to set up a special SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA, screening in Owosso, MI with NCG. For our Detroit area friends, we’re working to set up screenings there also. Our new theatrical division at CDI Distribution has been launched!
Let’s looks at some of the updates from last week-
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA– We had several new theaters open. We had a projection bump at a new theatre screening in Iowa, after they moved the film from the test theatre. Much like home systems, many theatrical houses have different set ups, some older and some newer. They rarely update everything at once likely due to cost. But, I know at the one location it was worked out and the film is playing. People are requesting to managers who contact bookers-who contact us. The film is in 20 theaters and we have another 13 going up. And many more still approaching us from different states. Keep it up, you people are making the film travel. I expect the film to travel theatrically into March or April. We are also exploring a few select film festivals and we want to screen in Germany. Many good plans in action. We are working on a few special marketing deals while moving towards the home video window.
- MERCHANDISE– We’ve done some test marketing of some merchandise but we’re starting to really look at a stronger launch of this division at CDI. I can also say that a MUSIC DIVISION, is developing. That will allow audiences access to the amazing soundtrack scores created by Dennis Therrian. These two areas are on CDI’s 2023 developmental goal list. Do you all have a favorite music score? I would love to actually do some runs of LP records. Any participating record pressing companies? Please reach out. RECORD LABEL? Not there yet:)
- MOVING FORWARD- Harsens Island Revenge – This film exits development and will enter pre-production next month. What does that mean- that means that the film foundation (legal paperwork) will all be executed and the project funded. At that time we’ll be announcing our director and some of the attached cast. The script having undergone several sessions of writer/director polishing, it’s ready to be broken down. I love this stage because you go over every line of action, description, dialog and discuss. In this case I got to perform several scenes with our director, to get the flow ands feel. Most of the tweaks were minor but took strong scenes and made them even more powerful. It is a very cool story and what a time period to play in. Primary casting and crewing discussions will start in the coming weeks. Our producers already did a location scout trip and another one will be planned. We just created 1944 and now we’ll enter the 1920’s, artists are you ready? Next week, we’ll look to set hard shoot dates after Labor Day 2023. Get ready for some new teaser art as well!
- Pen has not yet found ink, but I’m deep into talks on a CDI associated film to be shot late 2023 and early 2024. To recap what a CDI associated film is- it’s a film whereas someone else is bringing the capital $ to the table but want the experience of CDI behind it. As a producer, I remove the ‘supervising’ role and become more or less, a consultant. CDI will bring other assets to help but the main responsibility is on other shoulders. I’ve been asked to co-star in the supernatural action-thriller, and I’m feeling it. I hope to be able to call the film by name and run some PR about the new arrangement, in the near future. It is always best to work out all these details in advance so there is no issues later. This is a KEY to success. Have the hard conversations now and get everything in writing some it’s there. I still have 4-5 films out there in the film post abyss, they might finish one day. I sincerely hope they do. NUGGET: If possible, you actors, pick production teams with a track record of finishing.
- SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE – This week the script will go out to some historians and some friends in the Native American community. I think, I have written a powerful and balanced script, with lessons about loss, revenge, understanding, love and unity. It is not sugarcoated in any way and contains a few scenes that left me shaken after writing them. I had to go immerse myself in some nature and beauty, away from the truth of our shared history. I will be putting the script forth after this round of notes, and we’ll be putting together the Phase 2 plan. Phase 2 will be the development work in Iowa to prep for a 2024 shoot. I’ll also be having some teaser art put together. This will be a great return to the 1800’s storytelling for CDI.
- I want to thank and encourage all of you to keep exploring and watching the CDI library. I’ve had fans reach out and thank us for The Quest Trilogy, MBF, Best Years Gone, Lost Heart, Wild Faith – you can even watch many free on TUBI or Encourage TV. I actually enjoyed The Quest Trilogy, playing while I was doing work. Again, even when not watching I love the music. But the amazing scenery (Yuma, AZ) and the story often gets me distracted for a few moments. More so, when I see friends on screen who are no longer with us. TRIVIA: Who was the voice of ‘God’ in FORTY NIGHTS? You can leave your answer in the comments.
- Speaking of the CDI library, we will be looking to set up several of the old films, in HD at BMG. I had to look up dates for GHOST TOWN, which will be one of the new set up preps. Also AN ORDINARY KILLER, FIGURE IN THE FOREST and KNIGHT CHILLS are all being worked on.
- Animated Division of CDI is in the works. CDI did an “in association” feature THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ, which is being re-rendered and conformed for a release through BMG. But, we’ve got a few shorts and features in development. I’ve always loved cartoons and such, so getting involved in that direction feels natural.
- We’ve got some good interest in creating video games off some of our films. You might know KNIGHT CHILLS, Dice Don’t Lie, video game has been in development. Once the final render is done of Sir Kallio, we might start some 3D printing.
- This week I also plan to meet over the next FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH, doc. I’ve already started to talk with a few folks and if all goes well the team will shoot it this Spring/Summer. I think we’ve got a great overall summary of the history in the first film but now we can go into segments and define parts of it even further. Wrestling, grappling fan or not, this film will entertain you and educate you in the rich history.
The holidays were unconventional with the death in the family but the spirit of the season kept on. Aside from the loss, the beautiful snowstorm and the slowing of our day to day for a few days of family and reflection, really helped to recharge my batteries. The finishing of projects and the beginning of new. Again the seasons of our lives as creative artists. And while, sometimes the stories pull me away from my comforts for a time, the stories we tell are timeless.
It is also a time where we artists re-unite. CDI has been a home for some and a stepping stone for others. I like to think we instilled some good qualities into the folks who’ve moved away and into their own respective fields, sometimes in the arts and sometimes not. I tell people, CDI is like any other endeavor, you will get out of it what you put into it. For many, it means being a part of something great that nobody can take away from you. To do that takes hard work. Very hard work. And I only like to work with people who care about what they put their name on. Craftsmanship. Whiskey. Cars. Films. Life is too short to not care about what you work on. The Quakers (Look them up) made amazing furniture and wood crafts because they believe they’re honoring God by their own hands with their craft. I think that is a good mind set and the results are something infused with- love.
FIRE– I’m going to get after a few things today including getting some firewood around for the office stove. I do want to try some lump coal like my buddy uses in his stove. Longer burning and more heat. I’m also on a mission to organize even better this year. I will be putting everything to digital for back ups. I keep being asked about a podcast ‘Around the Fire’ at the fort. I am thinking about it. But I like the fort being a place of low tech and around personal synergy. Knights of the Round Table. Vikings in the Lodge. Monks in the temple. Development at CDI is not just projects, it is people. But people have to want positive change. Self defeating, self associated talk will draw all the negative to you and lower your own personal power. Birds of a feather, flock together. Misery enjoys company. Also believe to achieve. Positive perspective. Creative visualization. The mind is a powerful thing that can assist or hinder. That is why the KNOW THYSELF, rings so powerful. In the new year if you are struggling, fight to take control of the self. Start with your words. What are they? Sounds. Vowels. Symbols. But powerfully attached to our innermost self. MUSIC is a wonderful tool that can lead the mind in the places you want to go. I said, GO – not where you are. If depressed, there are many songs that will not help. But, certain songs help lead our mind. To use a modern term, learn your own triggers and trigger yourself in a positive direction. And DON’T trigger yourself by playing music or putting yourself in a situation, you know, you won’t react well too. Depressed. Don’t play depressing music. Steel drums and island music often puts a big ole smile on my face. Just something that I like to use as a tool. Music puts the mind in a different state and allows you to tune oneself. I use guitar playing the same way. If I’m feeling ‘out of tune’ a few strums can put me not just back in tune but vibrant. I’ve had many great business calls right on the heels of a guitar/energy tune up. FIRE. KNOW THYSELF. MUSIC. Three very primitive and useful tools one can use. I’m not sure if any of this will help anyone, but if it helps one person.
Until next week, coffee cheers!
DJ
SURPRISE Early Post- End of Year Wrap Up (Thank you!)
I’m sipping my hazelnut coffee on a VERY snowy Michigan day. Negative degrees outside and blowing winds. But we will most definitely have a white Christmas. When we all left off, I had the premiere of SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA, in Iowa. It has performed beyond expectations with several extensions (Algona until the 29th) and expansions into other theaters. (Follow our FB page) I did not attend the Michigan kick off at Celebration Cinema, as I was attending a funeral and memorial up North. My week stayed very busy with trying to deal with family things. Working with our team on prepping materials for the upcoming releases. It looks like we were able to get the film to a downloadable link for theatre owners. I was reporting and prepping for end-of-year check dispersement on the movies, which will happen next week. Lastly, was trying to get the Christmas stuff around. So, this Christmas is a bit chaotic with the death in our family, the blizzard and our film’s window of release.
Once we have this delivery of the film process set up, we’ll turn to looking at film festivals and a German screening. There is even talk of showing at one of the US military bases in Germany. This film will have an exciting journey ahead of it. The film has definitely gotten the positive response from the people I care about most with this story. I had an opportunity to speak with several elderly people and they gave high marks on the re-creation of the time. The regional people were so proud of this story and it is resonating with people everywhere. The film has already generated some heartfelt fan mail that is just humbling to read. That is the power of storytelling. Thousands have seen the film and many have seen it multiple times, taking friends and family. In Michigan, we’ll be looking at doing a special Owosso, MI screening and also a run around Detroit, MI in the new year.
Our battle plan with SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA (SNIA), will continue through 2023. I’ve been re-reading a supernatural thriller for a possible CDI associated film. Also in 2023, we’ll get the foundation put in on our next CDI feature film, Harsens Island Revenge. We have already started scouting and we’ll be announcing our director early in 2023, as we enter the casting phase. So again, update those reels. I was able to take a few good meetings while attending the SNIA premiere. I’ve finished the first draft on the SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE, and some development actions will be underway in 2023. If all goes as planned we could be rolling cameras in 2024.
REFLECTIONS AND GOALS –
Every year, I do deep reflection on the past year. Success, failures, trials and tribulations, all equaling growth. This year has had great harvest being the biggest release year I’ve had since 2005. We saw BESTSELLER, BEST YEARS GONE, SMOKE & MIRRORS, FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH and SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA release. Has anyone reading here, seen all five releases?
I set business and personal goals. I set goals on home fixes or improvements. I set goals as an actor, writer and producer. I set goals for/with Collective Development Inc. (www.cdiproductions.com) – new projects. New divisions. New endeavors. New collaborations.
This year saw a few music videos release under CDI’s production. As someone who was there when MTV started, I loved working in that medium.
OFF TO THE RACES from the movie ‘Best Years Gone‘ by Vertical Bridge
https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=393380005705951
LOVE these guys. From our state of Michigan! And these gents are also from MI and really, really kick ASS.
REVOLUTION by the band DeepFall
This year full of releases and we did produce and prep several projects. HOT ROD LOVE, the CDI racing comedy set in the 1970’s went back on the shelf this fall. We had some funding. We had some sponsors. We had some participation from track owners. SOME, doesn’t cut it in filmmaking. It is truly one of the funniest ensemble comedy scripts sitting at CDI, with Caddyshack being the tone inspiration. Everything in its own time. I had to finally let go of a look I was developing for my character in that film. I am setting my “acting/producing” sights firmly on 1926 with WW1 veterans going head to head with the Purple Gang mafia.
This past year, I did turn down two different acting roles. I usually do so for one of three reasons. One. Not connecting with the role. Two. Not connecting with the story/script as a whole. Three. I cannot give the project the due attention I put into all my roles. I don’t phone anything in. I take each and every role very serious. That is why once business is out of the way, you get 100% effort, no less. $200 or $200,000 will get you the same performance. With acting performances, audiences got to meet Mark Franklin, Gil Gilles, Mr. Hosworth and Col Lodell. Vastly, different gents. have you met any of them?
The last gent was an honor and a very complex character to play. Let’s talk, Col Lodell. First the name of several characters based on actual camp assigned people, were altered. The events are true cut the characterizations are just that, not meant to be a biopic. That said, the camp commander that I portrayed, took his internal motivation from his faith in ‘The Golden Rule’. To treat others (Captured Germans) as you would want your PW boys treated. The filming was cold and rugged and that plays on everyones face in the film. A grit that cannot be manufactured on a stage or with a LED wall. We’ve been experimenting and will use LED walls in future VFX but there is something about a wild wind in your face, eyes near watering, and experience something closer to what these actual men did. We get to hear CUT and go back home. Every perspective has a story and they all dance closer and closer to a true event that helps to restore a touch of the humanity we all seem to have lost. Unity. Love. Even with a world at war. The fallout. The anguish, shame and soul crushing heartache.
My backstory was after serving in combat in WW1, Lodell, is pulled from academia, back into action as a camp commander. Seeking out Nazi-rot that grows inside the camps threatening lives and a PR nightmare should an escape happen. A majority of the PWs are farmers taken in desperation and forced to fight. Surrender came fast, not willing to fight to the death for Hitler’s war. Real threats. But like a needle in a haystack. The heaviness of supervisions production in many ways mirrored Lodell’s challenges. I channeled much of my real heaviness of responsibly to my performance and it works.
EVERY soldier just like the prisoners of war, missed their own bed, toilet, lazyboy, pet, family. I love a scene in SNIA where Col Lodell is just watching a Christmas scene of Santa and his nurse ‘elves’ giving children presents. He is the man with the most medals and he is as sad and homesick as the lowest prisoner. WAR hurts us all. I think that is why many SPORTS came about so that things could be handled more easily for both parties.
I’m happy that people are enjoying the film. Lodell, had to be the Col Potter of MASH. Leadership on screen or in real life takes many qualities to do it even semi successful. Lodell, has the secret to leadership but you’ll have to watch the film. I got to get more clean cut and play in the world of my dearly departed grandfathers. Burt Swope, in the Navy and Robert Emerson flying cargo in the Pacific, I believe in the Army. Air force was started in 1947. Anyway. This film captures everything that is nostalgic but also makes you feel as if you are living in it. Not some black and white flicker, cold and distant but in living color. If you can see SNIA on the big screen do. Otherwise, after running our theatricals into March or so, we plan to screen in Germany and a few film festivals. It will start DVD and home video around Nov 1st is my best guess. Meeting next year will tell. TRIVIA: On that scene above, my face got so cold I blew a take unable to fully pronounce my words. I asked for a moment, gave the face a rub down and a few good smacks before ACTION nailing it.
I think the performance will open a few new doors. I always tell actors, don’t get frustrated by people because they don’t see what you don’t show them. This is usually followed by, I don’t get a chance. The 14 year old filmmaker in my rolls his eyes. Almost everyones phone is a studio, where you can work a monologue a thousand times. Comedians and magicians work their craft over and over. If you get the slightest bit off when a camera comes close, you need to work on that. That camera should be that old friend, never glanced at- yet always embraced. Being natural leads to comfortable which leads to the environment to make interesting. In 2023, don’t get in your own way with doubts and ‘cannots’ and all that negativity. See dead ends, as paths of the maze mapped and now known. The true path becomes closer.
WRAP UP –
I truly do LOVE winter. I always have. It teaches you a healthy respect for nature. You admire the beauty of pines that thrives under the blankets of snow. Crackling fire, destroys the old leaving nurturing ashes to sprinkle for the spring plantings. Writings and new ideas like to seep into the pondering mind. A season of hardship and helping where you can. When everyone does a little the world is a better place. We here at TribeCDI are resting and rejuvenating with our loved ones. But rest assured the call of the storyteller rides these cold Michigan winds. Tomahawks and Tommy guns. Hot Rods and Painted Horses. I want to thank all our cast, crew, sponsors, supporters, families, friends and FANS. Tom T. Hall use to have a song, I wish I had a million friends – and I’ve complained about Facebook ‘Friends’ vs acquaintances – but with so many of the films being seem by tens of millions and I’ve been blessed to read your notes of encouragement and connection. I do feel like I have millions of friends, because you accepted our stories, our characters, into your homes. You’ve hunted Bigfoot with Niles Cass in Lost Heart. You felt for Paul Landings and his terrible loss in Man’s Best Friend. You’ve laughed with Ben Lily in Wild Faith. You’ve taken comfort during the holidays watching a relatable Jesus, in The Quest Trilogy (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star, The Christ Slayer) And I could go on- my point is thank you. Sincerely, from a childhood dreamer who started with my friends and a VHS camcorder, thank you.
Next up New Years Day! So Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy and Healthy New Year.
DJ
TEN Updates – Silent Night in Algona (trailer), Development Updates, Tips, Advance Notices-
Sipping the hazelnut coffee on this fine October morning. We have had a last spurt of warm and midweek it is suppose to go chilly again. Yesterday, I got my final mow on the yard. We harvested the last of the plants including a few more decorative gourds. I’ve been cutting and splitting wood for the winter ahead. Yesterday afternoon we got to have a nice outside fall gathering with my brother and his family. Pumpkin carving, apple crisp, cider and soccer plus add in a bit of leaf fun. I love this season!
Our development of the film projects continues on. Let’s look at a few of the updates from last week.
- FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH – is a wonderful feature length doc that fills in the missing history of this grappling art. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. It was presented by the leading authorities in such an entertaining way. The DVD is open to pre-order now for a Nov 1st release and/or you can rent/buy it now. https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.3bc38d35-d79e-49e9-82a6-e87ff63b4040?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb
- BEST YEARS GONE is another release from this year. An award winning dramedy that will make you laugh, cry and ponder. You can buy/rent from here – https://www.amazon.com/Best-Years-Gone-Lana-Wood/dp/B09R4KDXGJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2JUJIK4KVPU9K&keywords=best+years+gone&qid=1666530725&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjIzIiwicXNhIjoiMC45OSIsInFzcCI6IjEuMjUifQ%3D%3D&s=instant-video&sprefix=best+years+gone%2Cinstant-video%2C118&sr=1-1 – And…if you want to read an in-depth review, you can do so here – https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fronnielee.rocks%2Fbest-years-gone-movie-review-by-ronnie-lee%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1AL4lf8DCIxzPwRgU-0p4je7kNIFHj1KfKNw0avyDR25NjxRbbRkvawvM&h=AT0-ucPZlOsNalVICvt7_1cyBe5Gh38thIaNrYSscZu5PfJ70KPxjGT2vokU2piIUPgdERcaa3G2t1PFyH1CpyLmJpbn6c-l00Dv0qMxMNVs3vxrnDIUbiH4CmtNVUP-wVieTKcYrnFuQcaf1SQufAg&tn=H-R&c[0]=AT3LjCNz1EGR425orlMSHaN9h6RT070C39M9yk8LNKiwmb8xkHJ-aw1wuBh55Vu6UebSWPuIOzGWKGvAs1kKXmjL3gsizF9MOoNfAChhLVI9r8o5LkYvVlMzXhTf-aEQ_wsBEqsiKqbs1ySEMZXHpocAEHuNgyPWmrpbF0Xlme0Q-rNUmz6gfir3gikxLQqgJW3Llr1VjV90qkC9YRZs6moJ – We look forward to your reviews too!
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – This is the last project for us to finish and release this year. We’ve sent an email to our cast and crew asking any of the team planning to attend the Dec 9th Fridley Theatre premiere in Algona, Iowa to RSVP by Nov 1st. We’ve got a list going and every ticket will be gone. Once we get RSVP’s on cast and crew we will start looking at extras. For those not part of the Iowa premiere – it will play to the public that night and for two plus weeks pending demand. We will also be setting up a Michigan premiere in the hometown of our director Anthony Hornus. This will be at the NCG theatre in Owosso. We might play the week after the Iowa or jump to after Christmas if we get too close. I know Celebration Cinema will be bringing it to Lansing and Grand Rapids. We will be looking to play the Detroit area and would love to have a Hollywood run. The film is looking and sounding amazing thanks to the hard work of Dennis Therrian. The VFX and color grading is getting close to done. Mid November we’ll be pulling all the elements together into a final film. Some exciting news, I saw the rough cut of the new trailer on Friday. I am so proud of all are artists and cannot wait for people to see.
- HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE – I’m so very excited that the #TribeCDI will be moving from one epic period piece to another. We have been preparing documents to assist in bringing onboard our product partners and sponsors. Our scouting trip was very successful last week. While a few days may be shot on the actual island we need interiors and such that we can control. We also need to not be dependent on a ferry or the few stores on a small island. So movie magic will be happening but it will all be shot in Michigan. We had some great meetings this last week and we’ll be making some exciting announcements soon. One of those exciting announcements just might be our director. I will be starting the writer/director script polish this week. Once I sign off it is up to the director and talent. We will be shooting in October of 2023! We are already hard at work.
- SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE is in script development. I am happy to say that I’m about 1/3 of the way through the first draft. There is a lot of research with this project and that is something I’ve immensely enjoyed. It has been an intense journey and the drama of it all is brutal and enlightening. I’ve had several times that after writing for a few hours I had to go work my hands in the dirt for a while. I will have my first draft by Jan 1st and from there we will start to look at production development.
- WILD FAITH just passed the 6 million mark on Encourage TV. This will can be found on countless platforms to enjoy. We have many fall themed films from SMOKE & MIRRORS, BESTSELLER, LOST HEART, BEST YEARS GONE and MBF: MAN’S BEST FRIEND. Enjoy them all with your family! Thank you for all the fan mail about these titles! Amazon Prime has most all of them.
- I had a great call out of the blue about another film project. This call took me back almost to the very beginning. A project that was in development many moons ago has interest and a proposed budget. This film is in the horror-genre with a large dose of mystery/investigation at the heart. Discussions were on how things have changed in the 25-30 years production-wise. I gave my interest in moving these talks forward. It takes time to develop things so the earlier you can start the better. More on this project if it becomes active. By active, I mean funded:)
- That is not the only project that was discussed in development this week. Following the release of FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH, our team is discussing both another doc feature and a feature film. In the wake of projects I always get a rush of pitches on scripts and projects. I tell my tribal folks to be ready for this rush. It can be a time killer 95% of the time. People are wanting badly in this industry and it can be truly maddening. Every outsider is a variable that can rock the boat. It is why we are so careful with how we build our projects and with whom. Life is too short to be wasting time. If you have a funded project we might look at it but we are at no lack of stories, scripts or endeavors. I can say with confidence that we’ll be doing more docs in the FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH series. Thank you to everyone who has supported the first one. It is really powerful and informative and I’m proud of it. Take a watch!
- This week I’m going to be sending KNIGHT CHILLS materials off to the Blu-Ray folks and check on the up-rez and progress on the new Ghost Town trailer. Both should be available next year as HD and streaming. After those get underway we will be working on FIGURE IN THE FOREST and AN ORDINARY KILLER. Classics:)
- PONDERING/TIPS/OPINION – This week was interesting due to various conversations. As we start the process of looking towards future projects, sometimes as far ahead as two or three projects, we examine ENERGY. Positive energy manifests in how people are in their day-to-day. There are people who are just always a joy to be around. They make a journey enjoyable. They are CAN DO people not CANNOT do people. They look at the glass half FULL versus half EMPTY. They work hard and EARN the opportunities, by giving their BEST EFFORT. I laugh to myself when I hear some people think they’ve paid enough dues and they are deserving of….it would be like a martial artist telling the sensei when they feel ready to test for a belt. These positive people don’t seek short cuts or to get ahead by stepping on others. That is a VERY common thing is the outside world for sure. While common there, it doesn’t thrive here at CDI. Some people are just not cut out for long form media like movies. They do better with smaller, simple short format endeavors. Or they cannot positively interact with people for that many weeks. I heard someone else make a statement that they will deal with whatever for the sake of using some artists, even if they are negative and a pain. They can have them! I will take a positive, good person with talent and develop that versus drag some negative person along. It is about the journey and not just the art. Ideally you want both but the journey will be long remembered. So work with good people you like. Develop the people who respect and have gratitude for the opportunity. We have big things ahead and so we want to develop our team even stronger. Lots of things happening behind the scenes. Just be that person that producers want to have on board.
I want thank everyone again for stopping by. Subscribe here and perhaps our website http://www.cdiproductions.com and our CDI Youtube channel. I love that you all come from various places around the globe. I’m going to finish up here and do a few more things around the yard and get ready for a busy week ahead. I hope you take all these updates as an inspiration of what a group of artists can achieve when they work together in a positive manner. Have a great week and be good to one another!
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
SNEAK PEEK B4 PR RELEASE- Official Pre-Production, Updates (Silent Night in Algona) and more…
Spain, Ireland, Iraq are where some of our readers hail from. Hazelnut coffee cheers from chilly Michigan. Fall is in full effect and I’ve been working to get the property ready for winter. I’ve been using the wood stove for meetings already so chopping and cutting wood has been a priority. I’ve been trimming the mulberry trees which grew out of control. Last night I used the smoker and cooked venison steak and acorn squash. The steaks were awesome and there is much left over which will be used for steak and eggs and/or venison steak chili. The egg production has slowed but not stopped as the weather has gotten colder. I had the pleasure of watching my niece and nephew play another soccer match together. They are getting the basics of the game down and it is fun to watch them. I will likely do one final mow of the yard once the leaves all fall. They are still hanging on and many changing into beautiful colors. I truly do love this time of year. My alumni MSU is having a hard go of it this year in football. Let’s see how the Detroit Lions do this week. Okay, onto some film updates.
FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH – We had a most excellent premiere showing in the NCG theatre in Owosso, MI. After was a great fall afterglow at Romas. Excellent pizza and hard cider were on deck. Some pictures were taken and everyone really seems to have loved the film. It played awesome on the big screen. 10/4/22 is the date when home video could start releasing. The DVD pre-sale site for 11/1/22 is up on Amazon but we are waiting for the streaming rent/buy link to go live. Several DVD pre-sale sites are popping up at many other record/DVD shops, just search “For the Love of Catch” and “DVD” and BAM! If you had a chance to watch the film at the premiere feel free to post a review on the http://www.imdb.com (For the Love of Catch). Hoopla which is the national library system for streaming films is carrying the documentary. We have been waiting, not-so-patiently for the Amazon release.
Another great update is that we met the other day about what will be next for the FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH, and I think we have a great idea for the next documentary film. I’ll be gathering a few choice sponsors over the winter and we’ll plan to shoot in the Spring. Who knows, documentary might not be the only thing we are planning. Stay tune and definitely check out the film when time allows. You will not be disappointed. Educational and entertaining to be sure.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – One more film to release this year. Our WW2 Christmas film is now in music and sound design. The color grading is complete and the VFX are still be worked on. We’ll see a hint of that VFX work in the new theatrical trailer, being edited. We’ve been working on setting up the premiere in Algona, Iowa, the 2nd weekend in December. We plan to have a special premiere screening in Owosso, MI again at the NCG Owosso. Likely another afterglow although not on a patio, a tad cold by that time. The Iowa showing will have the theatrical run starting there immediately after the premiere. We plan to meet and greet folks at the VFW and share in their excitement.
I plan to start looking at a few event showings for the film. A few select festivals, but some might not like that we’ve played, or we are playing in theaters. I really want to see it play in Germany. We’ve been having the German dialog translated for the subtitles. I got some of the best news possible by the older German folks helping with this task. The thing is that for many Germans, that time period is not something they enjoy watching. Over and over they’ve been painted as all being Nazi’s which is not true. This film doesn’t sugarcoat anything but it also gives a fresh and new perspective. But the film brought tears to our translator and that speaks volumes about the story we have.
We’ve been in the studio enjoying the new sound design and music which just takes everything to another level. It is truly amazing that we took history and we truly bring it to life. In mid November our editor/VFX supervisor will be coming into Michigan to work with our team in assembling the final film. We will book into as many film theaters that will have us and once we ride that into 2023, as we said prior, we’ve play a few festivals. After that, it’s the big run up to the home video 2023 release. A truly powerful film that will likely become a classic.
WILD FAITH – Speaking of classics in the making. We’ll be announcing a new benchmark with our family classic Wild Faith. In 2020 we tried to work with the distributor to add up/estimate the number of views (minus broadcast TV which is in full swing). They estimated 20 million views, with the distributors Encourage TV having about 4 million views itself. Well that number now is 6 million views! So just that one platform has been getting about 1 million views a year. If all these platforms increased we could be looking at 40 million plus. We will continue to try and put the pieces in play for the WILD FAITH: Hastings TV series, but we’ve got several projects lining up in front of us.
THE QUEST TRILOGY (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star, The Christ Slayer) – Speaking of classics in the making. Starting Nov 1st we’ll be pushing this amazing series of films. The three films have been growing year by year increasing their audience. They are not preachy and just try to give a unique perspective to events often described in a few short sentences. They are inspirational and uplifting and provoke us to deep thought and contemplation. For many the watching of the three films has become a tradition. Make it one of yours.
This is also down syndrome month and I’m so proud of my brother from another mother Josh Perry. You can see him in THE CHRIST SLAYER where he is absolutely a gem. And as if he couldn’t get any better, BAM! LOST HEART also known as BIGFOOT, UFOS AND JESUS really showcases the comedic talents of Josh Perry. If you have a child with Down syndrome I would advise watching these films. I’ve seen the look in the eyes of a young child with DS admiring Josh and his work. You can see the mental limitations melt away and that is a beautiful thing.
Thank you to the fans of MBF: Man’s Best Friend who have made their love of this film known. To answer a common question I get- Will there be a sequel to MBF? First, I’ll say with how we left Paul, he’s just doing his time and it is not on the books. I’ve only played one character twice and that was JESUS in Forty Nights and The Christ Slayer. But, I will say that a rough treatment for a sequel does exist. Currently, I have my hands full with writing endeavors and CDI is about to officially announce the pre-production of our next feature film.
Here is the advance promo teaser for CDI’s next feature film. Adapted by your’s truly from another truly special book by Karl Manke. We will be releasing this pic and PR about the new project. Our team is location scouting this next coming weekend. I just might have some great pics to share next Sunday. I won’t write too much here and just leave it as a tease since we have PR releasing this week.
SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE – This is the powerful story I’ve been researching and putting into script form. I’m well into the first act of this story and I’m very happy with how it’s flowing. A few scenes so powerful, I had to walk away for a bit after writing it. I’ll be looking to have a teaser poster created for this project so I have a battle flag of sorts. It is just such an honor to be able to save this event in history and ultimately bring it back to life on the screen. I’ll be done with a first draft in a few weeks. I’m just really enjoying the journey.
WRAP UP – I hope you all continue to enjoy the fall season. We’ve had several folks respond to the CDI treat, not a trick- of the full short SMOKE & MIRRORS, being gifted to all of you. Take a watch and let us know your thoughts. It will be a great feature film in the future.
I’m going to go do a few things around the yard. We are planning to attend a flea market. Watch the Lions battle. Maybe some more writing on Spirit Lake Massacre and a locations list for Harsens Island Revenge. It’s the full moon so watch out:) I’ll chat with you all next week. Until, be good to one another.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Premieres, Post-Production Updates and More…
Good afternoon my friends. I’m back from a few errands this morning and sitting down to some reheated coffee from earlier. It has been an extremely busy time here at CDI and even my Friday had me on several hours of online meetings. But all extremely productive. Let’s start with this poster art above for our ‘FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH‘ release. It will start will a two show (6pm and 8pm) at the Owosso, NCG theater on Oct. 1st, 2022. The home video release with be on 10/4/2022 – here is more info from IMDB. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12741924/releaseinfo?ref_=tttr_ql_dt_2
So if you practiced any martial art or enjoyed the MMA/Pro-Wrasslin’ this will be an informative and enjoyable watch. I know Amazon Prime will be releasing and we’ll let you all know as we know the other available platforms. I will be attending our premiere as many of the CDI tribe to support our own Curran Jacobs who directed. If you’re in Michigan you might want to attend – an afterglow will take place most likely at ROMAS next door but that’s not locked in yet.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – My last meeting of the week was with our Algona friends helping to pull together the Algona, Iowa premiere. We’ll also do one in Michigan before the theatrical run starts 1-2 weeks after the (Dec 10th targeted date) Iowa premiere. Our goals is to have it play chains across the midwest where all these camps were located.
A few days earlier we met at the studio in the pines and reviewed the first half of the film’s dialog clean up and talked design and music. It really sounds great and my favorite part of the process ‘music’ is on deck. We’ll return this week to review the second half and start looking at the sound design aspects. Meanwhile in Canada the VFX and model work is being finished. I cannot wait to see those scenes once the work is done.
This film also represents a new level in product partnerships with brands like Hersheys, Hormel, Smithfield and Lerma Transportation involved. Our goal is to have them also assist in the theatrical marketing. For home video release I would love to see some ‘limited time’ vintage packaging released to the public. How about 5 cents Hersheys like in 1944? The new trailer is being worked on and it will be done in a few weeks.
BEST YEARS GONE – So yesterday kind of last moment I was offered some MSU football tickets and an invite to stop in as a guest at a get together for one of our investors. It is close by and so after the MSU game seemed well in hand, I stopped out. My history with these folks goes back to 1998 when we became famous at CDI for blowing up a car on their road in KNIGHT CHILLS. It was a barn party, but this was no ordinary barn, but a way tricked out venue for performance and drinks.
The entertainment was first class with guest musician Laith Al-Saadi from American Idol being featured. Also met a Red Wings legend Darren McCarty, very polite gent. I had some good talks that could manifest as sponsors or investors in the future, but overall just had a great time.
I had a few Moscow Mules followed by some coffee before I had to make the drive home which reminded me of ‘Icabod Crane’ in the Sleepy Hollow tale. In the dark woods on a full moon, trees bent tight across the road – twists and turns – hauntingly beautiful. Thank you John and Rhonda for a great time and yes, we’ll be discussing some special event screenings.
So the best part of the night was when I found myself sharing a stand up table with a fella Richard who was there from Detroit networking. I got explaining to Richard how I knew the party hosts and about our film endeavors. He asked about a few titles and I rattled off the two films that just went to TUBI, BESTSELLER and BEST YEARS GONE. He replied that he had seen BEST YEARS GONE and really liked it. I said, “no way” – but he insisted. Yup. Twins. Racecars. He said, google up the poster and I’ll tell you. So I pulled up our poster from IMDB. He said, “Yup, and that guys the lead,” pointing at Gil. YOU DON’T SAY:) I proceeded to say something to him as Gil, about light beer. He was surprised to find he was drinking with Gil Gilles. I don’t always get to meet my fans so this was a treat. So if you haven’t seen BESTSELLER or BEST YEARS GONE take a watch on TUBI and drop us a review on http://www.imdb.com
I’m enjoying taking the extra time this season to prep and attend a few more film events. We have several premieres ahead and are in ACTIVE development on HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE. We’ll be planning a few scouting trips in the weeks ahead. We are going to start sitting down with possible keys later in the year. I want to get a teaser poster underway as a pre-production battle flag. This is a great story from history and I had a chance to pitch it around to a very attentive audience last night. More meetings this week to lie the foundation down and discuss future creative directions with this story. We’re starting to look at vehicles that fit the pre-1927 timeframe. I’m extremely excited about this film that will shoot next year.
But it keeps getting better…
NEW SCRIPT WRITING PROJECT!
I’ll be doing PR soon on the new script writing project. Yes. The ink is dry. Green light – Phase 1 of the next collaboration out of Iowa, is set. The story will be an 1800’s tale that showcases a major event in Iowa history. I’ve been researching for months now and I’m ready to start weaving another powerful story.
MISC WRAP UP
I had another paragraph WRAP UP and I accidentally deleted it. Lets see if I can recall in no particular order. The hops harvested and squash is right behind it. I trimmed the apple trees and next up is the mulberry trees. I have a possible movie interview on Monday out of Nashville, TN. Tuesday is set to be the FADE IN…day where I start writing on the new script. Weds is our development and premiere meeting. Thursday out to review and tweak more audio on the second half of the film. Friday might be the start of the new bath install with a little help from a much more handy friend. Thank you for all the support and communications out there. It really means a lot to our artists.
Coffee Cheers, be productive this week.
DJ
NEW Nominations- Updates, Advice and Observations
Hazelnut coffee cheers! I want to once again welcome all our readers worldwide to our short visit. I’ve had numerous business endeavors underway. What I’m facing is one of the most busy release seasons CDI has had in a while. So far this year we’ve seen the home video release of BESTSELLER (NEW review here – https://www.joblo.com/bestseller-review/), BEST YEARS GONE, about to play another event in Cleveland Ohio next weekend. The event is the 27th Indie Gathering International Film Festival and our film is an award winner. We’ve also been nominated for BEST ACTOR (your’s truly) and BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY (Travis Hayward).
Last weekend our concept short SMOKE & MIRRORS played the Motor City Nightmares in Novi, Michigan. The feature-length doc FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH will premiere October 1st in Owosso, MI likely at the NCG theatre before the wide Oct 4th home video release to DVD and streaming. Our WW2 Christmas drama, SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA just moved into music and sound design. We’re working towards a December 10th premiere in Algona, Iowa followed by a midwest theatrical run. Several of these will have members of our team in attendance and we still might be announcing a few more events. All these positive things pose issues with shooting a fall film.
With five films rolling out and there is a lot of work between all these releases. The question is pertaining to our upcoming slate of films. I’m mostly talking the development of HOT ROD LOVE. We’re still in talks about major locations and we still have investors to bring on-board. We’ve got set time-lines to meet with all these tasks in order to film this year. The issue is that next year might be already full of projects, but HOT ROD LOVE could possibly move to the other side of winter. I’m ready and wanting to film but we’ve got so much business around these film roll outs. It might be better to focus on the releases first and start clean in the near year. Our producers will have some important decisions to make in the coming weeks but it’s all good. But these are the things I deal with. My personal goals usually take a back seat to the TribeCDI needs, and I don’t mind. We’re seeing the success of the other CDI films, as our audience circles grow. I’m excited about the future of all these projects and proud of the artists and supporters who made them happen.
THOUGHTS/ADVICE – At least twice in my film news watching, I saw posts that I almost commented on but I don’t engage on walls. Sometimes, I’ll direct message but I don’t ever post to get attention save purposeful PR posts. I’ve seen people take film jobs only to complain about them on social media. Often broadcasting blunders like being late or just complaining in general with some weak justification. This doesn’t encourage hiring or rehiring. I get it. Movies are hard to make. Our journey is not for everyone. On the indie level where many of us live and create, it can be even harder. If you find yourself overly unhappy in filmmaking, consider something else.
Paying your dues is real. I’ve seen discouraged actors unhappy with paying their dues, threaten to quit. People often will rush to try and support them, but the truth is many who get ahead do so on persistence where others fall. Success is often built upon other people failing and quitting. The “Oregon Trail” of actors and filmmakers. Climbing atop the bodies of the fallen to get higher. Every major acting hub has the “actors ghettos” where failed birds of a feather flock together to complain about their stagnation and set backs. Usually they have many other people and things to blame. While I have talent, I also earned, often via sacrifice, the ability to develop my talents. I’ve outworked many people and continue to do so today. I tip my hat to the others also fighting for their art but the harsh truth is, if you don’t have persistence, you will likely fail. Success in this business needs a severe dedication and that is not for everyone.
Lot’s of interviews, reviews and PR releases ahead on the slew of projects coming to or now in the marketplace. If you have any of these podcasts, fanzines and whatnot and wish to interview any of our folks reach out. If you’ve streamed and seen any of the films please do review on the film’s IMDB.com page or the platform page like Amazon Prime. We’ve got a few cool ones lined up and I’m sure we’ll do more. Maybe even a few more fun video PR releases like we did with BEST YEARS GONE. Next up will be several of the CDI team going to Ohio next weekend. I will note that I’m looking forward to seeing ASH & BONE written by Bret Miller (Chasing the Star) and produced by a product outfit outta Detroit led by Harley Wallen. I’ve had the pleasure of sitting down with him on a few occasions and I look forward to celebrating with him and his team. Erika Hoveland, co-stars in both the films and so that has to be exciting for her. ASH & BONE, plays shortly after our own film and it’s great to have two Michigan film companies represented. Their projects keep getting stronger, much like our own, because they keep earning the opportunity to grow. Did I mention persistence? It is key. We’ll be celebrating soon. My team is on me about savoring and enjoying the wins. To stop always jumping right back into the TO DO and take a few moments to appreciate the HAVE DONE’S. They are right and I will work to get better at it. I also don’t always like the spotlight only on me. I know that the direction, my co-stars, the camera work, the music and the value of having flowing coffee on cold nights- all played into me being able to BECOME the role. But I am appreciative and I’ll take the time to soak in it for a few moments. We all have things to work on.
MORE MISC UPDATES & BIZ
I’m about to start work on book 8 of an audio book series this week. That is always fun because it’s just me and my coffee. After last weeks soccer match win our team has one more game before playoffs. We earned our solid 2nd place and we hope to make it to the finals and beat the one team who has beat us twice. Our chickens are doing great. The garden plants have taken off. The hops are massive this year. I might try to finally bottle the FRANKENBERRY wine just in time for fall. I also have everything for a new beer run- yes I make beer and wine.
I’m looking to seal up some paperwork on another script writing/producing project very soon. Maybe even this week but these things often happen in their own time not our desired time. But I’ve been gathering research material in prep of this next writing endeavor. I’m very excited about the subject matter but will wait until the ink is dry to talk about it.
I’ve also been prepping some of the past CDI films for streaming and home video release next year with our friends at BMG/Deskpop Entertainment. That is always a task when added onto all the other things we’ve got in motion. But it will all get done. We chip away. We take a few more steps. Success is a process. And with that final nugget of wisdom, I’m going to say goodbye until next week. I will be getting back to Michigan late on Sunday next week so I’ll be posting next week on MONDAY. I’ll be reporting fresh from the Ohio Indie Gathering, which will be fun. I have a memorial today for a friend who passed and after I will be spending time with some family and friends. Appreciate your family and friends and live each day as full as you can. Until next week, coffee cheers!
DJ
Welcome May! Getting things done every day! UPDATES!
A hearty sip of the hazelnut coffee as a morning toast to all of you. It is a rainy May 1st but plant life is budding everywhere and bees and birds are on the move. It has been a very active week but I’ll start it with a few little personal updates. I found out that a classmate from elementary school whom I saw here and there over the years, passed away. She was a year older and passed in her sleep, it just reminds us to embrace life and those we share it with.
This week many hours working in the yard doing some clean up and repairs. Our Luna Mae pup got a cut on her paw chasing a squirrel and had to get a few stitches. I did some wood cutting and trimming but will have a professional tree cutter come in for a few branches. This week will be setting up the new fire pit and that will be nice to enjoy. I’m looking forward to some grilling and chilling in the months ahead.
It has been a very busy time for CDI business also. Let’s look at some of those updates.
DEEPFALL‘s ‘Revolution’ music video – The Michigan-based rock band kicked off their tour with 7 Dust this weekend in Grand Rapids and Detroit. We are excited to start a second music video with them as soon as they complete this tour. Here again is the music video: https://youtu.be/xtlc7GQvr70 and we wish them an awesome tour.
Sticking with the theme of music videos here is the music video for VERTICAL BRIDGE and their winning song OFF TO THE RACES that appears in our upcoming release of BEST YEARS GONE. Here is the music video featuring clips from the film – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ka43XfLnsEA
BEST YEARS GONE releases July 5th, 2022 and we will likely find out today if we won the BareBones International Film and Music Festival for ‘Best Comedy‘ feature. Now we did not attend because of the long drive and they seem to still be trying to get up to speed for Covid lock down. We might start doing some more fun marketing spots as we draw closer.
I was informed by our distributor that two of our films WILD FAITH and MBF: MAN’S BEST FRIEND will be releasing with NBC/Peacock which is an audience of 33 million so we’re all excited for the films to reach new viewers. That will help our efforts on the Wild Faith TV series for sure. Once we have dates we’ll be doing a full PR release. We hope that many more of the CDI films will follow. A TV series?
To prepare for the worldwide release on FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH we started to deliver assets. That should finish up this week. We are also exploring a large festival as a possible premiere venue. Also the first assets for the upcoming KNIGHT CHILLS Blu Ray were delivered. I’m having fun gathering assets to provide a new unique look at this little ambitious film from all those years ago. The streaming deal will be set up with 3 other title and the video game development is looking great.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA released its first official teaser last week to much fanfare.
Here is the link – https://youtu.be/abGtdP-93mE
We had a pick up VFX shoot yesterday for SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA and I’m hoping to have a VFX featurette video to share with all of you soon. We will likely start work on some other assets like a theatrical poster. We’ll wait for the new tighter cut of the film itself before we start pulling scenes for the official trailer to release on the run up to our December Iowa premiere. I’ll be circling around with our sponsors and potential sponsors about this upcoming event. We will keep dripping photos out in the weeks to come.
BESTSELLER releases worldwide this month! This cool Melissa Anschutz led thriller will release to DVD and digital purchase May 31st. This Chris Wright book was turned into this intense film and now the world will be able to watch. It has some great talent involved and we’re all excited to share it with you. Pics and promo will keep dripping out from the Facebook page so be sure to follow us there too.
I also spent some serious time trying to clean and organize my emails but that is an on-going never ending endeavor. We had a recent merchandise promotion meeting and we’re looking at bringing a few things to market. I LOVE the poster art for BIGFOOT, UFOS and JESUS and might explore shirts. LOST HEART might get new poster art. More of you are discovering the WICKED SPRING HD streaming links and so if you’re just discovering this film or its a favorite from years past- enjoy. Try this link below but just google up ‘Wicked Spring’ and ‘HD’ and go back to the Civil War!
I’m going to try and wrap some of this up. I can also report ahead of the PR release that I’ve inked a new deal to adapt a book to a screenplay and produce it with our CDI Tribe. I usually start to immerse myself in the art, music, fashion and history of the time. This particular story will have CDI storytelling in the roaring 20’s. But as I focus on the script we have one script ready to roll – HOT ROD LOVE. We’ve been in pre-talks with locations, car owners, companies, talent and potential sponsors and investors. We have some folks committed and will be asking for support again here soon when we disperse more funds back to our base. These are hard and dark times for some out there. I pride myself on the fact that even with all these challenges we’ve continued to keep telling our stories of hope and inspiration and laughter. So yes, we’ll be asking once again for some of you good folks to travel with us again. We will have to access our target dates because a few things have moved just a tad slower. But May will let us now much more as we work hard to launch this next endeavor. It has some female empowerment elements embedded in the 1975 world of drag racing. Just you wait and see.
I hope you all have a great week and make good progress on whatever endeavors you are working on. As you travel be good to your fellow life adventurers as they all have challenges of their own. I got my old hop vines cleared and I see new sprouts climbing already. I will plan to set up the water fountain and fire pit this week. I might quote those tree trimmers. I hope we get some sun so we can do a few meetings outside and I can continue my screenwriting out amongst nature. Lastly, my outdoor soccer season starts this Thursday. Our indoor league did the job of getting my legs and lungs back up to task. You have to keep your kung fu strong:) Thank you all. I appreciate you so much and appreciate you stopping by and the support. Have a great Sunday!
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 