‘Take Care of Our Global Crew’ and CDI Updates!
(Mom on her Bday with my niece)
The coffee is flowing nicely. I had to get it early again because our furry babies do not like the fireworks. Once those big booms start they will not go outside to do a final potty. And when usually they go out just before bed it results it early morning potty breaks. At least this one was only an hour before I normally rise. I want to wish my mother a happy birthday. We all went out to dinner last night and to her house after. It was fun to be with several family celebrating her day. I had coconut shrimp which was nice. I haven’t had that in quite a while. My father’s birthday is tomorrow and we are having a party for him today. My sense of days is all messed up and I’ll be happy to be back on a schedule tomorrow. But I’ll enjoy another day of family and friends before I’m back at the movie tasks. I again want to thank all our readers from around the globe. We had a lot of new readers and from new places which is always nice to see. I like something I read recently that said every 100 years we have a new batch of us humans living upon ole planet earth. They stated this is our crew, almost like your high school class just on a global level. Be good to your crew. In a 100 years a new group will be running the show. This is our time to make the best of things. As I enter my 3rd decade of storytelling I already feel this turning of the wheel. So happy birthday to my mom and dad and I even recently added a new year onto my age. But age is just a number.
(Big daddy who’s Bday is tomorrow but celebrating today!) * On Set Wild Faith
When I return to filmmaking work this week it will be back to the funding stage. I’m not as good at raising capital as I am managing a film crew. I do okay because we have a strong track record. We get things done on schedule, on budget and with good quality. We have all the films in the marketing earning and that allows us to keep moving forward. This year we’re doing two smaller endeavors as we prepare for a few larger endeavors next year. This is allowing some who normally cannot invest to invest. It is a unique thing to be part of storytelling, something that will outlast ourselves. I’ve been putting together ROM COMS MUST DIE, a funny slasher that is clever in the examination of stereotypes and the trails and tribulations of artists. The other is a Christmas sequel to our successful WILD FAITH. We have given the prior backers the first opportunity to be part of the second film, which some did. Now we’ll be opening it up to new investors. The original film has many fans in the tens of millions and so we’re going to bring them a new story with some of their favorite characters. While the sequel is smart because of the ready made audience it is not a money grab. The script and story live up to the first and will be a great second chapter in this saga. We have been doing casting on both of these and I’m happy to say having some success. CDI consists of actor/producers and so we take that part of the process very serious. With the first project we’ll be announcing the director Travis Hayward and director of photography John McGraw this week. I’ll be sitting down with them this week and we’ll be discussing schedule. We got some great news on the WILD FAITH sequel on a location and we’ll be returning to Alpena, MI in November if everything stays on course.
This leads in nice to my updates on Harsens Island Revenge. First the official trailer has released and the response has been wonderful. I’m happy to say that the sound design first pass was almost complete as of Friday. This week will be a review session with our director and more music plotting. The post process is moving along nicely due to the software improvements. That is where AI can assist in guessing where an artists is going. Now we will not ever use AI music as I believe the human touch is best here. I use to say stock footage is like a suit you take off the rack. It can fit good but seldom if ever great. An AI is just stock footage created for your footage. So again AI can increase the speed at which an artist can perform his or her task. But AI will change our industry just like the digital revolution did as we transitioned from film. Actor/Producer Shane Hagedorn has been in Alpena over the holiday exploring options for the premiere. We will access the film at the end of the month and try to rough in some dates for a premiere. VFX and color correction work is underway and even a new poster of the director’s choosing. This will be a great story added to the CDI collection. You can watch the trailer below.
Harsens Island Revenge trailer: https://youtu.be/EC8_9S58nIk?si=6kcN–qsuwEhP0QW
THE MAKING OF Harsens Island Revenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvvof3U4Sss&t=21s
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA started a run on UP FAITH & FAMILY and can still be bought on DVD or streamed on many platforms. PREVIEW HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s03pzBaG3rs&t=30s
(Jackson Kennedy with the special edition Blu Ray)
CDI’s first feature film KNIGHT CHILLS is celebrating 25 years plus and recently released on Blu Ray. It was fun to read all the positive comments about the film on the distributors site where the special edition sold out in 6 days. You can still get the classic Blu Ray but it showed me how a cult following has truly grown. So it will be coming to streaming late this year and we’ve cut a new promo trailer. Great job by our Adam Towner! WATCH IT HERE: https://youtu.be/00bNxQ84b-I?si=ngvS1z-w2xc2SDpA With all the growing success we might see Sir. Kallio ride again one day soon!
(HD DVD coming this month!)
Knight Chills is not the only classic CDI films heading back into the market after restoration. AN ORDINARY KILLER will be heading there with a HD DVD release this month and a wide streaming release in December. That deal will sign this week! This film will be the next trailer that we likely put Adam Towner’s talents on next.
(Badass Blu Ray “IN THE WOODS”)
The IN THE WOODS, Blu Ray is now shipping so google it up and order it from your favorite online retailer!
(Giddy up to Ghost Town!)
Already back into the market is the CDI smoky mountain western GHOST TOWN or known as Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town due to it being about family history. Watch it on TUBI or various other platforms. Watch the new HD trailer by Brett Frame here: GHOST TOWN TRAILER: https://youtu.be/Z1eubAgHvOY?si=U1wjIwP6Zg5BGmle
We are still experimenting on the restoration of FROM VENUS, HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST. A film look filter but on the early films soften the pixels and and when we up-rez them now it blurs them our so we need to sharpen or de-noise the films before we up-rez which is taking us a bit to get that correct. But as you can see the entire CDI catalog is being addressed. I love the job that Steve Young did making our PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ film HD. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/qLaw6zOAsw0?si=wgtuG7svTpRPwFTz
In other development new a GOTCH film is in development spinning off from the documentary FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH which you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLjMjIxZuk0
I was also so pleased to hear from fans over the long holiday who enjoyed our trilogy THE QUEST TRILOGY (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer) and MAN’S BEST FRIEND, LOST HEART, WICKED SPRING, Best Years Gone and WILD FAITH. I truly appreciate all the fans who reached out with kind words. The films all have an ever-growing audiences and if you like one film from the CDI Tribe try some of the others. We put the same heart and soul into all our endeavors.
(Just me- 2024 headshot)
We’ve been approached about producing another feature film next year which is being evaluated. Again if you have your funding this is something we’ll consider. I look forward to reading a rough draft of the script and see where the project is at. It sounds unique from other CDI properties and I love that. I also got approached about acting in a TV pilot being filmed and I’m excited to read that. Plus add in the two CDI projects coming together for 2024 and I will be artistically fulfilled. I did see another project casting in Michigan that had a role that jumped at me. I sent off an email requesting sides and we’ll see what becomes of that. I’ve been playing around on instagram doing promo videos and like I said in a recent one IT’S NEVER EASY:) It connects back to Facebook and you can watch it here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/mYsJiRqwwcviM6ia/
I’m going to refill the coffee cut and get a few eggs going. I might even put a mow on the yard if it has dried some. I’m looking forward to the BBQ and seeing my brother and friends this eve. Tomorrow it is back to budgeting, scheduling, casting, funding and promoting – all the fun work that goes with the business! I hope you all got a recharge with family and friends and you’re ready to get back at chasing your dreams and goals. I’m also looking forward to soccer on Thursday. I’ve been enjoying watching the matches on TV. In a few short months it will be football time! Go LIONS! Remember that every person walking the earth right now is part of our crew. look out for our crew and be kind to them all. Yes, even if they have differences of opinions. I appreciate you all!
DJ
LOVE – The Secret of the Season
Good morning to all of you out there. I’m sipping the morning java and I’m looking forward to sharing some thoughts on the past week, the season and the future. First, I have to say my focus is a bit more relaxed due to some big things coming off my TO DO list. The #1 thing off my list was the release of SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA to home video. The DVD and streaming has been extremely strong and I think as the word gets out even more folks will enjoy a watch. With this newly freed up focus I found some of the ugly aspects of the world come more into view. My heart hurts watching all the war footage. All of this because wise people cannot make good words with one another and learn to live together. Killing over land and territory that we are all only borrowing. Mother Nature can take it back at anytime by earth, air, fire or water. Also killing others because of different beliefs is baffling to me. Even here in the USA we have strife between political parties. Immigrant issues, political corruption and again hate divided along ethnic, religious or political lines. And we are a great country doing the best we can but we can do better.
(Thoughts of a childhood friend Alan Drake gone to soon)
My opinion is that social media has hurt as much as it has helped. Every sad story is like a constant light snow of negativity slowly building – growing heavy on our hearts. At this time of year we also remember the loss of loved ones no longer in the rat race of life. I drove by a beautiful cemetery last week traveling to the dental cleaning. To so many this phase of existing is over yet we still remember the good times we shared. Yesterday was the funeral anniversary of someone dear to our family. And I think of past relatives aunts, uncles, grandparents, friends whose passing dates I cannot even remember. Maybe I choose to not remember those dates as those memories cause too much pain of loss. But I think each and every one of those people who loved us so would plead with us to not burden ourselves with so much sorrow. To not live in regret of past missteps or with anxiety of the future. To work hard to be good to one another. Friends, family, laughter and fellowship with our fellow life travelers is the most fulfilling. So much negativity poison out there that we drink willingly. But we can be healers for ourselves and one another. LOVE. It is the key. UNDERSTANDING is the path. UNITY can be the result. Start by loving yourself with all your flaws and missteps. Understanding others who do or say things out of pain or to hide pain. When we stop being hurt by every misstep of others and can see their pain we can achieve unity.
My meditations on 2024 have brought me many insights. I’m already making adjustments to my self that I feel will make me a better person. I think I’ve always done that which has brought me to where I am now. I don’t regret any of my past as again it led me to where I am. It is my journey. But clinging onto old fears, insecurities or patterns can hinder or slow growth. I know we all fight these battles in the mind from time to time. But I think we can put peace in our heart and mind by our actions, thoughts and deeds. Like I’ve stated before I’ve studied martial arts for a good part of my life learning to be a warrior. But as I travel this back half of life I want to focus on being a healer. I don’t want to hurt people as they hurt themselves enough. I do believe that as a storyteller I do allow myself to be a healer. In my screenwriting I feel like I can write a story parable that can promote healing and a positive change in perspective for people. It is why I don’t find as much fulfillment in stories of just pure escape. A powerful story can help improve, enrich and encourage people with hope. I have the fan mail to prove it the power of a story and it is humbling and fills one with appreciation. Appreciation that you can help others heal via a story.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – IF you have seen this powerful film working its way into the world marketplace and it has moved you please do share it. As noted if you rent/buy from a streaming site or buy a DVD say from Amazon– leave a little note like the one above. http://www.imdb.com is another great centralized database you can vote and leave a review on. Just search our film and you can add your words and thoughts. I can tell you for the artists it means the world. It makes their sacrifice of being away from home for weeks all worth it. The months of post work overcoming technical issues – worth it. This film has such beautiful themes in it that addresses many past issues in the hope we can avoid repeating mistakes. But once again Jewish hate is on the rise. Muslim hate. The stigma of a group of people being defined by the actions of a few once again unfolds. I do encourage people to take a watch on this true event story. Love. Understanding. Unity.
Harsens Island Revenge – Based on the book of the same title- this cautionary tale once again taken from past history will illustrate many important life lessons applicable to the now. The film is being edited together and in the new year we’ll capture our last few pieces and start music and sound design. Above is a gift from our friends at Pepsi who joined us on this adventure and will continue to travel with our storytelling tribe. So many good people brought together for a positive reason. Lifelong friendships formed with each telling of a story.
KNIGHT CHILLS – Above is Jackson Kennedy who when we filmed all those years ago was maybe 3-4 and is now 29 years old, married and a professor. I had such a wonderful visit with him the day before Thanksgiving. This was also the start of Collective Development Inc. that was started by his father Jeff Kennedy and I. Jeff is now enjoying retirement but I will always be eternally grateful to he and Nita Kennedy who believed in my dream. Thanks to them I am living my dream every day. The film was released on Blu-ray on Oct 31st and is now widely available for purchase. It has lots of great extras that would be extremely entertaining to fans and educational to young filmmakers. We’ve had some exciting meetings over continuing this story with a sequel and we’ll see how that develops.
Speaking on development–
WILD FAITH: HASTINGS – I had a good meeting over this at the end of the week. I would love to see the ongoing story of the Murphy family told. HOT ROD LOVE is being prepped for presentation soon. We have our first committed investor and sponsor. That sponsor will be our friends from Pepsi joining us again for this comedic female empowerment story of drag racing in the 1970’s. Several meetings in 2023 over a new Iowa film SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE, we’ll keep moving that film development along. There is also another new opportunity for CDI production work. I’ll be heading to AZ for a few days at the start of the new year to take a meeting over this opportunity. I’ve also been doing a little bit of screenwriting here and there as time allows.
WRAP UP:
(My book editor Callie Smith Grant passed this year and I will miss our wonderful collaborations)
I’m going to wrap this up and maybe go do a touch of final shopping and a little wrapping like a Christmas elf. I know this time of year can be stressful and even lonely for some. Try not to give into the stress of trying to make things perfect. Just enjoy the end of the year – reflect and toast on those no longer with us save in our hearts. Let those still with us know they are loved. Nobody to spend time with maybe volunteer or adopt some elderly. There are homes full of folks who would enjoy your company. I know this from years ago as a Cub Scout. We use to go sing Christmas carols and spend time with those in assisted living. My father took us to deliver Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners to the elderly. The Special Olympics, Animal shelters…I’m going to try and commit to more charitable help in 2024. I even had a meeting a few weeks ago with a dear friend about helping us at CDI get more involved in causes. The sad lies in that you cannot help/fix everyone and everything but you can make a difference with a little kindness and a little time. I recall when we shot AN ORDINARY KILLER in Owosso, Michigan, we participated in a food give away. That was very fulfilling to all involved. I know this is the season that most people reflect more upon helping others but it should be something we practice year round. My next blog will be on Christmas Eve. And after that New Years Eve. Ponder and write down some of the changes you want to see in yourself. And be part of positive change for others. What can defeat all the negative in the world with no exception? LOVE.
Be good to one another!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 