CDI Film Updates! Plus the Secret to Making Your 2026 More Productive!
Good morning! After a few days of rain and gloom we got our pretty snow back. We did enjoy some warm temps for a stretch of days. Yesterday the Christmas tree came down which is sad but also signals the start of the new year being in full swing. It was a very productive week on many levels but still the world seems to be off balance again with negativity in abundance. I’ve said before, it’s what I love about being a storyteller versus activism. I can work with artists from many circles to collectively tell a story that is beneficial to all. That helps remind us of what brings us together and inspires hope for a day of better harmonious co-existence.
On a business level we are in full swing of streamlining CDI and preparing for some great things in 2026. I’ve nearly got all the end of year materials forwarded to our accounting firm. Just a few December statements once they are sent and legal will send investor dispersement breakdowns for last year. I’ve just got my personal taxes to complete but I’m close to having all that together. There is so much business to attend to and I think that for many struggling in the arts that is a direct result of all show and no business sense. I’m proud that we’ve been working to do it right from movie one at CDI.
I’m still working out HOW TO’s on little functions of my new laptop but as you can read I’m getting there. I guess I could say the same thing about my jeep. I’m still working on understanding a few of the buttons and gizmos. Evolving is slow for me as I get proficient in a process and I’m not easy to change. But with good folks around me I’m slowly making changes. CDI’s website will be undergoing some much needed updates thanks to David Gries. CDI has turned 30 years old this year and we’re celebrating that. Adam Towner has been working on a CDI highlight reel. I’ve had others suggest a documentary film, a book and more. One step at a time. I do have a meeting on the books about working on Classic CDI films 2-4 which need restoration work before being ready for the marketplace. We are working on a few literary releases associated with the movies and I still want a few record albums showcasing Dennis Therrian’s amazing work. Maybe like a KTEL (Old School) best of CDI music. I have ideas. Let’s look at some of the more recent updates!
- CDI’s roaring 1920’s film Harsens Island Revenge released to home video on the ad-based platforms like Encourage TV, Roku, Tube…meaning you can watch free with ads. We get paid by advertisers. I’m about to release the first investor checks from theatrical once I get it properly recorded with legal. Again this was based on a book of the same name by Karl Manke so read the book as well!
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS gave us one of the happiest pre-Christmas run in theaters and was extended in Lansing and Grand Rapids, MI playing Celebration Cinemas until the 15th of January! We are trying to lock in dates with NCG and Emagine but things have been slow. Even when we have audiences ready we still need to wait because we don’t control the theaters. We’ll keep playing this film all winter and it will release to home video 4Q before the holidays. The distributor is planning a campaign with the original film WILD FAITH 3Q promoting the forthcoming follow up. The original has done well for us and justified the second film. We do have the TV series to push towards production and I’ve been slowly working on the 3rd stand alone film. This franchise has become a bright spot in the world. Thank you to the tens of millions who have supported it.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE – This film is a parody from start to finish about the filmmaking industry. The hardships of actors, filmmakers and distributors who often want junk content. The new audio mix was amazing and of course it was because that is what Dennis Therrian does. Our director is doing a final visual test on film using a filter to see if we/he likes the enhancement. After that we’ll put it all together for a final watch through . We are almost ready to start talking premiere and the theatrical run. I would like to see an April 1st theatrical release. The home video release is set for Q3 before Halloween. It is comedic with a dark, twisted sense of humor. We all think audiences will enjoy it and if you work in the industry you’ll get a few more of the inside jokes.
- In the same week we got to do a watch of AI JESUS: THE SECRET OF THE KINGDOM CHIP with all the VFX inserted. WOW! It was so cool to see the entire flow with completed VFX. We are making some final tweaks and reviews before the film moves over to music and sound design. It will drop into the studio end of January and I’m guessing 2-3 months of work bring us to May/June. We’ll do a summer theatrical release and home video is set for 4Q. You cannot turn on the radio air TV without ongoing talks on AI. The film used AI in various parts of the production flow and even included a high end production robot. A trailer is being polished up and will have the music and sound design done before work on the main feature goes into high gear. I’m still sitting down with investors and sponsors over the last few marketing units. I’m working to close that up since everyone is excited to get back on set with new film production. PS: This film does have ties to THE QUEST TRILOGY the three biblical adventures CDI produced in the desert of Yuma, AZ. So do take a watch on all three FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER.
DEVELOPMENT: We’ve got a few commercial and narrative projects in development. A few films have pitch packs out to funders and I’m working on a few new scripts. The follow up films are fun allowing endearing characters to return. With pre-existing fans it makes sense business-wise too. Aside from the WILD FAITH franchise there’s 2-3 other CDI favorites that might get a follow up. We do have some original films in development also and I’m excited to see which ones get traction.
WRAP UP: So I talked with Terry Knox this week who people know mostly from ST ELSEWHERE and TOUR OF DUTY but we’ve done a half dozen films together since AN ORDINARY KILLER in 2002. He was bragging at the production value of HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE which he had just watched. He plays a member of the Purple Gang. Somehow we got talking about conventions and meet and greets. I know they have them for horror films, comics, sci-fi and war films/TV series. It must have stuck in my mind. I awoke this morning from a dream I had gone with T Knox to a convention that had actors from all different TV shows. I was representing WICKED SPRING, MBF, SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA…I was meeting folks from Hogan’s Heroes, Band of Brothers and MASH. In my dream I was talking with Gary Burghoff (Radar) from MASH and told him how much I’ve enjoyed his work and asked how he was doing. He was starving and so I went and got him some snacks from a green room table. Funny stuff!
I’m going to wrap things up here. I’ve got some other work I want to get done but as always I appreciate the time we had today reviewing our progress. With the extension of Wild Faith Christmas in the theaters, Harsens Island Revenge to AVOD and the post work flow I’m pleased with how 2026 is already started. We have had a few negative folks come out of the wood work throwing stones at the art. I told someone recently almost all the negativity any of us artists get comes from other artists not the general audiences. Writers who cannot option or sell a script. Producers who can never finance a project. Directors who will never sit in the chair. Actors that don’t get cast. ROM COMS MUST DIE is a love letter to some of these folks but Amos and Clem are doers. Channel this frustration into work and progress versus pooping in someone’s punchbowl. Haha! Maybe too much. But you get the point. Most don’t take the time to review or are unable to navigate the process. But if you can and you want to counter some hate with joy, please do. Amazon reviews. IMDB reviews. And believe or not I’ll send positive wishes even to those struggling and aiming their frustration at at working artists. In the time it takes to write a negative review something positive could have been done to move their own pieces on the chess board. But negativity is part of the game. My above friend T Knox once said if you don’t have haters you’re not doing something right. The rocks thrown haven’t slowed the forward train in 30 years so I don’t think it is going to happen. If you are one of the frustrated focus more on your business and less on the art. The art is fun and the business often is not. But the secret to success lies in doing both and in good time. A company that distributes films cannot work with you if your biz is not in order or your film cannot make deadlines or pass quality control. So focus on these things and make your 2026 better than your 2025!
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
A Goodbye to 2025 and Preparing for 2026!
(CDI has had some great sponsors like Hersheys, Smithfield Foods, Hormel, Pepsi and more)
It is a rainy morning and the hazelnut coffee is hitting the spot. I want to once again thank all my viewers from China and all the countries around the world. Last night we had the last family Christmas gathering and now my focus is slowly shifting to the new year. It is a time to look at all the goals that we either achieved or fell short of. I for one feel like we had a great year not without its challenges and loses for a good year. I’m healthy and ended the year by putting smiles and joy into audiences with our films. Harsens Island Revenge started 2025 with the final run of the film in theaters. Wild Faith Christmas was finished and took awards in Tuscan at the Wild Bunch Film Fest before rolling into theaters. On Dec 22 we got to watch our family, friends and home town crowd view the highly anticipated follow up film to WILD FAITH. That franchise will be looked at as we move forward. I have both a 3rd feature in the works and better yet a season one TV show WILD FAITH: Hastings consisting of eight 44 min shows. We will see what opportunities open up to get these produced.
Harsens Island Revenge is now on streaming and DVD via Amazon. I’m proud of that film because of the world we built as artists at CDI. The film is slick and cool and represents a wild time in US history during the 1920’s. I think we might set up a few dinner and view events with this film whereas people can also get posters signed and such. This film was based on the book of the same name by Karl Manke. Do take a read before or after you’ve seen the movie. If you’ve seen this film please do go to the film’s http://www.imdb.com page and VOTE (10 is high and 1 is low) and leave us your review of the film. This is a good practice with any of the CDI films since it does help the film’s distribution.
Rom Coms Must Die, is our dark comedy and it is almost complete. It pokes fun at the filmmaking industry from all sides. The musical score and sound effects are about done and we’ve been mixing the film before another producer’s watch. One of our CDI tribal members making a splash with his acting in Adam Towner and he shines in his first co-starring role. We will look to have a premiere in the coming new year and start the theatrical run. It will look to release to home video during the 3Q of 2026.
AI Jesus: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is having the VFX dropped in and we’ll do the final tweaks to the edit soon. Once that is complete and Rom Coms Must Die moves out of the sound studio AI Jesus will move into the studio. This movie is a perfect blend of humor and taking a serious look at technology and spirituality existing together. We are still pulling a few backers onto the film for marketing but we are excited to have this film also roll into theaters before joining Wild Faith Christmas for a Q4 2026 home video release.
2026 Preview–
We do have a few funding efforts underway for projects that have been in development for a few year now. We have a few smaller film endeavors developing but I want to finish the business on the current films before announcing any new opportunities. I do encourage everyone to write down your 2026 goals. If you did that last year, study your previous list and see what projects made progress or you completed. I will be doing that myself in the coming days. It can be personal, professional or anything you wish to draw your focus to. I plan to work hard to make 2026 as productive as 2025.
Wrap Up: I don’t have any major revelations to put forth. I’m a simple man and I take pleasure in simple things. I love the friendships with our CDI artists and I’m looking forward to being on set soon. I don’t have a project locked which is kind of nice. I’ve been getting some good writing done and that could lead to a few new films being made. I’ve been working on a few follow up films to previous CDI films. I had no less than four possible writer for hire scripts in 2026 but the business did not gel. That allowed me to do my own writing. So in a way that turned out to be a blessing.
I’m thankful for the new CDI tribal artists that joined us this year. New investors, sponsors and more that see the power of the CDI machine. All these projects are a result of determined hard work to stay on schedule, budget and showcase a handcrafted quality that is always unique. Again if you or your business want to explore getting involved with Collective Development Inc. please do reach out. You never know what a single collaboration can do. For many it leads to a life time journey with a great group of people. I’m excited to grow as a company and as an individual. I am so very blessed to be able to do exactly what I wanted to do- entertain audiences with stories. I’m going to wrap this up and likely go prepare a few eggs. We are working to get the house back in order and I’ll be entertaining a few quests this eve and this week. The wood stove will have to be heated up and great conversations and planning will take place. I want to thank you all for your support of the films, this blog and just our collective endeavors. I will see you all next year! Coffee cheers. DJ
CDI Updates- Pre-Production, Post-Production and NEW Theatrical Releases!
(Great ‘Harsens Island Revenge’ cast and crew gifts thanks to sponsor Reinert Pottery)
Hazelnut coffee cheers! I’m up early and sipping coffee and doing a few things about the yard letting the chickens out and watching Finn (my doggie son) race with his buddy Jake. Yesterday we had a nice Perry family reunion and saw some family. I really enjoy seeing our family and catching up on people’s lives. The weather has been cooler which is a nice change from humid but we had some iffy air quality due to wildfires in other parts of the country. Our soccer match at the end of the week was near perfect weather and we walked out with a win which is nice but the workout itself is always a win. I’m really in good shape from the intense play and love the mental cleanse that an intense work out gives. The plants are starting to turn a corner as the smallest hints of fall can be found.
I’m happy to have turned the corner on our next film project THE SECRET OF THE KINGDOM CHIP. I’m still assigning the last few units but between the claimed units and our sponsors we have everything covered. The new company is formed and the paperwork is being drawn up. Our schedule is about ready to be distributed we are still looking at the shooting order of a few scenes. We have just a bit more casting and some crewing to do but wanted to wait for the company formation. Our director ‘Tony’ returns from Europe this week so it will be nice to have he and John McGraw our DP start working shot lists. If you want to follow along with this project you can search our Facebook page. Also if you have a company that wants to align with this next movie reach out. Let’s now look at some other updates.
- Harsens Island Revenge is coming to the Detroit area playing both the Riverside Theater and the Emagine Macomb August 22-28th! I know the museum on Harsens Island has been gathering folks to attend the close showing at the Riverside. An event page will be formed soon for the Emagine showing which is near our director Carl’s home. Our hope is that Emagine will move the film into some of their other theaters after the showing. We have the entire month of September to play the film after that and I know that it is coming to Forest City, Iowa and we should also get Fridley’s in Algona. Call the theater our Algona friends and push that along some. I’ve been making new friends in the Spirit Lake area too while working development on another film so maybe we can get it into a theater there.
- The 1st week of Oct. is when the Harsens Island Revenge film comes to home video on DVD and rent/buy streaming. I’ve gotten a peek at the home video artwork and it is really cool. We have a marketing meeting coming up soon with the team at Twin Engines Global.
- We are closing in on a final watch/listen of Wild Faith Christmas. We’ll be in the studio to listen to all the sound design and music. We’ll follow this with a watch on the big screen to give it a final once over. Shane Hagedorn our director is over the moon with the final film. I’m optimistic that this new installment in the Wild Faith franchise will open the door for season 1 of Wild faith Hastings TV show. The original film continues to build an even great audience being seen by tens of millions of viewers. We are closing in on 9 million viewers just on Encourage TV!
- The last of the ROM COMS MUST DIE audio adjustments are about done. I think all the VFX are dropped in and sound design done. It will go into the music studio just as Wild Faith Christmas is leaving. The trailer should be released this month! This film was so much fun to make and it translates to the screen. I want to meet with director Travis Hayward and discuss a few festival entries this week. The major theatrical run and home video will be in 2026 but a premiere and a few festival showcases could happen this year.
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is now being streamed on various sites for free with ads. BEST YEARS GONE, LOST HEART, MBF, KNIGHT CHILLS and more are building stream with new marketing. The last film KNIGHT CHILLS was CDI’s 1st and I would love to see a sequel eventually happen. I also let folks know that while we don’t have plans to film it yet I’ve been working on a sequel script to the film I get asked about the most when it comes to sequel. Any guesses?
- I had another good development talk on SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE one of the two Iowa films we are developing. We don’t have anything solid and set for 2026 but we are looking ahead. You always have to be working in the past, present and future with films. The other film taking small steps forward is the Frank Gotch biopic and maybe 2026 will be the year for that project.
WRAP UP: I’m due for another coffee and maybe an egg or two. I’m going to go pick up a cool prop for our next film this morning. Our art team has been having a great time assembling everything we need. We are having a clean up of one of the major locations next weekend. I’m excited to be working with all these good CDI folks once again. Twice in one year has been special. I would love to do at least two feature films next year producing.
I’m going to end it here. I can say that whomever you are keep working hard at your goals and dreams. If you put the work in you will make progress. It doesn’t always happen at the speed you might want but every journey starts with a step. I’m just blessed to be a storyteller and to get to work with so many great people. I hope you have some time to watch some of our CDI films. We make them for all of you out there. For all those who have watched our films and sent along such great messages we love that. Thank you so very much. Until next week, keep pushing forward and never give up.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Losing Childhood Heroes Fuels Our Own Dream Chasing.
Hazelnut cheers. Welcome readers from around the globe. I’m writing on a humid Sunday. I have had a week of working very diligently on all our film projects. One thing that is interesting is that many people don’t understand the timelines and how slow that things move turn. Films in the making don’t turn on a dime because one change causes many changes. I’ve been gathering supporters for our next project and the timeline to stay on target is end of the month. We’ve been gathering funding commitments and I’ve been working on sponsors. We have a few great sponsors that have joined us. These are purchased marketing packages whereas a company aligns with the film. Our films have been seen by tens of millions of people. Brands like Candleberry Candles have definitely gained new buyers because of their past sponsored candles. I know that because of our last couple sponsorships with Pepsi that some have become fans of Bubly, Celsius, Muscle Milk and more. I’m proud to announce that we have a few returning sponsors and a few new ones. Same with investors, we have some tried and true and we have some new. All these people are needed to tell these stories. I’m just waiting to assign the last few to interested parties but that will be done end of the week. If you have not been following along the next film up is THE SECRET OF THE KINGDOM CHIP. The paperwork is being drawn up and the bank account will be opened once the corporation is formed. Steps.
TSOTKC the above film is a great mix of spirituality and SciFi. We have some great art pieces being built and this film will be using more advanced tech vs any of the previous CDI films. Much of this is because of McGraw Multimedia and our new partnership with Haptix Studio that we’ll talk more about in an upcoming PR release. Next month will be hiring our remaining cast and crew and prepping the main locations for filming in September. This is the second venture with my dear friends at McGraw Multimedia. We already have a slate of films we plan to work on together. Telling stories with friends is what it is all about.
We have several projects that are moving down the line and other associated developments. Let’s look at some of these endeavors.
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA, Wild Faith Christmas, Harsens Island Revenge and more and talked about on Faith on Film with Anthony Hornus and Shane Hagedorn talking about the CDI projects. You can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtnFcHuz6Gk
- Wild Faith Christmas is just locking up the final credits and one VFX shot I do believe. A producers watch is coming up and after it will be prepping for theatrical. We are looking at a few corporate sponsors who might get involved with the theatrical release. If you have a company that likes the idea of being aligned with orphans and adoption please reach out. The film has way exceeded our director’s expectations. I LOVE the world created and we’ll see what happens from here. I do have the season 1 written and ready to go. If it is too heavy another movie could happen. We will see said the wise man. But do watch part 1 WILD FAITH and get ready for the second adventure.
- Harsens Island Revenge – our theatrical company should be giving us the promotional materials this week to promote our next two screening locations. Don’t hold my feet to the fire but I’m hearing both Riverside Theaters near the actual island and Emagine Macomb will be showing the film 22-28. So get ready to have a roaring 20’s good time. I’m hearing Forest City, Iowa and our beloved Algona, Iowa should get us dates very soon.
- Speaking of Iowa we at CDI are working hard with some of the folks there to try and launch films on world champion wrestler Frank Gotch and the state story of the SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE. We have two great scripts and some people like Randy Couture (Gotch film) attached with a letter of interest. We will find our right parties/partners to make these two project go.
- Last week between scouting and funding work I did my final ADR work for ROM COMS MUST DIE. This comedy horror film has turned out great! The picture is nearly locked as the last of the VFX is going in and the last of the ADR is completed. It will be moving over to our composer and mix master Dennis Therrian in August. I’m excited to watch it with him the first time! The film is highly entertaining “dry” without music and with music it will soar. I’m proud of Travis Hayward with this being his first directed feature film. It was also the first collaboration with the McGraws. The hope is that we’ll do our premiere for cast, crew and friends in October. If you have any festivals that might want to showcase the film do reach out. The idea is a short festival run and into theaters. The home video will be in 2026.
WRAP UP: My film wrap up is that after we film TSOTKC that will be all the major production for CDI for 2025. We’ll finish strong with the Harsens theatrical and be ready to kick off the Oct. 6th home video release. We will also look to do a premiere of ROM COMS MUST DIE around Halloween. Maybe the SUN THEATER in Grand Ledge? November will be the release of Wild Faith Christmas into theaters and I hope to run that through the winter into 2026. We have plans for 2026 productions but those are still in the planning. I had a great call this past week with a peer filmmaker who is considering collaborating with CDI on a few projects. I like the filmmaker and the projects he is talking about.
I’ve been writing weekly and I’m still in talks on three scripts to write in the coming months. I love writing in the winter. So we will see how that all develops. Things move fast and suddenly move slow. That is our business. Next year will be exciting as many of the films will be still rolling down the release path. If you are curious about TSOTKC may I suggest watching THE QUEST TRILOGY (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer). TSOTKC is modern and different but does fit into the trilogy. If the film gets all the same discussions rolling as the script we will have one heck of a film.
Lastly, with life balance- the house now has central air which will be nice versus the portable air conditioners. We are looking at finding a stretch of days to stain and seal the deck. The plants have been growing like crazy and I’ve been harvesting herbs and some veggies. The berries have still been popping and are at maximum sweetness. I still have a small tree to plant that my bro gave me for my bday. The chickens young and old are now mixing and the eggs are kicking. I’m about to go eat some myself. Today is a bday party for my dad who turned 80 on July 8th. That will be fun. I am not going to lie losing Ozzy Osbourne and Hulk Hogan left me sad this week. Heroes we grew up with since childhood. Ozzy has always been on my play list. It also makes me think of how many friends film and non-film have passed. They don’t get to wake to the beautiful birds, squirrels and change of seasons. No more struggling to create, survive, and thrive. I’ve been trying to rest on that when I have a set back or something moves slower than I want it to. So I seek that balance. Soccer was a rain out and so I hope they reschedule the game. Those games really help me with that mental balance. I do love the game and I’m appreciative that I can still play the game.
I’m going to call it good on the update. I’m going to keep on keeping on and I encourage you to do the same. I have to limit the amount of negativity that I take it from the world daily. From child and animal abuse to religious and political divide there is enough negative to ruin anyones day before breakfast. I offset a lot of negativity with music and focusing my attention elsewhere. I just got two classic Rolling Stones albums which I’m looking forward to. We are also going to keep making meaningful films that unite us all and remind us that we are all undergoing this journey called life. Until next week-
Coffee Cheers!
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
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
Hello Germany! And CDI Updates Across the Board.
(HELLO Germany!)
Good morning! I don’t know what caused the surge in views in Germany but I sure hope they hear my plea to have SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA play there. Or have a distributor open-minded enough to want to license the film. It is a WW2 (wait don’t run!) film that takes a more even look at the events. It is a based on the true story of German PW’s held here in the USA midwest. Hundreds of thousands kept here during the war. Most farmers and citizens forced to fight who surrendered versus facing sure death. It doesn’t white wash some of the “evils” but also explains how not all were involved and even Germans had much to fear if orders were not followed. I know the feelings of many Germans because we have German investors who wanted to get this story out. Our distributor has had trouble getting a German distributor to bite and trust me I understand. The USA from slavery to Native Indian treatment has its own evils. But I assure everyone the story is beautiful and unifying if nothing else. So how or why we had such a surge of German viewers is unknown. I’ve had several films released there and I have German ancestors myself. But if you read this please do seek out our WW2 drama and let me know your thoughts here. I was the screenwriter and supervising producer as well as playing the camp’s commanding officer. The film is playing TV here in the USA and is available to rent and buy on multiple platforms. It will be going to free ad based watching mid year. I hope this is a film everyone can watch and take something away.
Although it is snowy outside and cold Easter will be coming soon. In 2026 part 1: FORTY NIGHTS will be ten years old. I’m slowly working on a book that would be about the making of the trilogy. Part 2: CHASING THE STAR and Part 3: THE CHRIST SLAYER. I think the name of part 3 turned some away but I assure you it has heart and meaning. I’m also looking to see these three films packaged into a special Blu Ray box set. I have to see if the distributor plans to do anything of the sort or I will look to have it done elsewhere. I want to encourage everyone this season to go to Youtube ENCOURAGE TV and watch all three in order for free. I still love to watch if I’m having a down moment in life. There is beautiful camera work and great points to ponder.
Harsens Island Revenge had a big screen test to see if any visual tweaks needed or wanted to be fixed. It played so well on the big screen and our test group only found a few tweaks which this weekend were being corrected. And this week our director Carl Weyant and post supervisor Dennis Therrian will do the last audio review on the 5.1 mix. From there we are ready to deliver. That means 4k version rendered. I will be reviewing the home video agreement and theatrical at week’s end. We will start looking at all the premieres we want to do will following theatrical runs.
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – At the large screen showing of Harsens Island Revenge we were treated to a first look at the rough WFXmas trailer. It was nostalgic and powerful to see the old faces and the new ones. Also the beautiful camera work and results from our hard work in November of last year. The film is looking to lock visual and move to music and sound design at the end of the month.
Speaking of that beautiful camera work in those above two films- Travis Hayward was the artist behind the camera. He has handed the camera work to John McGraw as the Director of Photography and sat firmly in the directors chair for ROM COMS MUST DIE. (RCMD) This dark comedy makes fun of both the romantic comedy and horror genres in the best way. This week we start our in-studio days and if it is anywhere as fun as the first block, excitement awaits. I’m enjoying my return to the genre and in a fun way versus the dark intensity of past films like THE 8th PLAGUE or BESTSELLER. So seek out our Facebook page and follow all the progress on this fun film.
Speaking of horror genre which so graciously gave me my start. IN THE WOODS my first creature feature is now on Blu Ray with streaming planned for later in the year. (Likely Oct) AND CDI’s first film a PG-13 slasher KNIGHT CHILLS just hit the streaming market for the first time ever. Both have books and other fun stuff that is releasing with it. Right now the snow is causing internet issues but the film is streaming on #FREE4ALL on Youtube! More platforms will come on line but I’ve watched this one. It is remastered and for a 90’s film it holds up all right. So if Dungeons and Dragons and Sword and Sorcery is your thing, take a watch. If firefighters battling monsters is your thing but the Blu Ray!
MISC OTHER: I’ve been wrapping up end-of-the-year movie tax stuff and finally have almost have my personal tax stuff ready to send in. There is a lot of things to do with small business and I’ve grown to embrace it. It is what keeps me from working a job I don’t enjoy. So I’m smiling and doing the desk work which is made easier by the freezing temps outside. Not much else to do. But we have Corp Filings and K1’s to investors forthcoming but the 1099’s are all out.
I’m looking forward to returning to script writing. I want to finish the last couple WILD FAITH HASTINGS show adjustments. I need to circle back on a few of the writing opportunities and see if any are ready to move ahead. I also have a few scripts I want to pour out of my head. But this week I’ll focus on the final days of this role. FUN FACT: Kay Burch who is DJ Burch (One of our young Wild Faith Christmas leads) mom is in our current film. When he saw me at first without the Ben Lily beard and with black hair he did not recognize me. It is fun changing from character to character.
2025 is off to a good start creatively and while I’m sure the year will have its challenges it should have its celebrations as well. We have a few projects in funding development and so if you have any interest feel free to reach out. I’m looking forward to whatever comes next. The marketplace is in flux some with Amazon changing the payout formulas and who knows what the tariffs and such may bring. We’ll just keep the ship steady and so far so good.
I’m going to wrap it up and do a little daily line study. I also need to get a few last things around for travel to the studio in the morning. The nice thing is rather than a 45 min travel like last block of shooting I have a 6 min travel. I hope all those in the cold stay warm. I’ll be stoking up a good fire in the woodstove at the office later. But first some fresh eggs and more coffee. I hope everyone has a great week. In closing I feel bad for the lives loss with the aviation accidents. Tragic events. I hope they make the improvements needed to keep things safe. So stay safe everyone!
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Bitter Michigan Cold – Finishing 2024 and Prepping for 2025
(GW Burns capturing the cast and crew in action on Wild Faith Christmas)
Brrrrr…today is bitter cold in Michigan! The crunchy snow beneath your feet and the cold bite on exposed skin. I was letting the chickens out this morning and they were even unsure of this arctic weather. I’ve been thankful for the eggs they are kicking out and that has been a warm nutritious start to each day. We are just days before Christmas and we draw even closer to the end of the year. I enjoy giving gifts throughout the year as I find treasures. I’ve been preparing for the coming of Father Christmas with some love gifts this year. We have a few different Christmas gatherings and thankfully they are spread out. It is hard when you try to cram them all into a day. I feel very blessed in that I have most all of what I need and I have few wants. I do want to keep creating these wonderful stories with my fellow artists and sharing them with the world.
(Tickets went on sale Dec 20th for our run from Dec 23-26th in Lansing, MI)
2024 has had some great developments that I’ve been recapping in many of my updates. I had a busy week prepping and sending out checks to our investors. The indie film scene can be hard as there are many places you can invest funds that might make bigger and faster returns. But few investments have the impact that the films do. First is allows artists to be artists and create. It allows a story or a piece of history to be recorded and not forgotten. The power of the storytelling can put a thought, smile or light into a viewers life. I watched a great Tyler Perry WW2 drama based on true events much like our SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. Our film has the same emotional power but was made for a small fraction of what that film was made for. I bet our film was close to their catering budget. I will work steadily forward to try and grow our budgets but as I’ve noted it is hard work. I’m so thankful to our supporters both those who fund, sponsor and watch our films. We move slow and steady forward and that is a good thing. I cannot take big risks that could bring big rewards but can also bring things to a halt. I would like to do a least one really big budget adventure at sometime in my lifetime. I’m sure it will be so. I will treat it with the same care I do the smaller budgets. But as I stated I feel blessed to be able to do what I do. The next phase of work will be the end-of-year taxes for the films. Again this is the work that keeps the wheels turning. This year we might make some moves to streamline some of the process so I can focus more on my strengths of writing, developing and managing production. Oh, yeah and acting.
(Tickets went on sale Dec 20th for our run from Dec 23-26th in Grandville, MI)
Acting-wise I have two great roles about to be presented to audiences. I recently had several people reach out to express their love and appreciation of other characters I’ve brought to life. As of yesterday I had some compliments on ole’ Gil Gilles (Best Years Gone). Other great fan (e)mail and even a phone call to congratulate me again for Col. Lodell (Silent Night in Algona). I love bringing these characters off the page. Coming up this year people will meet WW1 veteran AXEL in Harsens Island Revenge and get to spend time again with Ben Lily in Wild Faith Christmas. But to be able to create these roles a team of people put in a lot of work. I’m in development right now on Amos Edison “Edison” the frustrated filmmaker. The position of the character is known by many. The few that get to direct one feature film but they have a hard time getting that second one off the ground. It is going to be a funny insightful movie.
(Harsens Island Revenge – coming in 2025!)
Random Updates!
- The above mentioned WW2 drama SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA played a few theaters in Iowa and now will play my home town Lansing, MI and Grandville (GR), MI December 23-26th. It is a newly remastered version from the original theatrical run. I’m looking to step out Monday (Dec 23rd) to sneak into a theaters and enjoy the film on the big screen at Celebration Cinemas. I’m looking at the 11:55 showing and there is also a 3:20 in Lansing. Look on their website for Grandville, MI times and for the other days. You can also buy/rent the film on Amazon now but if you can experience the big screen do so.
- Harsens Island Revenge is undergoing final polishing of color correction and combing through looking for anything that could cause issue in QC (quality control). Filmmakers know what I mean. We are taking these last few days of 2024 to do just that as no desk business will happen but our director is using the time to polish. We have a deal memo for our home video deal and we’ll be discussing the size of the theatrical run in the first days of 2025. What is coming is an epic piece of historic fiction!
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is right about at the hour mark in the edit. I figure it will be completed at the start of the new year for review. After notes there will be a second edit pass and moving to lock picture and start post sound/music work in February. This steady forward is so we can look to have the film hit theaters Nov 1st, 2025. The team knew we once again had something special and from the edit, we do.
- I’ve got no less than three possible script writing gigs lining up and they could all lead to production work as well. We’ll see which ones develop into solid deals. I’m still working on the Wild Faith TV series adjustments writing the 8 shows to take place now after the second film. I do have a few personal scripts I’m also working on and one of them is a really powerful story that has me excited.
- Thank you to David Gries who has been doing some updates to our http://www.cdiproductions.com website. Fans can also follow our IMDB, Facebook and Instagram page #tribecdi as we try to keep ways for fans to follow along. Also this blog. Feel free to share it with others. The EBAY store where CDI merchandise will be made available is also up now on the website. Hit STORE!
- I am going to try and get some updated acting reels and we will have a new CDI highlight reel coming early in 2024. I often neglect my own acting materials for the CDI materials and I’m good with that but once and a while I need to update. Thank you to GW Burns for the snap new headshots! He is the man to go to for capturing that personal essence.
- All the CDI films make good family watching from the biblical trilogy FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER to LOST HEART, MBF and even BEST YEARS GONE. I invite you to watch them all. If you enjoy one of them pass that note along to family and friends. When it is cold nothing like watching a good story with family and friends.
(Merry Christmas from the entire CDI Tribe!)
WRAP UP: The Lions play football today and I’ll likely multitask and use that time to organize some personal end-of-year tax stuff. I’m going to see my brother and a few friends later this eve and tomorrow might go see Silent Night in Algona at the Celebration Cinemas. I have to try and set dates on our next film in Jan/Feb 2025 which I also might try to do today/tomorrow. I want to again say how appreciative I am that all of you keep checking back in here weekly. I hope each and everyone of you have a good Christmas. We have one more of these visits in 2024 before we transition to 2025. I’m ready for the new year and ready for the new challenges, success and moments. Happy Holiday season. Time to go refill the coffee cup and make some eggs!
Cheers!
DJ
Starting to Feel A LOT Like Christmas! CDI Updates! December 15th, 2024
Christmas 2024
Hazelnut coffee cheers to all of you my friends! December 15th and we have a handful of days to go before Christmas but really it is the entire season not one day. I enjoyed shopping with a buddy of mine which included a stop for hot tea and appetizers at a Thai place. I’m not against a good glass of red wine with a good piece of meat but I just don’t drink alcohol much these days. My last might have been a tequila toast to our friend who passed away a few weeks ago. Man do I not miss hangovers. I cannot handle that and also I’m on such a good sleep schedule. I go to bed at a reasonable time and I’m up early with fresh batteries. Is that old? Responsible? I’m not sure what it is but it works for me. I would not change any of my days of ‘priming’ before going into bars. Edward 40 hands, 3- Man, quarter bounce, beat the clock Jack at the Sleazy D, $1 pitchers at Ricks and I could go on and on. I have lots of great stories to reflect upon and amuse myself well into old age. My shopping buddy was one of my Viking drinking buddies and here we were drinking tea. Drinking heavy is a young man’s game. I’m not sure if it is as popular as it once was but I suspect on many college campus’s the tradition lives on. I still do enjoy making a run of beer and wine each year and it makes for a special occasion. Do be careful if you are still in the game. Have fun and be safe. Running the streets is never 100% safe that is part of the adventure.
(The most recent CDI adventure – Alpena, MI)
Filmmaking also has dangers from mild to severe. The only safe way is to not do anything. What is the saying, boats are safe in the harbor but that is not what boats are meant to do. So preventative becomes the main goal when we go on filmmaking adventures. You want to limit dangers to a small finger cut, a stomach bug or a nagging cold. Anytime you bring a large amount of people together for an extended time you increase your risks. But you have to go on the adventure to get the gold. In our analogy the GOLD is the footage. I’m a bit of a Bilbo Baggins if left to my own devises. I like to ticker and putter around the property enjoying nature and put some order to my surroundings. But thanks to filmmaking I’ve gone on many adventures to distant places. I’ve met and shared with good people from different lands. We’ve captured gold with amazing backdrops for our stories.
The adventure of filmmaking – photo by GW Burns
I had a very good week of working to wrap up end of the year action items and prepare for the new year. I’ve said before how much easier it would be if it was just SHOW, SHOW, SHOW but it also includes BIZ, BIZ, BIZ. I’m awaiting breakdowns from legal to write out checks to investors. I’m preparing to enter end-of-year taxes which includes more work for projects shot this year. I have to deal with all the aspects of running these projects. I have a great team behind me including our bankers, accountants and of course our producers. We were having some good talks about the future of CDI and growth. We’ve come so far from a few friends playing with a camcorder. I hope all of you are having a great season and enjoying some time with family and friends. Let’s look at some of the updates from the week.
- KNIGHT CHILLS, CDI’s 1st feature film fulfilled something on a bucket list last night. It played in Brooklyn, NY at the Spectacle Theater as a midnight movie! When we use to go see HEAVY METAL (My fav) or ERIK THE VIKING at our midnight theater I dreamed of having a film play to a rowdy late-night audience sipping on 40’s or paperboy wrapped whiskey pulls. Last night that went down. They have one more 10pm showing on Tuesday. You can buy the book and Blu Ray on Amazon and on 1/31/25 the film starts streaming! Ride on Sir. Kallio!
- Staying with theatrical our WW2 Holiday drama SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA has been playing theaters in Iowa. It just finished an extended run in Algona, Iowa and next up is a one night event in Boone, Iowa on December 16th at 7pm. Our theatrical partners at Dreamscape Productions have been doing a great job of getting it out there. Follow our FB page for this and all the CDI films to see new showings and updates. Also INVITE your friends to follow the pages so we can increase our reach.
- HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE is getting close to being finished. The film is being polished up looking for any technical tweaks and to fine-tune the mix and color. I have meetings next week over theatrical and home video. We are planning a series of premieres and a few event showings. We’ve had a few offers to show the film in event rooms with large but not theatrical screens and surely not theatrical audio. After the theatrical run we will do some of these but not until audiences can experience the film in the best format. We have to do everything in an order of business so please have patience as the film is coming and it will be worth the wait. It truly is epic and I’m excited for Karl Manke to see his book come alive. The Purple Gang is large and in charge and a small group of WW1 veterans make a stand. Action, drama and romance await!
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – Shane Hagedorn has been assembling daily the puzzle pieces from our shoot. Here is at 41 minutes solid and working towards that 45 min/half way point. In the new year we plan to have a teaser poster and first teaser trailer. I’m also happy to say that the new film has created a lot of interest in the original film. For some it is a re-watch after several years and others it is finding it for the first time. The film is among the most popular of the CDI films. It is a truly beautiful film and this follow up with also be another of the same quality. I’m also working on polishing up the 5th of 8 shows in the proposed TV series.
- AN ORDINARY KILLER is suppose to go live on The ROKU CHANNEL and XUMO today. I’ll be keeping a look out this week and next week will provide links. If you see it appear anywhere else please do send it over. This based on a true event was the 5th CDI film directed by Anthony Hornus and Jeff Kennedy. It details the hard work of several generations of detectives to solve this cold case.
- I mentioned that the Knight Chills book is now available on Amazon. I’m going to be writing a new intro for the re-release of the Ghost Town book. It is the novelized story to go with the movie DEAN TEASTER’S GHOST TOWN now playing with Ammo Content on several platforms including TUBI.
- Going to the CCC or Classic CDI Collection you can buy the FIGURE IN THE FOREST and HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS DVD plus various other merchandise. Look for more to keep adding to the EBAY site. HERE: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?item=356365913024&rt=nc&_trksid=p4429486.m3561.l161211&_ssn=collectivedevelopmentinc
- On the upcoming ROM COMS MUST DIE a comedy we’ve cast two more actors almost rounding out our cast. We need to look at shoot dates for Jan/Feb and get a few more things lined up but it will be a cool experimental feature using one of these new LED walls for part of the shoot.
- We will be doing a few updates to the CDI website (www.cdiproductions.com) and adding a new page for HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE and adding the new Ebay link on there. I started a CDI instagram page #tribecdi so you can follow along there as well.
- DEVELOPMENT – I have Carl Weyant reading a script for a possible shoot this year after ROM COMS MUST DIE. Also we have a new battle plan coming together for Curran Jacob‘s GOTCH project. We were looking to film in Iowa but the cost there for us is higher with transportation and lodging so we might film a bulk of it here in Michigan and just do some final pick ups in Iowa. We tried to engage the community there associated with Gotch but they’ve had community issues with flooding. We just could not get the support there we needed but we’re adjusting and already have some funding commitments to film here in Michigan.
WRAP UP: I’m very proud of the accomplishments we’ve had in 2024 and 2025 could be even better. I know some in the community have been concerned over the New Multimedia Jobs Act in Michigan to try and fire up the film scene. The first round of incentives did not really benefit us and the one project ran under it was messy to be kind. I’m about outside projects being attracted because it gives cast and crew some experience even if it appears Michigan folks get the crumbs. Vendors and support businesses can really benefit from them. I like more of the internal film grants for longtime residents of the state. We’ll be making films incentives or not. Just like when they had the big election this year. We’ll still keep making films in either environment.
Off topic – I do find all this UFO/UAP/Drone stuff interesting. I’ve enjoyed all the ‘unknown mysteries’ since I could read. NOTE our film BIGFOOT, UFO’S and JESUS streaming now! The fact that they have government committees investigating and the FBI is asking for tips…mighty strange. I enjoy watching it all unfold. What use to be elementary school playground talk is now mainstream news- crazy. We’ll boldly step into 2025 and see what the new year brings. I do know it will bring a few of our movies to all of you.
(Part 3 of CDI’s The Quest Trilogy – The Christ Slayer. Part 1 is Forty Nights, Part 2 Chasing the Star)
Back on topic– I think I mentioned on my FB social media that I had my first ever paid offer to star in a stage play in another state. I humbly passed as it is happening in a busy month and during one set aside for ROM COMS MUST DIE. I’m in the process of becoming Amos Edison, filmmaker. But I thought that was a cool first and again I appreciate the offer but filmed narrative is my medium. I did finish voice over narration for my last book in an audio book series. That has been fun to do so thank you Ronnie Lee. I’m going to finish up here and get some breakfast on with some fresh eggs. We went from bitter cold to a melt down today. We’ll see if the cold kicks up again or not. I’m going to play elf and do some wrapping of presents. I’ve been enjoying the season and you have to take those moments to be grateful for the people in your life. I’m grateful for all of you readers too. Many that I’ve never met but I still appreciate your time. I hope you can take some gems of info from these writings. I’m excited to talk this week about a new CDI Highlights Reel also. Who knows I might even get around to updating a few acting reels. Last week we discussed my tech handicap when it comes to certain things. The coffee cup is low so I’m going to coffee cheers you with the last sip and go make some breakfast. Have a great Sunday and a wonderful week ahead of you.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Pre and Post Production, Casting, Crewing and Creating!
(Someone say chickens? What movie is this from?)
A beautiful cool yet warm morning in the Michigan. I’m sipping on my favorite morning beverage with is the hazelnut coffee. If you’ve been following along with me there is no surprise there. I’m enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of the morning. I walked amongst the apple trees and listened to the chickens as our Finn did his morning racing with his buddy along the fence. He has a worn path and does a spin kick turn at the end where the dirt has ramped up. It reminds me of the Olympics. I know many wanted to attack the games openings which went from wildly unique to strange BUT… But I saw all these countries coming together to celebrate the hard work of their youthful competitors. They were highlighting French history and the origins of the GREEK games. If this life you can look for things that unite or divide us. I also am of the opinion that if we were all alike, uniformed like robots from an assembly line how boring we would be. The differences between us are what makes like colorful. If a certain music or fashion isn’t your cup of tea just move on. Why even throw a rock at it? It is funny how food and love often break down barriers. Just an observation. If whatever spiritual path makes you a better, kinder individual kudos. How many loud people proclaim one thing but their actions show another? Be someone that others look to and say, I want to be more like that. Patience? Compassion? Generous? The latter can be with time not money. I had various talks about such things with people this week. Some who are very wealthy in “shells and beads” but also have the wisdom to know this currency doesn’t BUY happiness.
Yesterday I attended the celebration of life for the young man I spoke about that last few weeks. I’ve known him since birth having introduced his parents to one another many years ago. We as a tribe of friends and family try to help our youth avoid the pitfalls in life. The interesting thing here was that the young man always was a kind and humorous being. He never lost that spark just a few bad decisions that cost him greatly. In our generation it was the dangers of driving after some major “drink like a viking” partying. This new generation has their own dangers and even with love and guidance things can go wrong. People always assume because of what I do I can easily get up and speak at events. That is true in most cases but when deep emotion comes into play I have great difficulty. I was happy that I was able to get up and share a funny story that highlighted the immense humor of this young man. While many are hosting graduations from high school, college or even marriages this was not about new beginnings but earthly endings. It was a beautiful celebration that I will remember for the rest of my days. And if I’m blessed enough with an old life I will always remember this youthful soul. RIP
Onto other things like film updates!
(Update from our director Carl Weyant)
Harsens Island Revenge – This film is just coming along amazing. Music is bringing scenes to life and the color correction and VFX is finalizing. We have just one hard VFX shot still causing issues but have time to work it out. The exciting thing is we are looking at a premiere theatrical test run Nov. 1st in Alpena, MI where we filmed. It is always hard for us to plan ahead because of unforeseen issues. But things have to be planned in advance. This movie is just so epic much like our previous historical drama SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA but imagine creating a world decades earlier. Finding and gaining access to vehicles and buildings of the right time period. Now add in props and wardrobe and you can see the challenges. But our group of artists did an amazing job and I can say that each and every one of them will be proud of their involvement. We will be moving the film down state and to other states after the initial theatrical release. We have a theatrical poster being worked on and I’m excited to introduce this story to audiences.
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS and ROM COMS MUST DIE are the next two feature films on CDI’s slate and both are funded. We worked hard to position these projects to launch and I’m beyond excited to bring these to life. The first is the second feature film in the ‘Wild Faith‘ world. We have new partners onboard the sequel and the developing TV series WILD FAITH: HASTINGS that will be slightly retooled to take place after the second film. I want to thank Dreamscape Productions and especially their CEO, Sean Ward. Several weeks of meetings showed us both that we have matching goals and aspirations and the two companies were a good fit for one another.
HERE IS PART OF THE ACTUAL PRESS RELEASE-
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Collective Development Inc & Dreamscape Productions LLC Join Forces on ‘Wild Faith’ Sequel!
Lansing, MI – July 26, 2024 – Collective Development Inc. in association with Dreamscape Productions LLC will start filming on ‘Wild Faith Christmas’ the sequel to the award-winning motion picture ‘Wild Faith’ this November.
Set five years after the events of the original ‘Wild Faith’ movie, we pick up on life with ex-Civil War soldier Emmett Murphy. He and his father-in-law Preacher Edmond Collins have matured past their differences from the first film. Together they set out to take donated goods from the town of Hastings, Michigan to a small Northern church hosting a group of orphans during the holiday season.
The film focuses on the historic Orphan Train that helped over 200,000 orphans find homes from the 1850’s-1920’s. Amongst the 1800’s action are timely and topical themes such as child labor, Native American hardships and again interracial relationships. The story unfolds in the lead up to Christmas and has a wonderful holiday theme woven throughout it bringing together powerful themes of unconditional love and the Christmas spirit.
Collective Development Inc is committed to an overall concept of collective story-telling. Knowing that sometimes the best way to educate is to first entertain and then subtly bring positive messages to light, Collective Development strives to incorporate entertaining and meaningful content throughout every project.
Dreamscape Productions LLC is a film production and distribution company founded in 2023 by actor, producer, and serial entrepreneur Sean T Ward. Our company assists in the production, distribution, sales and marketing of independent films from all genres produced by hand selected filmmakers throughout the United States. Previous projects include Everwinter Night and Round The Decay.
The script was written by DJ Perry who penned the original script and will be directed by Shane Hagedorn (Ashes of Eden, Best Years Gone). Actor and Dreamscape Productions CEO Sean T. Ward (Everwinter Night, Round the Decay) joins the production as Executive Producer and takes on the role of Dugan Dunkirk. Returning in this Christmas adventure will be some of the beloved characters Emmett Murphy, Preacher Collins, Ben Lily and Hester along with a host of characters met upon the journey North.
The movie will again film in Alpena, Michigan where CDI’s most recent 1920’s bootlegger movie ‘Harsens Island Revenge’ was filmed.
DJ Perry, CEO of Collective Development says “I’m really excited about the future relationship with Sean Ward and Dreamscape Productions. We share a mutual vision for creating quality tv/film content combined with an enthusiastic desire to expand our audiences as we introduce these powerful stories into the world market.”
Sean T. Ward, CEO of Dreamscape Productions LLC expressed his excitement at working with DJ Perry and Collective Development on this film: “This partnership gives us the opportunity to work with a team of seasoned filmmakers with a track record of producing great and meaningful films. We’re looking forward to combining our skills to bring viewers a second chapter of this beloved story.”
Pre-Production for Wild Faith Christmas has begun and expects to begin principal photography in November 2024, with a projected release date of fall 2025. The film will feature an ensemble cast of great actors, whose names will be announced in the coming weeks.Stay tuned for further updates on this highly anticipated film.
ROM COMS MUST DIE is a unique and insightful comedy about the state of art in this new digital/social media age. We have flashbacks and some insert footage that will be shot in advance of the main shoot with is being set for 1st Q of 2025. This will be Travis Hayward‘s feature directorial debut and CDI’s reunion working with John McGraw who will be the film’s director of photography.
We’ve been doing targeted casting on both films and making great progress. 2025 is off to a good start and we’ve got several projects in development. I’m extremely excited about a project that would be my first play to film script versus book to film. I’m going to dive into that this week but can already see that the project is going to be a page 1 adaptation. I plan to write that over the winter if the deal moves forward. A period piece. A comedy. It will make a great film. I won’t go deeply into development talks at this time but we’ve got developing properties and the parties interested in seeing more CDI magic come to the screen. If you’ve got the means (shells $ beads) and ever dreamed of helping stories make it to the screen and audiences worldwide drop me an email. We are at no lack of scripts or stories unless your project comes funded and you want strong management. Always willing to look at CREW resumes and CAST reels are often kept on file. Right now the main hunt is about to turn to a Michigan-based Native American young actor 12 years or younger for our Wild Faith Christmas. Both these films have Facebook pages where we are announcing new things every couple of days. A good example is that construction of a mine set has begun up in Alpena and is looking great! (See pics and video on the FB)
I’m enjoying the sequel phase. I’m realizing the strong following most of these films have with an audience hunger to know what has happened to their favorite characters. I’ve done outlining on sequels for LOST HEART, MBF and even SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. (Based on Edward’s real return to the town after the war) What are your favorites? Films? Characters?
WRAP UP:
I had fun doing a commercial this past week. It was done very quick but I’ve got a few years of listening, communicating with the crew and hitting my marks, finding my light. I can’t discuss as I’m under an NDA but thank you, you know who you are. I’m going to be guesting on a podcast the week after next which I’m excited about.
I should be getting a promo Blu Ray of IN THE WOODS, my first starring feature. There is plans to do a sequel and I will be excited to read that script soon. If you haven’t seen either the old version in HD or the new director’s cut Terror Vision has it out. I also heard it is now in the UK too! And if classic movies are your jam remember KNIGHT CHILLS in HD is available at Saturn Core/Vinegar Syndrome.
Restoration of the classic CDI films continues. I have some good ideas with the FROM VENUS, the 2nd CDI feature. I will look to output it with one of the two companies we’ve worked with for a Blu Ray release first. I have many more endeavors in literary and merchandise in development. I love how these new tie-in’s keep rolling out. I put a great mow on the lawn and did a harvest of the herbs this weekend. I’ve been prepping things still for some property improvements. Always something to keep me busy. I’ll wrap this up here knowing I probable missed something. That said, there is always next week. Scouting locations up North has been going great. I’m going to be announcing some of the sponsors to join Pepsi, Lerma Transportation, Clifford Lake Inn and Thunder Bay River Sanctuary and Resort we have on WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. I’m following up on some more interested parties. We have great marketing packages and so if interested for your business please do reach out. Until next week, coffee cheers!
DJ
SPRING CASTING NEWS and FILM UPDATES
Good morning and welcome our new readers from S. Korea, Bolivia and Norway! I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee on a chilly Michigan morning. Our weather has been bouncing between warm (including record highs) and cold. But I’ve gotten some good clean up down in the yard and my clover planted is starting to come up. The new hops are already growing and many flowers have come up adding some color. I’ve got a few things that I would love to do including privacy fencing, tree trimming and lastly a new deck. I think we have an idea of what kind of patio deck design I just need to do a blueprint.
The birds and squirrels have been busy at work and I love to watch them. Our chickens are producing eggs steadily and so that means wonderful breakfast meals. I love watching the interactions between all the birds and watching them has become a fun pastime. As a matter of fact I’ve used ‘birdwatching’ as part of the back story of my character in our next film. Our dogs have been enjoying the Spring allowing them to explore and enjoy the outdoors.
Before the heavy heat of summer I will be working on splitting and stacking wood to prepare for the winter ahead. I also need to rebuild our compost bin which is made of pallets and has seen better days. I’ve also got some plant seedlings germinating but need this cold to pass before planting.
On the personal – I’ve been working steadily while occasionally dealing with a tooth pain. I’m a person who stays up on all that even doing dental cleaning three times a year vs two. I had a few bad days and was happy when the dentist found the crack. It was on the backside of a back tooth. You think you’re tough until you get tooth pain. It can be very humbling but I’m happy to report the fix has happened and all seems well. Just in time for soccer season! Soccer and martial arts have put me on the receiving end of a few blows that could have caused damage. Or less thrilling it could have been a seed or nut. But my service warning to young folk out there is this- do not neglect your teeth.
FILMS-
Before I get into talking about our films I want to mention something as a proud uncle. I’m actually very proud of both my niece and nephew who are just so fun to watch grow and gain new interests. They are both playing soccer together and are into Star Wars, Superheroes and Dungeons and Dragons. They are both into playing and make believe too. At a bowling party recently my nephew was thrilled with a stormtrooper outfit we brought him and he had to wear it immediately. Bowling with a Star War’s stormtrooper. My niece age 9, recently (last night) participated in a short proof of concept film for a filmmaking buddy. It was filmed at a great turn of the century mansion where we shot SMOKE & MIRRORS. She was playing a ghost girl. I went up to visit towards the back half of the shoot not wanting to be a distraction. When I first arrived, I sat away from set and listened to her work for a while. She is confident and fearless. She was asking about backstory and character motivations. She was enjoying working with these adults. My favorite thing I heard her ask the director was, “How many other actresses did you interrogate?” I think she was looking for audition or interview but either way I got a good laugh. At that age we had build our own spaceship cockpit with pillows and such but this was not just free imagination but directed work. I wonder if all that could infringe upon the passion of make believe and just being a kid. Her mom is an amazing actress in her own right so she has it in her blood for sure. But as I’ve stated the artist road is a hard yet rewarding road. I don’t want to encourage or discourage and so this was a nice test run. I saw where she was tired towards the end and losing some focus. But she listened and did what she was suppose to. She has a part where she sings a child’s song and it was downright creepy. We took a great picture together but she was in her ghostly get up so I’m not going to post it unless I get permission from production. NOTE TO TALENT. Anyway, I was a very proud uncle. I also got to see a few old filmmaker friends. Zoie Dye (Best Years Gone) also played a part and Gals and Ghoul’s Dayna Green was doing the awesome make up work. I’ll be curious to see how it all comes together and the hope is that they can turn it into a feature. But either way it was a great experience for my niece and it put a big smile on my face.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – The film continues to play in theaters and even more are requesting it. I think it will keep playing until we are close to the home video release. We’re about to master the new home video version of the film that has greatly improved VFX. It is being being proofed carefully before we marry it to the improved sound design and mix. New credits and subtitles are also being inserted. Just things that we saw on the big screen that we could improve upon and we had the time to do it. This is the difference between CDI and some companies and artists. Good enough is not a term our folks like. We want our best efforts represented on the screen. So if you enjoyed the theatrical showing know the home video version will be even better.
HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE is the next CDI film. We are preparing for our second big scout next week to start locking in our locations and finding the final few. We will have our AD team there to start gathering the info for basecamps and a schedule. Our director, DP and Art Director there to start looking over sets. We are starting to put together lodging and will explore catering but I will say this- the cast and crew will get to work in a beautiful place at a beautiful time of year.
We were going to go Sat and network at a Model T club gathering but had a rain out. We’ll have some cool boats, cars and maybe even a plane in this next film. Props are being gathered and soon with our cast getting closer to being set, wardrobe. We added John Demarco aka Johnny D to the cast as a styling club owner Bob Jansen. We have reads coming in from the various agencies in our state. I would think our cast will be set by the end of May. Crew is also getting closer but we have a few places we are still working. Positive attitudes and a willingness to give BEST EFFORTS is what we look for. Storyboards, teaser poster and more are all being worked on. I’m enjoying working on character development a little bit each day. I truly love that process and will bring a new unique personality to the story and screen.
DEVELOPMENT
Speaking of posters, we have one being designed for the upcoming FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH 2 poster. We have some meetings coming up for WILD FAITH: Hastings TV show and I’ll be checking in on the supernatural themed associated film SHJ looking to film in the spring. Next month is also a meeting over the SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE which could move slow or quick pending the meeting’s outcome.
We are working to restore and re-release some of the classic CDI films. WICKED SPRING, a Civil War film we shot in 2000 has had that treatment and is available on Amazon Prime. If you enjoyed WILD FAITH, it might be a good one to check out. It is a lot of time to pull these together when my time is split between the present and future films, but I keep plugging along. I really do love the 1800’s in my storytelling.
WRAP UP
This week will be reaching out to some potential sponsors and looking at some incoming reads and reels from actors for HIR (Harsens Island Revenge). I want to acknowledge the loss of a talented photographer from MI film scene who passed away, Dan Irving. I only know him from as the still photographer from the 7 STONES film that you can watch that on Amazon. Way too young. RIP.
I’m going to close this blog up and get a few things done. Maybe a few eggs. We have a birthday late lunch or early dinner today and that will be fun. I’m still trying to set up and get to know my new iPhone but that is all set and good for the next three years. I hear the camera on the phone is amazing so I’ll have fun playing around with that.
We talked about young people exploring their passion for the first time and others having their journey ended too soon. We’ve talked about the work behind projects working their way out to the world and others just coming together. Life is short in the overall scheme of things so don’t wait until tomorrow to start working on yours. Even small steps of progress will have you feeling good. You are heading in the right direction.
In addition to the film development work, I’m going to be seeking someone who can do book layouts in the Lansing, MI area. We might also start explore soundtracks (LP’s) and even audio books along with more movie merchandise. Always something to do. And now that my tooth is feeling better maybe I can return to some creative script writing. I am again thinking of literary representation and maybe talent. I’ve considered a few acting gigs but they have to make sense business and time-wise and most of all-I have to connect with a role. I do appreciate those who have reached out and continue to do so.
The coffee is about gone so I’m going to go get some breakfast going. Until next week-
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
Tis the Season: surviving, striving, thriving and creating
Welcome new readers from Bulgaria, Netherlands and more. Our viewership has been growing in great numbers. Thank you to all the new people stopping in to visit. I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee and reflecting on a busy week. Maybe 2022 will be the year of the coffee sponsor. Maybe I’ll start a coffee review section? My thoughts are with all those dealing with the terrible tornado damage in the South. We had high winds in Michigan but it seems once again the surrounding Great Lakes helped us to avoid any major storms. I’m under a week before our first Christmas gathering and a week after that is Christmas Eve/day. I’ve loved having the Christmas tree and the festival vibe about as I tried to play catch up from our SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA (SNIA) film shoot. Let’s talk about that-
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA–
I’ve almost got everything caught up on this project. Final catering, port-a-johns and more – the budget dwindles but as we move towards zero the film will get closer to being complete. The drive has arrived to our editor and the supply check for the model building was also sent off. Our VFX team from THE CHRIST SLAYER (part 3 of The Quest Trilogy) will bring some exciting work to our feature. Once we get past the clean up phase from principal photography we’ll move into promotion. Our DP Dan Chipman is color correcting the first batch of photos. I’ve only released one still previously featuring one of our amazing period vehicles at one of our amazing locations. It was the car driving down the “tunnel of trees” so here is that same picture now color corrected. We also have a logo that will adorn the upcoming stills. Here is an example of a color corrected still from the actual film.
As we move down the road of post production we plan to start releasing stills and also will work on both a BTS (beyond the scenes) video and a teaser trailer. This year we’ll continue to have some great announcements for all of you.
In the meantime enjoy the Christmas season. Recently Melissa Anschutz and I did a promo for our distributor’s EncourageTV that allows people to watch our films for free whereas we get paid by ads. So if you don’t mind the ads take a watch for free. Click below to see the ad and please do help make The Quest Trilogy a holiday tradition. All three tell a greater story and I hope your families enjoy the experience watching FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. If you watch/subscribe to ENCOURAGETV please do travel over to the film pages on http://www.imdb.com vote and leave us your thoughts on the trilogy.
https://www.facebook.com/BMGEncourageTV/videos/230655172526254
Once you watch the trilogy feel free to watch the other CDI films including our recent LOST HEART or BIGFOOT, UFO’S and JESUS which is really doing well for us.
BEST YEARS GONE and BESTSELLER will both be getting a home video launch in the near year. Shane Hagedorn our BYG director has been selecting a few comedy festivals to submit us. The thriller BESTSELLER had a theatrical premiere run but now will see a new campaign push from our distributors general audience label DESKPOP ENTERTAINMENT. I should have those dates soon plus we’ll be releasing the new DVD/Poster art for BYG. More on these dates very soon and we might have word on a few other CDI films getting a new push. Some have never really enjoyed a streaming release. So in our last meeting with our distributor we discussed several of these titles. What ones would you love to see come back strong to the marketplace?
2022 LOOKING AHEAD
So I’ve spent some good time contemplating, meditating and focusing on the future CDI endeavors. We are planning a Spring feature to shoot in the March/April timeframe. I’m not yet ready to talk about the project but this one would be a Michigan shoot. I’ve also been working on the rewrite of the OF SMOKE & MIRRORS the feature length version of SMOKE & MIRRORS. This cool turn of the century short assembled from a commercial project will get some festival release in 2022. I would like to shoot the feature at the end of 2022 or early 2023 pending our schedule. In that back half of the year we’re working hard to launch the WILD FAITH: Hastings TV series. It would bring 8 more ongoing stories of some of the endearing characters audiences met in the feature. Tens of millions of fans can’t be wrong. I just need to make the best deal for the project. Saying yes to something that ultimately could hurt the story is not what we want to do. How many Michigan, 1800’s expert executives are there in Hollywood? Exactly my point. Script notes should come from a sincere place not just someone trying to contribute. Sometimes the best thing you can do is NOT contribute. Anyway, we have some great meetings ahead on this TV series.
We’ll be watching the surround sound mixed version of FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH very soon. It has been getting the clean up and mix treatment from our post audio master Tricky T also known as Dennis Therrian. We are looking at doing another documentary film in 2022 as well as a CDI animated feature film. Overall 2022 will be a busy year as is every year. This year has been a year of wins and losses. Several of the losses come from friends and loved ones no longer with us, no longer to struggle in the world. Our time here is beautiful, wonderful and it moves at a good clip. It all makes me more determined and appreciative of my path. I love being an artist and storyteller. I feel as I will continue to do so until I become the sad news, no longer surviving, striving, thriving and creating. Keep doing you and never give up your dreams. With hardworking, patience and persistence you will make your mark.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
10 Awesome #TRIBECDI Updates to Kick Off Autumn!
Good morning to all of you and I hope your foray into Fall has been great thus far. I want to welcome the new readers from Russia, Ireland, UK, China and the Philippines. Coffee (or tea) cheers to you all and thank you for stopping by. I LOVE this time of year and I’ve been beyond thrilled to work on the films as the leaves turn and fall. I’m feeling like just shotgunning out some of the updates.
- The NCG Owosso premiere showing of ‘BEST YEARS GONE‘ is over and word has it that it is coming next for a Lansing NCG premiere on Oct 16th with two shows – a 6pm and 8:15pm I believe. You heard it here first. This week an event page and some PR will begin so some of the home town folks can enjoy the film. It has been remixed from the first premiere for delivery to our distributor and for our future premieres. I got a peek at some of the DVD/release artwork our distributor is working on. I think they are planning on a Feb 2022 home video release. Until that release we’ll keep at the theatrical premieres. If you’ve seen the film feel free to visit our IMDB.com page (also has a premiere video there) and leave a few words about your favorite scenes.
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – pre-production is on the final run up. With a home office I get that great privilege of a short daily commute – about 30 or so stone steps. We’ve been doing more in-depth meetings with departments making sure they have questions answered. I was happy that one of my estate sale finds – a $5 military trench coat was the correct period and matched the photo I had. The office has been reaching out and getting crew agreements in line and this week cast will follow our set “day-of-days” coming from the AD department. We’ve had a few changes in cast and crew that happens when life happens. But I’m excited to see many of the Tribe and tell one last great story before we call it a year.
- WICKED SPRINGS HD release should start rolling out this month. That was an epic shoot back when we were rather young. I’m excited to see this rolling out to streaming platforms so folks can enjoy the story in HD.
- LOST HEART/BIGFOOT, UFO’s & JESUS – is starting to really pick up steam as the alternate title works into the marketplace. I had the chance to talk with many who have really enjoyed this film. The laughter and heartfelt messages play well with audiences and that is why we do it. This is true for MAN’S BEST FRIEND which again brought questions of a sequel which I’m not ruling out but it’s not on deck at this time. I was made aware of it playing on various TV stations like Charge TV. WILD FAITH just broke the 5-million views mark on Encourage TV and I’ll be taking more meetings on season 1 of the TV spin off. THE QUEST TRILOGY (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star, The Christ Slayer) is about ready to start its run once the ghosts and ghouls have their Halloween.
- As we follow the tradition of setting up new campaign runs for older films in the CDI library like BESTSELLER and THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ will be getting 2022 release dates soon. We just got everything submitted for one and the other is in the works. We are working to get several more prepped to release. Our distributor now has a general market label which is opening many doors of opportunity.
- SMOKE & MIRRORS our concept short is done. I was exploring how to help the location house with our film. We will look at some festivals also just for fun. The feature script is being retooled and will be great as an extended story.
- FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH – the first in a series of CDI in association with The Red, White & Blue Project Inc. documentary films. The locked cut is about done and so we’re going to master record the narration and do a once over mix/check at the studio with Dennis Therrian to prep the film for delivery. This brand we’ve created has a lot of growth possibilities. We also might look at a December premiere release likely at the NCG Owosso. Why? Curran Jacobs our director/host is from Owosso, MI. A lot of creative individuals from that area.
- I’ve had my second business opportunity in the past two months approach me over screenwriting. When I write to assign to one of our productions I work discounted knowing that the film employs many of our artists. I also produce and often act so there is much more involvement. On these “work-for-hire” projects I’m raising rates and even doing something like a writer/option whereas the script is written for X amount w/ a 50% copyright hold until the script is financed and the balance paid in return for the remaining 50% copyright. So they end up with complete ownership and have to go less deep financially to be able to shop. I still try to work under the minimums suggested by the WGA which I’m not part of by choice, and my cost of living can handle this. That again is what I love about Michigan. You could have a small crap box in LA or a country kingdom in Michigan for the same price. Part of the secret of productivity is being somewhere you like and that gives you peace between your often hectic dealings. I will pick up where we left off on negotiations this week and what is meant to be will be. But I do enjoy all the new writing opportunities. I am still looking at possible representation for the writing and still might try something out for the foreign market.
- As we discuss writing, one of my loves, I must mention a new book coming out. A few years back when WILD FAITH was moving and grooving in the theaters across several states, an author/book running that writes under Callie Smith Grant saw our film. She enjoyed the story/script and that led to an offer to submit stories. That has led to my participation in several of these books. This is the most recent one. Pre-order/order here – https://www.amazon.com/Dog-Who-Came-Christmas-Stories/dp/0800741250 a great Christmas gift!
- Producing, writing and preparing daily to play a new character on screen. I’m playing Lt. Col Lodell a fictional character based loosely on the actual camp commander in one major way. The ‘Golden Rule’ is the basis/foundation used during the operation of the PW camp. This character fit so perfect when I cracked the script back open to look at it. It feels close to where I’m at in my life with setting an example is the easiest way to inspire. Words can be wasted be the speaker or the listener if no action follows it. I just like to keep plugging away each and every day. I don’t feel in competition with anyone or anything. I feel like I’m just flowing like water (Thanks Bruce) doing my best each day. I’m doing the projects I’m suppose to do. So many stories to tell – I’m just very grateful to be able to. I don’t take that for granted. I try not to take any of it for granted. I’m just happy that I evolved to where I am. A place of good balance of mind, body and spirit. Learn to laugh at yourself. Forgive yourself. And wisdom that comes with ‘know thyself’…
(Above ‘Tricky T’ has been working with CDI since film #1 ‘Knight Chills’)
I’m going to wrap this up and maybe go make another cup of coffee. I’m looking forward to the week ahead. Also the old suitcase is going to have to come out. I like to slow pack over a couple weeks. I also have CDI stuff to gather also. This week we touch base with our Algona team. I’m going to go enjoy another soccer game with my niece and nephew playing. An art department meeting that I’m looking forward to. So many good developments on that front. As you study the time period some things seem very old although I’m convinced the black and white photos and footage makes it seem older. Other pictures could have been shot today. How we captured history has a lot to do with how we see it now. Just like old Civil War pictures. Once colorized – man! They really come to life. I love history and the stories that have carried down collectively to all of us. I will continue to try and put some of these wonderful stories to the medium of motion picture. Have a great week and be good to one another!
DJ
Humanity Net, Updates and Reflections of the Time
Good morning everyone! It has been a very interesting week. I will start by saying I am at least in part a person who enjoys ‘alone’ time. I always say the brainstorms and excitement comes in those meetings with friends and peers. But what really matters is when we are alone what happens. I’m like a multi-tasking little bee moving from one task to the next. Some people shut down once they have nobody there but I ramp up. In my solo days when struggling more in the industry I was a workaholic. I had family and friends worried and plenty of doubters and haters from the masses. I’m a fully committed artist and feel ‘best’ is subjective so I always strive for truth and unique. Those are things I can control. There is a secret there. Don’t be driven crazy fixated on what you cannot control. Work with what you can control. I’ve been behind on my emails and business since we shot LOST HEART. I’m using this time to really organize everything. This goes for the office also. I’ve got sheets of new ideas to implement in the coming years. So how you spend or waste your time is under your control. As it gets warmer the yard zen will be in full effect. PS: Welcome new readers from Japan, Bulgaria and Australia – cheers. So my point is you can spend vast amounts of time plugged into the 24/7 update machine or put some music on and get stuff done. If you spend this time organizing, planning and prepping when the fog lifts some will be relieved and some will be ready. I promise you I will be ready. I urge all of you to do the same. You can check in morning, noon and night if need be but don’t live the agenda of fear and pause. Let this situation make you afraid not to live.
This self imposed isolation marks an interesting place for an observer like myself. This marks a time when the value of life is being placed above the economics. Economics aren’t removed because the crippling financial effects would have happened slowly out of control. By halting certain businesses the action is controlled and damage can be mitigated but not removed.
This points out an interesting point – people in authority are expected to bring about certain changes but they are expected to do so flawless – impossible. Every transition will and does have casualties. How do you fix a situation? It’s a classic Star Trek moment – the engine room is on fire and going to destroy the ship. Spock contains and changes but at a great personal loss. Many world problems don’t have clean solutions and that creates ongoing suffering. I often refer to HUMANITY NET – what we all require regardless of anything else about us. Clean water, food and air – healthcare? These world issues are giving us as humanity a test run. World cooperation is underway, not without flaws but what is? Expectations? I remember feeling bad after 9-11 as reporters hammered the FBI, asking if they dropping the ball. Like watching the end zone pass dropped and keep asking if they dropped the catch. You know they did. Why keep asking silly questions? So as many deal with this for the first time – it isn’t flawless but people are trying and working very hard. We can come out of this better as humanity. I see glimpses just behind the tee-pee hoarders greed and the “must add politics” to everything. We will see.
FILM UPDATES
- First here is a bunch of teaser trailers and behind the scenes videos https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtJJRsD49k5DsNq11BD_40g
- Tomorrow I’m doing an interview with Isaac Hernadez about CDI and our scripts/films.
- I heard word that the India thriller “Karma: Crime, Passion and Reincarnation” is coming to USA streaming. Stars Carl Weyant from “The Christ Slayer” and maybe that DJ Perry guy:)
- I’m trying to arrange a few watch parties of CDI films that will have a Q&A session after. We will see as I must talk with our computer folk.
- I’ve got two different people talking about hiring some script work we’ll see – either way writing is happening.
- Good meetings last week on ‘Best Years Gone’ and we’ll be announcing our Director of Photography this week. Looking forward to working with this person again!
- Thank you to all for the fan mail on The Quest Trilogy, MBF, Wild Faith it truly makes my day. You all make my day and it keeps me moving forward.
- We are working on some new exciting releases and merchandise for 2020.
It is still chilly here in Michigan but I will be getting stuff done on this fine day. If you know some people sitting at home who might want to join our weekly time together – http://www.djperryblog.com
My closing statement is this – as much as I appreciate my solo time and get lots accomplished in those moments- I’m missing my family, friends and associates and I look forward to meeting with all of you soon. Use this “social fast” time to organize yourself.
Be safe.
DJ
LOST HEART Advance News and more…
Well, well, well last week’s blog entry made a large impact. We had maybe the most readers from around the world. It was crazy to see all the countries represented. It was a great week and I’ll speak on some of that. I’ll also give a few open spoilers before released in PR next week. But I want to sincerely thank all the people who joined me this past week. I’ve got the hot hazelnut coffee here by my side and I’m going to get into some updates. I will note on a few things I noticed this week.
We had our 3rd film in THE QUEST TRILOGY – The Christ Slayer release to amazon, google play, Christian Cinema digitally. This film is unusual as it is available on home video (DVD will be March 4th) and will be releasing into theaters for Easter on April 19th. I had a big conference call meeting with the VP of BMG and 8 executives/employees from the theatrical company. I’ve never been in on a call quite like that as we’ve never had national releases. The call also touched upon WILD FAITH that releases into theaters March 23rd and will roll to home video after the platform release. I’m so happy that these films that do play great on the big screen due to the strong production values brought by our artists. I’ll be getting lists of where the films will play city and theater chains. I’m hearing that we have in MI early interest from Emagine, Celebration and Goodrich who carried the film before. Canada is being considered for theatrical and I hear that a deal in Brazil could be close. I was just proud to have all these talented people focused on our films.
I had a goal of making a trilogy of biblical adventures that would appeal to a broad audience like the Chuck Heston films of old. I’ve noticed that beyond the normal trolling that films with a religious topic or theme also get attacked. If you’ve watched The Christ Slayer and enjoyed it I encourage you to vote and share your thoughts. When you see a two sentence slam on a film versus an intelligent write-up/review it’s pretty easy to make up your mind on which review is more accurate. I’ve noticed on past films like Chasing the Star, that people don’t know their history. They complained that the film was dark. Ummm…King Herod’s reign was dark. They called it unGodly because it focused on a different religion with the Magi. Ummm…this is accurate and Christianity wasn’t close to being a religion. I don’t mind if someone doesn’t like something but when they claim something isn’t accurate is silly when only their education is what isn’t accurate. Lot of viewpoints are subjective but that doesn’t make it wrong. It just tells me that films like these were badly needed. So feel free to watch all three films now on Amazon but if The Christ Slayer plays near you in April please do check it out on the big screen.
Wild Faith should roll out new artwork and we should start to see more PR on this wonderful film. There are also some few things in play with the distributor that could lead to our TV series. We had good talks over this film which I think will play great all across this country. I hope my Canadian friends and fans get a chance to see this film on the big screen. But I learned that in Canada they have different ratings boards for each territory. So you could have to pay for multiple ratings but they still might elect to do just that. I’m excited to see this again on the big screen. We’ve remastered the film for the new release and added a great new addition to the film with a surprise story narrator.
MBF: Man’s Best Friend will have a first edit end of this week. We’ll spend two weeks refining the cut before moving it along to Dennis Therrian for music and sound design. The theatrical company has an early interest in the film and with a good amount of lead time we’ll be able to do some great marketing. We’ll also start work on a new trailer in April cut from the edited film. I’m excited that while we deal with all this new release business this film is right behind it.
And right behind that film is our newly announced movie LOST HEART. Our FB social media and IMDB pages are now active.
FB: https://www.facebook.com/lostheartmovie/?modal=admin_todo_tour
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9640414/reference
We will start announcing cast this week as we move forward. Also you will hear it here first but CDI will once again be teaming with director Jesse Low (Forty Nights, Wild Faith) on LOST HEART. We met with several talented directors and some of them could end up working with CDI in the future. But for this next journey we’ll be working with Mr. Low. Also we’ll be announcing Melissa Anschutz, who will be playing the title role of ‘Hannah’ in the film. A big congrats to them both and we’re looking at April/May timeframe to shoot. The film will again be distributed under a deal CDI has with BMG.
I’ve also been working hard on the end-of-the-year tax work for the films. On a personal level I’ve been in talks over finding the right literary agent to do work for hire writing and to sell a few scripts I don’t plan to produce. I’ve got a few outside CDI films I’m looking at for acting but we will see. Even if paid I don’t like working hard on films that never get finished. I have a few of those lingering in my past. But I believe I will be directed towards the right projects. I will be playing a fun supporting role in Lost Heart but you’ll have to wait to hear more on that.
Yesterday I spent some time cutting up firewood for the office stove. I’m going to work on finishing a few other business items today and get a jump on things for next week. Again I was just so happy to see the HUGE spike in readers and from so many countries. Keep following your dreams and telling those stories and creating that art. We’ll talk next week. Feel free to check out http://www.cdiproductions.com for other film updates. We will have a few holes in our casting that we’ll be looking for soon.
Have a great Sunday!
DJ
Getting Rolling in 2019!
Good morning. It is 2019 and we’ve started a new turning of the wheel. The holiday season was enjoyable spending time with family and friends. I want to welcome our new readers from Israel and France, we’re so happy to having you join us. Like everyone else I’ve been planning ahead to the new year and also working hard to finish our two films THE CHRIST SLAYER and WILD FAITH for their theatrical 2019 release with our new partners. Once these get off the desk so to speak we’ll focus on getting our locked cut of MBF and increase development work.
I hope to get theatrical locations and dates here soon but know that people are just getting back to work. The remastered WILD FAITH is having distributor poster art done and promotional trailers for social media. Same with THE CHRIST SLAYER with the promotional pieces and the poster art is already completed. This is an exciting time of what and see – but I can say, as we do final review on THE CHRIST SLAYER for credits, what an awesome job by all our CDI artists. Nathaniel Nose and Dennis Therrian really pulled it all together. I’m so very proud of our artists on all three films. As the last one readies to roll out, I only hope audiences are able to take something away from it. It is a beautiful story and everyone should be proud to have this one on their resume for a lifetime.
Outside of film direct, I spent a good part of three days prepping for the moving of a storage shed onto our property. As a company we’ve started to gather items that make production a lot easier. I’m going to use it for storage of items from 5 gal water containers to 100 cup coffee makers. A CDI trailer will likely be the next step to be used during productions. Maybe a craft service food truck, whoa…settle down there DJ:)
I’ve been working to help prep a friend for their first feature film directorial and of course LOST HEART development will start to pick up speed. Several discussions have taken place with this film and we have some good attachments. “Strong drama, good humor with a dash of suspense and action – just like a good trip up North in Michigan!” We’ll start making some PR announcements in a few weeks concerning this movie.
I’m going to finish this up and get on with a few things today. I’ve got a busy week ahead and hope the same for all of you.
Be good to one another in 2019!
DJ
Thoughts On Casting and December Updates.
So with the weather change in Michigan from bitter cold to wet and warm, my sinuses were bugging me this morning. I also had to play ref for doggie wrestle-mania. Also with the snow melting I had to do some puppy proofing in the yard. Little Finn is starting to explore, dig, patrol and eat sticks, bark, mud. I had to harvest up the remaining wild grapes because grapes can cause kidney failure. He started some puppy classes and Daphne, our older dog has been teaching him good and bad. Before Luke got sick Daphne and he use to play fight every day. She is a touch out of shape but Finn is making her exercise daily. They are quickly becoming good siblings. Our only regret is that Luke did not get to take on a parenting role with a new little one.
In between playing referee and doing work we’ve had TCM playing and I’ve enjoyed watching the many classic films. It is funny now how we can watch the credits and so many names are lost to me. I’m a lover of film and I still don’t recognize certain names that I’m sure were common household names at one time. But that is why we seek to make a few classic films that stand the test of time. To create those few roles that people will talk about for decades to come. I feel like I’m just coming into my prime as a storyteller both as an actor and producer. I also feel like my writing is finally being acknowledged and that’s a gift. But all the recent success is built upon many years of hard work.
The symbol of the KNIGHT CHILLS franchise.
I think 2019 is finally the year to do the EARLY YEARS OF COLLECTIVE DEVELOPMENT which will be part film education. I would like to include the four first CDI films and the BTS and maybe a few retrospective interviews which might go on the social media. But before Michigan had a film boom it was truly a barren landscape with just a few filmmakers making a go at it. But KNIGHT CHILLS, FROM VENUS, HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST were our learning years and we paid close attention to the business. I would like to package them up into a definitive collection.
Signing for fans at the 15th anniversary showing of IN THE WOODS
Another area that I want to focus on is merchandise with our films. It’s something that I truly enjoyed throughout my life and I would like to be part of that tradition. I’ve had big ideas but like most filmmakers I’ve always been under financed. That is changing and I would love to put some of those plans in action. So feel free to drop a note here about any ideas for merchandise that you would like to see.
This week many projects were taken to the next level. In 2019 we’re going to see three CDI films move out strongly into the marketplace. We’re now on the front lines of a new theatrical partnership our distributor has put together. I’m awaiting the home video dates on WILD FAITH that has been delivered to the distributor. Tomorrow the re-mastered theatrical version of WILD FAITH will go to the theatrical partners. I’m in hopes to have a much more detailed announcement next week. We are still putting the final touches on a few deal points. But it will be all worth the wait.
MBF has had a good showing at the first film markets. The feedback I received was commenting on the professional quality and strength of the story. Our first trailer was put together somewhat in haste due to a sudden demand for a first look after Mipcom. It was decided to spruce up the AFM teaser and release it as a first trailer. I’ve had many people reach out who support our military and/or dogs to comment on the story. This will be a wonderful film with a strong message and we look forward to bringing it to everyone. There is an initial interest in a limited theatrical release – more to be discussed once we get the film further done the line.
THE CHRIST SLAYER – If you’ve watched FORTY NIGHTS and traveled into King Herod’s lands in CHASING THE STAR, the next journey is coming. The Quest Trilogy will be complete with part 3. We’ve been working hard in the studio and the film is now sounding great! The picture is just epic and now the music is matching. Sound design is so much fun adding wind, animals, crowds, creaks, sails, swords and the list goes on. We’re adjusting dialog where it’s needed to create great from good. Post is a serious process that really seperates the professional from the amateur. It takes time to get there and those watching our films would notice a steady progression. Now when we sit in the IMAX watching it on the big screen I’m always taken back to those early days. Keep moving forward.
LOST HEART is the film that is slated to be on deck for Spring 2019. A funny heart-warming drama that also deals with a few serious topics. Add a large dose of Michigan charm and I think we’ll have another great film. It will again be distributed under our deal with BMG. I’m also looking at Summer and Fall films and I know it will be a productive year ahead. I think we’ve found a few of our actors and some are returning favorites. We’ll be posting on this film as we enter the new year.
I’m going to also use the winter to finish a few of my other scripts including my Sci-Fi script. I’ve had a few people talk to me about commercial and non-commercial projects in the new year. Again if your script is good. You’re financed and compensating your talent, and you think I fit something, run it by me. I know, I’ve offended a few people with passes on projects in the past, but it was done politely. We are defined by what we say NO too. When I say YES, I put my all into it. I’ve got a few projects that I put a lot of myself into and they never got finished. A couple were well compensated projects but still the art is buried. So I look for quality and people who can finish.
Speaking on this. I recently saw a project that looked interesting but before someone rearranges their day or even does a read, especially as a co-star or major role, I think signing a non-disclosure to read a script is in order. If I have not worked with the group before, I do ask that the project be funded. Because reading, really reading can take 1-2 hours and if that time is spent, it should be worth it. There are exceptions, but I’m talking cold auditions for unknown parties. The response of “compensation is pending role and will be discussed if role offered” or “script provided only if cast”…whoa! What if the talent dislikes the script. Hours driving, memorizing, reading only to drop out after a read because of a poor script/blueprint. I don’t like my time wasted or to waste other’s time but will often do a quick “sketch” off sides if the story interests me. If they like the sketch the next step is to read the entire script if the film is funded. Nothing like those inexperienced filmmakers trying to raise 3.2 mil to do their first film. That’s like me and a few buddies building a spaceship out of lumber and junk to fly to Mars. Not likely. So, I’m going to remain open to working with some new folks but if you approach please do have your ducks in a row. I’m happy to see that happening with some of the Michigan groups. I’m beyond happy to see the success both in business and storytelling.
And with that…I’m going to make some lunch and do a few things around the house ands get ready for another great week. It has been a great mix of business and catching up with family and friends. I hope you also enjoy your day and have a great week ahead.
DJ
Father’s, Fun and Future Endeavors
First I want to start out by raising a cup of coffee and toasting to all the father’s out there. I know my father was and continues to be a strong influence in my life. I laugh at my younger self who boldly told my father “I just want to be an artist, not a businessman like you!” – Well, that turned out different. This morning I was trying to organize my business TO DO for the week ahead. It’s always one foot in front of the other – steady as she goes.
My furry children get a lot of parental type love from me and I can only guess how complex it can get when you add in daycare, school, relationships, work…the worry of it all. I think my father can at least relax in the knowing that I’m doing something I truly love. When he can go to the cinema or turn on the TV and watch one of our films I think it gives him comfort. I still have strong memories of him at the kitchen table with his checkbook and all the bills laid out on the table. I do enjoy staying on top of my business. That gives me a good peace of mind. I look forward to a visit with dad later today. I get almost a weekly visit with him and that’s enjoyable. I can still get little nuggets of wisdom.
As many of you know we just wrapped MBF and I’m almost all caught up on that paperwork. We’re about to assemble a small skeleton crew for a one day pick up of flashback war footage. It is a different ‘Paul’ I’ll be playing. My wounded Paul was a great challenge as I’ve discussed prior. This is before all that – I recall actual wounded vet Bobby Henline telling me of the day he was injured only remembering having coffee that morning. Imagine waking up months later to gruesome injuries, unbearable pain and a lifetime of living vastly different. We all have those sudden changes in life we’re never quite ready for. One of our crew members lost her brother unexpectedly after our shoot. You cannot imagine such drastic changes in life. It is why you need to appreciate each and every day.
My furry child Luke has his last two radiation treatments this week. I do have to say it has made a big difference. We’ve also been using CBD dog treats from CA and alkaline water thanks to my buddy Nate. He has been enjoying life and aside from a few extra hours sleeping and some spotty times dealing with his med “high” he’s doing good. You hate to see anyone dealing with these kind of life issues but we all have them. Keep that in mind as you interact with people throughout your day. That caller on the frustrating phone tree could be also dealing with a dying parent or loss of a child. A touch more compassion never hurt anyone.
Back to films- I’ve had many of our new friends and associates ask about our other films. Please watch and leave a review if you feel entitled to.
- THE ACTOR – https://www.amazon.com/Actor-James-Russo/dp/B07D6Z6BCB/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1529241258&sr=8-4&keywords=The+actor – A struggle of LOVE by director Jon Osman – shot in NYC and starts our upcoming lead in THE CHRIST SLAYER. You will see me in there supporting as a funny FBI agent.
- ASHES OF EDEN – https://www.amazon.com/Ashes-Eden-Steven-Sutherland/dp/B07BLLJ6FN/ref=sr_1_1?s=instant-video&ie=UTF8&qid=1529241414&sr=1-1&keywords=ashes+of+eden – Directed by our own Shane Hagedorn it stars Melissa Anschutz and Steven Sutherland and yours truly plays an ex-military drug dealer.
- WICKED SPRING – https://www.amazon.com/Wicked-Spring-Brian-Merrick/dp/B079HN718V/ref=sr_1_1?s=instant-video&ie=UTF8&qid=1529241553&sr=1-1&keywords=Wicked+Spring – This classic film helped define my early career. I star with Brian Merrick in this Civil War tale that has been growing an audience since early 2000’s on TV and home video.
- FORTY NIGHTS – https://www.amazon.com/Forty-Nights-DJ-Perry/dp/B07555FR6R/ref=sr_1_1?s=instant-video&ie=UTF8&qid=1529241671&sr=1-1&keywords=Forty+Nights – I would say one of my biggest challenges playing a figure so shrouded in mystery. I give my everything in playing Jesus during this little understood time of his life. I co-star with my mentor and friend Rance Howard. It was also one of his favorites where he got to play THE bad guy.
- CHASING THE STAR – https://www.amazon.com/Chasing-Star-Yancy-Butler/dp/B074PWBBYP/ref=sr_1_1?s=instant-video&ie=UTF8&qid=1529241791&sr=1-1&keywords=Chasing+the+Star – I’m not acting in this second installment of THE QUEST TRILOGY but it sprang from my imagination and research. We’ve seen the statues of the wisemen every Christmas for many years but what is their story?
I thought these five films would give a nice start to people wanting to get to know Collective Development Inc.’s work.
WILD FAITH has a few more theatrical runs in it before it preps for home video. There are a few exciting things being worked on with this film but I will save that for another day.
THE CHRIST SLAYER – Part 3 in THE QUEST TRILOGY is in music and sound design. I got to watch the final cut with temp sound/music and I was blown away. Now that Dennis Therrian is adding yet another powerful score the film will truly soar. I am waiting on the final color corrected trailer to come over this weekend from our DP Jesse Aragon. Once that is ready we’ll prepare the PR and release the theatrical trailer. We plan to have it play select theaters in Oct-Jan and home video on the Easter 2019 lead up. This film will bring all three together and audiences can truly enjoy the weaving of the tale throughout three films. I’m excited for people to see the beautiful dynamic between Carl Weyant and Josh Ponceman Perry. Soon:)
I have started to look at development for the next CDI film in association with BMG. But for now… I’m going to get some breakfast and we’re going to go walk the flea market down the road. This afternoon will be some time spent with my dad followed by a soccer game in this heat. Daphne (our girl) got a new pool and so more swimming lies ahead for her. We also had a day of working on the office/fort and added some additional beams to help stabilize the second floor. I have quite a bit of stuff up there so it was a good call. I have ‘Dan the Druid’ to thank for that fine wood work along with his “Druid Jr.” helper. My brother Adam also came over and restructured the wood arch in the yard. The yard is back to its zen self with beans growing and berries ripening. I think more wine making lies ahead. With the amount of apples even a batch of hard cider could happen.
Toast life.
DJ
Theatrical Kick off and Award Nominations – Updates
Good morning. I want to do a welcome sip of coffee to our new readers hailing from Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. WELCOME. This past week was a whirlwind of organizing theatrical roll-out, development work and more. We also have some announcing of nominations on a couple of our films.
Multiple radio shows, podcast and more the last week to promote the start of our theatrical season with “Wild Faith” our (mid) western. Here is a link to one of them-
Showbiz Weekly
https://player.fm/series/michigan-business-network/all-star-team-creates-wild-faith-show-biz-weekly
More promotions can be seen at the social media site and/or the website
https://www.facebook.com/WildFaithMovie/
http://www.wildfaiththemovie.com
Our first theatre dates are March 16th-22nd at Celebration Cinema in Lansing and Grand Rapids, MI (Woodland).
International Christian Film Festival – This is the Oscar’s of the family/faith genre. Last year we had “Forty Nights” our 1st installment in THE QUEST TRILOGY nominated for Best Film, Best Lead Actor (Rance Howard), Best Score and Most Inspirational (which we won). Watch on Amazon Prime and other platforms.
This year the second installment “Chasing the Star” about the journey of the magi was nominated for Best Film, Best Score, Best Screenplay, Best Lead Actor (Garry Nation) and Most Inspirational (again) and so we’ll see.
But…like having two children on competing teams – “Wild Faith” our western was also entered this year. It is nominated for Best Film, Best Lead Actor (Shane Hagedorn), Best Actress (Lauren Lastrada) and Best Director (Jesse Low).
There is strong competition not just amongst our two films but from amazing talent like Ray Liotta, Judge Reinhold and Ashley Judd. I’m honored to be amongst the nominated films and to have two “children” gathering such attention is humbling. So Collective Development Inc. has 9 nominations and that’s something to be proud of.
You can watch “Chasing the Star” right now on Amazon Prime and several other participating platforms. “Wild Faith” will play theatrical events all Spring/Summer (I want to play a drive in) and will release to home video in the Fall on the run up to Christmas. If craving a good tale from the 1800’s please take a watch on our “Wicked Spring” also playing Amazon Prime and participating platforms.
The 3rd installment in THE QUEST TRILOGY – “The Christ Slayer” will be complete in August and play theaters on the run up to Christmas. Our distributor has the home video release set to target Easter 2019.
A busy season of releasing. But that also means we need NEW product. We’re a touch behind my ideal timeline for our next film “Man’s Best Friend” (MBF) but the account is open and money flowing in. We need the last few units committed before we move forward because once we start we finish.
In additional to that we have several developing projects. I had meetings right up to end-of-the-day Friday which will without a doubt bring new endeavors to the CDI tribe.
Other developments –
I’ve never acted in a music video. I was there when it all started MTV that is – and I like to see that the art of storytelling against a song is still going strong. Maybe not like in the heyday of music TV but still alive and kicking. I was approached about being hired to participate in a music video. They provided their earlier work, the work of the artist and a professionally written script. The subject matter holds some meaning to me and it felt – right. So I gave my interest and this coming week I’ll participate in my first music video front of camera. I’ll talk more about it once they are ready. Not my song or production so I’m letting them PR as they will. I’m sincerely excited about the project. I had just said a few weeks ago, if interested in me for something come with a professional proposal. It also worked amazingly with my schedule. It’s only a one day obligation so it really was a perfect storm. I’m looking forward to it.
The writing and deal making will continue this week. I’m excited that first cast and crew will get to see their combined work watching “Wild Faith” on the big screen. My family, friends and fans can also enjoy the film starting this week. (Friday) It’s always good to see one of our movies of with my parents. I think it helps justify all the worry they had in me as a dreamer building those “castles in thin air” teen/young man. It shows that I’m truly happy and doing what I was most passionate about in life. And for that I feel like the luckiest man alive on some days.
I’m going to continue to enjoy this day and rest my mind for the crazy week ahead. I’m not a person that needs all the hoopla of camera and red carpets but I will participate on these few occasions to collectively toast our finished story. I see it like a graduation party whereas we’re sending our “movie child” out into the world hoping it will do what it can to make our world a better place.
Thank you for all the support and I do hope you’ll give us a chance to entertain you.
Happy Sunday!
DJ
Pushing Christmas Sales and Prepping to Attack 2018!
I’m sipping coffee on this peaceful Sunday. Beside me is a new 5 gal of Green Goblin 3.0 wine started on Halloween and by 11/4 on the full moon it was bubbling like a possessed spirit had invaded it. See what I did there? The spirit, okay back to the blog. New readers/followers from The Netherlands, welcome. Readers from Israel has been following us and again, thank you. I love this space – open for artists to stop by and listen to a story or two. To get a few updates and let you know that these battles we fight to create our art are natural. Part of the process of healing people with the power of a story. A medium that weaves so many emotions through so many of the human senses.
David Gries in THE CHRIST SLAYER
It’s been a strong week of organization and prepping to move into 2018. New announcements on MBF, our next CDI film. We added David Gries and Shane Hagedorn two other fine artists. I’ve worked with both of them and these roles are in caring hands. March will be a nice mix of old and new talent working together. This coming week I plan to open the bank account. Small steps on the path to production.
THE QUEST TRILOGY
American Film Market is underway and BMG has Forty Nights and Chasing the Star there right now. We made some announcements that the films were making their way to the UK. I also see evidence that Asia might be getting the films next. I was notified of a Singapore government ratings for Forty Nights. I will seek to confirm but I really do hope that our fans to the East can enjoy these beautiful films.
Domestically our recent goal now that we’re past Halloween, has been making people aware of the first two films in the marketplace for Christmas. Amazon Prime now has both FORTY NIGHTS and CHASING THE STAR. Watch them back to back and if you enjoyed them give them a little word of mouth or post a review. I think those films are just starting to travel a long journey of being exposed to artists worldwide.
THE CHRIST SLAYER is the 3rd film in the trilogy and it’s moving right along. We released a still of it being worked on in post VFX. (Here)
This third film will bring things together nicely. The poster is on the 3rd draft and getting stronger with each one. This film is preparing to enter music and sound design in Jan 2018.
For that to go in WILD FAITH needs to come out. The music first draft is DONE save tweaks and end credit roll. We’ll start putting that together now. I have high hopes that once the film is done the full merit of a series will be seen. We’re soon to sit and watch the film with the music in. Right now mixing and balancing is underway. The 10 sec of remaining VFX footage is what we’re dealing with still. But the plan is in motion and I’m confident we’ll complete that shortly.
Knight Chills 20th Anniversary
We’ve also been delivering materials to our distributor for WICKED SPRING. It is an interesting feeling bringing that film to the forefront again. I did that role 17 years ago. Crazy. KNIGHT CHILLS had a new release with the book this year and that is a great little Christmas story. I’m smiling – but I will admit for people who have not been exposed to my work having KNIGHT CHILLS, FROM VENUS or IN THE WOODS be your intro is…scary. Zac, Frank and Alex are all great roles just not current representations. These films like others have gathered fans to which again I’m appreciative. My debate as of late was to accept invitations to participate in Comic Cons on occasion to celebrate these old works. I guess as I pondered it I got a touch of insight into Jeff Daniels who wants to be known for his dramatic excellence but people often just remember DUMB & DUMBER. How many sick, lonely, troubled and just bored people did that film make laugh? Giving relief by way of 90 mins of humor. Who are we to judge what people will enjoy? Hence art is subjective. Also some of these early films had so many rocks thrown at them. Some justified but many just the rise of the troll in this new medium of inter-webs:) I still hear the AOL dial-up. But if people can embrace these films more power to them. At the 15th anniversary to sit in the Alamo theater (Kazoo) and watch people shout, laugh and play the drinking game associated with IN THE WOODS was a joy. As we move through the present towards the future we must always make peace with our past. I’m getting there. I’m looking into the “Appearance circuit” although I’ve always wanted people to see the characters before the actor. I have met thousands of fans over the years and I’m appreciative. Although I don’t appear at many of these events it’s because of new work. I had a distributor friend ask if I was going to be at AFM. (Film Market) Actually I’ve had many ask. I told this person I was in MI overseeing post on two films while we prep for our new one. I would like to attend an AFM in the near future.
In addition to MBF prep we’ve been reviewing and looking at several other CDI & CDI associated projects. I think we’re preparing for another strong slate on films. As always I really do appreciate you stopping by. I hope the season is productive and wish you all a strong week ahead.
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 