(A throw back of ‘Ghost Town’ in Time Square NYC – Going to Historyfix in 4k!)
A warm and damp morning in mid Michigan. I heard they had ice storms up north in the area of Alpena where we recently filmed two of our films. Either way spring is in the air for sure. Plants are starting to sprout and animals are building new nests. My clean up of the property is going well. I’m still leaving the ground leaves for bee cover. My work on the slow dismantle of the old wood shed is underway. I have an estimate from our builder to sand and stain the new deck. I think the first time I will have the pros do it and after that I can have a go at it. I enjoyed it being warm enough to do a few tasks. I may have to do some tree trimming on the mulberry and/or apple trees. That sometimes causes them to skip a season of fruit. I’ve been leaving the apples for the squirrels the last few years.
I mentioned Alpena and I believe we mentioned have an April 25th date to kick off the theatrical run of Harsens Island Revenge (HIR). Tickets should go up for sale soon! That theatrical deal has been signed with our friends and partners at Dreamscape Productions. They will be contacting several of the northern theaters/chains to see if they want to book HIR. We are also starting talks with NCG in Owosso, MI and the NCG chain to run the film. Celebration. Emagine and more. Please contact your theaters near you and request the film. Also get the name of the person who handles booking. We want to travel this film around the country and I’m even looking into Las Vegas. To build the hype even more I think I’m going to drop a second HIR trailer cut by Dennis Therrian on April 1st, no fooling!
Wild Faith Christmas is also moving along nicely. The final locked film is due to be delivered by March 31st to Dennis Therrian who has already did a first pass on dialog clean up. Music beds have also been worked on and it will be exciting to see the sound design and score settle into the picture. Shane Hagedorn and Dean Teaster are doing various color tests on the film. They will work the final look of the picture. A theatrical poster is slowly being developed and we hope to release that soon.
ROM COMS MUST DIE is about to shoot the final opening scene next weekend. The edit is close to a lock. The color correction is about 60% there. The dialog is almost cleaned up save my VO and a few ADR lines. Sound design will be the last little piece to do almost with a suitable score. This dark horse is going to be a fun surprise for many. It marks CDI’s return to comedy/horror and I think it will be well received. A trailer and poster will be in the works in the coming weeks. I saw a great BTS but it gives away a bit too much to release right now.
Misc Release News: We’ve recently seen the re-release of Knight Chills to Blu Ray and streaming. An Ordinary Killer to streaming as well as Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town. A 4k version of the latter is going to Historyfix and is being actively delivered. I’ve hunted up some of the early work tapes of HEAVENS NEIGHBORS and we might start some restorative work on that film later this year. FIGURE IN THE FOREST and FROM VENUS are being looked at. I would love Saturn Core to give FROM VENUS the same treatment they gave KNIGHT CHILLS.
Writing Projects: I’ve got many pet projects in various stages of writing but we’re looking at the scripts and evaluating them. I will say that my script that I wanted to get out of my head working title THE KINGDOM CHIP has a first draft. It is best pitched as an O’ GOD for a new generation. It is also a loose follow up to The Quest Trilogy. If you have not seen these three CDI films I am really asking that you do. Inspired by the ole Chuck Heston Biblical Adventures they are an amazing series of storytelling.
I also have had two books sent to me to read and evaluate for scriptwriting. I would adapt them to screenplays and CDI would perhaps produce. These projects would come with funding. I’m also suppose to pull together a polished draft of a detective story. I’m awaiting that material but the delay worked in my favor as I will do the final polish on The Kingdom Chip before allowing it to be read.
I have the 8 shows for WILD FAITH: Hastings and we’ll see what doors open as we get near the release of the sequel. I have a few fun scripts that are completed and have been sitting. We will see about making those films happen with some of our emerging director/filmmakers.
Development: I started above to delve into the development arena. I do want to pick a few projects to produce this year. The Kingdom Chip which has some interest would be shoot in that “window” in Yuma, AZ before the heat sets in. The feature version of our concept short SMOKE & MIRRORS is a possibility. I’ve been lining up a few things there.
We have a few other outside sources talking projects with funding. FUNDING is what is needed to get you moving to the front of the line in evaluating scripts/projects.
WRAP UP: The last few weeks I’ve accomplished most of what I’ve been wanting to do. Office reorganizing is mostly done. End of Year reporting work on the movies done just need to square those accounts. I did some of them last week and will look to finish this week. My personal taxes are done just need to send that in with the firm sends my paperwork.
I’m looking forward to filming my last piece of the Rom Coms Must Die puzzle and my head will be officially clear of any outside characters. My itch to tackle and new role is slowly building although you think I would enjoy the down time.
Soccer and flea market season is right around the corner. I love looking for wardrobe and props for our films. Soccer is just a great way to test yourself weekly. I’ve been working on strength and flexibility but need to do some running. I dislike running just to run.
This week there is a film mixer for the local film festival that I might attend. It really depends on the flow of the week. I will have my fill of mixers with all the film releases this year. I do enjoy meeting other artists and seeing how they fit into the mix. I’m not going to be at the Alpena showing of Harsens Island Revenge but will be ready to attend the Owosso, MI showing and afterglow.
I’m going to wrap this up here and do a few things around the house. I am going to attack the week and look to make some great things happen. I hope each of you are enjoying the spring vibe returning to us all. Working in the morning with the sounds of birds is really nice. Watching the squirrels building and playing is nice. They had a long, hard winter and deserve some abundance. Until next week my friends!
Good morning! I’m getting a later start today having stayed up past my bedtime to watch our Detroit Lions play last night at Dallas. Man the calls were really against them and that final “situation” was disappointing. I’ll let those wiser in football knowledge debate and discuss that final call. I think it will all fire the team up for their next encounter. My alumni school Michigan State University also had a hard year in football but their basketball team is looking like their getting back on track. I’m really looking forward to our outdoor soccer season. I’m looking to have an even better season but overall it is just fun and healthy to compete like that each week.
Health is wealth is still the mantra I’m sticking by. I like the idea of never saying you are sick but you’re always healing. My ailments this year have thankfully all been minor and I’m putting more energy and effort towards that in the coming year. I’ve got a few action films or films with action still in me. I’ve been moving from just daily maintain workouts to building. Usually just flexibility and tone are my goals but I’ve moved into more building. Each of you should either start or perhaps try to build upon your own routines. I’m thankful for the martial arts that I’ve practiced since I began in 7th grade. The only film I’ve displayed any of my martial arts was MAN’S BEST FRIEND playing Paul Landings. I’ve used my training to allow and assist me in doing many of my own stunts. I’m really proud of the knock down drag out fight scene in WICKED SPRING with actor buddy Terry Jernigan. We’ll see what the future holds.
REVIEWING 2023 GOALS–
As I look over my goals list that I make each year I’m reasonably happy with the results. It is good to put it down in writing and it is okay if you fall short. You almost always will. I had plans to have a deck built and finish these rafter coverings on the fort/office but that did not get done. But it will go on my 2024 list. Producing a feature film and music video both were achieved. Harsens Island Revenge was filmed and is now being edited together. A great rock music video was shot a follow up to our DEEPFALL “Revolution” video. It will be releasing soon but it came out great. Best part was exchanging stories with the drummer Chris Adler (Megadeath, Lamb of God) about all our mutual associates in Virginia where he lives. That goal was met and I plan to match or exceed that in 2024. I had a goal of acting in an outside CDI film which is always fun because I don’t carry the responsibilities of producing. I graciously did have an offer to star in an outside CDI film but it was too close to our Harsens Island Revenge shoot and I was already in the look and mindset of ‘Axel’ and could not switch gears. But I’ll give myself partial credit for I could have but I like to focus on one at a time and give my full attention and effort. My gardening efforts were successful and I enjoy my ongoing study ofherbs and fungus. Such healing power in nature and it is fun to unlock the secrets. I will continue that into the new year. I set a safe soccer season as a goal and that was met. Again I hope to play with the same strong intensity and stay safe and healthy. Finish two new scripts was a goal and while I did not finish two new ones I made new progress on four or so pet project scripts. Pet project scripts are ones not on a fast track and I’m not being paid to write. While I did not get SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE financed progress was made and perhaps 2024 will see that follow through. I had a goal of assembling the CDI film back up RAID that will store and allow easy access to the footage. I’m happy to report that all the equipment is in and next week it will be active and ready to start loading up with CDI films. I wanted a CDI highlight reel cut but that was dependent upon the RAID build so while I don’t get to unveil that today it will be coming soon. I asked for a smooth tax season which it was thanks to my great team of people. I ask for that again this year. The development of a theatrical division was a goal and I’m happy to say with had our best run in 2023 with SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA going into 70+ theatres and playing 9 months in the midwest theatres. I have zero doubt that Harsens Island Revenge will build upon that and go even higher. My last set of goals was the development of a full on merchandise and music division. Steps were taken but not fully realized and those goals will carry over to 2024! As you can see I too did not achieve all my goals but some of them and took good steps towards the others. So write down your own goals and that will help you work towards them.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA released nationally on December 1st and has been an extreme joy during the season. So many people are now getting to watch this beautiful story at home with family and friends. Such a great story of hope. Hope that even during dark times we can reach down and find the good parts of ourselves. It is available on DVD and streaming so please do enjoy a watch. If you liked it please leave a review on it’s http://www.imdb.com or Amazon page or wherever you can.
Harsens Island Revenge – I just actually received an update from our director Carl Weyant who is editing. We have a solid hour edited and he’s been fine tuning it. The last quarter of the edit starts with the new year. I’m excited to get working on a ‘behind the scenes’ and a teaser trailer not to forget the director’s theatrical poster built from GW Burns powerful elements. I cannot wait to start having Dennis Therrian put a score to this powerful film.
HOT ROD LOVE was on the development track last year when Harsens Island Revenge came in fully funded. The 70’s comedy/drama set against the backdrop of drag racing was put on a shelf but is now moving back into active development. We are proud to say we’ve got our friends at PEPSI onboard and even the first committed funds. We’ll be giving our past backers the first opportunity to get involved and that process will start first of the new year. We’ve made several new friends who’ve given interest in getting involved with these stories and so rest assured opportunities will be presented.
WILD FAITH celebrated passing the 8 million views mark at Encourage TV meaning 20-30 million worldwide not counting broadcast. The Wild Faith: HASTINGS TV series that continues the story from the feature is being looked at by several parties. The key has always been creative control. The series might have been produced already if deep compromises had been made. I was unwilling to do so. If and when it is brought back it will be done properly.
2023 saw the rebirth of KNIGHT CHILLS on Blu-Ray. The film which has built a following over the years was released in Oct. having been digitally remastered. The 1st special cover run sold out in 6 days. A director’s rewrite of a sequel is going to be submitted and 2024 might see the sequel ride into production. Also the original will be heading to streaming we are just looking at the best course for it.
The possibility of several of the CDI Classic Collection being remastered and re-released is moving forward. It takes time but it is worth it to see these films brought back into the marketplace. My coffee is getting low and I’m feeling a need for some eggs. I’m going to try and wrap this up and enjoy my day. I had the last of my Christmas family gatherings yesterday and get to see some family I haven’t seen since pre-Covid. At the gathering we got word of a family members passing. We took a moment of silence right in the middle of a game full of laughter. A reminder that each year is precious and that loved ones will pass on. I know of several friends who lost loved ones. So again bringing it full circle, I ask for health and happiness for you all in the coming year. Work on your goals but be kind to yourself when you fall a little short. Try to be more kind. More understanding. More compassionate. More giving where you can. Sometimes that giving is just time. Time. A way we measure our journey. I wish you all a beautiful 2024 journey. I’ll be here to share mine with you. I’m also really considering the podcast FIRESIDE WITH DJ PERRY, suggested to me so often the last few year. If it happens or not I’ll still look forward to those fireside chats at the fort/office with all my dear friends and associates. To you all I wish you a Happy NEW YEAR!
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 