AI JESUS Premiere, Release Dates and More…
A hazelnut cheers to you all. I see many of you stopped by to join us last week from all over the world. We all love stories and by storytelling we preserve history and entertain. Like the days of the bards who would capture a story with a song. The authors of the books that recorded our stories. And now with our wonderful medium of film and TV we play out those stories like the theatrical stage before it. So again thank you to everyone who has stopped by to join us each week.
With the juggling of personal and professional I’ve been tested in new ways but I feel actually stronger on the other side of it. Before we get into film talk which there is plenty of that, I do like to touch base on life. I’m feeling quite blessed with all I do have and that I’m allowed to do what I love to do. But I do truly feel like I earned it. I sacrificed much building a foundation that many could not see. Now we build upon that foundation year by year telling new stories to entertain and often educate along the way.
In the spirit of the season I’ve watched a handful of TV or film that has that spooky vibe. The new CARRIE Tv series was quite well done. And it makes me want to go back and watch the original film. After I tried BATES MOTEL and two shows in I’m struggling to care. It lasted five seasons so it must get stronger as you go. A Russell Crowe (An actor I admire) Exorcism film fell short for me. I found the movie to drag with dark camera work that was often confusing and…not a strong showing for me. To be fair I don’t find much scary by way of horror films. My favorite is still PSYCHO. I love that Norman is not a seven foot monster with a scary mask.
I’m happy to have thrown my hat back into the horror genre but with comedy added. ROM COMS MUST DIE I think is super original and should get chuckles from any artists watching. The film is streaming now on ROKU, Amazon Prime and more. It will expand onto new platforms starting 10/30/26. IF you have seen this film do leave us a review on Amazon, IMDB, Letterbox or even a video of you. I have had a few great conversations from folks who enjoyed it. I love all the roles in the film but the judges played by Dean Teaster and Melissa Anschutz really tickle me every watch. BESTSELLER, KNIGHT CHILLS, GPS, AMERICAN LIAR, THE 8TH PLAGUE, DEADLY RENOVATIONS, DARKEST NIGHT…I could rattle off another half dozen films or so that fit the genre. So get some hot apple cider and a good blanket (My spell check tried to turn blanket into blunt, maybe not a bad idea either) but have yourself a spooky, fun night.
OTHER FILM UPDATES:
- AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is easily one of the most intriguing films we’ve done at CDI. Proudly made with our friends at McGraw Multimedia it will arrive on the small screen streaming and DVD on 10/30/26 (PreOrder DVD on Amazon now). But we wanted to celebrate with our cast, crew, sponsors and backers and their friends and families. So in the spirit of the film we are have a big screen premiere on November 18th at 7:00 at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center at 819 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823. The entire screening will benefit NEW HOPE PET RESCUE. What that means is the admission to the show will be what you can donate to this wonderful organization. I’ve got to see how this amazing group of people take some very sad cases of neglect and abandonment, heal them and find forever homes. We have three foster fails here as they also help cats out. Our ‘Old man Fred’ who passed recently was an end of life case that came to us and he had a wonderful last eight months. So the cost of admission is what you can give and 100% of it will go to the New Hope Pet Rescue. We’ll be reaching out to the folks involved with the film but it will be open to any who wish to donate. The hope is that after the event folks will talk about the film to others and even go watch it at home with their extended family and friends. I’m really excited about this because I love animals.
- Weds of this week I’ll be traveling with a small group to TULSA, OK to represent WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS at the Will Rogers Medallion Awards. We are being recognized as a production company, as the supervising producer of an amazing team and as CDI the production company. On our 30th year anniversary this is a great honor. We know we won because they invite only the three winners in each category. At the event we will find out if we won Gold, Silver and Bronze. That might be for each category or all as one. As the screenwriter I am very honored be the results Bronze or Gold. Same with the producing and production company.
- Days after we return 11/3/26 audiences around the world will finally get to return to the world of WILD FAITH with WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. That movie has already gathered a lot of recognition and had a good run in theaters last year. So for the tens of millions who watched the first one we are proud to bring you the sequel. In the wake of what we expect will be another enjoyed installment we are prepared to go a third time into the world. I’ve written and adjusted eight 44 min shows that take place after the second film. Funds are what kept the series from going before. Or funds that came with too many strings attached. So we made the second feature film instead. We will see if the series finds any traction after the new release. But should the right deal not land we are preparing to do a third feature film. I’m excited to say I’m working on the last act of the third feature film draft. We will see but watch/rewatch the original WILD FAITH and get ready for the sequel.
- I noted I’ve been working on WILD FAITH 3 and I’m also almost done with a first draft of MBF2. I also have been reading and evaluating two scripts for possible production. On the CDI front we are looking at A CHRISTMAS SEANCE, a great who-done-it as a possible 2027 production. And RETURN TO ALGONA the follow up film to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA our true story WW2 drama. I’ll be working on the last chuck of funding. We’ve been dealing with organizations and product sponsorships first. But we will be opening up the remaining chunk to private investors. We have a good circle of supporters so I expect to get this green lit going into the new year.
- My end of the year will include an end-of-year disbursements of money to our investors. And the end-of-year taxes which we’ve made some good moves to streamline this and direct even more revenue back towards our investors. Many of these good people love being part of this artistic endeavors. Often capturing stories so they will not be lost in time.
- While meeting over the AI JESUS premiere with the McGraws I just might have seen some of the DEVIL’S PASS edit. They are still polishing it up and taking a few beats to ponder a few transitions and moments. They finished a first pass and will start to comb through next week. I don’t envy the job of looking at so many moments and choosing the strongest to weave together. So many things can influence what stays or goes but as an actor I know that if something isn’t working in a moment, cut it. I love the saying, you can’t use what you don’t have but better to have it and not need it. Energy and pacing become a big decision making factor. Moments of a sequence of scenes shot on different days need to flow. As an actor I always ask myself what I just came from and where am I going. What is my energy previous to a moment and after a moment. From the clips I saw we have a very cool story that has some really unique story arcs. I could rave about many of the performances I saw but I will say that the women of Devil’s Pass really kicked ass. In many films the female element can be dressing or an accent to the male heroes but this film has strong lionesses. I look forward to see where it all lands but it is coming together nicely. I know composer and sound designer Dennis Therrian is already experimenting and is ready to get the film around Christmas if not sooner. But I think we will have a moody, action packed film that mixes traditional with something special. Thank you to the McGraws for the hard work they are putting into the edit.
WRAP UP:
This year has been a wild ride to be sure. But what a great time to be alive as a storyteller. As a writer, I’m excited for the ROM COMS MUST DIE, AI JESUS and WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS to release. I did a soft look at literary representation to possibly option/sell off a few scripts either too big of budget or just not an immediately interest. None of the proposed books to script happened this year. We will see about next year. I’m excited that this year audiences get to meet Amos who with his cousin Clem struggle to get their second film made. I once again play Jesus but in a way I never expected. And ole Ben Lily is once again blazing the trail with Hester. And next year people will meet McBride in DEVIL’S PASS. In production, the Will Rogers award is a nice recognition. And I also mentioned that when Golden Globe nominee Mitch Vogel said our set was the most family-feeling since working on BONANZA I took that as a great honor. We had many folks step from secondary to key positions and knock it out of the park. We are preparing to perform just as we do when a larger budget is on the line.
This week starts with a good meeting on Monday over some film work. Tuesday a lunch with my cousin and dad to pick up some venison for the freezer. Venison is my main meat that I eat all year long. I have to pack because on Weds I am off to Oklahoma and I’m looking forward to that. Upon my return we’ll keep promoting the releases and relax into the holidays. I love to look at my goals from Jan 2026 and see where I fell with those. I also start planning my 2027 goals. Today I’m going to blow some leaves and get a few things done on the property. I hope all of you are enjoying your Fall-time. I look forward to reporting to you again next Sunday or maybe Monday pending a late return. Until we meet again be good to one another! Coffee Cheers! DJ
Happy Father’s Day, Film Updates and Remembering a Fan Turned Friend
Coffee Cheers to you all. I want to welcome all our new readers from Brazil, UK and Poland. I will get into a few film updates but I wanted to take a moment to remember someone who I just found out passed away. JD Mayo was a fan of Civil War films and our “Wicked Spring” was a favorite behind “Gods & Generals” and I enjoyed the enthusiasm JD had for our film. Over the years despite health issues he also got into filmmaking inspired by our works. He became a filmmaking peer and we stayed in touch over the years. To find out he passed away in his sleep filled me with sadness. I’m so happy that one of our stories had such an impact on him and even helped direct his life towards storytelling. He always spoke of getting to a level where he could have me act in one of his Civil War stories. I’ve done several westerns but only that one “Wicked Spring” Civil War film. If you haven’t seen it maybe take a watch and think of JD. It is such an odd feeling of here today and gone tomorrow. I will miss the few exchanges that we shared each year. I know many much closer are missing him because he was an example of living and dealing with issues and keeping a positive outlook. RIP JD.
Today is Father’s Day and I’m lucky to still have mine with me. I will be doing lunch with him and we’re going to one of our favorite places. I’m also just a few short days away from another birthday. Age is just a number and it is truly about the quality of the years. I’m happy to say I’ve been free of the tooth pain that hindered me for a few. My overall health has been good and with soccer season upon us I’m getting in some strong running. We lost again this past week but it wasn’t for being outmatched it was more about communication or miscommunication. I’m going to go walk the flea market for a few and do lunch with Pa Perry and family after that. I know many of the kids out there have the Summer off and that was always an exciting time for us as kids. I’m not sure about our parents but we enjoyed it.
All our plants are in the ground and most are doing great. The berries are starting to ripen with the mulberries being first and the raspberries are likely the next to pop. My rhubarb wine is being slow to start fermenting as I made a misstep in my process. I will wait to see if it kicks in stronger or if it will need help. My Mexican-style chili beer is almost ready to drink. (June 18th) I wanted to give my dad a bottle of it but I have not had a chance to try it yet. Most of the beer batches do really well but this style is one I haven’t tried. Plus adding the pepper was an additional thing that could be very successful or not. We will see.
Now onto some film updates-
- A first draft schedule of Harsens Island Revenge landed Friday and our team is reviewing and we’ll meet next week to give any final adjustments and I hope to have a locked schedule by next Friday if all goes smooth.
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – is being quality controlled for TV and streaming and we are close to moving to the approved stage which will give us some solid release dates. I know we’ve been approved to put the film back into the Algona theaters for one week to celebrate FOUNDERS WEEK.
- The developing Iowa film follow up made a few good steps this week and we are circling a few opportunities. This is the SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE project and so far things are really looking good. Part of this developing deal could also benefit SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA when it comes to TV broadcast. We will see how all that pans out.
- WILD FAITH: HASTINGS has many elements coming together but we’re not there yet. We all would love to see that TV series move into production in the near future. If it is meant to be it will.
- Merchandise and movie tie-ins is something we’re working on. One is ‘Making of’ books that will highlight a film or a trilogy of films (hint) either with the script or novelization as well as many production extras. I would love that for all the films but we’re starting with a couple as they are a lot of work.
- Another deal we’ve been working on is video games. We have plans for a few of the CDI films (http://www.cdiproductions.com) to also spin off into the video game realm. It is an exciting off-shoot and while I’m not a big video game player I know many people are. So that is something exciting to work towards. We’ve identified the first properties and we’ll announce that soon once the ink is dry.
WRAP UP:
So I know we opened this talking about death. I also attended a wedding yesterday and that was nice to attend. It had so much food at the potluck reception that I could not even sample everything even though I tried. It made an average Thanksgiving spread look small. I also wanted to again thank all the fathers out there. My daddy has always been a great provider, protector and giver of advice. And now we share a wonderful friendship. I know I’m blessed to have both my parents still with me as many of my friends have lost a parent or they are flying solo. I don’t take this gift lightly. I’m gonna get a refill on the coffee cup and set off to the flea market and hope to find a few 1920’s props. After we’ll do lunch, which after yesterdays feast I’m not sure what will sound good. I wish you all a wonderful day and I’ll talk to you again next week. I’ll have a birthday this week so I’ll be able to report back on that. If you want to gift me something please take the time to watch your favorite CDI film maybe even leave a review of why that film is your favorite. Until next week- be good to one another and have a productive week.
DJ
First ‘Lost Heart’ Impressions and Christmas Season Updates
Welcome new readers from Vietnam and France! We are in the Christmas swing here in Michigan. The house is very festive with the tree and wreaths up, a few outside lights and our holiday candles lit! (Thank you Candleberry Co) We’ve taken a few shopping trips out and about but also spent just some good family time including watching some of our favorite holiday shows. Rudolph, Raphie and his BB-gun and just a slew of good spirited content. Speaking of…
So go to Amazon or any of your favorite platforms or purchase a DVD and take a family watch. I would love to answer any questions you the fans might have. Let’s look at a TOP 10 from the past week developments.
- I had another great talk with the author of the book I’m translating into script format. A deep, insightful person and the script is now underway. I’m enjoying the story I cannot think of a better way to spend time while forced inside by the cold.
- Another film project that is looking to shoot in 2021 with lots of prep in 2020 is moving along. I’m excited about this project but until we are 100% green lit I’m going to just sit on those updates. I will say that it is another period piece:)
- I had meetings over another film that is developing nicely. It is tied into one of our past CDI projects. Some of the business is coming together and even some camera tests this weekend.
- Yet another film perhaps in development – a western perhaps. We did a script read this past week and it gave us a look on where the story needs to be tightened.
- I concluded some accounting/payout on a recent commercial project that we did and this week we’ll be dispersing $ to the investors on two of the CDI films. Also more revenue rolled in so we’ll just keep the train moving into the new year.
- I did some recording for an audio book by another author friend. It was the sections of the story that surrounded the Civil War. So fans of that time period might enjoy this when it is completed.
- I’ve been working on putting some promo materials together for a new management relationship I’ll be entering for 2020. It will cover acting, writing and some producing. I’m excited to be working with this new company.
- MBF just played in Kentucky and is part of the awards show tonight. Thank you to the Equus Film & Art Festival. Watch for a few more events in the new year!
- I’ve been doing some planning on a new biblical adventure trilogy and that is coming along strong.
- Also Wild Faith TV series ‘Hastings’ will be one of the projects being pitched around for 2020. How many out there would like to see a sequel or TV series?
LOST HEART – So I got to watch the first rough cut on the film. As the writer, I was again moved at hearing the words that started in the imagination. To meet the characters on-screen that were dreamt up and have them make you laugh or cry. The story WORKS! It more than works, it is truly worthy to be another step on the Tribe CDI climb. The actors are not just good, many are great. Our cast is just outstanding led by Melissa Anschutz. If you know her you know she takes no prisoners on-camera. This is her most powerful role and that says a lot. Victoria Jackson…all I can say is after this movie you better still take my calls:) Your phone is going to be ringing. Right story. Right words. Right actors. Between now and the end of the year Jesse our director is taking in our notes and will do the last fine tuning cut. This allows him to input his style into the transitions and to fit everything better with the envisioned soundtrack. I cannot say enough about Taylor, our young lead. She already is a star if you’ve heard her sing. I met her as an actress on ASHES OF EDEN (Take a watch on Amazon) first and saw her potential ability. Learning of her musical gift and knowing our story needs, her casting and this story met in a perfect place. You will see. And Ponceman…an awesome talent with an awesome last name – Perry. He has Down syndrome but is not defined by it. He allows himself to be an example and inspiration to others. I’ve seen first hand a child with Down Syndrome in Yuma, AZ amazed and satisfied that we were making a movie and someone like HIM, was the co-star. THE CHRIST SLAYER, part 3 of our trilogy. Part 1 Forty Nights, Part 2 Chasing the Star take a watch. If you haven’t watched you need to so you can see what I’m talking about. Anyway – (call with Jesse Low) Yes. Exciting times. So I’m trying to give a small snippet that reflects tone of our story to our distributor’s marketing team. We are in talks on a music video and we’ll be looking at a trailer for the new year.
I’m going to call it here. We might do something in the holiday spirit again today. Tomorrow will start a busy week with lots to do. I’m ready and excited to get after it all. Writing, distributing, developing and renewing friendships by the office fire over coffee, wine, whiskey or water. I’m grateful for all my family and friends and so reach out and add to your own. In the words of Lost Heart’s Hannah Sweet “Success doesn’t mean anything if you don’t have anyone to share it with.” What wise man wrote that;) Work hard but not to the demise of your foundation, your strength, your roots.
Note: I see lots of cool projects developing in Michigan and that is something. I’ve been Michigan since day 1 and I know the production wasteland from whence we came. I was just reminded that my first starring film IN THE WOODS is 20 years old. That classic put me on the world map and gave me a creative rope to climb. I don’t work ‘no pay’ these days but for those that need to showcase themselves, no pay’s serve a purpose. It surely will weed out the lazy. Knowing your own worth and being lazy could be two sides of the same coin/argument. If people are not biting and you need to be seen – a serious attitude and some dedication can open doors. Or you can spend that on Actors Access send outs. Just kidding AA.
My point is WOW, we have some great storytellers developing out there.
I’m looking forward to Tom Norton’s new film. That MASK project, Lance and team are doing, the hard work shows. Dan Falicki’s DWARFHAMMER film (I’ve loved his painted film style since the ‘cave dancers’ in another piece. NECROLAND had an epic amount of actors, action and extras. I see banter both ways about NO PAY projects and know YOUR WORTH. The fact is I could have held out for “my (perceived) worth on IN THE WOODS and might still to this day be waiting on that starring role. But what he offered was a showcase. As the star, I slept on the couch and catering coming into the apartment was my wake up call. Ultimately the charming film took more rocks than roses initially from critics. We showcased moments of potential excellence in a look, an effect, a mood – we grew by doing. Consistency comes with practice and honing the craft (usually hitting marks, finding lights, know the camera like an old college drinking buddy). If I was starting out as an actor in this Michigan climate, I would be very happy. Invest your time in four or five of these ‘no pay’ (which they do pay with opportunity) showing diverse sides of you. After perhaps consider a move into the competitive ‘Paid Only’ film circles.
So if the ‘No Pay’ part puts you off, triggers you – just walk away. It’s potentially someone else’s chance to shine. Sometimes a more casual, less stressful environment allows talent to gain confidence. That reminds me of another great example. A good buddy Johnny D has played smaller supporting roles in several CDI films. He recently got to star in CONFIDENCE OF A TALL MAN by Lansing filmmaker Michael McCallum. Johnny D was allowed to showcase a deeper range of emotion in a story that he connected with deeply and his confidence grew.
Additionally, some people are just NOT good at auditions and are so angry because their nerves get them disqualified from the bigger roles. Now on the other side – filmmaking is making your day and pressure is part of that, so you need players. I mean the basketball term of someone who will make the buzzer shot in pressure but not airball under stress. Be the ball Danny…nananan…
OK. I carried on a few but maybe a few nuggets of insight exist. Keep creating and growing.
DJ
