Loss, Gain and Everything In-Between – CDI Updates!
Good morning from an icy Michigan. I’m sipping on the hazelnut coffee and about to give you some of the updates. Let’s start first on the personal level. I want to send out healing wishes to CDI tribe member, actor and friend Greg Mason who had a heart attack. I spoke with him and he is doing better but has a road to recovery ahead of him. Also in your life you have women aside from your mother who are like a mother. I had three really, my real mom, my babysitter mom Marie DeFord and lastly spending three summer sin Denmark I had my Danish Mom Gerd. I won’t use her last name for respect to the family who might not want the attention as they mourn her loss. I was 16, 18 and 20 when I stayed with her and their family. It was when I played soccer overseas and was the assistant coach and the head coach. She and I would drink coffee and talk history of Denmark and places around the world. She really loved Egypt. We have stayed in touch over these last 35 years and I was shocked and saddened to hear that she passed recently. I know her large family is really feeling the loss. My heart and prayers of peace go out to them.
I’ve been nursing a head cold after not being sick for a long time. I think cold weather and long days filming finally got me. That said, I think I’m on the tail end of it today. I still allowed myself to do a lotta desk work. This week I will have more to organize but CDI has been very busy with the 3 films moving down the line. Let’s take a look shall we-
Harsens Island Revenge – This movie is truly so cool. The look, the story, the acting, the clothes and the music. The challenge is to find our place in the market being filled with schlock. We are looking at an extended roll out theatrical. The final tech touches were being done to the 4k master this weekend. Once we have that and a DCP can be created we’re looking to premiere first in Alpena. So all those folks in Alpena start your call-in campaign to the Sanctuary Cinema and ask for the film. The issue we face is good projection but small seating and they have to dance around the studio films. I had a good conversation with Dreamscape Prods who looks like we’ll partner with for the roll out. Once we have Alpena premiere done and the theatrical run underway we’ll move to Owosso, MI and the NCG theaters. From there Lansing and Grand Rapids, MI which will likely be Celebration Cinema. And Detroit, MI where we’ll explore Emagine and some of the chains there. I explored The Henry Ford Museum and I think the cost against us is too great. We need to start our recoup with theatrical not dig a hole. I need to get final confirmation this week but we’re talking about Oct. 1st (4th Q) release of DVD and buy/rent streaming in 2025. Prior to that it will be playing multiple cities across the country with this cool WW1 vs Purple Gang film based off Karl Manke’s book. It is coming and when it does it will be a wonderful thing. I think many 1920’s type parties are being planned around the premieres. We already have some event centers that wanna do dinner and viewings but that will run after the main theatrical run. Or at least towards the end after audiences have a chance to see it in the theaters which is best sound and picture. This film is beautiful and sounds great so we want that experience for our audiences first.
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – This film is the next adventure following WILD FAITH and we’re all so excited. Having big shoes to fill due to the popularity of the original I am thrilled to say that the sequel will live up to it. The magic is back from the original and introduces so grand new elements. Our director Shane Hagedorn has been working on the trailer and it is powerful! It has moved into sound design this weekend. I know some poster art is being discussed and with such fine elements/pictures from GW Burns the poster will be great! We are looking to lock the film end of the month and move it into sound design and music with Dennis Therrian. The plan is to release it into theaters Nov 1st and play it until Easter. After that we’ll let it rest during the summer as the home video marketing team prepares for 2026 Holiday push to DVD and streaming. It all has to follow a roll out plan. But I’m so excited about this film and I think all of you will be also. For the tens of millions of fans we are bringing you another adventure.
ROM COMS MUST DIE or is it ROMCOMS MUST DIE – Hmmm…. This film is a mash up of two popular genres that is currently the trend. Romantic comedies and mindless horror – but what we created was a dark and zany film that really has a lot to say about our industry. The plight of filmmakers, actors and the uphill battle to create art. Travis Hayward has directed his first feature film for CDI in association with McGraw Multimedia. We’ve already laughed and been thrilled by raw footage played on the HUGE LED wall. This film might be ready for a premiere this October 2025 with home video being May 2026. We will have fun with the marketing of this film. It was truly written out of frustration from distributors development meetings. We all felt as though we were creating something very special. It is being edited as we speak and I believe it will move quickly down the post line.
NEXT MOVES – Okay this is the 3rd time I’ve typed this and it has disappeared. I’m already having issues with pictures. But what I was saying was that we are going to work on trying to re-master the final three films in the CDI Classic Collection (From Venus, Heaven’s Neighbors, Figure in the Forest) * On DVD the later two can be found at the http://www.cdiproductions.com STORE.
- I’m exploring a new film transfer of WICKED SPRING for a new Blu Ray.
- The Ghost Town book will be next up with CDI Literary.
- I’m exploring a Blu Ray of The Quest Trilogy. Our three biblical adventures.
- Knight Chills is now streaming on Free4All, Xumo and more emerging – Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ognETSVqirEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ognETSVqirE
- An Ordinary Killer is now on ROKU and might look into this film and Ghost Town to Historyfix.
WRAP UP: I thought I might have one of several script writing options locked in but nothing yet. So I plan to finish the WILD FAITH Hastings shows. I might be taking on a script for McGraw Multimedia which will be another feature film working with them. We have a few other projects in funding development as we speak. I think we’ll get a few more shot this year to release next year.
I’m very pleased with how the year has started off and I’m going to remain focused and work hard. I’m looking forward to springtime so the garden can grow and soccer season will be here again. I shared some of the teas I grew and harvested this holiday season. We have enjoyed an on-going supply of eggs which is where I’m about to go now. Nature is the great energizer and balancer of the self.
I hope all of you continue to follow your dreams. It will be a very interesting year with all these stories coming to audiences worldwide. As some of the losses last year and this year have shown, life passes so live it. Enjoy it. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back. Learn from set backs and use that to build. I’m so appreciative that you all stop through to bask in these words. Don’t hate. Create.
Until next week my friends, coffee cheers!
DJ
Welcome to December- Keeping Momentum!
(The Christmas tree hunt was successful!)
I want to wish a good morning to all my friends around the world who stop on by each week to share in the artistic journey. I’m trying to update and enhance the machine that moves everything round and round. There are so many platforms and the nuances of each one. I don’t do Snapchat or TicTock and many others I’m sure. Facebook has been a good platform to land our different films. Everyone has a page where we post photos and release information. Do me a favor and seek out these films (Use http://www.imdb.com if you need to) and follow them. IF you have not seen the film please do as they were made for you to enjoy. If you enjoyed it please do invite your friends to follow. You can do 1000 invites on a page per day which means for many just a few days of invites. This is how we’ll reach more fans and friends which might be future fans. This is how sequels get made because of the popularity of a particular film. EXAMPLE: Wild Faith has been doing well and so it deserved a follow up sequel. If you want to see a sequel to Man’s Best Friend, Lost Heart or whichever is your favorite you need to help spread the word. I even have a RETURN TO ALGONA film idea about Edward’s return visit to Algona after the war. Watch SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA on select big screens playing in December in Iowa and the surrounding states. The grassroots way is the safest way versus large marketing campaigns that can bring success or large debt.
Releases and Re-Releases- As mentioned above our WW2 Holiday drama is returning to select theaters such as one night at the Boone Theater in Boone Iowa on Dec 16th. Fridley theater in Algona, Iowa is running the film Dec 6-12th. The film showing has been remastered and is worth watching on the big screen. For those unable or unwilling to drive to the theaters it can be watched on Amazon Prime. In a good surprise KNIGHT CHILLS will play five evenings at the Spectacle Theater in Brooklyn, NY on Monday Dec 2nd at 7:30pm, Dec 8th at 5pm, Dec 11th at 10pm, Dec 14th at midnight and Dec 17th at 10pm! http://www.spectacletheater.com for more info. I would love to see it on the big screen! It can be seen on Blu Ray from Saturn Core/Vinegar Syndrome and on 1/31/25 it will go streaming on FREE4ALL thanks to Deskpop Entertainment. Ammo Content out of NYC will be releasing AN ORDINARY KILLER on streaming December 15th!
(Going old school with Knight Chills and In the Woods)
MERCHANDISE – CDI Literary has launched with the KNIGHT CHILLS book on Amazon. The same arrangement with Katharsys Media has my first starring role with Jim Greulich available now IN THE WOODS with three books to accompany the new Blu Ray release. The novel, the making of and the prequel script if you dig sword and sorcery entitled panDEMONium. Plus the CDI EBAY store should be launching today if not within the next 48 hours. I have to check in and see if the Dec 1 launch is going live. For those who know him Big Bart will be supervising the CDI EBAY store.
DOUBLE BARREL – We have two CDI films in the immediate pipeline. One is preparing to release in Q1 2025. Harsens Island Revenge will have its producers review on the end of the week. The final touches are being done and so I’m looking to clink some glasses at the week’s end. From there we’ll put the theatrical deal together and look at a few festival showcases. This Karl Manke book translated so well to the screen. Action, romance and everything in-between. We’ve been in talks with Twin Engines over the home video. We’re looking to set up a series of premiere dates that kick off the theatrical with a certain chain of screens. We are also in talks with potential release sponsors to help this film reach is full potential. We released a spec promo video to thank Pepsi (Seek out the HIR Facebook page to watch it) and we’ll look to see how we can expand on that possibly with some TV play. I’m actively trying to get FORD on board as all the cars seen in the film are FORDS. It will be an exciting 2025.
(Pic by GW Burns from the set of WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – Follow us on Facebook)
The second barrel is the WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS that is now into editing. We’re 10+minutes into the film and I’m hearing great things. I’ll let us get 30+ into the edit before I go get a preview. Our goal is to have the film release into theaters on Nov 1st 2025 but that will require a quick edit and for us to move right along on post audio. I think we can do it with Shane Hagedorn at the helm. He does not let grass grow under his feet. I’m looking to have a teaser poster ready in early 2025. We have some amazing photo elements thanks to GW Burns.
KEEPING MOMENTUM– It is very tempting when everything is going good to take your foot off the gas and coast. This must be avoided. While I almost have all the clean up done on Wild Faith Christmas I still have December film disbursements, end-of-year taxes (personal and biz) and 2025 development. You cannot spend a lot of time basking in what you’ve did because there is always more to do. A few of the new developments required.
- As mentioned the CDI EBAY store and connect it to the CDI website.
- Update the CDI website with Harsens Island Revenge info/trailers/making of
- Start next book release for the literary deal which will be the Ghost Town book
- Casting is close to complete on the upcoming ROM COMS MUST DIE (Scheduling is next)
- Considering an Adam Towner edited CDI Highlights Reel for the new year!
- Looking at upcoming writing and development projects (currently finishing the Wild Faith Hastings show updates 4 of 8 done)
This list could go on and on but these are a few of the action items. The cold and the snow make it much easier to chain to the desk for script writing and proposals. I am happy to report that the Halloween/Fall stuff did come down and we have a very nice Christmas tree undecorated but in the house. I need to bring the snow shovels out of storage. We have not gotten the huge drop others have but we definitely have snow. I’m trying to get some of the Christmas shopping done and I’ve got a good start on it. Thanksgiving went smooth with us being able to just visit versus host. We have some foster kittens that have been making our upstairs a playground. And they’ve discovered the joy of plants and dirt. Muriel is the name I think we’ve settled on for the one really young kitten who will be joining Sybil as full-fledged members of the house. The chickens community center has been winterized with straw bales and we are still enjoying fresh eggs. Finn (Our youngest dog) has been nursing a toe injury and that has almost healed. I’m thankful he no longer has that cone on with the new tree in the house. He saw it as a battering ram. Anything in his way be damned!
(A pic from Thanksgiving at Pa Perry’s)
I just finished some 4H bacon, fresh eggs and some dry rye bread. Washed it all down with some great hazelnut coffee. Do you know all the attributes of hazelnut especially amongst the Celtic Druids. The nine hazelnut trees growing around a sacred pool. As the nuts fell into the pool and were eaten by salmon they absorbed the wisdom. There is lots of historical myths which I was introduced too this past week. They also protect against evil. If that is true I should be well protected. I love studying the properties of trees, plants, roots, seeds and berries. Take a read it might be something that interests you as well. I have to go get the wood stove ready to entertain company this eve and into the week. I ended the week with a great meeting with Adam Towner and Curran Jacobs. We drank the last of the Mexican style chili-beer. Now I might have to make the Irish style beer next. Always a good toast for the new year as people come to visit. I’m now going to wrap this up and get after some of those TO DO’s. Do the same with your list and get that early start on 2025. I’m happy the Detroit Lions pulled out a Thanksgiving win. I have numerous relatives now passed that waited for that day. Stay warm if you are reading from a cold region. Welcome to December my friends!
DJ
FREE4ALL, Mother’s Day, Roger Corman and NEW Project Development Updates!
Coffee Cheers! Welcome new readers from Saudi Arabia, Philippines, UK and more! I’ve said it before but I love how our readers are from all over the world. I want to start by saying Happy Mother’s Day! I don’t know if the entire world participates in this day but they should. Happy Mother’s Day to mine. She is getting over from a cold she caught in Las Vegas and so a raincheck on a grill out. I also wanted to recognize the loss of an icon filmmaker with the passing of Roger Corman at age 98. He helped launch so many careers and stories into the world. I aspire to be such a force for storytelling and giving people opportunities. Development is one of our main phases we are in right now. It is a tricky phase and the hardest part for many filmmakers. Financing is part of the phase but it is so much more. Incoming checks on the films are starting to arrive and once they are all here we process them through our internal accounting to payout to our investors. That is coming up in the next few weeks. The amount received is always an ebb and flow by time of year, holidays and movie watching trends.
When speaking on development we’ve got projects at four different budget levels. What effects the budget level is number of shoot days, number of actors, locations and travel/lodging considerations. We currently have some funds committed to our film budgeted at the 3rd level. This is due to actors and crew from different places who would be flown in and lodged. These costs with also catering are major costs to a production. Many smaller films shoot at locations where actors and crew can drive in and work and drive home. But getting all your cast and crew from the same small area is an issue at small budgets. We are going to keep pushing on our level 3 film but if the mountain is too steep we will look at one of 2-3 smaller scope projects. We are having some good ground work come together on Level 4 films or budgets quite a bit larger due to the scope. But those level 4 films are being planned for 2025.
(The DVD Double Feature from the CDI Classic Collection)
Additional development has been underway on a music video which I’m helping to produce and will shoot this week. We are also putting the ground work together on a series of documentary films. A good amount of energy has also been directed at the restoration, remastering and resetting of distribution on the CDI Classic Collection. KNIGHT CHILLS has new streaming poster and trailer work being done. FROM VENUS has new poster artwork being worked on. Restoration tests on HEAVENS NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST are underway. Both of these have issues in format or with the ‘film look’ that was all the rage in those early days of video filmmaking. AN ORDINARY KILLER is part of a fundraising campaign with The Red, White and Blue Project a non-profit for Veterans and their family members. A Remastered HD DVD Special Release is being done with Two Average Joes the powerful podcast that deals with true crime. GHOST TOWN, our smoky mountain western is being put back out into the marketplace this Summer! For fans of the now closed down theme park Ghost Town in the Sky this movie will be a treat. As you wait you can enjoy this new trailer cut for the new 2024 release! The film is an exciting story and we’re excited to bring it back out to you!
WATCH IT HERE: https://youtu.be/Z1eubAgHvOY?si=nTwcBSHJiUNBth-P
Speaking of cool promo videos- our distributor of many of the films TWIN ENGINES GLOBAL which is the home of Encourage TV for all your family films now has launched FREE4ALL/Deskpop if you enjoy the edgier films. Here is a promo for their new channel and BESTSELLER is right out front. Also BEST YEARS GONE can be watched free with ads. WATCH THE PROMO and subscribe to their channel!
WATCH HERE: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/tbA3t1Uu2rvaPYxd/?mibextid=WC7FNe
We are planning many new promotional events and interviews to get the word out on the films to new audiences. It is a year of streamlining and organizing that is needed every few years as we continue to grow. I have a great team around me and that is what makes it all possible.
Harsens Island Revenge – I’m happy to report that music is being composed and a new theatrical poster is being worked on. As if that wasn’t exciting enough we have the first official trailer preview being worked on also. GW Burns, our production designer did a great ‘Making of’ poster that showcases some exciting and dramatic moments. We will take a temp on our post process in July and try to set some premiere dates but we have to get closer. We have to be able to see the light at the end of the post production tunnel.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – Our true story WW2 drama boasted one of our largest theatricals and marketing campaigns to date. The home video flow is showing us that we’re making good strides. Mainly just off our DVD sales, we’ve paid off our marketing costs and will start directing returns back to our investors. From here on out we’re entitled to a greater return having allowed the marketing campaign. Those efforts are going to be reflected in the streaming and we hope foreign licensing. Starting next quarter we’ll start seeing the licensing returns from an on-going TV deal. As I said before, I was in hopes this TV licensing would be a lump sum payout but this deal will give a good payback floor every quarter for several quarters to come. Add on top the ongoing DVD, streaming and foreign and we think we’ve got a strong horse in the race. Now that the home video is launched we want to remaster the theatrical file for the 2024 Christmas season. A common question we get is – will CDI be filming again in Iowa? The answer is we are working towards that end with two projects in development there!
WRAP UP: This week will be the continued push to finish post work and the prep of past CDI films to reenter the market. Last week saw the great steps. It’s all one step at a time. I spent the weekend outlining a new script story that is based on one of our most popular films. I’m in the process of creating a few follow ups to some of the favorite CDI films. I’m in a good habit and flow of screenwriting and I want to keep at that while I do have the time. I love when I return to previously created worlds and working with now beloved characters. What CDI films would you love to see a second installment of? Speaking on that- I know for a while I was talking about the RE-RELEASE of IN THE WOODS, including the new director’s edit. I’ve been waiting for Terror Vision to release some info about it. But I did have conversations this past week with Mr. Drzick and the sequel script for IN THE WOODS 2 is underway.
CDI is also partnering with Mr. Drzick and his new company over the CDI literary properties. Next up will be the KNIGHT CHILLS script and making of and also the novelization. All this to go with the streaming release I’m targeting for this fall. We’ve agreed upon the deal and we’ll put pen to paper this coming week and get that part of CDI officially rolling. Several books and scripts will be releasing with great interviews from the artists who brought these films to life.
I’m going to wrap this up and go have myself a few eggs. I’m also going to hit the local flea market and see what treasures I might find. Last week I found two great old promo cards for the old King Kong and Bela Lugosi’s Dracula. I also recently got some studio promo stills from the old KUNG FU TV show which was/is one of my favorites. I love to find gifts and little treasures many that end up being props in films. I got the yard looking good after the major rains but it is growing daily so I’m working to keep up with it. I love all the plants growing and when not chained to the desk I love being out in nature. I’ll leave you with a beautiful pic from Dean Teaster‘s property of the Northern Lights.
Until next week be good to one another!
DJ
NEW Screenshots, Nominations and Film Updates!
(Screenshot From ‘Harsens Island Revenge’ each week our dir. will release 5 new captures)
A not quite yet ‘TOP OF THE MORNING’ on a cold St. Patrick’s Day. So many good memories of this day from my crazy youth. Early starts with the green pints, bagpipes and festive atmospheres at such haunts as the old Irish Pub! Patio toasts and corn beef and many adventures best left untold. My days of sloppy mugs of beer spilling everywhere might be behind me now but I still love the memories. Speaking of- I want to welcome new readers last week from around the globe. Croatia, India, UK, Netherlands, Chile, Bolivia, Bangladesh, Canada and good ole Ireland. That is one of my favorite parts of doing this blog is that it brings together artists from all over the world.
This past week was much better, still filled with challenges, but better. I was having a rough one the previous week when trying to put the pick up shoot in order. The main issues were the 4 hour + drive from mid Michigan to Alpena and getting all people that were going to be on the active base identified. Pulling the shoot back was like undoing some of the work already done only to rebuild it. But that turned out to be the right call. It can be hard when you have to look at all the pieces on the board and make the call. Leadership seems cool when it is a few letters on a business card or a smancy title but when you have to make the hard decisions- different story. I’m happy to say we know have all our skeleton crew in place and our talent for front of the camera. Pulling off even a scene of WW1 is challenging and we could have easily dropped it and the movie would still play great.
But our team is never one to shy from making it just a bit better. Think of the film WILD FAITH without the Civil War flashback footage. It could have just been audio over a distant stare but we went for the more epic scope. If you haven’t seen WILD FAITH please do and you’ll see what I mean. We have a busy week ahead but when I write you all next we’ll have our airplane close ups and our WW1 opening in the can. (Old film saying) I want to thank our friends from PEPSI for again joining us on set and to our friends at TRU-HILTON coming on board to assist our out-of-town guests. Monday I’ll be picking up our lead David Reardon’s uniform and thanks to Tony Hornus and his hard work we’ll have our Germans. Tanks, Planes, and Soldiers coming at you. We’ll also be working with Dennis Therrian our composer/sound designer to get our narration voice over.
While mentioning Dennis Therrian, I want to gives a kudos to him for his ICFF Nomination for Best Music Score in a feature film (SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA). Also nominated was Cassie Dean for Best Leading Actress and Shane Hagedorn for Best Supporting Actor.
Additionally, Curran Jacobs our SNIA lead will be in Algona, Iowa to attend a meet-and-greet open house Sunday March 24th from 2-4 at the Ranger Station on the Tietz property. Curran has been developing the GOTCH script with myself, Mike Chapman (Historian) and CDI. The film will be a biopic on Frank Gotch, the Iowa Catch-Can world champion at the turn of the century. What is Catch-Can? Watch our FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH documentary and it will get you up to speed. Also we’ve been developing a film about the last conflict of the Iowa pioneers and the Lakota Sioux entitled SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE. So in the coming years we could very well be returning to Iowa to tell a few great stories.
RETRO-
I’ve been also organizing the business behind a few of the older CDI films. Example- like when a distributor’s term on a film has expired but they are still selling it. That means reaching out with copyright, chain of titles and the distribution agreement to either A) Cease sales or B) Redirect the profits. Other projects need to be updated to a HD version or conversion to theatrical files for those we want to return to theaters for a special run. I want the new HD streaming version of KNIGHT CHILLS to start releasing around Halloween. Working on the FROM VENUS Blu Ray deal. Essentially the entire CDI Classic Collection which includes the first six CDI Films. One day maybe an entire box set. To go along with some of the new releases we will have new promotional trailers. We have them in the works for Ghost Town, An Ordinary Killer and soon Knight Chills. Maybe some new artwork and prepare to introduce these films to a new audience. AN ORDINARY KILLER is based on a real killer and he happens to be the subject of a very interesting podcast called TWO AVERAGE JOES. This 2nd episode features an interview with a survivor of the killer featured in our film. Chilling and truly fascinating to listen to and watch. WATCH HERE: https://twoaveragejoes.com/podcast/two-average-joes-a-true-survivor-story/
IN THE WOODS, my 1st starring role was in this creature feature and the distributor should be announcing some release dates soon for the supreme Blu Ray. I hear the artwork is just awesome and I know a special poster for the theatrical is also being worked on. I will look forward to celebrating the release of this film 25 years ago.
MORE RETRO: My endeavors to bring some of the literary swag to you is progressing nicely. Scripts, ‘making of’s’ and novelizations are being slowly pulled together. I WILL have a few of the soundtracks put to LP record and now with the films on back up it will become easier to do.
FLASH FORWARD- We’re excited that our distributor TWIN ENGINES GLOBAL has launched a new streaming service for non-family/faith films FREE4ALL and movies like BEST YEARS GONE are now being seen by the tens of thousands and building. BESTSELLER a great thriller from Chris Wright has been gaining traction and we’re happy this platform is starting to provide just as ENCOURAGE TV has for our family/faith titles. Speaking of- get your family together this week or organize that watch party and once again journey into the desert with THE QUEST TRILOGY. Part 1 FORTY NIGHTS, Part 2 CHASING THE STAR and Part 3 THE CHRIST SLAYER.
(Melissa Anschutz as Mother Mary in The Quest Trilogy)
MICHIGAN ACTIVE DEVELOPMENT–
I’m also putting the final touches on a uniquely wild script that is all set in the Victorian era with a good dash of spooky steampunk. I have a few other scripts I would love to finish but this one appears to have it’s financing in place. HOT ROD LOVE is bringing on investors and sponsors weekly and once we are done with our HIR pick up shots we’ll go location scout the race track with have in our sights. We’ll be reaching out towards many more folks while making a big push in April to finish our funding and stay on track for a Summer shoot.
WRAP UP:
Corn beef and cabbage is cooking and this past week I also got the chainsaw and axes out and refilled all the wood bins. I still need to move all the oak logs out back to dry for another season before it gets processed into more burnable pieces. I’ll be doing more yard clean up and getting ready for a wonderful season of growing. We are all in hopes that things don’t bud too soon like the apple trees. Opening on our unusually warm days and after trying to survive a cold snap. Soon I’ll be planting new clover. The chickens are kicking the eggs out again. Some of the herbs are growing again already. Little flowers popping here and there. I also saw a robin bathing in the birdbath and I’m very ready for soccer and flea markets to start up. I got a new Spring hair shape getting my long 1920’s bangs out of my face and ready for a few new headshot pics. I hope you all have a productive week and know that life is all about challenges. I’m going to try and approach each one with positive optimism, a chance to learn and grow. I think it is time for a coffee refill and maybe some oatmeal or eggs, maybe both. Have a great Sunday and productive week ahead!
Be good to one another.
DJ
Producing is NEVER Easy, Acting UPDATES and COMMUNICATION as a KEY
(Just some of the CDI Tribe working on Harsens Island Revenge)
Good morning my friends. I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee and getting a later start due to ‘springing forward’ here in the USA. I’m not sure if they do that everywhere but some like it and others do not. I’m pretty indifferent to it all. I was pretty exhausted at the end of my week from grinding the mental gears. I think the added cold front coming in gave my sinuses a bit of a run but hot tea kept all that at a minimum. Many times you get only the highlights in my blog that show the final outcome. Meaning we did this or that but you don’t always get the in-between or the struggle to get that particular thing done. I’ve been grinding my gears trying to align many things for what we be an added 10-20 seconds in one scene that includes close ups in a period bi-plane with a beautiful wood cockpit that may or may not play on camera. As our Harsens Island Revenge script is written there is a WW1 opening to show Frankie’s (Our lead character) role in WW1 and how it shaped him. A 2-3 min sequence that also makes a statement about war and that war in particular.
(Again just some of CDI Tribe working towards the ‘Silent Night in Algona’ release)
To have the luxury to kill from afar keeps ones morality at a distance but having to kill up close is a different matter. Much like the dark ages where men killed each other up close with arrow, sword, axes and spears the dreaded WW1 was one that still used horses being fazed out by tanks slowly. Also many battles ended in sewage-filled trenches fighting with bayonets and trench knives. That is the horror that sticks with many of those soldiers. To be that close and see the immediate results of ones actions whereas you see the enemies lights go out. I think as they die a piece of the killer dies. A connection of sorts. I’ve been working for weeks to try and first get the location set up and the particulars around it. Add the players which have been hard to get. Not the leads but the ever-important extras who need to be equipped properly. WW1 has been the hardest to find on a budget, all the time periods to date. The best thing which we’ve done in the past is to hire passionate folks who reenact and put together their own kit. Our luck on that and the communication with those connected has been difficult. Add that we are up against a ticking clock to use the military base we had chosen. Why? Ten days prior all members have to be cleared and we are down to days to submit info on folks we have yet to find. Finding the folks alone isn’t hard but having them period dressed and equipped is and so this week we’ll decide if 1) We keep our shoot at the Alpena base 2) We reset the shoot elsewhere likely closer to mid MI giving us an extra week to find the gear and extras. 3) Kill the opening or strip it down to our just lead in WW1 having a slew of fast memories that brings us to the present 1920’s.
(On Set- Harsens Island Revenge)
It can truly be insanity at times and even with the best planning things fall apart or change. And this is all being done on a very tight remaining budget that is precious money that could be used to help launch the theatrical run after the film is complete. Now the film as it starts now is great and kicks off with some action so maybe we are good. Our composer at the first watch loves how it opens. AND we are trying to trim runtime but our proposed efforts is adding runtime. I think you are all getting the gist from my little peek into everything that goes into producing up this films. This is 3+minutes and we produced up 2hrs+ already. So when you see a bullet point of mine on here every week please do not assume any of it was easy. It is not. It gets done because of the talented people involved. People who care about the story. I don’t like to lose and I had to realize that we are in a WIN/WIN situation because the film is already great. We are trying to add sprinkles onto the top. The cake is going to taste great sprinkles or no sprinkles. And the audience will never know that sprinkles were an option.
(Boats that are 100 years old now)
After 2 hours+ of grinding my gears yesterday on something that wasn’t going to reveal itself, I had to just let go awhile. Maybe it is what makes me good at what I do? But yesterday I had to go and just organize in the office for a couple hours. I’ve got many things in motion for the CDI company and the more organized I am the more gets accomplished. Some music. Some organizing. Some chill tea and I regained my balance. Today I have a few conversations and by Weds of this week we’ll know if we are Alpena bound or if we are taking another direction.
(100 year old+ Planes)
Every direction has pros and cons usually ties to money. But in life just like filmmaking people can get frustrated when things you thought were taken care of, tied up, crossed off – start to unravel or come back at you. When you have to readdress something again in the present it takes from your future. Planning and development stop when you have to fix a crack in the foundation. So this 2-3 minutes has been very trying. It can be made harder but lack of communication. I swear we live in an age with more communication and we have become worse at communicating. People put boundaries on their times they work but that is not what we as successful filmmakers do. Now granted not everything is always as time sensitive as I sometimes feel it is but just knowing that it is on someones radar is satisfying. Message received. 10-4. On my list. I don’t like when people don’t acknowledge receipt of a communication. Even if busy. Let someone know because we live in a world of messages going into SPAM etc… COMMUNICATION. I just finished a great series THE BEAR about running a restaurant and it is all communication. “Yes chef” “Behind you Chef” “Corner” – and in soccer the team that communicates is the team that wins. A team with less talented players who communicate better can beat a team with more talented players if they win the communication game. “You have support” “Square” “Give and go” “Keeper’s ball“….My rant is just because I felt the endeavor unraveling despite hard work. In a project even asking “What can I do?” “What still needs to be done?” these things lead to success. And you have to always keep striving to improve.
(On set Harsens Island Revenge)
ANOTHER SIDE-the ACTOR
So above really is about producing up a film or in the case above just a few pick-up pieces. Actors who only act don’t often concern themselves with all that goes on behind the scenes. I can recall working years ago on one of our westerns in NC and while battling with catering and SAG I’m getting calls about an actor friend not liking their boots. Actors tend to just be concerned with their little focus but producing introduces you to the wide world of what it takes to put on a show. Even crew members only see the presentation and as I’ve said before, it is near impossible to pitch a perfect day. You hope the 95% right buys you grace for the 5% that goes wrong. Thousands of things that go right in a day due to the hard work of a few but cries of anguish if catering does a subpar job on vegan side meal or someones magnetic key deactivates on their hotel room. We take accountability but third party and a tech malfuntion should be covered by earned grace. Those incapable of grace are removed on future projects for their own good. Film shoots are more closely related to war versus vacation even when the places we shoot are beautiful.
(Old Men soccer champions)
So on the actor front my new agent sent me an audition for a pilot TV series. I’m use to reading a full script to absorb the character and roll but this is a few sides. I had this talk out in LA with friends who work often out there. I asked it they request or direct their agent towards shows they like? They said they pretty much read everything so their agent doesn’t drop them. I questioned what if you don’t like the show? The story? The Script? Doesn’t matter apparently to many. I wanted to do this read since it was the first thing my new agent sent over. Also I was going to be forced to do an upload and use the actor’s access portal. A good test. I did my read and damn, pretty good. I guess it should be after all these years. I was successful in my upload. I did get a few good notes on how I could subjectively improve the eye line and questioned would a tripod be better. See how the hee-haw that actors go through is the stressful time consuming parts. Second guessing and stressing and I don’t participate in that. I politely declined and said that what I presented I was comfortable with and if the production quality was not up to par I was find with it not being sent forward. The read was actual well liked and sent forward but after I felt a strange feeling likely opposite other actors. SHIT what if I actually get the role. Will I like the script? What if it does get picked up? I have a film lining up this summer that I know the script is good and the role is great. I have soccer season ahead and I’m looking forward to that. I would have to move a dental cleaning off the pilot shoot. WHOA partner:)
(Acting is still my top passion)
I wanted to start looking at some outside projects but I’ve avoided series in the past. WILD FAITH TV series would be different but maybe even after a season I might not enjoy that. I like finishing something. WRAP always makes me feel accomplished. Well, I just figure I will play the hand. Realistically I might not get the role as they’re many great actors and what folks like is subjective. If I do the pilot it still has to be picked up. This is just a few funny thoughts in my head. I enjoyed the practice of the read and technical upload but not knowing the full script/scope/creative team behind it is another place for me. I do believe just like all my outside projects that I will do what projects I’m meant to do. KARMA in India is where I met Carl Weyant, who just directed Harsens Island Revenge. Eric Colley and Hallie Shepherd and Paul Proios on G.P.S. (Watch on TUBI). So I’m going to just stay open to what is meant to be. I’m just staying good and busy but when away as an actor it is much easier and I’m still able to do producer/writer work.
(BEST YEARS GONE DVD Wrap)
Speaking of writing I saw that Benedict Fitzgerald writer of The Passion of the Christ passed away. I almost had an opportunity to work with him thanks to a friend Isabella Hirt but I was busy with BEST YEARS GONE. Which I’m happy to report can now be seen free with ads on Youtube’s FREE4ALL which is Twin Engine Global‘s new streaming service for non-family and faith films which is Encourage TV. Staying with the topic of writing I’ve been enjoying doing the polish on a script looking to film next winter. I think the funding is there and it is very unique but will be a lotta fun. It is a period piece and will be a lot of fun for all the actors. My second pass is working the descriptions and dialogs for pacing, flow and proper language. I had some talks this past week again about literary representation having had many produced screenplays now doing quite well in the marketplace. We will see said the wise man.
(A published un-produced script of mine on Amazon)
The literary side is developing nicely with several of the CDI projects publishing script and making of books and novels where it applies. I’ve been discussing the deal and discovering extra pieces and pictures to make these releases special. With the backup RAID now functioning we will be able to move into more theatrical and perhaps soundtracks. I will be looking for the right person to run the CDI merchandise site on commission.
(The actual 1920’s not an easy thing to recreate)
To tie into the above and circle back to Harsens Island Revenge – the making of by Adam Towner is looking great. We got a peek when watching the first cut of Harsens Island Revenge which was just amazing. Boats, planes, cars and buildings all helped to create the 1920’s. The world was brought to life by our artists on both sides of the camera. The performances all around are so strong with our young leads David Reardon and Cassie Dean doing such a wonderful job. It reminded me of some of the epic films of days past but with a modern capture bringing the world out of black and white and into full color.
(Silent Night in Algona – watch it if you have not)
This has all been good for me to just let some of this flow out and put order to my pick up shoot options. I have a few phone calls to make to discuss these options. It will all work out as we have some of the best artists within our creative tribe. I will go boldly into the new week and just deal with the cards we are dealt. I want to end by sending the CDI thoughts out to Anthony Hornus and family who lost his mom this past week after a long illness. For many of us our parents are a strong support system. Last time I spoke with her was at the SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA Owosso, MI premiere and she was very proud of her son. We are all proud of Tony too and I’m deeply sorry for his loss. He will always have his TribeCDI with him. I hope everyone has a productive week. Until next time- coffee cheers!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 