Using the 10% Success to Create Momentum
(2025 is underway and CDI is preparing to shoot our first feature of the new year)
Hazelnut coffee cheers on a beautiful white snowy Sunday. The air is bitter and crisp as we venture into our new year. I’ve been moving things right along in with end-of-the year things I’ve got to do. Business tax wise I just have a few things to get over to the accountants. I have yet to tally the data for my own personal taxes. I use to dread or at least look upon these tasks semi-negatively but have adjusted that to just be a thing. Just another TO DO that has to be checked off to keep everything moving. I thanked the great team I have around me last week. That makes it easier and enjoyable. I’m really appreciative of the relationships I have with people.
(Pre-production during a MI snowstorm)
Before we get to deep on the exciting developments I do want to say how heavy my heart has been watching these LA fires. I’ve spent lots of time there in my early years of getting established. We use to take 2-3 week-long business trips out there to set up distribution, launch projects and network. I’m not a big city person but always preferred LA over NYC. I’m not a person who likes crowds. You won’t find me at too many giant concerts, festivals or sporting events. I don’t like traffic which exists in all big cities. I do like the dry heat versus humid heat. But I did/do enjoy my visits to LA. Mainly because of the friends and the long tradition of our film business there. I have been concerned for many years about their increasing wildfire breakouts and decreasing water supplies/levels. It’s just hard to watch people who have lost everything. What do you grab or take in such an emergency. The landscape of LA/Hollywood will be forever changed. How it will effect the movie business I do not know. But many in that industry will be focused on rebuilding their lives. Again my sincere thoughts are with all the people there. The air, water and more now toxic- and their hearts heavy with loss.
(Adam Towner enjoying the synergy)
Longtime labeled the “backwoods’ here in Michigan when it comes to our industry. But I can say for many years that this has been the foundation to build upon not a temporary stepping stone. I don’t and haven’t ever been one who longed for a Beverly Hills address or to work tethered to the west coast studios. I’ve been creating, growing and enjoying the artists I’ve been blessed to work with. 2024 was a great year of doing and prepping and now 2025 will see the manifestation of many of these projects. Other new endeavors will begin to flourish in 2026. This past year saw some of the older films remastered and brought to market. Book division launched. New merchandise store launched. We will continue to grow these fun extra divisions also. Let’s look at some of the exciting things coming.
- Harsens Island Revenge – as with any of the films where we build a “world” or in this case a time period. We’ve combed through to fix anything that is out of that time period. Like any of the films produced by us or others you can and will find misses. Like we say, if you are just looking for misses and not engaged in the characters and stories we did not do our job with you. But for some that is something they like to look for usually after the 1st watch. Our film is done. We found in the last proof a pair of glitches and a pair of format issues with end credits. That is fixed. We found a few out of period, hard to notice “misses”. We fixed what was fixable without adding great expense of time and/or money. Most will never see anything since movie making is like the magician, a master of misdirection. But there might be 1-2 “time travelers” or there might not be. Maybe I just want to encourage you to watch the film several times. WHAT IS NEXT? Our theatrical rep and our home video distributor have had the screening review link. We’ll circle back this week and look to put pen to paper on our deals. Once that is locked we’ll set of premieres because in most cases we want to premiere to be the launch of a theatrical run. The questions are a platform (all same release date) or a roll out (different release dates) and do we push for one weekend or week only to create urgency or allow the film to play in a territory as long as it will justify screening. We’ll also look at a small group of festival showings which we will coordinate with our director. I know many are eager to see the film and trust me when I say we are eager to show it. We just have to follow an order of business but the film is exciting and it is coming! We just wanted the best product possible!
- Talking about releases we have a tight post schedule if we want to get WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS onto movie screens Nov 1st, 2025. I’m proud to report that our director Shane Hagedorn has only 4 scenes left to edit. That was as of yesterday and so even as I type that number may be less. Shane has an awesome level of discipline and has been getting up early 5am almost daily to edit for a few hours. That got us here as quickly as it has. Once the 1st cut is done he’ll work a second pass polishing and working on transitions. A good secret to a smooth flowing film is to pay attention to transitions as a writer, while filming and in editing. It can be with visuals or dialog. EXAMPLE: A teapot blowing steam transitions to plumes of smoke billowing from a train engines smoke stack. Transitions can make a film stronger.
- As of Friday our next film ROM COMS MUST DIE passed the point of no return. All paperwork signed and all funds collected. The account will be opened on Monday and that will also be the day our final schedule and agreements will start to get sent around to cast and crew. This is going to be the first feature length film directed by our friend Travis Hayward. Travis started his journey sometime around FORTY NIGHTS, the first in our biblical trilogy filmed in Yuma, AZ. He was the 2nd AC and I recall him struggling a bit from his sinus allergies and working into a full size crew. The first DP gig was when I put him on a concept film WASTELAND we shot in The Valley of Fire, outside Las Vegas. As he worked his way into performing as a director of photography on several CDI projects he was also directing short format projects. The first for us was the OFF TO THE RACES music video for the winner of the Battle of the Band (Vertical Bridge) for BEST YEARS GONE motion picture. Now reunited with CDI’s John McGraw who will take on the DP/editor duties on RCMD, Travis will sit in the director’s chair and we’re all very proud of Travis and his journey. Cameras roll towards the end of the month. It is also our first test of partnering with McGraw Multimedia shooting some of the film on location and some in-studio. LIGHTS. CAMERA. ACTION!
- Talking of early CDI beginnings, the first feature film we did was KNIGHT CHILLS. Shot in 1998 it was a beta cam film about folks playing a Dungeons and Dragons like game. The 25th anniversary Blu Ray was released and can be bought full of extras. But for the 1st time ever the film will be streaming as of 1/31/2025. The film was remastered and remixed and we even just re-released the book on Amazon. If you want to see the humble beginnings of CDI we encourage you to take a look.
- Two of CDI’s past films DEAN TEASTER’S GHOST TOWN and AN ORDINARY KILLER (AOK) can be watched streaming now thanks to Ammo Content. The 1st being our Smoky Mountain western available on Tubi and other platforms. The GHOST TOWN IN THE SKY theme park DVD can be purchased at the EBAY STORE website on the http://www.cdiproductions.com website. AOK is on The Roku Channel and will expand to more in time. That film was remastered to help The Red White and Blue Project, a non-profit that benefits veterans and their families.
- Following this trend we are going to have our friends at McGraw Multimedia see what they can do to help in the restoration of the remaining CDI Classic Collection. Those remaining three being FROM VENUS, HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST. These three films were directed by CDI partner Jeff Kennedy. The last two can be purchased as a double feature DVD at the CDI store mentioned above. All three need to have work done to counteract the film look filter from all those years ago before they are uprezed. Fingers crossed and we might have these three back into marketed enhanced by year’s end.
- We have two films in active development to possibly shoot if we can get all the funding pieces in play. One is A CHRISTMAS SEANCE and the other the biopic on turn of the century Catch-Can wrestling champion GOTCH. We have also had some discussions on HOT ROD LOVE, our 70’s racing film that we had some traction but not enough. It happens. A film will often launch when the time is right. I have just two more WILD FAITH HASTINGS TV shows to adapt over to taking place after our sequel film. I think once the promo starts heating up on that film we’ll make a go at launching the TV series to film ideally in 2026.
(Travis Hayward has climbed the CDI ladder and is about to direct his first feature film)
WRAP UP: I’m going to wrap this up as my coffee cup is getting low. I’m going to go prepare some eggs for breakfast. I’m happy to say our hens have been producing well. I’m looking to have a strong kick off to the week. As noted opening our account on the new film with some rehearsal work to follow. We’ve been gathering up props which is always fun. I don’t know what else to add except maybe review those 2025 goals again. You made your list if you followed my instructions a few blogs ago. Start to look at a plan or a series of short goals to get you to your larger goals. Everything starts by taking steps. I conversation from this week just came to me.
(Some of the prep team for the next CDI feature in association with McGraw Multimedia)
Stay focused. Have patience. And again keep hitting those small goals. Stop looking for quick short cuts. Focus on the small wins as they all add up. Pretty soon you look back and see your half way there. Don’t quit. Don’t get impatient with progress going slower than YOU wanted it to. STAY THE COURSE. Persistence is a quality that gets many things accomplished. The field of dreams gets smaller as people get discouraged and give up. I’ve said it before, much of what I’ve done has been built off 90% rejection and 10% success. The key is perspective of looking at the forward movement/momentum. Shane Hagedorn sent something to me this week that again reinforced these values. If you dwell on the rejection your momentum slows and may stop. Stay excited by the 10% success and that % may increase or accumulate at least. Another saying that has been in our industry a long time was “if it was easy, everyone would do it”. I’m here to tell you it is never easy. Being that it is the arts it is actually harder. But the reward is so much sweeter. The friendships. The journey. The long fasting fruits of the labor. It is not for everyone but if you have no choice, start leaning into that 10% success and build. Coffee’s gone. Meeting over. Until next week my friends!
Keep on keeping on.
DJ
October in Full Effect! CDI Updates 2024
Coffee cheers from a cool damp Michigan. Welcome new readers from Portugal and Romania and more. October has been beautiful but a bit dry. I haven’t had to mow in quite some time which is fine. I’ve harvested most of the herbs and I’ve been cutting wood getting ready for the coming cold. I might even polish up the stove and have a first fire tonight. The new younger chickens have been accepted into the big coop and so that is a positive. The older girls are molting and slowing on their egg laying. But the young ones might be getting ready to start. I’m looking forward to steak (venison) and eggs after I finish this. Also we have two more local flea markets one this morning ands one next week. Just in time before we travel up North for our WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS prep. My beard I’ve got to bring ole Ben Lily back to the screen has me wearing a bit of every meal. But I’m feeling ready to ride. I found the last few prop pieces for ‘Ben’ and so that should be good to go.
Staying on topic with WFXmas we’ve been having some great meetings. I’ve got all but one of the investor checks deposited and just a few more sponsors to collect on. The charge on sponsors is being led by PEPSI and had a great meeting with our rep there. I’m awaiting thermal mugs from our friends at the Michigan Community College Association. We have a few more great sponsors to speak with. We are enjoying the partnerships on production sponsors and are starting to explore release sponsors which is for our theatrical runs. If you want to align your company with WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS about to go into production or Harsens Island Revenge about to release in 1st Q 2025 please get in touch!
Harsens Island Revenge team was working to have a special pre-release screening on November 1st in Alpena, MI but to do so would disrupt on final post flow. Additionally the film would not be our final best film but a rushed version. Rush means mistakes and rush would have meant incomplete. We are still going to do a great premiere in Alpena, Owosso, Lansing and likely Detroit and Grand Rapids. We are in discussions over the theatrical and I have some paperwork to review this week. More on this amazing story very soon! If you cannot wait search up the title online and buy the book!
KNIGHT CHILLS – CDI’s first feature film from the late 90’s has now been delivered for streaming. I’ll be awaiting a release date but I also got some great news about a December theatrical play in Brooklyn, NY. More on that deal as I receive it. AN ORDINARY KILLER is still on track for a December 15th streaming and the HD DVD is also coming soon! I’m also excited for the special podcast that features the film coming from TWO AVERAGE JOES MEDIA. Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town smoky mountain western is streaming and the special edition DVD from the Ghost Town in the Sky theme park will be available soon. All CDI merchandise will be charity driven with a % of the revenue going to military veterans and/or animals. We will even have some movie props and wardrobe that people can bid or purchase. More on all that soon!
We are enjoying rounding the corner into the last Q of 2024. It has been a productive year and we are looking forward to 2025. Nov/Dec will be some prep for ROM COMS MUST DIE the feature film debut of Travis Hayward with CDI. We are exploring a few theatrical plays of SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA for the holidays. This movie continues to play on TV and available to rent/buy digital or DVD. Next year it will move to ad-based free with ads. We are also starting to push some of the other Fall/holiday titles like THE QUEST TRILOGY. Part 1 FORTY NIGHTS surpassed 2.5 million views on Encourage TV. If you have not watched these three films give them a go. I promise they are not your typical biblical adventures but have a unique perspective to each of them. There is a good change of a few more of those type films making it on our production slate.
BREAKFAST BREAK and WRAP UP!
I have to note I took a break during that last paragraph and ate my eggs and venison steak – so good. The key to venison is prep. Our fresh eggs are also splendid but there is a lot of work involved with chickens. This week will include insurance, communication devices, prop gun pick up, more craft service goods, hard drives and starting to pack personal stuff to be gone 3 weeks. I’ve already been swapping out my warm weather for cold weather clothes and gear.
I’m going to go get dressed and go walk around this flea market. See if any last minute props or wardrobe stuff jumps out at me. I found a great period derby hat that might end up on our antagonist. I hope you all are enjoying the turn of season as we enter that darker phase. As noted earlier I think I’m going to polish up the wood stove and get that ready for a first fire of the season. I’ve had several outdoor fires but there is something about crackling wood in an old stove.
Until we chat again next week have a productive week and be kind to one another.
DJ
CDI Film Updates and Looking Ahead to 2025!
(Composer Dennis Therrian and Director Carl Weyant working on ‘Harsens’)
Good morning friends! I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee and listening to the birds while watching squirrels busily working for the winter ahead. I want to welcome all the new readers from Mexico, New Zealand, Sweden and more. I’ve had a very busy week getting things ready for the upcoming Harsens Island Revenge release and the Wild Faith Christmas shoot. Dennis Therrian our composer and post supervisor has been busy finishing the Harsens Island Revenge score. Directed Carl Weyant (happy Birthday yesterday) has been prepping everything else to go into the film such as the stock footage, VFX and color correction. This week is when we start to pull it all together. We producers have been working the end credits getting those around. It will be a wonderful thing to see this story all together on the big screen. The end is always trying as you pull everything together. We are close, very close.
(In studio as we locked picture now we are close to a final locked movie)
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – We are fully cast, crewed and locations locked. We’re still putting a few pieces in play but departments are up and prepping to the shoot in a few short weeks. Insurance will be going up soon and we’ll be getting communications and lodging set. Last week I had the wardrobe items stored at the office picked up. Also the hospitality and health (craft services) items were picked up. Great meetings with some of the companies aligning with us via sponsorship or product partnership. Reinert Pottery will be supplying some of the on-camera items. Anchor Construction Corporation came on board. Welcome! We have a few flights to manage and also we have a trip to NC to pick up props and art director Robert Bradley that just got a LOT more complicated. All part of the process but I’ve also been enjoying getting into the ‘Ben Lily’ mindset. My tops of my toes are raw and sore due to my first multiple hours wearing my trapper boots. I’ll have 10 days of several hours in them so I’m trying to condition my feet now.
Re-Releases-
KNIGHT CHILLS deliverables to Twin Engines Global/Deskpop is almost complete. I just need to digitize some paperwork this week and upload that. But the film, trailers and artwork should all be there. We have been posting some great new screen captures to the FB site. AN ORDINARY KILLER will release soon on HD DVD and streaming in December. People are enjoying DEAN TEASTER’S GHOST TOWN and the special edition park DVD will be available soon.
(2.5 million plus views on Encourage TV)
The season for SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA and THE QUEST TRILOGY is right around the corner. I’m happy to announce that on ENCOURAGE TV the first of the biblical trilogy FORTY NIGHTS just went past 2.5 million views! Make watching these feel good classics part of your yearly family tradition.
BEST YEARS GONE, LOST HEART and the original WILD FAITH are good Fall classics to watch! I’ve enjoyed some of the communications from fans of these films. I will also add BESTSELLER on the list if you like R rated scare-fests. Again I’ve been so enjoying the season as the leaves are turning and I’ve even enjoyed a few bonfires. I’ve even allowed my thoughts to start to dance around Christmas just a bit.
Looking Forward to 2025
Once we get WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS in the can (Old term from days of shooting on film) – we’ll turn our attention on ROM COMS MUST DIE a fun feature film we’ll do with Travis Hayward at the helm directing. I will be working on updating the WILD FAITH: HASTINGS TV series to happen after the 2nd film. I’m working on show 4 of 8 right now. I also will be finishing a few scripts over the winter and still trying to land another project that would be both the script and production. Once Harsens Island Revenge is locked I’ll have more talks with director Carl Weyant about development. I have a good project in mind for him that might be a good fit. Looking at maybe developing something with Ian Griffin. I’m excited to see where 2025 will lead the tribe.
(Dane DeFord and Robert Bradley in Maggie valley, NC)
WRAP UP-
I’m about to go look into some eggs and bacon before doing some more yard work. I think inside the Fall stuff might come out. Tomorrow I’ll be pulling prop weapons to be handed off to our armorer Bart Ketner for the upcoming shoot. This week I’ll be tying up many of the loose ends and taking us closer to our end of the month move to Alpena.
My thoughts are still with all the good people trying to rebalance their lives after the storms. And I am concerned a tad hearing about two more storms moving towards the coast. I feel bad for the displaced, the dead and the pets too which are in over-crowded shelters.
I hope you all have a peaceful Sunday and allow yourself a recharge. I’m looking forward to seeing my brother and a few friends later in the day. I’ll be back at the business bright and early in the morning. I’m at the end of the coffee pot so that is where I’ll end this. Be kind to one another even if the world politics has you with differing opinions. I’ll be ready for that to all be done and over with.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Powerful Posters, ‘Harsens’ Post-Production and Premiere Info and ‘Wild Faith Christmas’ Pre-Production Updates
A light rain and cool breeze is welcome versus the horrible storms they’ve got down south from the hurricane. I checked in with many of my friends and some like my cousin outside Tampa, FL had nothing but wind. Others like Robert Bradley in Maggie Valley, NC are good but their town and region is not. Highways washed out and roads impassable. The main drag of Maggie Valley is flooded out. Just sad that so many are facing the hardships they are. Knock on wood- but we’ve been lucky being on a high hill and our property is sandy and absorbs water quickly. My thoughts and prayers with all those suffering in the aftermath.
I want to welcome out new readers from France, Netherlands and more. I really love the global artists circle we have. I had several folks comment and we’ve had lots of new subscriptions which is great. I’m going to provide some great updates and I hope give some insights that you can apply to your own endeavors. I’m going to do a warm up on my hazelnut coffee and we’ll get into this. Speaking of coffee we’ve been enjoying the new enhanced deck for sipping coffee and watching the morning nature. The dogs enjoy having a better view of the surrounding area and the gate allows me to have them enclosed. That helps at night if I smell skunk in the area which anyone who had had to bathe a dog who has been sprayed knows. I built a small step deck off the office/fort porch and a new compost bin from some of the old deck wood. I still have a good amount left for some of my projects. I’m still harvesting the end of season herbs and using them in cooking and for tea. So many great compounds that are in plants.
NOW TO THE PROJECTS!
With every CDI film we really try to let the director’s pick, choose and oversee one poster, the theatrical one. Because marketing staff at the home video level will put together the artwork that will best serve their purpose. This is the beautiful picture that our director Carl Weyant put together for our theatrical run. Below is some moody shadows and reminds me of the old detective posters of the 20’s and 30’s. Above you see The Purples, a glimpse of the Harsens militia and the innocents put at risk with this conflict. I’ve had a lot of people talking about wanting to buy a poster and all in good time.
We will be getting an RSVP for main cast and crew to see who can attend a private showing in Alpena. Following the screening they will have another show for sale for the public and it will play for several weeks in Alpena. That is what the deal is looking like. The theater controls how many screens and times so we are limited. But as I’ve said before, the more the demand the more screens and times they might open. Currently the invite is for just cast and crew and not plus one. Folks will be responsible for their own travel and lodging. I’ll keep you all informed here and of course we’ll be posting on the Harsens Island Revenge Facebook page. Now in January 2025 we’ll start our theatrical run. Several runs might be kicked off with a special event party like in Owosso, Lansing, Grand Rapid and Detroit so that might be closer for many of you!
We’ve been working hard on end credits trying not to miss any or misspell any names. That said, it happens every film because of the sheer amount of names and sometimes handwriting by people. Lastly, it is passing through human hands and we all make mistakes but we try to keep that as low as possible. The music, color correction and VFX are being finished and polished up. Next week they start to pull that all together. Dennis Therrian has been working a powerful musical score and every artists has been putting his all into the film. Final posting and mixing always requires an increase in focus and communication. Something I myself also work on and try to encourage. If you send something let the party know it has been sent. If you are the receiving party let the sender know it has been received. There is a reason the military is so effective with their communication. The thing to remember is that you all have the same goal and you’re trying to make a process as smooth as possible. Bottom line is the film is getting close to being done.
AN ORDINARY KILLER streaming will be on December 15th and I’m hearing that it will be going to XUMO and The ROKU CHANNEL. Likely it will go to AMAZON and possibly PLEX and PLUTO TV.
DEAN TEASTERS GHOST TOWN is streaming on TUBI and various platforms. We do plan to start selling the special edition theme park DVD’s prior to Christmas. For those that know Robert Bradley this was filmed in his home town and he co-stars.
KNIGHT CHILLS is starting to deliver assets for the streaming release. I also wrote my foreword for the new release of the novel. I’ve been collecting some materials to put together a nice script and making of book also. I’m excited that this film is out there on HD Blu Ray and will soon be streaming! I would like to see this franchise take another step and we’ve got a script. So we’ll see what happens!
Looking Ahead!
This year saw three of the films from CDI’s library (Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town, An Ordinary Killer, Knight Chills) get set up for a new release. We’ll tackle a few in 2025 also. We have to get the technical correct in order to HD remaster the films.
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is in the final weeks of pre-production. We had a great meeting on Friday looking at the remaining TO DO’s. I’m happy to say that the main cast is all DONE! We found our last two leads and we could not be more happy! The sets are on point and we’re working on the last of the logistics. I met with our associate producer and legal over sushi and he’s putting the final pieces in motion. As I was reviewing the new official script and highlighting my Ben Lily lines I was so taken by the story again. I’ve been up to my neck in the business of it but it was pure joy to do lines and re-read the entire story. We have some new sponsors coming onboard with DEANS TREE FARM, SPORTS UNLIMITED and ANCHOR CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION! Thank you to all the fine companies and individuals helping to make this film be everything it can be.
ROM COMS MUST DIE is still on deck for the first of the year. We’ve been quiet as of late but that is because we have a lot out there. That said, we do keep moving pieces on the board. We’ve added Ian Griffin as the AD and will be playing a role in the film. He is an amazing actor that I met in 2002 on AN ORDINARY KILLER. He’s been in many of the films such as BEST YEARS GONE (The police officer) and he’s Boozy Jack the bootlegger in Harsens Island Revenge trailer that says he would sell to the devil himself.
Tis a good season to watch some scary films like IN THE WOODS, now on Blu Ray!
WRAP UP:
We have lots of things in development but like I mentioned we’ll wait until we have more in place. It is rainy and so I’ll likely work on getting some stuff done here in the house and at the desk. I like to get a jump on the week so I’ll soon switch to hot tea and keep at it. I am going to try and catch up on a few calls too. So until we chat next week I hope you all have a great day and week ahead. Remember that everything happens by slowly chipping away at the TO DO’s. I’m going to FOCUS and try to COMMUNICATE and promote better COMMUNICATION This week. We have a lot of exciting things ahead. Happy Sunday and coffee cheers!
DJ
Fall Welcome! New Releases, New Projects and New Friends
Hazelnut coffee cheers! I want to once again welcome and thank all our readers from around the globe. We have readers from every continent and I’m happy that we’ve got that kind of reach. I started my morning coffee on the upgraded deck. The team still has to put the waterproofing underneath but it has been an enjoying experience. I have to say that they too are artists who work in wood. It has been expanded and once the waterproofing panels are in place it will allow the area below to be used. I think next Spring we might do a lower wood deck with some paving stones worked in. I’m a step closer to the hot tub I would like for my soccer bones after a rough game. I also like the old saunas and who knows maybe one day. Everything starts with a dream. Followed by a plan. Followed by the execution. I like to exercise on the deck and with it being so high up it is like being in a giant tree fort. I’ve been re-purposing the old deck boards and built a side step off the office fort. Today I’m going to finish some repairs to our gate. I spent yesterday refreshing it will new screws and such.
I’m getting closer to a final harvest on our growing plants. I see the cat-mint is getting to the end of the season. Several of the others are starting to shut down save the sage which still looks strong. I’ve decided to make two batches of beverages over the winter. I was given some paw-paw fruit by one of our film crew ladies Mollie and I plan to do a 5 gal wine run. I also have all the ingredients for an Irish beer so I’ll likely do a run on that. People who visit the fort office for a meeting often enjoy a handcrafted beverage. Often we have gifted beverages on hand and we’ve enjoyed being sponsored by Pepsi this last year. I don’t drink pop/soda but they make several beverages I enjoy like LIFEWATER, CELSIUS, BUBLY, GINGERBEER and MUSCLE MILK.
(The Dunkirk Mine as it was built)
Speaking of Pepsi they are again sponsoring on our next film WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS and were a sponsor on Harsens Island Revenge. The latter being the next release for CDI. We are working hard this week to finish up the movie. Our Director Carl Weyant will be with our composer and sound designer Dennis Therrian this week to bring it home. I looking to have the new theatrical poster which we plan to use for the theatrical run. We are in talks to TRY and bring the film premiere to Alpena, MI where we shot most of the movie. We have to get the theater to work with us which only has like three screening rooms with only one over 100. So we have to explore other venues also at the high schools, college and maybe even a town away. We want to bring it to Alpena and so please do call, call, call and REQUEST that they book the film Harsens Island Revenge. We are just going to be up there about to film the Wild Faith sequel so it would work very nice. But due to Hollywood studios taking many screening slots around Christmas our additional premieres and theatrical runs will likely start in January 2025. We are about to make a deal on the theatrical run which we’re excited about. That said we would love to have the Alpena MI premiere on Nov 1st, 2024 and if the stars align right we will. But do please call the theater in Alpena or any of your local theaters as that will put a buzz into their ears.
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS agreements have been built and will be dispersed soon. We’re working on putting our insurance in place. Our crew is set and we’re closing in on our final two cast roles with reads coming this week. Transportation is coming up with some good options on wagons and carriages. I’ll be pulling craft service stuff out to be packed up for the trip North. Plans are underway for some special effects surround our 1800’s copper mine. Props and wardrobe is being prepped and I’ve been oiling my leathers. Once it cools down a bit more I’ll start breaking in my boots again. My beard is BIG and so officially Ben Lily is in the house or is that cabin? Storyboarding and shot lists are being constructed and we are still working out a few other logistics. I’m very excited to be gathering with the artistic tribe for a few weeks to tell another great story.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – This amazing based on true events story is entering a new holiday season. I’m going to explore theatrical event screenings with our new rep. We have several theaters want it last year but it was just arriving to home video and so we did not want to interfere with that. It is a great film of unity, love and forgiveness and the type of story we need about now. If you haven’t seen this film it is available to rent/buy on several platforms like AMAZON PRIME. Also DVD’s are available for the collectors out there.
MISC. UPDATES
Twin Engines Global/Deskpop are going to be handling the streaming on KNIGHT CHILLS and we’ll start delivering on that film this week. The new HD trailer is already out there and last week I sneak peeked some art work that will be for the novel. I will be circling around on that to make sure the book will be ready and available. David Hayes did a great job on the book. You can still get the incredible Blu Ray definitive version from Vin
A new marketing campaign on BEST YEARS GONE will be starting soon. Also new artwork for LOST HEART. Both these are great Fall watches. BESTSELLER is out there if you like nail-biting intensity and scares. Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town Special Ghost Town in the Sky special edition DVD’s will soon be going up for sale on the new EBAY merchandise site. It will go up just in time for Christmas. Also available will be the double feature HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST DVD. We’ll have combo deals, free give aways with purchases and all the sales will have a charity component to it.
AN ORDINARY KILLER HD DVD from Two Average Joes Media was delayed due to the untimely passing of one of the partners. They are in hopes of having the DVD for sale by Oct. 1st, 2024 and the streaming is still set for December 15th with Ammo Content. The new release actually just generated some good PR which you can read here: https://theubj.com/hollywood/who-are-the-main-actors-in-an-ordinary-killer-2024/
This great new release will benefit The Red, White and Blue Project, a non-profit that assist military veterans and their families. Another great based on true story also adapted from the book of the same name.
IN THE WOODS released a series of short promo videos promoting the release of the Blu Ray from Terror Vision! Check out the FB site and look at all the great content. Buy the Blu Ray and enjoy with your friends. Play the drinking game:)
These three horror films are CDI associated films. They can be found on various streaming platforms. They are perfect for the season. LOCKED IN A ROOM can be found under the title AMERICAN LIAR also. Here is a good night of scares if that is your thing. Beware NOT PG!
In other news – some of you know I write for a series of animal story books for Baker Books. A new book about bird stories will release on December 2nd. I will fill you in more as we get closer to the release date.
The newly released music video by Shallow Rising has been doing well. The song is called REMORSE CODE. I will try to get some info on the next release and I hope to be filming some more videos in the new year. I enjoyed working with the entire band and crew. The drummers in my family and drummers I know hold this gent below in very high regards. He is a great drummer but also a great person. CHECK OUT THE MUSIC VIDEO HERE! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Shy17_Shto
(Chris Adler is the drummer for ‘Shallow Rising’ and I have no less than four drummers in our family)
WRAP UP: I could be missing a few pieces of news but I’m going to wrap this up and go finish a fence fix. After I’m going to attend a soccer match for my niece. My nephew scored his first goal the other day and I was so proud of him. The game has brought much joy to my brother and I and allow us to still play together. I truly do love the game. My college alumni Michigan State University lost a close game yesterday. I hope the Detroit Lions can tighten up their game and get back on track winning. I love the clothes and the cooking as the weather gets chilly. The wood stove fires are not far behind. I need to have a few viking axe swinging sessions to get some more fire wood for the winter. I hope all of you have a wonder start to your Fall season. I appreciate you all. I’ve also been putting a touch of focus on updating all my acting materials. I do have one film project lined up after the Wild Faith sequel but will be looking for a few additional 2025 roles. I also plan to do some writing this winter. This year was VERY productive on my writing and I want to keep that rolling. Have a great day to each and every one of you.
DJ
Birthdays, Premieres and Battle Plans
Jerome the Birthday Gnome sending birthday wishes!
Hazelnut Cheers! I want to again welcome all our readers from around the world. I’m pleased to see readers from a new country Curacao. Come to find out it is a Dutch Caribbean Island. So I bet you have some great views while sipping your coffee or rum drink and reading these updates. I have been to the islands a few times and have always enjoyed it. Imagine all the great stories to be told on that island. Everywhere has great stories worthy of being told and you all are the storytellers. It has been another whirlwind week of personal and professional. I want to take a moment to wish a few of our beloved tribe members a happy birthday. My relative Doug Emerson to start with. CDI long time collaborator and master of all things music mister Dennis Therrian aka Tricky T. Ian Griffin another CDI talent on both sides of the camera is also celebrating another candle on the cake. Fellow filmmaker Rich Brauer. And the immensely talented actress and businesswoman Melissa Anschutz. The last on that list I get the pleasure of working with again this Fall on WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS as Ben and Hester ride the trails again. The original script had Hester being the sidekick but anyone who has seen the first movie knows that Ben is the sidekick.
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is knocking off the things on the TO DO list daily. We have a read coming in today for one of the two main castings still open and I’ve got my fingers crossed. More props found including my original Ben Lily harmonica. Wardrobe is fun and that continues to come together. The official first script and schedule was posted for our key crew. Which this week I’ll be starting to put cast and crew paperwork together. I’m a week behind on that due to some construction work here on the property. I’m still working on a few sponsors for the film. We have to work out catering and a few final logistics but things are coming together great.
Harsens Island Revenge – This upcoming week we’re going to be focusing some energy on the Alpena premiere which is targeting November 1st. We are having some of the same initial issues we had with Silent Night in Algona’s premiere. The one theater of modest size questions the selling power of the film. Fridley did as well in Alpena before it starting blazing sales and expended in number of screens, locations and kept adding weeks. It outsold many if not most of the studio competition. We might have to explore a one night screening at the college campus but in Algona it was them not having the right equipment. If the Alpena tries to give us just the small screen it won’t even seat our sponsors, investors, cast and crew. In Algona we had to do multiple premiere night screenings (Like 3 shows in two theaters) for nine showings total opening night. We will do the very best with the cards we have. That is the hard part in trying to do a screening in the beautiful small towns we shot in. Too cold likely in November to plan an outside showing. We tried that with LOST HEART and it had to move inside due to winds in the small town there. The films finished first draft is targeting an Oct 1st date. My plan is to deliver that so we can start planning around a solid date. This will give the post team a few more weeks to mix and polish and we can replace the files the week before when we are up there prepping Wild Faith Christmas. We have sponsor friends waiting to get involved but much of that will have to do with how negotiations go next week. The plan is to have official announcements at the end of the month. Just know that we are doing the best we can to bring this film first to the community we filmed in. Screenings for the public will be out of our control but again we will do our best. Next week I’m working to put our theatrical rep in play. The film is looking and sounding great and I’m so proud of everyone’s work. WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP OUR EFFORTS IS TO CALL YOUR THEATER ESPECIALLY IN ALPENA AND REQUEST THE FILM. The previous film shot and released in Algona flooded the theater with calls and show it did for weeks on end.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is on home video to rent or buy including the DVD. I think we might work an event screening in theaters into the meeting with the theatrical reps. I know many in Iowa would love to have the film run a weekend/week on the run up to Christmas. The film is selling quite well on the home video market and next year will enjoy even more success when it moves to ad based video on demand. That is free with ads where filmmakers are paid by advertisers. But right now it is available on broadcast and transactional (rent/buy) platforms. This beautiful ‘based on a true events’ has put this film right into the spotlight for the world to watch. In this time of division perhaps this film is just what we need to remember united to stand.
CDI CLASSICS-
This week we’ll start to deliver KNIGHT CHILLS to Twin Engines Global/Deskpop for streaming release. I won’t have dates until they get everything but you all will be the first to know. In additional to Knight Chills, An Ordinary Killer HD DVD is looking like an October release with streaming in December. Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town is already streaming and by popular demand we’ll be starting to sell the Ghost Town in the Sky Collectors DVD that was sold at the actually park. The new CDI merchandise site will be hosted on EBAY and this week started with several overstock items being prepped for sale. CDI will also be doing charity % on every purchase. We will be focusing on military/veterans and animal shelters in need. We’ll have a few bundles also being offered and some free give aways with purchases. We’ll also be listening to all of you on what you might want to see for sale. Some great artwork is being adapted for the re-release of the KNIGHT CHILLS novel which will be followed by the Making of/Script. This is the new poster art for the new Knight Chills release. It was built by our talented Adam Towner who also cut the new HD trailer!
WRAP UP –
I’m going to wrap this up soon as we have a flea market again down the road and I want to go prop hunting. I’ve been finding some great stuff for sure. This coming week will be the finishing of the deck improvements. I want to thank Bart, Towner, Curran, G$ and Shane for helping clean up and stacking the old planks which will be repurposed. To recap-
- Happy Bday to all you wonderful people born on this day especially the CDI folks.
- Thank you to all the efforts already put into the prep of Wild Faith Christmas.
- Start calling the Alpena theaters and requesting the Harsens Island Revenge film.
- Enjoy some of the CDI films you haven’t seen or enjoy your favorites again!
- Get ready to enjoy An Ordinary Killer in HD as well as steaming Knight Chills!
- Have a great weekend!
Yes. I want to give a big congrats to my step bro Shane and his new wife Jordan. We have a nice day celebrating that on Friday. I want to encourage you all to find your own tribe in your corner of the world and create. You’ll be surprised what even two people with a dream can achieve. And that energy can attract other dreamers and more dreamers and soon…you get the picture. I was just an artistic dreamer from what many considered backwoods Michigan. This was way before we had any of the industry we have now. And for folks that say we don’t have any you should have been here in the 1990’s if you want to take about few opportunities. I know several people telling stories as we speak! It is a great time to be alive and telling stories. No excuses. If you want to do it just do it. Until next week my friends!
DJ
Casting, Pre-Production, Premieres and More…
Good morning friends from Germany, India, Brazil, UK and more. Again I love that our weekly circle is international. I want to welcome everyone to Sept 1st and hope the month is a great one for you all. I was walking about the property and enjoying the cool morning that has fall in the air. My college alumni started their American football season will a close win. Our state team the Detroit Lions will start their season next week. I do enjoy a good game on TV while multitasking. I watched a great soccer match yesterday that had me missing my favorite game to play. I am already looking forward to next year but this time off is allowing my body to recoup. I’ve replaced some of that workout with some heavier yard work as I prepare for the new deck build. I approved the paperwork and so materials will be purchased this coming week with the build soon after. It will be nice to have a new improved deck to relax on and enjoy morning coffee and dinners at dusk. I might put a mow on the lawn today or tomorrow. Yesterday I had a nice fire outside and was burning sticks from the storms all day. I also did another harvest on all the herbs growing. I’m thinking of a good crockpot of root veggies if this cool weather remains. Always something to do on the property but I enjoy it between business phone calls.
This past week saw the opening of the account for the new film, the sequel to WILD FAITH. (Wild Faith Christmas) I’m happy to announce that the crew is in place and our cast is getting close. Our director is up in Alpena, MI where we will be shooting and has scouting the final locations. This coming week we’ll lock the shooting script and schedule. Official breakdowns for departments will be issued. We finally got lodging all set and will be working on catering. Along with the mine set the building of an explosives shed also began. It all plays into the story. I’ve started work on bringing ole Ben Lily back and that was a hoot. I did some wardrobe work with Shane for Emmett and again too much fun. I have a tote that I call ‘Ben in a box’ and inside was all of Ben Lily’s gear just waiting for a sequel. It was fun to open it and go through all his wardrobe and props. Our main casting is still looking at reads for two of the children actors. We also brought on some additional sponsors this week that will assist with some of the flights and lodging costs. We so appreciate all the support we get from these businesses who want to be part of something so heartwarming as this film. I LOVE that this is a Christmas story and I think the fans of the first film will too. I will work on updating a few more of the TV series this forthcoming week. I’ve been enjoying that process as well.
ROM COMS MUST DIE our comedy slasher will remain inactive until Jan 2025 so we don’t have to do any end of year work on a film just at the ready. But once this Wild Faith sequel is done we’ll go full on with the Travis Hayward directed film. We are still casting for an actor that has the KEN from KEN & BARBIE appeal. Also a stereotypical country girl actress. If you fit either of those roles feel free to submit something to me.
Harsens Island Revenge – This is the wrap up month for this exciting film. Dennis Therrian has been hard at work on the music. The director Carl Weyant says the VFX should be about done and we’ve been mixing as we go. Once everything is in a final color tweak and mix will be done. We’re about two start looking over the end credits that Anthony Hornus is compiling for review. We’ll take a week or two to review all those to TRY and not miss anyone or misspell anyones name. Sometimes that comes down to the extras handwriting. We are planning a cast, crew, sponsor and investor screening on Nov. 1st in Alpena, MI. We want to have a premiere in Owosso, the book writers hometown and Lansing as well as Detroit near the island itself. A full on theatrical is being planned for the 1st Q of 2025. This film is full of romance and excitement and I think audiences will really love it.
Sept 1st is also the start of the window for some of the fall favorites of the CDI films. LOST HEART also known as BIGFOOT, UFOS and JESUS. BESTSELLER, BEST YEARS GONE (For Race Fans), WILD FAITH, MBF, SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA and The Quest Trilogy! I started a new instagram account for CDI and I’ve been adding CDI and CDI associated movies. To be a true fan you should see them all. And for fans, NEWS! A new CDI Merchandise site will be going up on EBAY managed by Bart Ketner. I want all sales to have a donated % to charities and we’ll have some great items going up on there. Maybe even some one-of-a-kind props that can go to fans. A lot of asking for the old Ghost Town in the Sky collector DVD’s of Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town movie. We have some posters available but might start printing up more plus even 3D printing. Anyone down for a KNIGHT CHILLS, Sir Kallio statue?
Speaking of KNIGHT CHILLS, the ink is dry and a streaming release is coming from our friends at Twin Engines Global/Deskpop. To go with is we’re going to re-release the novel and I’m prepping for the script/making of book. AN ORDINARY KILLER collectors HD DVD is also coming. I’ve held the DVD in my hands and it is a worthy additional to the shelves of CDI and True Crime fans! This year which is not over, will see the re-release of three CDI classics. In 2025 I plan to have the others restored and re-released.
WRAP UP:
I’ve already got my two pages of TO DO’s for the coming week. I have to order checks. I’m getting our software set-up ready for our next film. More deposits and collecting of paperwork. We have some new poster work being done. New trailers being cut including a CDI Highlight Reel which I would love for Jan 1st, 2025! We’re working to get our backup RAID working properly. Additionally premiere work for Harsens Island Revenge needs to be set. A theatrical poster for the premieres also should be done this week. I’m going to check on that this afternoon. The list keeps growing and we keep checking things off and once in a while you look back and notice how far you’ve come. There will come a day of rest but while you still have ambition and dreams, keep going!
I look forward to speaking with you all next week!
Coffee Cheers, DJ
PS: Having issues with pics so there will not be any this week.
Tuesday BLOG Catch Up from SUNDAY NC Trip!
(The man, the myth, Robert Bradley)
Hazelnut coffee cheers! I’m sipping the java and decided to give you a brief update. On Sunday instead of the blog I posted several videos from our trip to Maggie Valley, NC. It was to surprise our dear friend Robert Bradley on his 80th bday. I met Robert when we were in development on what is now known as “Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town” the Smoky Mountain western. We were reconnecting with the old gunfighters from the theme park and scouting locations. It is on this trip that I met Robert Bradley known widely across those mountains as ‘The Apache Kid’ by most. It is there that I met Raymond Fairchild, Little Rufus, Tick Rich, Popcorn Sutton, Harry Valentine, Herbert ‘Cowboy’ Cowards and more. All colorful unique characters to be sure. But Robert and I kicked it off right away. He was much akin to the 10 year old in me and he would have been one of those after school buddies to come over and build a fort or explore in the woods. Even after Ghost Town filmed and released he stayed with the CDI Tribe working in the art and transportation departments and often being the armorer when needed. With 80 being the new 60 we plan to have Robert riding along with the circus for a while. Dane Deford our head of transportation has been working close with Robert for the last several films even rooming together. He and I decided to to a surprise run and attend a surprise party they were having for Robert. We did surprise him! Below is the first link of Dane and I on the road to Maggie Valley.
TRAVEL TO Maggie valley
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1188767748797303
The next video link was Dane and I on Sunday morning driving the Maggie Valley strip and visiting the theme park entrance and monument. When we arrived there was a young man there with his motorcycle parked nearby. I thought maybe he was a groundskeeper and he looked very comfortable in the place. Come to find out he was a local from a few towns over who had gone to Ghost Town in the Sky as a boy. He said he comes there to find peace and collect his thoughts. This place left a strong impression on people. He told us of a movie they made and that he had just watched it and how much he and his friends loved it. He said the town was captured perfectly. The new owner had taken him up before and the town is in need of serious work. When he realized I was ‘Will Burnett’ from the movie he was tickled and was sure he was meant to come there that day and meet me. We took a few pictures and I tried to get a movie review but he was a touch overwhelmed I think. He has an ankle tether on and said we didn’t want his review. I said our films are for all people lawbreakers or not. We talked about how for some the heroes in a movie are as close to mentors that some get. It was a great experience. This next video is a mix of photos and footage from the lodge where we surprised Robert. A band led by Blake Anthony Ellege was rocking with several Blues Brothers classics mixed with old country. They had cloggers and a special presentation and it was truly a beautiful day.
WATCH HERE: https://www.facebook.com/reel/830934611796514
For those that want to see the new remastered Dean Teaster’s GHOST TOWN streaming free with ads click here🙂 https://tubitv.com/movies/616519/dean-teaster-s-ghost-town
I’ll keep an eye out for new platforms. We’re also signing a deal this week that will have AN ORDINARY KILLER streaming end of the year December 15th and also the Two Average Joes Media HD DVD Special Edition will be released. Proceeds benefit veterans and their family’s via The Red, White and Blue Project. I’ll have that link for you soon! Do not miss out on owning this one!
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – A release to UP Faith & Family is coming soon in July. This powerful drama is going to be reaching even more audiences as we start to flow out into broadcast and more streaming. Thank you to the thousands who purchased DVD’s. This is one you want to have on your shelf. DVD’s on sale here for $10 BUY HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Night-Algona-Anthony-Hornus/dp/B0CL7DFYSK Also you can stream if that is how you want it.
Harsens Island Revenge – The music and sound design are underway in full. The trailer is getting closer to being released. The music is being composed and narration is being worked on. Also we’ll be on the look out for a new theatrical poster. I’ll be talking with our director Carl this week and getting the latest and greatest. The MAKING OF VIDEO: https://youtu.be/wvvof3U4Sss?si=Lr95A2kWpr41DNdE
KNIGHT CHILLS – I’ve been working on the new trailer and artwork for a fall streaming release. I hope to lock that up this week. The Blu Ray is an awesome special edition which all fans should own. I love the documentary film that they did. BUY KNIGHT CHILLS Blu Ray: https://vinegarsyndrome.com/products/knight-chills
IN THE WOODS 25th anniversary PRE ORDER NOW! https://www.terror-vision.com/store/in-the-woods-1999-blu-ray
DEVELOPMENT: We have two projects lining up that we plan to shoot this year. One is a comedy horror film called ROM COMES MUST DIE and the other is WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS a heart-warming side adventure in the Wild Faith world that takes place 5 years after the last adventure. We have roughly half the commits we need to make these two films and this week I’ll be talking to others. I’m excited to have these two projects coming together. We have already started some scouting and casting and we’ll be doing more as things come together.
WRAP UP: I’m going to wrap this up and finish unpacking. The heat is getting up there so if it is affecting your area be safe. I do have a soccer match Sunday in the heat. Sunday is my bday and I plan on being quite chill. The following Friday I’m excited to do a belated Bday trip to Greenfield Village in Detroit area. We went to the museum part inside a few months ago and it was so inspiring. I’m looking forward to the old village and seeing the craftsmen.
I’m also going to use the heat outside to keep me focused at the desk. I’ve got disbursements to get to this week and as noted above development and post-production work. I hope everyone had a great Sunday with their father’s or in memory of their father. I got together with my daddy on Friday before leaving town. I’m so appreciative to have him here to still guide and give his opinions on things. I love him very much.
Until Sunday when I’ll be back on my normal schedule, be good to one another.
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
Birthdays, Reunions, Releases and More…
(Happy Birthday Tony!)
Hazelnut cheers my friends! Welcome to our readers worldwide including new readers from Argentina, Kenya, Ireland and India. I love that our circle is wide. We may be from different places where the lines on a map are drawn differently and various languages may be spoke BUT we all have those same artistic calls. I’ve had a very artistic filled week with a good dash of business. Michigan got another cold snap but unseasonably warm weather is coming next week. I want to also give a BIG shout out to two of my generals in getting things done. Our own Tony Hornus and Shane Hagedorn, both masterful talent on both sides of the camera both were born on this day. So a HUGE happy birthday to them both. Shane is getting a well earned few days of rest in the sunshine state of Florida including a visit with GW Burns, our new CDI production designer. Some good talks over our next film endeavor will no doubt be happening. Dennis Therrian is excited to watch the cut of Harsens Island Revenge and start bouncing music bed ideas off our director Carl Weyant. Carl should have gotten back from Brazil on Friday and I’m looking forward to connecting with him this week. Where to start on my update or maybe this just random format fits the energy.
(BIG 50 Happy Bday to Shane Hagedorn)
Lots happening-
(Me, Stuart MacDonald, Lynn Drzick and Jim Greulich)
OLD SCHOOL – I’ve spoke several times about my humble beginnings in the film world. I struggled for many years to the point of many saying I should let go of my pipe dream. Persistence is a key in this business and without you will likely fail. Patience is another key and is hard for many to grasp. It is a lesson in discipline. My first feature film was a creature feature called IN THE WOODS. I starred as rookie firefighter Alex Kerwood. It is the manifestation of some young hungry artists forcing their way into the industry. We wanted to just get into the game and that we did. The film was not without flaws as inexperience and budgetary restraints were met with passion and enthusiasm. The film was released heavily into the US market and into many countries around the world. It put us on the map so to speak. The film had critics but also fans. I recall the Adrian MI the film playing in conjunction with The Haunting a once major Halloween attraction. The town was plastered with IN THE WOODS on fliers at McDonalds, billboards, news, radio and more. I remember when the line to get signed autographs was 400 strong. That showed the power of the medium. Hard-core horror fans had some issues because the film flew against the formula of the time. Annoying victims, cool villain and when and how would they die. This was a bit more of a soap opera with firefighter drama and ADD in monsters. The two factors that played heavily maybe not seen at that time was- women like scary films too but they like character development. Women also like firefighters. So the positive fans of the film tilted heavily with the lady-folk. While men wanted their “boobs and blood” women seemed to like the blood too but could use a dose of men in uniform. The fans were there then and now 25 years later we’re giving them a new polished up version plus a new director’s cut with added footage and more streamline editing. I traveled to Kalamazoo where we filmed on Friday and we saw the new cut and did commentary for the blu-ray that will feature both films. A new release campaign is rolling out this year with BluRay, DVD, VHS (Yes), streaming, new book releases (which I will list) and even soundtrack and toys. A great reunion with director/writer Lynn Drzick, Stuart MacDonald (Al Fargo), Jim Greulich (Wayne Higley) and me (Alex Kerwood). After the fresh watch and commentary we had several hours by the fire discussing plot points for the planned sequel. Yes. IN THE WOODS 2 is in active development. We all agreed to go back into the woods again to have round 2 against the creatures who will also be getting upgrades. The plot points and story threads are pretty exciting. It will be fun to bring these characters back to the screen. It was fun even doing a bit of Alex Kerwood audio work for the new release. We did try to launch a sequel a few years after the first film but it was too soon. We even did a teaser trailer years ago that I’ll share but this new film will be one for the books. The chemistry was there when we sat around the fire playing out some scenes in character – the magic was back.
So lets see how you can get ready for the new release and new sequel.
The Making of IN THE WOODS– a great guide and inspiration for young filmmakers- https://www.amazon.com/Making-Woods-Lynn-Drzick/dp/B0BXMTJS9C/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=EIFE0&content-id=amzn1.sym.d0ebfbb2-6761-494f-8e2f-95743b37c35c%3Aamzn1.symc.50e00d6c-ec8b-42ef-bb15-298531ab4497&pf_rd_p=d0ebfbb2-6761-494f-8e2f-95743b37c35c&pf_rd_r=F4JNGGVESM0FJA761F4V&pd_rd_wg=tBSKE&pd_rd_r=ed96e755-a343-4af2-9fe4-85ea6b0837e7&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m
The reissue of the IN THE WOODS Novelization by Nancy Gideon giving lots of back ground info- https://www.amazon.com/Woods-Nancy-Gideon-ebook/dp/B00SEKIHYE/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3HFATMYW8WKF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.QiukYlBgrJ9AF41sf-Su3_63yJLoZiXgXSz_dB5yDKc.Z0HnzSRNumwrvQu5MidJPiDYLfTiRyaJ-UcoU9VNQeE&dib_tag=se&keywords=In+the+Woods+novelization+by+Nancy+Gideon&qid=1708267999&sprefix=in+the+woods+novelization+by+nancy+gideon%2Caps%2C91&sr=8-1
My big-budget sword and sorcery movie script prequel that tells the Origins of the Beasts titled PanDEMONium! – https://www.amazon.com/panDEMONium-Woods-Origin-DJ-Perry/dp/B0CV8F73D6/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=EIFE0&content-id=amzn1.sym.d0ebfbb2-6761-494f-8e2f-95743b37c35c%3Aamzn1.symc.50e00d6c-ec8b-42ef-bb15-298531ab4497&pf_rd_p=d0ebfbb2-6761-494f-8e2f-95743b37c35c&pf_rd_r=F4JNGGVESM0FJA761F4V&pd_rd_wg=tBSKE&pd_rd_r=ed96e755-a343-4af2-9fe4-85ea6b0837e7&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m
This will get you up to speed before the major release on the 25th Anniversary Blu Ray!
HERE is the old sequel trailer for many years ago- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVDnyNGY6mE&feature=youtu.be
CDI’s KNIGHT CHILLS is getting the Remastered treatment with the Blu-Ray for sale now HERE – https://www.amazon.com/Knight-Chills-Tim-Jeffrey/dp/B0CJ5WBSZR/ref=asc_df_B0CJ5WBSZR/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=680424942453&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14483042912564000939&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017262&hvtargid=pla-2260223998064&psc=1&mcid=08fc0b8d3ebc3af99b43436fce7530fa&gad_source=1
The BluRay is full of great extras and we’re working to set up the HD streaming on some select horror film streaming sites. Also the book and script will get the literary release treatment very soon. It’s in the works! A sequel has been talked about for years and we have various scripts and have interviewed many filmmaker teams. We’re still working to get that just right but in the meantime we’ll introduce a new generation to Sir Kallio, Dark Knight of the Red Rose.
(Terence Knox, Terry Jernigan and Dan Haggerty in ‘An Ordinary Killer’)
MORE OLD SCHOOL:
CDI’s Second film FROM VENUS has some Tom Miller (Knight Chills) artwork underway and we’re discussing the Blu Ray deal. FIGURE IN THE FOREST & HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS will eventually get the HD treatment and we’ll look to make those available. We have a DVD double feature which we’ll work to make more available. The genre films are a touch easier to set up right now.
AN ORDINARY KILLER and GHOST TOWN – Our true story crime drama and Smoky Mt western are also getting a planned new release campaign. These two films will start with a planned theatrical release. Both will be getting a new remastered theatrical DCP film and a Blu Ray release. The collector’s edition DVD from the Ghost Town in the Sky theme park will also become available perhaps at the theaters concession that plays the film. Lotta ground work to do but technical-wise it’s all underway including a new theatrical trailer for Ghost Town. These two films will likely do a theatrical release around where they were filmed to start with. But CDI’s theatrical division is getting stronger in the wake of SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA just played another theater in Cherokee, Iowa and we’ll keep processing requests of folks wanting to watch on the big screen. Meanwhile I’m happy to announce that people who subscribe to Up Family & Faith will be able to watch our WW2 drama starting July 1st and it will run there for a year. It’s still available to rent on many platforms at will. Thank you to those who are watching and referring it to friends and family. The DVD’s are selling well also and so again thank you. Some of the proceeds from sales are directly helping the two participating museums in Algona.
As Easter approaches THE QUEST TRILOGY is seeing a good draw. This trilogy of stories interconnects and leaves one to ponder and be inspired. No heavy handed stuff here just the distilled down beauty of the parables. So watch FORTY NIGHTS followed by CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. Make them part of your yearly watch or anytime you need a good dose of positivity. All free with ads on Encourage TV (Youtube, Roku)
LOST HEART, WILD FAITH, MAN’S BEST FRIEND, BEST YEARS GONE – all of the CDI films have some great lessons or awareness woven into the storytelling. Treat yourself and tell others about your favorite story.
COMING SOON!
Harsens Island Revenge was talked about earlier and those anxiously awaiting will be treated at the end of the month to the ‘behind the scenes’ video showing the hard work and fun of making a CDI film. Next month my plan is to release the first teaser trailer and soon after the theatrical poster.
HOT ROD LOVE – We have more funders interested in getting behind this movie. We are awaiting to see to what degree and we’re in talks with many other parties old and new. This 1970’s story will be a blast to film. Our director Shane Hagedorn will be meeting with our production designer in FL to discuss some elements of the film. We’ll be doing a location scout soon at the race track location. Too early to sound the battle horns but we’re getting there. Also we’re getting some sponsors on board joining Pepsi and so if you have interest of getting your company involved please do reach out to me. It is a unique marketing opportunity for sure.
MISC. DEVELOPMENT
Monday I have another development meeting and we’re close to signing and announcing on it. Also I’m bringing on a local Iowa artists to assist us in the funding of SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE. Additionally, I’m 1/3 of the way through a new/old script that might be filmed next winter. It is a cool stylized piece and will make a great feature film. I’m looking to have some talks next week that might put some fire under the WILD FAITH: HASTINGS TV series. Steps. Steps. Steps. I’m ready for some eggs so I’m going to bring this to a close. Keep your roots planted and remember where you come from and where you started. CDI is multi-generational and I’m proud of that. I’m off and we’ll chat next week same place and time. Be good to one another and have a productive week!
DJ
Ten Project Updates – Remembering Friends
(Filming Ghost Town w/ Herbert Cowboy Coward in the middle)
Good morning out there to my friends across the globe who stop in with their morning beverage to read and ponder. This has been a productive week in business but I’ll start by talking about a subject often on our minds as mortal folk. Death. This week I was stunned one eve as I received tragic word that one of my costars and friends Herbert Cowboy Coward had passed away. For those that don’t immediately recognize that name I’ll give you some background. This man worked and entertained at a NC theme park called GHOST TOWN IN THE SKY. A western town high atop of a mountain often shrouded with clouds. At its peak the live gunfighter shows thrilled 10,000 visitors a day from Spring-Fall. Friends like Robert Bradley were amongst the famed gunfighters as was CDI’s Dean Teaster’s dad Doyle Teaster. And Herbert better known just as Cowboy. The movie and TV studios would send stars up there to participate for a few months when the shows were on hiatus to gather fans and the actor and shows. Stars like Tony Dow (Leave it to Beaver), Dan Blocker (Bonanza) and Burt Reynolds (Too many to count) spent time up there. When Burt’s career took off and they were casting DELIVERANCE and needed a second mountain man to “harass” our vacationing men, Burt knew a perfect one. The legendary casting story was that Cowboy who had lost his front teeth due to a non-trained stand in gunfighter at Ghost Town, was called in. Burt said give him a good scare. So the producer who was there to interview Cowboy was thrown against the wall and subjected to mutterings of this man about to…to…to… (Cowboy stuttered) cutting him up. Cowboy got the part on the spot and a smile replaced the grimace and history would be made with Bill McKinney (Outlaw Jose Wales) as his co-star. They were voted by Maxim Magazine the top screen villains of all time. Watch the film DELIVERANCE and you might agree. When we did our Ghost Town in 2006 movie * (I’ll get more to this film soon) we reunited Cowboy and McKinney on screen going head to head. Bill made a living playing bad guys and to this day is one of the most intense actors I’ve ever worked with. Cowboy was tough but got to show his tender side. After Deliverance Cowboy could be found at the local flea market chatting up fans and introducing them to his pet squirrels. He was like a wildlife rehab where they often lived out their days with Cowboy. Bobcats, squirrels…you name it. The other other person I’ve met with those kind of Dr. DoLittle skills was Dan “Grizzly Adams” Haggerty. He was a gentle soul and just a kind simple man. To get that call that he, his wife, pet dog and squirrel all died in a car accident hit me hard. From what I’ve heard he turned in front of a young man, new driver in a big truck. I pray and believe that it was an instant death. I felt worse thinking of his loved ones that also perished and I felt bad for a young teenager who will be forever scarred. Those that know those twisty turning mountain roads can see how it could happen. Add snow and ice and it only gets worse. Gone in a flash. Now both Bill McKinney and Dan Haggerty died from cancer. F$#$%#@ cancer! We’ve often debated amongst friends if quick and instant with no farewell or longer illness with suffering but time to say final goodbyes and get affairs in order is better. Pros and Cons top each but lessons once again about appreciating each day we have and our loved ones. In all three of these cases I believe they were 75+ and so while many live longer they surely lived some full lives. I also learned this week that our ASHES OF EDEN costar Josh Carrizales (Ponch) died in May of 2020. I don’t know the details but I do know that he was too young. So ends my talk on death but I lost a friend and discovered that another one of our fellow actors has left the stage. I’m sorry if I went on a bit about this less than happy topic but it was important that you knew who this simple man was.
(Josh in ‘Ashes of Eden’ RIP)
FILM UPDATES:
- Ghost Town – We get the film rights back this year from Lionsgate and we’ve got a new campaign in the works. A Blu-Ray is planned as part of the ‘Special Edition’ reboot of the film. Also some special new releases of some of the merchandise that sold up at the now closed theme park and some new items also. One such might be a re-issue of the novel packaged with the screenplay. This film marked the end of the classic CDI period.
- Speaking of the classic CDI period another one of the films might be gifted to a non-profit in honor of the now deceased backer. The film AN ORDINARY KILLER is a fictional retelling of the actual famous cold case film. The film revenue will be used to provide financial support to military personal and wounded warriors. The non-profit has helped the children of Afghanistan and several other veteran causes via past projects. The lead detective played by yours truly is a Vietnam Vet and has his own complications from his times served. I also see a screenplay and book combo for this film. This is the film where I met long time friend and collaboration Terry Knox, best known for his work on St. Elsewhere and Tour of Duty. It seems like a fitting place for this film to land and that is better than it just being dead. It’s highlight was playing on ABC across the country. For lovers of true detective
- Speaking into the subject matter above – true crime, our own Dean Teaster has been participating in a podcast with retired detectives still working cold cases – subscribe by following along HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@TwoAvgJoes
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA which just released 4th Q onto home video is also back into theaters by request. Cherokee, Iowa American 3 is playing it until Jan 31st. We’ve also just gotten another request so I think it will be rolling into more theaters once again as people want to see it on the big screen. We’re told that the film is doing very well on DVD and Streaming but won’t really know until we get 1st Q reports from 2024 as it is a process of reporting and collecting. But please do buy a DVD for your collection and/or stream it will family and friends. This war drama is really being received well.
- We are starting to talk about theatrical roll out for Harsens Island Revenge because you have to start that far out. We are planning the theatrical premiere in Alpena and one likely in Lansing plus a hosted DVD/streaming release party in Lansing. We have Red Cedar Spirits as a sponsor in Lansing as well as the director Mr. Elliott of SW Growth Corp another sponsor just happens to run the Ellison Brewing Co. So 4Q of this year will be full of parties to celebrate the film. Our director returns from Brazil in a week and we’ll be doing a producer watch on the cut of the film. We also will put into motion the filming of the one opening scene of the film that is WW1. The BTS video is being worked on now so any cast or crew reading this that wants their video considered please contact Mr. Adam Towner. We’ll be planning the new theatrical poster using GW Burns amazing photo elements and the first teaser trailer! All very exciting news. Join our FB pages on any of these films that interest you to stay up to date.
- Let’s just from my most recent film that I acted in to my first feature IN THE WOODS. Fans of the creature features are in for a treat as we prepare a fun PR release. The cult classic of monster hunters Alex Kerwood (Me) and Wayne Higley (Only if not meal time) played by my first feature film co-star Jim Greulich just might have a new distribution deal. It might include a Blu Ray of the digitally remastered classic movie with a new director’s cut. It might even be getting a VHS and streaming release. Furthermore rumor has it that we might possibly see a soundtrack released on classic mediums. But wait could there be even more rumors? Maybe even merchandise including clothing, toys, toothbrushes, frisbees, fishing poles, rifles and…okay maybe some of this is just rumor. You will have to wait and find out the TRUTH. Coming soon! I can confirm that there will be a theatrical premiere of the new director’s cut sometime this year in the Kalamazoo MI area. More theaters after that? You never know:)
- Speaking on my acting which is still my driving force- I think I’ve mentioned last week that I’ve joined a new agency Treasure Coast Agency. I finally feel good that if someone reaches out wanting to hire the actor behind roles like Paul Landings, Ben Lily, Col Lodell or Jesus, that they will be treated with kindness and respect. That has sadly not always been the case and it has made deals fall apart. You can still reach out direct but I’ve got help it sorting affairs and it won’t cost you any more. I’m not listed on there yet but will be soon. You can find many great talent at this site but also will be treated well. HERE: https://www.treasurecoasttalent.com
- HOT ROD LOVE is in active development to shoot this year. We’ve been having meetings with sponsors and funders and are happy to have made even more steps this past week. This 1970’s racing comedy will be a lot of fun to film. Each week we’re taking steps and once we’re there financially we’ll start the engine! Thank you to everyone already working hard to make this happen. We’ll see Shane Hagedorn once again directing and telling this groovy story!
- We’ve got development happening on a few other fronts that could put Carl Weyant and Curran Jacobs back in action in the near future. I’m looking forward to finishing the month strong with more development talks and meetings. Every project is the result of thousands of little steps. We’re going to keep on stepping!
- I’ve been enjoying writing on a few scripts in between the business work. We’re finishing our end of year work with our accounting firm and legal. I want to thank these parties for their hard work. This is not as exciting as new artwork, trailers and such but it is the work that makes it all go. The creative of picking up a camera and making cool lighting is fine and dandy but without the foundation it is just play. So make sure you balance what you like to do with what needs to be done. That balance will make things happen much faster. BALANCE!
WRAP UP: Our chickens have their new feathers and with the growing light we’ve had our first eggs. And thanks to them we just had a great breakfast of bacon and eggs. I’m going to bring this to a close so we can do some grocery shopping and get ready for the Lions NFL football game. If they win tonight it is off to the Super Bowl! As I’ve said before we’ve had family member fans go to the grave waiting for a Detroit Lions team like this. We never know how many days we have so live richly and appreciate the journey. I thank you all for being part of my journey.
Be good to one another!
DJ
Toasting Our Victories and Loses – The Weeks TOP TEN CDI Updates!
Good afternoon my friends. This morning we had my niece’s bday party at a nature center so you’re getting a later blog. I want to welcome our international readers from Thailand, Sweden, Ireland, China and more. I love how this circle of readers continues to grow. I want to start this blog with an RIP tribute to one tenacious business woman from NC Alaska Presley. She was the wife and partner with one of the creators of the legendary Ghost Town in the Sky theme park. This is only one of the many businesses she ran. And she had her interest diversified all over the country with different development real estate projects. At almost 100 years old, I always found her to be busy at work. Anyway, she passed two days ago and I just felt the need to recognize her. RIP Alaska. (Below on Ghost Town)
This week was full of several events that I’ll try to bullet point our TOP TEN here.
- Working backwards – we ended the week with several of the CDI Tribe going to the Capital City Film Fest mixer. I was able to see a few friends that I only really see that this event. We had a great time at the Ellison Brewery downing a few Amber Ales and toasting some of the recent CDI victories while meeting a few nice film folks.
- End of the week we were also notified of a major network interested in licensing MBF and WILD FAITH so we’re getting that around. WILD FAITH: Hastings has some great opportunities ahead and we’ll know about one of them this month. Pretty amazing but I’ve been party to “almost great” things on several occasions but fingers crossed.
- Easter is upon us and anyone who reads this who wants to help us – start by making the watching of THE QUEST TRILOGY a yearly thing. FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER will give you an inspirational feeling with perhaps a few new insights.
- BESTSELLER should start appearing for DVD pre-order and also promoting digital purchase for May 31st. I had someone ask me today if it was scary because they don’t do scary well. The answer is YES, very scary. So if that is not your cup of tea go watching one of the others.
- BEST YEARS GONE has marketing meetings this week as we get closer to this film also rolling out in DVD and digital purchase on July 5th! We are still looking at a few festival plays for fun.
- FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH signed its deal with Deskpop Entertainment and this past week our director Curran Jacobs, did some promotion at the NUWAY nationals. Thing doc on the history of grappling is starting to get a lot of attention. We are working on planning the right premiere.
- I spoke to our director on the music video we did for DEEPFALL and I’m hoping they release it soon so we can share it with all of you.
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA the teaser trailer is a few days behind schedule with our director being under the weather last week. It is close to being picture locked before off to music and sound design. The full first rough cut might also be making its way over today or tomorrow. I’m excited to see the story all laid out. This project has some very exciting days ahead of it.
- This past week we reviewed the agreement for the special blu-ray release of KNIGHT CHILLS. I’m also working on the streaming deal which will also have it being uprezed to HD. Lastly, the video game is moving forward and I’ve seen some really cool renders so far.
- HOT ROD LOVE – we’ve been in talks with investors and sponsors and working hard to pull this project together. I found a few cool pieces of 70’s wardrobe I might just have to groove on for my role in the film.
I also had a series of calls last week about possible CDI collaboration and associations. I’m in talks with Karl Manke who wrote “Hope From Heaven” that BEST YEARS GONE was adapted from. I found the next book of Karl’s I would like to make. We’ll see if that all comes together. We’re talking new promo for LOST HEART and a few of the films. I want to make sure we update the http://www.cdiproductions.com page. There is a lot of cool stuff on there. We won our soccer match last week and I even found the back of the net again. I’m excited to play this week. I got a bit of work down around the homestead. Sunk a new post for the guide rope across the bridge and chopped some wood. There is a lot more to get done but I’m happy with the progress thus far. I’m going to get out there and do a few things while it is sunny with no rain or snow. I hope you all had a great week and that your week ahead is even more productive.
Be good to one another. Coffee Cheers!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 