POSITIVE UPDATES, PRODUCTIVE PONDERINGS and POWERFUL PODCASTS
(The Journey South)
Coffee Cheers! I’m sitting down with all of you on a Monday versus Sunday due to a trip to Roanoke, VA. A charity test screening was happening for a western film WAS ONCE A HERO. We met the writing/producer Dan Searles when we were at The Wild Bunch Film Fest in Wilcox, AZ with WILD FAITH. I was invited as a VIP guest with Shane Hagedorn who has a powerful supporting role in the film. I got to met and visit with many great folks from this film family and it truly is a family with many working on the film. I got to support some other friends and fellow actors like Darby Hinton who was the lead, Robert Carradine, John Carter Cash and Rebecca Holden. As I said, I got to meet some wonderful folks including Mary Badham who took a break from her Broadway schedule to attend. She was once the youngest nominee for a supporting actress Academy Award for playing ‘Scout’ in To Kill A Mockingbird which now I’m going to rewatch.
(Stepping back in time)
We had several great meals and attended a wonderful event to benefit the non-profit Healing Strides. They use horses in their healing process. We stayed in a beautiful pre-Civil War home that had been added onto in the early 1900’s and has since been modernized without looking like it is. I LOVED the spring water both to drink and shower in. It was so beautiful as the house sits amongst pecan trees set against rolling hills. We also got to hit a few farm/craft markets and explored the historic town. Such wonderful history and tradition and the mountains can be truly so very rejuvenating. We have some associations in the works and this was a great step beyond the zoom calls to really get to know folks.
Other CDI Updates-
AN ORDINARY KILLER – This past CDI film is getting a new life as a fundraising tool for another non-profit that benefits military families. A good fit since the lead detective was a veteran dealing with his own issues while trying to solve a case. The ‘based on a true event’ film has new facts coming to life due to the efforts of real detectives that work on cold cases. Their podcast Two Average Joes just released a special presentation of our making of that film brought current in preparation for a re-release of the film to select avenues. Watch here and follow with interest all the new facts coming to life! WATCH HERE: https://youtu.be/JAEjJFQ77N0?si=ZlyjgZVkkk-JjiL_
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – This amazing piece of history preserved in this motion picture continues its march into new circles of distribution. In a few months the film will launch onto UP FAMILY & FAITH TV . The film continues its release on transactional streaming platforms like Amazon, Googleplay, iTunes and more. DVD sales are proving that the medium is not dead and actually growing as people once again realize that value of ownership in physical media.
(In Studio working on Harsens Island Revenge)
Harsens Island Revenge – We had a watch last week on the second pass of the film with the new pickup footage added in and it was powerful. The voice over was dropped in and the WW1 footage just added a wonderful layer. EPIC! The 61 VFX shots are being added in and we are looking to have a locked picture with completed VFX next week. We had a great in-studio meeting over sound design and music. That will be another great phase that might include some grilling:) Our director Carl is back on schedule releasing some of the screen capture portraits. JOIN our Facebook page and don’t miss any of the updates. Like the Making of- just released. Edited by our wonderful Adam Towner! WATCH HERE: https://youtu.be/wvvof3U4Sss?si=GkHLHBgN6DQ0gmXh
The CDI CLASSIC COLLECTION– From KNIGHT CHILLS, CDI’s 1st feature to GHOST TOWN, our 6th feature and the last of the CDI Classic Collection. All the films are being prepped to re-enter the market. This includes literary, new streaming HD, blu-ray, retrospective interviews and more. The first 6 features make up the classic era of CDI when we were just starting up and learning our craft. We’ve been doing test runs of the new HD versions of the films and I can say it is quite amazing. Kudos to the technology that is giving us this gift. The 1080 version of Knight Chills is beautiful but 2k, 4k? AMAZING….We already discussed AN ORDINARY KILLER and the new releases will include theatrical for some of them if not all of them. WHY? Because we can;)
WRAP UP: Again this weekend I was reminded how blessed I am to be doing what I love. To be working and laughing with such talented and passionate people. Lining up the business ($) on a project is always a chore but the resulting art always makes it worth it. I’m motivated to get back after it and seal up the deal on our next film HOT ROD LOVE and a series of projects working to be able to film next year. I’ve got to keep moving pieces on the chess board but we have a great team working towards our goals. I’m looking forward to new concept art on one project and some meetings on others. I’m excited about the warmth. We left in cold rain that lasted until we were 30 min from our destination and arrived to sunshine and warmth. Now it feels like we brought it back with us. I’m eager to start doing some outdoor stuff as well. My first mowing might be at hand and that is always rewarding. I’m going to be planting some fresh clover and already we have things budding. I’m ready for soccer season and outside meetings. Until we chat again next week on our regular day of Sunday, keep dreaming. Keep doing little things to move closer to your goals. In the meantime, be good to one another!
DJ
Now Streaming! DVD’s HOT GIFTS! – Updates
Good morning my friends, I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee on this wonderful Sunday. I want to welcome all our new readers from Mexico, Netherlands, India, Canada and more. I’m up good and early as I have a day that keeps moving right until bedtime. I had a very good week of organizing and getting things done. A few meetings and some additional winterizing. That is what we have to do here to prepare for the ice and snow. I fixed the fence gate and split wood by axe attacking a stack of logs this past week. I paid the price the next day of overworking. Stiff neck and lower back but I got those worked out. I had one day where I was moving half speed at best. But I will need to get those muscles working to get through the winter. The wood stove will need to keep the logs burning.
(Fellowship of filmmaking – Tony Hornus center with Travis (Left) and Cody (Rt) on set. )
The Christmas tree is up and this past week a few outside decorations went up. I do love the colored bulbs. I don’t enjoy traffic and crowded stores and try to go at off times. We have three family Christmas gatherings in a row and so I’ve been also being a little elf wrapping away. I have a few good meetings this week that will also be part celebration and planning for 2024.
(Coming together to tell stories – myself, Don Most (center) and Carl Weyant (Rt) director)
Yesterday, I want to recognize that a friend, family and mentor passed away a year ago yesterday. I’ll always remember because I was in Algona, Iowa for the premiere of SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. We had done a radio show on a very snowy morning. This friend was going to have a medical test done and his heart stopped. I got up from resting my eyes knowing we had a pre-party followed by the premiere and lastly an afterglow at the VFW. I awoke from my short nap to find out this horrible news. It was this town’s beautiful day and story. It almost felt like WHOville at Christmastime, so I kept this news mostly quiet. He was really interested in seeing this WW2 era story. Now, Dec 1st this year was our home video release and I once again recalled again how badly he wanted to see this new film. Dec 9th marked one year without him. He is greatly missed – Dan the Druid.
(Just some of the CDI Tribe – multigenerational – back right John McGraw has been with the tribe the longest of the folks in this pic save me)
* NOTE: I had just put my phone in my vest pocket – I’m not packing heat:)
Let’s look at some of the exciting updates this week.
UPDATES
- With the December 1st home video release of SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA (SNIA), years of work before shooting and a few since of premiere release came to an end. From the point financial backers entrust you there is a somber seriousness that goes along with that responsibility. I’ve noted before that due to several variables this film was one of the hardest ones to finish in many years. But, with the national release I can exhale.
- The SNIA pre-sales ranking for DVD’s on Amazon has stayed strong and we just got our November totals and it is our distributors top performing film. We had just shy of 3,000 people purchase the DVD as a keepsake or as a gift. Businesses purchasing for employees. Gifting DVD’s to nursing homes so that residents can enjoy the sights and sounds of an early day with a smile. Hospitals? Prisons? This true event film can truly lift the spirits. I am so appreciative of all the good folks who have watched and shared how special the film is. Especially those who have reviewed it on Amazon or http://www.imdb.com – we love to read about your experience watching this story and it encourages others to take a watch. Many of the film’s cast and crew have reached out to express their joy at being part of this film. Our kudos to all of you. Filmmaking is very hard work and many people don’t seem to grasp that. A huge effort of coordinating so many artists and variables. It just means so much to all of us to have everyone accept the film as they have. We make these stories for all of you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
- A fan favorite is WILD FAITH, a family western, ah- mid-western. It just celebrated flying over the 8 million views mark at Encourage TV. (Free w/ ads search it out) They are just one of many platforms showcasing this and many of the CDI films. CDI even has their own playlist on Encourage TV. But with each passing year our fans for Wild Faith increase. We are still very interested in the TV series. We just have to align with the right partners. In 2024 we just must get all those pieces to line up. Persistence is one of my strengths.
- KNIGHT CHILLS, is the very first film by CDI. We started shooting in 1998 I believe bringing us to 25 years since camera rolled. I think our first major distribution was in 2001. The film is proudly back on the market as a Blu-Ray. If you or someone you know is into the ole fantasy role playing games like Dungeons and Dragons they would likely enjoy this film. BUY 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=17209379555681048587&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017262&hvtargid=pla-2260223998064&psc=1&mcid=399dd8121370380c8b97cdbf876e05c6
- 2024 should bring some new life to the KNIGHT CHILLS franchise. A sequel has been talked about for years with various interested filmmakers. A sequel? The video game? Book reissue? Merchandise? I have a good meeting on Monday where part of the discussions will be on Knight Chills.
- Harsens Island Revenge (HIR) updates- I had a great update with our director Carl Weyant, as he was heading to the airport to be with family. The film at the time of our discussion was just shy of 50 minutes edited and he said it was pretty damn tight. He was just so excited by the performances and the way the story all pulls together. Good script eh? 🙂 A teaser trailer and the film edit will be worked on and when Carl returns in January of 2024, we should have a rough edit to watch. Good talks with our composer have started but will become even more involved in 2024.
- Additional HIR– I’ll be working with Tony Hornus on looking to cast our (5) WW1 German reenacts to film our opening. We’ll also bringing back in David Reardon and Bejo Dohmen for our final shooting of our opening scene in Feb. if everything goes according to plan.
WRAP UP: I’m enjoying the Christmas season and thankful for the time with family and friends. I’ve been organizing and reflecting. I’ve been calling up old friends and associates to check in with them and share a laugh. I’ve been trying to recharge. Having something like ‘Silent Night in Algona’ get to market thus fulfilling my main responsibility. “Create the best art possible within the business perimeters and getting it to market.” From there, how it is received depends on the audience and the distributors.
Let’s talk on that a beat-
Many distributors are puppy mills for films. Horrible deals that will rob filmmakers versus develop and grow with them. Work smarter vs harder, I say. Distribute less content but ones worth more revenue via quality. Every major company that embraced its brand worked hard in customer service to build customer loyalty. They care about what people think of their company. CDI is like that. Many we do business with share that idea. I know our new Pepsi contact and team takes great pride in their brand(s).
Some exploitation distributors just wreck and rape, harsh word I know but a very good illustration when you look at how artists love their “child” films. Once the exploitive distributor ship has taken on too many legal hits they scuttle the company. So reputation of the distributor matters and I can attest that it can make a lot of difference between living in the past or future. A good partnership like what we just shared on the launch of ‘Silent Night in Algona’ is golden. To have a chance at creating something great it takes more effort versus just going through the motions. Having everyone aligned towards a common goal with content that is truly uplifting woven within a true story of goodness. In a world where we are reminded daily of senseless shootings and never ending wars, a film that gives HOPE is like gold.
To bring it full circle, the saying “you are wealthy by what you can give away, not what you have” is a powerful saying to ponder. When you’re giving to others you’re also living in a season of being blessed. Apply this to distribution – Once a distribution company has good content flowing in from fair development practices you will see great growth in the distribution branch. To grow yourself you must have healthy story providers. A company quickly gets known for the quality of their content. They can become greater than the sum of the parts/films if they choice wisely. CDI (www.cdiproductions.com) is also greater than the sum of the parts/films. A creative incubator – knights of the creative round table – tribeCDI THUNDERDOME! Okay. I need to back that down. But each film is a handcrafted piece of art made by many artists who care sincerely about storytelling. About legacy. I’m going to wrap it up now. I’m going to a memorial later and after spending time with my brother and a few friends. All our journeys will one day end here. Spend time with family and friends and keep expanding that circle of sincere. People don’t easily trust kindness. But people also feel/know sincere. That is a word I think I relate too. SINCERE. Now you can sincerely be a pain in the ass too. But I think I’m quite sincere in most all I do. Is a sincere effort same as best effort? I think if you give your best you are sincere in the effort. I will have to ponder and we’ll talk more about that on a different day.
Be sincere and good to one another. Until next week.
Coffee Cheers- DJ
SEVEN UPDATES and LOOKING AHEAD!
(Axel from Harsens Island Revenge by GW Burns)
Good morning to you all! First, I’m happy to almost be settled back into home. I still have some wardrobe and craft service stuff to stow away until our next filming adventure. I’ve been working to settle all our Harsens Island Revenge business. I’ve enjoyed dropping into a fall festival. I’ve got the yard almost back to normal. I still need a little front yard work but with Halloween right around the corner it fits the theme. I’ve just about harvested everything that needs harvesting and will keep doing some clean up. I had to fix my gate and a few other home fixes. Yesterday we had a nice time with the moms and my brother and his family. They carved pumpkins and we ate sloppy joe’s. After we watched MSU take a beating from U of M. At least our Lions are having a good season.
Moving towards the theme of movies we can discuss the strikes. It seems the WGA has worked out its deal. The SAG-AFTRA negotiations is a cluster$#@%$. The news is dominated by discussions on Halloween costumes and can actors wear costumes that are ‘Struck’ by the union. Wait! Clarification- it doesn’t apply to actors kids. This all has become a bit of a joke. Nobody is putting pressure on talks by not dressing as some film characters. I’ll just bite my tongue and carry on.
Also with war happening in the world I think the time is right for our unifying stories. I think films like SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA (SNIA) is coming out at the perfect time. This is the season of ramping up PR for our upcoming releases. Let’s look at some of the new developments.
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – The DVD and Streaming release on 12/1/23 and pre-orders are available on some sites. We’ll be getting a list of what platforms have picked up the film soon. We start our bi-weekly marketing meetings with the distributor this coming week. I know AMAZON PRIME will be carrying the film. It should start accepting pre-orders this week. I also found Google-play prepping for a release. Just google the film and scroll and you’ll see outlets approach. This award winning film will be featured at AFM to license around the world. Follow our FB page for all the updates. AMAZON – https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Night-Algona-Taylor-Nichols/dp/B0CL7DFYSK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3QCRGKW7S0K6F&keywords=Silent+Night+in+Algona&qid=1697980490&sprefix=silent+night+in+algona+%2Caps%2C142&sr=8-1
- Oct 30th/31st is the wide release date for our KNIGHT CHILLS Blu-Ray with many already enjoying the film buying directly from the distributor Vinegar Syndrome. We do plan to release the new HD remastered film on streaming in the new year. PRE-ORDER HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Knight-Chills-Tim-Jeffrey/dp/B0CJ5WBSZR/ref=sr_1_2?crid=1U9U31YJB9IFJ&keywords=knight+chills&qid=1697980603&sprefix=knight+chills%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-2
- WICKED SPRING is playing on History Fix amongst many platforms. The film has been remastered and released. Here is a great interview I did with Will Eichler on the film and the making of an independent epic. WATCH HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=himyS5W61Mo
- If scary Halloween films are your cup of tea some of the titles I’ve acted – Knight Chills, In the Woods, Blood Ties, From Venus, Savage (writer), Smoke & Mirrors (Short), The 8th Plague * gory, GPS, Karma: (Crime, Passion, Reincarnation), Dog, Deadly Renovations, American Liar, Darkest Night, Donors, and Bestseller. Just google them up and see if you can find some of these titles.
- On the other end of the spectrum our family animated film THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ is playing free with ads. Maybe try playing Pink Floyd with it:) WATCH HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLaw6zOAsw0
- Speaking on music – our newest music video for Remorse Code will be completed very soon.
- HERE is a good watch the short SMOKE & MIRRORS which I took from a feature script. How many out there would like to see the full feature film of this? WATCH HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qcobe1eng0
WRAP UP: The last entry above is right in line with the flow over here at CDI. We are ramping up the SNIA marketing and Harsens Island Revenge (HIR) is now in post. And we should have a locked picture minus our pick ups on Jan. 30th. We have 2 pick up pieces to film in Feb and we will have a locked picture ready to move to Dennis Therrian for music and sound design.
We are also in development on several fronts and we’ll start to get an idea of our 2024 in the next few weeks. I have development meetings and calls underway and it will be exciting to see where that all goes. Winter is also my season of writing so I’ll be picking which projects I work on. I’m also exploring again a literary agent to offer my scripts or services. Everything starts with a powerful script.
I’m going to do some computer clean up and get some breakfast going. I am going to look at some development projects also this morning. I hope you all are having a great fall and that you’re getting your final 2023 goals accomplished.
Until next week- coffee cheers!
DJ
‘Harsens Island Revenge’ Scout Trip + ‘Silent Night In Algona’ Home Video Prep and More…
(Michigan beauty on our scout trip)
INTRO and HIR SCOUT TRIP:
A Monday morning hazelnut coffee hello! For those loyal followers – most saw my FB post that I was up North location scouting Harsens Island Revenge, with part of our advance team. The trip had a few goals and they were achieved. First, we’ve had good development work and enthusiasm but this weekend we had synergy starting to work. Our director and AD team was shown the many great locations we previously found and got approval. We also have enough of our locations found to put together a first schedule. That is underway and once we have that it will allow to move forward with car and boat needs and also giving cast their scheduled days. We also were able to weave together a few moments/scenes after existing in the locations. Lodging and catering exploration has also started and we’ll be locking that in the coming month. We also have several reads coming in from MI agencies on a few key roles. We are also soon to announce our first sponsors coming on board to help this project get made with more ease and comfort. BIO-CLEAN is once again on-board to assist with the heath and safety on our sets. They have been with us for several projects and we are appreciative to have them with us again. We have some good opportunities to have several products and services promoted with our film. This week we’ll digest all the information and put it into action.
(Dir. Anthony Hornus and composer/sound designer Dennis Therrian at final home video audio mix)
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA: The final film watch on the improved digital effects and color correction was happening this weekend. Last week we also watched/LISTENED to the new improved audio mix for the home video delivery. The theatrical run allowed us to see a handful of things for us to correct. The added sound design and audio mix had us all so excited. The home video audience will see and hear an even better film this autumn. We will be delivering all elements including the wrap book that I have to get digitized this week and all marketing assets. I’ll be looking into our ongoing theatrical to see if it will continue or if we’ll bring it to a close. It was playing last week as folks keep requesting it and the bookers keep booking it. I’m excited to have millions be able to watch it from the comfort of their own home. Yes. DVD’s will be for sale!
Misc. Film Updates:
- WILD FAITH last month was the #1 film on Encourage TV for views per hour. And last week was Encourage TV’s top viewed film being watched 110k times. You can watch Encourage TV or Tubi free with ads or any of the numerous other platforms from Amazon, iTunes, Googleplay and more. We are working on some new positioning to see if we can get season 1 funded and green lit to move forward.
- KNIGHT CHILLS – Blu Ray – The distributor is trying to tie up all the extras for this project mid-month. We have been trying to get interviews where we can. It will be the best version of this film that has ever been to market. We have some cool fan art that we got permission to use either on cover or menu.
- FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH 2– We are exploring several avenues and individuals for sponsorship on this next doc in our series. We will be doing a sit down soon to see where we are with things. We’ve got the foundation paperwork in place so now we’ll start moving into the next stage.
- My first starring film IN THE WOODS, is getting a new remastered life and to go with it will be some great merchandise and swag. I know a new theatrical will be planned so get ready for that. Blu-Ray, streaming and action figures? Just maybe:) Check out the Making of book and script on Amazon.
(“Harsens Island Revenge” scout team locking up locations)
WRAP UP: This month we’ll be highly focused on getting everything on SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA delivered to our distributor. Once they check and accept everything they will set home video release dates and start work on release art. My goal this month on Harsens Island Revenge is to lock all our main cast and get our schedule set. At the same time I’ll be working to get the homestead cleaned up and looking zen. My planted clover is coming up nicely and if we are past any freezing the veggies and plants can be started. I’m excited that this week is our first soccer match and I’m going in as healthy. We have to play the dethroned champs first game out of the gate. We will see how that works out. Last year we lost to them during the season but won in the finals. We are exploring the new deck and some wood splitting for next winter will be on the schedule. I’m also going to talk to our tree folks about a few trims around the office. As the new growth starts also allow new energy and motivation to find its way into your endeavors. I’m looking forward to an amazing Spring and Summer leading up to telling our next CDI story. Until we meet again next Sunday, have a great week.
(A quick photo by the water- putting in the prep work)
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 