New Releases. New Castings Coming. New Development.
What a beautiful day in Lansing, MI today! It was a tad chilly but the sun was out and the apple blossoms are in bloom. Birds and squirrels are busy at work and our chickens were happy to be out and about. The hens have been kicking 4-5 eggs and day which has been wonderful. Yesterday we did a day trip to Holland, MI and saw the 1700’s windmill and the fields of tulips. I also had a nice Dutch sampler at a Dutch eatery. I have been to Amsterdam so I’ve had some of the local dishes but this was nice. I love experiencing new food, music and traditions. I’m thrilled that this week I will be putting up a new acting sizzle reel. I’ve not done a new one since 2020 because I’ve been busy acting so it wasn’t a priority. I’m very excited that soon I’ll be sharing films and my created characters with a wide audience as some of our films release. Let’s look at some of the updates and look ahead somewhat.
UPDATES:
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS the home video poster above which will release on 11/3/2026 but our partners at Dreamscape Productions will look to get it into a few more theaters before the streaming release. Next week we’ll see how the film does at the ICFF where it has a handful of nominations including Best Picture. The Red Letter Awards in August and I believe we are under consideration at a few additional festivals and events. We have the 8 show season 1 of WILD FAITH: Hastings on deck and I’m working on another stand alone film working title WF3 right now.
- I’ve completed my first draft on RETURN TO ALGONA which is the next chapter following SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. I’ve got some great feedback from my main producers and our director Anthony Hornus. It will be going to the foundation and other associated entities to review soon. We have 1/2 the funding in place and will likely look to film in 2027 either early or late in 2027 as it requires a winter backdrop. We will likely start doing some advance casting out of Iowa working with friends there so get your reels and materials updated. Our production designer is in Algona today doing some advanced scouting.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE – This comedy horror film is having the first showing at the Sun Theater in Williamston, MI on May 18th. The box office opens at 6:30 with the film showing at 7:00. Tickets are $10 cash and have to be purchased at the box office. This will be a great first showing as we’re setting up for many other showings in other theater chains and classic theaters like this one. This was such a fun film to shoot and I think audiences will enjoy it. It is about following your dreams at any cost. I was inspired in writing the screenplay by films like WAITING FOR GUFFMAN, BEST IN SHOW, THIS IS SPINAL TAP and A MIGHTY WIND.
- AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip – We are close to having all the music and sound design put into the film. From there we will do a watch and we’re also assembling the end credit crawl which always takes a little time. I LOVE how this film presents and I think audiences of all types will enjoy it. It has a strong comedic tone but also adds real depth in various places. Monday I’ll be looking at a draft of the BTS video by Adam Towner. We will start to ramp up more of the PR once we get the film finished.
DEVELOPMENT: I’ve been loving the development work on several fronts. We almost have the business foundation in place on a film that would shoot in Michigan this Fall. I don’t want to speak on it until we are further down the road but the last two weeks have had hours of business development spent. I’ve said it before but for me/CDI to consider outside projects the funds have to be there. Otherwise we have a slate of films that the funds could be placed upon. Funding is only part of the equation but having the script in the right place and having the right team is what makes me say yes. Location also plays into it and how easy can I work with the other party. Because often the other party comes to CDI wanting to up their production game but in production value and the production journey. The last few CDI films have been extremely smooth sailing. That is due to having the right personalities and attitudes aligned. Negativity is a cancer in the film world and if you don’t really like the long, hard hours on set don’t do it. God, knows there are easier jobs that pay better but you pay the cost in other ways if you are not happy with what you do.
We have several projects in development all with various great things happening. This one we’re looking at for the Fall is a fun one for sure. We’ve got a great team lining up and a great battle plan. I like the acting role that I would play. It is a unique character that I feel strong about. I know I can bring something really cool to audiences and that process of character building is already happening in my head. So this week we’ll continue our development talks and I hope to announce something once we have dried ink as I like to say.
WRAP UP:
Today I’m going to do some property clean up and maybe get the grill around for Summer use. I’m looking forward to a great week ahead and I’m thankful for all the abundance of good things happening. I’m excited to see what some of the other parties involved think of the RETURN TO ALGONA script. It is be a great story to tell. I’m going to go make a few eggs and get on with my day. But I want to thank all of you for once again stopping by to have a read. If you can come out on May 18th to see ROM COMS MUST DIE I will be there as will some of the cast and crew. Until next week keep plugging away at your dreams and be good to one another. Everyone has their challenges and such they are dealing with. Coffee cheers, time to refill that as well.
DJ
Eventful Week – Production Ahead (Updates)
Hello friends. It has been a whirlwind week of negotiations and talks on the home video deal for WILD FAITH. The film will be playing in three cities this week – Grand Haven, Holland and Florida. (See below) 
This is also the last of the off location pre-production on MBF. Our prep team starts in on Thursday and a week from that date cameras roll. We’re incorporating many new elements into this shoot. Some by way of new crew, new location (somewhat) and new cast in certain roles. We have a few exciting announcements coming this week. One is the addition of a co-star that will be well-known to some. He was a co-star on one of prime time TV’s biggest hits. We had a nice character talk yesterday and I’m beyond excited because he’s the right talent for the right role.
Becoming a character is serious business especially when representing…
Our schedule has caused a few switches in our casting but that always happens. By the time you get to the premiere you could never imagine anyone else in those roles. I’m trying to keep my TO DO list updated. I’ve been very happy with the time I’ve spent with ‘Paul’ my new character in MBF. To say he has been a challenge would be an understatement. My study of wounded warriors both physical and mental has been extensive. My appreciation and respect elevated as one fully recognizes the sacrifices made. I’m excited to see this story told and I hope that it changes minds and hearts.
Home video sales continue on “Forty Nights,” “Chasing the Star,” “Wicked Spring,” and “Ashes of Eden” which can all be watched on Amazon Prime. I’m touched by the beautiful emails that I’ve received from viewers of these films. If you have not watched any of them please do take a watch. You can recommend it to others on the Amazon site. DVD’s can also be purchased from the Amazon site. All our artists deeply appreciate your support.
Aside from these distribution, pre-production and actor work – we’ve been in development for our fall film. I think working with our distributor we might have landed on the right property. But I don’t want to go too far off on this direction.
If the WILD FAITH home video deal can get settled here in the upcoming weeks the distributor might get involved with expanded and marketing our theatrical a bit more. If the home video release is strong we will get a sequel or TV series moving behind it. There are a lot of moving parts with this deal and I’m doing my best to stay on top of it. I think everyone will be very happy with the final results.
I want to take these last few lines to celebrate my Mother and all those who give as mother’s do. I got to spend the morning with my beloved momma. She has always been supportive even when my dreams seemed unrealistic and far-fetched. I know many out there have been through this phase. Some have that support and others do not. But that is one of the reasons this blog exists. It is proof that you can follow your own path and create. It is not easy and if you can be happy and do something other than be an artist – I recommend it. But for the others – keep at it. Work smarter. Learn daily. Value your character in your dealings. Defend the artistic process and muster the courage to keep walking. One step after another – steady as you go and after a while – turn around and see how far you’ve come. My mother nurtured me to believe in my imagination and motivation – to achieve when you believe. Thank you momma. I love you.
I’m going to finish up here because I have some additional MBF work to finish. So far I’ve packed sock and underwear so I’ve got that going on. A busy but exciting week as we head towards onset pre-production. I’ll give you another update soon. You can also follow https://www.facebook.com/MBFthemovie/
I hope you all have a wonderful week. Be good to one another.
DJ
Awards, Screenings and Preparing to Sail (film) Again Soon…
Good morning my friends. I’m sipping the sweet hazelnut coffee on a sunny morning here in Michigan. Once again I want to welcome our new readers from Spain, Ireland and France along with our international friends already following along. What an amazing week of developments on so many fronts. Let’s start with the ongoing success of THE QUEST TRILOGY. Part 1 “Forty Nights” continues to grow an audience on Amazon Prime and other fine platforms. If you still love DVD’s like I do you can also but on Amazon. The second film in the trilogy “Chasing the Star” just played the ICFF (Essentially the Christian Oscars) and from 5 nominations we WON ‘Most Inspirational’ film. This is my favorite award because it speaks to the hard work of everyone involved and we did what any storyteller can hope for – inspire people. Both of these films are so worth a watch and the part 3 “The Christ Slayer” will release in theaters during the holidays this year and will release wide on home video Easter 2019. Look for us to release the theatrical trailer in June of this year. Congrats to our entire cast and crew of CHASING THE STAR!
WON ‘Most Inspirational’ Film at ICFF following last year’s win with “Forty Nights”
With four nominations “Wild Faith” was in competition and WON for Best Leading Actress – Ms Lauren LaStrada and also WON 2nd place “Runner up” for Best Film. Now I know what Ricky Bobby would say but we’re very happy to accept the second place spot. But this horse (Kentucky Derby references) is still running hard. We have play dates right around the corner.
And we will not stop there. We’ve got many venues we’re still in discussions with. But I wanted to thank ICFF for their acknowledgement of our hard work on both films. We’re also in serious home video discussions on “Wild Faith” and I should have home video release dates in a week or two. But if you have friends in Holland or Grand Haven, MI or in Gibsonton, FL make it a point to see this fine story on the big screen.
Let’s talk “MBF” or Man’s Best Friend, our next film. We’ve almost finalized the cast (waiting on the last few offers to close) and we’ve started work on hotels, flights and such. Have some patience as we start getting the cast and crew agreements in place. I’m beyond excited at the talent we’ve got attached. The script has drawn great praise and personally I’m almost where I want to be with the character I’ll play. I’ve been immersed in the role and I’m excited by the various exchanges I’ll have with some other very talented actors and actresses. I’m even more excited by the positive light we can shine with our collective storytelling.
In my casting discussions on the west coast I’ve identified a few other notable talents to work into the tribal fold. CDI will be entering into a production deal to help us create more often with less down time. The idea of a TV series or sequel to “Wild Faith” is a real possibility on the table. I’m sincerely thrilled to be where we’re at as a production group. Those in our crew circle should soon be able to enjoy some consistent work on projects that steadily get larger in scope. It’s all team building and we’re starting to get there.
I’m about to go throw the first mowing of the year on the yard. I love the zen of the back yard and watching birds, squirrels and other beautiful wildlife gives me daily peace. The garden will get tilled this week since right now only weeds are growing. I have another soccer match today. Last week we fought to a 4-4 tie in a great battle. We’ll see how today plays out but I’ll be ready to attack the week. In a few short weeks we’ll be on set storytelling again.
Be good to one another.
DJ
Growth – Visualize the Harvest Now
Good morning everyone. Get your hot coffee beside you and settle in to discuss a few updates. Again as always I’m proud of all our readers from the world over. India, China, Sweden and more all joining us here to discuss life and art. Where to even begin? So I’ve just returned from a whirlwind trip to AZ for a business lunch and to discuss the future endeavors of Collective Development Inc. (CDI) moving forward.
Some of the talks involved WILD FAITH which as you know is performing quite well in the theatrical market for just a small grassroots operation. The Goodrich Quality Theaters has expanded our release. Wild Faith now coming to HOLLAND AND GRAND HAVEN and FLORIDA! Please click the links and invite your friends and family!
HOLLAND:
https://www.facebook.com/events/244440026119489/?ti=icl
GRAND HAVEN:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1962675287380657/?ti=icl
GIBSONTON FL:
https://www.facebook.com/events/292497647953384/?ti=icl
Next weekend WILD FAITH and CHASING THE STAR will go head to head at the International Christian Film Festival. CDI will be well represented by EP Rebecca Lawlor and our duel nominated leads in WILD FAITH and our director Mr. Jesse Low. CHASING THE STAR was also nominated for soundtrack, Best lead actor, best screenplay and most inspirational. Both are up for Best Film so it should be interesting.
We are working hard to get the film into other areas where the demand is high. Keep contacting your theaters and requesting the film and also getting us a contact to management speeds up the process. I’m very appreciative that the audiences are receiving the film so well.
Part of my AZ meeting was over WILD FAITH and the home video roll out. I will have to wait to make any final announcements on the future of the film but it looks very good. Not only for the feature film but for telling the ongoing stories of this group of beloved characters.
CDI will also be moving forward with a production deal. They like our ability to put the right team behind a script and to execute on schedule, budget and with quality. We’re in talks now to identify the slate of films that we’ll be doing over the next couple years. The first film under this deal will likely shoot this fall/winter with development starting soon after MBF (Man’s Best Friend) goes into post.
MBF is coming together great. Cast and Crew are being brought on boards and we’ll start filming later next month. I’m very excited about the power of this story. I’ve almost got a firm hand on my character that I’ll be playing in the film. We have a powerful cast that will participating on this movie. I’m excited to “play” with these talented folks.
The meeting also talked about THE CHRIST SLAYER That will move fully into sound and music next month. The final tweaks are being done and we’ll be releasing the Official trailer this Summer. Maybe targeting my Bday month (June) as the release of the trailer. Along with Forty Nights and Chasing the Star – the trilogy will be complete. I’m excited to see where this all leads. We’ve been steadily recouping against our advances and this year will start even more TV/Foreign play. I’ve been getting lots of fan (e)mail on Forty Nights and I’m humbled by the kind words.
All these smaller films have been directed at team building. Getting the right cast and crew in place around a certain script. I’ve noticed that many people struggle in this industry because they play the short game vs the long game. You have to invest with your time, do so with people going somewhere. By this I mean making the effort to grow and improve their game.
Our budgets will be climbing slow and steady over the next couple years. We’re working to develop loyal tribal members who want to be part of good art and business. We’ve got deep contacts nationwide but we’re trying to develop our Michigan crew base best we can. We hire on accountability and we do vet people. Having a great attitude with a strong skill set is what we look for. I’m still amazed at how some step out of line wanting/waiting for something better to come along and allow others to step into their spot. Maybe they step out for better art? Maybe they hope for a better paying gig to come along. I would say the latter is more likely why some people step out of line. But a few paid weeks out of ones year to stay with a team constantly moving forward seems like a smart move. I’m just from a different time and have a unique way of thinking about these matters but it’s helped me survive all these years while watching many fall. Choose wisely.
IN OTHER NEWS…
ASHES OF EDEN – This Shane Hagedorn directed piece is trending upwards nicely on Amazon Prime as people discover this little gem.
WICKED SPRING – This old gem is being discovered by a new audience online – also playing Amazon Prime.
Before my biz trip I recorded a commercial narration for a director amigo – so if you occasionally start hearing my voice in the commercial arena you’ll know why. I’ve enjoyed doing these little gigs. Far easier commitment-wise versus the feature film work. So as I’ve said before – if you think I fit something make me an offer. Pending my schedule and your offer I just might say yes.
I’ve got many things to do today including our second soccer match. We lost our first game 2-1 having only half as many players. That is our fault not theirs but we did good even with those numbers. Today should be much better and either way I love being out there kicking it again. The work in the yard continues. Might till the garden this week and the hops have already started to grow. I’m looking for my favorite mushrooms but they’ve not yet appeared.
Have a great Sunday and rest of your week.
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 