HAPPY FATHER’S DAY and SOME GREAT CDI FILM UPDATES!
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY – To my daddy and my brother who is also an amazing daddy. My bro seen here with one of his two lil Perry’s Wes. A good day to show your appreciation to anyone in your life who fills that role. I plan to see my dad today for a visit and this week we’re taking a day trip with my dad to go visit some of his places he lived and hung out as a child. It was his dream to have a family and I think he did a good job. Conversely yesterday we attended a nice memorial for a family friend. She was a childhood friend of my mom’s and went to school with both my parents. It makes me think of my own close friends from my youth. I still talk and spend time with so many of them and I cannot imagine losing them. Sadly, we have lost a few over the years but that helps keep everything in perspective.
My allergy eye is still having good and bad days but it is improving or I’m getting use to it. I played my first game with my prescription sports goggles and despite being able to see MUCH better we still lost the game. But as I always say, I always win by way of workout. My legs have been heavy from a great battle where we had lower numbers leaving little time off the field. I’ve also been loving so much soccer on the field. I’ve sat and watched several games and often have it playing in the background.
I’m starting to do some trimming in the yard again as things are growing like gangbusters. I love the bounce of working around the property between business calls and such. I still did not get to bottling the home wine from last year’s berry picks. We have new berries starting to come in now. I still have some projects I want to complete but it is a work-in-progress. I plan to do some grilling today with some venison steaks and I think we are going to wander down to the flea market. Okay let’s get talking about some of our film projects.
FILM UPDATES:
- We just did our flights and lodging for the Will Roger’s Awards in October with Wild Faith Christmas. The same film is being represented in August at the Red Letter Awards where the film has ten nominations! This film might still have a few theatrical runs before the 11/3/26 streaming and DVD release.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE is starting to get advanced reviews before the 10/2/26 DVD and streaming release. I’m working on a brew and view set up or two and we are trying to get the next theatrical showings set up. I’m humbly surprised at the powerful 3rd party reviews giving it 9’s and 10’s. It is a unique story that makes fun of our beloved industry. Artists will really get all the inside jokes and the general audience is enjoying the wild and wacky ride. If you get a chance to see it in the theaters before the Oct release leave your own review on IMDB.com or elsewhere.
- AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip – is being delivered to our home video distributor. I need to get the wrap book digitized. I was going to do it end of last week but some RETURN TO ALGONA (More on this later) meetings took that time. Everyone has a reaction to this title. Sometimes good and sometimes hesitant but always curious. This film is a deep film wrapped in a funny external story that mirrors actual events. I never thought I would play Jesus again after THE QUEST TRILOGY but…so stay tuned. We’ll know if we’ll be rolling out to theaters working with our Dreamscape Productions partners this week. Join the FB page, watch the trailer and get ready to learn the secret of the kingdom chip.
- DEVIL’S PASS – We had a 3.5 hr schedule meeting last week to fine tune and debate scene order with our AD Adam Towner and our directors. We have casting underway and will be looking at some of the submissions this coming week. We have a few cool casting opportunities in motion and everyone is getting excited. We have a few crew roles open and the McGraw’s have been interviewing. Our biz paperwork has been distributed and as that comes back in we’ll be opening the bank account soon. We are working on our first few sponsors and that is always an exciting time. I’ve been personally enjoying the building of my character for this film. It is something vastly new for me and I like that. So casting and crewing is moving along. Schedule will be locked this week. It is going to be a cool moody world we bring to the screen.
DEVELOPMENT:
- RETURN TO ALGONA – Soon we will start closing in on our funders and sponsors for this follow up film to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. Last week we took another step with a financial commitment from the PW Museum. We are going to be challenging several more individuals and companies to help us preserve this next chapter of this incredible story. The story has been read and loved by many of the returning actors. If you or your company want to be involved feel free to reach out.
- I’m trying to get things off my desk so I can do a complete comb through on the Katharsys Media/CDI three film package. We have two films developing with Curran Jacobs and a handful of other random films developing. I’m back to script writing on a pair of scripts. Both are follow up’s to films we’ve had some wonderful success with.
- RETURN TO ALGONA as previously noted is gaining some momentum with now over half the funds committed. The first film put Algona on the map and this second film will help cement that. I want to thank the Donald Tietz Charitable Foundation and the PW Museum.
WRAP UP: I could have followed up on more development but that is always a chess game. In a few weeks I’ll be in LA/Hollywood for a few days on vacation and plan to meet up with a few industry amigos. I’m still waiting on disbursements from legal so I can get those out the door. This week is my nephew’s birthday party. I have a birthday Tuesday June 23rd and I don’t have any real plans as of now. I use to do some big parties but now I tend to keep them more low key. I’m going to wrap this up now and likely eat a few eggs before off top the flea market and I visit with my dad. I will see my brother later today and I already mentioned the grilling and chilling. I hope all of you have a great day. I will be a year older when we chat together again. Be good to one another and a great BIRTHDAY GIFT to me is to WATCH A CDI Film. I do appreciate each and everyone of you. Have a great week and coffee cheers! Mmmmm hazelnut coffee!
DJ
JUNE – BIRTHDAYS, FUNERALS, FILMS AND UPDATES!
Good morning. It is rainy in the Michigan this morning but Spring growth is everywhere. I will say that when Friday eve came about I was truly exhausted. So many film events all happening at once and several personal things also happening. A lot of talk on business trips that is always pressure for me. I’ll try to dump some of this trails and tribulations out that also include more blessings. It is my Bday month and I tend to get a little off and introspective during this time. I was asked by my mother if I had any June 23rd bday plans and truthfully I have not given it any thought. I have a nephew’s bday, a funeral for one of my mom’s childhood friends and we have been planning something for my mom’s 80th bday. I’ve been treated allergies that have been messing with one of my eye’s sight. On top of that let’s look at the slew of business.
BIZ BULLETPOINTS
- Adam Towner and I participated in a great interview over ROM COMS MUST DIE. We also announced the streaming dates/DVD for home video. We are working to set up brew and views and theatrical and you can follow our FB page for that. WATCH IT HERE: https://www.youtube.com/live/nO4FJSKtWfw?si=ha2GhMP3hGlyyJKd
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – This amazing film releases to DVD and home video 11/3/2026 and will be up for honors at the RED LETTER AWARDS in August with ten nominations. Director Shane Hagedorn and his wife Stacy will be representing. In October I’m planning on attending the Will Rogers Medallion Awards where we’ve won either gold, silver or bronze for the script and film. This is requiring some planning that I’m thankful for the help by our team in planning this.
- AI Jesus: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is done and currently being reviewed by our partners at Dreamscape Productions to see if they will rep it into theaters. I think our director Anthony Hornus wants to premiere it in Owosso, MI but they’ve been slow to respond on the last couple films so we will see. I will start to prep all the paperwork for delivery to the distributor while all the audio/video assets are being sent.
- KNIGHT CHILLS – CDI’s 1st film nearly 30 years ago was just highlighted by FANGORIA the premier PR of all things horror, named Knight Chills one of the top 10 SOV (Shot on Video) films that you must see. READ HERE: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Cr7agte16/. Available on a great Blu Ray full of extras and streaming on Youtube FREE4ALL and more.
- Pre-production on DEVIL’S PASS is moving along. The LLC is formed and this week we’ll execute paperwork and start collecting funds to open the bank account. We are closing in on having a full boat for crew and cast is not far behind. We are in the middle of a casting and have some reads coming in this week. We had a scout with our art team last week which went great. We will start engaging with sponsors also this week which is always fun.
DEVELOPMENT: I almost have a few of these larger endeavors off my plate and can turn my attention back at some of our 2027 films in development. RETURN TO ALGONA is one of them and we have 1/2 the funding committed and I need to lock in the second part from local investors and/or sponsors. We have a few other slates of films being looked at for funding and I’m going to finish a few of the scripts I’ve got in motion.
WRAP UP: I missed a soccer match because of the TV show I had to do but this week back at it. Watching the USA and other teams play in the World Cup has been great fun. I’m beyond excited to have audiences experience these new films. I’m having fun building a character for this next film. I was going to a flea market today to look for props and wardrobe but we’ve had rain so I’ll have to wait until next week.
I’m going to wrap it up here and go make some breakfast. I’ve been enjoying toast with avocado and hard boiled eggs on top. I might get around to bottling the CHUCK NORRIS BERRY KA-POW wine this week. The hens have been producing well and enjoying all the foraging for food.
We are looking at reviewers and a few more podcasts/shows for ROM COMS MUST DIE. If you are one and interested, reach out. If you have a brand that would like to align with a western, reach out. If you have any questions about anything, reach out. (On here even) I hope some of you took the opportunity to reach out and get sides to read for DEVIL’S PASS. We will look at the reads this week and perhaps start making some decisions soon afterwards. Until next week, I hope you all have a great week. Coffee Cheers! DJ
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EXPERIENCE OVER EGOS and OTHER CDI UPDATES!
A fine good morning to everyone out there. We are now into June and the heat and humidity has arrived. We had a soccer game last week in the heat and we lost but what a great workout. I was so tired after my soccer bag felt like a hundred pounds and I had to drink some pickle juice before my shower. I ordered some prescription sports googles so I can see better on the field. So now I will have the Kareem Abdul Jabbar look going on. My eye doctor also said that my eyes were having allergy issues so I got some drops. I’ve just been steadily adjusting to being a glasses wearer. I will ballergiese missing my Thursday soccer match which might have a rain out but I have a promo show for for ROM COMS MUST DIE on Thursday with Adam Towner. It is streaming live with a live audience so it should be quite enjoyable. This is my birthday month and so I’ve been reflective upon the journey thus far. Again I feel blessed to do what I love doing working in storytelling. Let’s look at some of the other recent updates.
UPDATES:
- ABOVE is the Thursday show that we will be doing. It looks like so much fun. TUNE in Live if you can and listen to us talk about films and making movies in Mid-Michigan for the world market. ROM COMS MUST DIE is an insanely fun ride from beginning to end. We are still trying to work both theatrical pop ups and brew N views.
- AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip had a final watch/listen through and now the end credits are finally done. We had an 11th hour add to the end credits that was almost forgotten by one of our keys. Missing name or mis-spelled is the most common and once you render and deliver that is what it is. Know if we’ve ever made a mistake it was never on purpose. We plan to have a great premiere for this film and we’ll see if Dreamscape Productions wants to partner with us on this title into theaters. This is a very unique and timely story ripped from news headlines and given a SciFi twist. This coming week I’ll be digitizing the wrap book and getting that uploaded to the distributor.
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – We have a two punch coming up with the RED LETTER AWARDS and ten nominations in August. And in October we have the WILL ROGERS MEDALLION AWARDS to accept for screenplay and the film. We won either gold, silver or bronze. We are the underdog of sorts with both the other films having some amazing talent from C. Thomas Howell to Dennis Quaid, Mary McDonald, Tom Skerritt and Kurt Russell’s son Wyatt. I LOVE that our troupe is in such great company. I’m looking into using this win to try and connect with a literary agent. I had an agent at one of the big 3 agencies years ago but I’m looking at that once again. I love to write and so it might serve me well to have someone focused on work-for-hire or selling scripts I don’t plan to produce. They will be honoring others like Clint Black, Kevin Costner, Barry Corbin and more…
- DEVIL’S PASS is now in pre-production and we’re forming the production entity now. Next week we plan to start signing on our backers and getting the bank account open. Creatively it has been a wonderful process working with the writer and our directors. We have a walk through this coming week with our production designer. We also just dropped a casting call for three roles that can be found on the Devil’s Pass FB page. It also has the extras submission info but why not read for a role and see what happens. We will be doing some PR announcements soon including pulling BONANZA alumni Mitch Vogel out of retirement. I wish we could work with everyone but we too have limited resources referring to cast and crew. Many of our artists have to be local due to costs. But this September we will film this moody mid-western film. Darby Hinton from WILD FAITH is back as one of our leads. We have a few holes in oBonanzaur cast and crew that we’ve been interviewing and auditioning people for. We will also start talking to sponsors this week.
DEVELOPMENT:
We are making some moves to try and bring on the second part of funding on RETURN TO ALGONA the 1968 follow up film to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. We have some great leads and interested parties. Preserving the history of this PW Camp and the Nativity Scene has been a wonderful process. My goal is to get the matching commits this year and film next year in Algona.
We also have a couple of film’s developing with Curran Jacobs who directed FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH. A slate of films with Katharsys Media and a handful of one offs trying to find the right backers. It is always a process of matching up the right variables to make a movie happen.
I’ve had another book sent to me to consider turning into a screenplay. I’ve been paid to do this several times and it is a process I do enjoy. It is different from an original screenplay but both have their fun aspects. As noted before, even projects with funding are strongly evaluated because the process is complicated and if you get the wrong pieces in play it can stop being fun really fast. Experience over egos is what is required to make these projects a success.
WRAP UP: I’ve been enjoying creating a new character for DEVIL’S PASS. I love working with the voice, motivations, wardrobe and even facial hair. As we cast folks each read of the script becomes more clear as you can imagine performances. Just like with the locations that add fuel to your imagination. So I’ll keep looking for those unique pieces.
I might have to put a mow on parts of the lawn today before the rain moves in this week. I did some grilling yesterday of some venison burgers and it feels great to have the grill operational again. We just had some eggs from our hens and that just really makes a morning.
This week I’m back to working on film disbursements and love how streamline it is becoming. I have my team to thank for that. The back end of the week is the production designer scout on Weds, the live show on Thursday and Friday a Devil’s Pass production meeting. I look forward to a great week and hope you all do as well. I’m going to close this up and go get my lawn things done before the heat kicks in. Coffee Cheers! DJ
Happy Memorial Day Weekend – CDI Updates!
Good morning! I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee on a wet Sunday here in the Michigan. I hope alley fellow Americans are enjoying your Memorial Day. I have so much gratitude for the safety and freedoms we have thanks to our brave soldiers. Everything here is blowing up green with flowers opening. I’ve been doing some good work on the property planting, trimming and mowing. I’ve been looking at projects I can do by re-purposing the old deck wood. I’m also staining a few of the grow boxes to help protect them from the elements.
We had another soccer match on Thursday that we ultimately ties 4-4 against a solid team. We outplayed them and led the entire match. I think we took the attacking pressure off them in the last quarter and let them back into the game. It is a game of inches like many sports. I was so close to shutting down two of their goals but just could not get there before the shot was off. But I love the intense physical activity.
Friday I got to entertain the child in me with a trip to the new IMAX to watch the new Star Wars film. It was like two amped up TV shows but was fun and played great on the big screen. Another friend and I were talking about the original from 1977. I was 7 and he was 14 when we saw it. Different experiences for everyone but without a doubt George Lucas changed the world. I guess you can never predict or plan when or if that will happen when you release a story upon the world. We do hope that a few of the CDI films help to change the world for a positive.
FILM UPDATES-
- ROM COMS MUST DIE is a parody. One feature-length joke about what many people consume/demand and the industry eager to supply. I’ve said in a few interviews that RCMD was my love letter to the classic films that make fun of certain niches or lifestyles like WAITING FOR GUFFMAN or THIS IS SPINAL TAP. It was interesting to watch the first showing with cast, crew, family, friends and fans. The film, like all films is not everyone’s cup of tea. While to others, it is the perfect cup of tea. If nobody has seen me swear in a film they were likely shocked. And to be told that one couple loves horror films, watches SHUDDER all the time and LOVED this movie. This was followed by the best CDI film they had seen. This hit odd for me. Yes. You want them to love the film that is why we make it. But the best? It goes to show how tastes are varied. My character is purposely over-the-top in a film that makes fun of our film industry. A major storm that passed through cut into our audience some but we still had a healthy turn out. Now we are setting up other theatrical runs and a few brew-n-views. Our goal is to create a film that people in our industry will gather to watch and laugh at our own silliness. We’ve been also prepping for the home video release and should have release dates soon to share. If you get an opportunity to watch this on a big screen great. But if you have to wait until the home video, that is also just fine. I want to thank everyone who came out. Feel free to vote and/or post your thoughts on the film at IMDB.com.
- AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip – If you are missing the thought-provoking feel good movies this movie will give you what you need. We are doing an inside screening next week as we also put the end credits together. Our director Anthony Hornus got to watch and listen to the final music mix. I can say that he was elated by what he heard. It is an incredible gift to be able to tell these stories. This is an amazing story taken from the news and fictionalized with a SciFi edge. Promo will start on this film as we come up with a premiere and look at what kind of theatrical run we want to do with it.
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – On the heels of ICFF we’ve been getting all the Red Letter Awards nominations. Best Film, Screenplay, Director with two Best Supporting Actor and Actress and one Best Actress and two Best Actor. Is that ten nominations? We are so happy that this film is being recognized so well. It really does have some great themes of Christmas, friendship, sacrifice and love. It is a powerhouse follow up to the original film. Have you seen the original? Our home video launch is on 11/3/26 and we’re looking at what kind of additional theatrical we want to do prior. The film was finished just shortly before Christmas 2025 and so the window was rather short.
- DEVIL’S PASS is up to film in September again working with McGraw Multimedia and two GA based companies with our friend Dan Searles. We will be having crew and cast meetings next week and will be doing a casting for local Michigan for a few great roles. Our energy has been spent on locations, schedule and placing some of the initial cast and crew in place. Please do not reach out directly but follow the Devil’s Pass FB page for upcoming announcements,, All the Extra calls will be going through there also. Right now we are trying to do things in the proper order. We’ll be getting the foundation solidified and this Fall will be more 1800’s fun!
DEVELOPMENT–
Last week I discussed some of the film slates we’re presenting for funding. I’m going to be returning to my writing this week. I had two calls last week about two possible scripts to be written. One is an adaptation of a book and the second, an original work-for-hire for another company to produce. I do love the writing so we’ll see where the chips fall.
Aside from the writing I like having the time to develop the new character I am to play in the next film. I’m truly loving it and it is one of the things that caught my attention. A very unique role and I embrace the challenge. Sometimes it starts with internal decisions and that expresses itself in appearance. Other times it can start with a unique hat or coat and helps develop the internal. I had a short period of time with no character inside my head but I love having a role to contemplate.
WRAP UP-
Enjoy your long weekend and remember why we have it. I’m looking forward to seeing my brother and a few friends later. If the rain holds off I might try to do some more outdoor activities but we will see. I might try to bottle up the BERRY KA-POW CHUCK NORRIS tribute wine this week. I want to sweeten each at bottling with a single raspberry. I might also do another small run of the WINE PINE Soda. Look it up it is pretty cool what you can make with what nature provides. No finding of any mushrooms yet for me but with these rains maybe we will. Next month is my birthday month and I’m thankful for another year on this wonderful planet. Try to look at the positives that life gives each and everyone of us. Even the setbacks and challenges are a chance for growth. Be good to one another and keep work steadily towards your dreams.
Coffee Cheers! Time for a refill- DJ
Mother’s Day, Weddings, Scouting, Casting and More…
Good morning! I’m starting this sunny morning with a hot cup of hazelnut coffee. A Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mother’s out there. I’m taking the momma’s in my life to the movies today as it was deemed a bit too chilly for the park picnic or a few out the outdoor ideas. I’ve been so enjoying seeing the green that is springing up everywhere. Plants sprouting, squirrels building and birds are singing. Our chickens have been loving it and happily kicking out the eggs on a regular basis. Already some of the herbs like chives are growing steady. I’ve been getting the grill ready for some grilling and chilling. I had to fix one fence that divides off the raspberries and I still have a bit of property work to do. Having the ability to go work on the property while pondering decisions is helpful. So let’s get into some of the updates from that world.
Film Updates-
- The first draft of a business proposal for three films between CDI and Katharsys Media is done and being refined. These are three genre films with Lynn Drzick (In the Woods) directing.
- The first polished draft of RETURN TO ALGONA is done and sent to the parties in Algona we are working with. If everything follows plan we just might be filming that in 2027. The story is a powerful look at how time had marched on from WW2 to 1968 and the Vietnam War. It also has many lessons and examples that are applicable to what is happening in our world today.
- Following that script I now plan to finish up on MBF2 and the Wild Faith 3 script underway. Both of these don’t have a plan to shoot but better to have them waiting in the wings. I’m really happy with how both of these follow up stories are coming along.
- Wild Faith Christmas – Shane Hagedorn and I traveled to ICFF in Florida and had a great trip representing our film. From our nominations we won for Melissa Anschutz’s role as Hester! Before we left Florida, we heard that she had also been nominated for the RED LETTER AWARDS for Best Actress taking place outside Nashville, TN in August. We are nominated for Best Picture, Best Supporting Actress Addy Paddy, Best Supporting Actor Dean Teaster and Best Actor Shane Hagedorn. This train is a rolling and we are so grateful to everyone loving this film. We will work with our theatrical partners at Dreamscape Productions and see if they can book any additional theatrical showings but the film releses to streaming on 11/03/2026!
- ROM COMS MUST DIE is having its first kick off showing May 18th at the Sun Theater in Williamston. The full public is invited and tickets are $10 cash at the box office that opens at 6:30 with sNyte
- Adam Topwnerhow at 7:00. Come out and enjoy this comedy with many of the cast and crew. June 11th Adam Towner and I will be appearing on The Baron & Sindee Nyte Show that livestreams 7pm EST. Other theatrical bookings will start with a proposed Q3 streaming release.
- AI Jesus: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is having a full review on Monday with our composer/sound designer before a producer’s review. The end credits are being built and soon this film will be ready to start some theatrical bookings. We’ll be heating up the PR on this film very soon. I think audiences will find the film heartfelt and will stimulate many discussions.
DEVELOPMENT: Moving soon out of development and into pre-production is DEVIL’S PASS. This adventurous tale is an 1800’s piece brought to CDI by Dan Searles. We will be working with Dan’s company and again McGraw Multimedia. John and Eldon McGraw will be directing and heading up the camera, grip & electric departments. We’ve worked so well with them on the last two feature films and I’m excited to launch them with this motion picture. We’ve set our shoot dates in September and we’ll be again shooting in Michigan. We’ve been working on placing some of the keys and early casting. There will be many upcoming announcements as we bring more good folks onto the film. We had an amazing scout trip last Thursday and found all our locations and more. Some locations are so cool that we might re-stage a scene at a different location for cinematic reasons. If your company, business or brand want to align with us we’ll soon be approaching our sponsors and product partners that help all these films get done. It took several months for CDI to agree to supervise and produce this film. Things have to come together the correct way and I’m happy that it did. So many moving parts and you have to have excellent communications. The schedule is being worked upon and soon I’ll have a rough actors day of days that helps with the casting process. We have an IMDB and Facebook page that we’ll keep adding updates to. We will be doing some local casting once we get done the road just a little bit more.
WRAP UP:
I will say that one of my most interesting experiences I’ve had was last Thursday at the scout. I had driven to John McGraw’s house and we were going to drive from there. I go to get into this car and the handle bewildered me. It was a TESLA. I got in and the entire roof is transparent and that car DROVE us to pick up Adam Towner and out to the scouting location. I’ve always said, “I don’t know” about driverless cars/trucks. But as I moved to the backseat giving up the shotgun seat to mister Towner, I was amazed. It backed out into traffic and started us on our way. The power and pick up to this car with no oil or standard brakes again left me speechless. Now having experienced it, I have to rethink my feelings on that entire process. I truly felt for the first time in my life like a JETSONS moment. Look it up kids, it is an old cartoon. But I could see the day of owning one. It can take you right to its own refueling stations and…just incredible.
I also wanted to mention that on Friday we attended a beautiful wedding as CDI’s Melissa Anschutz’s eldest son tied the knot. It was a beautiful venue and after was an elegant cocktail hour and dinner. Being there with several of the CDI old guard to celebrate with Melissa and her family was just wonderful. Congratulations to Alex and his new bride Catrina. We work hard and it was so nice to just have a little time to relax, laugh and enjoy each other’s company. I even got to try out a few wardrobe pieces I might wear in the upcoming film. Yes. I will be acting in Devil’s Pass but we’ll leave those updates to another date. I’ve got a fresh coffee and I’m going to go eat a few eggs, shower up and get ready to go spend time with the moms. Until next week- be good to one another and don’t just DREAM but DO!
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Welcome to May! ICFF Updates and More…
It is a beautiful, sunny Monday and I’m doing my blog here a day later as I was traveling back yesterday from Florida. We had a great time at the ICFF film event representing WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. It has been several years since I’ve been to the balmy Florida. We flew in and right away I met a couple film individuals from my past which was a great start. I got to put some faces with names and met many new filmmakers. This festival has been recognizing CDI films since FORTY NIGHTS many moons ago. It was my first appearance and I think people were happy to finally meet me as well. I went with Shane Hagedorn and we had several good meals, great music and some even greater conversations.
My knee which I hurt sightseeing at a 17th Century windmill the weekend before got still on my flight. Add a few miles of walking around the resort and it was a minor issue the entire trip. Add some nice new shoes that chewed at my heels and I was a mobility mess. But I dealt with it and now with my knee sleeve and some anti-inflammatory meds and I am on the mend. I better I have two weeks before outdoor soccer season.
Back to the ICFF we were up against a record setting submission year and brought home the gold for Hester aka Melissa Anschutz. Anyone who has seen WILD FAITH or WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS knows how much she deserves the award. I accepted for her and cannot recall what I said exactly but I had several people come up and comment on my speech so I guess I did good.
We have just returned and the celebratory for WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is heating up on the Red Letter Awards front. Shane Hagedorn will be attending in August where we are up for Best Picture, Addy Paddy is up for Best Supporting Actress and Dean Teaster, Best Supporting Actor. More will be rolling out for several weeks. We will be looking to push booking back into the theaters before the 11/3/2026 streaming and DVD release. This beautiful follow up film to Wild Faith is making us all proud once again. See this film if you can in theaters or when it starts streaming.
AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip – This wonderful film will be ready for our first in studio screening soon. I’m so excited to hear all the sound design and music. This week we’ll keep working on the end credits and we will be discussing the theatrical run for this film before the Q4 home video. The BTS is being worked on by Adam Towner and the first draft was really good and now we’re adding more material to it.
ROM COMS MUST DIE – May 18th at the Williamston Sun Theater 7:00 show with box office open at 6:30 tickets $10 cash only. The QC test on the film went well and so we’ll finalize what we need at the hub that distributes the film to theaters. We will start setting up other showings to take place all Summer. Pop Up Screenings! Find our Facebook page and event page and invite your friends to come watch this zany comedy.
DEVELOPMENT:
We have several projects in development at CDI and we’ve talked before about associated films. For a few months now there has been talks on a film project with a good friend of CDI tribe. They have done a few feature films and wanted CDI to supervise and produce. The script underwent several re-writes to streamline the story. Also they were willing to bring the film to Michigan where of course CDI has a serious home court advantage. We have locked in the directorship of the film and have been working on other prep work. We will be announcing this very soon once we solidify a few last deal points. I take our projects very serious and our associated films are no different. But we will be preparing a PR release and moving soon into pre-production. We look to be filming in September in and around central Michigan.
The first script draft for RETURN TO ALGONA the follow up to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is completed. The script was sent to the Foundation that is supporting the development and part of the production. The script was given major flowers by our director and the main producers. Now we’ll likely give a private peek to a handful of talent too. This is looking like it will film in 2027 in Algona, Iowa if everything works out properly.
WRAP UP:
I’m going to be preparing investment disbursements this month and that will be an all month process but one I love. We are so grateful for our investors and sponsors. I’m so proud of this being our 30th year as a production company. I plan to organize some of the contacts from our IFCC trip and follow up on a few business talks there. Again this weekend I was reminded why I feel so blessed to be doing what I love to do. I will likely give my knee a break from working the property for a few but green is poppong everywhere. I am looking forward to a great week of catch up with a fun event at week’s end. I hope you all are enjoying your May kick off. I’m going to refill ye ole hazelnut coffee cup and likely get after a few eggs. I look forward to giving you more updates this coming Sunday! Be good to one another!
DJ
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
CDI Updates and Active Development
(Hershey’s one of the past CDI Product Partners) * Won’t you join us?
Good morning and hazelnut coffee cheers! It is a beautiful Sunday morning and I’m so happy to be sitting down to share with all of you. It has been quite an eventful week and weekend as the cold slowly lets go of it’s grasp. This past week I had a few days with family on day trips up North and to Frankenmuth eating and walking about. A German Christmas town we really need to have SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA and WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS play there. A meal and a scout at The English Inn and yet another meal with my dad and his wife on Saturday. So I had a lot of good family time and still have a day trip planned with my brother and dad for Monday.
The Q1 of 2026 is almost over and I’m finally at a good place to start taking care of the last of the 2025 business. I want to get together in person with my legal “tiger” to make sure I’m doing everything correct with the new holding company. This is a year of change but I know it will help us moving forward. On this business front, I put the last funding piece in place on one of the films. That will allow me to move forward focused and we’ll talk more about those projects soon. Let’s take a look at some of the updates. As always you might get some of the info here before the PR releases.
CDI UPDATES:
- ROM COMS MUST DIE – we are making the DCP (theatrical file) and will be deciding upon the premiere place. Tony Hornus is looking at a venue to see if they have the correct sound set up. If so it might be where we do the AI JESUS premiere also. We used this place in 2002 for AN ORDINARY KILLER but we brought in all the equipment. We are looking to start promoting on websites, podcasts and such once we can announce the premiere and also the home video dates end of Q3.
- We only had a small theatrical window in 2025 for WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS and so we are looking to see if we can book any other showings in 2026. We do have the home video release date which will be Nov 3rd for DVD and rental/buy streaming! I’m excited to see the home video poster art which should be coming soon. If you have not seen the original WILD FAITH movie please do so.
- AI JESUS is now having the music composed. The marketing team at our home video asked if we could keep the same art for both the theatrical and home video and our director agreed. So that artwork will be released very soon. We also have footage from BTS being directed to Adam Towner who will be editing another ‘Making of’ for us. This film will look at a limited theatrical before the Q4 home video release. Everyone is so very excited about this release.
- If you too are excited about the above AI JESUS film, I ask that you take the time to watch The Quest Trilogy. In order those films are FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. These films are perfect for anytime but the Easter season makes it even more special.
- We are close to re-releasing the GHOST TOWN novel back into the market. Have you seen the movie DEAN TEASTER’S GHOST TOWN? Also the script and making of KNIGHT CHILLS is underway. And I’m excited to say that THE QUEST TRILOGY book is also being assembled as I collect written recollections from folks.
- I’ve been doing a lot of writing over the cold winter and I plan to carry that right outside to the patio in the warm months. The PR release hasn’t gone out yet and I’m waiting on a few documents but one of the films I’m writing has moved into Active Development. It is part of the Iowa slate we’ve been working on. That film is RETURN TO ALGONA (Working title) and is about the 1968 return of the German artist, ex-PW to Algona. It has been an amazing rush to return to some of these characters later in life. The deal will have CDI returning to Algona also once full funding is in place. We will have a large chunk of it in place but also have opportunities for a few other parties. But order of business has me finishing the script which will be done in April. We might start some advanced casting in Iowa to just become aware of some of the amazing talent in that state. It is always easier the second time we film in an area. It could film in 2026 but more likely will be 2027 but that all depends on how fast the business comes together.
- Also on the Iowa front, I had a great talk about the SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE script/film and we will see where some of those talks go. We have some meetings over this next week so we will see if this film is getting closer to moving ahead. On this same line of development I would very much like to see the GOTCH movie launch. We are going to return to talks with business folks in Frank Gotch’s home town.
- Both of those above are originals and above that we talked about follow up films. That is always a good idea due to a pre-existing fanbase. I have been in my spare time working on Wild Faith 3 should that fund easier than the 8 show Wild Faith: Hastings TV series. Also I’m very pleased with the direction of MBF2. I love writing and have started exploring literary agents and management to sell or take on work-for-hire writing. I really do love sitting and writing with my coffee and my side.
- A CHRISTMAS SEANCE is the mystery who-done-it film we pushed to shoot AI JESUS. I’m doing some breakdowns on this film and we might shoot that as time permits. I’ve had several good talks over the project and I’m trying to see what the film would require funding wise. I love it because it also has a great comedic edge with the eerie atmosphere. It is turn of the century and I love that time period. Now that the business aspects of AI JESUS is done I will start to look at this and other developing film projects.
- I did hear the short film I acted in locally has a rough cut. I will share more on that when they release more. I do have the itch to perform again and so following suit with some of my amigos I too will look to have a 2026 Acting Reel put together. Taking scenes from movies all the way up to HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE. That movie was an amazing experience and I think audiences are really enjoying it. If you have seen it and enjoyed it consider going to IMDB and voting and leaving a review. I noted that the film was attacked by a few dozen ratings of 1’s. I always know that someone has their nose out of joint when I see that. I also know that they/them/he/she are artists. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a film I would give a 1 rating too. If something wasn’t my cup of tea a three or four perhaps but I’ve never been motivated to rank something a one. It often is a tech savvy person with too much time that feels jilted. Not cast in something. Not part of the crew. Or cannot get their script made or a dislike of a director. I’ve seen it happen my whole career and I can never quite understand it. If I don’t like something I’m not going to waste more time throwing stones at it. And it doesn’t really hinder too much because most people watch and form their own opinions. And those that enjoy the films don’t always take the time to rate or review either. But jealous is the current all artists swim against.
WRAP UP:
I could maybe think of a few other updates but I think those cover the basics. If you have favorite acting scenes you think I should include on my 2026 reel leave me comments here and let me know. If you’ve seen CDI films and want to help spread the word. Leave a review on IMDB and vote. Join the film’s Facebook pages to get new updates. CDI also has an instagram and website at http://www.cdiproductions.com but overall we just appreciate all our fans. Millions of you have watched our films and allowed us to keep doing this for 30+ years.
On other personal fronts, I’ve been trimming and doing work on the property. My BERRY KA-POW CHUCK NORRIS Tribute Wine is bubbling (fermenting) like crazy. Some of it erupting from the airlock so I think it will have some kick just like Chuck Norris. I have two beer mixes which I might do one in the coming weeks. Soon we will be having CDI meetings with darts and corn hole versus wood stove and wood cutting activities.
I’m looking forward to getting some of the plants going soon. I might try to reboot my hops and also catnip that got lost when the new deck when in. I’m in talks on a few other property updates but was a touch sore yesterday after I moved several big logs like it was a strongman contest. I need to slow my roll with that. Indoor soccer has me in good shape and I’m ready for outdoor season to start in a few weeks. A nature walk on Thursday showed me the plant life getting ready to burst forth on the scene.
I’m going to close things up here and get after some breakfast. The hens have been giving 4-5 eggs a day so we’ve been eating well on that front. I still have quite a bit of clean up to do on the property from Winter but it is getting better each week. I hope each of you has a relaxing day and a productive week ahead. Don’t let other people tell you what you can or cannot do. But create a realistic plan and get after it. I look forward to talking to all of you again next week. Be good to one another!
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Good Things are not Easy! CDI Updates
(On the genre front CDI makes a development deal on three films) * See bullet point #5
On a rather mild morning in Michigan I have my hazelnut coffee beside me and I’m sitting down to chat with all you fine folks from around the world. The buds and the spouts are starting and soon will be the mushrooms. I did trim the prime mulberry tree when it was still cold. Speaking of the berries on the property, I took the 20 lbs of 2025 season raspberry, mulberry and rhubarb and made BERRY KA-POW: Chuck Norris Tribute Wine! The yeast got added this morning and soon we’ll have the magic bubbles that start the process. I’ve been doing some other property clean up and I’m looking forward to all the Spring projects. I love seeing all the birds at work and I soon I plan to once again seed the property with the clover. Our hens are producing 4-5 eggs a day and have been loving having the snow gone.
On the personal front I’ve been adapting to my new glasses and I will get to pick a second pair on Monday. It is an amazing technology to adjust everyone’s sight. Now at a distance things don’t look like an abstract painting. I can see faces before they are right upon me. If you saw me in the last couple years in a room or store and I did not say hello it was because you were a painting to me. So being able to read all these signs and see faces has opened my world back up. I like glasses and got use to them over the last few years with readers. I don’t like anything poking or touching my eyeballs like contacts. I remember filming in Otty, India and they kept trying to put these brown contacts in my eyes over my baby blues. After a half an hour they got them in and I smiled for a continuity photo and one popped out. Finally the director Shah just said, “you just stay the blue eyed devil”.
I’ve been doing a bit of PR to try and bring more artists to this blog. If you know someone who might enjoy our weekly visits pass the word and blog address along. I’ve had several people say the official title of CLAWING MY WAY TO THE MIDDLE should change since I am past the middle. What ideas do you have? Comment your ideas. I might engage to put a 2026 acting highlight reel together but right now other priorities in front of that. I LOVE the 30 Years of CDI video that Adam Towner did. Right now I’m working with him on a Making of AI Jesus video. I’ve been trying to get the IMDB site updated with all our making of’s and BTS as they are awesome projects made by some very talented folks. We try to preserve the adventure and experience of filming a movie to have many years later. JOIN the CDI Youtube and you can see many of these videos. I need to upload more videos but I am getting there.
FILM UPDATES:
- I mentioned the Making of AI Jesus video. AI Jesus movie has the first solid round of dialog clean up and sound design done. Soon the music composing will start in earnest. Also we’ll start the end credits. This film has one investment unit still open and I’ plan to assign that so we can start on the next film adventure development. We are awaiting the AI Jesus poster being done by TEG that will serve as both theatrical and home video. We are all very excited to see what this film does in the general marketplace.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE had a great meeting this week with the theatrical hub that will assist in delivery of the film to theater chains. Those that know Adam Towner know how funny of a fella he is and this first co-starring role really showcases that. IF you have a podcast or want a written interview please do let us know. We are looking at several festival showings along with some limited theatrical and home video Q3. Have you seen the trailer or BTS video?
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS gave a small taste of theatrical being finished at last year’s end but will do a final theatrical push this Fall before rolling out on streaming and DVD Q4 before the holidays. The film just got selected by an IndieFest and we’ll know nominations soon. Same with the Red Letter Awards, it is up for Best Film and individual nominations to come. ICFF has the film up for several awards including BEST PICTURE. My schedule is allowing my to attend my first ICFF which has been recognizing our work since FORTY NIGHTS in 2017. The Will Rogers Award event that asked for the film will have more announcements in June but said it was an absolutely wonderful movie. I think so too. I always say the best Christmas film since SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA.
- I’m asking everyone who previously loved watching THE QUEST TRILOGY or CDI’s three biblical adventures to watch them again and invite others. Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer because they will prepare you better to watch AI JESUS this Summer.
- I did release some PR this week on a three picture development deal with Lynn Drzick and Katharsys Pictures. He was once a biz partner pre-CDI and directed my first starring role in IN THE WOODS as Alex Kerwood, master fighter. The film was released around the world and put me on the map. I remember when we had only the trailer and I played it for Wes Craven when I auditioned for SCREAM 2. The film can be gotten on Blu Ray now with two versions of the film and many extras. We will work to get it to streaming this year. But we have agreed to work together to launch three genre films. READ HERE: https://www.prlog.org/13134408-collective-development-inc-and-katharsys-pictures-announce-multi-film-development-deal.html
- I’m holding off on some official PR until some ink is dry but an agreement has been made developing a sequel to a CDI film. Now I’d already spoken about a MBF2 and WF3 that I’ve been working on. But a follow up to another beautiful film is in active development. The screenplay is underway and I’ll be announcing something in the next two weeks. It comes with a chuck of financing and the other half might come on the board very soon. How soon will determine if we film this year or next. I’m open to either one you just have to follow the process. More soon. Sorry for the tease.
- On the literary front I’m working with Shane Hagedorn on the layout for Making of THE QUEST TRILOGY book. I need to send some artwork and intro for the script and making of book of KNIGHT CHILLS to Katharsys Media overseeing our literary. Dean Teaster did an updated intro for the re-release of the GHOST TOWN novel also heading back out to market very soon. We will keep building this division over the next several years.
WRAP UP: This coming week will be some Bday adventures celebrating my better half and also a few meetings and some writing. Two out of town adventures and some solid Spring prep as well. At the end of the week I will likely be doing the 1st rack of the Chuck Norris Tribute Wine. I do have ingredients to make two different beer runs. Maybe end of Summer intake for Fall. Or I believe I have a lighter and darker beer so maybe one Summer and one Fall. I don’t drink much these days but when hosting meetings where they want something we enjoy it.
Business-wise I have the business taxes about all done and will be settling up with that. I just am trying to get some face time with our legal to make sure I’m following the right next steps. My personal taxes are almost done. It always costs me to have them done as they are too complex for me to do solo. But looks like I might be paying in some this year. Death and Taxes they say. It is funny that sometimes after someone passes away I get sad, slightly mad and then motivated. Like you are still alive so get things done. I wanted week before last to finish a few deals but they were not ready. Sometimes you have to settle for movement on the chessboard vs a checkmate. So I’ve been working right along and just letting things happen naturally.
Everyone wants to know when we start the next adventure and I’m still just wrapping up the last piece of business on AI Jesus and after I will put my full attention forward. We will have a great year of premiere showings and awards events. Doors of opportunity always open because the work has been done. Yes. I too want it to happen faster and struggle occasionally with patience. But sometimes you have to left the soup simmer. We have also had a few disappointments as a project or two with great promise lost some momentum. But a better path will be found, and when it’s found, it will happen. All projects at CDI happen like that. You mainly hear of the success but the setbacks are there too. That is normal so keep on pushing. Great things are not easy.
Until next week be good top one another! Coffee Cheers!
DJ
CDI Film Updates- Lessons of Staying in the ‘Right’
Spring is officially upon us and today our clocks ‘Sprung’ ahead! The rain has taken the snow and the ground has drunk up the water. Small buds and bits of green can be found here and there. I want to do some trimming before growth goes full onward. I am enjoying the last of the wood stove fires as soon the temps will tip in the other direction. The added light has the chickens kicking out the eggs. I’ve started the property clean up from the harsh winter. I’m making my list of TO DO’s for the property and I think this coming week I am going to start a batch of Frankenberry wine. That is wine that is made from all the berries around the property with a little rhubarb thrown into it.
I’m about past tax season work with the films. I still have to organize for payment. We’ve worked to streamline some of the process which will help with check writing to investors and end of year tax work. Again I thank the CDI support staff from Dean Teaster, John Mashni and Gary Davison and his team. Filmmaking is a business and it takes a lot more than just what happens on set.
OTHER FILM UPDATES:
- The big news being ran through the PR machine is the nomination of Wild Faith Christmas for several awards topped with BEST PICTURE with the IFCC. One of the largest fests that recognizes family and inspirational films. I’m actually going to join Shane Hagedorn at a hit and run visit to Florida for the awards show. We want to try and have a few conversations about the funding of the TV series and/or a 3rd feature film.
- The Red Letter Awards which is a fast growing event that recognizes positive and inspirational art gave us advanced notice that WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS was up for Best Picture. I think we last won that with SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. The individual nominations will be forthcoming and that show is outside of Nashville.
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is still up for recognition at several other festivals but will also be going into theaters again end of Summer/Fall before the home video release. I think we almost have everything submitted to TEG and this coming week I will start on the delivery items for RCMD. What is that you ask?
- ROM COMS MUST DIE! If you are fans of films that make fun of things such as Spinal Tap, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind or Waiting For Guffman you might really love this film. The theatrical poster is now complete and we are trying to set up the premiere. After we are planning a series of theatrical events. It will release to streaming and DVD before Halloween Q3. This is comedy/horror and will really hit a note if you work in or follow the actual film industry. You can pop over to the IMDB page and see the poster, watch the trailer or the making of.
- Speaking of Making of – I’m trying to catch up IMDB on the making of’s. These are interesting for the public but also a major joy for cast and crew to look back upon. The journey is a beautiful one. We are also doing this on the literary front with CDI’s collaboration with Katharsys Publishing. We are almost ready to re-release rhe Ghost Town book back to Amazon. We have a Making of Knight Chills with the director’s script and notes. We already have a few of these products out there but we’ll be putting many more out to market. Shane Hagedorn and I have been assembling everything for a beautiful book on THE QUEST TRILOGY. It will have great reflective stories from all the directors and more. If you have not watched FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER in that order you should. It will prepare you for AI Jesus coming to theaters and home video this year.
- I’ll give you the drop here early but we are soon to announce a CDI collaboration with Lynn Drzick to do a slate of genre films. One a detective slasher, a SciFi piece and a sequel to IN THE WOODS. I plan to get that PR around but development work is underway for the first film.
- AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is in audio post and the first pass is done on dialog and sound design. We’ll review that soon before the musical score begins. We’ll also start the end credit creation. The front credits need a touch adjusting as we have a few new credits to add. I’m down to the last two marketing units on this film and I think we’ll wrap that up soon. The theatrical release will be Summer followed by the Q4 home video release. This film is very deep but also dressed in humor. The topic of AI is everywhere and this film looks at all angles of this emerging technology. You can watch the trailer online and we will soon have a BTS and final theatrical poster soon!
DEVELOPMENT – The Katharsys/CDI slate in development was mentioned above but that is only the tip of the spear. This coming week will be very telling on two different films where funding is concerned. I did a magazine interview this past week and I was asked the hardest part of making movies. That is easily the funding. I also mentioned the WILD FAITH franchise developing the TV series and a 3rd stand alone film should the series budget be too heavy to lift currently. I’ve noted before a few scripts that I’m working on in-between paid writing. One of them is MBF2. I’m not in a hurry to film this but I’ve had the story in my head for several years and wanted to get it out in script form. If you have not seen MAN’S BEST FRIEND it might be a good watch. I’ve got partial scripts for LOST HEART 2 and WILD FAITH 3. I love to write but funding as we stated is the hard part. The feature film version of SMOKE & MIRRORS could jump in the development line pending what happens this month on other film funding fronts.
WRAP UP: People who know me know that I like to build modest expectations and if we far exceed that projection – great! I don’t oversell or hype with unrealistic goals. To get BIG rewards you often have to RISK big. In the indie film circles one big risk fail can hinder you for years. It is why I’ve always chosen the slow and steady. I hear all the horror stories of promises made and promises broken. Deals without paperwork and people left out to dry. If it sounds too good to be true it usually is. People seeking short cuts and unearned glory usually drive these tragic situations. A face of success can be put upon it all until the bridges start burning. At that point, these filmmakers usually move away and disappear looking to use another market’s gullible. I urge you if you really love this industry don’t play the short game. Play the long game and build your experience to delivery creatively more than was expected. Keep your business tight and be known for your follow through. Unsolicited I had two different individuals speak into the shortcomings of an individual and group. It saddens me because you try to set good examples and give good advice to people but it doesn’t always stick. I think some people are just users and others use their own experience to try and develop people and give opportunities. I always want to stay on the latter side of being a giver vs just taker even if it makes me a fool in some eyes, it’s how I like to live.
If you’ve gathered your wealth by back stabbing and stepping on people it doesn’t make you great. It makes you sad and often lonely once you’ve burned all your bridges. My mind just jumped back to an individual like this who once he had burned all his relationships he killed himself. A loss that did not have to happen. There are filmmakers I know that I don’t agree with and most of them know it because we’ve said our peace. And that said, I know they work hard just a much different process and philosophy from mine. And I know toxic ‘users’ that I will not deal with and will give my truth if asked. But I don’t go out of my way to say anything because after all these years I know that these people burn themselves out. Now many do damage the industry as a whole because a ruined location. An investor burnt by a project never finished will not likely invest again. I’m proud to have investors that have been with us on many films and that should speak for itself. There is more than enough resources for many artists to prosper and I just ask that you all respect your business. People find out eventually that differences exist between production companies and how they run their business. I’m not perfect but I challenge anyone to say I don’t give my best efforts. I’ve dedicated my life to the arts and much to the medium of filmmaking. I deeply appreciate everyone in and associated with the tribe CDI. Slow your roll and do good business and good art.
I’m going to call it. I dislike lecturing but I dislike hearing about bad business even more. Especially if it is people I care about. Note I did not use past tense. I can still care about people even if we don’t have current business between us. But when the business dries up often the friendship goes with it. Maybe it is shame for actions they took. Maybe it is the fact that got everything they are going to get from me. I don’t know the truth of what lies in people’s heart. But I do know I have a wonderful tribe of people that want to do things right. If slower is right. If good communication is right. If good business is right. I can say that the extra effort to stay in the right is well worth it. Have a great week ahead.
Coffee Cheers! DJ
Nominations, Development and a Welcome to March!
Happy March! Can you believe we are now starting the last month of Q1? I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee on a bitter snowy day. I’m happy to report a great week of progress on many fronts. Most of my desk work was getting wrap book paperwork sent to TEG on Wild Faith Christmas. I’ll get more into that soon. I will note this week included a nice sit down with the filmmaker whom I collaborated with recently as an actor. Always good to slow down and get to know people. I did just that and I really enjoyed that time spent.
FILM UPDATES:
- The big news that has everyone buzzing this morning concerns WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. The ICFF or International Christian Film Festival announced that WFXmas was up for Best Picture, Best Cinematography Travis Hayward, Best Screenplay DJ Perry, Best Actor Shane Hagedorn and Best Supporting Actress Melissa Anschutz.
- Wild Faith Christmas was also named as a Best Film nomination in The Red Letter Awards. Individual nominations have not yet been announced. This film is planned to re-enter theaters on the other side of Summer before a Q4 home video release.
- AI Jesus: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is in post audio. A polished theatrical poster is underway and we’ll be putting a BTS video together as well. This film will enter theaters Summer into the Fall before a Q4 home video release. We still have a small holding in this film open and I’ve been having discussions on that. This film will be a must watch for anyone interested in AI and the possible impact on society.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE – We have great updates on this film. We have been tweaking a new poster that will likely be our theatrical poster. CDI Distribution will be doing the theatrical booking on this film working in conjunction with our festival entries and Q3 home video. We want to have fewer screenings that are more of an event. We want to showcase it in the cities of some of our cast like Miami and Nashville. Excited to bring this dark comedy out into the market. I need to get the wrap book digitized this week to deliver to home video.
DEVELOPMENT:
On the development front we have had several projects and slates being worked on. Let me list some of the things we have in development.
- Literary- The GHOST TOWN book is being tweaked to return to the marketplace. A reworking on the intro and a new proof needs to be done. Also the Making of KNIGHT CHILLS book is underway with the original script full of notes and other great pics. I will be writing an intro for it this week.
- Staying with literary but moving to scripts – I’ve got two scripts I’ve been working on. Both are follow up’s of fan favorite films. One is the follow up to MAN’S BEST FRIEND and the second is a stand alone feature for the WILD FAITH franchise. We do have the 8 shows written for a season 1 WILD FAITH: HASTINGS. We will see as the current film is still collecting awards and will re-enter theaters before a holiday streaming and DVD release.
- We have a completed script for a great WHO DONE IT turn-of-the-century film which might launch this year if the funding comes together.
- We will be announcing a CDI in association with Katharsys Pictures. They are the company that gave me my 1st starring role IN THE WOODS. We will be assisting in the development and production of (3) films that will be directed by Lynn Drzick. More will be announced on these three films in the coming weeks.
- We have been developing GOTCH for several years now and we’ll know soon if this will launch this year or not. Frank Gotch’s legacy can be seen ion our amazing documentary FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH. If the feature film doesn’t launch we might pivot to producing the 2nd doc in this series but we would all love for the feature film to launch.
- We have a developing slate of films we are developing to shoot in Iowa. It is my hope is that we’ll make some progress there in the very near future. Few things happen quickly so that is why development is always such an important task.
- There are a handful of other projects being developed but not to a point worth mentioning. There is a time to be quiet and a time to announce. The key is not to do one too early. You want to keep energy focused on the goal and not start dealing with things out of order or cart before the horse.
WRAP UP:
I am ready for warmth to sneak back into the state. I had good meetings this past week also with my friends at Bank of America getting ready for the new work flow. I love how interactive my bankers are with what we are doing at CDI. The team here at CDI is anxious and excited to be on set again and that is what I want as well. I got together with Shane Hagedorn at week’s end and we did a great commentary for BEST YEARS GONE. This film was shot in-between the MI Covid lock downs. We are exploring doing some test releasing of CDI films with commentary. That disappeared with the drop in DVD’s versus streaming. But do people still want to watch one of their favorite films with the creators talking about it? Let me know in the comments.
I did get some yard clean up done before the fresh snow hit. If you own a dog or dogs, you understand the Spring clean up. I’m still enjoying the wood stove burning bright at these meetings. This Spring I am going to have a cleaning done. I plan on getting another log rack and disassembling the old wood storage bins. Maybe a greenhouse or a gazebo? I’m looking forward to a great year making upgrades to the property.
Our chickens have increased production of eggs and I’m actually looking to get after a few once I hop off here. I also might start up a batch of Frankenberry wine from all the berries gathered from the property last Summer. I also have everything needed to make a batch of beer. Like I’ve said before, I usually do a wine and beer batch every year. I’m also excited for outdoor soccer season. I’m going to sub in on the indoor team again starting Tuesday. I will also be looking forward to attending the monthly flea markets where I find many of my props and wardrobe pieces. Alright my friends! I wish you all the best. Be kind to one another!
DJ
The journey. The adventure. The wins. The setbacks. The Growth!
I’m sipping the hot hazelnut coffee on a snowy Michigan morning. I’m feeling much better this weekend from last. I was under the weather last week which in part I feel was due to my gut being off from antibiotics. I had my first of two upper wisdom teeth removed and I think the meds threw my balance off. But a few probiotics and I’m feeling much better. It is odd how so much is tied to health. It has been a theme so many times that health is wealth. I stand by that. They say the coloring of the mood is controlled by the gut. And the gut can be greatly influenced by what you eat and dental health. I talk to my young people all the time about staying on top of that. It can easily be one of the things that gets overlooked when times are tough financially. But I’m a person who tries to really keep up on all that.
I have to say while I was still slightly below par last week it was still a very productive week. I’ve been working to streamline things and prepare for the next five years and beyond. Accountants, bankers, legal are all important parts of the filmmaking process. If your start up organization lacks these things it might be part of what is holding your growth back. Filmmaking is so much more than just playing with a camera. Those production skills are very important but what will lead you to the bigger projects is good business.
FILM UPDATES:
- Today I will be meeting with one of my oldest collaborators Lynn (David) Drzick from Katharsys Pictures. They manage the literary part of CDI. We are publishing scripts/making of’s and novels of CDI films where it applies. Next up is the re-release of the Ghost Town novel. And I’ll be handing materials off for the beginning layout of the Making of KNIGHT CHILLS including the script. This movie has had the book by David Hayes released and is now available on BluRay and streaming! It was CDI’s first film. We will be discussing more literary endeavors because I truly do LOVE books.
- I will also note that we’ve been developing a few films with Lynn and Katharsys Pictures with one being IN THE WOODS 2. We are a few drafts deep and some early development is being done on that. It is always fun to talk films and Alex, Wayne and Al just may be fighting monsters again in the near future.
- I was talking about books and one of the books we are really wanting to do this year is THE QUEST TRILOGY coffee table book full of great pictures and interviews with key production members. I have 1 of the 3 director interviews and need to push for the other two.
- The last three films in the CDI Classic Collection are being evaluated for restoration and I feel fairly confident that we will have some success with these films. You become a guardian of these stories and keeping them in the public is work. But I want to see these stories live on as they are part of the CDI history.
- Rom Coms Must Die is completed and this past week we entered several film festivals that might embrace this film. I will be having talks this week over theatrical and we are actively working to set up a premiere showing. A new theatrical poster is being worked on by Adam Towner and this dark comedy will be releasing wide to streaming and DVD in Q3! You can check out a Making of on IMDB and look for promo clips coming soon.
- AI Jesus: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is having all the dialog worked on plus music and sound design. We’ll start hearing parts of this very soon. Based off some initial concept art our theatrical poster is being polished up. The plan is to be in theaters this Summer and Q4 home video. A BTS is being planned and the trailer is getting more eyes weekly. We are raising the last little bit of marketing money on this unique film and cannot wait to share it with the world.
- Wild Faith Christmas is entering thew second half of its festival run. We just found out we were nominated for BEST PICTURE at a great awards show. We’ll be announcing that soon but you heard it here first. We are waiting to hear on several more festivals and at the end of Summer/fall this film will reenter the theatrical market before a Q4 home video release. Home video artwork is underway and this will be a great gift to the fans of the first film. It was very well received in theaters thus far and we have plans to try and launch the TV series again.
- I have been doing some writing on two different scripts both follow ups to popular CDI films. I had the goal of finishing at least two films this year and I’m on track to do just that. I’ve dropped hints on which scripts in past blogs. One is the most requested sequel of all the CDI films. It is always fun to be in the world with these characters beloved to so many people. Do you have any guesses? Or do you have CDI films you would like to see follow up’s on?
DEVELOPMENT: Technically the about update on scripts is considered development but I will leave it up there. We have one film that could launch this year but it is time sensitive. We have a few weeks to tie everything up or else it will be pushed into the next year. These are hard talks when you want something so bad but it also makes sure you have the amply time to do a great job. I want this to happen this year but that is all up to a few moves on the chessboard. We will see very soon.
We have a project that was developed quite a bit before we switched gears to AI Jesus due to the timeliness of the story and subject matter. I also have a script to read this week that we’ve been asked to consider co-producing. Before I get a slew of scripts sent to me, it is funded. But that isn’t an automatic in for us. But we really like this group of filmmakers and we are experienced in this genre. So I’m looking to have a good read and see what happens with the other project that has verbal interest but has not yet gone to contract and deposit. Both could be done pending filming timelines. I believe that I’m led to do the projects I’m meant to do.
WRAP UP:
I am looking to sit down with a filmmaker I recently worked with on a short film shot on 16mm. It was fun to go back to my early film days and the day we shot was truly special. And what a great group of passionate folks looking to carve their own name in filmmaking. I had it hard. All us early Michigan filmmakers had it hard. Lynn Drzicks, Mike Kallio, Rich Brauer, Charles Cirgenski, Jim Bonner, …the short list could go on but go back and read the old MICHIGAN VUE magazines. We didn’t all love each other’s projects and occasionally you might encounter competition over the scarce resources. But that was a respect that we were all going through hardships. Some were better funded versus others and it was still always a challenge with money only being part of it. Now with social media and brash attitudes filmmakers are brutal to one another. We also had our TROLLS who were born when the internet arose. You could now be rude without any real consequences. That has become worse in that many don’t hide their identity but they just blast one another. Some may deserve it partially but my philosophy has also been to just let them burn their own bridges. It doesn’t take long to figure out who the BS’ers are and who is stand up. Sadly, when some burn their own bridges they cause damage to a region which with social media can spill out everywhere. Investors, location owners and such who get burned can hurt many. Because not all filmmakers are alike. But the owner of a nice location doesn’t always know one from another.
I try to be grateful for every opportunity I’m given. In turn, try to give opportunity where it is earned. People who really know me have said at times I’m too nice. But I do have limits and boundaries to be sure. There are a handful who know this to be true. Even in some of those cases I just don’t believe this is that path for them. Or if it is they need to mature and develop on their dime. I’m not writing this with anyone in mind so if you felt it, you might want to self examine. But as sad as I am anytime someone is left to follow their own path it always means a new opportunity for someone. A chance to step up whereas perhaps their appreciation will run deeper. I really do mourn those whose attitudes hold them back and celebrate those who rejoice in being given an opportunity. I am good at turning the cheek as they say a first time but the second strike will be met with redirecting force, out the door. So try to be your best self. Don’t let your negativity isolate you and set bridges ablaze. Enjoy the collaborations. Understand the accountability of others. Flow like water. (Thank you Bruce Lee)
I’m going to go get ready for my meeting with an old friend. One who I did part ways with at one time long ago. I won’t say one of us was more wrong than the other it just was what it was. Call it creative differences to be fair but I’m also pleased to have rekindled that friendship and the work between us. So the beautiful thing is that if everyone keeps growing in a positive direction maybe nothing is permanent. I’m always considering the friendship first but I will be direct to action on business. As I’ve noted prior, sometimes the friendship leaves when the opportunities dry up. You can feel used and unappreciated but I don’t let that jade me. I recharge when new opportunities are given and appreciation flows from them. New friendships can be formed over collaborating on art. That again is the real key. The journey. The adventure. The wins. The setbacks. The Growth!
Keep moving forward. Coffee Cheers!
DJ
The Sailor, The Wizard and Rock and Roll!
The weather outside is warmer and the snow has started to melt. The sun spent some time out and hinted at the coming of Spring. I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee and I’m waking refreshed. My mind has been full of numbers and reports and lacking creative. But the foundation of business always has to established first before you start to build the creative. That creative that is the rare air we breathe. I know all artists feel those urges to create, perform, write and collaborate. Artists aren’t normally financed like many jobs they survive endeavor by endeavor. When the storms of life roll around you it is easy to feel at the mercy of the elements. A sailor on the sea of fates. But the word sailor is the key. He knows the winds and when to raise and lower the sails. He knows to sail into or against the winds. He knows his ship, his crew and how to manipulate the elements to get to his or her destination. They don’t fear the adventure they crave it. If you want safe you stay land bound by the fire. But that is not what ships are meant for.
“You’re a wizard Harry!” A simple statement from a famous franchise of books and films. To be an artist/filmmaker you must remember that you don’t just allow things to happen to you. You visualize a goal in the imagination, hold the vision strong by faith and force it into being with will-power. Will-power also includes the hard work needed to inject that will into the chaotic storm of life. I’ve pondered what has made me successful after all these years and this is what came to me as an answer. If you find your self floating in doubt, unfocused you will not be able to generate the will power required for success. Having done what is required is what gives faith in the process. You cannot just work hard but you must work smart.
Yesterday on the Hallmark day of love remembrance I released the 30th Anniversary CDI reel and PR. I noted again in this day and age where many don’t read beyond the headline, a weakness we have. People need to slow down but the pace of life and energy tries to force us into a frantic state when slow and deliberate is needed. Here is the PR link and the reel link is within it.
READ AND WATCH HERE: https://www.prlog.org/13127348-collective-development-inc-celebrates-30-years-of-independent-filmmaking-with-highlight-reel.html
I want to thank everyone who took the time to give thanks. It was a beautiful tribute video edited together by Adam Towner. Let’s look at some of the CDI updates.
- Wild Faith Christmas is being delivered to our home video distributor and will be planning for additional theatrical showings before the Q4 streaming and DVD release.
- Rom Coms Must Die is finished and we have it being reviewed by home and theatrical distribution. We will be having a marketing meeting on Monday to plan a premiere. We are actively looking for a few festivals that would be fun to attend and promote. A theatrical poster is being worked on and I think people will enjoy this parody of our film industry. We are looking to have it in theaters this Spring and Q3 streaming and DVD.
- AI Jesus: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is in the music and sound studio having dialogue polished, sound design and musical score. The name for some will leave an odd feeling as it should. This was taken and fictionalized from a real event. AI already dominates dialog and is not slowing up. I think the film will create an immense amount of conversation. I’m very excited for this film to release into theaters this Summer and to streaming and DVD Q4.
- The CDI website has been updated and is where you can find other CDI films to watch. http://www.cdiproductions.com please do take a look and watch the other films in the CDI catalog. Thank you David Gries for the updates.
- CDI’s Youtube Channel is growing and I want to give it some added attention this year. Search it out to watch some great content related to the CDI films. WATCH HERE: https://www.youtube.com/@TribeCDI
- This blog – if you are one of the many around the world who read this every Sunday do me these two little favors A) Subscribe and B) Invite someone else to subscribe
DEVELOPMENT: I’m going to be returning to some of my screenwriting. I have several that I develop between the paid writing gigs. I am very happy with the film scripts in the works. I’m excited about the high and low concept projects in development. High and Low could be applied to the budget required to do justice to the story. And some of these scripts have been in development for years. These projects happen because of financial backers. There is no trick to it. Often it is just good planning, good track record and good reputation. I’ve had many tell me that being part of these CDI films are some of the best endeavors they’ve ever been part of. I agree. But I’m biased. But you cannot NOT do the work and just sit in hope that something will happen. I’ve had conversations recently whereas the desire is there but the daily, weekly, monthly, yearly work to move towards production is just not being done. I live and breathe these stories.
WRAP UP: The eye appointment I had this past week reminded me that the years indeed are clicking by. I’ve been a touch mentally tired by the current heavy lifting I’m doing to try and launch a few larger endeavors. The rough seas that I talked about in our opening intro. But I had to slow myself and take a few deep breaths and remind myself that I am a sailor. I am a wizard. I am an artists not afraid to do the hard work needed to make things happen. I respect doers. But talk to any of them and if they are being straight with you they will tell you it is not easy.
In the wake of our 30 year PR I had a handful of screenplay writers reach out. A bit of research will show that we don’t require screenplays. But a funded screenplay is always a different story. It doesn’t mean we will automatically do it but it is what makes it worth looking at. The script is the blue print as we’ve discussed. If it is not up to par it will not translate to a strong film. This is often a hard conversation when you like/love and respect the artist. But even with one of our current projects close to green light the writer felt the 2nd draft was perfect yet now we are working with draft 5 and it is much stronger. Most of my own scripts end up being a 5th to 7th draft.
I’m feeling the power of Spring myself. The emotions that hinder us start to melt under our own confidence. But it is good for others to know that we all have those moments where the stone feels heavy to push. But we have a tribe at CDI and the more hands that push the resistance gives and the rock starts to roll. Rock and Roll my friends! Let’s talk next week and I hope we all have made progress with our endeavors. Coffee Cheers! DJ
Welcome February! Looking at Updates and Exciting New Developments!
Good morning, Happy Feb 1st from frosty Michigan! I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee and I just let the chickens out retrieving one egg. Friday I was feeling the tinges of a head cold but I’ve about beaten that back. I’ve stayed quite healthy but the sub zero temps and being around a few small groups might have set it off. I think the fact that I had such a busy week and I sometimes go into work-a-holic mode. Once it gets nicer outside my time can be divided but when it is freezing staying chained to the desk is easier. I’ve got all the movie end of year tax stuff submitted to our firm. I even got my materials for my personal taxes out the door yesterday. My task I was putting off while recovering the last few days is splitting some logs for the office wood stove. I will get it blazing today and fill the bins. There is something about a good fire that focuses the mind, lifts the spirit and warms the body. I will give a run down of some of the highlights for the week and talk about what the week ahead holds.
- At one minute past midnight audiences got their first look at the director’s theatrical art for AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip and a link to the first preview. READ HERE WITH LINK TO THE TRAILER!
https://www.prlog.org/13124831.html - The above film AI Jesus has locked up their visual and it is moving into music and sound design with Dennis Therrian. This is one of my favorite parts of the process whereas the music magnifies what you feel on the screen. While not a direct follow up this movie has tie in’s to CDI’s The Quest Trilogy, a heroic journey series of stories that you can watch now. In order they are FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. Please do watch all three!
- ROM COMS MUST DIE – I’ve been pulling the final pieces together on the end credits. This coming Friday we will be doing a watch of the full film. Once locked we will add the end credits and create the file for theatrical and home video delivery. We would love to see it hit theaters around April 1st (no fooling) and home video will be Q3 before Halloween.
- Behind the Scenes of ROM COMS MUST DIE edited together by Jeff Behrendt will release on Valentine’s Day Feb 14th!
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS just wrapped up a theatrical run in Algona, Iowa. We will be running theatrical showings up to our Q4 pre-holiday release. This 2nd film follows the action of WILD FAITH streaming now.
- HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE our 1920’s action/romance adventure has started its run on streaming services and I’m getting weekly fan mail from that movie. It was really fun to film and our CDI team did a wonderful job. Pop over to one of the streaming sites and take a watch!
- I’m really excited about the new update to the CDI website thanks to David Gries. You can check out the new website which is still being tweaked and proofed but is looking great! It is at http://www.cdiproductions.com
- In addition that the wonderful website update we have a CDI Highlight Reel coming from Adam Towner. He was given a task and we allowed his creativity to flow and flow it did. We will be releasing this soon but it is to celebrate 30 years of CDI.
- We are exploring a few Dennis Therrian music videos for some of the songs created for HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE and WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS as well as a CDI co-production of another music video from our friends with Shallow Rising, a song called BLIZZARD. We will let you know when that releases. But Yes. CDI does music videos so reach out if you would like us to consider producing yours. We can work with several budget sizes.
- We do have a few commercial projects in development as well as a documentary or two. We have artists that excel in all these different areas. So again reach out and let’s see what we can do for you.
- I had a few great conversations on some feature film development both large and small. I will save some of this talk for another day as I don’t like to discuss too much until it becomes more solid. Also with some of my end of year work coming to a close I can turn more attention to development.
- Last Sunday I filmed on a short film in my home town. It was actually shot on 16mm and it had been a while since I was performing on actual film. The day was a snowstorm and freezing but all went well save a drained battery in my jeep that had to be jumped thanks to great production assistants on set. My battery just needed a charge as it might have came off the lot with a low battery charge. But that is all behind me and I’m looking forward to seeing what these passionate filmmakers created. A rule is often the harsher the weather conditions on cast and crew the better it looks on camera.
WRAP UP: Today is the full moon which is my 24 hours of cheat eating a month so donuts are in order. I’ve been subbing in on my brother’s indoor soccer team and it is getting my running legs back in shape. This will make it easier when outdoor season starts. I had one of the two remaining wisdom teeth removed this week so I’ve been dealing with that. In a few weeks they will do the other one.
This week we will start work on the theatrical poster for ROM COMS MUST DIE and have a meeting over submitting to a few festivals. The AI Jesus film will start expending the marketing based off the new trailer. I’ll be working to place the last few marketing supporters behind this unique story. We are working to expand our sponsorship base and build off the incredible brands we work with now.
I’m going to go refill ye ole coffee cup and prepare myself for some log splitting. I hope you all have a great start to your month. Can you believe that the first month of 2026 is in the books? I want to say RIP to Roger Moore who worked wardrobe on our Ghost Town movie. He stayed on when the theme park was open performing gunfights with Robert Bradley. Also we lost a few legendary artists with Catherine O’Hara and Demond Wilson whom I reached out to before on one of our past films. As I’ve said before we are taking the torch and we’ll keep creating. I hope all of you will do the same. Until next week my friends, coffee cheers! – DJ
CDI Tribe Spotlight and 2026 Updates!
A screen shot from the upcoming ‘AI Jesus: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip
What a chilly morning here in the Michigan. I’ve had talks with folks in Florida and even there cold. We might get one more blizzard hit over the next two days. This cold steals a little bit of my motivation. We are deep into the first month of the new year. I have hit the ground running and working hard to get things done. Today I’m going to finish working on some writing for our CDI web page that is getting a few updates. Our Christmas tree came down last week after my blog writing. New gifts and such have been being put into new places. 2025 was a blessed year in many ways and I’m working to make 2026 also be about abundance. I will give a few updates on where things are in the world of CDI. CDI is 30 years old! That is a great accomplishment I’m told and I’ve had everyone suggest I write a book pulling on many topics from my blogs. The idea of a CDI documentary has again resurfaced. I have a meeting coming up to readdress the uprez of three of the early CDI Classic films. I’m excited about that. I do feel the pride of having this company grow and survive the ups and downs for all these years. Let’s spotlight some of the old guard CDI leadership still making it all happen.
My fellow CDI founder Jeff Kennedy was an inspiration in high school of making learning fun and cool. He and his wife Juanita are two of the most creative people you would ever meet. They believed in me and the idea of CDI when nobody else would. Since 2007 time frame Jeff has been medically retired. I add the medical because if Jeff did not have his back issues he would still be in the mix creating. He deserves the peace and happiness he is living in. Not a day goes by that I’m not appreciative of both of them. Knight Chills, From Venus, Heaven’s Neighbors, Figure in the Forest are the first four films we did at CDI. In a way it was our film school. On the 30th anniversary I want to really give the Kennedy’s their due. Without their love and support there would be no CDI. I will work to get those last three films to HD and back into the market. KNIGHT CHILLS can be watched on Blu Ray or streamed now.
Dean Teaster is another gent who I consider one of the founders of CDI. If not a true founder he helped forge the business flow at CDI. Operating as the COO, Chief Operating Officer he help implement many processes that we still use today. He is responsible for the onset accounting we use to this day. It dovetails into our end of the year tax work that keeps everything moving in the right direction. Not only is he one of my closest friends he is a pillar at CDI. His acting has been riding high later in life as he completely surrenders himself to the character he is becoming.
Anthony Hornus was one of the earliest producers at CDI and has proven his value as a writer, actor and director. He is a creative warrior that will go out on his shield. As a writer/co-director he brought us AN ORDINARY KILLER (streaming) but in recent years he directed Man’s Best Friend, Silent Night in Algona and the upcoming AI Jesus: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip. He also runs a military themed Non-Profit The Red, White and Blue Project that works close with CDI. Together with CDI assistance he has produced such powerful content such as OUTSIDE THE WIRE: The Forgotten Children of Afghanistan, Standing Post and For the Love of Catch. As a senior producer he is known for his ability to connect with government officials and extras on our film sets.
Melissa Anschutz while seen often starring in CDI films serves as a senior producer onset often working as the unit production manager. She works closely with the marketing of CDI films due to her position of CMO (Chief marketing Officer) for Twin Engines Global that has much of the CDI library under their umbrella.
Shane Hagedorn serves as a senior producer at CDI. In addition to his powerful acting his directorial endeavors have given us Ashes of Eden, Best Years Gone and Wild Faith Christmas. He is a pillar of the CDI company and loves making content that inspires people.
John Mashni is part of the CDI production team serving as CLO (Chief Legal Officer). From investment, cast and crew or distribution documents, Mr. Mashni handles all aspects of legal as it pertains to CDI endeavors.
Dane DeFord has joined the producer’s team as the Transportation Captain. He has been responsible for off set production vehicles and on-set picture cars, boats, planes, wagons/horses and more. He is also building his front of the camera resume with several attention getting roles.
David Gries has worked with CDI on both sides of the camera both by bringing multiple memorable roles to life while also handling the web design and IT work for the CDI tribe. He also works as a designer for Twin Engines Global marketing bringing that experience with him to everything his does with CDI.
Dennis Therrian while maintaining his identity as a powerful composer musician he has also become an amazing sound designer. He is the pos-production supervisor who assists in delivering the completed films to our distribution partners. He has been with CDI from film one and his work has become a pillar of quality in the library of CDI films.
In addition to these good folks this “tribe” of artists has raised the bar for independent film production with a wide group of investors, sponsors, key crew and directors-for-hire chosen to fit the right script. CDI 2026 celebrates 30 years of creating stories via motion picture, commercials, music videos and more. They built the company on basic key points 1) Staying on budget 2) Staying on Schedule 3) The films are all handcrafted with a unique quality that only comes from artists who deeply care.
We have many new artists working to earn their place within the tribe. Some people find that the journey of telling these stories is too difficult. There is no shame in that as our people work very hard to stand out from the clutter of content in the marketplace. Let’s look at the progress being made on the current films.
- Harsens Island Revenge joins many of the CDI films streaming on the popular ad based VOD like Tubi, Xumo, Encourage TV (Youtube) and more. This film is well rounded and full of excitement and drama.
- Wild Faith Christmas just completed an extended run in Lansing and Grand Rapids, MI at Celebration Cinemas. Now Fridley in Algona, Iowa is welcoming the film Jan 23-29th! We are still working several chains so please do call your theaters and request the film.
- Rom Coms Must Die will marry the new color corrected version visual to the sound this week. We’ll do another hard look at the end credits but we are close to a final watch. From there we’ll set up the theatrical which I hope to have hit April 1st. We are looking at a few festivals for fun. Our home video release will be Q3.
- The trailer for AI Jesus: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is being worked on as we speak. Once the music and sound is done we will do final watches before it moves into music and sound design. I’ll be working to land the last few marketing investors/sponsors and we are excited to bring this to theaters before a Q4 home video release. This is gonna be a powerful film but presented in a very entertaining way.
DEVELOPMENT: I did have a good sit down meeting with John McGraw and we are considering putting the feature version of SMOKE & MIRRORS back on the slate. Few locations and a smaller scope makes it appealing. I’ve also been working on some script writing. The work is on sequels to a few of the more popular titles. We also have a few pitches for founding out and we will see how that develops. We all would love to see the season 1 of WILD FAITH: Hastings go into production but we will see.
WRAP UP: I’m going to wrap this up and go make some breakfast. Already gathered an egg from our chickens this morning. I’m going to do some work for the CDI website and I’ve got soccer playing. I did sub in for a house team last week playing indoor soccer. It was good to get some intense running in. First half breath was a touch off but I got my second wind. Second wind but my legs felt heavy second half. I was a touch sore overnight and mildly stiff the day after but I’m ready for Tuesday again! Do something physical to get your body moving and to help clear your head. I hope you all have a great week ahead. 2026 is full of possibilities you just gotta go after them with a good, organized plan. Until next week my friends, COFFEE CHEERS!
DJ
CDI Film Updates! Plus the Secret to Making Your 2026 More Productive!
Good morning! After a few days of rain and gloom we got our pretty snow back. We did enjoy some warm temps for a stretch of days. Yesterday the Christmas tree came down which is sad but also signals the start of the new year being in full swing. It was a very productive week on many levels but still the world seems to be off balance again with negativity in abundance. I’ve said before, it’s what I love about being a storyteller versus activism. I can work with artists from many circles to collectively tell a story that is beneficial to all. That helps remind us of what brings us together and inspires hope for a day of better harmonious co-existence.
On a business level we are in full swing of streamlining CDI and preparing for some great things in 2026. I’ve nearly got all the end of year materials forwarded to our accounting firm. Just a few December statements once they are sent and legal will send investor dispersement breakdowns for last year. I’ve just got my personal taxes to complete but I’m close to having all that together. There is so much business to attend to and I think that for many struggling in the arts that is a direct result of all show and no business sense. I’m proud that we’ve been working to do it right from movie one at CDI.
I’m still working out HOW TO’s on little functions of my new laptop but as you can read I’m getting there. I guess I could say the same thing about my jeep. I’m still working on understanding a few of the buttons and gizmos. Evolving is slow for me as I get proficient in a process and I’m not easy to change. But with good folks around me I’m slowly making changes. CDI’s website will be undergoing some much needed updates thanks to David Gries. CDI has turned 30 years old this year and we’re celebrating that. Adam Towner has been working on a CDI highlight reel. I’ve had others suggest a documentary film, a book and more. One step at a time. I do have a meeting on the books about working on Classic CDI films 2-4 which need restoration work before being ready for the marketplace. We are working on a few literary releases associated with the movies and I still want a few record albums showcasing Dennis Therrian’s amazing work. Maybe like a KTEL (Old School) best of CDI music. I have ideas. Let’s look at some of the more recent updates!
- CDI’s roaring 1920’s film Harsens Island Revenge released to home video on the ad-based platforms like Encourage TV, Roku, Tube…meaning you can watch free with ads. We get paid by advertisers. I’m about to release the first investor checks from theatrical once I get it properly recorded with legal. Again this was based on a book of the same name by Karl Manke so read the book as well!
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS gave us one of the happiest pre-Christmas run in theaters and was extended in Lansing and Grand Rapids, MI playing Celebration Cinemas until the 15th of January! We are trying to lock in dates with NCG and Emagine but things have been slow. Even when we have audiences ready we still need to wait because we don’t control the theaters. We’ll keep playing this film all winter and it will release to home video 4Q before the holidays. The distributor is planning a campaign with the original film WILD FAITH 3Q promoting the forthcoming follow up. The original has done well for us and justified the second film. We do have the TV series to push towards production and I’ve been slowly working on the 3rd stand alone film. This franchise has become a bright spot in the world. Thank you to the tens of millions who have supported it.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE – This film is a parody from start to finish about the filmmaking industry. The hardships of actors, filmmakers and distributors who often want junk content. The new audio mix was amazing and of course it was because that is what Dennis Therrian does. Our director is doing a final visual test on film using a filter to see if we/he likes the enhancement. After that we’ll put it all together for a final watch through . We are almost ready to start talking premiere and the theatrical run. I would like to see an April 1st theatrical release. The home video release is set for Q3 before Halloween. It is comedic with a dark, twisted sense of humor. We all think audiences will enjoy it and if you work in the industry you’ll get a few more of the inside jokes.
- In the same week we got to do a watch of AI JESUS: THE SECRET OF THE KINGDOM CHIP with all the VFX inserted. WOW! It was so cool to see the entire flow with completed VFX. We are making some final tweaks and reviews before the film moves over to music and sound design. It will drop into the studio end of January and I’m guessing 2-3 months of work bring us to May/June. We’ll do a summer theatrical release and home video is set for 4Q. You cannot turn on the radio air TV without ongoing talks on AI. The film used AI in various parts of the production flow and even included a high end production robot. A trailer is being polished up and will have the music and sound design done before work on the main feature goes into high gear. I’m still sitting down with investors and sponsors over the last few marketing units. I’m working to close that up since everyone is excited to get back on set with new film production. PS: This film does have ties to THE QUEST TRILOGY the three biblical adventures CDI produced in the desert of Yuma, AZ. So do take a watch on all three FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER.
DEVELOPMENT: We’ve got a few commercial and narrative projects in development. A few films have pitch packs out to funders and I’m working on a few new scripts. The follow up films are fun allowing endearing characters to return. With pre-existing fans it makes sense business-wise too. Aside from the WILD FAITH franchise there’s 2-3 other CDI favorites that might get a follow up. We do have some original films in development also and I’m excited to see which ones get traction.
WRAP UP: So I talked with Terry Knox this week who people know mostly from ST ELSEWHERE and TOUR OF DUTY but we’ve done a half dozen films together since AN ORDINARY KILLER in 2002. He was bragging at the production value of HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE which he had just watched. He plays a member of the Purple Gang. Somehow we got talking about conventions and meet and greets. I know they have them for horror films, comics, sci-fi and war films/TV series. It must have stuck in my mind. I awoke this morning from a dream I had gone with T Knox to a convention that had actors from all different TV shows. I was representing WICKED SPRING, MBF, SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA…I was meeting folks from Hogan’s Heroes, Band of Brothers and MASH. In my dream I was talking with Gary Burghoff (Radar) from MASH and told him how much I’ve enjoyed his work and asked how he was doing. He was starving and so I went and got him some snacks from a green room table. Funny stuff!
I’m going to wrap things up here. I’ve got some other work I want to get done but as always I appreciate the time we had today reviewing our progress. With the extension of Wild Faith Christmas in the theaters, Harsens Island Revenge to AVOD and the post work flow I’m pleased with how 2026 is already started. We have had a few negative folks come out of the wood work throwing stones at the art. I told someone recently almost all the negativity any of us artists get comes from other artists not the general audiences. Writers who cannot option or sell a script. Producers who can never finance a project. Directors who will never sit in the chair. Actors that don’t get cast. ROM COMS MUST DIE is a love letter to some of these folks but Amos and Clem are doers. Channel this frustration into work and progress versus pooping in someone’s punchbowl. Haha! Maybe too much. But you get the point. Most don’t take the time to review or are unable to navigate the process. But if you can and you want to counter some hate with joy, please do. Amazon reviews. IMDB reviews. And believe or not I’ll send positive wishes even to those struggling and aiming their frustration at at working artists. In the time it takes to write a negative review something positive could have been done to move their own pieces on the chess board. But negativity is part of the game. My above friend T Knox once said if you don’t have haters you’re not doing something right. The rocks thrown haven’t slowed the forward train in 30 years so I don’t think it is going to happen. If you are one of the frustrated focus more on your business and less on the art. The art is fun and the business often is not. But the secret to success lies in doing both and in good time. A company that distributes films cannot work with you if your biz is not in order or your film cannot make deadlines or pass quality control. So focus on these things and make your 2026 better than your 2025!
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Welcome to 2026!~ Let’s Toast a Great New Year
Happy 2026! I’m sipping my hazelnut coffee and finally sitting down to share with all of you. January 4th and we are off and running. I felt really good about 2025 and what we accomplished both personally and as a company of artists at CDI. We once again have a winter wonderland outside and I’m enjoying it more than dreary rain. The other day we had our last family holiday meal and it was a good season of memories made. I’m happy to say that I’ve stayed healthy save the occasional sore day from splitting logs for the fire. The last day of the year was work as we are streamlining CDI and making moves to get us ready for bigger things. Some of this is automating the check dispersement process which right now takes about three days. Let’s look at some of the updates-
- Harsens Island Revenge is now released to home video both DVD and streaming. This time period (1920’s) is very popular and the history of the Purple Gang is a worthy subject. If you’ve not seen this film I wrote off Karl Manke‘s book of the same name you should. And read the book. The theatrical run was not as strong as we wanted but that is because of the release time and studio conflicts. But it did some acceptable extra business which is helpful. It played great on the big screen and now on people’s personal TV’s I’m hearing good things. I loved playing Axel and I’ll be forever proud of that film. Check it out!
- Wild Faith Christmas is now in theaters as we speak. We had a great world premiere in Tuscan, AZ winning awards before bringing it back to Michigan. Awesome premiere showings in Alpena and Lansing, Michigan and it is now back in Lansing until the 8th I believe at Celebration Cinema. It is also in Grand Rapids and Fort Worth, Texas. It has played several different states and will play many more before the run is over. SEE this film on the big screen if you can. If you can contact your local theater and ask them to book it. If you’ve seen it leave a review on the http://www.imdb.com page (That is for all films) Thank you for all the love this film has gotten. Ben Lily is a great character and I’m proud to fill those moccasins.
- Rom Coms Must Die – This dark comedy is a joke. The entire film was born from development meetings with distributors seeking low brow content for the audiences. Also the desperation of filmmakers, actors and the pains of chasing dreams. Monday we are watching with the audio elements finely mixed. We are getting close to a locked picture and will look at a cool premiere before it travels into theaters before a Q3 home video release. This is a bit of a departure from our family films but is still very digestible mostly due to the abundance of humor.
- AI Jesus: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip – Yesterday I watched the new edit with color correction and the VFX dropped in. Let’s just say it made my day. This film is thought provoking in the best way and also has emotional impact that can match any of the previous CDI films. The acting chemistry between the characters is just wonderful and I cannot wait to add the music and sound design. This film is a loose follow up to THE QUEST TRILOGY (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star. The Christ Slayer) If you have not seen these three biblical adventures give it a go. They are unique and are a good tip of the hat to biblical classics of the early days. Ben Hur (original) is still one of my favorites.
- The CDI website needs to undergo an update that will essentially make it easier for audiences to find all our films. I’ll be working with David Gries our wonderful designer in trying to upgrade that. I hope to have streaming there soon a new 2026 CDI highlight reel. CDI is now 30 years old which is amazing to me. Can we go another 30 years? Perhaps we can. We do have new branches growing on the CDI tree every year. CDI is a place that artists plant the seeds of new projects. Given the proper attention and time and great things grow.
- We do just recently sign a home video deal on the Wild Faith Christmas, Rom Coms Must Die and AI Jesus and we’re excited to work with our partners at TEG. Before that it is a theatrical partnership with Dreamscape Productions, our theatrical rep. I want to thank them both for all their collaboration in 2025. To that I want to add my deep enjoyment of collaborating with McGraw Multimedia, Strike to Burn and of course Dennis Therrian. Choose your partners carefully as they can be sails or anchors to your endeavors. CDI doesn’t have to say much as we let actions speak. Recently someone was discussing why I don’t hype more versus taking the more conservative approach. I like to set reasonable expectations and exceed those versus the other way around. I’ve turned down money and partnerships and projects where something did not fit or feel proper. We are not a perfect company but we work to refine our processes every day. I like to think it shows.
- I set a great list of goals for 2026 both personal and professional. I do this every year and I think it helps us keep accountable to ourselves. It also gives us something to strive towards. We are positioned well and I’m going to work as hard as I always do to bring us into the new era of success. I’ve got a few scripts underway and I’m excited by those. We’ve got a few film slates out there being looked at for financing. I’ve had some great meetings with some interesting people in 2025 and 2026 I see more of the same.
WRAP UP: Our team is on top of the end of year wrap up work. I plan to keep our steady climb and enjoy the company of the folks we are traveling with. I start the new year with new tools such as this computer. I got 13 years out of the previous. I got 15 years out of the old vehicle before getting the jeep. I don’t live flashy and I’m not trying to impress anyone save the fans of our art. I had a most wonderful holiday that allowed me to relax, recharge and reflect on my previous year. My favorite professional joy was hearing the laughter and tears of joy during our theatrical showings. I was once just a pre-teen with a camcorder and a few close friends playing make believe and storytelling.
I don’t have any lessons or insights from events to share at this time. I just wanted to thank all of you for accepting the art we create at Collective Development Inc. and hope you all see 2026 as a fresh start for yourselves. Be mindful of who and how you spend your energy. I’m thinking about eggs. Our chickens are increasing their production with the growing light. I’m going to do some additional organizing and such to get ready for a productive week. Spending this time with all of you each week helps me refocus on what needs to be done forthcoming. I want to welcome you all to 2026 with a coffee cheers. Now go have a great year and I’m chat with you again next week. Be good to one another! DJ
Laughter, Love & Gratitude- Looking Ahead at CDI
Good morning to you all! I woke up to a slightly frosty morning with a beautiful sunrise breaking the freeze. I got the coffee started and took care of the dogs and let the chickens out. I was tired at week’s end from film business and wood chopping. I want to thank you all for joining me including my Chinese followers showing up in force. From the Chinese philosophers to the martial arts and tea, I’m one who enjoys that culture. Below is a great interview I did for The Intense Life with friend John Mashni. Click below to watch.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1E5C2QCp4Y/?mibextid=wwXIfr
I want to thank Das for the fine message on Forty Nights and hope he enjoys part 2 Chasing the Star and part 3 The Christ Slayer. I think all fans of the CDI tribe should take a watch. Tis the season and these films are very unique in their perspective.
I’ve been promoting Harsens Island Revenge now streaming. Don Most did a Q&A in CO at a screening last week. I’m getting hammered by people wanting to see Wild Faith Christmas, especially in our home town of Lansing. The film will start announcing more dates as our rep locks them. I was out to the Pines studio overseeing the work on Rom Coms Must Die. It is coming along great and I hope to have a finished film by year’s end.
The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is going to be announcing the full title this week. AI Jesus: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is the full title and the film is close to a locked picture. It will go into music and sound behind Rom Coms Must Die. The AI Jesus film had more backers come onboard and we will assign the last few units of investment for marketing in the coming weeks. The movie is very funny with powerful heartfelt moments. We have a teaser trailer in works that maybe we’ll release around Christmas. But getting the film picture locked is our priority.
Development- I want to get the final biz on The Kingdom Chip completed but we have several projects in process for a possible 2026 shoot. One meeting went great and if funded by end of Jan 2026 it will shoot that Summer. Another Iowa film follow up to our Silent Night in Algona, a great holiday watch streaming now, is making steady progress. It is the Spirit Lake Massacre, the state’s story of the last conflict with the Lakota. Our proposal was given to the governor and several officials. We will see said the wise man. Another project has some funding but the script needs work. It is a hard conversation sometimes over creative endeavors but direct can be the best way. The issue also lies in the momentum we have with Wild Faith. The launch of the tv series would be ideal but a third film is also possible.
I’ve had a half dozen script writing projects in negotiations but none have finalized. On the acting front I’ve separated from Treasure Coast Agency. They are reducing their roster with casting costs rising. I’ve always done my best castings direct. Being a producer who hires directors, I network better in the above the line realm. My reels need updating but I’m busy working so I spend more energy on projects vs casting materials. But I will get some updated reels from these recent films. I might look into a literary agent to sell a few scripts I don’t plan to produce.
In wrapping up my talks here I wanted to mention that with the gains comes loss. Recently a few wonderful people have passed away. That is always a wake up call to enjoy each day. Also take care of yourselves by laughing, loving and letting things roll off versus getting overly stressed. I hold people accountable but I also understand when I see folks struggling or failing that is just where they are. We’ve all been there. I’m loving the occasional Christmas shop between tasks and I’m looking forward to a few festive gatherings. Try to give people grace at this time of year where hardships can be worse. I’m enjoying the end of year wrap up and I’m preparing for another good year. We will see more films release and more get filmed. We have seen the tribe growing in size and strength as more artists bring their projects to CDI. 2026 will be 30 years for our company developing and creating meaningful content. Until next week I hope you have a productive week. For those who participate in Thanksgiving, use the time to reflect with gratitude on your life and all the blessings. Be good to one another and coffee cheers! DJ
Happy Holidays from CDI – Film Updates
I’m up on a beautiful Sunday sipping hazelnut coffee and looking at all the joy from Alpena, MI audiences who started watching Wild Faith Christmas yesterday. We had a fun premiere on Thursday with only a last minute time change from the theater being the only small issue. People don’t always realize we don’t control the theaters. We can’t make a theater play us but your voice means dollars to them so they listen. The night before the event was wonderful due to one of our sponsors taking us to a great place for fish. I enjoyed some walleye. Also got to play some old school pinball which was fun. The night of the event was so enjoyable to me. We saw the impact of the film out west with western genre fans we did not know. Thursday we got to share with many of the good folks who helped on the film. From the first laugh to the last joyful tear the audience made my heart soar. The hugs, handshakes and words of endearment reminded me why I do this. It is hard at every phase from funding to final credits where names can be misspelled or accidentally forgotten.
The film will play until the 20th unless they extend it. We will start getting other theatrical dates soon. I will enjoy watching and listening to the audiences where I can. Don’t forget if you want more Emmett, Edmond, Ben, Hester watch the first film they were featured in Wild Faith. Tens of millions have enjoyed the first film and I believe they will love the second one.
If you want more holiday viewing from CDI you can stream Silent Night in Algona, a beautiful based on the true story drama set during WW2. Also CDI did three biblical features Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer. Watch in that order. You will get to see me play a camp commander and Jesus. Harsens Island Revenge while not a holiday film is a great watch and it just went to streaming and dvd.
Post work is underway with Dennis Therrian working on the musical score for our dark comedy Rom Coms Must Die. Also the final edit and special fx on The Secret of the Kingdom Chip are being worked on too. So 2026 will see two more CDI films released and more production is in the planning stages.
This week I have several development projects underway. Our film mentioned above The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is still in talks with a few final funders but I plan to wrap that up by the years end. That will allow me to focus more on new production. So if you want to discuss involvement feel free to reach out. That goes for businesses and products wanting to join our long list of sponsors and product partners.
Wrap up: I’m going to sip some more coffee and maybe unpack my luggage from my trip North. I might do a little yard clean up now since more leaves have fallen. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I have much to be thankful for. I’m thankful to all of you around the globe who stop by to share time. We reflect upon the art of the world that we watch and create. In a time of year that can be stressful give each other grace. We are not perfect and never will be. Remember friendship and family are valuable gifts and health is always wealth. Take care of yourself too which can often be by not stressing the small stuff. I look forward to the next premiere of Wild Faith Christmas. I look forward to some end of year meetings at the office fort sitting by the wood stove and sipping something warm. Until next week be good to one another. Coffee cheers! DJ
November is Here! Updates!!!
This has been a full year thus far and I’m filled with gratitude. I’m sipping the ole hazelnut coffee and pondering. It almost seems like not too long ago we were watching the ball drop entering 2025. Despite fears and worries by some no end of times or alien invasions. The beautiful world of nature has kept my year simple and serene. The clover and milkweed feeding the bees and butterflies. The growing of veggies and herbs now ready to give warmth to my winter tea cup. The new deck is now sealed and stained and already giving us joy. We’ve fostered many cats/kittens this year and enjoyed our own fur pack. These things bring that love, wonder and joy. Keeping your hands in dirt will keep you grounded.
Two of the four films are finished and being enjoyed. Harsens Island Revenge had a modest theatrical release. We felt the shove of studio films taking the summer space but we took our share. The film is now on dvd (Christmas gift?) and streaming. We just had the first festival premiere of Wild Faith Christmas and we’re booking our first theatricals. The film took 7 awards in Tuscan at the Wild Bunch Film Festival. Soon fans of the first film Wild Faith can enjoy the sequel. Alpena might be the first screening with a premiere on the 13th followed by a run at their Sanctuary theater. I’m hearing of a run post Christmas in Rogers City. We are working on Owosso, Lansing, GR and Detroit. Minnesota is gonna play both Wild Faith films at the Wells Flame I’m told. Follow the FB page to get all the updates.
Rom Coms Must Die is in the sound/music studio and coming to life with Dennis Therrian creating a stylish score. Tomorrow we are in another studio starting the fine tune editing on The Secret of the Kingdom Chip. Yes. There is a secret. Soon. I’m still wrapping up some paperwork and talking with the last backers to help launch this into theaters in the Summer. It will release to home video 4Q 2026 with Wild Faith Christmas.
As you can see it has been a busy year and this momentum will roll right into 2026. I’m still finishing some biz on The Kingdom Chip but my mind is slowly moving to production 2026. I’m about to read a third script to see if CDI wants to participate in some manner and for acting. It can be awkward if a script is not landing right with you. Sometimes it is the overall unique catch versus stereotypical. Sometimes too many characters dilutes the drama. Sometimes it is the flow and transitions between scenes. What I have learned is that usually to have a shot at making a good, award-winning film you must have a great script. When you don’t mediocre is where you often land. The worst is made up or thrown together scripts. I’ve had people brag on that but you can tell. As Rance Howard said, if it is not in the script it won’t end up in the movie. So one secret to success is go into the journey with a strong script.
I’m going to keep working our releases and post work while prepping for our last of the year investor payout. That ties into preparing the end of year tax work with our accountants. We are working to streamline that process even more this month. I’m so appreciative of our executive team and we have some great business folk joining the tribe. They see the growth potential and with their involvement CDI will see new growth.
I’m going to refill ye ole coffee cup and make some eggs. I might do some more winter prep as the wood stove is starting to get a workout. Might watch some Lions football in between my tasks. I hope you all have had a productive year. I know we all have ups and downs but stay the course. Welcome to November the month of gratitude and I sure am. Until next Sunday – coffee cheers!
DJ
October is Underway! Fall Updates in Film and More.
Good morning I’m back to using my iPhone to write my blog. I have been looking at new MacBooks and will get one soon. So this week was again a strong reminder to appreciate every day. I went to a memorial of life for the younger brother of a dear high school friend. He was only 51 years old. Another CDI amigo lost a friend only two days after talking with him. Health is wealth and kindness is how you should approach each day. There has been lots going on with our creative endeavors. Here are some in no particular order.
1) Harsens Island Revenge releases streaming across the USA in 10/6/25 and we are all excited for everyone to see it. Amazon, Vudu, Google Play and more. DVDs are also for sale so you can own it. Order here: https://a.co/d/3yNyOtu
2) Nov 20th in Fort Collins, CO at The Lyric, Harsens Island Revenge will play with Don Most in attendance for Q&A.
3) Wild Faith Christmas is being pitched to theatrical bookers. We will travel end of the month to Tuscan AZ for the 10th anniversary of The Wild Bunch film fest. We close the festival and are up for 14 nominations. Oct 26th is when we play if anyone wants to join us.
4) Rom Coms Must Die is in post music. I will be dealing with that this week with our director and composer. If you have not seen the first trailer look on the film’s page on http://www.imdb.com
5) The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is in post undergoing editing. I’m wrapping up paperwork and bringing on the last few backers to round out our post and marketing costs. We had some timelines with location and a few key crew that required us to shoot a touch earlier. But we have all the gold. I’m so proud of the smooth process and we really put a great team together. No drama save what unfolded on camera. We had some wonderful sponsors that helped make the journey more enjoyable. If you want to be part of this project please do reach out.
Development-
- This week I had several biz calls over one of our Iowa films. Museum directors, biz leaders and even a Senator. Spirit Lake Massacre is making moves and we just might get this off the ground in the near future.
- We have some things developing with the film Gotch that is a Curran Jacobs vehicle. I need to read the new draft of that script.
- I got a first read on the first draft of a sequel to my first starring role, a creature feature called In The Woods.
- I’m about half way through a sequel script to MBF2. I am not in a rush to film it but I get asked often enough that I decided to get a first draft done.
- Wrap Up: The full moon is Monday and I’m harvesting herbs for my teas. Lemon Balm, Sage, Mint and more. I’ve bought my first Christmas presents so that season is coming. I need to finish these current films while prepping for winter. I’m very happy with how 2025 has gone and 2026 will see more releases and more filming of stories. Thank you for bearing with me as I poke out these blog entries on my Iphone. Until next week, hazelnut cheers my friends! DJ
Last Day of Filming and the Foundation of Filmmaking
I am sipping my hazelnut coffee and sitting here in the wee early hours thinking about this last creative journey. It is always amazing to watch a story come to life from the page to the screen. I have had a unique ride on this film having filmed my scenes before filming for the vfx work. I have been reading off actors to keep the pacing of my original performance. The role I’m playing is tied in ways to my role in Forty Nights and The Christ Slayer, parts 1 and 3 of The Quest Trilogy. If you have not seen these 3 films please do and in order. Part 2 fyi is Chasing the Star. This is going to be a unique story funny yet heartwarming. Not too heavy but some powerful moments that will leave people talking.
Harsens Island Revenge is still playing select theaters until the 10/6/25 home video release. I know a special CO showing will be happening with a Q&A with Don Most in November. More deets soon.
I have to look at my Oct dates and see if things will work to attend The Wild Bunch Film Festival in AZ. I know our lead and director Shane Hagedorn is going and possibly a few others. 14 nominations from our first outside folks to see the film is an encouraging indicator of what audiences reaction will be. Watch the first Wild Faith film and get ready for the second adventure in theaters this winter.
Rom Coms Must Die is in post music and we hope to have a cast crew premiere at years end or very start of the new year. In theaters in Feb in time for Valentine’s Day. Be prepared to laugh as this outrageous film is foot on the pedal laughs. The first feature for director Travis Hayward and first costarring role for Adam Towner.
Wrap up: Many are asking what is next and rest assured we have things brewing. But right now I want to focus on ending the year strong. About to shower up, pack up and finish filming this movie The Secret of the Kingdom Chip. I have a lotta of potential writing gigs but funding is always the trick. The script is THE most important starting point. The blueprint and what will set it apart from the slew of content. It is what attracts talent on both sides of the camera and money. The script is not just a box to check it is the foundation. Until next Sunday my friends!
coffee cheers!
DJ
CDI Updates- Pre-Production, Post-Production and NEW Theatrical Releases!
(Great ‘Harsens Island Revenge’ cast and crew gifts thanks to sponsor Reinert Pottery)
Hazelnut coffee cheers! I’m up early and sipping coffee and doing a few things about the yard letting the chickens out and watching Finn (my doggie son) race with his buddy Jake. Yesterday we had a nice Perry family reunion and saw some family. I really enjoy seeing our family and catching up on people’s lives. The weather has been cooler which is a nice change from humid but we had some iffy air quality due to wildfires in other parts of the country. Our soccer match at the end of the week was near perfect weather and we walked out with a win which is nice but the workout itself is always a win. I’m really in good shape from the intense play and love the mental cleanse that an intense work out gives. The plants are starting to turn a corner as the smallest hints of fall can be found.
I’m happy to have turned the corner on our next film project THE SECRET OF THE KINGDOM CHIP. I’m still assigning the last few units but between the claimed units and our sponsors we have everything covered. The new company is formed and the paperwork is being drawn up. Our schedule is about ready to be distributed we are still looking at the shooting order of a few scenes. We have just a bit more casting and some crewing to do but wanted to wait for the company formation. Our director ‘Tony’ returns from Europe this week so it will be nice to have he and John McGraw our DP start working shot lists. If you want to follow along with this project you can search our Facebook page. Also if you have a company that wants to align with this next movie reach out. Let’s now look at some other updates.
- Harsens Island Revenge is coming to the Detroit area playing both the Riverside Theater and the Emagine Macomb August 22-28th! I know the museum on Harsens Island has been gathering folks to attend the close showing at the Riverside. An event page will be formed soon for the Emagine showing which is near our director Carl’s home. Our hope is that Emagine will move the film into some of their other theaters after the showing. We have the entire month of September to play the film after that and I know that it is coming to Forest City, Iowa and we should also get Fridley’s in Algona. Call the theater our Algona friends and push that along some. I’ve been making new friends in the Spirit Lake area too while working development on another film so maybe we can get it into a theater there.
- The 1st week of Oct. is when the Harsens Island Revenge film comes to home video on DVD and rent/buy streaming. I’ve gotten a peek at the home video artwork and it is really cool. We have a marketing meeting coming up soon with the team at Twin Engines Global.
- We are closing in on a final watch/listen of Wild Faith Christmas. We’ll be in the studio to listen to all the sound design and music. We’ll follow this with a watch on the big screen to give it a final once over. Shane Hagedorn our director is over the moon with the final film. I’m optimistic that this new installment in the Wild Faith franchise will open the door for season 1 of Wild faith Hastings TV show. The original film continues to build an even great audience being seen by tens of millions of viewers. We are closing in on 9 million viewers just on Encourage TV!
- The last of the ROM COMS MUST DIE audio adjustments are about done. I think all the VFX are dropped in and sound design done. It will go into the music studio just as Wild Faith Christmas is leaving. The trailer should be released this month! This film was so much fun to make and it translates to the screen. I want to meet with director Travis Hayward and discuss a few festival entries this week. The major theatrical run and home video will be in 2026 but a premiere and a few festival showcases could happen this year.
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is now being streamed on various sites for free with ads. BEST YEARS GONE, LOST HEART, MBF, KNIGHT CHILLS and more are building stream with new marketing. The last film KNIGHT CHILLS was CDI’s 1st and I would love to see a sequel eventually happen. I also let folks know that while we don’t have plans to film it yet I’ve been working on a sequel script to the film I get asked about the most when it comes to sequel. Any guesses?
- I had another good development talk on SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE one of the two Iowa films we are developing. We don’t have anything solid and set for 2026 but we are looking ahead. You always have to be working in the past, present and future with films. The other film taking small steps forward is the Frank Gotch biopic and maybe 2026 will be the year for that project.
WRAP UP: I’m due for another coffee and maybe an egg or two. I’m going to go pick up a cool prop for our next film this morning. Our art team has been having a great time assembling everything we need. We are having a clean up of one of the major locations next weekend. I’m excited to be working with all these good CDI folks once again. Twice in one year has been special. I would love to do at least two feature films next year producing.
I’m going to end it here. I can say that whomever you are keep working hard at your goals and dreams. If you put the work in you will make progress. It doesn’t always happen at the speed you might want but every journey starts with a step. I’m just blessed to be a storyteller and to get to work with so many great people. I hope you have some time to watch some of our CDI films. We make them for all of you out there. For all those who have watched our films and sent along such great messages we love that. Thank you so very much. Until next week, keep pushing forward and never give up.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 
Prepping for the ‘RCMD’ Premiere and Multiple CDI Updates!
What a beautiful Michigan morning. Woke to a local rooster calling everyone to wake up. This was followed by Luna Mae (furry daughter) wanting to go outside and eat. Chicken songs greeted us from the hens before Finn (furry son) did his racing with his neighborhood buddy Jake and ate. Now I’m here with all of you. My hazelnut coffee by my side and Man U playing soccer on the TV. We had our first outdoor soccer game winning 8-3 and it felt great to be outside playing again.
For the second weekend in a row we had a wedding to attend and it was great to be with family for such an occasion. It was an outdoor wedding and was just beautiful and the food was also very good. I had one pineapple drink of some sort and after that iced tea. It is a younger man’s game to drink like a Viking, no more hangovers for me. But I came home to some good news from the RED LETTER AWARDS and I watched some MMA fights before bed.
Let’s get into some of those updates!
WRAP UP: I kind of delved into development in my bullet points so I’m going to skip to the wrap up. I want to send our heartfelt condolences to Shelley Perry our Wardrober on many of the CDI films who recently lost her mother. Many of us are dealing with aging parents and others have lost those loved ones. That is part of the reason that these family events have been special. Same with our CDI events being special. None of us are promised tomorrow.
I’m looking forward to the premiere on Monday and soccer on Thursday. I have meetings with John Mashni next week over the disbursements and I’m enjoying doing things around the property. I have a few serving hops plants after the building of the new deck. I built a structure the vines could climb. I might need a mow this week and not just to mulch leaves. I am going to go eat a few eggs and roll on down to the flea market. I love looking for props and wardrobe at these sales. Next Sunday I’ll be able to report on the ROM COMS MUST DIE premiere. I hope to see some of you there. Until next week- be good to one another!
DJ
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May 17, 2026 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: Ai jesus, Anthony Hornus, BEST YEARS GONE, blog, CDI, Chasing the star, chickens, coffee, commentary, crew, Dean Teaster, Devil's Pass, DJ Perry, dogs, Dreamscape Productions, DVD, family, film, Forty Nights, horror, Iowa, Jesse Low, Katharsys, loved ones, Man U, Michigan, MMA, movies, Red Letter Awards, Return to Algona, reviews, Rom Coms Must Die, screenplay, Shane Hagedorn, Shelley Perry, Silent Night in Algona, soccer, Sun Theaters, Teyton Colbert, The Christ Slayer, The Quest Trilogy, tribe, Wild Faith, Williamston, writing, WW2 | Leave a comment