CDI Top Ten Updates and Coffee Talk on World Events.
I’m sitting and sipping the hazelnut coffee with “Luna” beside me. She is the rescue that we’ve been working into our family mix. Right now she and Finn our co-existing nicely together yer still apart. Finn has had a few small issues but Luna is so laid back she just ignores him. She wants to go full into play and such with the handsome Finn but we’re taking it slow. We’ve been taking them on some good walks together which is helping them bond.
In other news, this entire deal with Russia and Urkraine is very disheartening to see. I don’t think the Russian people and soldiers are all about this conflict. But the Russian people are limited in how much they can protest. I think we as Americans are being reminded of what patriotism, bravery and unity looks like. Having just emerged from studying and immersing myself in WW2 it’s interesting the differences. Up to the moment broadcast media, social media and the closer communication of the world is showing a major difference. Now social media shaming isn’t going to stop a die-hard dictator bent on conquering. The Ukraine isn’t going to lie down and so winning a few battles versus holding captured ground is gonna be near impossible. I hope this resolves quickly and doesn’t spread. I’m not sure Putin planned to stop with taking Ukraine. The world isn’t going to stand by while this happens. Let’s hope world peace is restored soon.
While things are playing out on the world stage in our film family circles some are still fighting the last lingering Covid. Our own Greg Mason, who has been with CDI since film one “Knight Chills” has been fighting Covid in the hospital. He was in a serious bad way in ICU where they almost put him on a vent. But he improved and if it continues he might be downgraded to a room today. Also one of our hometown (Lansing, MI) artistic duos Michael and William McCallum need your well wishes as William is in the hospital. There is a tragedy torch that is passed around from person to person losing loved ones. We’ve all had our turns and we’ll all have several more. So be kind to people and challenge yourself daily to be grateful. I’m wishing the best for any that are facing such hardships. UPDATE: just got word Greg Mason has been moved to the step down unit and is sleeping and improving!
Let’s do a ‘TOP TEN updates’ from last week-
- The BTS promo for ‘SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA‘ was released this week. It was edited by Adam Towner who worked with our crew. It shows the hardworking CDI cast and crew working to tell our WW2 Holiday story based on true events. Watch here: https://youtu.be/KdcpzV9Ex5Y
- We have a new expended distribution deal offer on ‘Darkest Night,’ a found footage in association horror film that was produced in the Philippines. I will keep you all up to date on new releases. It is my only found footage film and I play the male lead in the film. It was such a great project to film and promote and I made lifelong friends on that set.
- HOT ROD LOVE has assigned the first investor units and we are in discussions with several others. Also we’re starting talks with sponsors that will align their brands with this upcoming film.
- With the business developments on HOT ROD LOVE, we’re moving along nicely and so we’ve started our initial development meetings with our director Shane Hagedorn on cast and crew. Part of this is evaluation of past performance. In this situation most all our crew are up to task and very talented in their roles. What we’ve looking for is overall positive attitude and those that “play well with others,” respectfully and with some gratitude of how hard our job is. CDI is not some faceless corporation but a multi-generational company of artists who have built everything with blood, sweat and tears.
- I can say that one of the upcoming castings for this film will be for Native American actors. We have two co-stars we’ll be seeking. We’ve already been looking at several Native American comedians also. Do we have any Michigan based Native American actors and comedians? We are going to find out.
- FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH is about to sign our worldwide distribution deal. This wonderful and educational documentary is being hailed as the best of its kind. Once signed this week we’ll be directing our attention at the official premiere. For our enthusiastic director Curran Jacobs this has been a slow process but things take time. And the wait will be worth it and I think this will be the go to watch for all wrestlers and enthusiasts for many years to come. Better yet, the non-profit that produced this with CDI’s guidance will be helping many veteran programs and wrestling programs all across the country for many years to come.
- Here is another great article on our friend Don Most and the movie LOST HEART. Read here – https://bestlifeonline.com/ralph-malph-happy-days-don-most-now-news/ If you have not seen this film please do on Amazon Prime, Encourage TV and more!
- CDI’s performance video for the rock band DEEPFALL came out great and the band loved it. It was shot by Carl Weyant and Travis Hayward and Carl served also as director/editor. I think this is the first in a series of videos. As soon as the video is released we will share the link.
- CDI Commercial Division is also ramping up. In the past I’ve let several commercial opportunities go by as we wanted to focus on feature film. We have several production units and can use our expertise to pick the right creative team for your commercial endeavor.
- I hear rumor that the new BESTSELLER artwork is forthcoming. Our distributor DESKPOP ENTERTAINMENT will start presenting to licensors in March. I think now that the film is getting a full home video release that it will find a great international audience.
I’m going to wrap this up and prepare to take the dogs on a walk as we work to get them use to one another. Again I hope all of you have a great week at whatever you are working upon. Think of those having some hardships and be kind to one another. I might have one more coffee before heading out into the cold. But spring is coming you can feel it!
DJ
Ready For Spring – Projects, Projects & Projects
I’m getting a start on my weekly blog because we have an early commitment. It has been another snowy and productive week. We are starting to have talks with folks over our developing film HOT ROD LOVE. We’ve announced our director and dir. of photography. This has allowed casting talks to begin. We’re also starting to work on some locations and picture cars. And the time period research is just FAR OUT:) The hairstyles and facial hair, the clothes and the attitudes – no social media.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA, we are just about to release a fun look at the experience our cast and crew had as guests in the town of Algona, Iowa working hard to tell a powerful story from the town’s actual past. After that a teaser trailer will begin which will give audiences their first real taste of this story. For those not aware of our process, the puzzles pieces (footage) was taken into our computers and is being rough assembled from our director notes including script notes and our editors creativity. After that our director Tony will make his adjustments in the edit working with our editor. FX work is being worked on at the same time that will be incorporated into the edit. Once the edit is to our directors liking we lock the picture allowing it to move to music and sound design with Dennis Therrian. So far everything is moving right along. We all look forward to sharing more on this fine project.
BEST YEARS GONE – We are all extremely excited to have this film available to all of you. I get messages every day asking when? when? June is the DVD and streaming purchase and Sept. 1 is streaming rental. We are going to likely have a few festival and event showings on the run up but very soon Gil Gilles is coming into your family rooms, help us all.
I’ve been doing some screenwriting on Secret Project B17 and finishing the Karl Manke book that just might be the next script. I’m loving writing while it is cold and freezing. Soon the spring will beckon me with other tasks. We also did another music performance video yesterday that went great. CDI held a battle of the bands for BEST YEARS GONE and Vertical Bridge won. They won a music video and placement in the film. We had so much fun. I am a product of the M-TV generation which birthed when I was in 7th grade I believe. The medium is a great collaboration of music and filmmaking and helps get the persona of the musician(s) out there. Our video was for the rock band DEEPFALL, and Carl Weyant was our director. I think I’m going to pursue a few more of these music videos especially after how well things went yesterday. Here’s Jamie Sorsen of Vertical Bridge visiting our set yesterday. I’m going to end this because I’m having all kinds of issues with the software. I’ve spent an hour trying to work this out and to be fair at least 1/2 the Blame has to fall on me and my horrible tech skills. Everyone always seems to think because you make movies you are good at tech. I have a top sheet knowledge of most tech but when it goes to interaction – no. Technology is one of the few things that really puts my zen off and why I need time away from it often. I’m sure I missed a few updates but I’m just short of doing a Bruce Lee 3 inch power punch to my laptop screen. So until next week be good to one another and be productive.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
For now I think I’m going to end this because I’m having issues with this program which they always seem to change just once I start to understand it. These people NEED to remember I started on a TSR-80 playing Oregon Trail.
A Sudden Loss of a Loved One Teaching the Lesson of Living Full
A light snow falling on this Sunday, making the hazelnut coffee taste oh, so good. So we shared a wonderful morning last week and the day was nice with us hunkering down and riding out the snowstorm. Little did I know that later that eve, maybe 10:30 pm , our oldest fur daughter Daphne had a spell of weakness while going potty outside. I had to carry her into the house and she sat for an hour on her daddies lap. She wasn’t in pain just weak and we all gathered and spent time with her on the couch. She later got a touch hot from all the cuddles and blankets and wanted to lay on the floor. She stayed at our feet and rested. We decided to all sleep down with her and before drifting off to sleep I watched her sit up and walk into her create, spinning into her favorite position. We gazed at one another – those old eyes that held the puppy playfulness even at dinner just hours earlier. She was relaxed and peaceful and I drifted off to sleep watching her drift off. She passed in the wee hours maybe around 4:30 am or in her sleep. She has been one of the joys living in the background of my life for the last 14+ years and her loss was deeply felt. But she had gone on her terms as she always has, surrounded by her pack and without any suffering. She is now home, her little wood box joins her brother and sister who had passed before her. Our Finn is doing well to adjusting and we’ve made a point of keeping it upbeat and happy after our day of remembrance and grieving. It is now truly the age of Finn and we plan to give him many loving adventures. That will likely include a new brother or sister to romp and play with. Daphne was 11 when we brought Finn into our home and so he never got that dynamic. Luckily Finn’s neighborhood friends have been here to play and race, giving him some of his normal joys. Anyway, RIP to our baby girl she brought so much joy to us over the years. Things can change just like that so be grateful and never take time with friends and family for granted.
FILM UPDATES:
Read about our new film and the announcement of the director and director of photography.
https://www.prlog.org/12904790-director-named-for-collective-development-incs-film-hot-rod-love.html
This is HOT off the first wins for BEST YEARS GONE at the Maverick Film Awards.
We are going to start circulating our business proposal on our next CDI film looking to shoot in June with a May prep. We are returning to our home turf of Michigan and the time period will be 1975. That means some far out wardrobe and groovy music. I’m beyond excited to return to a much more simple time and tell this story. If you have a business that might want to align for brand with ‘HOT ROD LOVE,’ feel free to reach out.
I also had some great development talks this week over WILD FAITH: Hastings and more. We are on the cusp of some great business that will have the tribe hard at work for a few years. The amazing feature which serves as a pilot WILD FAITH, is going to get featured for Black History Month and is a great watch. It isn’t heavy handed with agenda just a good story that has natural lessons woven throughout much like LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRARIE.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is pushing ahead strong with editing and FX work. I’m looking to see if our Behind the Scenes video is getting close. I wanted to have a sweetheart treat for everyone but if it doesn’t release tomorrow I’m guessing this week. We’ve been releasing more photos and I should have another batch from DP Daniel Chipman showing even more of the characters. I will be following up on that this week too. I know that director Anthony Hornus (Tony) has been outlining ideas for the first official teaser. That will start once the BTS releases.
FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH – The first draft of paperwork is being put together for a worldwide release with Deskpop Entertainment. We will also be doing a pow wow and coming up with a plan for the theatrical premiere release. Maybe even something with MSU, we will see.
Speaking of Deskpop Entertainment, I’m excited to see the artwork for the thriller BESTSELLER. This film is one of the most intense performances I’ve given. I have a couple of mega-intense films I’ve done, DEADLY RENOVATIONS and THE 8th PLAGUE come to mind. But looking at intensity and production value, I think BESTSELLER is right near the top. We captured Michigan in the fall at the perfect time showcasing the “Tunnel of Trees” and more. Plus it has a great leading lady in it that I’ve seen somewhere before:)
This week will be shifting gears in development. We’ll be talking some advance casting and crewing talks but until the business is locked we cannot make offers. But something tells me we will be revving up engines in a few short months. I’m looking forward to also ‘developing’ the homestead this spring. We have some nice yard improvements being made and I look forward to some outdoor meetings over darts and corn hole.
Even in the time of writing this I saw that a director friend of mine lost their lovely dog this morning. So the torch of tragedy or sadness is something we all hold at one time or another so give graces to those around you. You don’t always know what people are dealing with and we all are dealing with things as that is life. Okay enough typing but I do LOVE catching up with you all. I going to go get on with life and enjoy it. Maybe starting with another hazelnut coffee.
Take care and be good to one another.
DJ
Filters of Attitude = Finding Your Balance
The hazelnut coffee taste so good on this chilly Sunday morning. We got a record setting 13 inches when the snow storm came through. We might get a bit more later in the day. I for one love the beauty of the snow but I’m ready to move on to Spring. We had a “Viking” day chopping wood to keep the wood stove roaring. I’m excited to implement many new improvements to the property this year. Our moving of veggies and herbs to raised beds and turning the garden into chicken land has been fun. They are fun to watch like little Dinosaurs.
I want to say that everyday that I read about someones untimely passing it reminds me to love what I’m doing and the people I’m doing it with. That is professionally and personally. I know friends and family that have lost pets, parents, grandchildren and even one past film peer was announced to have passed away. I was not extremely close with him but exchanged communications over the years when either of us has a new success. The sad thing about the last mentioned loss was that it may have happened by their own infliction. I’ve had a few friends over the years that fight real mental battles with themselves. I think on some levels we all do but some cope poorly where others eventually find their way out of the forest.
I’ve had dark days in my past whereas my parents divorced after 30 years putting me in the middle and my acting career was struggling. Michigan’s film scene in the late 80’s and into the 90’s was lacking. I see folks complaining about a lack of opportunities today and chuckle. Today is like a sea of opportunity versus the 90’s. Also post tax incentives the term filmmaker became legit to the common everyday person. Much of my darkness was knowing what I wanted but not having any guides or mentors in that field. My dearest mentor, my father, was rightfully concerned. I had essentially came home and told my father I was going to be an astronaut. Again something made more realistic thanks to the billionaire space race. But he knew how easy life could be if I took the easier road, the practical road. His concerns came after several years yielded very little, in his mind. Failure can affect people different.
A certain amount of punishment and failure can break some and force them into a secondary or pie-life. Pie-Life is when you work X amount of the pie to earn shells and beads ($) so you can freely enjoy the remaining part of the pie, your life. A few years in the real world and most have sufficiently built a standard of living prison around them that forces them to stay the course with the survival job, pie-life. For others of us that have “it” (passion) bad and refuse to let go no matter how much rough ground they’re dragged over. I felt like Indiana Jones being dragged behind that Nazi truck hauling the ark. (Raiders of the Lost Ark) I climbed hand over hand up the whip, climbed on the truck’s bumper, over the side, kick in the doors, punch and throw the driver out and took over the truck. BAM!
If someone can do something else occupational and be happy living the ‘pie life’ or even something close to contentment, do it. But if you are stricken with that passion that will not leave you, embrace it. By that I mean stop being half-ass and whining and do those things you were afraid to try. Pull your confidence, self-worth and inner fire from your own personal well and don’t just try to pull energy from people. When people feel your personal geothermal-like creative energy, they will be drawn. People who draw energy from the masses is a slave to the masses. Now artists create for the masses but often to show a perspective. Life is all about perspective and perception. What we perceive can be seen via positive or negative filters. A failure might be seen as negative but in deductive reasoning it can be a positive. An elusive goal might have just been made easier to obtain as certain roads are found to be dead-ends. No more time wasted or spent. Although some will get caught in that loop, beware.
So the negative of loss that I see each day ever since we’ve all become so much more inter connected as a society, can be a positive fuel to live and pursue dreams and goals. I’m so proud of one of my associates who set out to write and take a few children’s books to market and he has. Tomorrow isn’t promised. A beautiful and haunting statement. Life is a mysterious and short phase of existence and so I would ask that those out there questioning, stay the course. Ride life and learn whatever lessons you can but best of all is learn to be the best you. I’ve said this before, the path to your dreams sometimes lies in helping others with theirs. I know some people will say I’ve helped their journey immensely and others will say, I have not. The truth is you can’t help everyone. You can inspire by your actions to pass it on. I’ve had mentors and I try to mentor. But I come from that martial arts background and sports. To take valuable time from some teachers you have to be prepared and focused, ready to learn. You can apply that lesson to teachers in school. Respect that they are there to try and teach you.
Let’s bring this around to movies, my favorite medium. It also includes some of my favorite artists, filmmakers. Last week we were treated to the announcement that BEST YEARS GONE was multi-nominated and won a few awards. The biggest award being BEST PICTURE which is great because it embodies the collective effort.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is soundly in post. A BTS (behind the scenes) video is being worked on and the first look teaser is being outlined. Meanwhile the feature is being cut with the first rough being done by mid March. We’ll keep rolling out some new photos while we wait for these first videos.
HOT ROD LOVE is the next CDI picture and we’re looking to prep in May and shoot in June. It’s a heartfelt comedy that has many classic 70’s and 80’s influences. We’re putting our investor/sponsor presentation materials together, but the truly exciting news coming this week is the announcement of a director and Dir of Photography- Mr. Shane Hagedorn and Travis Hayward. This re-teaming is building on the previous chemistry of BEST YEARS GONE, coming to home video starting in June. Our #1 goal with BEST YEARS GONE was to have fun filming. The Covid lockdowns had beaten everyone down and the humor and fun making the film translated to the final product. That laughter is the big take away from the theatrical playdates thus far. The world needs more laughter right now.
WILD FAITH: HASTINGS – More great discussions on this TV series spin off. I have follow ups first thing this coming week. It is going to happen, I’m just trying to follow the best road to production that keeps the integrity intact. Have you seen the feature WILD FAITH? Take a watch. Leave a review on imdb.com or the film’s amazon page and let us know if a sequel interests you. I love the idea of how many folks will be involved should the tv series happen.
The WEEK ahead-
This week is wrapping up end-of-year tax materials for the films. I actually got almost all my personal tax stuff around. This year has been quite smooth so far thanks to our amazing team. I’ve also been keeping my daily screenwriting happening. I’m deep into another comedy script from a treatment I’ve been bouncing around for years. I’ve got my next work-for-hire script/production coming up. It is an adaptation from a book, which I’ve almost finished. I’m really excited about the time period and the storyline. One other work-for-hire script/production is in discussion. Everything in their own time. But I find these cold days are the best for screenwriting.
Last week we talking about video game development and more which haven’t advanced too much in the past week. I got buried in numbers for a few days. But several projects including animation and a music video are in development. It is a busy time but as we discussed prior, get doing- if that is your calling. I have lots to work out in the coming weeks as we’re also in some serious production talks that could be a multi-year commitment. I laugh, because it’s all really a multi-year, lifetime commitment. It’s all a process to try and streamline funding and production. Balance. It’s all about balance. I’m going to bring this to a close. I have some writing to attend to and a few things to do around the homestead.
Be good to one another and coffee cheers.
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 