Finishing the Year Strong! CDI Tribal Updates Entering September 2025!
Here we are again my friends. I’m sipping on the hazelnut coffee and reflecting on my busy week. We had a surge in readers from China this week. Welcome. This past week has been eventful. First at the semi-final stage our soccer team’s season finally ended. We started strong but at the end of the day they capitalized on a few more opportunities. What a great season and a great work out. My abs are killing but not from soccer from being on a ladder and putting a new gazebo together on the freshly stained and sealed deck. It is a lovely reddish color and will give a wonderful place to make calls from and relax. I’ve been harvesting mint, sage, oregano and more from the garden. I’ll be doing some trimming and cutting more firewood soon. I’m going to have some builders look at closer the office rafters in to keep the birds out. Aside from that it has been collecting eggs and organizing the under deck. Always something to do but those little improvements are well worth it.
To the movie updates-
- Harsens Island Revenge is playing until Sept 3rd at the Riverside Cinema and now in Grosse Pointe at the Okulski Theatre until Sept 4th. It is coming one night only to Forest Theatre on Sept 19th. We are working to try and get dates in Algona at Fridley’s for all our friends there. Emagine said if anymore openings they will try to slide the film into some additional slots. The film is being submitted to a few festivals via our home distributor. We had a great meeting with their marketing team and in September the marketing campaign will really heat up. It will be available on DVD and streaming on 10/6/2025. It is also up for several awards on Sept 13th for The Red Letter Awards. I think you can tune in online!
- Wild Faith Christmas is needing a last look on credits before it is mastered for theatrical. It is being submitted to the Wild Bunch Film Festival. The original cleaned up with like 13 awards at the AZ festival in October. We will be meeting over theatrical and our partners will start pitching to theaters. We hope to get it in where they will take it. It is a powerful story and we are excited to bring it to you. We will be doing the MI run for sure with Lansing, Alpena, Owosso, GR and Detroit. From there we’ll go to as many theaters as we can.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE is at the sound studio and we’ll be doing a watch through soon. We’ll get our director Travis Hayward in there to discuss music beds. The first teaser trailer is going to come out this week and I’ve been working on the PR release materials. I’m really proud of this comedy gem and Adam Towner makes a good debut in his first co-starring role. We might be looking at a premiere at the end of the year pending how progress goes. But 2026 will be the theatrical and home video release. Be ready to laugh!
- The Secret of the Kingdom Chip (TSOTKC) is moving full steam ahead on several fronts. I’ve been collecting biz paperwork and funds and fine tuning our budget. We are still assigning a few pieces of that to parties and we’re still bring sponsors on. We’ll be welcoming an Aussie company Three Cuts Gin to the film. Several more will be announcing and we are so thankful to them. Actor reads, set building, camera tests and more are all underway. We start rolling cameras in 18 days! All very exciting developments and we cannot wait until audiences see this story. I was given a great compliment on the script from Mary Badham who said it had a Rod Sterling flair to the writing. I’m a big fan of Rod Sterling so that made my week.
- IF you are excited about some of these new releases there are some CDI films you can watch to be ready. If you haven’t seen Harsens Island Revenge yet and want to see another film adapted from a Karl Manke book by Wild Faith Christmas director Shane Hagedorn watch BEST YEARS GONE. If you are awaiting Wild Faith Christmas make sure you watch part 1 WILD FAITH now streaming! If you are awaiting the Secret of the Kingdom Chip watch our 3 part The Quest Trilogy (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star, The Christ Slayer) and get some hints to the follow up story. Wanna see Tony Hornus previous directorial stories watch MAN’S BEST FRIEND and SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. LOST HEART, GHOST TOWN, AN ORDINARY KILLER, KNIGHT CHILLS, BESTSELLER…the list goes on. As the cold sets in make sure you catch up on the Tribe!
DEVELOPMENT: TSOTKC will be my last feature film for the year. After we have lotta roll our showings and events in planning. We are working on a few film series consisting of dinner and a movie plus a mixer with Q&A and more. I’m finally to the agreement stage of a writing project that is pretty exciting. I will be finishing up MBF2 this winter also. We have some major meetings ahead on film projects as we have many working to try and take the CDI productions to the next level. The Hastings, Wild Faith TV series will get another push with the sequel release. So many stories to be told. I’ll be circling back to some contacts in Iowa trying to help launch a few stories there. I have a few associates with proposed collaborations that I need to dig into more. Both are westerns.
I’m full of ideas for moving into the future. Right now I’m focusing on the projects sitting square on my plate. We will have a great production in 3 short weeks and I’ve got a good amount to do between now and then. I’m going to go get ready to eat some of those delicious eggs. I’ve still got some business to wrap up to help get a jump on the shorter week ahead. If you again want to join us on this next story adventure feel free to reach out. We have a few more crew and a cast or two to lock in but we are looking good.
I hope you all are enjoying the slow transition to Fall. MSU won their first game and that was nice to watch. The LIONS are on deck and that is something I always enjoy. I’m going to work in the yard some today and start that transitional clean up. Maybe a fire outside and maybe even a first fire in the office stove. Push on everyone and lets make this a great year. I cannot believe we are in September already with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner. It feels like the Christmas tree just went down. That is how the wheel turns and so keep a smile on your face and be kind to everyone. I’m deeply appreciative to everyone who has supporting our artistic endeavors this year. My heartfelt thanks.
DJ
Set Construction, More Casting, Premiere Updates and More…
(Looking forward to working with these two dear friends and our entire creative tribe!)
A very good morning to you all! It was a damp but cooler morning here in the Michigan. I’m sipping my favorite hot morning beverage – hazelnut coffee. I was alerted here that many new readers have been joining our circle. I saw S. Africa, Ireland, India and more joining in on the reading. I’ve had a great week on several fronts which we’ll discuss here. The plants in the yard are really doing well. I harvested more herbs this weekend and I share those with many friends. I might package up some as little Christmas gifts. I sip some herbal tea daily usually in the later day to early eve. I also love to read on each one that I’m drinking. You will be surprised at the health benefits of replacing sugary processed drinks with a healthy earth-grounding tea that often strengthens the immune system. Fresh eggs have been coming in on a regular basis and I’m appreciative for that. I enjoy watching them move around the property doing their thing. I was surprised it brought out in me the little kid who loved dinosaurs. I’ve also been prepping for the old deck to go and a new one to go up. We had to change course and look at a few other options but we’re getting closer to moving on that. Always projects but like many folks I have to tackle them just one at a time. I would love a covered front porch with mud room and a carport but all in good time. Speaking of building let’s get into some movie updates!
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – The secret is out and folks now know that the follow up sequel to our popular WILD FAITH movie is happening. We are in pre-production and we just about have our crew in place. We’re using a few more crew hailing from the area we are shooting in for cost reasons. Casting is well underway and we announced on IMDB.com some of the returning characters from the first film and the first new character. That character being Dugan Dunkirk played by East Coast actor/producer Sean Ward. He is the owner of the Dunkirk Mining Co that plays heavily into our story. We’ve had a team of construction artists led by Mark Balko building the mine set. Heavy equipment and a lot of dirt moving. We have lots of pictures of this process up on our Facebook site. Actually all the CDI films have a Facebook site and that is a great place for updates, behind the scenes and release information. So seek those out! I think this is the Wild Faith Christmas one here: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563211191981
Harsens Island Revenge – We are targeting a Nov 1st cast and crew premiere in Alpena, MI followed by as many days run as the community will support. Due to smaller theater size we might have to have a day of premiere showings with a near all day afterglow. We have some amazingly cool things planned but nothing is cooler than the film itself. I have my big debrief tomorrow with our director but I have been meeting with our composer and post supervisor Dennis Therrian. Music is full speed ahead and we’re polishing/mixing the sound design as we move forward. I know we have two “telephone” calls that need to be recorded and put into the film. I think we’re done to working on one tricky VFX scene and color correction should be getting close to done. After the Alpena theatrical we want to explore one near Harsens Island itself. One in Karl Manke‘s home town of Owosso, MI with our friends at NCG. And Lansing’s premiere will be either the NCG or Celebration Cinema or both. We will work to get this film into many of the theaters across the midwest who enjoyed our last showing of SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA.
With Christmas season fast approaching our best window for SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is approaching. We are so proud of this film for many reasons but the fact that it is a true story is surely one of them. We did not go back into the theaters last Christmas because it would have conflicted with the launch of our home video. But know that it is out there to rent/buy at home we might do an event screening just before Christmas with all the theaters who showed our film previously. That will be part of our discussion moving forward. Mid 2025 the film will go to ad-based video on demand where you can watch it for free with ads. That is a popular distribution avenue right now but because of our TV/broadcast deals those ad-based platforms are on hold. This story can be enjoyed during any season but it is extra special to watch around Christmas. Anthony Hornus directed a great follow up movie to his previous MAN’S BEST FRIEND (MBF).
The above mentioned MBF was recently watched by a career actor whom I respect greatly. He has worked with the likes of Denzel Washington and Kurt Russell. He first reached out wanting to know where he could watch the film which is pretty much all streaming platforms. A few days letter he sent a note saying in was one of my very best performances. “Flawless, understated work…No false moves…Congratulations.” It really made my day. I’ve said before that Paul Landings in that film was one of my hardest. It was also hard upon wrap of the film because I got to return to my life and other wounded warriors do not. Matter of fact we still lose 22 vets a day to suicide. I’ve been asked about a sequel to this film and if I ever do it will be for those warriors. I’m thankful for my involvement in Anthony Hornus‘ non-profit to help veterans and their families. Check out The Red, White and Blue Project Inc. online.
To comment further on the above non-profit our 5th feature with CDI was AN ORDINARY KILLER. It is getting a special new release to benefit this non-profit and their mission. I have a podcast on Tuesday with TWO AVERAGE JOES MEDIA to discuss this and make a few announcements. I’m proud that this gifted film is now being used to help military families. For those that don’t know FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH the doc on the history of grappling was also produced with this non-profit. Check out the documentary film and in a week or two the podcast will release with some exciting news on AN ORDINARY KILLER.
From the classic CDI films (The first 6) #1 KNIGHT CHILLS has been remastered. A new trailer is done and a new poster for streaming is being worked upon. Artwork and restoration work is being done on #2 FROM VENUS, #3 HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and #4 FIGURE IN THE FOREST. AN ORDINARY KILLER is #5 and DEAN TEASTER’S GHOST TOWN is #6 and is re-released in HD with Ammo Content!
Our collaboration on the animated feature THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ has been remastered to HD and is up on Encourage TV on Youtube! Watch it free with ads now! We would love your support as we explore further animated content and video games. Stay tuned!
ADDITIONAL NEWS/WRAP UP:
ROM COMS MUST DIE is being scheduled and casting is still underway. A few decisions have been made already. Once we finished shooting Wild Faith Christmas and enjoy the holidays we’ll move right into filming Travis Hayward‘s debut feature film! I would love to do a holiday table read so we’ll explore that as we get a bit further down the road.
I’m excited about getting a promo copy of my first starring role in a feature film. A creature feature classic called IN THE WOODS. It has both the HD classic version and a new director’s version. Both have fun commentary if you want to watch it and learn to trials and tribulations of indie film making. And talking of table reads, I’m told a read of IN THE WOODS 2 is right around the corner.
I forgot to mention up top that the WILD FAITH TV series HASTINGS is getting a new boost. I’m in the process of adjusting the season one to go after the second film versus in between them. The series was meant to take up one year after the original but it is easier now to put it in the wake of WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. But I’m almost done with show number one and it is going great. I forgot how powerful the shows are and audiences will love to keep the story of the Murphy family and friends going.
I’m going to get into some breakfast now after refilling ye ole coffee cup. The Detroit Lions pre-game season starts this week which will be fun. We had a bye week in our soccer so this week is our final regular season game and after the playoffs. It has been a fun season and whipped me into great shape. I’ll have to look into indoor play over the winter. I want to wish happiness and strength to all of you struggling to follow your dreams and urge you to just keep moving forward. I went through a short season of mild frustration trying to make things line up. But once you get to the other side you’ll be happy you persisted. Hard work done smart pays off. Work smart. Work hard. And the fruits will come to you. Funny note: I had a conversation last week with another friend close to my age with a blog. Is CLAWING MY WAY TO THE MIDDLE as my blog name fit? It is funny and clever but I do feel upon reflecting that I’m past the middle. Any good ideas? I leave that right there. Coffee cheers my friends!
DJ
Eggs, Advice and Updates from a Snowy Michigan
I’m sitting by the fire and sipping the hazelnut coffee. We had to get a new grinder as the last one started failing in its duty. We had a few days of snow falling and the temps have been bitter. I’ve been so happy reading about all the smiles we’ve put on faces with the showing of SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA, that is reaching towards a hundred cities. Now most of our fans of this film are slightly older with an appreciation of history. As the rave reviews, festival invites, booking agents and more reaching out to align with this film, I knew the attention seeking haters were looming. Often it is someone who was passed up on a role, position or what-not. A company, filmmaker, screenwriter who has not earned their opportunity and so they are angry. Sometimes it is one person having a grievance with a person on the cast or crew, but they lash out at an entire groups work. This film when at the prime of its run will be seen by tens of millions. So far we’ve presented to thousands of people in theaters. We’re opening into many new cities/screens this week and more in the weeks to come. I’m excited that next Sat Feb 4th we’ll be premiering at the NCG theatre in Owosso, Michigan the hometown of our director, DP (Camera) and young lead Curran Jacobs. It will be the first showing for many of my own family. They will have a 4:00 show and a 7:00 with an afterglow after the late show.
To get back at the negative feedback, from negative folks. They are trapped in a cloud, a filter, that effects everything they do, watch, see. I normally care very little about the stones thrown but do wish all the beautiful comments we’ve received through various social media, communication platforms, could be seen by all. The stories forgotten and recalled of grandparents struggling at an earlier time. So if you want your review known – please go to http://www.imdb.com and search ‘Silent Night in Algona’ – on that page you can VOTE with 10 being the best and lastly + ADD A REVIEW- where you’ll be able to express all the wonderful feelings this film invoked. This will help in some avenues of distribution – we are also seeking any of you professional reviewers also. Please do reach out if you’ve done or wish to do an official review for your site, blog or vlog.
Enough with all that- I’m extremely proud of all the amazing feedback and that is causing the film to grow, grow, grow- in the marketplace. IF YOU WANT THE FILM IN YOUR AREA– a handful of calls to the local theatre manager asking them to have their booker reach out. They can reach out to our FB page and that is how it has expanded so well, because of you all! We are starting to look at a few select festivals in America, UK, Germany. The home video deal will likely finalize next month and we have some great plans in motion for that. So if you get a chance to see it on the big screen – do it. It will roll out to DVD and streaming on the run up to the holidays this year.
Harsens Island Revenge – On Friday, I was working on casting breakdowns. We’ve landed on our production dates which are after Labor Day. We are about to do some PR on our director announcing the project and possible with a teaser poster. The paperwork for the project is being drafted and in about two weeks we’ll move into official pre-production. This film will be shot in Michigan and we’ve got some great things lining up. WW1 vets versus the Purple Gang mafia – it’s gonna be exciting. Already a few departments are prepping. We will start sitting down with others from our past crews to see if they want to go on this adventure. I’m excited to do another scout trip soon.
SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE – The script for this powerful story is under review for historical adjustments. There are always conflicting recollection of events. We are making historic fiction not doing a biopic, but guidance is always helpful. I have a meeting this coming week to take this to the next phase of development. If this all goes well, I’ll have a lot more to discuss. We are targeting a 2024 shoot if we stay on our timeline.
FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH 2: Battlefields – This next step in our martial arts series that focuses on grappling and the art of Catch-Can. The project will again be produced by the Red, White & Blue Project Inc. non-profit and Collective Development Inc. Once again Curran Jacobs will direct and host the second installment. Adam Towner is onboard to again do post edit work. They will soon start talking to previous donors to see if they want to travel deeper into the study and history of this art used in life and death combat situations. Many new and exciting guests are planned for this new installment looking to roll camera in the Summer.
PROJECT-SHJ – My meeting over the supernatural thriller went extremely well. The biggest issue to discuss was schedule. Now that we have the Harsens Island Revenge dates solid we can look to lock something here. We talked budgets and production duties in our associated collaboration. I was happy with these discussions and we even discussed a slate of films. One is a script we collaborated on many years ago. Another would be a sequel to our maiden endeavor, which would be written by me. I’ve had a good idea for a sequel for many years and so I pitched it. Another story to eventually be put to paper. Yes, I use Movie Magic but once done. I like paper to read and memorize.
HOW DO YOU DO THIS STUFF? A common question
A lot of dreamers have the idea and passion but it must be tempered and focused. Many are great dreamers and talkers and poor at execution. Outside the sight of others they get lazy or disorganized doing what they want to do versus what needs to be done. Truth nuggets here. If you can KNOW THYSELF enough, if you have WILLPOWER – you can dictate. Before you go (Random fun place) you are going to get that proposal written. For many who struggle with willpower I always say, do what you need to do but don’t want to do first, when you have the most energy. Do not wait until you are nearly depleted to tackle the task you dread most. Often it is not as bad as your mind has built up. Once completed and feeling productive the lesser items seem even easier to tackle.
Everything is steps. Order of business. But brainstorming and dreaming is the start. I have many of those sessions weekly with the CDI Tribe. Ideas are tossed about until one shines brighter. No egos. The mutual conversations birthed options and ideas. Ideas are put to order. Execution of each step of order, like a battle mission. Knights around the table reporting, recapping, refining their plans. Have fun. I cannot stress this enough. Have FUN when you work on and through these things. As a camp counselor we use to have team challenges. In martial arts – fighting with a partner at your back. The beer that flows after a soccer match in victory or loss, because you’re living and playing the game. Life is a game of time. Many spend huge amounts of time chasing symbols of currancy and recognition of doings by way of fame. I want my work done to be appreciated but be known for what I’m doing in the present.
I’m an artist in the present. I work with wonderfully, talented people. I laugh and enjoy the mutual victories, obtained by artists who care. We humbly present our work, to which many have and will continue to praise the story. But there will be those who are enraged by others doing what they dreamt of but did not apply themselves in the right way. In the right direction. With the right people. It is hard people. Most famous bands make their best music in 10 years and break up. We are moving towards three decades as a company of storytellers and now we have multiple generations of CDI artists. To me that is success. EVERY FILM is handcrafted like my beers, wine or- you get the point. No formula Hollywood here. I go to the Detroit art museum and I don’t LOVE everything I see. I actually see a few things taking up space but that is subjective. I don’t get it but someone else is weeping because of the brilliance of it all. I don’t get all music these days. Beastie Boys were and still are often my jam. To someone else- Lame. I get it. I think if people spent as much time acting off their positive good filters versus time spent acting off their negative filters, they would find an improvement in their own lives. Negativity is a poison. When said, written or even thought- you ingest it. Start replacement that with KINDNESS, LOVE, COMPASSION, UNDERSTANDING – and please do not draw lines. No exceptions. You want a sweeter life, feed, give, share the honey of life and not the bitter arsenic of negativity.
I’m out to refill the coffee cup and eat some bacon and eggs. People laughed at chicken land at first but whose laughing now? Just kidding. Actually, it has been a good experience. Until next week my friends.
Coffee Cheers,
DJ
New ideas, thoughts, processes and appreciations were born in 2020.
I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee and want wish a Happy Holidays to all of you. Welcome new readers and subscribers from UK, Trinidad, Tobago, Philippines, Sweden, Denmark, South Korea and Africa, France and Ukraine. I left my cup to you all and give you my best wishes for a productive 2021. I’m wearing a nice new pair of warm pajamas and I feel blessed to have been gifted an assortment of love gifts. I also got some new technology that will assist with my 2021 business. I have a new JBL Charge speaker meant for speaker calls. I also have new apple I-bud things which I hope fare better than my past Bluetooths. A few new clothing items and an assortment for fun items. I enjoyed gifting and spreading some happiness to folks. I still have a handful of people to catch up with but I will all in good time. I love all the holiday wishes and I hope everyone had a safe Christmas. We went like Santa and did short drop off and visits. We did the zoom opening of gifts and while different and not the preferred celebration, we had fun. In person would have been better but until our elders in our family get the vaccine it was a smart call. We want them all around for the holidays 2021.
This is the time of year when I start to clean up and organize all my actor/filmmaker materials. It is also the time of year for LLC state file fees, end of year corp tax work and other non-sexy but required work. I for one am excited and pumped up for the new year. This is the time to create your goal lists for the incoming year and to see where you fell on your last years goals. I actually did quite well with my 2020 TO DO list and having all that extra time not meeting in person allowed me to get a LOT done. That said, I’m reading to be meeting at the ole fort again to plan new adventures. So use this time to wrap up 2020 and prepare for the year ahead. Write it down. Visualize it. Plan short goals on the way to greater goals. DON’T be afraid to fail because even failure will give you much needed experience.
SOME OF MY 2021 GOALS
- Do a 2021 select/fest run for LOST HEART and perhaps MBF who’s fest run got Covid squashed.
- BEST YEARS GONE is scheduled to be completed in June but we’re on schedule with about an hour edited. By the end of the year we hope to have a rough cut and locked cut by end of Jan. What I saw was amazing and I am beyond happy with what I’m seeing.
- This has to do with BEST YEARS GONE but I think we’re going to do a virtual Battle of the Bands that will end up seeing a song go on the soundtrack with a music video created by CDI. I have some interest from a few legit judges that will help in the process of deciding.
- CDI Merchandise Division will launch in earnest in 2021 pushing out with new BEST YEARS GONE swag. Try this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/DVD-DOUBLE-FEATURE-Figure-in-the-Forest-2002-Heavens-Neighbors-2005-movie-/363016656566
- I plan to get WILD FAITH‘s TV series HASTINGS launched. Ideal filming would be 1st half of 2021 but if our timing is off we’ll swing it around to Spring 2022.
- We also plan to film SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA back half of 2021. Casting for our German-speaking actors is underway. We will announce heavily once we assign the last few units. I’m working on the writer/director script with Tony Hornus (MBF).
- Smoke & Mirrors short will be finished and we’ll take it on festival circuit for fun. But I’ve started my new work on Code Name: ASH the feature film version from which the short was taken. I’ve loved all the research for the new feature script.
- We are preparing to do the final filming on FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH documentary film. I’ll be putting the paperwork together for our next phase.
- I’m excited that we’re streamlining and updating our dispersement process at CDI. That’s a good thing because we’re getting larger and I still write every check by hand. This might not always be the case and I might invest in a few stampers but I still love it. On BEST YEARS GONE, I again had the pleasure of giving an actor their first paycheck ever. It’s a big thing to actors, a milestone and I remember it well. To get paid for your art gives hope. Hope that a path could be what was meant for you. The “shells and beads” is just a way of expressing appreciation for ones work and contribution.
- Writing- During the lock down I wrote the first season of Hastings allowing us to start development work such as assign directors, casting and some scouting. A few of my goals with writing in 2021 is to finish CODE NAME: ASH and my first real Sci Fi endeavor SEAWITCH is what I’m calling it as a working title. I know that development work for 2022 will also be underway. Development works at several levels and can take a few years to many years pending fate and filmmaking.
I’m staying with my existing battle plan. BEST EFFORTS. I would love to participate in a few outside projects should I connect with the material and schedule works. Let’s talk about that POSTING CASTINGS. I see postings from people just asking for actors within an age but they say nothing about the character, the story or the creative team. And you get desperate actors excited sight-unseen to a project listing. Now to be fair in a few cases the previous work is known which can be a positive and a negative pending quality. I understand the keeping a story somewhat private but you have to give the talent something. I would rather work on development or earning from the existing library versus participating in bad work. To get the best actors you need to get the talent exciting. If you think you have the next best thing have talent sign NDA (Non Disclosure agreement) and let them read the script. I would not participate in too many projects if they withheld the script save maybe a major studio film and even then…come on. So one of my helpful hints to get better talent is take some time in the description of the story. List the director and DP and if you like a talent let them read the script. It’s a two way interview and while it might be a great step for a talent, the production NEEDS to find that great talent to succeed with any quality.
Okay. I’ve talked a bit about my goals for producing with CDI, also myself as a writer and actor going into 2021. I hope we have a soccer season this year. I am stepping up and expanding some of the martial arts training preparing for X project or if I just need to unleash any Kung Fu fury. I might wrap things up here to go eat a little breakfast and go chop some wood. The house is in good shape with no real company but we still managed to create a small holiday mess. But as the new little gifts find their new place I’m grateful for what we have. I’ve got an abundance of the homemade beer and wine. Some great sipping gifts and as things lighten up I’m looking forward to clinking a few glasses and making plans.
Enjoy your new year safely. Cheers to a healthy mind, body and spirit. Think positive and kindness expelling any negative toxins and the spirit will soar. Replace repetitive news with music. Replace hate with create – and lead by example versus condensing communications. Actions are louder than words. All to often when some speak they “feel” empowered but their other actions dismiss their credibility labeling them a hypocrite. But actions are what actions are – a truth. If you give vs talk of giving that is powerful. Practice “green earth” vs just talking about climate change. Practice respectful communication in the spirit of unity.
Unity was the theme of last weeks blog. I had such a great response to my blog last week that I want to incorporate it into an upcoming press release. At CDI the spark of storytelling is a constant and will survive all circumstance until mankind is no more. It is greater than our daily priorities that others try to use and put us in a box of A or B when I am a Z:) It comes down to doing the right thing even if it puts a little loss on the sheets. From A CHRISTMAS CAROL and the heart-opening message of the business minded to CHRISTMAS VACATION whereas the employee bonus check doesn’t arrive. I think we can all look at where we can take less so we can enjoy the benefits that come with the spirit of giving to others. YOU CANNOT take it with you. Another lesson this year was – YOU ALWAYS THINK YOU HAVE MORE TIME (Thank you Steven Anschutz) so follow your passions be it as a hobby, part-time or full-time. Gift yourself that time dancing with your own fires of passion. Write, Read, Watch, Sing, Play, Create…do what you need to do. But spend that time to stoke the fire and it will make you a better person. You will share that feel-good fire with others and they will also pass it along. When faced with two-sided news always give the positive first. It puts someone in a more positive, receptive state-of-mind and allows them to better receive any off news. That “off” now becomes something to work on as we all must continue to do. So MUCH growth has happened in 2020 and while it was a challenge many old models were broken. New ideas, thoughts, processes and appreciations were born in 2020. Let’s put everything we learned into practice in 2021! I will see everyone next year.
Happy New Year!
DJ
The Virus of Hate and CDI Updates
Welcome to July! I’m sitting here sipping my hazelnut coffee and just finished watering the garden and yard. I’ve harvested some additional rhubarb and the berries are starting to pop. I’m going to make some ‘ROTHGA WINE’ short for “Return of the Hoppy Grape Ape” which was very popular. I’m also going to do a run of dark beer which I’ve never done. We’ve had several days of grilling and today we’re having a bday gathering at my father’s for several missed and upcoming bdays including his own. This week we’ll also celebrate my momma’s bday with a cook out. The outdoor goal for the week will be to put down some cedar mulch.
I’m a true optimist so I’m sincerely wishing we start a truck back to being a healthy state? nation? world? I’m a tad concerned because so many want to just ignore the situation and I get that. But for every person I talk with who thinks things are overblown I hear about another death due to the virus effecting some family. No they are not all elderly but even so how does that make it any better? But what makes it worse is the virus of hate. I’ve seen so much nasty attitude being thrown about which seems to be a combination of highly stressed people needing to vent off and tribal anger. The political system has weaponized nearly every platform of life. People plugged into 24/7 news are living in a “Breaking News” state of panic. People in SOP (State of Panic) are offended easily and over-reaction has become the norm. With the virus where people could be accountable for lives over-cautious can be a good thing. But over-reaction to partial, incomplete or the pushed message has created something greater than the virus it has created hate. When you start hearing people wishing people of another stance of thought dead, something is wrong. As I said before and I’ll say it again – in the process of condemning hate don’t join the ranks as one who also hates.
Again after getting a dose of the news (this includes social media) I would recommend putting some music on or escape into a nice movie. Put on the Steve Miller Band and write that book or script. Speaking of…
BEST YEARS GONE – Recently we announced more cast for our next CDI film. We have moved primary filming into that last window before Thanksgiving. We will be doing some VFX, B-Roll and beauty exteriors prior. We met recently with our DP Travis Hayward and I’m excited about some of the ideas we have. We have engaged in talks with various companies about sponsorship and have some great partners lining up. We’ll be making a few more cast/crew announcements as we get closer to rolling cameras.
LOST HEART – This film is just about complete. A few of the color corrected shots need a quick tweak and we’re wrapping up the last few things biz-wise. The credits have been gone over and gone over and it’s agonizing because with all the effort still some mistakes are made. When I see a studio film and all those names I cringe as that is a huge task. This will be a big week and as badly as I want to share some exciting news I’m going to wait until the ink is dry. Please do follow us on Facebook and of course the CDI website at http://www.cdiproductions.com
THE QUEST TRILOGY: FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR, THE CHRIST SLAYER – In the often confusing world of biblical storytelling apparent by the multitude of denominations that all claim some sort of pedigree over the others – we distilled the parables to the heart of a teaching. We tried to fill in the gaps to have it make sense to those who require logical connection. A good story can enlighten us to new lessons, ideas and actions within our lives. These films don’t participate in the “our denomination is better than yours” mentality. These are stories that anyone can take something away from if they have never stepped foot in a church or cracked a bible. I listed to a bit of a mainstream podcast that for the most part made fun of the films. But he kept encouraging the other reviewer to watch it so they could make fun of it together. They watched them out of order and went into the watch with their cup full. That is a term we used in martial arts and refers to the zen idea of emptying your cup so you are open to learn and listen. Not to what the other person tells you is true but what you “discover” and “feel” to be true for you. Anyway I get the “rip it apart” mentality trying to be funny (I was 20 before) but these films have a good dose of “CIRCLE OF IRON” to them. That was a film of a spiritual journey written by the late, great Bruce Lee. If you are picking apart small things you are missing the story. Bruce said something about focusing on the finger instead of where it’s pointing to the moon. What is missed is all that heavenly glory. Something to that effect. If you like films that make you think you might enjoy these historic fiction films.
WILD FAITH – This week brings me back to the develop of the ‘Hastings’ TV series. Of our distributor’s films WILD FAITH was again the top viewed on several platforms. I’m speaking with possible TV networks to commit and have several more to explore. If you have not seen this film please do and see what everyone is talking about. The TV series will have many of your favorite TV stars from past years. This type of family programming is in demand and we hope to help fill that void.
MBF: MAN’S BEST FRIEND – This film continues to engage and create discussion with audiences. I’m so proud of this film and I hope we get to showcase it in LA this fall. I want to thank all our men and woman who proudly serve.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – A handful of years ago I worked with Rance Howard (Ron’s father) as my consultant on a powerful story about WW2 German POW’s in one of the many small mid-west prison camps. The project had many up’s and down’s that can happen when too many cooks are in the kitchen. I left the project and it stalled out but now several years later with our script, plans are being made to shoot this in 2021. MBF’s Anthony Hornus will direct. We have over half the budget officially committed as of last week and we’re putting together our presentational packages. I’m excited to see CDI tackle the WW2 era. We’ll be doing some upcoming PR on this but like always you get it first here.
THE HISTORY OF CATCH-CAN WRESTLING – As a lifelong student of the martial artists I’m fascinated by all the warrior arts. From ancient times to present day the art of wrestling has continued. Now CDI in association with The Red, White & Blue Project is helping to produce and distribute a documentary film with current world champion Curran Jacobs as the host. Some will remember him from MBF as the young defense attorney for Paul Landings. If you have any interest and want you or your company to support this doc-film please do reach out. I’m excited for this collaboration!
I’ve gotta refill the ole coffee cup and get something to eat. Keep working on your art, your dreams and be kind to your fellow humans. I hope July is a kind month to us all and I’ll look forward to speaking with you all next week.
DJ
UPDATES: Pre-Production, Post Production and Everything In-Between
The hazelnut coffee is here beside me on another beautiful day in Michigan. Let me again start by thanking all the readers we have in our artists circle. Here are just a few from last week –
This past week I had some of my first in-person meetings over CDI merchandise which will be “COLLECTIVE COLLECTABLES” and over a new documentary film CDI is assisting in producing. Also this week I did some major yard upgrades which included power washing and staining the deck. I love to work out there on nice days and today we’re having the mothers over for a first cookout. The yard is all trimmed up and cut and I will be adding some privacy screening this coming week. Also we’ve entered my Bday month – the countdown to the 23rd. It will be a good month as many wonderful updates are unfolding. Let’s take a look.
LOST HEART – The music and sound design is almost done and we’ll be starting to mix. VFX and color correction should also be almost done. We’ve been slowed a touch by weeks of not being in the same room/studio. The film is just the right amount of funny comedy and inspirational drama. I think they want an early fall release which means we might do a theatrical or I hope…a drive in run! How fun would that be and it was a goal prior to all this virus stuff. Along with Roanoke’s music we’ll have some music contributions from a very famous musical family. More on that soon. Plus we might have a great uncredited cameo:) Just so much fun with this film.
BEST YEARS GONE – So much fun we are about to do it all again. We announced last week the addition of Victoria Jackson to the project making this the second time she has joined the CDI family. The film also has a layer of small town race car culture in it. Director Shane Hagedorn and I have been tweaking some dialog to reflect that. We once again have some really cool cars that will play into the film. I’ve started dealing with sponsors for the film and we’ll start announcing those also. We’re aiming to roll cameras in August and right now we are looking at clearing those dates. We’ll still be making some major forthcoming announcements on cast. This film will be a fun one for sure! Find our Facebook page and follow us along.
THE QUEST TRILOGY – The films are marching forward into new territories. South Korea looks to be next following Mexico, Brazil and Latin America. So audiences will continue to adventure with FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. These films can be enjoyed by anyone and are surely to create discussion and dialog.
MAN’S BEST FRIEND – This beautiful film was recognized with nominations by the International Christian Film Festival for screenplay, filmmaking, most inspirational and I was nominated for an actor award for playing Paul. I did not watch the online awards so not sure if we won anything or not but it was an honor to be recognized. I hope we can attend at least one festival this year but we will have to see what opens up. Again if you have not seen this film please do. It has some powerful themes in it and will surely move you.
WILD FAITH – In a time of much strife I’ve been pleased to get so much positive response to this film with racial harmony at the heart of it. I’ve gotten some great fan mail from people around the country who are drinking in this film and the truth it lies out. Nothing is forced but it effectively illustrates that knowing and understanding go hand in hand. We are working to bring this world to audiences as a TV show. Just working on the financial part which is always the hardest. Take a watch and let me know if you see a TV show in there.
WRAP UP
This past week also included investor dispersement on certain films. Also putting a new batch of actor residuals in motion which most will see just in time for Christmas when the union sends them forward. We’re putting materials together on our 2021 WW2 drama and excited about that. I have a few new proposals to help produce other projects that will come with their own money. But even those need to be weighed out because they all take time.
I hope everyone out there stays safe as we re-open and start to interact once again. As you move out into the world do so with a new found appreciation of one another. Allow people to have different opinion and ideas. Try to communicate better and also learn to listen. A common middle ground is what most will need to find as the world moves forward. The attitude of all or nothing is not exactly reasonable as the world is not black and white but a great spectrum of colors that flows between. The GOLDEN RULE of do unto others as you would have them do unto you, would work well as a guiding principal.
Be good to one another.
DJ
The Loss of a Mentor – and Film Updates
We have our first readers from Iraq and Spain and so welcome to ‘Clawing our way to the Middle‘ blog. I’ve got the hot coffee in hand and seeking the right words here. Last night I was having a few old friends over to the office to sit by the fire and talk old times. Just before people showed up I heard news that my dear friend Rance Howard had passed away. We met in Benson, AZ while shooting on ‘Miracle at Sage Creek‘ and bonded over breakfast at Denny’s with his wife Judy. Rance later went on to join us on “Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town” whereas he played the father-like figure to my character. Rance loved our church scene in that film. Here is a few clips.
He could not join us on “The Book of Ruth, Journey of Faith” because he was working with his ole friend Andy Griffith. But when The Quest Trilogy came along he grew a beard for the first time in many years. He was excited to play “The Devil” after a lifetime of good guys. Play it he did in all three “Forty Nights” and “Chasing the Star” out on Amazon Prime now. His devil turn in “Forty Nights” won him best lead actor at the International Christian Film Festival. I’m proud that we still have “The Christ Slayer” coming in 2018 but I’m a touch sad that he will not get to see it. I remember on “The Christ Slayer” the two of us in that boat in the middle of the night – holding hands. We shared so many deep talks both about the role and about life. To pass at 89 years of age – working right up until the end is an inspiration. He was truly a mentor to me. One man who had truly been there and done that and he actually cared about my career. Very few people take that kind of time and nurture but you can see that manifested in his own family. He was supposed to play a funny role in “MBF” and we had always wanted to do this “Algona” WW2 POW/Xmas script but that was not meant to be. He was my source expert when I was writing. He was a dairy farmer and had first hand experience of WW2 so his input was vital. I know that Rance touched many people’s life and made us all feel important. He would walk between working with Russell Crowe followed by DJ Perry and never made you feel any less. Actually the opposite, as he made you feel great about being a storyteller. He was deep with his characters and he always came with lots of notes, ideas and intuitions. He will be greatly missed.
Where do I go from there…?
Forty Nights and Chasing the Star has been getting a great holiday push here in the US/Canada. Chasing the Star has been licensed to Netherlands to a network called Family 7. Forty Nights might be right behind it. Also the films are looking to invade the UK and I will have more details on that soon.
The Christ Slayer is just finishing all the VFX and final edits preparing to move into post music and sound.
That means…
Wild Faith is preparing to come out of post sound/music. The VFX are all in and end credits are being tweaked. The last step is color correction along with the audio mix. I’m excited to roll this film out and I feel good about our chances of rolling a series out behind it.
The storm cometh
MBF – now has the bank account open. We need to start collecting paperwork and checks and also drum up the final investment units. We’ll be announcing more castings in the run up to Christmas. A lot of wonderful support for this film.
If yesterday put anything front and center for me it’s to keep following your path. I don’t know how many films I have still in me but I’ll keep creating and moving forward. Cherish those mentors in your life while you can and remember to turn around and mentor those around you. The holidays have been filled with joy and today we will decorate the beautiful tree.
Be good to one another.
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 