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
Thoughts On Casting and December Updates.
So with the weather change in Michigan from bitter cold to wet and warm, my sinuses were bugging me this morning. I also had to play ref for doggie wrestle-mania. Also with the snow melting I had to do some puppy proofing in the yard. Little Finn is starting to explore, dig, patrol and eat sticks, bark, mud. I had to harvest up the remaining wild grapes because grapes can cause kidney failure. He started some puppy classes and Daphne, our older dog has been teaching him good and bad. Before Luke got sick Daphne and he use to play fight every day. She is a touch out of shape but Finn is making her exercise daily. They are quickly becoming good siblings. Our only regret is that Luke did not get to take on a parenting role with a new little one.
In between playing referee and doing work we’ve had TCM playing and I’ve enjoyed watching the many classic films. It is funny now how we can watch the credits and so many names are lost to me. I’m a lover of film and I still don’t recognize certain names that I’m sure were common household names at one time. But that is why we seek to make a few classic films that stand the test of time. To create those few roles that people will talk about for decades to come. I feel like I’m just coming into my prime as a storyteller both as an actor and producer. I also feel like my writing is finally being acknowledged and that’s a gift. But all the recent success is built upon many years of hard work.
The symbol of the KNIGHT CHILLS franchise.
I think 2019 is finally the year to do the EARLY YEARS OF COLLECTIVE DEVELOPMENT which will be part film education. I would like to include the four first CDI films and the BTS and maybe a few retrospective interviews which might go on the social media. But before Michigan had a film boom it was truly a barren landscape with just a few filmmakers making a go at it. But KNIGHT CHILLS, FROM VENUS, HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST were our learning years and we paid close attention to the business. I would like to package them up into a definitive collection.
Signing for fans at the 15th anniversary showing of IN THE WOODS
Another area that I want to focus on is merchandise with our films. It’s something that I truly enjoyed throughout my life and I would like to be part of that tradition. I’ve had big ideas but like most filmmakers I’ve always been under financed. That is changing and I would love to put some of those plans in action. So feel free to drop a note here about any ideas for merchandise that you would like to see.
This week many projects were taken to the next level. In 2019 we’re going to see three CDI films move out strongly into the marketplace. We’re now on the front lines of a new theatrical partnership our distributor has put together. I’m awaiting the home video dates on WILD FAITH that has been delivered to the distributor. Tomorrow the re-mastered theatrical version of WILD FAITH will go to the theatrical partners. I’m in hopes to have a much more detailed announcement next week. We are still putting the final touches on a few deal points. But it will be all worth the wait.
MBF has had a good showing at the first film markets. The feedback I received was commenting on the professional quality and strength of the story. Our first trailer was put together somewhat in haste due to a sudden demand for a first look after Mipcom. It was decided to spruce up the AFM teaser and release it as a first trailer. I’ve had many people reach out who support our military and/or dogs to comment on the story. This will be a wonderful film with a strong message and we look forward to bringing it to everyone. There is an initial interest in a limited theatrical release – more to be discussed once we get the film further done the line.
THE CHRIST SLAYER – If you’ve watched FORTY NIGHTS and traveled into King Herod’s lands in CHASING THE STAR, the next journey is coming. The Quest Trilogy will be complete with part 3. We’ve been working hard in the studio and the film is now sounding great! The picture is just epic and now the music is matching. Sound design is so much fun adding wind, animals, crowds, creaks, sails, swords and the list goes on. We’re adjusting dialog where it’s needed to create great from good. Post is a serious process that really seperates the professional from the amateur. It takes time to get there and those watching our films would notice a steady progression. Now when we sit in the IMAX watching it on the big screen I’m always taken back to those early days. Keep moving forward.
LOST HEART is the film that is slated to be on deck for Spring 2019. A funny heart-warming drama that also deals with a few serious topics. Add a large dose of Michigan charm and I think we’ll have another great film. It will again be distributed under our deal with BMG. I’m also looking at Summer and Fall films and I know it will be a productive year ahead. I think we’ve found a few of our actors and some are returning favorites. We’ll be posting on this film as we enter the new year.
I’m going to also use the winter to finish a few of my other scripts including my Sci-Fi script. I’ve had a few people talk to me about commercial and non-commercial projects in the new year. Again if your script is good. You’re financed and compensating your talent, and you think I fit something, run it by me. I know, I’ve offended a few people with passes on projects in the past, but it was done politely. We are defined by what we say NO too. When I say YES, I put my all into it. I’ve got a few projects that I put a lot of myself into and they never got finished. A couple were well compensated projects but still the art is buried. So I look for quality and people who can finish.
Speaking on this. I recently saw a project that looked interesting but before someone rearranges their day or even does a read, especially as a co-star or major role, I think signing a non-disclosure to read a script is in order. If I have not worked with the group before, I do ask that the project be funded. Because reading, really reading can take 1-2 hours and if that time is spent, it should be worth it. There are exceptions, but I’m talking cold auditions for unknown parties. The response of “compensation is pending role and will be discussed if role offered” or “script provided only if cast”…whoa! What if the talent dislikes the script. Hours driving, memorizing, reading only to drop out after a read because of a poor script/blueprint. I don’t like my time wasted or to waste other’s time but will often do a quick “sketch” off sides if the story interests me. If they like the sketch the next step is to read the entire script if the film is funded. Nothing like those inexperienced filmmakers trying to raise 3.2 mil to do their first film. That’s like me and a few buddies building a spaceship out of lumber and junk to fly to Mars. Not likely. So, I’m going to remain open to working with some new folks but if you approach please do have your ducks in a row. I’m happy to see that happening with some of the Michigan groups. I’m beyond happy to see the success both in business and storytelling.
And with that…I’m going to make some lunch and do a few things around the house ands get ready for another great week. It has been a great mix of business and catching up with family and friends. I hope you also enjoy your day and have a great week ahead.
DJ
Trilogy Updates and New Developments
A rainy yet peaceful Sunday as I eat some peanut butter toast and sip it down with my coffee. This past week was full of good developments and opportunities. Let’s jump into some of the updates. First, “Chasing the Star” has moved from Lansing, MI Celebration Cinema to Emagine’s Royal Oak, MI in Detroit.
After that the film will travel back to Celebration Cinema in Grand Rapids, MI for a week – where after that? We’ll see.
As you watch this film it would be great for you to travel over to http://www.imdb.com and search “Chasing the Star” VOTE and leave a REVIEW if so inclined. I enjoy seeing what audiences connected with. We have a couple of quality reviews coming up this week on the film. One really made me smile and was sent by our distributor Sat morning. Another highlight for me was watching “CTS” on the sixty foot high IMAX screen in 5.1 – sitting in the recliner seats. So nice, it was also the screening my parents attended.
Forty Nights
This upcoming month of May will have members of our team traveling to Florida for the ICFF festival where “Forty Nights” is up for several awards.
The remastered movie is now available on DVD and streaming.
Here is one of the featured new sites at Wal-Mart.
OR our friends at Christian Book
I also know we’re prepping for foreign sales with all the films. I see some of our foreign readers commenting and I sincerely wish to get our products to your territories. Same as “Chasing the Star” if you’ve seen the film please go to http://www.imdb.com “40 Nights or Forty Nights” and VOTE/REVIEW.
The Christ Slayer
The third film in the trilogy is now in full editing. We’ve also been adding to the post-production team in the arena of VFX. We’ll be making some announcements on all that in the coming weeks . A first poster and trailer will arrive at some point here soon. We’re also going to be launching a new QUEST TRILOGY website in the coming weeks. Exciting stuff.
WILD FAITH
This has been an exciting project to move down the line. A VFX team is brought together. The “picture cut” has moved on to music and sound design and in a few months we’ll have our finished film. In the meantime the series spin-off is having serious talk. Lots of development work is being done on this endeavor. Hard work usually = progress.
DEVELOPMENT
Several additional projects are in development. I’m writing daily on new material. We’ll be making some announcements later in the year about the direction of some of these new projects. Aside from that I’m excited about getting the garden going and soccer starting next weekend. It will be time to tie up the cleats and kick some gr(ass).
I hope you all have a great end to your weekend and a great week ahead.
Be good to one another.
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 