CDI UPDATES – “Don’t be afraid to try or fail or to be ridiculed.”
Good morning on what will end up being a very chilly next couple days. I’m sipping the ole hazelnut coffee and I have several thoughts running through my head. First after a fun season our Detroit (MI) Lions football team will not be going to the Super Bowl. They had a great season but they played a talented team and their errors tipped the game in their opponent’s favor. How many times do we do that? Our own errors tip something against us? This awareness is called accountability. Many want to blame external factors but you have to look at the internal factors also.
I also awoke to do a brief morning scroll that has unfortunately replaced the “reading the newspaper” time with that first coffee. I saw news concerning a young actor/filmmaker that I don’t know personally but is friends of several of my Detroit area associates. He had a heart attack and died. My first thought was way too young. I also recall the postings over the years where he lamented the struggle of our business. On a positive he went out chasing his dream and even had some success. On another note, his struggle is over now just rest. A slew of RIP’s and messages of love and soon his day to day presence fades as the rest of us keep on. I was actually thinking of several friends who have passed no longer in the game of life. Another reason to enjoy it and don’t be too hard on yourself. We will all live our lives of ups and downs until there is only rest. My thoughts are with the family of this young man.
I’ve been working very hard on all the projects including the new film we are about to start filming in a week. I’ve been getting the business done on these cold days chained to the desk. I’ve been enjoying creating a new character to bring to the screen and I would say he is close to being ready. It is a comedy and I’m excited to do another one. Humor and laughter are one of the great things in life. We are down to some of the main issues being parking at a location so that is a good place to be. The project for those who have not been following along is ROM COMS MUST DIE. It is the first feature directed by Travis Hayward and a reunion working with John McGraw who was a friend from the earliest days of CDI. I have a few solid days of work still required but we are almost all ready. Let’s look at a few other projects that will release in 2025.
Harsens Island Revenge has been worked over with a “fine tooth comb” to make it the best we can. It is being evaluated for theatrical and I plan to get word tomorrow. It is being reviewed by our home video distributor and talks on finalizing that on Tuesday. I did let a sneak peek go out to an awards/event organization that we’ve been nominated by and won awards from in the past. The film has many positive values and lessons to it but wraps it in action and some historical violence. I wanted to submit it to a 3rd party unrelated to the project. I’ve never met the people or even spoken by phone with anyone at the event. They reviewed and I received a wonderful message about the film. A follow up phone call had me listening for the good part of an hour about the film and what makes CDI films stand out so much. I think it is because I don’t follow the trends or what not. We don’t jump on any bandwagons and always choose unique stories to tell. I will say that the story was well received and it has been nominated for BEST PICTURE. I’m sure there will be some other nominations but I’m just happy that the story connected with outside parties. I’m thrilled for the nomination because it represents ALL the artists. I will release more on this when the event announces more. But it was very encouraging to hear the feedback. I think all the films are special but they are our “children” so to speak. But we are creeping closer to setting up the premiere runs. I’m very proud of director.editor Carl Weyant’s first feature film collaboration with CDI.
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is done with the first pass on editing and has been in the polishing pass for several days. I plan to see the film this week and soon we’ll lock it up and get it to Dennis Therrian to start dialog, music and sound work. Shane Hagedorn the director is very happy and said it is full of gems. By gems we mean scenes with moments of strong emotion. I know that a trailer and official director’s poster are in the works. We hope to have this film playing in theaters for this 2025 holiday season (Nov 1st) so we are moving along nicely to hit that goal.
MISC UPDATES:
- KNIGHT CHILLS, our 1st CDI film from 1998 is preparing to release on streaming on 1/31/2025 on several platforms. Amazon, Tubi, Roku, Xumo and more!
- HERE is a fun round table Indie Film Cafe review on KNIGHT CHILLS – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlAe0Gbnzrs
- Also IN THE WOODS my 1st starring role Creature Feature got the 25th anniversary Blu Ray treatment and here is a cool interview with the director Lynn Drzick – https://fb.watch/xcQnN7O1jE/
- There is talk of appearing at a few conventions in the state to promote the horror film properties. We will see but one being discussed is in April in Muskegon, MI.
- AN ORDINARY KILLER is released on The Roku Channel now! It has been remaster and looks beautiful. Furthermore the watch now benefits veterans and their families being managed by a non-profit.
- We are going to be doing some remastered tests with the final 3 films in the CDI Classic Collection starting with FIGURE IN THE FOREST. This film was the first starring role for Dean Teaster. He has been creating some great characters in our recent films and you can see the talent right from the start.
- I’m going to be working to prep a few more of the books based on CDI films to become available. Music and soundtracks would be nice we will see what we can do this year. Merchandise is up on the STORE http://www.cdiproductions.com site. Let us know what you would like and we’ll try to make it available.
- CDI Highlight Reel and a few personal actor reels need to be cut. I will work towards that end when I clear some of this end of year stuff off my desk.
- Development on a few new projects is underway so if you have some interest in seeing some films being made and want to get involved you can always reach out and see what we have cooking. I know we have two projects in active funding as we speak. It is a cycle of develop, produce and release. We have a great group of backers and we’re appreciative to them all.
- SPONSORS. If you have a company that wants to align your company with other great brands like PEPSI, SMITHFIELD FOODS, HERSHEYS, HORMEL, TRU-HILTON and more…reach out. We are accepting sponsors on our current film right now!
WRAP UP: I’m going to eat a bran muffin and refill the coffee cup. I’m going to send some communications out to our art team on the next film. After I might gather up a few more props and work a few lines. I have company this eve at the office/fort so I’m going to get the fire kicking! I’m appreciative of the journey I’m on. The great support of family and friends in and out of the business of film. I’m happy for the challenges as they force me to grow. One day I too will breath no more, be concerned no more and just be at peace. But until that day I’m going to keep doing what the young boy in me always dreamt of doing. I hope each of you keep chasing your own dreams. Don’t be afraid to try or fail or to be ridiculed. I recall those distant days and while hurtful those folks were motivators. But you must motivate yourself. I hope my actions alone motivates others. Until next week-
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Five 2022 CDI Releases and New Development Updates!
Hazelnut coffee adding a bit of warmth to a cool morning after we had some solid storms pass through yesterday. Our property is in full bloom with the new hops reaching the upper deck. We had flowers including our lovely smelling lilacs adding color everywhere. Some of the mushrooms are growing in their damp places. I was doing some fence work yesterday stepping inside just moments before the downpour. This past week was a nice mix of development, post-work and promotion. Also a meeting with our distributor to discuss the upcoming endeavors.
On the development – We’ll be traveling to speak with track owners again this week on HOT ROD LOVE, trying to find the perfect partners. We are working to assign all the units of investment and also court sponsors. This 1975 film will be the perfect summer film to shoot. The music, the clothes and the CARS! I’m working hard on this project because it will be fun for cast and crew and ultimately for audiences. The hope is to have all the funding blocks in soon so we can move ahead in confidence.
Also on the development tip has been writing on another upcoming CDI film that does have the committed funds. It is an end of the year film which will likely shoot end of 2023 but you never know. What is most exciting is that CDI will be tackling the ROARING 20’s! I’m 1/4 of the way through the script and I’m just so pleased at how it’s come together thus far. I do have to credit the book author for once again creating some great characters. I’ve been working on the PR release for this project and we’ll be releasing it soon giving many more details.
Just to showcase how you have to try and juggle schedules – the project still be written (script) is funded but real development work cannot begin until the script is done. The one that has the solid script with lots of development completed is still working to reach funding. So those are the kind of funny situations that we sometimes face.
The 2022 Releases-
FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH now has its filmfreeway page set up which is what you use to enter festivals. We’ve about delivered all the elements just need a few small things still and they will be assigning us release dates. This is an amazing documentary film and we’re excited to present it to the world.
BESTSELLER – this Chris Knight thriller is FINALLY getting its home video release on May 31st this MONTH! I’m keeping an eye out DVD pre-sales and I hope to know what platforms this movie will go to soon. Once I do we will pass along. Follow us on the film’s FB site too.
BEST YEARS GONE will also have DVD pre-sale sites and digital streaming coming July 5th! So after you have your big 4th of July blow out you can chilly chill and water the antics of Gil Gilles. Comedy, Drama and a touch of romance is what you can expect. And to that add a good dose of the unexpected.
Here is a good interview from our friends at Indie Film Cafe-whereas they try not to give any spoilers away –
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – The teaser has generated some great interest for us including some theatrical talk. We are going to be working on some new promo materials as we move towards a 2nd edit of the film. We are aiming to lock picture and move it over to music and sound in July/August and finish the film in November to have a premiere in Algona, Iowa in December. After we might look at expanding the theatrical throughout Iowa but all of you in Iowa can help by contacting your local theaters and requesting it. We are still a ways off but it will be here before you know it. After a winter theatrical run we’re planning to start working foreign sales and setting up for the Holiday 2023 season which is when home video (DVD and streaming) will take place. This is a typical roll out but many good folks aren’t aware of how that works. Also some thought the film would be done a few weeks after filming. Please let me borrow your magic wand. No. It takes months to put the puzzle together.
SMOKE & MIRRORS (Short) – This steampunk, Victorian mystery short is taken from one of my full feature scripts. It is a great proof of concept that was tired to a commercial endeavor we had at CDI. We entered a few fun festivals close by that we’ll try to attend. It has been a while since I’ve done any thrillers or horror films, so this project was great fun.
Other projects continue to develop such as the projects surrounding KNIGHT CHILLS. Prepping a few more to be released with Deskpop Entertainment and BMG. The Quest Trilogy is finishing its strongest season, the holidays. The trilogy led by part 1 Forty Nights is pushing 2 million viewers on Encourage TV. All three can be watched on there including part 2 Chasing the Star and part 3 The Christ Slayer. Man’s Best Friend just passed 1.5 million on Encourage TV and with new platforms emerging our audience will keep growing. LOST HEART/Bigfoot UFO’s and Jesus is solidly past 700k and heading towards its first million. This is only the distributors streaming but if gives a good temperature. WILD FAITH is chugging steadily towards 6 million on Encourage TV and it also is expending into several new platforms. All this can really help our efforts to get the season 1 eight shows filmed in the near future. Thank you to all of you out there supporting the films.
In the past, I know for a fact that certain films have been trolled (negative actions). If you have an issue with someone on the cast or crew don’t throw rocks at a collective work by many artists trying to get to one person. Seems kind of reckless. What I propose is use your (insert emotion here) to help yourself in a positive manner. I’ll use myself as an example. If you don’t like me- chances are you don’t know me. I’m just kidding.
I speak my truth, so I’m sure I’ve rubbed someone wrong at some point. But don’t throw shade at an entire project because of one artist. I say, if you don’t like me or my work USE IT to inspire you. If that @#!@! DJ Perry can do it, I can do it, and better! Use it. Actions speak. I want to be surrounded by good businesses engaging with good artists to tell good stories. Become that. Become greater than-
I had a few questions as of late that I thought were good ones-
Do you still act outside CDI? I never stopped. But I will say that there are a small handful of projects I worked very hard in front of camera only to have them not get done (to date to be fair). At CDI we will always get it done. But I’m open to read anything that is funded as my time is limited. If your cart is in front of your horse, I just politely ask you to wait until you’re prepared. Now there are LOI’s and pay to plays and such when a producer uses your attachment to get funding and those are a different story. Yes. I’ve been paid well on a project that never shot. Because you mark that time off. I LOVE living in Michigan and it is always my home. But coming up, my circle wasn’t all Michigan it was production groups around the country working at the same or higher levels of the business. I’ve always associated myself with doers versus talkers and it doesn’t matter what state or country they are from. Storytellers have no such boundaries and sometimes the best stories are out there.
Will you consider work-for-hire screenplay writing-
Yes. I will consider anything. I think as an actor – I was disappointed in a lot of the scripts and so I started trying to create what I would enjoy as an actor. And I infuse that high level of attention and love into all the characters not just the main few. I’ve written in several genres and adapted several books to screenplays. Adapting books is a different animal from just pulling wildly from the imagination. I enjoy both just two different processes.
Would you consult or produce yourself?
CDI has done “in association” projects whereas we bring certain things to the table but THEY have the $ so THEY are accountable so WE are consultants. I’ve had projects I’ve helped out with and they awarded me a credit and compensation but no, I would not produce myself. The reason is simple if you want something to run like a CDI film you need the whole machine not just a part of it. I cannot deliver what the entire team brings and neither can they. I also know some want to associate with our history for seeking funds. The issue lies if they think they are getting a CDI project and they are not, because final decisions are being made elsewhere. I’ve had several sit downs where the other party states they want to create product/films like CDI. Next they want to bring this, this and this variable. In some cases these variables are what was holding back these people on their previous projects. But I also believe you put in the work and you get the funds you earned an opportunity to showcase however. But I don’t have to take that ride. I often relate these films to children and I don’t take the commitment lightly. So I better see a responsible doer with a solid battle plan, resources and desire to attempt something amazing to consider a collaboration. Meanwhile at CDI, we will keep refining our battle plans, increasing our resources and always attempting to collectively create something amazing.
THAT’S A WRAP
I’m going to wrap this up so I can go assemble a windmill and no I’m not kidding. Also planting some clover and such in the yard. It is so great that we finally have some sunshine. I came up zero at the flea market but last week gave me treasures including my HOT ROD LOVE (Woody Jr.) hat! We won our soccer match in good fashion last week and I’m enjoying the outside grass play versus indoors. I cannot wait until we do battle again on Thursday! I hope everyone is having a great day and has a great week ahead.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 