CDI PROJECT UPDATES: Plus Looking Ahead at 2026
It is a cold yet sunny morning in Michigan. My hazelnut coffee warms me and puts a smile upon my face. I slept deep after a busy week. One that had more up’s versus downs but everyone has those trials in their lives. My only real “issue” came from me not holding to one of my own processes in a work flow. A polite NO would have eliminated an issue but I had my reasons for saying YES. But even with good intentions it still created an issue for me. It can be hard to be the one accountable and making decisions that can be unpopular to a person or persons. I want to make everyone happy. I create art to make people happy. But like many things you should measure the strength of something or someone by how they perform when things are not flowing proper. I also have to make decisions off expert advisement that others have earned. This is especially helpful when you sit between two opposing views on a topic. But in these moments, which are few and far between, where everyone isn’t on the same page, you have to make a fair decision best you can. First, we’re not talking about anything shattering but artists can be emotional which has pros and cons. Passion is a pro and overreaction a con. I’ve said this before, I’ve lost friends in this industry because of decisions I’ve had to make. It can be someone not cast or added to a crew. Or someone who felt one way or another about a direction taken. I’m always willing to remain friends even if the business ceases. But often the friendship ceases because it was truly based on what someone was receiving and not just my friendship. I’m happy to say in this situation the friendship is intact and any future business is for a future conversation. I’ve said, I don’t always do right but I always try to. And sometimes the right is just a perspective and what side you sit on. But when I’m accountable, I have to make the best decision I can. And if I make a decision unpopular with someone I hope my friendship and the good graces I’ve earned brings me some forgiveness. Now that said, I can be harsh with business but tend to be kinder in friendship. Because one involves other’s money and one is feelings. I wanted to put this down here so my readers can see I don’t pitch a perfect game all the time. As artists the most beautiful thing we have to give each other is collaboration. I miss certain collaborators but that absense opens the door to new collaborations. Every time an artist passes on an opportunity it creates a new one for someone else. I’ve gotten several opportunities I’m sure by being the second choice. Even the most recent film I did outside CDI I was the second choice. But it opened a new collaboration. If it turns out good you might become someone’s first choice.
I could write three times as much about the things that went right. I make note of the small missteps to correct those in the future. If you clean up your small errors it will keep you from getting sloppy and making big errors. That is called self accountability and if everyone practiced that and better communication productivity will increase. I am hard on myself because I don’t want to be a DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO person. I want to be a DO AS I DO person. And so I am. Our ongoing success indicates that this is how our organization operates. But it takes time and attention to make constant improvement. I’ve dedicated my life to this very purpose and so we are always improving. I’m so very proud of all our endeavors and our artists. Let’s look at some of the great developments of the week. I will say that my personal week was hampered by a mild head cold, my first in a good long time.
FILM UPDATES:
- Harsens Island Revenge has started its recoup back to investors as we collect from our theatrical run. This film is making its way now onto various platforms on home video. The marketing seems to be getting this exciting film out there and I appreciate everyone taking a watch and supporting it. A recent talk with the book author was enjoyable as we noted all the positive feedback. We both noted how almost all negative comments come from other artists not audiences. Positive people are too busy managing their own success to cast stones. But frustrated, negative artists dwell in the space of rock throwing. If I don’t enjoy a film or TV show I just keep moving on with the mindset NOT MY CUP OF TEA. I know how hard artists work and I refuse to be negative.
- If you like books to film you can also watch BEST YEARS GONE (Hope from Heaven book by Karl Manke), and BESTSELLER (Book by Chris Knight),
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is still in the window of theatrical and it might be light on showings until just before the Q4 home video release. But for us indie films the theatrical is like a monetized test audience. That said, this film exceeded all expectations. It is being delivered to our home video distributor to prep for the 2026 holiday season.
- Wild Faith Christmas director Shane Hagedorn has been giving some loving attention to ASHES OF EDEN. It was the first collaboration with Shane and CDI. He is now able to sell the director’s DVD with commentary and extras. We will also be exploring streaming with it later in the year. It is a powerful drama starring Melissa Anschutz and Steven Sutherland.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE – the comedy/drama is soon to premiere. We are going to enter a few tests and prepare for a theatrical run. It is also slated for a Q3 home video release. Poster art for theatrical is being worked on and if you go to IMDB and search Behind the Scenes of Rom Coms Must Die you can watch a few short of the making of.
- AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is now in music and sound design with Dennis Therrian. We have a director’s poster for theatrical and that will happen towards the end of Summer. It will release on home video for the holidays Q4. We are all very pleased with the end result. We released a full trailer and the response has been great. It is both funny, heartfelt and thought provoking. More on this as we move forward.
- Films from the CDI Classic Collection are being tested to see if we can get them brought to HD for future release. I’m wishing for good news and technology improves monthly so we will see! KNIGHT CHILLS, AN ORDINARY KILLER and GHOST TOWN undergone restoration.
- I’m really excited about this next announcement. Some might know that CDI turns 30 years old this year. I’ve been working with Adam Towner to create a 30th CDI Highlight Reel. He did such a great job. It was all his concept and execution and I’m proud of his work. On February 14th Valentine’s Day the reel will drop on CDI’s Youtube as a love gift to everyone ever associated with or supporter of the CDI tribe. I will release some PR this week with the link.
DEVELOPMENT: We are always in development at CDI and some projects move faster than others. But we are gaining momentum on a few films. I will not announce anything until it becomes solid but know some of these projects have been developing for years. But we do hope to have some exciting news this year on several fronts. Patience is not something that comes easy for most, myself included. That said, I’ve disciplined myself to have more patience.
Aside from the features we have a few documentary films in development and now that I almost am past tax season I hope to return my attention to a few scripts. The TV series for the Wild Faith franchise might have a few new pathways opening up. Commercially we might have a few new projects including music videos. One of our two finished collaborations with SHALLOW RISING (band) might be releasing soon! I do love music videos.
WRAP UP: If Facebook is to be trusted, today is the day we lost my furry daughter Daphne at 14 years of age. It was sad and joyful to see old pictures. I love our furry family so much. If you ask how much, watch MAN’S BEST FRIEND movie and you will see. I’m glad the Olympics have been filling the TV space with unity and uplifting images versus negativity and division. Try to be kind to one another. We are all here together for a short period of time. I hope this week ahead is as productive as last week minus any head cold or tensions. I’ve been enjoying playing indoor soccer and my running is coming back and I’ve been enjoying the time with my brother. Outdoor soccer league is already starting to form up for Spring. Chickens are enjoying more light and egg production is increasing slightly. I’m ready to be growing plants and tinkering around the property this year. I like our change of seasons but I’m ready for winter to let go. And with that I’m going to finish my coffee and get on with my day. Thank you for joining me from all corners of the world. – DJ
Computer Troubles
So yesterday ended the first block of The Secret of the Kingdom Chip. Please find the sites on our FB page for pics, videos and updates.
Wild Faith Christmas was accepted into the Wild Bunch Film Festival with 14 nominations. Please go to the FB page.
Harsens Island Revenge is playing Iowa and you guessed it, please go to our FB page. That is Facebook if you have not picked that up.
I burned an hour trying to fix this and cannot get my computer to load this site up. My typing on my phone tests my patience so this will be brief.
Next Monday I hope to have this worked out. We shoot Thursday to Sunday next week on TSOTKC. I might try to do a video later with some updated. I’ve been already doing accounting and multiple biz things on our many film fronts. Let’s hope we can purge the computer gremlins.
Secrets to Success – Starts With Attitude
(Color test on ‘Harsens Island Revenge’ footage)
Coffee cheers to all of you out there. I want to once again thank all the readers who stopped through last week. We had some readers from different countries joining us including Ukraine. My sincere hope is for peace and for issues and misunderstandings to be settled by words not war. We had a slight reprieve from the arctic chill but it is back this weekend. I had an eventful week both business and personal. On the personal it included helping a buddy out on a couple afternoons and engaging my love of herbal concoctions by making my first batch of ‘Fire Cider’. I already take a shot of apple cider vinegar everyday. This mixture is comprised of maybe 20 ingredients infused over several weeks in apple cider vinegar. Ingredients like garlic, ginger root, turmeric, orange, lemon, thyme, cinnamon bark, honey and more. I’ve also been enjoying my ongoing study of the individual ingredients also including many teas. I’ve been into wild crafting for a long time but I’m just being more disciplined in my approach. I’ve got a journey that I’ve been using to record and review my studies. A great external salve something that medieval medics have used for centuries to treat battle wounds is ‘garlic honey’ or honey infused with raw garlic cloves. For years I’ve studied the natural pharmacy on our property. The sap of the white pine is also great for wounds. The needles make a great tea with lots of vitamin C. Many of the herbs, fungus, roots, barks and berries hold great beneficial properties. Knowing what is edible and what isn’t is a good knowledge to have. For those that don’t know I use to be a camp counselor at a nature center and I love that connection with nature. So if this filmmaking doesn’t work out you’ll find me running DJ’s Potions & Lotions. But seriously, many minor health issues or the strengthening and reinforcing of ones constitution can be done with natural properties. This was part of my New Years resolution to take my casual interest and study and make it a daily routine. I’ve spent many years of my life to the study of the warrior and this phase of life has me becoming the healer. I touched on that last week talking about haters. Where a decade or two ago such remarks would bring out the warrior I now see the negative mental anguish of someone and I feel sorry for them. The healer in me wishes that find a filter of happiness to start looking at life through. When you have those dark negative filters in place everything positive in others sparks those negative traits. Sadly that negativity only draws more negativity to them. Use bad reviews that are not just stating something is not their cup of tea but digs deeper – click on their profile and most all their reviews ring negative. For them even sunshine is too bright. Stars twinkle too much. Roses smell too sweet. Some only create a profile only to spread negativity. That is giving a lot. I follow my mother’s advice if I don’t have something nice to say…you know the saying. Wise words. I just go on to something else. I watch programs all the time whereas some don’t do it for me. But I don’t spend any energy discouraging someone else. I will on occasion when something leaves a very positive effect recommend it. A film, a restaurant, a band or song or a place to visit. Because I want others to possible have the same positive intake of energy that I did. It is a way of living. Mental illness can stem from living in that negativity. Be careful what you say about or to yourself. A few weeks ago we talked about broadcasting unbalance. To put into filmmaker terms – a person lamenting about their unbalance and bemoaning a lack of funding is like a babysitter broadcasting their lack of attention and/or responsibility and bemoaning nobody wanting to hire them to watch their kids. Hence no money and the negativity circle continues. You must be first seen as capable and earn that reputation by following through. No big secret just common sense. I really do hope that these simple words help a few folks out there.
(‘The Actor’ was a NYC film I did with director Jon Osman – seen here with actor James Russo)
Another simple lesson that I use and has resulted in many positive outcomes. When you aren’t sure what to do next or what your next destination is – organize and prepare. When a ship doesn’t have an immediate destination the captain will order the barnacles to be removed. The hull to be tarred. The sails to be mended and for rations to be restocked. Prepare to play. An athlete doesn’t wait to be put in the game to prepare to play. They’ve spent countless hours running or strength training or coordination drills. Whatever they need to be when the time comes they’ve prepared for. Slow times for your acting career- polish your resume, get new promo materials and get yourself feeling and looking your best. I have been quite satisfied by my acting work and even turned down a few opportunities due to timing. I aways have ‘working on a few outside acting projects’ as a yearly goal because it’s fun to just create a role without all the added production responsibility. In my past I’ve been with several small agents in various markets and I’ve been with one of the big three agencies also. The shingle of the agency can get some respect from some but it is really about the integrity and character of the agent and agency itself. I’ve had a few deals in the past wrecked by agents playing hardball or just leading with their ego. So for many years I’ve just handled my own business with my legal team. Over the past several years we’ve brought in many talent from a certain agency and agent and they’ve always been a joy to deal with. I’ve seldom said that about previous agents we’ve had to deal with. But that has been different with Treasure Coast Talent Agency. And so I’ve decided to align myself with them. I’m picky about my projects but I’ve built a relationship with them over the years and realized I like the way they present, conduct and handle their business. So I’ve been updating my Actors Access page which I’ve not touched in years. I’m going to cut a new reel for 2024. Maybe some new pics although I do have many great ones but mostly in character. I’ll be doing some PR likely next week announcing this new partnership.
But, don’t think that is going to replace production work. We are only picking up steam on that front. Let me run down some bullet point film updates.
FILM UPDATES–
- CDI has done a variety of “in association” films whereas they were funded by others so they are the managers of the property. One of these was a “found footage” horror film shot in the Philippines entitled DARKEST NIGHT. For being a dark horror film it was such a joy to film. It was the first film by author/producer Russ Williams and it recently just celebrated over 300,000 views! Congrats and if being scared is your thing, take a watch HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PZtiDrLfRM
- Staying on the subject of scary films KNIGHT CHILLS, CDI’s first film from 25 years ago enjoyed a BluRay release in Oct of last year is looking to expand its new release campaign with streaming and a book release of the novel and the screenplay together with fun BTS pics. The Blu Ray can be purchased HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Knight-Chills-Tim-Jeffrey/dp/B0CJ5WBSZR/ref=asc_df_B0CJ5WBSZR/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=680424942453&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10064638097126313670&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017262&hvtargid=pla-2260223998064&psc=1&mcid=399dd8121370380c8b97cdbf876e05c6&gad_source=1
- IF you want to see what kind of book we’re talking about see the link for my first feature film I starred in IN THE WOODS, as Alex Curwood monster hunter. It is now in hardcover! BUY HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Woods-Lynn-Drzick/dp/B0BXMTJS9C/ref=sr_1_7?crid=2OOFTD9VKNH5U&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CxQQRxhTMPJogT4O2O30vsyJcCJ3gFeJ-fI7WGXy4ho2tAPbZc4IS5HYIpTwheQuUqatHw6OBsjqeoAEi9J67L5vFCUCK35bd8ghehGN5rysnRWhjxiW1FDmn-PFjcv3B9dIQKqtp1dlZAbu39VB3LrXCUkVmr4tRlraeuuj0onZ9dJITDj_ldwUwu2tj5l6edYa0Q1hXXembWYic6ujeO7GVGQ8l899XbAGFljpGJg.eFyhsOAOm9yBoXDimPiE3Qq6D-4Ho0z-gvBFVZjYoRw&dib_tag=se&keywords=IN+THE+WOODS+screenplay&qid=1705849771&s=books&sprefix=in+the+woods+screenplay%2Cstripbooks%2C94&sr=1-7
- Furthermore with IN THE WOODS, the film has been digitally remastered plus we also have a new director’s cut that is much more enriched. I’m waiting until the theatrical premiere to see it. But we shopped the film and have had a few good distribution offers. I think we know which one we want to go with for BluRay and merchandise. The novelization by Nancy Gideon is also going to get a re-release and perhaps even the origins script I penned many years ago. It is fun to see these classic films get remastered and enjoyed and appreciated by a new generation.
- Following KNIGHT CHILLS, CDI’s second film was a nod to comic books and the pulp SciFi entitled FROM VENUS, directed by Jeff Kennedy. New art work is being assembled/painted by Tom Miller the fan artists who did the amazing paintings for the Knight Chills Blu Ray. Once I have this packaged we’ll shop it to a few of the companies that focus on these films. It is an honor to have these films appreciated as classics. I want to preserve them and allow them to be seen by upcoming filmmakers. We are started somewhere.
- Jumping 20+ year ahead let’s talk about the films front and center. SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is really doing well on home video. We’re still getting theaters asking to have the film play on the big screen. We are able to do that so we might start having some select big screen showings. But the DVD and STREAMING has been strong and I hope to have more specifics on how strong very soon. This WW2 home front war drama is a must see if that time period interests you at all. DVD and STREAMING can both be bought or rented HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Night-Algona-Anthony-Hornus/dp/B0CL7DFYSK/ref=asc_df_B0CL7DFYSK/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=680424942453&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7946069189314477119&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9017262&hvtargid=pla-2260853923386&psc=1&mcid=a5b5ef0d428739e98e194c62143ee272&gad_source=1
- Harsens Island Revenge editing is still going strong and our director Carl will be home in a week and change. The film is really coming together and beyond the intensity of the characters and story the footage is just beautiful. Carl was also working on a few settings for the color correction and it made the beautiful footage even more amazing. I cannot wait for us to sit down with Dennis Therrian our composer and sound designer. He’s been sketching sound and score samples to discuss with Carl. Also we’ll be bringing the producers together for our one opening scene shoot to kick off the film. It’s WW1 and will be quite exciting to film. If we shoot in Feb or March will depend on the snow, the military base and how quickly we can pull it all together.
- HOT ROD LOVE – This is the next feature film looking to shoot this Summer. It will be directed by Shane Hagedorn and is a drama-comedy set in the 1970’s with drag racing being the back drop. I think we’ve found our track partners but need to do a formal scout. We’ve got some of the first commits to funding and will keep on those. Following Pepsi we have some other sponsors landing and this will be a fun one for advertisers. The race track, cars and racing suits and such will allow us to really capture some great brands. If you or your company want to know about involvement feel free to reach out to me.
- Additional Development – I had a few nice calls this past week about CDI coming back into Iowa to film again. I had a good meeting with Curran Jacobs, who we’re looking to work with again and we think we’ve got the right project. Some development paperwork will be put into play and once done we’ll talk more about that project. SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE was discussed this week and we have some forthcoming talks that might move that piece on the chessboard. WILD FAITH: HASTINGS has some interest but patience is in practice as we await a few developments.
- If you’ve not watched the CDI library many of them can be found on Encourage TV on a Playlist so please do enjoy these film. WATCH HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0LCdlq-BK0&list=PL2Tn2MhKrkFOCsmKZaxoZCT1R5GEOEL3E
I’m going to wrap up this blog update so I can get some breakfast, shower up and be ready to cheer on our Detroit Lions football team. I had a Lions helmet as a child and I’ve been a lifelong fan along with many family members now deceased who would have loved to see this game. Win or lose we will all be proud of this team but we’re all looking for a win. I know we’ll get their very best. GO LIONS! I’ll look forward to sharing with you all again next week. Stay warm for those in the arctic zone and be good to one another.
DJ
Welcome to May! TRIBE CDI Springing Into Action!
Hazelnut cheers to you all out there. Greetings to our new readers from Germany, China, Thailand, Ireland and more! In Michigan we’ve had another warm up before a small cool off coming this week. It was an exciting week full of new developments. On the home front it was a week of yard work and today will be the first mow of the season. The chickens have been laying eggs and that is exciting. They love their greens especially dandelion greens which are extremely nutritious. I tried some last year and while a bit bitter they could make a good meal. I have not seen any morels yet just inktip mushrooms. I’ve been harvesting catnip and soon rhubarb for wine-making. We are blueberries but they will not fruit this year. But the apple trees look full and the black raspberry and mulberry look like they will be abundant. This week we assembled two large stand up planters that we’ll use for veggies since the old garden became ‘Chicken Land’. I also worked on the steps coming across the wood bridge and the steps leading into the office. I hope we might be able to have a few CDI and family gatherings this year.
Having my two Covid vaccinations out of the way and no I did not have any side effects save maybe a touch more tired for a day. This allowed me to attend one of my first out-of-town business meetings which would have included a boat ride but the weather would not permit. But it’s exciting that the ice is breaking and projects are starting to move ahead in strength. I feel deeply for places like India having a major crisis and I’m happy to see the world stepping up to help where they can. Michigan too has had their issues but my hope is that things will slowly move towards a more normal.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA announced two more cast members in Charles Edwin Powell and The Ponceman. This week we’ll announce two more actors. Both have been leads for us bringing their unique presence to the film. My hint is that both actors were in MBF. (Man’s Best Friend) We’re adding to our crew weekly and one area that we’re looking to add depth to is our AD department. I had talks with a few last week and I want to keep exploring so when we get to projects like a TV series we can have the crew we need. If you are an AD please do reach out. AD is assistant director and work as the foremen of the set working to keep the schedule. We are also launching our sponsorship and product placement this month for those wanting to align their product and services with this WW2 holiday story.
BEST YEARS GONE is progressing as planned. The dialog edit is complete and next is sound design and music. We will also be going through the final Battle of the Band submissions and looking for our winner. The plan is to shoot a music video and play it at the premiere. We have a great plan for a premiere and will be looking to do that in July or August. The trailer for BYG is underway by the talent Nathaniel Nose who edited the feature. It should be done by end of the month! Merchandise beyond the auto stickers and such will be coming soon! Watch the merchandise site on http://www.cdiproductions.com for new items! Our distributor will start working on poster art soon which is also an exciting time.
FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH – is in editing and the teaser should release soon. I’m excited to see all this come together and it might be the first in a series of documentary films.
SMOKE & MIRRORS is also finishing its post process. It had no real deadlines so it has moved slower than if we had investors to make happy. This gothic, steampunk short will be finished this year and the feature script is being worked on by yours truly.
BESTSELLER – This Christopher Knight book turned into a thriller will be released with BMG under its new general market label. This mystery-thriller stars Melissa Anschutz, myself, Ralph Lister, Lana Wood, Terence Knox and Taylor Nichols. I’m looking forward to this film getting a wide release into the marketplace.
LOST HEART is a pleasant surprise for many who think the story is another run of the mill Hallmark film with country music and redemption themes. It has Bigfoot, ufo’s and even the Devil’s Crossroads which appeals to its own market. So the General Market release will have different art and title but will be the same wonderful tale. The film is up for multiple nominations at the ICFF this month in Florida with our own Melissa Anschutz, Victoria Jackson and Don Most scheduled to attend. I will be riding post here in Michigan but I might get away to a fest later in the year. Nashville maybe? We will see.
I want to thank all the fans who have been watching the #tribeCDI films and reaching out with kind words for Man’s Best Friend, Wild Faith, Lost Heart and The Quest Trilogy (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star, The Christ Slayer) among the many. Go to the page associated with Amazon and IMDB and leave a message. It helps to expand the viewership and offset the trolls who like to hunt films. Anyway, thank you so much for your support. You all are why we make the stories. To hear how well they’re being accepted and also affecting your attitudes so positively is a wonderful thing for the artists to hear. Most of the films can be seen free with ads on Amazon, Tubi, Pluto TV and Youtube (Encourage TV) so take a watch.
I’ve had some new business people reach out about more film ventures and we’ll see where that leads. I’ve been flowing with things and just working it step by step and things are happening. I’ve been having some great talks and texts with some industry friends – discussing their plans. I am continuing to seek a path literary-wise and slowly pulling my actor materials together. I’m not against outside projects at all even though I have turned several down. It just has to be worth taking my eye off the assortment of projects at CDI. Just like the re-assigning of BESTSELLER to BMG it is an effort to keep looking for opportunities for past stories while finishing the present ones and planning the future endeavors. But I truly love the people I get to work with.
Soccer season starts this week and I haven’t been doing the kind of running soccer requires. My cardio has been heavy bag work at best and so we’ll see how the gas tank is this week. I imagine a good amount of post-game soreness but for some reason that always feels so good to me. I’m going to let you all go so I can get the lawn mowed and might have to fire up the grill. Stay focused on your plans and don’t let small set backs derail you. Those failures are steps towards success if you keep at it. Experience can only be earned so don’t be afraid to do once you’ve evaluated the situation. I look forward to talking to all of you next week. Be good to one another.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
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DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 