Align Yourself With Joy and Hope – CDI Updates!
The hazelnut coffee just sets more mornings right. I’m looking forward to getting into talking about films but I wanted to speak into a few things. First, Disneyland – I made a mention after my blog that I felt was worth sharing here. The world and especially here in America feel so divided by interests. Be that religion, politics, sports teams – you name it. For the day at Disney I saw a mass of people unified by joy of Disney. All types of people old and young and all walks of life immersed in Disney. Tough looking individuals wearing mouse ears and eating mouse shaped pretzels, smiling like little kids. It was the most unity I’ve felt in a very long time. Walt Disney was a great man and his dream is still working its magic. It was an unexpected surprise and one I deeply appreciated.
This next observation is not aimed at any one person but at many. On a daily basis I see folks using social media mainly FB but I am sure it is elsewhere, as a venting board. Negative comments mad or sad or victim rants usually with no frame of reference. First on a personal level what you manifest affects you. If you feed just on negativity your outlook will be one of negativity. You are drinking that poison daily. To rant about something or someone without any reference screams out of balance. If someone deserves a tongue lashing by all means call them, text them, email them, write them a letter (Look it up children) but, don’t just rant publicly. This must tie into non-confrontational folks. Like in management proper addressing of issues is behind closed doors. Because you want to improve this person. But trying to give someone a public shaming makes one look weak. And in a work situation you want a balanced person who if unhappy will talk to management not go off and just bite the hand that feeds them. All those friends that see a public rant aren’t going to pay your bills when you lose a job. Personally you are defining you, your brand, your process of conflict resolution. People paint their own perception and bemoan why they can’t get ahead. I can think of at least a dozen people, good people, who self sabotage themselves. People post things hoping to be seen and they are often seen/heard but the message they send are usually not what they want to send out. I’m not saying don’t be human. But it is like not sending that email to your boss when mad. Sleep on it. Think on it. Send something when you feel balanced.
It hurts my heart when I see people caught in a negativity trap of their own making. When you post something positive you are not ignoring the ugly. You are giving hope. The negative has its followers and they will keep it flowing but consuming it non stop rots you. I could watch enough animal abuse videos before my first cup of coffee to ruin my day. But some share the positive stories that give us hope. And those people likely feel better as they go about their day. So try it. Also if you represent a brand, sometimes you as an artists, keep it professional. Many that are sponsored by major labels want to be associated with positive people. I’m proud of activists who devote their lives to their causes because they are often swimming in daily negativity. But, if you are selling yourself individually or as someone who manages people or projects you need balance. I’m getting off my soap box now but please understand that we each say something with what we show, say, do. That burden can be heavier when you’re a role model. Parent, coach, boss, John Cena – I think you get the picture. Advertising that you can’t handle stress is not going to help anyone. Go walk in the woods. Find your peace. Smile. Spread love. Be like Walt. (Disney)
FILM UPDATES:
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – I’m excited for all the good folks who loved the original WILD FAITH to get their new adventure. 11/3/2026 is the DVD and streaming release date. We have Red Letter Awards in August and Will Rogers Awards recognition in September.
- AI JESUS – We have just about finished our delivery of distribution assets. I just need to make sure the stills and screen captures are to both theatrical and home video. Dreamscape Productions will be the point on the theatrical and they are prepping for all that. We might enter a few festivals and the BTS video should be releasing soon.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE – While we wait for the Summer studio films to blow over we are doing a brew and view in Lansing, MI on August 28th which is a Friday. Adam Towner and I will be testing the projection system at this studio and we’ll start promoting very soon. 10/2/2026 is the home video release date. This dark comedy is really going to stand out from the comedy horror pack due to being highly original. I hope many of you can join us on Friday the 28th of August.
- DEVIL’S PASS – The ship is fueling up and we are working the last few cast and crew spots. Logistics are being worked out and in about 7 weeks we will roll cameras. This is going to be a rip-roaring fun story to tell. It is always hard to get the foundation put in but we are done with that. Now it is addressing some of the support aspects of the film. On a personal note, last week I went to the local flea market and found two wardrobe pieces for my character in the film. A shirt and a hat like what I had identified to purchase but I only paid $9 for both versus $120 in my Amazon cart. I love to buy and keep my own wardrobe incase of sequels or just to have.
DEVELOPMENT:
RETURN TO ALGONA is likely the most developed of the new projects with over 1/2 the funding committed. I’m still in talks with brands/sponsors and we have not even opened the opportunity to investors yet. Being that this is a follow up film I will give the SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA backers a first opportunity. This is all preserving true history that is important to many good people. My goal is to have all the funding commits by the years end and I believe we will.
I am going to finish both MBF2 and WF3 by year’s end. That is another goal of mine. I know we have some projects in development with Curran Jacobs and Katharsys Media as well. I almost have the three finished films off my plate save promotion and that will open up a lot of time. I know I have a few other projects being discussed to produce with the CDI tribe and a few books that might tap into my screenwriting.
WRAP UP: I’m looking forward to a great week. We will be testing the ROM COMS MUST DIE this week and also I have a make up soccer match since wildfire smoke cancelled all the games in our league. I met this weekend with John Mashni who handles legal and assists me with all CDI’s dispersals. We have some great momentum and I’m thankful to be where we are. The end of this year will have many wonderful moments with releases, awards events and new filming. I want to take this moment again to thank all our cast, crew, vendors, investors, sponsors and of course our audiences.
I want to thank those artists that have reached out with scripts but we are not in need of any at this time. We’ve got enough scripts for a decade plus and if you don’t have funding it will not be considered to be in the production flow. It is a hard game as a screenwriter I know this first hand. But I try to answer all the submissions and give some positive motivation to keep submitting to people.
I’m going to just off here and perhaps eat a few eggs. I might try to do some more work around the property although I think heat and rain are making a return. Don’t ever give up on your dreams but always evaluate and adjust your plans. I do believe in hard work pays off. Smart work pays off faster. I think many fail because they focus on the fun parts but neglect the hard business part of the work. SHOW BUSINESS. Both parts are important but the latter will take you from hobbyist to professional. I just told a friend who has a relative working on his first screenplay to take business classes. You and your passion for writing will hone the writing part but what do you do once you have your masterpiece? I’ve optioned/sold only a handful of scripts in 40 years. It is not easy but it is not impossible. Again, dream on my friends! Dream on! Coffee cheers. DJ
Advance Sneak Peeks and Film News
Sunday morning with the family, sipping coffee and reflecting back on a busy but productive work week. We’ve had some pretty snow as of late and not quite the arctic chill. Don’t get me wrong thin blood residents of warm places – Michigan has been cold. It has just been warmer but I hear a few more storms coming through. In Michigan the Great Lakes give some protection and many storms pass beneath us. Before the film updates let’s talk about another passion – soccer. Futbol to my non-USA friends, speaking of that, it was so great to see so many of you joining us.
I play in a Men’s League as many of you know. I’ve played in the 30+ league for many years since I was 29 likely. I LOVE the battle. I play to win but if I’m not badly injured and I get a good work out, it’s a win in my book. Us older warriors know just like in battles of old. You don’t need to be better every moment of every day of the week, just those moments. I have to be better for two hours, an often I am. I had my first sideline injury second half of last year with a wrist crack. Heavy tackle with another determined badass that sent the ball rocketing into my wrist. Just a freak mishap. Two season back I had my first nagging knee issue but that got better. Martial arts and soccer have put my body through the paces. I’m hardened by it for sure but I’m just being more conservative. My little bro has played with us since he aged in at 29 and that has been an ongoing joy. He has dealt with his own few injuries but he has also been playing both 30+ and 40+ league. He started thinking of downshifting as 2X week = 2X the joint wear and tear and 2X the chance of serious injury. Now the 40+ team started with a good buddy of mine and I from Sexton days and playing over in Denmark. We created a team whereas our old teammates could battle with us again. Now many of those people have retired their cleats. I’ve decided to join my brother in the 40+ league only. I exercise every day but you have to vary the routine. You don’t do arms day, arms day, arms day…okay maybe some do. It was hard because I love the team we formed and played with for so many years. It also felt like a demotion or admitting of our age. But again, if I can play hard and get the work out, uninjured and spend time with my brother, good deal. So a new chapter. That said I will likely miss games in May with film work. Let’s talk film shall we.
FILMS
It has been a time of harvest even as we begin to prep the planting of new seeds.
THE CHRIST SLAYER – The 3rd film in The Quest Trilogy. It has been released on digital and I’ve had just some beautiful ‘fan-mail’ sent to me expressing their appreciation and love of the story. This includes someone who had pirated the film in India. This had happened on another film ‘Darkest Night’ which brought out fans who had not paid to watch. Now, I’ve seen some of the living conditions elsewhere whereas an entire extended (way extended) family live in a one room dwelling. Entertainment is often storytelling (beautiful), music or the family gathered around the one TV and DVD player. If the film stolen or not is playing and bringing some joy via our story, let good karma be our payment. But, if you can afford. Please do rent or buy it. It hurts the little guy filmmakers and makes it harder to make films. It is hard enough already. Go back to my first blog entries and start reading. It was a good conversation and now he just may promote our cause.
Also last week I said that all these films have seen a point whereas they were attacked. Many people are mad at actions and words uttered or done by people claiming to be faith authorities. The films are for entertainment and to provoke thought. I claim to be an expert of zero. I have no time to argue any points as I’m working on the next story. But I’ve seen at least one guy vocally slam the film without watching because I’m white. Whatever that means in our generation of DNA. Test yourself and hate will diminish as many find out we are all brothers and sisters. But is Brad Pitt Greek? The Rock? We were not making any statement on race, watch WILD FAITH for that:) It is a story of LOVE, microcosmos and macrocosmos. If the guy watched it and hated it, likely he would because people get out what they bring in. At least he was speaking about something he saw. Just like people can BUY bundles of IMDB star meter hits, amazon ratings, etc…always a bunch of 1’s and 2’s appear overnight from unknown sources. I think again because Jesus is a figure in the story. A version of him is on the cover. So people wronged by an organized religion or so-called expert in faith they carry a deep hate. That usually comes out on the mysterious J-Man. I’ve been right on par with people disgusted by what I’ve seen. The Jim Baker 80’s was…well you know. I just like the idea of looking at 3 times – BIRTH, BEFORE any of the organized stories. (See Chasing the Star) – BEFORE any ministry. (See Forty Nights) and – AFTER any ministry – death to rebirth to…watch The Christ Slayer. These stories dance around the dirt that has soiled the image of any organized ministry for many people. For people within organized bodies who want to exalt themselves and proclaim faith expertness, have at it. But I value every persons ability to evaluate. So even if you see Christianity as legit as the Jedi Academy in Star Wars, take a watch. The core tenets, the seeds, are interesting. And yes, all three films were produced to present the stories in a very Star Wars-like way. I think the translation is actually quite cool. We kept the same amazing DP, Mr. Jesse Aragon. The most awesome music composer I know, Dennis Therrian. And the best keys and directors we could convince to go on a journey. Those that possess desert stripes know. Our cast and crew got one for each film. I will remember those films and the making of them forever.
Tomorrow is DVD March 4th and April 19th is the event theatrical showings for Easter. My ‘faith film’ watching consisted of Chuck Heston biblical epics at Christmas and Easter. That is my influence so even if you have never stepped a foot in church please take a watch. If you kneel on a rug facing East to pray – please take a watch. No-Jesus Jewish, take a watch. Atheists take a watch. Just watch a cool trilogy unfold that is not just about mankind but the angels – fallen and not. I will continue to occasionally enjoy your comments but don’t hate to just hate. At least watch it. Oh, and pay for it:) Stealing is stealing, rhyming and stealing’ …
SIDE NOTE: I’ve been reading the Beastie Boys Book, a bio on the bank. It is very cool to read their journey. They have had the up’s and down’s of all artists.
WILD FAITH – This machine is about to kick off with the March 23rd national theater release. This came about because of the limited run we do last year. The film looks and sounds even better and we’ve added something special. Also we’ll be releasing the new poster work. I will leave you with this DOVE review and it just may contain a few surprises teases.
DOVE FAMILY FILM review of WILD FAITH
https://dove.org/review/15020-wild-faith/
We’ve been dealing with final paperwork, approved releases/photos and such. I’m really excited to go back into the theater and see this film. You will also be able to pre-order the DVD later this month.
MBF: Man’s Best Friend
I got to spend the week watching and re-watching scenes and taking notes. The film this week is being prepped to travel to Dennis Therrian. Dialog clean up will be first and sound design and music will follow. The film is really powerful and I’m so happy for everyone involved. For me filming was heavy, representing the actual wounded. I also was told by furry best friend had cancer and it was a battle for time. It was a shoot that was hard to squeeze ‘fun’ from. But I think it worked for the film and it will be a good tribute. Once the picture moved to post audio we’ll color correct and cut a new trailer from the final cut of the film. Good stuff ahead.
LOST HEART
Last week we released a casting call for an 8-12 year old-young actress. We’ve been getting some great looks at performance. On the ‘Lost Heart’ Facebook site people have been dropping their dramatic reels. Thank you. We’ll keep reviewing. We have a least one role that is a younger version of a casted role still coming. So we’re waiting to cast the larger older role before casting the younger version. This week director Jesse Low and I spend two days and many hours reviewing the script. We’re getting close to a locked production script. We’ve also been scouting Northern Michigan locations and starting talks with lodging options. We’re still presenting to investors but we’ve had progress there. It is always a timing issue but things are coming together.
My advance casting announcement is for Mr. Austin Two-feathers and Greg Mason, both have participated in a handful of CDI pictures. Unique talent is always what we’re looking for and these two gents have just that. So you heard it here first:)
IN OTHER NEWS
I have two commercial VO’s that have been pushed a week. You never know who those voices on those commercials belong too:) I enjoyed a fun meet-N-greet with a filmmaker from the Detroit area who has been making moves. I’ve seen them come and I’ve seen them go. Some move away but many more fade away. I think this individual has his heart in the right place and his previous accomplishments had prepared him to lead. You need good leaders to make a market work. I stated and I’ll state again, this is where I plant my flag. I’m a Michigander 4 LIFE. I travel but this is home and I will keep this as a base for making film. People chase all over seeking that short cut but many come to realize “it’s not the location but the motivation” – Trademark DJ Perry:) This meeting was a chance to swap war stories and get to know one another. Every collaboration I’ve ever had usually started with a few drinks and talking about dreams. We’ll see where it all goes but I see a second meeting in the near future.
Alright my friend. I’m on the last cup of coffee and today we’re taking our baby boy Finn to a puppy play. He just hit 45 lbs at six months and still looks like he has a lot of growth still in him. He has truly been a joy. Have a great week. Add a DVD (The Christ Slayer) to your collection.
Buy the DVD here:
I hope you all have a great week.
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 