NCG | DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle'

Mother’s Day, New Theatrical Releases, Post-Work Updates, Development and More…

(Me and my beloved momma)

Hazelnut coffee cheers to you all! Let’s hear it for Mother’s and to those who mother. I’m blessed to have my momma healthy and still with us as we journey through this life. Today we have a planned picnic at a park we use to go to as kids. It will be fun and I’m looking forward to some good family time. I have soccer on the telly which is getting me excited for our season that will start in a few short weeks. To say that things have been busy would be a major understatement. Let me jump into some of that.

As we have just completed our first theatrical run of Harsens Island Revenge in Alpena we are beyond thrilled. The audiences showed up in force over two weeks with many sold out shows. I was blown away by the people who went and saw the film three or four times but they said they saw something new each time. Our director saw a few things that others did not pick up that he wanted to adjust and so he did. Now we are in a crunch to move this new version down the work flow line to be ready for Celebration Cinema’s release in Lansing (May 16th- 21st) Grand Rapids (May 16th-18th) and Muskegon (May 16th-18th) and NCG theaters that will release May 17th-21st in Owosso, Michigan. We have our first Detroit area dates for the end of May but want to firm up the run dates but know the film is coming!

So many moving parts where one email that someone isn’t CC’d on or an updating text or phone call can disrupt the flow so easily. Everyone wants to create the best experience for the audiences. An afterglow will happen after the Owosso first show on the 17th announced at the show. Lansing’s kick off on the 16th will likely have an afterglow at the Midtown Brewing Co as one of our sponsors. And I would not be surprised at other pop up afterglows. Alpena went all 1920’s with their dress and that too is welcome. We are working on many out of state showings and we’ll be rolling this film out into theaters until Oct 1st!

If you have seen Harsens Island Revenge and want to help you can leave reviews at places like ROTTEN TOMATOES, IMDB, GOOGLE and LETTERBOXD. Also you can request the film at your local theaters and if you can get a manager/booker contact we will try to set up directly. The film has been nominated for Best Picture at Red Letter Awards. We’ve had several nominations and wins over the years most recently was 2023 SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA won Best Screenplay and Best Picture beating out some heavy competition. They have also started to roll out individual nominations and David Reardon has been nominated for Best Actor thus far. I’m sure we’ll have more nominations as this film really did all come together in a powerful way. We are not all about awards but it is a wonderful thing to have all the hard work recognized. This train is moving and just getting started!

Wild Faith Christmas is deep into music and color correction with our director working on an opening credit sequence. This is another beautiful film sequel to our very popular WILD FAITH movie. Watch the first film if you are interested in getting to know some of the characters ahead of time. I do want to explore putting the original back into theaters for a few weeks before we release Wild Faith Christmas into theaters. We planned the trailer in front of the ‘Harsens’ movie in Alpena and we will see if we can do that for our other releases. If you are reading this and own or work at a TV station/platform and are interested in the TV spin off reach on out. We have a season one scripted and ready to film.

ROM COMS MUST DIE – This comedy-thriller post work kicked off our week in the McGraw studio making some final adjustments and notes to the edit and the color. We are experimenting with credit sequences and a first trailer is being cut. I’ve been having fun learning some AI and creating comic panels of our characters in the film. You can see them on the Facebook page and on CDI’s Instagram page. Once we lock the picture all final VFX and sound design will be finished. Once Wild Faith Christmas is done we will have Dennis Therrian do the musical score and mix.

Development:

Three films moving right down the line 1, 2, 3 and meanwhile I’ve been having development talks over a few of our scripts looking to film this year. We are exploring the main actors, directors and DP’s and I’m having talks with funding folks. I try to match the films up with the right folks and give first rights to participate to those who have supported us. But we have turned funders away on the last few films because when we have what we need that is all we require. But we also have a growing list of sponsors from over the years.

I do still have a few possible book to script projects. Until you have a real solid script it is hard to do any real development. It is a busy time and getting some call times set up has been challenging. But I’ve always lived by “one film getting one more” and so if that continues to hold true we’ll be making another three films in the not too distant future.

The Week Ahead:

Get the new improved version of Harsens to the theaters.
PR via newspaper, TV, radio and podcasts and more. Let us know and we can get some of our cast and crew to participate.
New BEST YEARS GONE and LOST HEART campaigns. Both great films if you have not seen them yet. Just Google them up!
Several CDI literary works underway with the Ghost Town book up next. But also work has started on a coffee table book that will be for THE QUEST TRILOGY. It will cover the grand three film adventure we had filming Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer in Yuma, AZ.
Knight Chills recently released to TUBI which many were waiting on!

WRAP UP: I could wax on a while on everything underway. I had some great talks this past week with folks we’re working with. I love people getting opportunities and growing in their craft. I was lamenting a few folks who’s communication is sub par to severely lacking. People outside our immediate circle seem to respond better when we’re casting, crewing or generally giving. I am thankful for my old school friends from before all the movie madness. They keep me grounded and appreciate me for me. Many of my feelings about our industry I put into the writing of ROM COMS MUST DIE. The desperation many have to succeed that twists them and haunts them. I feel super lucky to have been born before technology ruled people’s lives. When I see pictures of people gazing into their phones I see a mirror. Mesmerized by vanity. Identity and self worth tied to their likes, follows or comments. 90% of the social media seems like poison. Peddling fear, insecurity and such to be able to sell a cure. Like Public Enemy says, Don’t Believe the Hype.

The property is looking beautiful with grasses, flowers and clover starting to grow. Dandelions and Violets everywhere with busy bees hard at work. Waking to birds is one of my favorite things and watching the squirrels play and carry on with their business is amusing. With the deck we’ve decided to tackle it ourselves. I’ve been doing a light spot sanding focusing on the railings and imperfections. A new chicken coop community center is about to be constructed. I’ve been working on a retaining wall for the underside of the deck. I have plants growing all over the place and friends already excited for herbal teas. Just having my hands in the dirt is really helpful to balance all the desk work. I’m going to wrap this up to actually go tend a few things in the yard. After I have to get things around for the picnic and before that a stop at the flea market. I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and recharge. I’ll be ready to hit the ground running on Monday. I was up early today and enjoyed my peaceful quiet time with that first cup of coffee.

Coffee Cheers!

May 11, 2025 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: 1920's, AI, Alpena, Best Actor, Best Picture, Best Screenplay, BEST YEARS GONE, birds, blog, books, CDI, Celebration Cinemas, Chasing the star, chickens, coffee, comedy, comic, comments, coop, crew, dandelions, deck, Dennis Therrian, development, eggs, fear, film, follows, Forty Nights, ghost town, google, Grand Rapids, Harsens Island Revenge, haunt, hazelnut, herbs, horror, hype, IMDB, insecurity, knight chills, Lansing, Letterboxd, likes, Lost Heart, McGraw, Michigan, Midtown Brewing Co, momma, mother, Mothers, movie-review, movies, music, Muskegon, NCG, oscars, Owosso, picnic, plants, Public Enemy, Rotten Tomatoes, sanding, script, Silent Night in Algona, soccer, technology, The Christ Slayer, The Quest Trilogy, theaters, thriller, Tubi, TV series, twist, VFX, violets, Wild Faith, Wild Faith Christmas, Yuma | Leave a comment

Trust in the Process! Welcome to May!

Germany, Finland and Ireland are where most our readers were from last week outside the US. Today is a touch chilly but the sun has been out and color from flowers blooming are everywhere. Violets, tulips and apple blossoms are among the many flowers. I’ve been cleaning herbal grow beds and planting some seeds here and there. Sun flowers and green beans are some of the seed planted. I mulched up all the leaves and also started some test sanding on the deck. It only needs some spot sanding and so I’ve decided to do it all myself. After will be a seal and stain but already the railings on the stairs is nice and smooth. I need to get things ready for some grilling which maybe I’ll do today. The deck is waterproofed with metal sheets underneath that run into a gutter and out into the yard. It makes the under area so nice. This week I’m going to work on rebuilding a retaining wall but it makes such a nice space behind the house.

This week was full of movie work with release promotions, post production work and development for the next couple of CDI films. I’ve been having scripts read by some of the key folks we are considering. I’ve been working on budgets also which is a lot of number crunching. We’ve already got some folks ready for the next couple adventures but I have to make sure we are ready to make it happen. Who, what, where, when and how are the basics. We can discuss more on the new projects later. Let’s take a bullet point look at some of the developments.

Harsens Island Revenge was held over for a second week. Alpena and the surrounding area have turned out to support this wonderful story. The shows have been selling out and many people have seen the film multiple times. Four times might be the current record. I’ve been getting some great fan mail on the movie itself and the character of Axel. A heart-felt thank you.
Here is a great review from the Alpena News READ: https://www.thealpenanews.com/life/2025/05/step-back-into-the-1920s-with-harsens-island-revenge/
If you go to the Harsens Island Revenge Facebook page you can see updates on new theaters and great pics and videos from people watching the film.
Next up will be NCG which we’re trying to get it booked beyond the Owosso screen (Starts May 17th) so if you have an NCG in your area call them and request Harsens Island Revenge!
Our previous period drama SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA was the kick off film for Iowa’s 3rd annual Farm to Film Fest at the State Theater the oldest continuing operating cinema in the world! If you have not seen this film you can rent/buy it on Amazon and several platforms. Directed by Anthony Hornus this WW2 drama will educate and entertain you!
I hope in the tradition of spring all of you had a chance to watch THE QUEST TRILOGY the 3 biblical adventures consisting of Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer. Available on many platforms just google it up!
I want to explore WILD FAITH going back into select theaters before our sequel Wild Faith Christmas releases into theaters this year. The post work is coming along great and I’m excited to have this follow up story release. The TV series is still a hope and we’ll see what opportunities open up. Music is being composed and I’m looking forward to a listen through soon!
Rom Coms Must Die the Travis Hayward directed comedy/horror film is close to a lock picture. We will review on Monday to also sign off on the color correction. Sound design has been underway and we’ll do another spot on that. We will also be reviewing a first trailer cut so that will be exciting to see.
I’m told that Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town is now playing HistoryFix a subscription based site that runs quality historical films. It is also where you can watch it in 4k!
CDI’s first film KNIGHT CHILLS is now available on TUBI for lovers of that platform. Actually CDI has several films playing that service you can google the titles from IMDB or just search ‘DJ Perry’ or one of your favorite CDI actors and their films should come up.

MISC.

I think I’ve mentioned before that The Red Letter Awards nominated Harsens Island Revenge for Best Picture. Previously our WW2 drama Silent Night in Algona beat several million and tens of million dollar budget films for Best Picture. I also was nominated and won for Best Screenplay. I believe in part that is why we could knock off bigger films. It has to be captured and performed at a high level but it all starts with the script. I love that over the last decade plus my writing has been recognized. I use to play it down so it didn’t eclipse my acting but I don’t hide that anymore. I celebrate it because to have a chance at a good film you need an excellent script.

I’ve been evaluating two books on request to possibly turn into screenplays and likely produce. I will work on a script that CDI doesn’t produce. Some organizations have many things going in the right direction but a poor script will hurt everything. I got into writing as an actor wanting deeper more powerful stories. I’ve had to have a few conversations about scripts that isn’t always easy. But write, write and rewrite can help improve your skills. Many directors aren’t as good of writers as they are directors. Hey, I don’t direct. We can’t all be good at everything. I recently challenged a friend to dive deeper into a script they are developing. I also have a call this week where I was asked to evaluate a film and the weak point was the script. And the company owner is the writer so again I’ll have an honest conversation. It all starts with the script.

Development: I’ve got the two active developing scripts and we have at least three passive development scripts. Active could be shot this year and passive is more likely next year even if funding pops now. Locations, casting and many things directly affect the development of a project but ultimately it is funding. Over the course of the month we’ll be running accounting to prep for new dispersement of revenue from our films. Peaks and valleys as often films go on and off certain platforms and catch an audience here or misses there. We’ve got some new campaigns to push certain films into new circles.

I will say with two of the CDI films MBF: MANS BEST FRIEND and LOST HEART I get asked often about a sequel Both have sequel outlines and both have had some script work. But the audiences need to get behind the originals. We have loyal fans for both those films but share that love with others. I might work more on those two scripts in my free time. But right now we have a good amount of development work underway. I will be approaching some of the past EP’s to give them first opportunity on some of the new films. I would love to film one this summer and one this fall.

WRAP UP:

My week was made by the smiling faces and the great responses to the new HIR (Harsens..)release. I hope to have some promo art underway this week. I know the film is being delivered to NCG this week for testing. Also home video will be getting the film with a few format corrections for the Oct 1st DVD/streaming release. I’m just tickled by all the joy I’m seeing. That is so much better than anger, division and hate.

I might finish sanding the railings on the porch today and do a bit more yard work. Tomorrow I look forward to being in the studio with Rom Coms Must Die. We are working with our Dreamscape Prods partners to get more theaters on line. You calls help this process. Work hard towards your goals but also trust the process. That is also a way to practice patience. If you’ve done the work sometimes you must wait and trust the process. I’ve talked before about this as a PULSE versus a RAY. The latter can be draining and as we know sometimes the watched pot never boils.

With that it is time to refill the coffee cup and soon make some eggs. I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday. I look forward to sitting down and sharing with you again next week. If you saw any of the films and want to drop a note here please do. If you want to have a film play near you make the calls. I will be attending the Owosso, MI May 17th screening and look forward to shaking some hands. I hope your May continues to be a beautiful one.

May 4, 2025 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: Alena News, Alpena, beans, Best Picture, Best Screenplay, blog, budgets, casting, CDI, Chasing the star, coffee, color, crew, Dean Teaster's Ghost Town, deck, development, directors, DJ Perry, Dreamscape Productions, DVD, eggs, facebook, Farm to Film Festival, film, Finland, flowers, Forty Nights, Germany, goals, grilling, Harsens Island Revenge, herbs, Historyfix, horror, how, Iowa, Ireland, joy, knight chills, locations, May, Michigan, movies, music, NCG, Owosso, peaks, process, pulse, ray, reviews, Rom Coms Must Die, scripts, Silent Night in Algona, sound, streaming, Sunday, The Christ Slayer, The Quest Trilogy, The Red Letter Awards, trust, Tubi, tulips, valleys, villets, violets, when, where, who, Wild Faith, Wild Faith Christmas, Wild Faith Hastings, writing, writings | Leave a comment

Updates a Day Early Due to Easter! My Gift to You All!

(A beautiful shot from Part 3 of The Quest Trilogy “The Christ Slayer” )

It is later on a Saturday and I’ve decided to start putting my update together as tomorrow is a busy day being Easter. So this past week was busy and I was tired once Friday came along. The week prior ended with my lil brother’s birthday and that was a fun celebration. Monday was back to business with a meeting with Travis Hayward and Adam Towner. It was to both cheer accomplishments (Their local festival win) and plan the next steps with Rom Coms Must Die (RCMD) feature marketing. The film is soon to address additional VFX and sound design before music and mixing. We’re working on the first look trailer and poster art for RCMD So that will be exciting also. I also got to enjoy their short film that won the local festival.

Good meeting mid-week with Shane Hagedorn and our friends at Dreamscape Productions about the theatrical release of Harsens Island Revenge. The film starts its theatrical run in Alpena, MI at Sanctuary Cinemas this coming Friday and will play for a week or so. How long depends on interest in the area. The Owosso, MI showings will start May 17th at the NCG and we’re guessing a week or two there as well. We are also looking to see if it will release in other NCG’s so if you have one near you call and request the film. Lansing, Grand Rapids and Detroit will likely be the next showings working with Celebration Cinemas and Emagine.

Speaking of theatrical showings, on Friday I went to the opening of WAS ONCE A HERO a unique western that friends Darby Hinton, Shane Hagedorn and Rebecca Holden acted in. Actor, producer and writer Dan Searles played the shopkeep in Wild Faith Christmas. If you get a chance to see it please do. It is now in Lansing, Grand Rapids and other locations. Wild Faith Christmas is about 60 min into the color correction. Dialog clean up is complete and sound design is also almost done. Next up is the music score which is where the film really comes to life. This follow up to our WILD FAITH is heading to theaters this holiday season.

Thursday I started the day by watching a director friend’s memorial for his dad who passed away. I had to stay home and be ready to receive a truck load of props from Wild Faith Christmas. I’m still putting stuff away. I had to reschedule a later meeting with an actress/producer friend but that happens especially when little children are involved. Friday as noted I had that screening but also had a good meeting over possible acting, writing and producing work for CDI. I just finished the script I had been working on which might film in Spring 2026 pending on chips fall. I’m in talks about several books to script and I’m hoping to lock one of them. I do enjoy writing and it is something I really embrace. The feedback so far on the script I just completed is strong.

I was waiting for many folks to get past tax deadlines but I’ve got several film projects in development. I’m going to give a few folks a first right of refusal on funding. We’ve had to turn away a few people on the last couple films and I don’t like to do that. Funding can be really hard and so we’ve got a good slate of projects from smaller to larger in budget. I’m really hoping to be filming this summer followed by fall and spring. We have the resources and manpower now to handle more films. It takes time to develop people and get them into the CDI flow. I’m also going to be talking with a few management folks about music videos for bands. We have the new Shallow Rising video releasing soon and will be shooting some promo for a music concert venue soon. We really like the music videos also they are a lot of fun.

Today in Muskegon our IN THE WOODS writer/director Lynn Drzick is meeting and greeting fans of our classic monster movie film. The Blu Ray is released and these are all steps for a possible follow up film. Next week I have an interview on Monday for Harsens Island Revenge and a podcast on Thursday. Friday we’ll get to hear what audiences think of the film! I have another podcast (Premium Podcast:) that we are trying to get on the books. I hope to have to good development follow up meetings next week too. So on the movie front things are busy as usual.

WRAP UP:

I’ve been loving being outside and doing the yard clean up. It is starting to come together. I spread the red clover seed and have some other herbs starting to sprout. The chickens have been doing pretty good with 3-5 eggs a day. I was doing well with my office organizing until two wagons full of props arrived. The Paw Paw/Rhubarb wine has gotten good marks from folks at our meetings. I’m still exploring the idea of using the lumber from the old deck to build a greenhouse. The new deck will soon need to be sanded and stained and I’m trying to prep for that. I’ve also been trying to clean on the shed which the squirrels invaded once they found we had chicken scratch in there. They are pretty determined when they wanna be. Flowers are popping up all over and my brother already found a morel on his property. We usually get them so I’m keeping an eye out.

I’ve done some PR on asking and encouraging people who enjoy the CDI films to watch The Quest Trilogy where we make a go at the biblical dramas like what we grew up on with ole Chuck Heston. They can be found free with ads and please do watch them in order. Part 1 Forty Nights, Part 2 Chasing the Star and Part 3 The Christ Slayer. I hope you all have a wonderful Easter and a great week ahead. We are enjoying the days getting warmer we actually had one day 78 degrees or so. I hope you enjoy getting this a day early. I just didn’t want to be rushed tomorrow because we have a full day. There is the first flea market of the year down the road also. Those are always fun. Soccer is also right around the corner starting in May! Until next week!

Coffee Cheers! Tea at night for me!

April 19, 2025 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: acting, actress, Adam Towner, Alpena, beer, biblical, blog, Blu ray, books, budget, CDI, Celebration Cinema, Chasing the star, chickens, Chuck Heston, coffee, concerts, crew, Detroit, development, Dreamscape Productions, easter, eggs, Emagine, festival, film, flea market, Forty Nights, funding, Good Friday, Grand Rapids, greenhouse, Harsens Island Revenge, herbs, In the woods, Jesus, Lansing, life, lumber, Lynn Drzick, Michigan, monsters, movies, music, music videos, NCG, Owosso, podcasts, producer, props, Rom Coms Must Die, Sanctuary Cinema, script, shallow rising, Shane Hagedorn, sheds, soccer, sound, squirrels, The Christ Slayer, The Quest Trilogy, Travis Hayward, VFX, Wild Faith, Wild Faith Christmas, wine, writing | 1 Comment

Theatrical, Post Updates, Development and More…

Good morning my friends and fellow artists. I’m sipping ye ole hazelnut coffee and again I have Scooby Doo cartoons going on while I type. I had a great week which I’ll be happy to share on here including an end-of-week trip to the Henry Ford/Greenfield Village. We focused on the craftsman part of the village and enjoyed seeing the art of working with your hands and materials to create glass, pottery, weaving and more. A good lunch and company there and back to Lansing. I see that Ireland is where my second highest viewership is after the USA. I’m a good dose Irish so that is nice to see the support.

Last week we were shooting the final pieces of ROM COMS MUST DIE. I’ve already seen that scene added in and it was everything and more we had hoped to get. Next is a BIG screen viewing to lock picture and to make notes of sound fx adds and music cues. Travis Hayward and a team participated in the local Capitol City Film Fest winning Best Picture and the Audience Award. I will see it this week but I’m not surprised and it is what helped us decide to give him the feature film directorial opportunity. We will discuss future opportunities at our meeting this week. I’m also going to be meeting with Adam Towner who also deserves a congrats as part of that festival win. It is what also helped give him the opportunity to co-star in the feature film. But Adam is talented on both sides of the camera and we’ll be discussing the RCMD poster and first trailer. Always a fun meeting!

Harsens Island Revenge has been delivered and we’ll have some discussions this week on home video release plans. But that is happening in October and we’re kicking off the theatrical release on April 25th in Alpena, MI. We have a 1st showing for main cast and crew plus a handful of VIP’s as the Sanctuary Cinema theater is smaller. I’m told the second show is sold out and the 3rd that night will likely be sold out as well. The film should play strong in that area for several weeks. For those who cannot make the trek to Alpena the next premiere showing and run will be early May in Owosso, MI with the NCG theater. If you have an NCG in your area call and request the film with the manager. We are finalizing all that and we’ll be doing that with a nice afterglow. Our book author Karl Manke is from there as is CDI producer/director/writer/actor Anthony Hornus.

Speaking of mister Hornus (Tony) his last directorial film SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is having a special one night theatrical showing at the Iowa Farm to Film Festival tomorrow. If you go to the film’s FB page you can listen to two great interviews by Tony. It is always worth seeing on the big screen but you can buy/rent on Amazon and other retail sites. It will go to free with ad watching this summer and I’ll be sure to let you know more about that.

Speaking on Iowa, I did have a great talk over another Iowa story SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE that has been developing slowly. We have a second developing project from the Iowa area and that is the Frank Gotch story. He was the Catch Can world champion and hailed from Iowa. A real life Rocky story. It really takes people who want to see these stories immortalized and not forgotten. Every story happens in it’s own time I like to say.

Wild Faith Christmas is now being color corrected and undergoing music and sound design. I LOVE the characters from this franchise starting with WILD FAITH. As we get closer to a holiday release I’m going to start talking with some folks about the TV series. If you run a TV station or network and want a family friendly series with 20-30+ million previous viewers feel free to reach out. I have a few good meetings ahead that could move the needle on this TV series.

Speaking on sequels I was asked twice in one week about a sequel to Man’s Best Friend. I also had a dear lady say she had to stop watching for a few because of her crying. The film hits hard in the feels for dogs and veterans. I do have a full sequel outlined (One for Lost Heart also) and I might kick these out at some point.

Speaking on scripts I did finish my first draft of my latest THE KINGDOM CHIP. It is a real thought-provoking script that will lead to much needed conversation. It deals with many of the real challenges that lie ahead when it comes to technology. This project was written to loosely fit in with The Quest Trilogy. That is our series of biblical adventures filmed in the desert of Yuma, AZ. This script would possibly shoot in Yuma again with our friends there.

I’ve been approached about another possible script in addition to the couple books I’m looking at for adaptation to screenplay. I’m in a good place to write now and so I’m trying to lock in a deal on my next writing endeavor. I love earning from writing. Just me, my imagination and a cup of tea or coffee. Some of these projects might have CDI producing and some are for other talented groups to produce. It all requires a strong blue print.

On the development tip the proposed schedule is looking like a possible attempt to launch HOT ROD LOVE again which is our 70’s drag racing film. I’m talking and gathering a few verbal commits from people who love that sport. This fall/winter is perfect for our feature version of SMOKE & MIRRORS. (See CDI Youtube Channel) It is a ‘who done it?’ turn of the century piece. I love the writing of it and I’m doing a breakdown on that. And THE KINGDOM CHIP would be early Spring in Yuma, AZ if everything worked out. There are a few other projects in early development that could replace on the slate but the three above have a good strong start. I have not forgotten about a Knight Chills 2🙂

Misc Updates:

The NEW music video that CDI produced with Weyant Ent. from SHALLOW RISING was delivered and should release soon. The song is called BLIZZARD. I’m thinking we might also film another in the not to distant future. I’m also talking to a few others about more music videos (Mark Owen:) which I really do enjoy.

I do have some voice over work for a movie 4:26 that Carl Weyant directed after ours. I will likely knock that down in the next two weeks along with some VO work for ROM COMS MUST DIE. I am looking at a few outside acting gigs but it just has to be a right fit. I play a range of roles but the key is the connect. I have plans to try and do a new 2025/2026 reel. I get so busy and that often gets lost. But that can be good if you are working.

WRAP UP:

My office organizing has been going great. So has my property clean up from a long hard winter. I’ve been doing some tree trimming and also getting pots ready for planting. I’m still slowly deconstructing the wood shed and might replace it with a greenhouse. I will still need a place to process wood but I’m looking at some new ways of storing it. A deck sanding and staining is also right around the corner.

Soccer starts in May so that is right around the corner. I’ve been kicking the ball around trying to get my touch back. I’m also getting ready to go to my first flea market of the season! I love them. I find so many props and wardrobe for films. OK. I’m going to go make a few eggs and get showered up for my day.

I hope you all are having a great start to your 2025. Stay informed but don’t dwell on negatives. Listen to music and see how you can enact positive change around you. Laugh daily and keep checking things off that TO DO list. I’m anxious to see how the rest of the year unfolds. I’m sure there will be ups and downs as that is the way of life. Twelve days before the first audiences see Harsens Island Revenge in the theaters.

Have a wonderful week and a happy 50th Bday to my baby bro. I look forward to celebrating later!

April 13, 2025 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: 4:26, Adam Towner, afterglow, Alpena, artists, Audience Award, Bday, Best Picture, birthday, blizzard, blog, books, brother, Capitol City Film Festival, Carl Weyant, cartoons, CDI, Chasing the star, coffee, craftsman, crew, family, Farm to Film, film, flea market, Forty Nights, gardening, gigs, glass, Greenfield Village, Harsens Island Revenge, hazelnut coffee, Henry Ford, Hot Rod Love, Ireland, knight chills 2, Lansing, laugh, listen, Lost Heart, Man's Best Friend, mark Owen, Michigan, movies, music, music video, NCG, office, Owosso, planing, plans, plants, pots, pottery, property, props, racing, RCMD, role, Rom Coms Must Die, Sanctuary Cinema, Scooby Doo, screenplay, sequels, shallow rising, Smoke & Mirrors, soccer, sound, Spirit Lake Massacre, talent, The Christ Slayer, The Kingdom Chip, The Quest Trilogy, theaters, Tony Hornus, Travis Hayward, trees, TV, VIP, wardrobe, weaving, Wild Faith, Wild Faith Christmas, wood, writing, Youtube | Leave a comment

Finishing the Month Strong! New April 1st Trailer?

(A throw back of ‘Ghost Town’ in Time Square NYC – Going to Historyfix in 4k!)

A warm and damp morning in mid Michigan. I heard they had ice storms up north in the area of Alpena where we recently filmed two of our films. Either way spring is in the air for sure. Plants are starting to sprout and animals are building new nests. My clean up of the property is going well. I’m still leaving the ground leaves for bee cover. My work on the slow dismantle of the old wood shed is underway. I have an estimate from our builder to sand and stain the new deck. I think the first time I will have the pros do it and after that I can have a go at it. I enjoyed it being warm enough to do a few tasks. I may have to do some tree trimming on the mulberry and/or apple trees. That sometimes causes them to skip a season of fruit. I’ve been leaving the apples for the squirrels the last few years.

I mentioned Alpena and I believe we mentioned have an April 25th date to kick off the theatrical run of Harsens Island Revenge (HIR). Tickets should go up for sale soon! That theatrical deal has been signed with our friends and partners at Dreamscape Productions. They will be contacting several of the northern theaters/chains to see if they want to book HIR. We are also starting talks with NCG in Owosso, MI and the NCG chain to run the film. Celebration. Emagine and more. Please contact your theaters near you and request the film. Also get the name of the person who handles booking. We want to travel this film around the country and I’m even looking into Las Vegas. To build the hype even more I think I’m going to drop a second HIR trailer cut by Dennis Therrian on April 1st, no fooling!

Wild Faith Christmas is also moving along nicely. The final locked film is due to be delivered by March 31st to Dennis Therrian who has already did a first pass on dialog clean up. Music beds have also been worked on and it will be exciting to see the sound design and score settle into the picture. Shane Hagedorn and Dean Teaster are doing various color tests on the film. They will work the final look of the picture. A theatrical poster is slowly being developed and we hope to release that soon.

ROM COMS MUST DIE is about to shoot the final opening scene next weekend. The edit is close to a lock. The color correction is about 60% there. The dialog is almost cleaned up save my VO and a few ADR lines. Sound design will be the last little piece to do almost with a suitable score. This dark horse is going to be a fun surprise for many. It marks CDI’s return to comedy/horror and I think it will be well received. A trailer and poster will be in the works in the coming weeks. I saw a great BTS but it gives away a bit too much to release right now.

Misc Release News: We’ve recently seen the re-release of Knight Chills to Blu Ray and streaming. An Ordinary Killer to streaming as well as Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town. A 4k version of the latter is going to Historyfix and is being actively delivered. I’ve hunted up some of the early work tapes of HEAVENS NEIGHBORS and we might start some restorative work on that film later this year. FIGURE IN THE FOREST and FROM VENUS are being looked at. I would love Saturn Core to give FROM VENUS the same treatment they gave KNIGHT CHILLS.

Writing Projects: I’ve got many pet projects in various stages of writing but we’re looking at the scripts and evaluating them. I will say that my script that I wanted to get out of my head working title THE KINGDOM CHIP has a first draft. It is best pitched as an O’ GOD for a new generation. It is also a loose follow up to The Quest Trilogy. If you have not seen these three CDI films I am really asking that you do. Inspired by the ole Chuck Heston Biblical Adventures they are an amazing series of storytelling.

I also have had two books sent to me to read and evaluate for scriptwriting. I would adapt them to screenplays and CDI would perhaps produce. These projects would come with funding. I’m also suppose to pull together a polished draft of a detective story. I’m awaiting that material but the delay worked in my favor as I will do the final polish on The Kingdom Chip before allowing it to be read.

I have the 8 shows for WILD FAITH: Hastings and we’ll see what doors open as we get near the release of the sequel. I have a few fun scripts that are completed and have been sitting. We will see about making those films happen with some of our emerging director/filmmakers.

Development: I started above to delve into the development arena. I do want to pick a few projects to produce this year. The Kingdom Chip which has some interest would be shoot in that “window” in Yuma, AZ before the heat sets in. The feature version of our concept short SMOKE & MIRRORS is a possibility. I’ve been lining up a few things there.

We have a few other outside sources talking projects with funding. FUNDING is what is needed to get you moving to the front of the line in evaluating scripts/projects.

WRAP UP: The last few weeks I’ve accomplished most of what I’ve been wanting to do. Office reorganizing is mostly done. End of Year reporting work on the movies done just need to square those accounts. I did some of them last week and will look to finish this week. My personal taxes are done just need to send that in with the firm sends my paperwork.

I’m looking forward to filming my last piece of the Rom Coms Must Die puzzle and my head will be officially clear of any outside characters. My itch to tackle and new role is slowly building although you think I would enjoy the down time.

Soccer and flea market season is right around the corner. I love looking for wardrobe and props for our films. Soccer is just a great way to test yourself weekly. I’ve been working on strength and flexibility but need to do some running. I dislike running just to run.

This week there is a film mixer for the local film festival that I might attend. It really depends on the flow of the week. I will have my fill of mixers with all the film releases this year. I do enjoy meeting other artists and seeing how they fit into the mix. I’m not going to be at the Alpena showing of Harsens Island Revenge but will be ready to attend the Owosso, MI showing and afterglow.

I’m going to wrap this up here and do a few things around the house. I am going to attack the week and look to make some great things happen. I hope each of you are enjoying the spring vibe returning to us all. Working in the morning with the sounds of birds is really nice. Watching the squirrels building and playing is nice. They had a long, hard winter and deserve some abundance. Until next week my friends!

Coffee Cheers!

March 30, 2025 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: 4k, abundance, Alpena, An Ordinary Killer, apple, AZ, biblical, birds, blog, books, CDI, Celebration Cinema, Chasing the star, Chuck Heston, coffee, color, comedy, crew, Dean Teaster's Ghost Town, deck, design, Dreamscape Prods, Emagine, festival, Figure in the Forest, film, flea market, flexibility, Forty Nights, friends, From Venus, fruit, funding, Harsens Island Revenge, Heaven's Neighbors, Historyfix, horror, knight chills, Las Vegas, Michigan, mixer, movies, mulberry, music, NCG, O'God, office, Owosso, plants, Rom Coms Must Die, running, Sanctuary Cinema, Saturn Core, Smoke and Mirrors, soccer, sound, spring, squirrels, strength, taxes, The Christ Slayer, The Kingdom Chip, The Quest Trilogy, theatrical, Wild Faith, Wild Faith Christmas, Wild Faith Hastings, winter, writing, Yuma | Leave a comment

Loss, Gain and Everything In-Between – CDI Updates!

Good morning from an icy Michigan. I’m sipping on the hazelnut coffee and about to give you some of the updates. Let’s start first on the personal level. I want to send out healing wishes to CDI tribe member, actor and friend Greg Mason who had a heart attack. I spoke with him and he is doing better but has a road to recovery ahead of him. Also in your life you have women aside from your mother who are like a mother. I had three really, my real mom, my babysitter mom Marie DeFord and lastly spending three summer sin Denmark I had my Danish Mom Gerd. I won’t use her last name for respect to the family who might not want the attention as they mourn her loss. I was 16, 18 and 20 when I stayed with her and their family. It was when I played soccer overseas and was the assistant coach and the head coach. She and I would drink coffee and talk history of Denmark and places around the world. She really loved Egypt. We have stayed in touch over these last 35 years and I was shocked and saddened to hear that she passed recently. I know her large family is really feeling the loss. My heart and prayers of peace go out to them.

I’ve been nursing a head cold after not being sick for a long time. I think cold weather and long days filming finally got me. That said, I think I’m on the tail end of it today. I still allowed myself to do a lotta desk work. This week I will have more to organize but CDI has been very busy with the 3 films moving down the line. Let’s take a look shall we-

Harsens Island Revenge – This movie is truly so cool. The look, the story, the acting, the clothes and the music. The challenge is to find our place in the market being filled with schlock. We are looking at an extended roll out theatrical. The final tech touches were being done to the 4k master this weekend. Once we have that and a DCP can be created we’re looking to premiere first in Alpena. So all those folks in Alpena start your call-in campaign to the Sanctuary Cinema and ask for the film. The issue we face is good projection but small seating and they have to dance around the studio films. I had a good conversation with Dreamscape Prods who looks like we’ll partner with for the roll out. Once we have Alpena premiere done and the theatrical run underway we’ll move to Owosso, MI and the NCG theaters. From there Lansing and Grand Rapids, MI which will likely be Celebration Cinema. And Detroit, MI where we’ll explore Emagine and some of the chains there. I explored The Henry Ford Museum and I think the cost against us is too great. We need to start our recoup with theatrical not dig a hole. I need to get final confirmation this week but we’re talking about Oct. 1st (4th Q) release of DVD and buy/rent streaming in 2025. Prior to that it will be playing multiple cities across the country with this cool WW1 vs Purple Gang film based off Karl Manke’s book. It is coming and when it does it will be a wonderful thing. I think many 1920’s type parties are being planned around the premieres. We already have some event centers that wanna do dinner and viewings but that will run after the main theatrical run. Or at least towards the end after audiences have a chance to see it in the theaters which is best sound and picture. This film is beautiful and sounds great so we want that experience for our audiences first.

WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – This film is the next adventure following WILD FAITH and we’re all so excited. Having big shoes to fill due to the popularity of the original I am thrilled to say that the sequel will live up to it. The magic is back from the original and introduces so grand new elements. Our director Shane Hagedorn has been working on the trailer and it is powerful! It has moved into sound design this weekend. I know some poster art is being discussed and with such fine elements/pictures from GW Burns the poster will be great! We are looking to lock the film end of the month and move it into sound design and music with Dennis Therrian. The plan is to release it into theaters Nov 1st and play it until Easter. After that we’ll let it rest during the summer as the home video marketing team prepares for 2026 Holiday push to DVD and streaming. It all has to follow a roll out plan. But I’m so excited about this film and I think all of you will be also. For the tens of millions of fans we are bringing you another adventure.

ROM COMS MUST DIE or is it ROMCOMS MUST DIE – Hmmm…. This film is a mash up of two popular genres that is currently the trend. Romantic comedies and mindless horror – but what we created was a dark and zany film that really has a lot to say about our industry. The plight of filmmakers, actors and the uphill battle to create art. Travis Hayward has directed his first feature film for CDI in association with McGraw Multimedia. We’ve already laughed and been thrilled by raw footage played on the HUGE LED wall. This film might be ready for a premiere this October 2025 with home video being May 2026. We will have fun with the marketing of this film. It was truly written out of frustration from distributors development meetings. We all felt as though we were creating something very special. It is being edited as we speak and I believe it will move quickly down the post line.

NEXT MOVES – Okay this is the 3rd time I’ve typed this and it has disappeared. I’m already having issues with pictures. But what I was saying was that we are going to work on trying to re-master the final three films in the CDI Classic Collection (From Venus, Heaven’s Neighbors, Figure in the Forest) * On DVD the later two can be found at the http://www.cdiproductions.com STORE.

I’m exploring a new film transfer of WICKED SPRING for a new Blu Ray.
The Ghost Town book will be next up with CDI Literary.
I’m exploring a Blu Ray of The Quest Trilogy. Our three biblical adventures.
Knight Chills is now streaming on Free4All, Xumo and more emerging – Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ognETSVqirEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ognETSVqirE
An Ordinary Killer is now on ROKU and might look into this film and Ghost Town to Historyfix.

WRAP UP: I thought I might have one of several script writing options locked in but nothing yet. So I plan to finish the WILD FAITH Hastings shows. I might be taking on a script for McGraw Multimedia which will be another feature film working with them. We have a few other projects in funding development as we speak. I think we’ll get a few more shot this year to release next year.

I’m very pleased with how the year has started off and I’m going to remain focused and work hard. I’m looking forward to springtime so the garden can grow and soccer season will be here again. I shared some of the teas I grew and harvested this holiday season. We have enjoyed an on-going supply of eggs which is where I’m about to go now. Nature is the great energizer and balancer of the self.

I hope all of you continue to follow your dreams. It will be a very interesting year with all these stories coming to audiences worldwide. As some of the losses last year and this year have shown, life passes so live it. Enjoy it. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back. Learn from set backs and use that to build. I’m so appreciative that you all stop through to bask in these words. Don’t hate. Create.

Until next week my friends, coffee cheers!

February 9, 2025 | Categories: Blogroll, Uncategorized | Tags: Alpena, An Ordinary Killer, audiences, blog, BluRay, books, CDI, Celebration, Chasing the star, cinema, coach, coffee, create, crew, Danish, Denmark, Dennis Therrian, Detroit, Dreamscape Prods, DVD, easter, eggs, Egypt, Emagine, failure, fans, fear, Figure in the Forest, film, Forty Nights, Free4All, From Venus, garden, German, Germany, ghost town, GR, Greg Mason, GW Burns, Harsens Island Revenge, harvest, hate, Heaven's Neighbors, Henry Ford, horror, Karl manke, knight chills, Lansing, live, love, Marie DeFord, McGraw Multimedia, Michigan, movies, nature, NCG, Owosso, poster, Purple Gang, reviews, Roku, Rom Coms Must Die, Sanctuary Cinema, scripts, Shane Hagedorn, soccer, studio, Summer, teas, The Christ Slayer, The Quest Trilogy, Travis Hayward, Wicked Spring, Wild Faith, Wild Faith Christmas, Wild Faith Hastings, worldwide, WW1, XUMO | Leave a comment

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!

August 4, 2024 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: Alpena, Ammo Content, An Ordinary Killer, Anthony Hornus, audiences, blog, cast, casting, CDI, Celebration Cinema, Chasing the star, cheers, chickens, classic, clawing my way to the middle, coffee, creatures, crew, Dean Teaster's Ghost Town, deck, Dennis Therrian, Denzel Washington, Detroit Lions, dinosaurs, director, documentary, Don Most, Dugan Dunkirk, East Coast, eggs, Encourage TV, facebook, Figure in the Forest, For the Love of Catch, Forty Nights, friends, From Venus, fruits, fun, Harsens Island Revenge, hazelnut, HD, Heaven's Neighbors, history, holidays, ideas, IMDB, In the woods, In the Woods 2, India, indie film, Ireland, knight chills, Kurt Russell, Lansing MI, love, Man's Best Friend, Mark Balko, MBF, Michigan, mine, mining, music, NCG, Owosso, plants, podcast, reading, Rom Coms Must Die, S Africa, Sean Ward, season, shows, Silent Night in Algona, smart, sound design, The Christ Slayer, The Patchwork Girl of OZ, The Quest Trilogy, The Red White and Blue Project, theatre, Tim Abell, Travis Hayward, trials, tribulations, Two Average Joes Media, Veterans, VFX, wake, Wild Faith, Wild Faith Christmas, Wild Faith Hastings, work, Youtube | Leave a comment

‘SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA’ Director’s Screening plus ‘Harsens Island Revenge’ pre-PR Updates and more…

Just some of the CDI crew in attendance at the Owosso, MI director’s screening – playing until Feb. 9th at the NCG

Good morning to you all. I was up past my bedtime a touch yesterday, so the hazelnut coffee is much appreciated. We did a special directors screening kick off showing of SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA, our true event WW2 film. We had two screenings yesterday and we all went to an afterglow at Romas, next to the NCG in Owosso. This is back in our home state and while the film had a Michigan premiere at the Celebration Cinema, I was at a funeral. My family finally got to see all our hard work. We had a strong first showing at 4pm and I’ve heard from and seen posts from many friends who went to see the film. I like all filmmakers want a good showing, technically and being outside my area, that raises my temp. We had a super chilly last few days in Michigan, record breaking. I dressed well for outside travel but was too hot for crowds, pictures and such. I even wore a lighter jacket. I should have traded by beanie hat for something less hot. But, enough of the heat talk. It was HOT with enthusiasm, even walking up to the theatre ran into a fellow actor/filmmaker from the Detroit area who had just watched the 4:00 showing. He was sincere in his compliments and that set the tone. Iowa LOVES this story because it is their story. But the greater story makes it ALL OUR STORY. Our history. On the edge of Owosso, MI there is a race track once a PW camp like Algona. Many towns have this kind of history but many are unaware.

This month we’re pulling together the film for home video in the fall. We’re entering the deal phase and we’ll get the enhanced version to the distributor. When we saw it on the big screen, you always can notice things that if you can, you would change. A tweak of color correct here and there. Some enhancements in a few CGI plates. Subtitle tweaks. But these are artistic nuisances that many never see nor notice. Some errors may exist in period – we work hard to achieve this but it is all smoke and mirrors. Many enjoy trying to find these spots. In Star Wars you can see Kenny Baker inside R2D2 in a scene. In GLORY you can see the squib (fake bullet hits) lines running up the legs of some actors. MOVIE MAGIC. We try to transport you to another place and the audience is asked to relax and bring your imagination.

Last night I think people were taken to that time period. People will get to enjoy the film until Thursday and I hope we our powerful attendance last night they will move us into other cites with NCG. I am going to try and bring it back to N. Lansing at the Eastwood NCG. I will let you know. Again people are calling their theatre managers and asking them to book the film. They want your business so call and their bookers will reach out. They are reaching out every week. Also http://www.imdb.com is a place that is used in part to help the expansion of the film. We’ve had hundreds of beautiful comments and the attendance and growth speaks for itself, but many of a certain age do not use the computer much. Or as little as possible and so sometimes the best comments and reviews don’t make it to the official data bases. If you saw it go ahead and go to http://www.imdb.com you can vote (10 best) and leave a review or message about the film, and what it meant to you. I love reading all the stories of grandparents and their interaction and connections to the German PW’s.

We are going to keep the film traveling and hope to play a few festivals. Many of the big ones want a first ever premiere and this film is traveling so that isn’t a fit. But we are looking to play in Hollywood so we can highlight our amazing German cast. I’m damn proud and having a good dose of German in my heritage it’s another thing I’m proud of. This movie is spreading some love, understanding and compassion. I heard many times last night that people loved the story and we need more films like this. I agree. That takes me into-

Above – DJ Perry, Karl Manke, Carl Weyant

HEAR YE, HEAR YE

Harsens Island Revenge – Last night was both a celebration of the present expanding release of our WW2 German PW film but also a toast to the future. We are in official pre-production which means our business paperwork is all in order and we’ll be opening the bank account this month. We will start official pre-production meetings with our director Mr. Carl Weyant. Carl has worked independently and with the CDI Tribe on both sides of the camera. Many will know him from starring as Longinus in part 3 of The Quest Trilogy, entitled The Christ Slayer. I met him in Otty, India in 2008 where we co-starred together in a film there. He has been working several years as a director and director of photography on various projects from music videos to feature film. After months of discussions with the CDI producer team, his stylistic vision and kinetic style will lead the direction and vision of this action-packed film. I, as the writer worked several weeks with Carl, to get a final polished shooting script. This process happens with all our directors. We’ll be discussing many wonderful aspects of this film and casting will take place likely end of the month. We plan to run duel cameras on this project and that will allow us to capture more of the action, more efficiently. Carl and previous director of photography Travis Hayward (Best Years Gone) have been working in tandem on several projects both feature and music video. They were first brought together on the CDI produced music video for ‘Revolution‘ by DEEP FALL. You can watch that here-

Travis Hayward will serve as the Gaffer (cool lighting) and run second camera. I knew they would be a good pairing and I was correct. Our goal, as always, is to have a lot of fun telling yet another great story. Lessons. Always lessons to be illustrated via story, but it a very exciting way. WW1 veterans. Purple Gang. Bootlegging. The CDI Tribe is going into the Roaring 20’s, again taking on a wonderful book written by, Karl Manke. I adapted the book into a screenplay and I’ve very happy with the end product. We have had a positive reaction from a few guest stars who want to participate in this story. It will be a wonderful blueprint for all our artists. We’ll do some official PR in the next two weeks on the project. But, you all get the first drop of developing info just for tuning in and stopping by for a read. We’ve also had several more subscribe join here – so welcome! You can subscribe to our CDI Youtube and http://www.cdiproductions.com is going to be updated so follow us there also.

FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH: BATTLEFIELDS

The first doc FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH is now set up in the market place and just starting what will be a nice long run of being introduced to new audiences. Even those not wishing to rent or buy it can watch it via TUBI and other ad based video on demand. Meaning-you watch for free but you watch with ads and we get paid by advertisers. It is a major rev stream these days. Ground work and talks with potential donors has begun. The Red, White & Blue Project Inc. is the non-profit we are working with. This next project will expand upon part of the original doc. It leans even heavier into the military history and Catch Can’s influence in all of that. Curran Jacobs is directing once again.

SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE – We’re close to moving into the next development phase of this project. I’ve had some good talks about the history of the story and I think we’re on target. Some of the folks involved are not always prepared to read scripts which require imagination and practice. Very unique medium that I liken to poetry and trying to say as much as possible with as few of words as possible. To invoke imagery and to carry the readers (soon to be viewer) through the story. A journey to be sure. I am working to try and keep this on schedule for a 2024 filming. One brick at a time.

BEST YEARS GONE – Now that Covid lock down and virtual festivals have returned to in person – we’re going to enter BEST YEARS GONE into some comedy festivals. We did not want to attend virtual (I spend enough time on a computer) but now it could be a better experience. MAN’S BEST FRIEND, LOST HEART, WILD FAITH, THE QUEST TRILOGY exciting marketing as the films keep growing in audiences. New posters. New trailers. Interviews. Promotional videos. Merchandise. Oh, yeah. It’s all coming.

WRAP UP AND THOUGHTS FROM THE WEEK

Man! I’m still coming down from last night. Again, it was a treat to hug and shake so many hands. We don’t get to meet our vast audiences like live performance. We have 3-5k in social associates and from that maybe 300 that we are in direct contact with. But a film is being viewed by millions to tens of millions that we never meet. We were just talking about the joy we get when someone is surprised and they get to meet someone from a movie that moved them.

We are occasionally accused of being ambitious with our storytelling and we truly are. I’m proud of this last SNIA journey because it was our hardest yet. Harder than most even know. On SNIA, we had our directors mother hit with Covid days before shooting and just days after his best friend died of Covid. Pappy, who passed, was a long-time member of this tribe working several times with CDI on both sides of the camera. A shameful loss. One of our main producers came to set with her own oxygen tanks after her own bout in the hospital with Covid. Simply put, CDI HAS WARRIORS.

I hear of businesses that can’t get employees to show up or stay employed and CDI has folks, so dedicated that it would take – well, a damn lot to keep them away. We are accused of working hard and we do. To make something that might be seen as great by some, you have to work hard. VERY HARD. If hard work and trying to create greatness isn’t for you, CDI isn’t for you. I’ve told folks that something ‘short form’ and not as hard, might better suit some for their talents. Being away for weeks is hard and it’s a sacrifice all our artists have made to help tell that story. We know how special these stories are too many out there, because you’ve reached out to let us know. You are why we sacrifice and do this.

Hey DJ, it ain’t all love:) Listen, the sprinkling of hate and bashing doesn’t provoke hurt in me but actually more sadness. Every negative comment that is tinged with dark emotion cries of dreams unrealized and often never even attempted. They’re afraid to try because they know someone like themselves is waiting, who might throw a stone at their passion or dream. A good example- I don’t love stage musicals as a whole, but I don’t go out of my way to trash them. That is someone’s jam, singing Annie Get Your Gun or something, just not my jam. And that’s fine. I’m just always amazed how little people value their own TIME. IF I enjoyed something I might go out of my way, spend my time, to make my opinion known, because I’m sharing some positive energy. IF I don’t like something – that LAST thing you will get from me is my TIME. I can just scroll on. I can choose something else. I have turn content off but I never ran to a keyboard to trash something. Why? Not worth my watch time not worth my type time. But how others spend their time is their business. But many negative barbs are sadly from fellow artists struggling to the point of collapse and wondering, why not me? My script? Where is my funding? When you put your mind in the wrong place you widen the gap. For when they are manufacturing hate, we create. Which fuels the negative feelings and the cycle continues. One path makes you sicker with the poison you spread and digest. And the other path, it inspires – you think you can do better? Get some of your most loyal, trusted, creative friends and DO IT! Like film itself, SHOW don’t TELL. You will have fun and learn about yourself. Give 100% of your TIME, on your path and see what happens.

MORE FREE ADVICE

I’m amused only slightly in those situations where people lacking the true experience try to speak loudly into something they know nothing about. They become ‘know it alls’ quickly and are unable to take on any new knowledge and experience- their growth stunted. Some opportunities given can inspire maturity, accountability and responsibility and spur personal growth. In others they can be become drunk and delusional with newly gifted power. We’ve had examples of both. I’m always cheering for SPUR versus STUNT but ultimately they control that outcome.

Every project moving forward is living evolution through experience. I work hard to develop people and give opportunities for self growth but sometimes people reach their limit on learning. You always have risk empowering people and when they grow in the right direction – wonderful. Wrong direction- just like the apple tree, it needs to be pruned. Giveth and Taketh Away

POSITIVE. RESPECT. APPRECIATION. SINCERITY. LOYALTY. – these attributes have to already exist within someone and can be nurtured. I often say, I will always work with a slightly less experienced person with the right long term attitude, versus the opposite. We can provide experience and adventure with some of the best artists I’ve encountered on my path. We say at CDI meetings, that a door closing brings us to a new door opening. CDI has grown into a multi generation of artists and we’ve got grand plans to keep moving up the mountain. As I’ve said before, it is not how high you climbed on the mountain it is who you traveled with, that will matter in the end.

I’m a tad tired from being up somewhat late and might need a short cold winter nap. The sunshine is out and that feels good, so maybe time to play cat. Thank you to each and every person who came out last night and to all the shows. It had been a few since I had seen our film play. A touch of distance is nice and gives you a fresh perspective upon viewing again. Having our family and friends there made it special, especially my parents. Both, had funny comments of having created me. They were not so quick to take that same credit after the numerous knuckle headed things I did growing up. I’m already excited for the coming holiday season when SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA will be out on DVD and streaming. We will have just finished filming Harsens Island Revenge and into editing. And so the storytelling cycle continues. Thank you to Karl Manke for trusting us with his story. His book HOPE FROM HEAVEN became BEST YEARS GONE. Read the book. Watch the film. Giddy up as Gil Gilles would say!

I’ll talk to you all next week. I hope you all take giant steps towards your endeavors.

Coffee Cheers!

February 5, 2023 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: 20's, accountability, appreciation, artists, BEST YEARS GONE, blog, Carl Weyant, CDI, Chasing the star, coffee, computer, crew, Deepfall, delusional, Detroit, drunk, DVD, evolution, For the Love of Catch, For the Love of catch:, Forty Nights, Free Advice, funding, gaffer, German, gift, glory, Harsens Island Revenge, Hollywood, Hope from heaven, Karl manke, Lost Heart, loyalty, MBF, merchandise, Michigan, musical, nap, NCG, negativity, Owosso, Pappy, positive, positivity, posters, promotional, Purple Gang, R2D2, respect, responsibility, Revolution, show, Silent Night in Algona, sincerity, Spirit Lake Massacre, spur, Star Wars, streaming, stunt, tell, The Christ Slayer, The Quest Trilogy, theatre, Time, trailers, Travis Hayward, warriors, Wild Faith, winter, WW1 | Leave a comment

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,

January 29, 2023 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: artists, bacon, bands, battle, biopic, blog, bookers, brainstorming, camp, CDI, Chasing the star, coffee, Collective Development Inc, compassion, crew, Curran Jacobs, director, DJ Perry, DP, dreaming, DVD, eggs, energy, fans, festivals, For the Love of Catch 2: Battlefields, Forty Nights, fun, Germany, Harsens Island Revenge, history, home video, ideas, IMDB, kindness, knights, know thyself, lazy, love, Michigan, movie magic, NCG, negativity, options, order, Owosso, paper, poison, poster, present, Purple Gang, review, script, soccer, social mediua, Spirit Lake Massacre, team, The Christ Slayer, The Quest Trilogy, The Red White and Blue Project, UK, understanding, vlog, vote, Wild Faith, willpower, WW1 | Leave a comment

NEW Theaters, Director’s Screening, NEW Development 2023

A beautiful light snow is falling in Michigan. I’m sipping on my hazelnut coffee and reflecting upon the past week. Again, a kind lady, a friends mother that I’ve known since I was 5, passed away. She was 94 and did many great things in her time with her family being her pride. Her son who was one of my oldest friends, passed away unexpectedly when I was out filming THE CHRIST SLAYER. It was nice to see so many people I’ve not seen in many years. It is sad that is often takes a tragedy or loss to bring some folks together. I was happy to hear all these beautiful comments about the films we’ve done. The lady who passed really loved Man’s Best Friend. Several talked about The Quest Trilogy (Our three part biblical adventure). Many wanted to know what the latest and greatest was- that is SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. Some saw it in our home town but the film was extended for two weeks and we were not told. We could have promoted the added two weeks more had we known. But the film did quite well, hence the extended screening.

My own family has not seen the WW2 drama which is marching all across the midwest as people request the film and bookers are reaching out. We’re heading into Nebraska and soon Minnesota – also in the director’s hometown of Owosso, Michigan we’ve secured a run with the NCG theatre. We are pushing to get it into N. Lansing at the NCG in February. Dates TBD. We’ll be starting the Owosso, NCG run on Feb 4th (Sat) with screenings at 4:00 and 7:00 and the film will play until Feb 9th playing at 4:00 and we’re trying to get a second show during the week for those who work. The photo banner will be up on the 4th and our director Anthony Hornus will be welcoming folks to both shows. After the 7pm show we’re going to go to Romas next door to meet and greet with guests. I’m giving the advanced notice here and on Monday we’ll start releasing PR about the showing.

It doesn’t matter what state you are in – contact the managers and request their bookers bring it in. We’re having classrooms of kids, retirement home trips and church groups, all going to the film. Many are seeing the film more than once and we’re getting lots of requests for DVD and streaming which will be 4th quarter of the year after we’ve marched around the country doing screenings. We are trying to get it to a major military base theatre in Germany and are looking at select festivals to play.

BEST YEARS GONE – This is our previous comedy drama and we’re looking at some comedy fest and also a few cool marketing ideas. I still want to look at sponsoring a race – The Gilles Cup:) If you haven’t had a chance to watch this film, please do. I think you will laugh and find some sweet moments in the film.

DEVELOPMENT

Harsens Island Revenge – is in full on development and will go into pre-production next month for a post Labor Day shoot. Cast and Crew discussions will begin soon. Location scouting has already begun and another scout trip will be in order soon.

For the Love of Catch: Battlefields is the second collaboration in a series of doc films focused on the grappling arts. We’re in the budgeting stage and talking to potential donations as the project is produced through the Red, White & Blue Non-Profit with CDI supervising the production. If you or your company have interest in supporting this project via donations please reach out.

SHJ – The meeting for the in association film went really well. The biggest issue is schedule which needs to land after Harsens Island Revenge. This film is an action mystery thriller with a supernatural twist to it. I’ll have follow up meeting this week to iron out more details but things are looking very promising.

SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE – The first draft of the script is done and I had a select group looking it over for historical tweaks. It is not a biopic but historical fiction. If the script gets approved, I’ll fine tune the budget and we’ll look at the builds we need done this year before 2024 proposed shoot. The key is not too many cooks in the kitchen. CDI is excited to tell another Iowa-based story. I will be looking to see how many 1800’s cabins exist still in the Algona, Iowa area. Stay tune for more updates.

WRAP UP–

This week I will continue to feed our accountants the information they need to do end of year taxes. I have started working on personal taxes and will have that material pulled together very soon. I know that the CDI website is about to get a few updates to it. If you haven’t visited our website – http://www.cdiproductions.com

We are going to be discussing merchandise for the lead up to Christmas 2023 but SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA, posters could become available for sale in Feb if things go right. They might be for sale at the Owosso, MI afterglow. What CDI merchandise would you like to see?

Lastly, we’re moving towards a SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA, final film to deliver to the home video distributor. It’s now like a 4 piece puzzle that needs to be put together. On the big screen we were able to see a few polishes needed either to the color, VFX and subtitles, in a few places.

In addition to all this – I do have a few writing projects I’ll be returning to. One is a comedy and one a Sci-Fi piece, I do love writing. I’ve got many sponsors to touch base with to discuss the home video release of SNIA and also discuss them coming on board Harsens Island Revenge. I’m going to have some company later so I’ll be getting the wood stove roaring. I hope you all have a recharging weekend and prepare for a productive week ahead.

Coffee Cheers,

January 22, 2023 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: amazon, BEST YEARS GONE, blog, budget, CDI, Cedar Falls, Cedar Rapids 16, Center Theatre, Chasing the star, Christmas, church, Cinema West Theatre, Clarion theatre, coffee, College Square 12, crew, DVD, festivals, fire, For the Love of catch 2, Forty Nights, Gateway Theatre, Gladbrook Theatre, Google Play, Harsens Island Revenge, iTunes, kids, marketing, merchandise, Michigan, NCG, Owosso, Promenade 14, Red White & Blue Project, Rose Theatre, script, SHJ, Silent Night in Algona, Spirit Lake Massacre, streaming, supervise, Sycamore 12, The Christ Slayer, The Mills Theatre, Tubi, VUDU, West Point Theatre, Wild Faith, Windsor Theatre | Leave a comment

NEW ‘Silent Night In Algona” Screenings, Updates and Improving by Review

Good morning! I hope your 2023 is off to a great start. I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee while reflecting on the very full week I had. We have had a few peeks of sun but it has been bitter. The Christmas tree and decorations are down minus the few outdoor things, but they’re next. I’ve been making great progress getting all the end of year stuff around for the accounting firm.

These are the most updated list of theaters playing, SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. We have more theaters opening this week and a slew in Feb. thanks to all of you reaching out to your theatre houses, speaking with management and requesting our film. Bookers have been reaching out to our FB page and we’ve been processing those. Right now, we’ve got about 40 cities we’ve played and the number will increase. The new theatrical division of CDI is thriving and should provide a nice advance revenue flow. We are working hard to set up a special Owosso, MI screening in the coming weeks. It is the home town of our director, DP (Camera) and young male lead. I’ve got family that has been waiting to see it on the big screen. We are also trying to get it to the Detroit area, where we have many fans. We’re also preparing to pull the film together for the home video release/delivery prior to the run up on the 2023 holidays.

2) FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH – is now starting to appear on ad based video on demand, also subscription based video on demand. Meaning you can watch it free with ads or with certain subscriptions. TUBI is carrying it as is ENCOURAGE TV and more. WATCH HERE: https://youtu.be/GLjMjIxZuk0

3) Harsens Island Revenge – Next month we’ll be putting the foundation business in place on the project. We’ve started adding this into our weekly meetings. We will be preparing to start looking at actors and keys in the coming weeks. We are all very excited to tell this story right after Labor Day. We have started our search for certain period needed props and vehicles required to make this film soar.

4) Spirit Lake Massacre – The first draft of the script is complete and it is being reviewed by a few historic sources. If the script gets final approved we’ll put the agreement together and start into serious development including some possible builds in 2023 prepping for a 2024 shoot.

5) SHJ-Development Talks – will take place today! The film is to discuss a project that would be an associated film. I’ve said before that the film is a supernatural thriller/mystery. Today, we’ll discuss just how that collaboration would work and discuss timelines and more.

6) FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH 2 – A new documentary direction has been set and we will meet Monday to discuss this project more in depth. It will be done again with the Red, White & Blue Project Inc. non-profit. Fans of the first film will really enjoy as we go more in depth on various topics covered in the first film.

THE CDI TRIBE– I like to say that it is easy to be happy with team performance when things are going really well. But it is how your team handles issues or crisis. At CDI we pay people to solve issues and handle crisis quickly and quietly. Read those lines a few times. In all walks of life/business you have “loud workers,” who work loudly, and often in a distracting manner. Why is that person scowling? Talking loud on a phone. Many think that this behavior demonstrates, look how hard I am working. What it really says to the people who evaluate and hire, might be a totally different thing.

We had a great producer/director debrief on the entire SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA, shoot. We look at what can be improved without casting blame. As the supervising producer I take accountability, so now let’s just look at how we can run even more effectively going forward. People. Pressure. We all occasionally colored outside the lines, I had one apology I made on this film, for communicating something poorly. Most issues can stem from communications issues. If you can improve on those issues, everything improves.

I’ve been made aware on a few occasions, because of the “work quietly” policy, that many don’t see the real work we do. It often starts a year or two in advance. We as a team make it look easy, when it truly, is not. CDI, has a very good team and it shows because the proof is in the pudding. But lots of prep and hard work go into trying to provide a smooth production. Many crews don’t even realize the work unless they themselves have tried to do even a short film. 97% right and 3% off and some want to focus on the off. We do, to improve and correct. But, some point out the obvious. If you know of an issue, we usually know. Although, I can only think of one situation whereas the truth on a damaged grip van came to light a few years after. I wish someone would have spoken up sooner on that one. Thing sayings come to mind, Karma is real. You can’t squeeze blood from a stone. And, it’s fear that makes us lose our conscience- it’s also what transforms us into cowards.

This takes my mind to key crew members- soon we’ll be in discussions about various keys to approach. Directors have some input in crew with producer approval. Producers place certain crew because they have become pillars of success. People who really know me, know I like to develop people but they have to want it. Growth. It has been said, I work people hard. I work hard. That is how I got where I am starting from ground ZERO. I’ve dedicated my life to being a storyteller, and I expect dedication to the project while we are working on it. If you don’t work hard you will not be able to keep up with this team. But once the final project is seen, most are happy to have pushed themselves. CDI does historic pieces and so many of our artists need to be on top of their research. That is like an actor, who preps first by immersing themselves in the time period. How did they dress, slang, haircuts…At CDI on both sides of the camera are great artists. I feel as though we focus that energy and collectively create something greater than ourselves as individuals. That is pretty amazing.

One film is fresh out of the gates, playing more and more theaters and we’re starting to plan to produce even more. We have a great library of films to explore by this creative troupe of artists. I’ve gotten a good amount of fan mail over the films. Yes. Paul Landings is still in serving time. Ben Lily is still lost in the woods. Niles Cass is still hunting Bigfoot with Chip. But seriously, I do so appreciate and love how the millions around the world have embraced our little stories. We cannot give enough heartfelt thanks. I’m going to go let the chickens out and start to get ready for my noon meeting. I hope you all have a refreshing and recharging Sunday allowing you to get after the new week.

Coffee Cheers!

January 15, 2023 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: Ben Lily, blog, camera, CDI, Cedar Rapids 16, Center Theatre, Chasing the star, Christmas, Cinema West, Clarion theatre, coffee, Collective Development Inc, College Square 12, communication, cowards, crew, crews, directors, DJ Perry, Encourage TV, EncourageTV, For the Love of Catch, For the Love of catch 2, Fort 8, Forty Nights, Fridley theatres, growth, Harsens Island Revenge, historic, Iowa, Jesus, karma, Michigan, NCG, Niles Cass, Owosso, Paul Landings, producers, Promenade 12, Rialto theatre, SHJ, Silent Night in Algona, Spirit Lake Massacre, Sycamore 12, The Boone Theatre, The Christ Slayer, The Mills Theatre, The Quest Trilogy, The Red, The Red White and Blue Project, Tubi, Wild Faith, Windsor Theatre, workers | Leave a comment

The Secret of ‘Fire’ ‘Music’ and ‘Know Thyself’ – plus a few film updates…

Good morning my friends. I’m sitting by our new electric fireplace near my chair. Our old one died during the holidays so a new one has replaced it. I’ve got my steaming cup of hazelnut coffee with me as I ponder the past week. I want to thank all the new readers from around the world for stopping by to take a read. I hope there is a few nuggets of wisdom you can pull upon. I had so many good calls this week and 2023 business is underway. I have new goals and already I’m knocking some of them down. I’m sure this year will come with wins and losses as that is the way of life. I’ve reminded a few people, to stop. Turn around. Look at how far you’ve come. Be happy with what you have done, not just fixate on what you have not done.

This week I’ll be gathering up end of year tax stuff to generate any 1099’s for the films. We also do K1’s for all the investors. I was able to get all the check dispersement written and sent out. I only had to resend two as addresses had changed. I’ll also get things around for our company and myself. These are the needed but unsexy parts of the film business. It is so much more than playing with the camera. There is a massive amount of work that goes into each and every film. This is the biz side of show biz.

I’ve been told recently, and not the first time – that I work people hard. I ask artists to dig deep and to put their very best forward. I’ve dedicated my entire life to telling stories, and while we have much fun, we also work very hard. But when the artists finally see the final product, 9 of 10 times, that creative endeavor is one of the best, if not the best, endeavor that artist was involved with that year. They take family and friends to watch the stories and they’re proud to have been part of the stories telling. I’ve got family who have not yet seen our recent film. Our holidays were disrupted by a loss in the family. In my hometown they played the film for several weeks but I still did not get out to see it. But many did! We’re working to set up a special SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA, screening in Owosso, MI with NCG. For our Detroit area friends, we’re working to set up screenings there also. Our new theatrical division at CDI Distribution has been launched!

Let’s looks at some of the updates from last week-

SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA– We had several new theaters open. We had a projection bump at a new theatre screening in Iowa, after they moved the film from the test theatre. Much like home systems, many theatrical houses have different set ups, some older and some newer. They rarely update everything at once likely due to cost. But, I know at the one location it was worked out and the film is playing. People are requesting to managers who contact bookers-who contact us. The film is in 20 theaters and we have another 13 going up. And many more still approaching us from different states. Keep it up, you people are making the film travel. I expect the film to travel theatrically into March or April. We are also exploring a few select film festivals and we want to screen in Germany. Many good plans in action. We are working on a few special marketing deals while moving towards the home video window.
MERCHANDISE– We’ve done some test marketing of some merchandise but we’re starting to really look at a stronger launch of this division at CDI. I can also say that a MUSIC DIVISION, is developing. That will allow audiences access to the amazing soundtrack scores created by Dennis Therrian. These two areas are on CDI’s 2023 developmental goal list. Do you all have a favorite music score? I would love to actually do some runs of LP records. Any participating record pressing companies? Please reach out. RECORD LABEL? Not there yet:)
MOVING FORWARD- Harsens Island Revenge – This film exits development and will enter pre-production next month. What does that mean- that means that the film foundation (legal paperwork) will all be executed and the project funded. At that time we’ll be announcing our director and some of the attached cast. The script having undergone several sessions of writer/director polishing, it’s ready to be broken down. I love this stage because you go over every line of action, description, dialog and discuss. In this case I got to perform several scenes with our director, to get the flow ands feel. Most of the tweaks were minor but took strong scenes and made them even more powerful. It is a very cool story and what a time period to play in. Primary casting and crewing discussions will start in the coming weeks. Our producers already did a location scout trip and another one will be planned. We just created 1944 and now we’ll enter the 1920’s, artists are you ready? Next week, we’ll look to set hard shoot dates after Labor Day 2023. Get ready for some new teaser art as well!
Pen has not yet found ink, but I’m deep into talks on a CDI associated film to be shot late 2023 and early 2024. To recap what a CDI associated film is- it’s a film whereas someone else is bringing the capital $ to the table but want the experience of CDI behind it. As a producer, I remove the ‘supervising’ role and become more or less, a consultant. CDI will bring other assets to help but the main responsibility is on other shoulders. I’ve been asked to co-star in the supernatural action-thriller, and I’m feeling it. I hope to be able to call the film by name and run some PR about the new arrangement, in the near future. It is always best to work out all these details in advance so there is no issues later. This is a KEY to success. Have the hard conversations now and get everything in writing some it’s there. I still have 4-5 films out there in the film post abyss, they might finish one day. I sincerely hope they do. NUGGET: If possible, you actors, pick production teams with a track record of finishing.
SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE – This week the script will go out to some historians and some friends in the Native American community. I think, I have written a powerful and balanced script, with lessons about loss, revenge, understanding, love and unity. It is not sugarcoated in any way and contains a few scenes that left me shaken after writing them. I had to go immerse myself in some nature and beauty, away from the truth of our shared history. I will be putting the script forth after this round of notes, and we’ll be putting together the Phase 2 plan. Phase 2 will be the development work in Iowa to prep for a 2024 shoot. I’ll also be having some teaser art put together. This will be a great return to the 1800’s storytelling for CDI.
I want to thank and encourage all of you to keep exploring and watching the CDI library. I’ve had fans reach out and thank us for The Quest Trilogy, MBF, Best Years Gone, Lost Heart, Wild Faith – you can even watch many free on TUBI or Encourage TV. I actually enjoyed The Quest Trilogy, playing while I was doing work. Again, even when not watching I love the music. But the amazing scenery (Yuma, AZ) and the story often gets me distracted for a few moments. More so, when I see friends on screen who are no longer with us. TRIVIA: Who was the voice of ‘God’ in FORTY NIGHTS? You can leave your answer in the comments.
Speaking of the CDI library, we will be looking to set up several of the old films, in HD at BMG. I had to look up dates for GHOST TOWN, which will be one of the new set up preps. Also AN ORDINARY KILLER, FIGURE IN THE FOREST and KNIGHT CHILLS are all being worked on.
Animated Division of CDI is in the works. CDI did an “in association” feature THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ, which is being re-rendered and conformed for a release through BMG. But, we’ve got a few shorts and features in development. I’ve always loved cartoons and such, so getting involved in that direction feels natural.
We’ve got some good interest in creating video games off some of our films. You might know KNIGHT CHILLS, Dice Don’t Lie, video game has been in development. Once the final render is done of Sir Kallio, we might start some 3D printing.
This week I also plan to meet over the next FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH, doc. I’ve already started to talk with a few folks and if all goes well the team will shoot it this Spring/Summer. I think we’ve got a great overall summary of the history in the first film but now we can go into segments and define parts of it even further. Wrestling, grappling fan or not, this film will entertain you and educate you in the rich history.

The holidays were unconventional with the death in the family but the spirit of the season kept on. Aside from the loss, the beautiful snowstorm and the slowing of our day to day for a few days of family and reflection, really helped to recharge my batteries. The finishing of projects and the beginning of new. Again the seasons of our lives as creative artists. And while, sometimes the stories pull me away from my comforts for a time, the stories we tell are timeless.

It is also a time where we artists re-unite. CDI has been a home for some and a stepping stone for others. I like to think we instilled some good qualities into the folks who’ve moved away and into their own respective fields, sometimes in the arts and sometimes not. I tell people, CDI is like any other endeavor, you will get out of it what you put into it. For many, it means being a part of something great that nobody can take away from you. To do that takes hard work. Very hard work. And I only like to work with people who care about what they put their name on. Craftsmanship. Whiskey. Cars. Films. Life is too short to not care about what you work on. The Quakers (Look them up) made amazing furniture and wood crafts because they believe they’re honoring God by their own hands with their craft. I think that is a good mind set and the results are something infused with- love.

FIRE– I’m going to get after a few things today including getting some firewood around for the office stove. I do want to try some lump coal like my buddy uses in his stove. Longer burning and more heat. I’m also on a mission to organize even better this year. I will be putting everything to digital for back ups. I keep being asked about a podcast ‘Around the Fire’ at the fort. I am thinking about it. But I like the fort being a place of low tech and around personal synergy. Knights of the Round Table. Vikings in the Lodge. Monks in the temple. Development at CDI is not just projects, it is people. But people have to want positive change. Self defeating, self associated talk will draw all the negative to you and lower your own personal power. Birds of a feather, flock together. Misery enjoys company. Also believe to achieve. Positive perspective. Creative visualization. The mind is a powerful thing that can assist or hinder. That is why the KNOW THYSELF, rings so powerful. In the new year if you are struggling, fight to take control of the self. Start with your words. What are they? Sounds. Vowels. Symbols. But powerfully attached to our innermost self. MUSIC is a wonderful tool that can lead the mind in the places you want to go. I said, GO – not where you are. If depressed, there are many songs that will not help. But, certain songs help lead our mind. To use a modern term, learn your own triggers and trigger yourself in a positive direction. And DON’T trigger yourself by playing music or putting yourself in a situation, you know, you won’t react well too. Depressed. Don’t play depressing music. Steel drums and island music often puts a big ole smile on my face. Just something that I like to use as a tool. Music puts the mind in a different state and allows you to tune oneself. I use guitar playing the same way. If I’m feeling ‘out of tune’ a few strums can put me not just back in tune but vibrant. I’ve had many great business calls right on the heels of a guitar/energy tune up. FIRE. KNOW THYSELF. MUSIC. Three very primitive and useful tools one can use. I’m not sure if any of this will help anyone, but if it helps one person.

Until next week, coffee cheers!

January 8, 2023 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: 1099, action, An Ordinary Killer, animated, artists, associated, BEST YEARS GONE, blog, camera, cars, CDI, cdi distribution, Chasing the star, coffee, crew, Detroit, distribution, dogs, festivals, Figure in the Forest, films, fire, For the Love of Catch, Forty Night, Forty Nights, Germany, ghost town, guitar, Harsens Island Revenge, holidays, island, K1, knight chills, knights, know thyself, Labor day, locations, Lost Heart, maps, MBF, merchandise, Michigan, monks, music, Native American, NCG, nuggets, Owosso, Quakers, Randy Couture, records, scouting, showbiz, Silent Night in Algona, snow, Spirit Lake Massacre, stove, supernatural, tax, The Christ Slayer, The Patchwork Girl of OZ, The Quest Trilogy, thriller, video game, Vikings, whiskey, Wild Faith, wisdom | Leave a comment

SURPRISE Early Post- End of Year Wrap Up (Thank you!)

I’m sipping my hazelnut coffee on a VERY snowy Michigan day. Negative degrees outside and blowing winds. But we will most definitely have a white Christmas. When we all left off, I had the premiere of SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA, in Iowa. It has performed beyond expectations with several extensions (Algona until the 29th) and expansions into other theaters. (Follow our FB page) I did not attend the Michigan kick off at Celebration Cinema, as I was attending a funeral and memorial up North. My week stayed very busy with trying to deal with family things. Working with our team on prepping materials for the upcoming releases. It looks like we were able to get the film to a downloadable link for theatre owners. I was reporting and prepping for end-of-year check dispersement on the movies, which will happen next week. Lastly, was trying to get the Christmas stuff around. So, this Christmas is a bit chaotic with the death in our family, the blizzard and our film’s window of release.

Once we have this delivery of the film process set up, we’ll turn to looking at film festivals and a German screening. There is even talk of showing at one of the US military bases in Germany. This film will have an exciting journey ahead of it. The film has definitely gotten the positive response from the people I care about most with this story. I had an opportunity to speak with several elderly people and they gave high marks on the re-creation of the time. The regional people were so proud of this story and it is resonating with people everywhere. The film has already generated some heartfelt fan mail that is just humbling to read. That is the power of storytelling. Thousands have seen the film and many have seen it multiple times, taking friends and family. In Michigan, we’ll be looking at doing a special Owosso, MI screening and also a run around Detroit, MI in the new year.

Our battle plan with SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA (SNIA), will continue through 2023. I’ve been re-reading a supernatural thriller for a possible CDI associated film. Also in 2023, we’ll get the foundation put in on our next CDI feature film, Harsens Island Revenge. We have already started scouting and we’ll be announcing our director early in 2023, as we enter the casting phase. So again, update those reels. I was able to take a few good meetings while attending the SNIA premiere. I’ve finished the first draft on the SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE, and some development actions will be underway in 2023. If all goes as planned we could be rolling cameras in 2024.

REFLECTIONS AND GOALS –

Every year, I do deep reflection on the past year. Success, failures, trials and tribulations, all equaling growth. This year has had great harvest being the biggest release year I’ve had since 2005. We saw BESTSELLER, BEST YEARS GONE, SMOKE & MIRRORS, FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH and SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA release. Has anyone reading here, seen all five releases?

I set business and personal goals. I set goals on home fixes or improvements. I set goals as an actor, writer and producer. I set goals for/with Collective Development Inc. (www.cdiproductions.com) – new projects. New divisions. New endeavors. New collaborations.

This year saw a few music videos release under CDI’s production. As someone who was there when MTV started, I loved working in that medium.

OFF TO THE RACES from the movie ‘Best Years Gone‘ by Vertical Bridge

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=393380005705951

LOVE these guys. From our state of Michigan! And these gents are also from MI and really, really kick ASS.

REVOLUTION by the band DeepFall

This year full of releases and we did produce and prep several projects. HOT ROD LOVE, the CDI racing comedy set in the 1970’s went back on the shelf this fall. We had some funding. We had some sponsors. We had some participation from track owners. SOME, doesn’t cut it in filmmaking. It is truly one of the funniest ensemble comedy scripts sitting at CDI, with Caddyshack being the tone inspiration. Everything in its own time. I had to finally let go of a look I was developing for my character in that film. I am setting my “acting/producing” sights firmly on 1926 with WW1 veterans going head to head with the Purple Gang mafia.

This past year, I did turn down two different acting roles. I usually do so for one of three reasons. One. Not connecting with the role. Two. Not connecting with the story/script as a whole. Three. I cannot give the project the due attention I put into all my roles. I don’t phone anything in. I take each and every role very serious. That is why once business is out of the way, you get 100% effort, no less. $200 or $200,000 will get you the same performance. With acting performances, audiences got to meet Mark Franklin, Gil Gilles, Mr. Hosworth and Col Lodell. Vastly, different gents. have you met any of them?

The last gent was an honor and a very complex character to play. Let’s talk, Col Lodell. First the name of several characters based on actual camp assigned people, were altered. The events are true cut the characterizations are just that, not meant to be a biopic. That said, the camp commander that I portrayed, took his internal motivation from his faith in ‘The Golden Rule’. To treat others (Captured Germans) as you would want your PW boys treated. The filming was cold and rugged and that plays on everyones face in the film. A grit that cannot be manufactured on a stage or with a LED wall. We’ve been experimenting and will use LED walls in future VFX but there is something about a wild wind in your face, eyes near watering, and experience something closer to what these actual men did. We get to hear CUT and go back home. Every perspective has a story and they all dance closer and closer to a true event that helps to restore a touch of the humanity we all seem to have lost. Unity. Love. Even with a world at war. The fallout. The anguish, shame and soul crushing heartache.

My backstory was after serving in combat in WW1, Lodell, is pulled from academia, back into action as a camp commander. Seeking out Nazi-rot that grows inside the camps threatening lives and a PR nightmare should an escape happen. A majority of the PWs are farmers taken in desperation and forced to fight. Surrender came fast, not willing to fight to the death for Hitler’s war. Real threats. But like a needle in a haystack. The heaviness of supervisions production in many ways mirrored Lodell’s challenges. I channeled much of my real heaviness of responsibly to my performance and it works.

EVERY soldier just like the prisoners of war, missed their own bed, toilet, lazyboy, pet, family. I love a scene in SNIA where Col Lodell is just watching a Christmas scene of Santa and his nurse ‘elves’ giving children presents. He is the man with the most medals and he is as sad and homesick as the lowest prisoner. WAR hurts us all. I think that is why many SPORTS came about so that things could be handled more easily for both parties.

I’m happy that people are enjoying the film. Lodell, had to be the Col Potter of MASH. Leadership on screen or in real life takes many qualities to do it even semi successful. Lodell, has the secret to leadership but you’ll have to watch the film. I got to get more clean cut and play in the world of my dearly departed grandfathers. Burt Swope, in the Navy and Robert Emerson flying cargo in the Pacific, I believe in the Army. Air force was started in 1947. Anyway. This film captures everything that is nostalgic but also makes you feel as if you are living in it. Not some black and white flicker, cold and distant but in living color. If you can see SNIA on the big screen do. Otherwise, after running our theatricals into March or so, we plan to screen in Germany and a few film festivals. It will start DVD and home video around Nov 1st is my best guess. Meeting next year will tell. TRIVIA: On that scene above, my face got so cold I blew a take unable to fully pronounce my words. I asked for a moment, gave the face a rub down and a few good smacks before ACTION nailing it.

I think the performance will open a few new doors. I always tell actors, don’t get frustrated by people because they don’t see what you don’t show them. This is usually followed by, I don’t get a chance. The 14 year old filmmaker in my rolls his eyes. Almost everyones phone is a studio, where you can work a monologue a thousand times. Comedians and magicians work their craft over and over. If you get the slightest bit off when a camera comes close, you need to work on that. That camera should be that old friend, never glanced at- yet always embraced. Being natural leads to comfortable which leads to the environment to make interesting. In 2023, don’t get in your own way with doubts and ‘cannots’ and all that negativity. See dead ends, as paths of the maze mapped and now known. The true path becomes closer.

WRAP UP –

I truly do LOVE winter. I always have. It teaches you a healthy respect for nature. You admire the beauty of pines that thrives under the blankets of snow. Crackling fire, destroys the old leaving nurturing ashes to sprinkle for the spring plantings. Writings and new ideas like to seep into the pondering mind. A season of hardship and helping where you can. When everyone does a little the world is a better place. We here at TribeCDI are resting and rejuvenating with our loved ones. But rest assured the call of the storyteller rides these cold Michigan winds. Tomahawks and Tommy guns. Hot Rods and Painted Horses. I want to thank all our cast, crew, sponsors, supporters, families, friends and FANS. Tom T. Hall use to have a song, I wish I had a million friends – and I’ve complained about Facebook ‘Friends’ vs acquaintances – but with so many of the films being seem by tens of millions and I’ve been blessed to read your notes of encouragement and connection. I do feel like I have millions of friends, because you accepted our stories, our characters, into your homes. You’ve hunted Bigfoot with Niles Cass in Lost Heart. You felt for Paul Landings and his terrible loss in Man’s Best Friend. You’ve laughed with Ben Lily in Wild Faith. You’ve taken comfort during the holidays watching a relatable Jesus, in The Quest Trilogy (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star, The Christ Slayer) And I could go on- my point is thank you. Sincerely, from a childhood dreamer who started with my friends and a VHS camcorder, thank you.

Next up New Years Day! So Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy and Healthy New Year.

December 24, 2022 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: acting, Algona, bases, BEST YEARS GONE, Bestseller, Burt Swope, caddyshack, CDI, Celebration Cinema, Chasing the star, Christmas, coffee, Collective Development Inc, crew, Deepfall, Detroit, DJ Perry, DVD, film festivals, For the Love of Catch, Forty Nights, Germany, goals, golden rule, Harsens Island Revenge, Hot Rod Love, Iowa, Jesus, LED, MBF, Michigan, MTV, music video, Nazi, NCG, Off to the Races, Owosso, producing, reflections, Revolution, Robert Emerson, Silent Night in Algona, Smoke & Mirrors, Spirit Lake Massacre, sports, streaming, The Christ Slayer, The Quest Trilogy, Tom T Hall, US military, Verticle Bridge, Veterans, VFX, Wild Faith, writing, WW1, WW2 | Leave a comment

TEN Updates – Silent Night in Algona (trailer), Development Updates, Tips, Advance Notices-

Sipping the hazelnut coffee on this fine October morning. We have had a last spurt of warm and midweek it is suppose to go chilly again. Yesterday, I got my final mow on the yard. We harvested the last of the plants including a few more decorative gourds. I’ve been cutting and splitting wood for the winter ahead. Yesterday afternoon we got to have a nice outside fall gathering with my brother and his family. Pumpkin carving, apple crisp, cider and soccer plus add in a bit of leaf fun. I love this season!

Our development of the film projects continues on. Let’s look at a few of the updates from last week.

FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH – is a wonderful feature length doc that fills in the missing history of this grappling art. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. It was presented by the leading authorities in such an entertaining way. The DVD is open to pre-order now for a Nov 1st release and/or you can rent/buy it now. https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/amzn1.dv.gti.3bc38d35-d79e-49e9-82a6-e87ff63b4040?autoplay=0&ref_=atv_cf_strg_wb
BEST YEARS GONE is another release from this year. An award winning dramedy that will make you laugh, cry and ponder. You can buy/rent from here – https://www.amazon.com/Best-Years-Gone-Lana-Wood/dp/B09R4KDXGJ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2JUJIK4KVPU9K&keywords=best+years+gone&qid=1666530725&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjIzIiwicXNhIjoiMC45OSIsInFzcCI6IjEuMjUifQ%3D%3D&s=instant-video&sprefix=best+years+gone%2Cinstant-video%2C118&sr=1-1 – And…if you want to read an in-depth review, you can do so here – https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fronnielee.rocks%2Fbest-years-gone-movie-review-by-ronnie-lee%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1AL4lf8DCIxzPwRgU-0p4je7kNIFHj1KfKNw0avyDR25NjxRbbRkvawvM&h=AT0-ucPZlOsNalVICvt7_1cyBe5Gh38thIaNrYSscZu5PfJ70KPxjGT2vokU2piIUPgdERcaa3G2t1PFyH1CpyLmJpbn6c-l00Dv0qMxMNVs3vxrnDIUbiH4CmtNVUP-wVieTKcYrnFuQcaf1SQufAg&tn=H-R&c[0]=AT3LjCNz1EGR425orlMSHaN9h6RT070C39M9yk8LNKiwmb8xkHJ-aw1wuBh55Vu6UebSWPuIOzGWKGvAs1kKXmjL3gsizF9MOoNfAChhLVI9r8o5LkYvVlMzXhTf-aEQ_wsBEqsiKqbs1ySEMZXHpocAEHuNgyPWmrpbF0Xlme0Q-rNUmz6gfir3gikxLQqgJW3Llr1VjV90qkC9YRZs6moJ – We look forward to your reviews too!
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – This is the last project for us to finish and release this year. We’ve sent an email to our cast and crew asking any of the team planning to attend the Dec 9th Fridley Theatre premiere in Algona, Iowa to RSVP by Nov 1st. We’ve got a list going and every ticket will be gone. Once we get RSVP’s on cast and crew we will start looking at extras. For those not part of the Iowa premiere – it will play to the public that night and for two plus weeks pending demand. We will also be setting up a Michigan premiere in the hometown of our director Anthony Hornus. This will be at the NCG theatre in Owosso. We might play the week after the Iowa or jump to after Christmas if we get too close. I know Celebration Cinema will be bringing it to Lansing and Grand Rapids. We will be looking to play the Detroit area and would love to have a Hollywood run. The film is looking and sounding amazing thanks to the hard work of Dennis Therrian. The VFX and color grading is getting close to done. Mid November we’ll be pulling all the elements together into a final film. Some exciting news, I saw the rough cut of the new trailer on Friday. I am so proud of all are artists and cannot wait for people to see.
HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE – I’m so very excited that the #TribeCDI will be moving from one epic period piece to another. We have been preparing documents to assist in bringing onboard our product partners and sponsors. Our scouting trip was very successful last week. While a few days may be shot on the actual island we need interiors and such that we can control. We also need to not be dependent on a ferry or the few stores on a small island. So movie magic will be happening but it will all be shot in Michigan. We had some great meetings this last week and we’ll be making some exciting announcements soon. One of those exciting announcements just might be our director. I will be starting the writer/director script polish this week. Once I sign off it is up to the director and talent. We will be shooting in October of 2023! We are already hard at work.
SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE is in script development. I am happy to say that I’m about 1/3 of the way through the first draft. There is a lot of research with this project and that is something I’ve immensely enjoyed. It has been an intense journey and the drama of it all is brutal and enlightening. I’ve had several times that after writing for a few hours I had to go work my hands in the dirt for a while. I will have my first draft by Jan 1st and from there we will start to look at production development.
WILD FAITH just passed the 6 million mark on Encourage TV. This will can be found on countless platforms to enjoy. We have many fall themed films from SMOKE & MIRRORS, BESTSELLER, LOST HEART, BEST YEARS GONE and MBF: MAN’S BEST FRIEND. Enjoy them all with your family! Thank you for all the fan mail about these titles! Amazon Prime has most all of them.
I had a great call out of the blue about another film project. This call took me back almost to the very beginning. A project that was in development many moons ago has interest and a proposed budget. This film is in the horror-genre with a large dose of mystery/investigation at the heart. Discussions were on how things have changed in the 25-30 years production-wise. I gave my interest in moving these talks forward. It takes time to develop things so the earlier you can start the better. More on this project if it becomes active. By active, I mean funded:)
That is not the only project that was discussed in development this week. Following the release of FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH, our team is discussing both another doc feature and a feature film. In the wake of projects I always get a rush of pitches on scripts and projects. I tell my tribal folks to be ready for this rush. It can be a time killer 95% of the time. People are wanting badly in this industry and it can be truly maddening. Every outsider is a variable that can rock the boat. It is why we are so careful with how we build our projects and with whom. Life is too short to be wasting time. If you have a funded project we might look at it but we are at no lack of stories, scripts or endeavors. I can say with confidence that we’ll be doing more docs in the FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH series. Thank you to everyone who has supported the first one. It is really powerful and informative and I’m proud of it. Take a watch!
This week I’m going to be sending KNIGHT CHILLS materials off to the Blu-Ray folks and check on the up-rez and progress on the new Ghost Town trailer. Both should be available next year as HD and streaming. After those get underway we will be working on FIGURE IN THE FOREST and AN ORDINARY KILLER. Classics:)
PONDERING/TIPS/OPINION – This week was interesting due to various conversations. As we start the process of looking towards future projects, sometimes as far ahead as two or three projects, we examine ENERGY. Positive energy manifests in how people are in their day-to-day. There are people who are just always a joy to be around. They make a journey enjoyable. They are CAN DO people not CANNOT do people. They look at the glass half FULL versus half EMPTY. They work hard and EARN the opportunities, by giving their BEST EFFORT. I laugh to myself when I hear some people think they’ve paid enough dues and they are deserving of….it would be like a martial artist telling the sensei when they feel ready to test for a belt. These positive people don’t seek short cuts or to get ahead by stepping on others. That is a VERY common thing is the outside world for sure. While common there, it doesn’t thrive here at CDI. Some people are just not cut out for long form media like movies. They do better with smaller, simple short format endeavors. Or they cannot positively interact with people for that many weeks. I heard someone else make a statement that they will deal with whatever for the sake of using some artists, even if they are negative and a pain. They can have them! I will take a positive, good person with talent and develop that versus drag some negative person along. It is about the journey and not just the art. Ideally you want both but the journey will be long remembered. So work with good people you like. Develop the people who respect and have gratitude for the opportunity. We have big things ahead and so we want to develop our team even stronger. Lots of things happening behind the scenes. Just be that person that producers want to have on board.

I want thank everyone again for stopping by. Subscribe here and perhaps our website http://www.cdiproductions.com and our CDI Youtube channel. I love that you all come from various places around the globe. I’m going to finish up here and do a few more things around the yard and get ready for a busy week ahead. I hope you take all these updates as an inspiration of what a group of artists can achieve when they work together in a positive manner. Have a great week and be good to one another!

Coffee Cheers!

October 23, 2022 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: An Ordinary Killer, apple, artists, BEST YEARS GONE, Bestseller, blog, boat, brother, CDI, Celebration Cinema, Chasing the star, coffee, crew, Dan Gable, Dan Severn, Dennis Therrian, Detroit, develop, DVD, earn, Encourage TV, energy, Figure in the Forest, For the Love of Catch, For there Love of catch, Forty Nights, Fridley Theatre, funding, ghost town, gourds, Halloween, Harsens Island Revenge, hazelnut, Hollywood, horror, Josh Barnett, knight chills, leaf, Lost Heart, MBF: Man's Best Friend, Michigan, NCG, October, positive, projects, pumpkins, Randy Couture, review, Ronnie Lee, Smoke & Mirrors, soccer, Spirit Lake Massacre, streaming, The Christ Slayer, The Quest Trilogy, VFX, Wild Faith, yard, Youtube | Leave a comment

Milestones, New Releases and Forthcoming Films

Good Monday morning! Coffee cheers. I’m sitting here by the fire taking this moment to catch you all up on the events of last week. This is coming a day late because we were traveling this past weekend location scouting on HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE. Read all about it here-

https://www.prlog.org/12936486-harsens-island-revenge-begins-pre-production-at-collective-development.html

It is always about finding the right locations and also being able to house a small army. We found many cool locations that will work really well. Now, it is about trying to make the logistics work. We’ve also been looking at various people to creatively lead this endeavor. I think we might be close to a decision on that front. So many various factors, but luckily we have a good amount of prep time to really make this project the best it can be.

Let’s look at some of the other great updates from last week.

FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH is now out on Amazon Prime streaming and pre-orders for the DVD. I will note here that it will likely only be available in the US/Canada until foreign licensing deals are completed. Here is the STREAMING link: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Catch-Curran-Jacobs/dp/B0B66675TF/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2AEIBFJZ378AE&keywords=for+the+love+of+catch&qid=1666013447&s=movies-tv&sprefix=%2Cdvd%2C257&sr=1-1
FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH dvd pre-order (releases 11/01/2022) order here: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Catch-DVD-Curran-Jacobs/dp/B0BH96VCDX/ref=sr_1_1?crid=27FM530ET1NRL&keywords=for+the+love+of+catch+DVD&qid=1666013557&s=movies-tv&sprefix=for+the+love+of+catch+dvd%2Cmovies-tv%2C81&sr=1-1

3) SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – We have one last big release this year. This week we’ll be working on setting up the MI premiere showing (targeting Dec 17th timeframe) likely at the NCG Theatre in our director Anthony Hornus home town. But before that we’re looking at the Iowa premiere. We’ll be sending out a communication to see if any of the out of state cast or crew plan to travel in to Iowa. Most will likely wait for the MI premiere. But for the Iowa folks we are soon to announce the initial Iowa premiere with a theatrical run that will follow. The first draft of the German translation came in. The credit lists are being put together. There is always that person with bad handwriting or a sincere mistake whereas a name is forgotten or misspelled. We try to NOT have this happen but usually we have a couple every film because of so many people. The new theatrical trailer is also being worked upon. I’ll be checking on that progress along with music and sound. I’m so excited to show the world this film. It will play theaters into 2023 and it will roll out to home video later in 2023.

4) WILD FAITH: Hastings still might find the right partners for season one. The film WILD FAITH reached a milestone on Encourage TV passing 6 million views. With 20 million plus overall views in 2020, I’m curious what our overall is. We’ve also added NBC/Peacock to our distribution partners. I’ve got reports of it playing on TV in several places. Thank you to all the fans who have made this film a favorite. WATCH IT HERE: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B07QBJ6VPX/ref=atv_dp_cnc_1_1

5) My writing on SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE, has been going great. I’m about a third of the way through my first draft. I’m really loving how its all coming together. It is going to be a powerful story to bring to the screen for sure. I’m looking forward to getting many more scenes written this week.

6) Even more nice notes on SMOKE & MIRRORS, a short concept film we released for free to our fans at CDI. Take a watch, perfect for the season. WATCH HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qcobe1eng0&feature=emb_logo

7) Speaking of great films for the fall season here is another, BESTSELLER (Rated R for language ands intensity) WATCH HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Bestseller-Melissa-Anschutz/dp/B09YH7X3RY/ref=sr_1_7?crid=37AI5S5XFR8XI&keywords=Bestseller&qid=1666015806&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIxLjAzIiwicXNhIjoiMC44MyIsInFzcCI6IjEuNjUifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=bestselle%2Caps%2C178&sr=8-7

8) If scary isn’t your bag but you still love the fall films we have several more. BEST YEARS GONE was shot this time of year. I had some great fan mail on this movie over the weekend. Take a watch and see if you agree that it is one fun ride! WATCH HERE: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B09R4KDXGJ/ref=atv_dp_cnc_2_1

9) LOST HEART is a fall favorite with fans of the CDI films. It can also be found on some platforms as BIGFOOT, UFOS and JESUS. You can WATCH IT HERE: https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B08LNX9N2L/ref=atv_dp_cnc_0_0

10) MANS BEST FRIEND – This film with a focus on out veterans and dogs, continues to grow an amazing audience. I got to meet more fans recently of this powerful film. As it gets cold and you’re forced inside, check this film out. WATCH HERE: https://www.amazon.com/MBF-Mans-Friend-DJ-Perry/dp/B07XFZRYYS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2S3KB5EYUF2I1&keywords=mbf+mans+best+friend&qid=1666016440&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIwLjQ3IiwicXNhIjoiMC45MiIsInFzcCI6IjAuMDAifQ%3D%3D&s=instant-video&sprefix=MBF+%2Cinstant-video%2C99&sr=1-1

WRAP UP:

I’m excited to get at the week of work. I’ve almost unpacked from the scouting weekend. I’ve got a series of calls and emails and after I hope to get some good screenwriting in. The morning coffee is now done and I’m going to get on with the week. If you watch or have watched any of the TribeCDI films please do leave a review on http://www.imdb.com and/or the Amazon reviews. I just fueled up on venison steak and our eggs and now I’m ready. I hope you all have an amazing week and I’ll chat with you all again on Sunday.

Coffee Cheers!

October 17, 2022 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: Amazon Prime, Anthony Hornus, Best Years, Bestseller, blog, CDI, Chasing the star, coffee, crew, Curran Jacobs, dogs, DVD, Encourage TV, For the Love of Catch, For there Love of catch, Forty Nights, Harsens, Harsens Island Revenge, location, Lost Heart, MBF: Man's Best Friend, MI, Michigan, NBC, NCG, Peacock, premiere, Purple Gang, scouting, Smoke & Mirrors, Spirit Lake Massacre, streaming, The Christ Slayer, The Quest Trilogy, tribecdi, Veterans, Wild Faith, Wild Faith: Hastings, WW1 | Leave a comment

Fall Welcome! Gifts, Premieres, Development Updates – the Art of Visualization

I’m sipping on the hazelnut coffee on this chilly Michigan morning. Thank you to all our international friends stopping by to join us. The journey of an artist is not always easy but it is fulfilling for the heart. I had many great meetings this past week. Things have been so busy I’ve been purposely trying to stagger some of the PR announcements.

SMOKE & MIRRORS – As a gift to our #TribeCDI loyal we’ve released our short film to kick off the fall season. If you like old creepy houses, seances and ghosts – this might be of interest. It is a free watch and will also allow you to subscribe and also watch some of the other CDI behind the scenes, teasers, trailers, interviews and other fun stuff. Read about it and watch free here – https://www.prlog.org/12933702-collective-development-inc-gifts-smoke-mirrors-to-open-the-fallhalloween-season.html?fbclid=IwAR1lkaiYFTtMYzztYdZcrSABPo7QSgy9OILLH3h1w5ihU1iDn2ctPJaGFCs

You can go to the http://www.imdb.com page for this film and leave us your thoughts. We will turn it into a feature one of these winters.

PREMIERE!

CDI’s 4th release of the year is upon us with our feature length documentary film, FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH. It is playing two shows one night only at the Owosso, NCG theatre at 6pm and 8:15pm with an afterglow at Romas restaurant next door, following the 6pm show. It will release to home video via Deskpop Entertainment on 10/4/2022 on Amazon Prime and several other streaming platforms.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=search&v=1406911949800241&external_log_id=ccc4df6b-382a-499d-aa1f-4c4a65e0ba10&q=for%20the%20love%20of%20catch%20world%20premiere

This is in director/host Curran Jacobs home town of Owosso, MI and we’ll be there to meet and greet. After I would advise adding this DVD to your collection. Also feel free to go to the http://www.imdb.com page and leave your thoughts.

SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – We’ve been working hard to set up the premiere and following theatrical runs starting in December. We are going to have the first showing in Algona and have been working to land the right place. The local theaters would be the best showing and we’re working on that avenue after the largest seating venue was shown to be lacking in the proper equipment to screen it. We want to have a nice night for those involved and after the general public will start getting their first look.

Music and sound design is fully engaged and this week will be checking on the German subtext and VFX progress. A theatrical trailer is being worked on and should be complete mid October in time to start playing some theaters and to screen at AFM in November. So many things to pull together and luckily we have great help and support from our friends in Iowa. COMING SOON!

HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE – This is the film that I delayed PR on but you’ll get your fill soon enough. We’re meeting weekly on this next film shooting in Fall 2023. We’re planning some scouting trips and we’ll be sitting down with various keys in the coming months. It is nice to have this extra time to plan and we’ll be using it. The roaring 20’s in Michigan is about to get the CDI treatment.

SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE – Included in the forthcoming PR is the announcement of my new script assignment. This story again focuses on a real event in 1800’s Iowa history. FADE IN – the script is underway and I’ll be completed by the years end. I’ll have a first draft before that but I like to really polish a story up. This is looking to film likely in 2023/2024 timeframe after the filming of Harsens mentioned above.

As the cold settles in, more film watching will happen. As the holiday season looms more CDI films will expand into new networks. The Quest Trilogy, MBF, Lost Heart, Wild Faith and now Bestseller, Best Years Gone…how many have you seen? A favorite? How many times have you watched it? Thank you for all the fan mail. Keep it coming. We love to hear from you, the audiences.

I can say with CDI taking a break from production to get all these films released proper – I am missing in front of the camera. Doing a few days or a week here or there might be fun but the role has to connect. I turned down a few roles this year. It is important that I connect with the character and I want the quality of the project to be there. So, my energy will be focused on finishing, pre-production, development and screenwriting. But it does have me thinking on agents and managers. I’ve had several over the years from the top agencies to the smaller boutique agency. Results and understanding you as an artists makes all the difference. We’ll see said the wise man.

I did have a good talk last week that could have me helping to produce a few new music videos. We had a few that we did this year (Vertical Bridge – Off to the Races & Deepfall – Revolution) check them out on Youtube! I still want to explore releasing LP albums on some of the soundtracks. I just bought another one yesterday at a sale – CASINO ROYALE (James Bond).

Visualization – I meditate and practice visualization of goals or guidance. One of the fun things I collect is HAI KARATE aftershave and such from the 70’s. It is what Gil Gilles splashes on his face before trying to get his Sylvia back in BEST YEARS GONE. Anyway, I’m at an estate sale where I like to seek props. I came up from a basement that was like a time capsule. I ‘felt’ something and was drawn to the back of the house. There in a bath was a brand new Hai Karate 3 piece gift pack! I need to visualize on something greater perhaps but what JOY I had. I love to visualize with fire, be it a candle or a fire in the stove. Tonight. There will be fire!

Another HUGE update was dear friend Dane who took a day and helped install a new bath floor, toilet and vanity with new sink and fixtures. We were about to do all this when Covid hit and we started to try our luck but…electricity and water are two things I don’t like to mess with. One day with a Shepherds Pie lunch and that bath got done. A foresee a little something extra special for Dane this year at Christmastime. Here is my public thanks to Dane. We all have skills and handyman is not my strongest.

Time Square PR of ‘Ghost Towns’ 1st release (#1 western rental for 7 weeks)

I’ve got some business underway in Yuma, AZ area as the first of the CDI library is being prepped for 2023 release. Ghost Town, is being digitally enhanced and we’re prepping for a very special release with Deskpop Entertainment in the near future. But we also had several conversations about some collaborative projects to shoot once again in AZ.

Knight Chills is the other film about to be digitally enhanced for a special Blu-ray release and a streaming release again with Desktop Entertainment. FIGURE IN THE FOREST and AN ORDINARY KILLER will be on the list to enhance and re-release to new audiences.

There you have it. Some of the weeks best updates. I’m excited by the week ahead. My alumni MSU made a poor showing yesterday in football. My hope is the LIONS can pull another win today. Some more great meetings this week including friend/co-star Taylor Nichols. Come Sat of next week I’ll be watching FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH on the big screen followed by a tall Killian’s Red. But for now, coffee cheers! I’m going to get a refill and get some things done on this wonderful Sunday.

Until next week, be good to one another.

September 25, 2022 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: AFM, agents, An Ordinary Killer, AZ, BEST YEARS GONE, Bestseller, blog, BluRay, candle, casino royale, CDI, Chasing the star, Christmas, coffee, Covid, crew, Curran Jacobs, Deepfall, Deskpop Entertainment, DVD, electric, fans, Figure in the Forest, fire, football, For the Love of Catch, Forty Nights, German, ghost town, Ghosts, Hai karate, Halloween, handyman, Harsens Island Revenge, IMDB, Iowa, James Bond, joy, Killians Red, knight chills, lions, Lost Heart, managers, MBF: Man's Best Friend, Michigan, MSU, music, music video, NCG, Off to the Races, Owosso, premiere, Revolution, Romas, scout, screenwriting, Shepherds Pie, Silent Night in Algona, Smoke & Mirrors, spirit, Spirit Lake Massacre, spooky, streaming, Taylor Nichols, The Christ Slayer, The Quest Trilogy, Vertical Bridge, visualize, water, Wild Faith, Yuma | Leave a comment

Premieres, Casting, Birthdays and More…

Good afternoon! I’m sitting here about to watch our Lions play football while filling all of you fine people in on the new develops. Last night we watched my alumni school Michigan State University fall short against Washington. Man, they had a hot quarterback who had his career best game. I hope todays outcome with the Lions is better.

FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH is having its premiere at the NCG Theaters in Owosso, MI on October 1st at 6pm ands 8:15pm with an afterglow that will likely be at Romas next door. This awesome project started with discussions around the table about the fighting arts and our director Curran Jacobs competitive runs both in MMA and twice capturing Catch-Can World Championships. What is Catch Can you say? That is why you need to watch and find out the common ancestry of many of the arts. You’ll learn about legends by legends of the grappling arts themselves. I’ll be attending with several of the CDI tribe to support the launch. If you want top see this on the big screen and meet the filmmakers, please do join us. Tickets will go on sale soon at the NCG Owosso. If you are unable to attend, the film will stream on Amazon Prime and likely Google Play, iTunes and more. CHECK IT OUT! Let us know your thoughts on our http://www.imdb.com page – See you there.

SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – Following the 4th release this year (For the Love of Catch) our WW2 Christmas film will premiere. The film is coming along great. We watched the second half of the film with the cleaned up dialog and the start of sound design. Music is going to start this week and that is one of my favorite parts of the process. The new theatrical trailer will start this week also. The premiere set up in Algona is coming together. They are limited in the area for places to show several hundred people at once. The one place that does seat a sizable number is lacking the right projection and audio equipment. The theatrical run will happen very soon after the Iowa premiere. We’ll be having a Michigan premiere also – we’ll focus on that once we get the Algona one finalized. It is all very exciting!

TOP TEN UPDATES

A PR release will be going out about the slate of historic films CDI is involved with. Silent Night in Algona isn’t our first period film by any means but it will start a string of productions taking place at different times in our history. HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE is up next for CDI in 2023 taking audiences to the roaring 20’s smack dab in the middle of the prohibition. We’ve already started breaking in down and we’re starting select talks in advance of meeting with our keys. We’ll be posting casting notices later this year. It is a very cool time period to bring to the screen. I enjoyed adapting this script from the book of the same name.
I’ve started writing on SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE, which tells of the true events surrounding on-going conflict between the Iowa pioneers and the local Native Americans. I love writing in the 1800’s and I’m approaching this project with great reverence like all my stories. Between now and Christmas I’ll be writing this powerful drama. I LOVE this time period and couldn’t think of a better fall/winter project.
SMOKE & MIRRORS, is our short concept film derived from the feature script. I think our plan is to put this up on CDI’s Youtube site for free as a thank you to all our fans. We’re looking at the autumn equinox Sept 22nd as a possible release date. It is so much fun and it shows how fun the feature can/will be. SPOOKY FUN
BESTSELLER and BEST YEARS GONE going to Roku and Tubi has already increased the fan response. DOUBLE FEATURE! Enjoy! And thank you for all the great comments.
I did a great interview with Bay Ragni last week talking all the films – please do take a watch/listen – https://youtu.be/GS7kg9Nf6fo
The season of THE QUEST TRILOGY (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer) lie just ahead. We’re soon to be celebrating one of the platforms Encourage TV racking up 2 million views.
We are starting to put things in order for a special release of Ghost Town next year with Desktop Entertainment. The film is being digitally enhanced and we’ve got some fun things planned for the new release. Filmed at the world famous Ghost Town in the Sky.
I need to circle back and see how progress is coming on the digital enhancement of KNIGHT CHILLS which will have a special Blu Ray and first streaming release in 2023. The video game is moving slowly but it’s moving. With all the 3D printers I need to see if I can do a 3D print of Sir Kallio from the video game.
I’m happy to report that on the home front I was able to harvest all the hops. We also just brought in all the squash although a few got taken by the squirrels. I trimmed up the apple trees and have started in on the mulberry trees. I also got after some logs with the axe and my hammer/blade set up. What’s that, you say? It’s a large iron ring that surrounds a wide blade. You but a log down inside the ring on the blade and hammer it down like THOR! Let’s just say, I got one hell of a workout. My hammer and axe skills are better because of it.
Last week we had a pair of birthdays we celebrated, Dennis Therrian and Melissa Anschutz who share a birthday. Fun note: Shane Hagedorn and Anthony Hornus share a birthday also. I had a few close childhood friends (Q, Big J) get a bit older. We are busy and that’s how we persist to push forward but we do take the time to enjoy the journey. Laughter is healing and health is wealth!

SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA in Post Production

I’m going to work in the yard some more once the Lions finish their game, which so far they’re ahead 15-0. Go LIONS! I’m going to re-organize, re-charge and re-focus so we can have another great week ahead. We have some great meetings this week and I’m looking forward to a few scouting trips. I also know a few folks out there going through some hard times. We all take turns dealing with the hardships of life. So try to have more patience in dealing with people in your day to day. If you’re not dealing with anything heavy at this time be grateful. Pay attention to driving NOT your phone. I’ve seen way too many people way distracted. It totaled a neighbors vehicle but luckily did not badly injure or kill him. Leave earlier or arrive late but no need to push it. It can have bad repercussions. Okay. Enough warnings and sounding old- get off my lawn! Talk with you all next week.

September 18, 2022 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: Algona, Alumni, apples, axe, Bay Ragni, BEST YEARS GONE, Bestseller, blog, Catch Can, CDI, Chasing the star, Christmas, coffee, crew, Curran Jacobs, Dan Gable, Dan Severn, Dennis Therrian, Deskpop Entertainment, dialog, Encourage TV, equinox, Forty Nights, garden, ghost town, Gokor Chivichyan, hammer, Harsens Island Revenge, health, hops, IMDB, Iowa, Josh Barnett, knight chills, laughter, lions, Melissa Anschutz, MI, Michigan, MMA, MSU, music, Native American, NCG, Owosso, PR, Q, quarterbacks, Randy Couture, Roku, Romas, Shane Hagedorn, Smoke & Mirrors, Spirit Lake Massacre, squash, squirrels, The Christ Slayer, The Quest Trilogy, thor, Tony Hornus, Tubi, video game, Washington, Wild Faith, WW2 | Leave a comment

Premieres, Post-Production Updates and More…

Good afternoon my friends. I’m back from a few errands this morning and sitting down to some reheated coffee from earlier. It has been an extremely busy time here at CDI and even my Friday had me on several hours of online meetings. But all extremely productive. Let’s start with this poster art above for our ‘FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH‘ release. It will start will a two show (6pm and 8pm) at the Owosso, NCG theater on Oct. 1st, 2022. The home video release with be on 10/4/2022 – here is more info from IMDB. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt12741924/releaseinfo?ref_=tttr_ql_dt_2

So if you practiced any martial art or enjoyed the MMA/Pro-Wrasslin’ this will be an informative and enjoyable watch. I know Amazon Prime will be releasing and we’ll let you all know as we know the other available platforms. I will be attending our premiere as many of the CDI tribe to support our own Curran Jacobs who directed. If you’re in Michigan you might want to attend – an afterglow will take place most likely at ROMAS next door but that’s not locked in yet.

Dennis Therrian “Tricky T” at work on ‘Silent Night in Algona’

SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – My last meeting of the week was with our Algona friends helping to pull together the Algona, Iowa premiere. We’ll also do one in Michigan before the theatrical run starts 1-2 weeks after the (Dec 10th targeted date) Iowa premiere. Our goals is to have it play chains across the midwest where all these camps were located.

A few days earlier we met at the studio in the pines and reviewed the first half of the film’s dialog clean up and talked design and music. It really sounds great and my favorite part of the process ‘music’ is on deck. We’ll return this week to review the second half and start looking at the sound design aspects. Meanwhile in Canada the VFX and model work is being finished. I cannot wait to see those scenes once the work is done.

NOTE: Hormel/Spam with vintage packaging

This film also represents a new level in product partnerships with brands like Hersheys, Hormel, Smithfield and Lerma Transportation involved. Our goal is to have them also assist in the theatrical marketing. For home video release I would love to see some ‘limited time’ vintage packaging released to the public. How about 5 cents Hersheys like in 1944? The new trailer is being worked on and it will be done in a few weeks.

BEST YEARS GONE – So yesterday kind of last moment I was offered some MSU football tickets and an invite to stop in as a guest at a get together for one of our investors. It is close by and so after the MSU game seemed well in hand, I stopped out. My history with these folks goes back to 1998 when we became famous at CDI for blowing up a car on their road in KNIGHT CHILLS. It was a barn party, but this was no ordinary barn, but a way tricked out venue for performance and drinks.

The entertainment was first class with guest musician Laith Al-Saadi from American Idol being featured. Also met a Red Wings legend Darren McCarty, very polite gent. I had some good talks that could manifest as sponsors or investors in the future, but overall just had a great time.

I had a few Moscow Mules followed by some coffee before I had to make the drive home which reminded me of ‘Icabod Crane’ in the Sleepy Hollow tale. In the dark woods on a full moon, trees bent tight across the road – twists and turns – hauntingly beautiful. Thank you John and Rhonda for a great time and yes, we’ll be discussing some special event screenings.

So the best part of the night was when I found myself sharing a stand up table with a fella Richard who was there from Detroit networking. I got explaining to Richard how I knew the party hosts and about our film endeavors. He asked about a few titles and I rattled off the two films that just went to TUBI, BESTSELLER and BEST YEARS GONE. He replied that he had seen BEST YEARS GONE and really liked it. I said, “no way” – but he insisted. Yup. Twins. Racecars. He said, google up the poster and I’ll tell you. So I pulled up our poster from IMDB. He said, “Yup, and that guys the lead,” pointing at Gil. YOU DON’T SAY:) I proceeded to say something to him as Gil, about light beer. He was surprised to find he was drinking with Gil Gilles. I don’t always get to meet my fans so this was a treat. So if you haven’t seen BESTSELLER or BEST YEARS GONE take a watch on TUBI and drop us a review on http://www.imdb.com

I’m enjoying taking the extra time this season to prep and attend a few more film events. We have several premieres ahead and are in ACTIVE development on HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE. We’ll be planning a few scouting trips in the weeks ahead. We are going to start sitting down with possible keys later in the year. I want to get a teaser poster underway as a pre-production battle flag. This is a great story from history and I had a chance to pitch it around to a very attentive audience last night. More meetings this week to lie the foundation down and discuss future creative directions with this story. We’re starting to look at vehicles that fit the pre-1927 timeframe. I’m extremely excited about this film that will shoot next year.

But it keeps getting better…

NEW SCRIPT WRITING PROJECT!

I’ll be doing PR soon on the new script writing project. Yes. The ink is dry. Green light – Phase 1 of the next collaboration out of Iowa, is set. The story will be an 1800’s tale that showcases a major event in Iowa history. I’ve been researching for months now and I’m ready to start weaving another powerful story.

MISC WRAP UP

I had another paragraph WRAP UP and I accidentally deleted it. Lets see if I can recall in no particular order. The hops harvested and squash is right behind it. I trimmed the apple trees and next up is the mulberry trees. I have a possible movie interview on Monday out of Nashville, TN. Tuesday is set to be the FADE IN…day where I start writing on the new script. Weds is our development and premiere meeting. Thursday out to review and tweak more audio on the second half of the film. Friday might be the start of the new bath install with a little help from a much more handy friend. Thank you for all the support and communications out there. It really means a lot to our artists.

Coffee Cheers, be productive this week.

September 11, 2022 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: 1800's, 1944, American Idol, apples, barns, bath, beer, BEST YEARS GONE, Bestseller, blog, CDI, Chasing the star, coffee, crew, Darren McCarty, Detroit, events, Faith Al-Saadi, Finn, For the Love of Catch, full moon, Gil Gilles, greenlight, Harsens Island Revenge, Hersheys, hops, Hormel, IMDB, ink, investors, Iowa, knight chills, Lerma Transportation, lions, Michigan, MMA, MSU, mulberries, music, Nashville, NCG, Owosso, posters, PR, Pro Wrestling, racecars, Red Wings, screenings, script, Silent Night in Algona, Smithfield, sound design, sponsors, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, Tubi, twins, Wild Faith, wine | Leave a comment

Hear Ye! Michigan Renaissance Adventure and Movie TOP TEN Updates!

Happy Labor Day! So for those that did not get my message Saturday night, I went out of town Sunday to the Michigan Renaissance Festival with family. I had said that I would blog today so I can reflect on the festival. IF you ever go to one you should get their early as you can. By early afternoon every vendor has lines and the town looks like zombie attack in ye ole’ village.

Some things have changed over the years like the DED BOB show no longer running due to the passing of the performer. But many things have stayed the same. I started my morning with my first ever ‘scotch egg’ which is a hardboiled egg wrapped in sausage. A cider slushy while walking about looking at all the people and art. It is so cool because so many people are engaging their imaginations. It reminds me of Halloween in that way.

I thought for a moment of doing some dressing up for ‘Viking weekend’ but instead went for comfort. I have lots of rugged boots but ye old Sketchers won the footwear contest. We watched a tightrope walker and a joust which was fun. The niece and nephew had never been and they enjoyed themselves. A few rides and activities added to their fun. Soon as we all became hungry for lunch, the lines became longer than Odin’s beard, so we opted to leave and go to Ye Ole Buffalo Wild Wings.

Last week was a busy and exciting week in the world of movies. Let’s do a TOP TEN for the week and see where that takes us.

Horror Film Lovers blog FIRST TIME WATCH FRIDAYS did us the joy of reviewing BESTSELLER, watch it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTnYvuI3gjI
BESTSELLER has also started arriving at TUBI and other AD based video of demand – https://tubitv.com/movies/685420/bestseller
Joining on TUBI is our recent release of BEST YEARS GONE – https://tubitv.com/movies/685418/best-years-gone?start=true
You can read the PR about the above releases at https://www.prlog.org/12931464-best-years-gone-races-to-tubi-as-bestseller-stalks-right-behind.html
This week we approved the billing block and art on FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH feature-length doc coming from Deskpop Entertainment. We’ll be releasing the artwork this week and we hope to officially announce a premiere date this week. We are waiting on an answer from the NCG in Owosso, MI. Once we get that approval we’ll do an overall PR release and start an event page. It will be available on streaming on Oct 4th and DVD 11/1/22.
We have been prepping elements for GHOST TOWN to get a new push to the marketplace next year. New pictures are being enhanced as is the movie file. A new trailer will be coming along with updated artwork. The film will go out with a new deal underway with Desktop Entertainment.
BMG Global is going to be launching FAST or Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV whereas watchers can watch films playing in rotation. Forty Nights, Lost Heart and Wild Faith have been chosen for their first line up of films. More as we get updates on this program.
Shane Hagedorn has started lining up SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA theatrical to run after our Iowa premiere. We’ll also be doing a Michigan premiere and the films will play several theaters. How many exactly is yet to be seen.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is progressing down the post production line. We’re suppose to see the color corrected version of the film any day now. VFX continues and we’re also putting a new theatrical trailer together that will show at AFM. The German translation is also being worked upon and if all these things come together we’ll soon have a finished film.
I’ve been researching my next script writing endeavor even while waiting on final paperwork. I’m anxious to do some PR on this exciting project once the ink is dry. But I will give way this one little hint- it takes place in the 1800’s a favorite time period of mine.

I think we’ll do some grilling and chilling today. I want to make time to watch the new ELVIS movie. Also the new RINGS OF POWER Tv series pilot is on my list. This week I’ve got an online interview set up on Thursday and I’ll promote that in a day or so. I’ll be talking all the new film releases and anything that comes up. I’ve almost harvested all the hops. I have some end of season tree trimming that needs to happen. Also the yard is about ready for a mow with all the rain. I’m excited for football season to continue. MSU won their first game and they look like they’ll have a good year. I’m going to go refill the ye ole coffee cup and get on with my day. Until next Sunday, be good to one another.

September 5, 2022 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: 1800's, AFM, artwork, BEST YEARS GONE, Bestseller, blog, CDI, coffee, crew, Deskpop Entertainment, Elvis, FAST, First Time Watch Fridays, footaball, For the Love of Catch, Forty Nights, German, ghost town, hops, Horror Film Lovers, interviews, joy, Lord of the Rings, Lost Heart, Michigan, MSU, NCG, Owosso, premiere, rain, Shane Hagedorn, Silent Night in Algona, theaters, trailer, Tubi, VFX, Wild Faith | Leave a comment

‘SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA,’ Trailer and Feature Updates, BEST YEARS GONE, BESTSELLER and more…Happy April and I’m NOT Fooling!

HELLO APRIL. I want to welcome all the new readers from Bulgaria, New Zealand, UK and Pakistan. I’m sipping on some hazelnut coffee. I wonder what the morning drink is for all of you out there? I know I LOVED the South Indian coffee in Otty, India when filming there. Magnifico- DING! Was the main Philippine coffee I drank over there. It is that morning juice that gets everything going. We are still acclimating the dogs together so we have alternating outdoor potty and feeding in the morning. We had a dust of snow here and there but Spring is trying to hit. I did get some yard clean up done this week including sinking a new post for the guide rope that spans across the bridge. I’ve been wanting to do a new patio and a privacy fence but the wood costs have me paused. I’m watching Premiere League soccer as I’m typing. I have my next indoor soccer match Tuesday as we prepare for outdoor soccer. I also think the Sunday flea markets start next week. I love seeking props and wardrobe. Yesterday I found a great 70’s leather vest that just might make it into HOT ROD LOVE.

HOT ROD LOVE! Have you heard of it? It is the next CDI project we’ve pulling together. It is a great 70’s story that examines several relationships. It has many things to say but does so in a few comedic way. During all these turbulent times of Covid, war and such CDI has managed to keep telling their stories. It is like the band on the Titanic or the lone cello player in the streets of war torn Ukraine. ART gives hopes and peace in a trying situation. Where so many things that are normal were interrupted by the chaos of Covid, we were blessed enough to be able to film BEST YEARS GONE, now preparing for a July 5th home video kick off. It was previously June but they pushed it by a month which was just fine. I want to really hit some fun PR over the post-July 4th event – chill and watch BEST YEARS GONE. DVD and digital purchase is first followed by TV/broadcast and digital rental in Sept.

Before that film hits we’re really enjoying the push that the dark thriller BESTSELLER is getting. It releases on DVD and digital purchase on May 31st and TV/Broadcast and digital rental in Sept. This film highly deserves the push it is now getting and I think audiences worldwide will really enjoy it. We are releasing new stills and updates weekly on our Facebook Page #BESTSELLERMOVIE

A few festivals are being explored whereas BIGFOOT, UFOS and JESUS might just attend. SMOKE & MIRRORS? Also BEST YEARS GONE is up for ‘Best Comedy’ at the BareBones International Film & Music Festival. Festivals, aside from the major 4-5 don’t do anything major for buyers/licensors but they are a good way for a creative team to take a few beats and enjoy the moment together. I always have something in motion so even when we get good news on one endeavor I often move right to helping an underperforming endeavor. I have to stop and appreciate the moments of victory. I feel that I have some of the best, most creative people working with me at CDI. I would not trade the experience nor the final product, proud of both. My point was that we’re starting to engage in a few more fest/events for the fun of gathering to celebrate the hard work. Why do my producers only want to go to Island festivals in the tropics? This Friday we’ll be going to my home town’s film festival. We usually go support the fest by attending their kick off mixer. I only see some friends like international DJ, John Beltran at this event. I’ve known John since middle school. Look him up. He’s got some great music.

I’ve had several people ask if BEST YEARS GONE was playing the fest, it is not. A handful of years ago we closed the festival with a sold out 600 watching ASHES OF EDEN, same director as BEST YEARS GONE, Shane Hagedorn. But they want filmmakers to host a Michigan premiere at the festival but we already did in Owosso plus had theatrical play with NCG and Celebration Cinemas, so they disqualified us for. Honestly, I love for people to see the films, but it’s a heck of a lot easier when you aren’t concerned with a screening. My hardest decisions for that event will be what to sip wine or beer?

FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH – This amazing doc on the history of grappling has been signed to Deskpop Entertainment for a worldwide release. We’re now prepping to start moving materials over to them. We’re hard at work on our premiere that we want to do in Las Vegas. We are making some progress and we’ll have more to report on that very soon.

SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – So this exciting film should have a first cut coming over this week. Also we’re finalizing the first teaser trailer. It should go to music (Dennis Therrian) mid to end of the week. We’re all excited to see it come to life. I did get to see a few rough assembled scenes and it left me with a wide smile. I’m so proud of our artists. Like I said earlier, times have been trying and we managed to film this movie in Nov of last year still facing many issues in the world. So we’ll have work to pare down and audiences will get their first look. We’ve still be releasing stills so if you are following our Facebook page you will get those stills and the upcoming trailer. BREAKING NEWS: Yes the first rough cut for Anthony (Tony) Hornus to review will be done end of this week. From there the trimming, tightening and polishing of the story. We also hope to bring you a vignette of the VFX work being done. We also have a VFX insert of this boy who plays into our story via one of the German PWs. We’ve cast that individuals and these added pieces will be shot one day working with our VFX folks.

Other Updates –

KNIGHT CHILLS – CDI’s first feature film is getting some resurrection of sorts. A deal is almost done on a specialty “Blu Ray” deal. We’re also looking to bring the film into HD while reconfirming it for TV now days, or not on conforming. I need to have a few discussions. Lastly, the video game development is under way. It will first release as a phone app game and after to game systems and virtual. But I have seen images of the film’s iconic Sir Kallio, the revenge bringing knight, Patron Demi-god of nerds. I also have a great idea for a role playing game version but I’m getting ahead of myself.

We have many things in development from new films to older films getting a second blast into the market. Streaming hardly existed for some of them and so we’ll be working hard to get your old, current and new favorite CDI films to you. I’m going to post a few more stills so refill your coffee cup and join a few of these pages to follow along. My mind is also drifting to eggs and bacon so I will have to attend to that. I hope you all have a great week ahead and don’t forget to be kind. A simple gift you can give that can be passed on. Happy Sunday to you all!

April 3, 2022 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: 70's, Anthony Hornus, April, art, band, Bare Bones, Bigfoot UFOS Jesus, blog, BluRay, bridges, broadcast, Bulgaria, cast, CDI, Celebration Cinema, chaos, Chasing the star, Christopher Knight, coffee, Covid, crew, Dennis Therrian, Deskpop Entertainment, digital, DJ Perry, edit, Erika Hoveland, festivals, flea market, For the Love of Catch, Forty Nights, German, hazelnut, Hot Rod Love, India, July 5, knight chills, Magnifico, Michigan, NCG, New Zealand, Otty, Pakistan, PhilippineSpring, Premiere League, props, race, racing, Sir Kallio, Smoke and Mirrors, soccer, spring, stories, Terence Knox, The Christ Slayer, The Quest Trilogy, titanic, TV, UK, Ukraine, Vegas, VFX, video game, wardrobe, Wild Faith | Leave a comment

Hometown ‘Best Years Gone’ Premiere and CDI Updates

Hazelnut cheers on a nippy Michigan morning. I’ve got the fire going by my chair as I sit and reflect on a very busy week of life and work. Last night we gathered at the NCG theaters in Lansing to debut our new CDI film BEST YEARS GONE, directed by Shane Hagedorn. We had a strong crowd for the 1st show which they moved into the bigger screen to handle our sales. Also they extended the theatrical run until Oct 21st, so have day out going to see a movie. It really did play great there and I was happy to see so many family, friends and fans of the films. I love that every day more folks will get to see the story we told. The feedback has been strong ands I know the ‘haters’ always find their way but so do those who appreciate the stories. And at a kick off event I get to shake hands, take pictures and meet some of these fine people.

(Shane Hagedorn and DJ Perry greeted and chatted with many folks at the Lansing premiere)

My dad still wonders how I’m able to weave the story and all the dialogue into a script. I told him all those times of being assured of not paying attention or having my head in the clouds – THAT – whatever it is – IMAGINATION – it allows me to get lost in the story and manifest it. I’m awaiting word on another deal that would have me writing a script this winter and produce it next year with CDI. Add in the TV series of HASTINGS that is gaining momentum and 2022 could be a fun year of storytelling. Here are the Lansing showtimes- https://www.showtimes.com/movie-times/best-years-gone-156830/lansing-mi/

But before we get to 2022 we have a very exciting and important story to be told – SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA! I cannot believe that the pre-production caravan will depart next Saturday. Producers, director, art, AD, office and transportation will be doing final prep for the shoot that kicks off on Halloween. I had a wardrobe fitting last week and between the scene study which is feeling on point and the dapper WW2 uniform – game on.

We have some additional sponsor support from the Iowa State Bank so we want to thank them. This past week we filled several of the few cast and crew spots remaining. Just one or two cast/crew to go and that will work itself out. We had a few changes from illness or unexpected commits but our team will go and end the year with one great story. This week I need to pull together final props and production stuff traveling with me. I have to finish packing my clothes which needs to include cold weather gear. The nice part is this film I have like one uniform and a few hats unlike the multiple wardrobe pieces worn as Gil in BEST YEARS GONE. I am going to enjoy this final week of prepping things. There are several friends I only get to see while filming so again I’m excited to tell this story with our artists.

I know that this is the perfect season to release BESTSELLER, our thriller getting a campaign reboot but I do not have dates yet. My favorite film of the season is the animated ‘The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’ and Hitchcock’s PSYCHO, which I’ll be watching to this week. WICKED SPRING HD is heading out to streaming and might be playing on certain platforms. I need to circle up with our distributor on a few projects but I’ve been quite busy with one film releasing and one going into production in under two weeks. FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH feature-length doc is in the post-mixing phase and I was thinking of premiering SMOKE & MIRRORS with it at the same time. Like the cartoons you use to get before a show.

I’m putting the coffee away this morning because of the chill. I just poured the last cup and I’m going to finish this up. My next update will be from Algona, Iowa! Today we might hit the flea market seeking prop items and a stop at Tractor Supply to get some food for the chickens. They are putting on winter weight and still giving the eggs out. It is nice to always have that abundance of eggs and you do taste a difference. My alumni MSU had another good game yesterday but our Lions still struggle. I want to again thank each and everyone of you who attended our showings. If you want to leave a review you can go to our BEST YEARS GONE page on http://www.imdb.com and vote and leave your thoughts. I hope you all have a productive week ahead. Be good to one another.

Coffee Cheers!

October 17, 2021 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: Algona, Alumni, BEST YEARS GONE, Bestseller, blog, blogger, cartoon, cast, chickens, clouds, coffee, cold, crew, dad, dialogue, director, distributors, DJ Perry, eggs, family, fans, flea, For the Love of Catch, friends, Germans, Halloween, Hastings, hazelnut, hitchcock, imagination, Iowa, Iowa State Bank, lions, MSU, NCG, producers, psycho, Shane Hagedorn, Smoke & Mirrors, sponsors, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, theaters, transportation, uniforms, Wicked Spring, WW2 | Leave a comment

CDI Turns 25 and ‘The Tribe’ is Evolving.

I’m sipping a nice hazelnut coffee out of a Sea World cup I found in my travels. I have fond memories of the Easter break trips we often made to Florida to see my grandparents. Always such a good time in the community park riding three wheel bikes and catching lizards. We would often go to Disney, Bush Gardens (A favorite) and Sea World. Although I am glad to see the whales set free as they are a big animal to keep so contained. I’ve been in busy mode with the next shoot in under three weeks now. When we go into the last few weeks all projects have a certain amount of shuffle and settle. Cast and Crew are people with lives and sometimes that can get in the way. We’ve had a few cast and crew adjustments due to these circumstances. But once the film plays out with all the pieces in place you almost could never imagine anything different.

One thing we really do here at CDI is develop people. Some want to get by producing with whom they can until they can hire other people with a better resume. We are truly trying to develop people for the long haul. It is a two way loyalty. There are people who have lost their place in line by not making our few weeks a year, a priority. Others have followed their heart and dreams elsewhere and that is understandable. I’m excited because what I see is a 3rd generation of CDI stepping up into the ranks. It really makes me proud as we started as an organized but rag tag bunch of filmmakers. It is 25 years that CDI has been around and creating content. Coffee Cheers to 25 more!

SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA

We are all so excited as we do our remaining off location prep. Tomorrow the cast and crew will get our schedule, official white script and we’ll dive into our actor agreements and arrange transportation. Most of the crew/producer team is driving into the town. A handful of flights that funnel into two small airports. We’ll start locking in the vendor gear this week and likely fire up the production insurance. I’ve got a uniform fitting tomorrow and that will be fun. I’m only in military dress in this film. A bit more formal than Gil Gilles in our last film. I want to welcome in advance another company aligning their brand with our film The Iowa State Bank, thank you!

BEST YEARS GONE – Speaking of ‘Gil Gilles’ our Owosso, MI premiere was an outstanding success and it gave us a great audience reaction. The premiere led to a week-long run and now the film is coming to Lansing, Michigan – my home town. This coming Saturday the 16th at 6pm and 8:15pm the film will playing at the NCG theater. It plays great on the big screen and the film was remastered after our first run. Sometimes you can hear improvements in the theater and we found a handful of places to sweeten and remix. We will watch a test Tuesday! The film will travel some I’m sure. We have many wanting it to play in Grand Rapids and the Detroit area. We’ll talk about screenings in other states as we go.

The CDI Library – Our distributor has us across many streaming, on demand and TV channels but I like to watch the distributors ENCOURAGE TV YouTube channel stream as a meter of how a film is moving. Both FORTY NIGHTS (part 1 of 3) and MAN’S BEST FRIEND have views that shot over a million and approaching 1.5 million. Thank you for all your support. You can leave a VOTE and review for any of the films at our http://www.imdb.com pages. This past year the distributor started advertising The Quest Trilogy together which should help. We are thinking of doing a few Sunday showings of all three in the theaters. Again part 1 is Forty Nights, Part 2 is Chasing the Star and Part 3 in The Christ Slayer. WILD FAITH with over 5 million views on the one site is driving the TV series train. The first season is written and we have some very strong avenues to work this series down. An HD version of WICKED SPRING is suppose to be moving out into streaming. If you like WILD FAITH take a watch on WICKED SPRING and you’ll see where we honed our craft of 1800’s storytelling. BESTSELLER has been delivered and will get a new campaign. I really like this film as a thriller and I’m happy it is finally getting a bigger push. We are looking at several films getting the new campaign treatment.

WRAP UP…

I’m about to eat some eggs from our chickens and we might stop out at a flea market so I can look for more props. I will likely do some pre-production work while watching the Lions. My alumni MSU had another great game yesterday. My momma is suppose to stop by to say hello. And I’ll get organized and ready for a very busy week ahead that will end with my home town getting a chance to see BEST YEARS GONE. I know the sayings of “You can’t be a prophet in your hometown” and I’m not putting any expectations out there but it is a chance for family, friends and fans to see it on the big screen and to me that is awesome. You can get tickets online at the NCG Lansing site.

Have a great week!

October 10, 2021 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: 25, BEST YEARS GONE, Bestseller, bikes, blog, blogger, brand, bush gardens, cast, CDI, Chasing the star, coffee, company, crew, DetroitGrand Rapids, Disney, dreams, dress, easter, filmmakers, Forty, Forty Nights, Gil Gilles, hazelnut, heart, insurance, Iowa State Bank, Lansing, lions, lizards, Military, MSU, NCG, Oct 16th, premiere, ranks, schedule, script, sea world, Silent Night in Algona, The Christ Slayer, The Quest Trilogy, town, transportation, TV, uniform, whales, Wild Faith | Leave a comment

10 Awesome #TRIBECDI Updates to Kick Off Autumn!

Good morning to all of you and I hope your foray into Fall has been great thus far. I want to welcome the new readers from Russia, Ireland, UK, China and the Philippines. Coffee (or tea) cheers to you all and thank you for stopping by. I LOVE this time of year and I’ve been beyond thrilled to work on the films as the leaves turn and fall. I’m feeling like just shotgunning out some of the updates.

The NCG Owosso premiere showing of ‘BEST YEARS GONE‘ is over and word has it that it is coming next for a Lansing NCG premiere on Oct 16th with two shows – a 6pm and 8:15pm I believe. You heard it here first. This week an event page and some PR will begin so some of the home town folks can enjoy the film. It has been remixed from the first premiere for delivery to our distributor and for our future premieres. I got a peek at some of the DVD/release artwork our distributor is working on. I think they are planning on a Feb 2022 home video release. Until that release we’ll keep at the theatrical premieres. If you’ve seen the film feel free to visit our IMDB.com page (also has a premiere video there) and leave a few words about your favorite scenes.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – pre-production is on the final run up. With a home office I get that great privilege of a short daily commute – about 30 or so stone steps. We’ve been doing more in-depth meetings with departments making sure they have questions answered. I was happy that one of my estate sale finds – a $5 military trench coat was the correct period and matched the photo I had. The office has been reaching out and getting crew agreements in line and this week cast will follow our set “day-of-days” coming from the AD department. We’ve had a few changes in cast and crew that happens when life happens. But I’m excited to see many of the Tribe and tell one last great story before we call it a year.
WICKED SPRINGS HD release should start rolling out this month. That was an epic shoot back when we were rather young. I’m excited to see this rolling out to streaming platforms so folks can enjoy the story in HD.
LOST HEART/BIGFOOT, UFO’s & JESUS – is starting to really pick up steam as the alternate title works into the marketplace. I had the chance to talk with many who have really enjoyed this film. The laughter and heartfelt messages play well with audiences and that is why we do it. This is true for MAN’S BEST FRIEND which again brought questions of a sequel which I’m not ruling out but it’s not on deck at this time. I was made aware of it playing on various TV stations like Charge TV. WILD FAITH just broke the 5-million views mark on Encourage TV and I’ll be taking more meetings on season 1 of the TV spin off. THE QUEST TRILOGY (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star, The Christ Slayer) is about ready to start its run once the ghosts and ghouls have their Halloween.
As we follow the tradition of setting up new campaign runs for older films in the CDI library like BESTSELLER and THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ will be getting 2022 release dates soon. We just got everything submitted for one and the other is in the works. We are working to get several more prepped to release. Our distributor now has a general market label which is opening many doors of opportunity.
SMOKE & MIRRORS our concept short is done. I was exploring how to help the location house with our film. We will look at some festivals also just for fun. The feature script is being retooled and will be great as an extended story.
FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH – the first in a series of CDI in association with The Red, White & Blue Project Inc. documentary films. The locked cut is about done and so we’re going to master record the narration and do a once over mix/check at the studio with Dennis Therrian to prep the film for delivery. This brand we’ve created has a lot of growth possibilities. We also might look at a December premiere release likely at the NCG Owosso. Why? Curran Jacobs our director/host is from Owosso, MI. A lot of creative individuals from that area.
I’ve had my second business opportunity in the past two months approach me over screenwriting. When I write to assign to one of our productions I work discounted knowing that the film employs many of our artists. I also produce and often act so there is much more involvement. On these “work-for-hire” projects I’m raising rates and even doing something like a writer/option whereas the script is written for X amount w/ a 50% copyright hold until the script is financed and the balance paid in return for the remaining 50% copyright. So they end up with complete ownership and have to go less deep financially to be able to shop. I still try to work under the minimums suggested by the WGA which I’m not part of by choice, and my cost of living can handle this. That again is what I love about Michigan. You could have a small crap box in LA or a country kingdom in Michigan for the same price. Part of the secret of productivity is being somewhere you like and that gives you peace between your often hectic dealings. I will pick up where we left off on negotiations this week and what is meant to be will be. But I do enjoy all the new writing opportunities. I am still looking at possible representation for the writing and still might try something out for the foreign market.
As we discuss writing, one of my loves, I must mention a new book coming out. A few years back when WILD FAITH was moving and grooving in the theaters across several states, an author/book running that writes under Callie Smith Grant saw our film. She enjoyed the story/script and that led to an offer to submit stories. That has led to my participation in several of these books. This is the most recent one. Pre-order/order here – https://www.amazon.com/Dog-Who-Came-Christmas-Stories/dp/0800741250 a great Christmas gift!
Producing, writing and preparing daily to play a new character on screen. I’m playing Lt. Col Lodell a fictional character based loosely on the actual camp commander in one major way. The ‘Golden Rule’ is the basis/foundation used during the operation of the PW camp. This character fit so perfect when I cracked the script back open to look at it. It feels close to where I’m at in my life with setting an example is the easiest way to inspire. Words can be wasted be the speaker or the listener if no action follows it. I just like to keep plugging away each and every day. I don’t feel in competition with anyone or anything. I feel like I’m just flowing like water (Thanks Bruce) doing my best each day. I’m doing the projects I’m suppose to do. So many stories to tell – I’m just very grateful to be able to. I don’t take that for granted. I try not to take any of it for granted. I’m just happy that I evolved to where I am. A place of good balance of mind, body and spirit. Learn to laugh at yourself. Forgive yourself. And wisdom that comes with ‘know thyself’…

(Above ‘Tricky T’ has been working with CDI since film #1 ‘Knight Chills’)

I’m going to wrap this up and maybe go make another cup of coffee. I’m looking forward to the week ahead. Also the old suitcase is going to have to come out. I like to slow pack over a couple weeks. I also have CDI stuff to gather also. This week we touch base with our Algona team. I’m going to go enjoy another soccer game with my niece and nephew playing. An art department meeting that I’m looking forward to. So many good developments on that front. As you study the time period some things seem very old although I’m convinced the black and white photos and footage makes it seem older. Other pictures could have been shot today. How we captured history has a lot to do with how we see it now. Just like old Civil War pictures. Once colorized – man! They really come to life. I love history and the stories that have carried down collectively to all of us. I will continue to try and put some of these wonderful stories to the medium of motion picture. Have a great week and be good to one another!

October 3, 2021 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: action, Algona, amazon, art, author, BEST YEARS GONE, Bestseller, Bigfoot UFOS Jesus, blog, Blogroll, body, book, broadcast, Bruce Lee, Callie Smith GRant, cast, CDI, character, Charge TV, China, Christmas, civil war, coffee, commute, copyright, crew, Curran Jacobs, DJ Perry, dogs, Encourage TV, estate sale, fall, family, festivals, films, For the Love of Catch, foreign, golden rule, HD, history, IMDB, Ireland, Lansing, laughter, Lost Heart, Lt. Col Lodell, MBF: Man's Best Friend, Michigan, mind, NCG, negotiations, nephew, niece, office, Owosso, peace, Philippines, pictures, play, producing, production, Russia, script, sequel, shop, Silent Night in Algona, Smoke & Mirrors, soccer, spirit, suitcase, tea, The Patchwork Girl of OZ, trench coat, tribe, UK, water, WGA, Wicked Spring, Wild Faith, wisdom, work for hire, writing, WW2 | Leave a comment

‘Best Years Gone’ Thanks you Owosso! Where Next? Other Updates on TribeCDI Projects!

The first sips of the hazelnut coffee taste so good on this chilly Michigan morning. Yesterday the sinus were a bit stuffed due to the weather changes but this morning I’m feeling good. We watched my alumni school Michigan State University put another win up for the season. If only our Lions could start doing the same. Either way, football, hot cider and the harvest has been a great welcome to Fall that is now officially here.

This past week was great for tying up loose ends on BEST YEARS GONE that played Owosso, MI NCG all week. I was able to sneak into a day show on the last day with my dad. It was nice to have no pressure or expectations to meet and greet. It was nice to just relax into the story and just enjoy. The story is well put together with such great comments on the camerawork (DP Travis Hayward) the creative editing (Nathaniel Nose) – the music (Dennis Therrian and all our great guest artists). We know all of this includes the entire crew and cast. I heard lots of compliments on how the film walks the line with strong drama and outrageous comedy. And big kudos to Shane Hagedorn our director who kept the vision and created the fine blend story. NOTE: A BTS of the premiere event is on our IMDB.com page and we’ll go up on our FB page soon. Great job Dan Chipman.

We started with a two show screening premiere and that went great! We’ve been dripping out pics from that night on the BYG Facebook site. What a wonderful night and it was great to see the story on the big screen. The film was granted an extension playing all last week in Owosso, Michigan. Now we are looking at other cities both with NCG and other theatrical chains. We hope to bring it to our home town of Lansing, Michigan. Possibly Grand Rapids and the Detroit area and even Nashville, TN is being considered. This week after the theatrical we made a few adjustments to our mix and we’ll do a final review Weds before uploading the master to our distributor. I’m excited for people around the world to enjoy this story.

Today we are having a meeting for SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA to review our schedule and lock that so that cast agreements and flights can be booked. We’re working hard to get all our ducks in a row so that many things are done before our pre-production week on set. Algona is not a big city so we’re working with all the resources we have. The best resource is the people of Algona who are excited to have this story of theirs told, keeping it from being forgotten. This week I’ll do some PR about our product partners and we’ll announce a few more cast. I had a few great conversations with folks this week and that is what is nice about these adventures. I get to see some dear friends that I usually only see when filming. But today is a big day as we lock up the schedule and collectively look for problem/issues in advance. We have some of the best problem solvers working to tell this story so I feel very confident.

WILD FAITH is about to hit 5 million views on Encourage TV taking us even deeper into the tens of millions who have watched the film. I had a few more conversations with parties that could assist in getting the TV series launched. Creative Control has been the main goal for me as I’ve had a few projects derailed by “experts” on what a story needs or doesn’t need. We have several paths we could take to production and as I’ve always said it is not IF it is WHEN. Have you seen WILD FAITH? If not, please do.

MANS BEST FRIEND is playing new TV channels such as Charge TV which seems to be targeted at action and macho films by Chuck Norris, Steven Seagal and DJ Perry, what? I have continued to encounter many more folks who love that film. I’m very proud of the film and the action sequences which are modest. I’ve had several people ask about ‘Paul Landings’ outcome and could there ever be a sequel. You never know and yes, I’ve thought about it. I have a good story in my head but we’ll see about that some other time. I’ve got a full plate.

LOST HEART/BIGFOOT, UFOs and JESUS – I had the pleasure of hearing from many who saw CDI’s last release under two different titles. I love this film and it always leaves me feeling good. Feeling down or just needing a boost of ‘feel good’ take a watch. Melissa Anschutz commands the screen and folks like Josh Perry turn in performances that will have people talking for years. This is the perfect time of year to watch this film.

THE QUEST TRILOGY – Once we get past the beloved Halloween-fare it will be the holidays. I’m excited to continue the tradition of our trilogy. I again at the recent premiere got to hear from the fans of these films. Many are still learning about them and learning that there are three films in the series. FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. See them in order. See them all.

FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH – the final polished cut is getting close. This weekend the audio narration was being done. A pre-mix and a final mix and we’ll be ready for a premiere. Maybe just before Christmas but after Thanksgiving for sure.

SMOKE AND MIRRORS – Our short concept film that sprung from a commercial endeavor is completed. We’re in discussions about the various possible premieres for this film using it to also help the historic Dodge Turner House. We are exploring a virtual premiere also but getting together and seeing this on a big screen would be fun. It is roughly 14 minutes so not a long film. A few festivals could be in the future for this short film story. I have been working on the feature script which I’m calling ‘OF SMOKE & MIRRORS’ to add a slight difference between the two.

ODDS & ENDS

This week I got to throw some of my dialog off Curran Jacobs who is playing the lead in our next WW2 film. I’ve been having such a great time emerging myself in the 1940’s and preparing to tell this great story. We also had a great meeting with our director and the VFX supervisor and we identified all the VFX shots or shots that would utilize CGI additions or subtractions.

I had an offer for a lead in a short which I don’t typically consider but offered to look at the script and the details which I asked for. I got a script with no details and had to pry any info out. But to be honest when I saw the email with just the script (poorly formatted) and no information – it was a polite pass. I had another call about engaging as a work-for-hire writer. On the other end of the spectrum from the no detail communication mentioned previously- this email came with a great pitch/breakdown. Success will follow the hard work. One person did the bare minimum and the other had spent some real time in organizing and preparing for their endeavor. I will likely enter negotiations this week for a wonderful writing endeavor that I’ll do over the holidays. I’ve had a handful of these opportunities approach me which is what led me to consider representation. In time I may explore the representation aspect but for now I’m happy to handle the details.

I’m going to bring this to a close. I have a few yard tasks to accomplish and I need to get ready for two groups of folks today. The ‘schedule’ meeting this afternoon and later my brother and few amigos will visit. I think the first fire might have to be lit today. I hope each of you have a wonderful day and good week ahead. I’m excited for all the developments happening and also happy to be enjoying the Fall with the family. This shoot will be the only extended leave I took this year. But it will put us into post-production on another beautiful story. This story is built on the real history of Algona and we’re proud to be telling it.

Be good to one another and coffee cheers!

September 26, 2021 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: 1940, adventures, Algona, Best Years, BEST YEARS GONE, biblical, Bigfoot UFOS Jesus, blog, blogger, brother, BTS, BYG, camera, cast, Charge TV, Chasing the star, Chuck Norris, cider, coffee, comedy, crew, Curran Jacobs, dad, Dan Chipman, Dennis Therrian, Detroit, director, distributor, DJ Perry, Dodge Turner, drama, edit, fall, family, FB, festivals, filming, flights, folks, football, For the Love of Catch, Forty, Forty Nights, friends, Grand Rapids, harvest, Hastings, hazelnut, IMDB Casting, Josh Perry, Lansing, lions, Lost Heart, MBF, Melissa Anschutz, Michigan, MSU, music, narration, Nashville, Nathaniel Nose, NCG, odds and ends, Owosso, pics, schedule, script, scripts, sequel, Shane Hagedorn, Silent Night in Algona, Smoke & Mirrors, Steven Seagal, The Christ Slayer, The Quest Trilogy, TN, Travis Hayward, trilogy, VFX, Wild Faith, world, writer, WW2 | Leave a comment

DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' “Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” ― Sun Tzu

Posts tagged “NCG”

DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' “Strategy without tactics is the slowest route to victory. Tactics without strategy is the noise before defeat.” ― Sun Tzu

Posts tagged “NCG”

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