AI JESUS Premiere Event, DEVIL’S PASS Post Updates and More…
I’m sipping my hazelnut coffee and awaiting the Detroit lions to play from Germany. I’ve only been to Germany when playing soccer in Denmark and we took a trip to the wall. I’ve got a piece of the wall somewhere. This past week was hectic but also very productive. I had several appointments I had to assist with during the week and minus one snafu we got all of them checked off. I also had to get my first of my temps for my broken tooth. Read last week’s blog if you are not in the knowing. In three weeks I get a better more non-invasive temp. And last stop will be the implant first of the year. This first temp is set into a tray and makes my talking a bit more difficult but so be it. I feel like I talk like AMOS from ROM COMS MUST DIE with it in. See this film streaming now if you have not.
I’m also trying to improve upon my computer work station and even now I’m trying a raised laptop stand, a keyboard and mouse and I’ll be adding a larger monitor maybe two. This week was getting things organized for end of the year with CDI endeavors. It is a transition but on the other side by work will be streamlined and our partners will benefit from it all. I again want to thank John Mashni and Davison & Associates CPA for all their help. I’m already looking at goals for 2027 and I will be looking at what was accomplished in 2026.
ALL ARE RELEASED NOW!!!
UPDATES:
- Rom Coms Must Die is now also streaming on places like TUBI where you can watch free with ads. This comedy slasher is unique in the presentation and I love that audiences seem to be getting the humor of it. I really do enjoy humor.
- AI JESUS The Secret of the Kingdom Chip will have its charity premiere benefitting the NEW HOP PET RESCUE on Weds of this week so if you are in the mid-Michigan area and want to attend on Nov 18th, 2026 at 7:00 PM. Many of the cast and crew will be present. Admission is simply a donation to the rescue with that keeping 100% of the donation.
- If you are from afar or unable or not wanting to attend the event the film AI JESUS The Secret of the Kingdom Chip can be streaming on Amazon Prime to rent and buy now. DVD’s are also available for this and the other CDI films that make a great Christmas gift.
- If you want to see more of ‘Jesus’ presented in a very unique way we invite you to watch THE QUEST TRILOGY streaming on many platforms. In order those films are FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. Happy Holidays!
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS the follow up to WILD FAITH is now streaming on Amazon Prime and a few other platforms to rent and buy. More platforms keep adding and so far home audiences are enjoying the return to the world. Thank you to all of you who have been waiting for this next installment. Do post your favorite moments on IMDB, Amazon or anywhere you can. This holds true for all our films.
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA has entered its season and we encourage everyone to enjoy this based on a true story Christmas film. We are in heavy development of the follow up film RETURN TO ALGONA and will be looking to film that in 2027 in Iowa.
- DEVIL’S PASS is the stylistic dark western that we shot this Fall. The polished edit is complete and I’m looking forward to seeing the story now that it has had the rough edges sanded down. The McGraw’s are very happy with the presentation of the story and it is undergoing some color correction as we speak. Also VFX will start once the film picture is locked as will music and sound design with Dennis Therrian. Follow this files Facebook page and all the film’s pages to stay up on news and get the first teasers. Screen captures have been rolling out and soon I would think the director’s poster and a first teaser will be prepared.
DEVELOPMENT:
I’ve been working with David Gries to put together the investor and sponsor summary for the comedic who-done-it film A CHRISTMAS SEANCE. But ahead of that I’ll be working to seal up the remaining unit commits on RETURN TO ALGONA. I’ve had some good communications with more brands, organizations and such who want to see this next chapter of history preserved. It takes place in 1968 and we already have some great organizations behind us. I will be pulling together more of the team on this project very soon. There is a very cool tie in to the NASA space program which has opened up a few really cool communications.
Also looking to build upon CDI’s new collaboration with our friends in GA I’m reading the second proposed film script. The first was a really fun comedy and this second one is a western. I will be getting into that this week in between my business. Speaking on westerns I’ve said before we have eight 44 min TV shows for a season one of WILD FAITH: HASTINGS. But knowing that budget can often come with too many strings attached I’ve just finished my first draft of WILD FAITH 3. I will be polishing over the next couple weeks. But if WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS follows the successful trend of the first WILD FAITH we’ll either be doing a TV series or a third feature film.
On the screenplay tip I will also be finishing the first draft of MAN’S BEST FRIEND 2. Brad Pitts new soldier dog film has been getting a big marketing push. If you enjoyed that film HEART OF THE BEAST you will likely enjoy MAN’S BEST FRIEND. The original gets asked about often with the two main questions being, What happened to Paul? And, When does the sequel happen? It all starts with a strong blue print.
WRAP UP:
Lions are winning in Germany so far. I’m looking forward to the week ahead as we draw closer to the holidays. That usually includes a few Thanksgiving feasts and a few Christmas gatherings. It has gotten very cold here in central Michigan but no snow as of yet. I will be happy to see some of the film family on Weds and raise some money for a very good cause. Animals are always a good cause in my book. I might try to do some more winterizing today and tonight the wood stove will be kicking.
On the personal activities I made some venison jerky that turned out really good. I might bottle up the wine that I have ready which is my Chuck Norris Berry Ka-Pow! I do want to make a run of beer but we will see. The Paw-Paw Surprise wine is almost gone. I might pick a Viking Day to swing some axes here soon too. Most of the leaves are down and Fall is in full effect.
I’m going to sign off here soon and go eat some breakfast and watch the Lions. I hope all of you are having a good year and getting by even with your own challenges. I can tell you that progress is made step by step. Many get upset because they don’t see the big progress. Everyone wants to take that big step but more often success is a series of smaller steps. Otherwise you often don’t learn the lessons you need and are not prepared properly. I have always believed that if I do one thing a day that adds up and now I do a dozen things on any given day. It is what really puts distance between doers and dreamers. Now dreaming is important but you must do. And also equally important is to know when to have patience. Work in the wrong area is just wasted work. Work smart! Alright my friends I’m going to wish you all a good day. We will talk next week and I’ll have some good reflections from our event and more. Coffee Cheers! – DJ
That’s Life! The Highs and Lows and Riding the Line!
Good morning! I’m trying a different creamer for my coffee and this one is pistachio. It is pretty darn good not as good as my hazelnut but maybe I will do that for my second cup. I want to welcome all our readers from around the world. Life is funny how it keeps rolling with highs and lows. Yesterday I was reflecting at how at peace I was. My sick family member is doing so much better and that is what has me most pleased. I do have three appointments to get them to this week. Business-wise I have everything going in a great direction. I had a great meeting yesterday morning with friend/associate producer John Mashni on end of year film business. We have been working with our accounting firm on streamlining the business. We are in Phase 2 with a good plan for 2027 phase 3. I will start to put that into motion this week. Also the end of the year disperse to investors is being calculated and that will also be going out in the coming weeks.
On a personal level we brought in Baxter another old male cat who was in bad need of a forever home and having recently lost our old man Fredrick it felt like a good fit. He has won the lotto that way and I hope he has a great number of years in our home. I decided to share something personal because it is real life. I don’t like when everyone paints a picture of no issues in their life. I was feeling great with my Fall day having done some winterizing work. I sat down to snack on a soft dehydrated apple ring. I heard a snap and…let me back up my story about 40 years. I had braces when I was young and due to some rough treatment by the orthodonist I had one of my front teeth die. They had to do a root canal and they capped both front teeth so they matched. Ok. Back to my apple ring bite down-snap. I thought the veneer had come off but whatever in my mouth felt heavy. A swish of my tongue revealed a gap. I pulled out of my mouth the tooth. After many years a root canal can leave a tooth brittle and that must be my case. No blood, no pain, no swelling I just look like a hockey player. Plus I have no good story to go with it. No epic soccer battle. No kung fu fight. No fall or accident only an apple ring. So I have messages out to my two dentists and I will call them first off on Monday and see who can see me. I have the charity premiere for AI JESUS The Secret of the Kingdom Chip on Nov 18th so we will see what shape they have my smile in. I will note that the last two years I had my wisdom teeth removed and had an implant from a cracked tooth that went below the gum line. I was at a point of just maintenance which I go every 4 months and have a solid routine. So it will cost more money and time but it could have happened at the Will Rogers Awards or even during filming of DEVIL’S PASS so I am at peace that it happened now.
MOVIE UPDATES:
- Following the BRONZE win at the Will Rogers Awards our WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS has released onto streaming to rent or buy. I invite you to watch the first movie WILD FAITH and the follow up. It is currently on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Fandango, Hoopla with more adding weekly. We look forward to hearing what you and your family think about this story.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE has moved into ad-based video on demand too which you can pay to rent or buy with no ads or watch free with ads. We are starting to see some great reviews and it is good that people are getting the joke that the film is. It is an over-the-top parody of our film industry. WATCH THIS REVIEW and we look forward to reading your reviews! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sdtz2nIsdqU
- AI JESUS The Secret of the Kingdom Chip. The subject of AI is everywhere and this film examines that in a way that isn’t all doom and gloom. It doesn’t ignore possible issues but presents several perspectives. It is a comedy but also has some serious topics discussed. This film is now streaming to rent or buy on Amazon Prime and several participating platforms. This is the 3rd time I’ve played Jesus in a film. In parts 1 and 3 of THE QUEST TRILOGY I played Jesus but I think in a very unique way. Watch all three filmed in the beautiful desert outside Yuma, AZ part 1 FORTY NIGHTS, part 2 CHASING THE STAR and part 3 THE CHRIST SLAYER. I’m working on my reflections for an upcoming book on the making of these three films. I’ve also been approached about participating in a documentary film about those who have played Jesus in the movies. So I think the timing is right to reflect upon the experience. If you have not seen these films all fours will be a good watch over the holidays.
- We are doing a special charity premiere for AI JESUS The Secret of the Kingdom Chip to benefit NEW HOPE PET RESCUE. November 18th at 7:00 at the Hannah Center in EL, Michigan. Admission is a donation to the rescue and 100% is going to the rescue. I hope to see some of you there!
- DEVIL’S PASS edit is undergoing polishing and I’m excited to see where we have landed with it. So far the film looks great and once Dennis Therrian starts sound design and music it will really come to life. It will release in 2027.
DEVELOPMENT:
- I’ve read one of two outside scripts we are considering to produce with CDI. I will note as I’ve had many writers and producers reach out that we only consider outside projects that come with funding.
- We have two scripts we are looking to fund and produce. One is the follow up to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA called RETURN TO ALGONA. We have a good amount of the funding committed and I’m working to finish that up. We are looking to have a green light by 1st Q 2027 to shoot in Q4 2027 in Algona, Iowa. The other is a local Michigan film which is a comedic who done it film.
- I’ve set the goal of finishing two scripts this winter both sequels of popular CDI films. The first is WILD FAITH 3 a stand alone feature incase the TV series WILD FAITH: HASTINGS is still too heavy to get off the ground. I’m almost done with the first draft and so far I am just thrilled with the story.
- The other script is MAN’S BEST FRIEND 2 or MBF2 and that is also close to a 1st draft and I’ll send time polishing up this story. This film has had so many asking when is the sequel and what happen to Paul Landings. This film will let audiences find out.
WRAP UP: I still feel very blessed even though I have my own hardships like everyone else. If the gap isn’t fixed with an implant or has a removable piece you will see the gap tooth appear in a film character. This situation could have been from some tragic fall or accident but instead was just from an old tooth that got tired.
Today, gap in my tooth and all we are taking the mom’s to lunch and going to see a play co-starring my sister-in-law. This week I am suppose to see an old school buddy if I can make it work around my dental appointment that I need to schedule. So my week ahead is already full but I will just keep on keeping on. I’m excited that we will once again have a live tree in the house. We have a new little man in the house with Baxter the cat.
I was about to marinade some venison steaks to make jerky in the dehydrator and bottle up the CHUCK NORRIS BERRY KA-POW Tribute wine this month. The chickens eggs have slowed but not stopped. The winterizing work around the property has begun and I will forward to finishing that below the snow flies. I hope all of you have had a great weekend and carry that right on to your new week. Sometimes you just have to keep your head down and keep walking. I look forward to talking next week. The last bright spot was my alumni school Michigan State University beat U of M at their stadium and almost kept them from scoring. The win was a good bright spot to end the night. Go Green! Coffee cheers! DJ
AI JESUS Premiere, Release Dates and More…
A hazelnut cheers to you all. I see many of you stopped by to join us last week from all over the world. We all love stories and by storytelling we preserve history and entertain. Like the days of the bards who would capture a story with a song. The authors of the books that recorded our stories. And now with our wonderful medium of film and TV we play out those stories like the theatrical stage before it. So again thank you to everyone who has stopped by to join us each week.
With the juggling of personal and professional I’ve been tested in new ways but I feel actually stronger on the other side of it. Before we get into film talk which there is plenty of that, I do like to touch base on life. I’m feeling quite blessed with all I do have and that I’m allowed to do what I love to do. But I do truly feel like I earned it. I sacrificed much building a foundation that many could not see. Now we build upon that foundation year by year telling new stories to entertain and often educate along the way.
In the spirit of the season I’ve watched a handful of TV or film that has that spooky vibe. The new CARRIE Tv series was quite well done. And it makes me want to go back and watch the original film. After I tried BATES MOTEL and two shows in I’m struggling to care. It lasted five seasons so it must get stronger as you go. A Russell Crowe (An actor I admire) Exorcism film fell short for me. I found the movie to drag with dark camera work that was often confusing and…not a strong showing for me. To be fair I don’t find much scary by way of horror films. My favorite is still PSYCHO. I love that Norman is not a seven foot monster with a scary mask.
I’m happy to have thrown my hat back into the horror genre but with comedy added. ROM COMS MUST DIE I think is super original and should get chuckles from any artists watching. The film is streaming now on ROKU, Amazon Prime and more. It will expand onto new platforms starting 10/30/26. IF you have seen this film do leave us a review on Amazon, IMDB, Letterbox or even a video of you. I have had a few great conversations from folks who enjoyed it. I love all the roles in the film but the judges played by Dean Teaster and Melissa Anschutz really tickle me every watch. BESTSELLER, KNIGHT CHILLS, GPS, AMERICAN LIAR, THE 8TH PLAGUE, DEADLY RENOVATIONS, DARKEST NIGHT…I could rattle off another half dozen films or so that fit the genre. So get some hot apple cider and a good blanket (My spell check tried to turn blanket into blunt, maybe not a bad idea either) but have yourself a spooky, fun night.
OTHER FILM UPDATES:
- AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is easily one of the most intriguing films we’ve done at CDI. Proudly made with our friends at McGraw Multimedia it will arrive on the small screen streaming and DVD on 10/30/26 (PreOrder DVD on Amazon now). But we wanted to celebrate with our cast, crew, sponsors and backers and their friends and families. So in the spirit of the film we are have a big screen premiere on November 18th at 7:00 at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center at 819 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI 48823. The entire screening will benefit NEW HOPE PET RESCUE. What that means is the admission to the show will be what you can donate to this wonderful organization. I’ve got to see how this amazing group of people take some very sad cases of neglect and abandonment, heal them and find forever homes. We have three foster fails here as they also help cats out. Our ‘Old man Fred’ who passed recently was an end of life case that came to us and he had a wonderful last eight months. So the cost of admission is what you can give and 100% of it will go to the New Hope Pet Rescue. We’ll be reaching out to the folks involved with the film but it will be open to any who wish to donate. The hope is that after the event folks will talk about the film to others and even go watch it at home with their extended family and friends. I’m really excited about this because I love animals.
- Weds of this week I’ll be traveling with a small group to TULSA, OK to represent WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS at the Will Rogers Medallion Awards. We are being recognized as a production company, as the supervising producer of an amazing team and as CDI the production company. On our 30th year anniversary this is a great honor. We know we won because they invite only the three winners in each category. At the event we will find out if we won Gold, Silver and Bronze. That might be for each category or all as one. As the screenwriter I am very honored be the results Bronze or Gold. Same with the producing and production company.
- Days after we return 11/3/26 audiences around the world will finally get to return to the world of WILD FAITH with WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. That movie has already gathered a lot of recognition and had a good run in theaters last year. So for the tens of millions who watched the first one we are proud to bring you the sequel. In the wake of what we expect will be another enjoyed installment we are prepared to go a third time into the world. I’ve written and adjusted eight 44 min shows that take place after the second film. Funds are what kept the series from going before. Or funds that came with too many strings attached. So we made the second feature film instead. We will see if the series finds any traction after the new release. But should the right deal not land we are preparing to do a third feature film. I’m excited to say I’m working on the last act of the third feature film draft. We will see but watch/rewatch the original WILD FAITH and get ready for the sequel.
- I noted I’ve been working on WILD FAITH 3 and I’m also almost done with a first draft of MBF2. I also have been reading and evaluating two scripts for possible production. On the CDI front we are looking at A CHRISTMAS SEANCE, a great who-done-it as a possible 2027 production. And RETURN TO ALGONA the follow up film to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA our true story WW2 drama. I’ll be working on the last chuck of funding. We’ve been dealing with organizations and product sponsorships first. But we will be opening up the remaining chunk to private investors. We have a good circle of supporters so I expect to get this green lit going into the new year.
- My end of the year will include an end-of-year disbursements of money to our investors. And the end-of-year taxes which we’ve made some good moves to streamline this and direct even more revenue back towards our investors. Many of these good people love being part of this artistic endeavors. Often capturing stories so they will not be lost in time.
- While meeting over the AI JESUS premiere with the McGraws I just might have seen some of the DEVIL’S PASS edit. They are still polishing it up and taking a few beats to ponder a few transitions and moments. They finished a first pass and will start to comb through next week. I don’t envy the job of looking at so many moments and choosing the strongest to weave together. So many things can influence what stays or goes but as an actor I know that if something isn’t working in a moment, cut it. I love the saying, you can’t use what you don’t have but better to have it and not need it. Energy and pacing become a big decision making factor. Moments of a sequence of scenes shot on different days need to flow. As an actor I always ask myself what I just came from and where am I going. What is my energy previous to a moment and after a moment. From the clips I saw we have a very cool story that has some really unique story arcs. I could rave about many of the performances I saw but I will say that the women of Devil’s Pass really kicked ass. In many films the female element can be dressing or an accent to the male heroes but this film has strong lionesses. I look forward to see where it all lands but it is coming together nicely. I know composer and sound designer Dennis Therrian is already experimenting and is ready to get the film around Christmas if not sooner. But I think we will have a moody, action packed film that mixes traditional with something special. Thank you to the McGraws for the hard work they are putting into the edit.
WRAP UP:
This year has been a wild ride to be sure. But what a great time to be alive as a storyteller. As a writer, I’m excited for the ROM COMS MUST DIE, AI JESUS and WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS to release. I did a soft look at literary representation to possibly option/sell off a few scripts either too big of budget or just not an immediately interest. None of the proposed books to script happened this year. We will see about next year. I’m excited that this year audiences get to meet Amos who with his cousin Clem struggle to get their second film made. I once again play Jesus but in a way I never expected. And ole Ben Lily is once again blazing the trail with Hester. And next year people will meet McBride in DEVIL’S PASS. In production, the Will Rogers award is a nice recognition. And I also mentioned that when Golden Globe nominee Mitch Vogel said our set was the most family-feeling since working on BONANZA I took that as a great honor. We had many folks step from secondary to key positions and knock it out of the park. We are preparing to perform just as we do when a larger budget is on the line.
This week starts with a good meeting on Monday over some film work. Tuesday a lunch with my cousin and dad to pick up some venison for the freezer. Venison is my main meat that I eat all year long. I have to pack because on Weds I am off to Oklahoma and I’m looking forward to that. Upon my return we’ll keep promoting the releases and relax into the holidays. I love to look at my goals from Jan 2026 and see where I fell with those. I also start planning my 2027 goals. Today I’m going to blow some leaves and get a few things done on the property. I hope all of you are enjoying your Fall-time. I look forward to reporting to you again next Sunday or maybe Monday pending a late return. Until we meet again be good to one another! Coffee Cheers! DJ
