Good Things are not Easy! CDI Updates
(On the genre front CDI makes a development deal on three films) * See bullet point #5
On a rather mild morning in Michigan I have my hazelnut coffee beside me and I’m sitting down to chat with all you fine folks from around the world. The buds and the spouts are starting and soon will be the mushrooms. I did trim the prime mulberry tree when it was still cold. Speaking of the berries on the property, I took the 20 lbs of 2025 season raspberry, mulberry and rhubarb and made BERRY KA-POW: Chuck Norris Tribute Wine! The yeast got added this morning and soon we’ll have the magic bubbles that start the process. I’ve been doing some other property clean up and I’m looking forward to all the Spring projects. I love seeing all the birds at work and I soon I plan to once again seed the property with the clover. Our hens are producing 4-5 eggs a day and have been loving having the snow gone.
On the personal front I’ve been adapting to my new glasses and I will get to pick a second pair on Monday. It is an amazing technology to adjust everyone’s sight. Now at a distance things don’t look like an abstract painting. I can see faces before they are right upon me. If you saw me in the last couple years in a room or store and I did not say hello it was because you were a painting to me. So being able to read all these signs and see faces has opened my world back up. I like glasses and got use to them over the last few years with readers. I don’t like anything poking or touching my eyeballs like contacts. I remember filming in Otty, India and they kept trying to put these brown contacts in my eyes over my baby blues. After a half an hour they got them in and I smiled for a continuity photo and one popped out. Finally the director Shah just said, “you just stay the blue eyed devil”.
I’ve been doing a bit of PR to try and bring more artists to this blog. If you know someone who might enjoy our weekly visits pass the word and blog address along. I’ve had several people say the official title of CLAWING MY WAY TO THE MIDDLE should change since I am past the middle. What ideas do you have? Comment your ideas. I might engage to put a 2026 acting highlight reel together but right now other priorities in front of that. I LOVE the 30 Years of CDI video that Adam Towner did. Right now I’m working with him on a Making of AI Jesus video. I’ve been trying to get the IMDB site updated with all our making of’s and BTS as they are awesome projects made by some very talented folks. We try to preserve the adventure and experience of filming a movie to have many years later. JOIN the CDI Youtube and you can see many of these videos. I need to upload more videos but I am getting there.
FILM UPDATES:
- I mentioned the Making of AI Jesus video. AI Jesus movie has the first solid round of dialog clean up and sound design done. Soon the music composing will start in earnest. Also we’ll start the end credits. This film has one investment unit still open and I’ plan to assign that so we can start on the next film adventure development. We are awaiting the AI Jesus poster being done by TEG that will serve as both theatrical and home video. We are all very excited to see what this film does in the general marketplace.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE had a great meeting this week with the theatrical hub that will assist in delivery of the film to theater chains. Those that know Adam Towner know how funny of a fella he is and this first co-starring role really showcases that. IF you have a podcast or want a written interview please do let us know. We are looking at several festival showings along with some limited theatrical and home video Q3. Have you seen the trailer or BTS video?
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS gave a small taste of theatrical being finished at last year’s end but will do a final theatrical push this Fall before rolling out on streaming and DVD Q4 before the holidays. The film just got selected by an IndieFest and we’ll know nominations soon. Same with the Red Letter Awards, it is up for Best Film and individual nominations to come. ICFF has the film up for several awards including BEST PICTURE. My schedule is allowing my to attend my first ICFF which has been recognizing our work since FORTY NIGHTS in 2017. The Will Rogers Award event that asked for the film will have more announcements in June but said it was an absolutely wonderful movie. I think so too. I always say the best Christmas film since SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA.
- I’m asking everyone who previously loved watching THE QUEST TRILOGY or CDI’s three biblical adventures to watch them again and invite others. Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer because they will prepare you better to watch AI JESUS this Summer.
- I did release some PR this week on a three picture development deal with Lynn Drzick and Katharsys Pictures. He was once a biz partner pre-CDI and directed my first starring role in IN THE WOODS as Alex Kerwood, master fighter. The film was released around the world and put me on the map. I remember when we had only the trailer and I played it for Wes Craven when I auditioned for SCREAM 2. The film can be gotten on Blu Ray now with two versions of the film and many extras. We will work to get it to streaming this year. But we have agreed to work together to launch three genre films. READ HERE: https://www.prlog.org/13134408-collective-development-inc-and-katharsys-pictures-announce-multi-film-development-deal.html
- I’m holding off on some official PR until some ink is dry but an agreement has been made developing a sequel to a CDI film. Now I’d already spoken about a MBF2 and WF3 that I’ve been working on. But a follow up to another beautiful film is in active development. The screenplay is underway and I’ll be announcing something in the next two weeks. It comes with a chuck of financing and the other half might come on the board very soon. How soon will determine if we film this year or next. I’m open to either one you just have to follow the process. More soon. Sorry for the tease.
- On the literary front I’m working with Shane Hagedorn on the layout for Making of THE QUEST TRILOGY book. I need to send some artwork and intro for the script and making of book of KNIGHT CHILLS to Katharsys Media overseeing our literary. Dean Teaster did an updated intro for the re-release of the GHOST TOWN novel also heading back out to market very soon. We will keep building this division over the next several years.
WRAP UP: This coming week will be some Bday adventures celebrating my better half and also a few meetings and some writing. Two out of town adventures and some solid Spring prep as well. At the end of the week I will likely be doing the 1st rack of the Chuck Norris Tribute Wine. I do have ingredients to make two different beer runs. Maybe end of Summer intake for Fall. Or I believe I have a lighter and darker beer so maybe one Summer and one Fall. I don’t drink much these days but when hosting meetings where they want something we enjoy it.
Business-wise I have the business taxes about all done and will be settling up with that. I just am trying to get some face time with our legal to make sure I’m following the right next steps. My personal taxes are almost done. It always costs me to have them done as they are too complex for me to do solo. But looks like I might be paying in some this year. Death and Taxes they say. It is funny that sometimes after someone passes away I get sad, slightly mad and then motivated. Like you are still alive so get things done. I wanted week before last to finish a few deals but they were not ready. Sometimes you have to settle for movement on the chessboard vs a checkmate. So I’ve been working right along and just letting things happen naturally.
Everyone wants to know when we start the next adventure and I’m still just wrapping up the last piece of business on AI Jesus and after I will put my full attention forward. We will have a great year of premiere showings and awards events. Doors of opportunity always open because the work has been done. Yes. I too want it to happen faster and struggle occasionally with patience. But sometimes you have to left the soup simmer. We have also had a few disappointments as a project or two with great promise lost some momentum. But a better path will be found, and when it’s found, it will happen. All projects at CDI happen like that. You mainly hear of the success but the setbacks are there too. That is normal so keep on pushing. Great things are not easy.
Until next week be good top one another! Coffee Cheers!
DJ
CDI Film Updates- Lessons of Staying in the ‘Right’
Spring is officially upon us and today our clocks ‘Sprung’ ahead! The rain has taken the snow and the ground has drunk up the water. Small buds and bits of green can be found here and there. I want to do some trimming before growth goes full onward. I am enjoying the last of the wood stove fires as soon the temps will tip in the other direction. The added light has the chickens kicking out the eggs. I’ve started the property clean up from the harsh winter. I’m making my list of TO DO’s for the property and I think this coming week I am going to start a batch of Frankenberry wine. That is wine that is made from all the berries around the property with a little rhubarb thrown into it.
I’m about past tax season work with the films. I still have to organize for payment. We’ve worked to streamline some of the process which will help with check writing to investors and end of year tax work. Again I thank the CDI support staff from Dean Teaster, John Mashni and Gary Davison and his team. Filmmaking is a business and it takes a lot more than just what happens on set.
OTHER FILM UPDATES:
- The big news being ran through the PR machine is the nomination of Wild Faith Christmas for several awards topped with BEST PICTURE with the IFCC. One of the largest fests that recognizes family and inspirational films. I’m actually going to join Shane Hagedorn at a hit and run visit to Florida for the awards show. We want to try and have a few conversations about the funding of the TV series and/or a 3rd feature film.
- The Red Letter Awards which is a fast growing event that recognizes positive and inspirational art gave us advanced notice that WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS was up for Best Picture. I think we last won that with SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. The individual nominations will be forthcoming and that show is outside of Nashville.
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is still up for recognition at several other festivals but will also be going into theaters again end of Summer/Fall before the home video release. I think we almost have everything submitted to TEG and this coming week I will start on the delivery items for RCMD. What is that you ask?
- ROM COMS MUST DIE! If you are fans of films that make fun of things such as Spinal Tap, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind or Waiting For Guffman you might really love this film. The theatrical poster is now complete and we are trying to set up the premiere. After we are planning a series of theatrical events. It will release to streaming and DVD before Halloween Q3. This is comedy/horror and will really hit a note if you work in or follow the actual film industry. You can pop over to the IMDB page and see the poster, watch the trailer or the making of.
- Speaking of Making of – I’m trying to catch up IMDB on the making of’s. These are interesting for the public but also a major joy for cast and crew to look back upon. The journey is a beautiful one. We are also doing this on the literary front with CDI’s collaboration with Katharsys Publishing. We are almost ready to re-release rhe Ghost Town book back to Amazon. We have a Making of Knight Chills with the director’s script and notes. We already have a few of these products out there but we’ll be putting many more out to market. Shane Hagedorn and I have been assembling everything for a beautiful book on THE QUEST TRILOGY. It will have great reflective stories from all the directors and more. If you have not watched FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER in that order you should. It will prepare you for AI Jesus coming to theaters and home video this year.
- I’ll give you the drop here early but we are soon to announce a CDI collaboration with Lynn Drzick to do a slate of genre films. One a detective slasher, a SciFi piece and a sequel to IN THE WOODS. I plan to get that PR around but development work is underway for the first film.
- AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is in audio post and the first pass is done on dialog and sound design. We’ll review that soon before the musical score begins. We’ll also start the end credit creation. The front credits need a touch adjusting as we have a few new credits to add. I’m down to the last two marketing units on this film and I think we’ll wrap that up soon. The theatrical release will be Summer followed by the Q4 home video release. This film is very deep but also dressed in humor. The topic of AI is everywhere and this film looks at all angles of this emerging technology. You can watch the trailer online and we will soon have a BTS and final theatrical poster soon!
DEVELOPMENT – The Katharsys/CDI slate in development was mentioned above but that is only the tip of the spear. This coming week will be very telling on two different films where funding is concerned. I did a magazine interview this past week and I was asked the hardest part of making movies. That is easily the funding. I also mentioned the WILD FAITH franchise developing the TV series and a 3rd stand alone film should the series budget be too heavy to lift currently. I’ve noted before a few scripts that I’m working on in-between paid writing. One of them is MBF2. I’m not in a hurry to film this but I’ve had the story in my head for several years and wanted to get it out in script form. If you have not seen MAN’S BEST FRIEND it might be a good watch. I’ve got partial scripts for LOST HEART 2 and WILD FAITH 3. I love to write but funding as we stated is the hard part. The feature film version of SMOKE & MIRRORS could jump in the development line pending what happens this month on other film funding fronts.
WRAP UP: People who know me know that I like to build modest expectations and if we far exceed that projection – great! I don’t oversell or hype with unrealistic goals. To get BIG rewards you often have to RISK big. In the indie film circles one big risk fail can hinder you for years. It is why I’ve always chosen the slow and steady. I hear all the horror stories of promises made and promises broken. Deals without paperwork and people left out to dry. If it sounds too good to be true it usually is. People seeking short cuts and unearned glory usually drive these tragic situations. A face of success can be put upon it all until the bridges start burning. At that point, these filmmakers usually move away and disappear looking to use another market’s gullible. I urge you if you really love this industry don’t play the short game. Play the long game and build your experience to delivery creatively more than was expected. Keep your business tight and be known for your follow through. Unsolicited I had two different individuals speak into the shortcomings of an individual and group. It saddens me because you try to set good examples and give good advice to people but it doesn’t always stick. I think some people are just users and others use their own experience to try and develop people and give opportunities. I always want to stay on the latter side of being a giver vs just taker even if it makes me a fool in some eyes, it’s how I like to live.
If you’ve gathered your wealth by back stabbing and stepping on people it doesn’t make you great. It makes you sad and often lonely once you’ve burned all your bridges. My mind just jumped back to an individual like this who once he had burned all his relationships he killed himself. A loss that did not have to happen. There are filmmakers I know that I don’t agree with and most of them know it because we’ve said our peace. And that said, I know they work hard just a much different process and philosophy from mine. And I know toxic ‘users’ that I will not deal with and will give my truth if asked. But I don’t go out of my way to say anything because after all these years I know that these people burn themselves out. Now many do damage the industry as a whole because a ruined location. An investor burnt by a project never finished will not likely invest again. I’m proud to have investors that have been with us on many films and that should speak for itself. There is more than enough resources for many artists to prosper and I just ask that you all respect your business. People find out eventually that differences exist between production companies and how they run their business. I’m not perfect but I challenge anyone to say I don’t give my best efforts. I’ve dedicated my life to the arts and much to the medium of filmmaking. I deeply appreciate everyone in and associated with the tribe CDI. Slow your roll and do good business and good art.
I’m going to call it. I dislike lecturing but I dislike hearing about bad business even more. Especially if it is people I care about. Note I did not use past tense. I can still care about people even if we don’t have current business between us. But when the business dries up often the friendship goes with it. Maybe it is shame for actions they took. Maybe it is the fact that got everything they are going to get from me. I don’t know the truth of what lies in people’s heart. But I do know I have a wonderful tribe of people that want to do things right. If slower is right. If good communication is right. If good business is right. I can say that the extra effort to stay in the right is well worth it. Have a great week ahead.
Coffee Cheers! DJ
NEW (HIR) Teaser Poster and Several Film Updates
(The NEW teaser poster for CDI’s next film ‘Harsens Island Revenge’)
Coffee Cheers on this fine Sunday morning. It is still chilly on these Michigan mornings and the hazelnut coffee is really tasting fine. We will be approaching a few places about sponsorship with coffee during the next CDI shoot. Often when a small army is exposed to a new product they become of fan and a regular user. Some sponsorships help the production directly and some indirectly like when we did jar candles for many years. When you have to stay away from home for several weeks it really does bring comfort. Last week was an extremely productive week on so many fronts. Let’s take a look at some of those developments.
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA has been delivered to our distributor (BMG) and this week we’ll deliver the last few pieces. The overall film copyright and a few final marketing pieces will be sent over tomorrow and I hope to have release dates by the end of the week. I’m excited for the distributor art to start being worked on we are all so very excited about the 4th quarter of the year release to home video. We still are waiting to see if we are invited out to the Burbank Film Festival. But this movie has been an amazing journey like they all are. If you have not seen the film yet know we are excited to bring it to you. If you did get to see it in the theaters we’re excited to bring you this enhanced version.
- This past week was also the deadline to get all the extra materials in for an upcoming Knight Chills re-release. For those that don’t know this film was the first feature for CDI. It is a tale about bullying but told using role playing games as the setting. With all the renewed excitement over Dungeons and Dragons and such, this film should be well received. It is not a great film by any means but it is true to itself and the subject matter. It is also a good example of doing it yourself – filmmaking. We learned so much and the film is turning 25 years old soon. It got strong distribution during its initial release but also had us as young filmmakers navigating the hardships of low level distribution. Integrity. But the fans have come full circle appreciating the film. My fear with the older films was always – what if this is the first film of mine they see? Everyone starts somewhere and I/we started at ground zero so that really makes the journey more impressive. I’m secure where I am in my life with everything acting/filmmaking and so I’m enjoying the process of getting this films prepped for a new release to new audiences. They want me to be zero PR releases until they present to licensors in a few months so this will be likely the last update on this for a short while. But thank you to those who were willing and/or able to participate in the Behind the Scenes extras. I can say that we have plans with this company to focus on FROM VENUS (CDI’s 2nd film) and IN THE WOODS (My 1st starring role). We learn and build from our past endeavors.
- I mentioned IN THE WOODS above and I am due for an update meeting next week on this re-mastering. I also have some great new information to share. This film is getting a new edit with added scenes and lots of extras. I’ve seen some of the prototypes of the toy line and it is looking good. I need to get my face scan for the Alex Kerwood action figure. This week at one of our meetings I discovered how I might be able to get this scan done faster and sent to the mold makers. In this CDI association, we have a slate of films moving down the line. I emanated prior SHJ, a supernatural thriller and the buzz on IN THE WOODS 2. I also will be excited to talk about new technology that could really help an older project called PALEFIRE. At least I think that is the title. I need another blast of coffee:)
- SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE – This powerful and amazing story is being prepped for presentation and funding to interested parties. This film would shoot in Iowa as a follow up to our SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. It is undergoing a final polish with another set of eyes and the presentation package is being finalized.
- WILD FAITH: Hastings is the 8 show spin off from the WILD FAITH motion picture. It continues to gain momentum on many platforms and just surpassed 7 million views on our distributor’s streaming platform. This is a new endeavor and so we’re trying to set it up just right. The most important thing to me is creative control to keep the integrity of the show that was inspired directly from shows like THE WALTONS and LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE. By that I mean that every show has a life lesson attached to it.
- HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE is CDI’s next film and we’ve been steady at work each and every day. Last week we met with McGraw Multimedia that will likely be supervisions our visual VFX for the film. This was a great reunion of sorts as John McGraw was an editor for CDI in the early days and his brother Eldon, I’ve known even longer. He has been a producer for many years. We’ve got a handful of ambitious scenes in the film that we’ll be tackling. We also got a great preview of all the capabilities of motion capture which might come into play on another film project. We only have a few cast and crew to still place and most of our efforts are on lodging and catering right now. We’ll start locking down locations once we know exactly how many and what days we’ll need a location for. As noted above- we’re starting to lock in some sponsors to assist the film directly or indirectly. Personally, I’ve been having fun slowly building the character for this new role. I like to learn about all the influences in the time period that affects how they see and exist within the world at that time. I cannot lie, I’m itching to get back in front of the cameras and bring AXEL to life. We’re in a holding pattern on some fronts awaiting the schedule from the AD department. We’ll do a close examination and lock the schedule allowing us to go to agreements on cast, locations and vehicles. So many cool things happening and you can follow along on our Facebook page of the same name.
- We have a handful of other projects in development and several possible associated films. I’ve recently read a script by some peer filmmakers and that might lead to a collaboration. And I have talks this week on development of – let’s say it could have us returning to the deserts of Yuma, AZ. We have many film family and friends in that area.
(Some of the CDI Tribe meeting with McGraw Multimedia over ‘Harsen’s Island Revenge’)
WRAP UP:
This week I enjoyed battling on the soccer grid once again. We lost our match but it was a good battle and the season is just getting started. I’m getting my conditioning back and feel pretty good. My flat feet are getting use to the running again. I’ve had many good people reach out this week and had a few really special notes sent on MBF: Man’s Best Friend which is a film that if you haven’t seen of ours you really should. I want to give a shout out to my high school classmates who got together for a 35th class reunion, damn. It just seems like yesterday that I was driving the ole Maverick and playing HAIL TO THE CHIEF with the musical car horn. I just had timing issues with this weekends events but I hope all my Sexton Big Red 88′ alumni had a good time catching up. I’m working to tame this yard which is already a seas of green and various colors. I’ve harvested my first rhubarb for wine making and I’m about to make a batch of summer beer done in the Mexican-style. I might add a pepper to each bottle. If you’ve never tried that you should. I’m ready to start making good ole Sun Tea also. I’m going to finish up here and have a few eggs from our girls before heading to the flea market in search of film props.
Keep following your dreams and I’ll chat with you next week.
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 