The coffee is flowing nicely. I had to get it early again because our furry babies do not like the fireworks. Once those big booms start they will not go outside to do a final potty. And when usually they go out just before bed it results it early morning potty breaks. At least this one was only an hour before I normally rise. I want to wish my mother a happy birthday. We all went out to dinner last night and to her house after. It was fun to be with several family celebrating her day. I had coconut shrimp which was nice. I haven’t had that in quite a while. My father’s birthday is tomorrow and we are having a party for him today. My sense of days is all messed up and I’ll be happy to be back on a schedule tomorrow. But I’ll enjoy another day of family and friends before I’m back at the movie tasks. I again want to thank all our readers from around the globe. We had a lot of new readers and from new places which is always nice to see. I like something I read recently that said every 100 years we have a new batch of us humans living upon ole planet earth. They stated this is our crew, almost like your high school class just on a global level. Be good to your crew. In a 100 years a new group will be running the show. This is our time to make the best of things. As I enter my 3rd decade of storytelling I already feel this turning of the wheel. So happy birthday to my mom and dad and I even recently added a new year onto my age. But age is just a number.
(Big daddy who’s Bday is tomorrow but celebrating today!) * On Set Wild Faith
When I return to filmmaking work this week it will be back to the funding stage. I’m not as good at raising capital as I am managing a film crew. I do okay because we have a strong track record. We get things done on schedule, on budget and with good quality. We have all the films in the marketing earning and that allows us to keep moving forward. This year we’re doing two smaller endeavors as we prepare for a few larger endeavors next year. This is allowing some who normally cannot invest to invest. It is a unique thing to be part of storytelling, something that will outlast ourselves. I’ve been putting together ROM COMS MUST DIE, a funny slasher that is clever in the examination of stereotypes and the trails and tribulations of artists. The other is a Christmas sequel to our successful WILD FAITH. We have given the prior backers the first opportunity to be part of the second film, which some did. Now we’ll be opening it up to new investors. The original film has many fans in the tens of millions and so we’re going to bring them a new story with some of their favorite characters. While the sequel is smart because of the ready made audience it is not a money grab. The script and story live up to the first and will be a great second chapter in this saga. We have been doing casting on both of these and I’m happy to say having some success. CDI consists of actor/producers and so we take that part of the process very serious. With the first project we’ll be announcing the director Travis Hayward and director of photography John McGraw this week. I’ll be sitting down with them this week and we’ll be discussing schedule. We got some great news on the WILD FAITH sequel on a location and we’ll be returning to Alpena, MI in November if everything stays on course.
This leads in nice to my updates on Harsens Island Revenge. First the official trailer has released and the response has been wonderful. I’m happy to say that the sound design first pass was almost complete as of Friday. This week will be a review session with our director and more music plotting. The post process is moving along nicely due to the software improvements. That is where AI can assist in guessing where an artists is going. Now we will not ever use AI music as I believe the human touch is best here. I use to say stock footage is like a suit you take off the rack. It can fit good but seldom if ever great. An AI is just stock footage created for your footage. So again AI can increase the speed at which an artist can perform his or her task. But AI will change our industry just like the digital revolution did as we transitioned from film. Actor/Producer Shane Hagedorn has been in Alpena over the holiday exploring options for the premiere. We will access the film at the end of the month and try to rough in some dates for a premiere. VFX and color correction work is underway and even a new poster of the director’s choosing. This will be a great story added to the CDI collection. You can watch the trailer below.
(Jackson Kennedy with the special edition Blu Ray)
CDI’s first feature film KNIGHT CHILLS is celebrating 25 years plus and recently released on Blu Ray. It was fun to read all the positive comments about the film on the distributors site where the special edition sold out in 6 days. You can still get the classic Blu Ray but it showed me how a cult following has truly grown. So it will be coming to streaming late this year and we’ve cut a new promo trailer. Great job by our Adam Towner! WATCH IT HERE: https://youtu.be/00bNxQ84b-I?si=ngvS1z-w2xc2SDpA With all the growing success we might see Sir. Kallio ride again one day soon!
(HD DVD coming this month!)
Knight Chills is not the only classic CDI films heading back into the market after restoration. AN ORDINARY KILLER will be heading there with a HD DVD release this month and a wide streaming release in December. That deal will sign this week! This film will be the next trailer that we likely put Adam Towner’s talents on next.
(Badass Blu Ray “IN THE WOODS”)
The IN THE WOODS, Blu Ray is now shipping so google it up and order it from your favorite online retailer!
(Giddy up to Ghost Town!)
Already back into the market is the CDI smoky mountain western GHOST TOWN or known as Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town due to it being about family history. Watch it on TUBI or various other platforms. Watch the new HD trailer by Brett Frame here: GHOST TOWN TRAILER: https://youtu.be/Z1eubAgHvOY?si=U1wjIwP6Zg5BGmle
We are still experimenting on the restoration of FROM VENUS, HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST. A film look filter but on the early films soften the pixels and and when we up-rez them now it blurs them our so we need to sharpen or de-noise the films before we up-rez which is taking us a bit to get that correct. But as you can see the entire CDI catalog is being addressed. I love the job that Steve Young did making our PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ film HD. Watch it here:https://youtu.be/qLaw6zOAsw0?si=wgtuG7svTpRPwFTz
In other development new a GOTCH film is in development spinning off from the documentary FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH which you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLjMjIxZuk0
I was also so pleased to hear from fans over the long holiday who enjoyed our trilogy THE QUEST TRILOGY (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer) and MAN’S BEST FRIEND, LOST HEART, WICKED SPRING, Best Years Gone and WILD FAITH. I truly appreciate all the fans who reached out with kind words. The films all have an ever-growing audiences and if you like one film from the CDI Tribe try some of the others. We put the same heart and soul into all our endeavors.
(Just me- 2024 headshot)
We’ve been approached about producing another feature film next year which is being evaluated. Again if you have your funding this is something we’ll consider. I look forward to reading a rough draft of the script and see where the project is at. It sounds unique from other CDI properties and I love that. I also got approached about acting in a TV pilot being filmed and I’m excited to read that. Plus add in the two CDI projects coming together for 2024 and I will be artistically fulfilled. I did see another project casting in Michigan that had a role that jumped at me. I sent off an email requesting sides and we’ll see what becomes of that. I’ve been playing around on instagram doing promo videos and like I said in a recent one IT’S NEVER EASY:) It connects back to Facebook and you can watch it here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/mYsJiRqwwcviM6ia/
I’m going to refill the coffee cut and get a few eggs going. I might even put a mow on the yard if it has dried some. I’m looking forward to the BBQ and seeing my brother and friends this eve. Tomorrow it is back to budgeting, scheduling, casting, funding and promoting – all the fun work that goes with the business! I hope you all got a recharge with family and friends and you’re ready to get back at chasing your dreams and goals. I’m also looking forward to soccer on Thursday. I’ve been enjoying watching the matches on TV. In a few short months it will be football time! Go LIONS! Remember that every person walking the earth right now is part of our crew. look out for our crew and be kind to them all. Yes, even if they have differences of opinions. I appreciate you all!
(A sip of coffee) What a week. I have to say weather-wise it was very cold but quite mild compared to other states. Lots of great developments including getting all the business taxes submitted to our movie accountants. Only my personal taxes are left to tackle. I’m really staying focused on the films because I think unity is something we all really need right now. I’ve almost eliminated any social media viewing for pleasure save STAR WARS updates. There is so much hate, anger and fear – and Yoda taught us those things lead to the dark side:) But seriously, we all have different priorities pending our lot in life, but I’m saddened by the chaotic state of our nation. I think the health of our planet and the future we leave the children of tomorrow should be the priority.
I mostly enjoy people and that is never based on the clothes they wear, the car they drive or the house they live in. It’s based on their attitude, humor, compassion and how they treat their fellow human beings. I think we’re back to a dark place in America like pre-9-11. As tragic as all that was at least we saw the best in people rise from the ashes of those towers. The intangible tower of UNITY. Now if anyone values or dares looks at things differently, they’re considered STUPID right-wing, IDIOT liberals, ignorant ASS HATS. There is no real communication just shouting and babble.
Beautiful – by artist Jeff Butler
I’ve seen the left think Bush was the root of everything wrong. After that it was Obama who became the target. What people fail to understand is that all that negativity is poison spewed is also poison to the self. The crazed look of hate and non-rational ranting heard from both sides has damaged people badly. We’re a country of change complete with checks and balances. Trust in that and don’t be swept up in the chaos of it all. Seek clarity. The best actions are made when they come from a place of clarity.
Sanctuary of Storytelling
I want to be part of sanctuary that grants clarity. When people are no longer are able to cope with wild emotions that have pulled them so far from their normal orbit – they will crave peace. Once the TV NEWS gets turned off and they immerse themselves in a darkroom -the lights dim as the wind, music and beautiful visuals appear- messages of hope. FILM truly can be a sanctuary. We’ll be here tending that sanctuary ready to give peace of mind to all who enter. Maybe we can send calmer, cooler heads back out into the world. In America we must seek compromise – same side of the table negotiations versus hate and gridlock. It cannot be an all or nothing mentality where certain policy is only good for some. We’ll face many more challenges in the future and we’ll all need those moments of sanctuary. Allow yourself to go there. Let the venom be purged and your mind become calm.
Now to the films…
FORTY NIGHTS
We’re excited that “Forty Nights” is getting an expanded 2017 release. The change in name from “40 Nights” to “Forty Nights” will allow people who ASK for the film to find it easier. Many first run retailers who were asked in person likely typed “FORTY” and – Nope. Nothing in our system. So this expanded release will correct that issue. It will also have (in my opinion) stronger art work. The previous cover was a rush job by Wal-Mart. The cover was not our Jesus, and it was…poor quality in my opinion. The film is now being digitally re-mastered and may include a few extras goodies. I hope to reveal some new artwork in the coming weeks.
CHASING THE STAR
We met last week over the second film which is now in final VFX and color correction. This week we start to work on the end credits and we’re going to be setting up theatrical play dates soon after “Forty Nights” 4/4/17 home video release date. On Friday I had the first draft of our home video deal with BMG. We’ve got a bit of back and forth but should have an exact release date soon. This film lives up to what we started with “Forty Nights” and I’m so excited to see audiences take this second journey – Chasing the star!
The Christ Slayer
Once again, I’m in a race against the harsh desert of AZ trying to get all our investors and business in line. It has not been an IF but WHEN on these films and often these folks don’t realize what we face time-wise. We’re often the small investment and the urgency is not always understood until they feel the desert heat. That said, we’re moving strongly forward with the worst case situation being us having to shoot on the other side of the AZ summer. (124 degrees is too hot) With all the pieces falling into place I would rather shoot in March, so I’m going to push hard. Last week we announced our director Nathaniel Nose. Before that we announced our returning cast. Soon here we’ll be announcing our new leads in the film. We’ve found two of the four and we’re also casting a few new antagonists. I’ve had a few reels start to come in to me after requesting Middle East or Italian actors send their materials. Thank you. The crew is also shaping up nicely and we’ll be once again bringing some Michigan keys out to work with our AZ team. I really would enjoy storytelling in AZ when Michigan is buried under snow.
WILD FAITH
The first STILL photos are starting to roll out and soon I hope to have a teaser poster and trailer. I’ve seen some amazing footage from the film and I think audiences will really enjoy what we have.
FUTURE ENDEAVORS
We’re looking at future projects and where we want to go with our film slate. We have many options to consider. Keep putting one foot in front of the next one and before long you’ll surprise yourself on how far you’ve traveled.
Happy Holidays 2014 – Keep Clawing Your Way to the Middle!
Ah………I feel like a traveler just returned from a foreign and distant planet. First, Christmas time in Las Vegas isn’t the same as in Michigan. My hotel room absolutely lacked the Christmas spirit that I’m once again dwelling in. Don’t get me wrong – I had a great experience shooting “Wasteland Tales of the Desert Part 1” in the Valley of Fire. The place was once the location of a prehistoric sea now long gone and leaving the rugged terrain of the Valley behind. The ground was hard and rocky covered with petrified wood, brush and various sedimentary rocks – many with fossils and hints of the once watery condition. We had a tight crew that everyday woke at 5:30 am and got about, shared breakfast and departed for the Valley. We shot everyday until about 4:30 when the magic hour struck the majestic location. We returned banged, bruised, worn and happy. Everyday we got great footage! Everyday had powerful performances. At days end it was back to the hotel for bath/showers. Now I haven’t taken a bath versus a shower in a long time but with my sore bones it became a daily ritual. All day included walking, climbing and laying on anything but flat surfaces. Once clean it was off to dinner with our cast and crew. Ribs, blackened Mahi Mahi, super burgers – let’s just say that food is not lacking in Las Vegas. After eating my night was spent either running lines for the next day save one day where I went to bed at 9:30. That early in Las Vegas is from beat up tired. 200% always! But by the next day I was rested, recharged and ready to rock and roll. The footage, the stills -amazing – the film is gonna be really cool. We had so much fun shooting it and that fun seeps into the footage. An official website will be going up and more pics will soon fill the Facebook albums. The first teaser will begin immediately and the film should be assembled by Feb. 2015. I think once people see this film we’ll have many people interested in being involved in the others “Tales from the Desert” – so we’ll see who the desert beckons next. This is just a great CDI association and I’m proud to be part of it. Our team was awesome and we really got what we needed. My fellow cast members Nicholas X Parsons, David Gries and Damian Maffei were all a pleasure to work with. They take their craft serious and they brought their passion to the show every day. I also want to thank my former co-star Jaime Lynch for giving our cast and crew the VIP treatment at her new show she stars in at the Luxor called FANTASY. If you are over 18 and want to see a great show this is one not to miss. She has an amazing voice!
On other fronts –
THE TERRORIST – I talked with director Jon Osman over our progress on the film. The graphics and color grading are looking great! He is continuing to work the sound design getting the film ready for a final mix.
BESTSELLER – I think we are in the final steps of FX and sound and music are moving along as well. We are driving towards the finish line.
ASHES OF EDEN and DONORS are prepping for their initial national release in early 2015.
IN THE WOODS and WICKED SPRING are prepping for new national re-releases.
I’m anxious to regroup, recharge and get ready for the new year ahead. I’ve got a few script projects to return to writing on and a few other projects that we may be announcing details on very soon. I’m fresh out of the desert and the facial scruff is gone for the moment. I’m happy to be back home with family and friends and I once again feel blessed. Blessed that I got to go off to another state – to a great location – with some great artists – and do some great storytelling. And now I’m happy that I see stockings hung with care. A Christmas tree lighting up the room and my pack of pups sleeping peacefully. I smell ham cooking and classic Christmas music plays softly. So with that I’m going to say goodnight. I think it’s time for a late night snack OR dinner if I were still in Las Vegas.
I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 