Formation, Communication and the Art of Victory!
Hazelnut coffee cheers to each of you. It is again a very snowy morning here in Michigan. I’m excited to sit down and reflect about the journey and the accomplishments. Recently I was reading one of the many versions of THE ART OF WAR and one thing jumped out on this read. FORMATION AND COMMUNICATION. Now I’ve spoken many times on communication and that being a key to success. Formation was a new concept to ponder. As a lifelong martial artist my goals are to bring out the best in each individual and when placed in a proper “formation” victory is achieved. The soccer player and coach in me allows two perspectives of teamwork that I also find helpful. My camp counselor training helps best when we are off filming. Because you have people living outside their comfort zone pushing their focus and artistic abilities to the max.
The enemy of most artist lie in-between the gigs, campaigns, adventures. Any organization thrives by having a strong core and for our group that is the producers. They don’t work per hour, task or under salary. They work to develop properties and do the hardest part of it all, fund it. Once up that big hill is when the next stage of hard work begins which is putting the plan in motion. When you look at all the work that goes into it you might be lucky to make a penny an hour. (Maybe less) Why do we do it? When you see all the happy artists working like ants, all knowing their task, it is a sight to behold. When you see that story that started on a page flicker to life in a dark room it is truly magic. When your name arises to say that you worked with this team and created something that would have never existed. Furthermore will continue to exist after one passes from this lifetime. I have an ever-growing list of filmmaking friends no longer with us and I would like to think that they are happy that they created with their friends as they look us still living.
Financially for a large % of artists you make very modest wages if lucky enough to make wages at all. We take pride in the preserving of history both in story and the artists that told those stories. Kathryn Combs, award winning wardrobe supervisor. Actors like Randy Godwin, Bill McKinney, Rance Howard, Pappy, Russ Stine, Popcorn Sutton and Dan ‘Grizzly Adams’ Haggerty just to name a few who brought characters to life. Sound operators like Eric Holloway and Josh Holloway. I could unfortunately go on and on but at least their names are still spoken with a laugh and a good story. I task myself with the funding of these projects and collectively it is made a bit easier. I work to earn and justify larger budgets to help ease the life of our artists. But the truth is I only take a few weeks of the non-producers life each year. I always say, if the 3-6 weeks I work with someone paying modest wages fumbles up their year someone is doing something wrong elsewhere. I would love to be at the level where 3-6 weeks working with us could be a good part/all of that person’s yearly income but I’m not there.
But I can say that I’m getting closer every day. Because I work towards that goal every day. I often joke when someone addresses the modest wages that unless they rip off their ski mask and hand me a bag a money, I’m doing the best I can. I think what I’m saying is you get zero bonus points for pointing out the obvious. I like to say, I pay problem solvers not identifiers. Why? Because problems have been identified. So the team works hard to obtain the funds for a new story endeavor. At that point we evaluate the crew. (* See that ART OF WAR ‘formation’ talk above) And offers of “date, rate, do you wish to participate?” is presented. First right of refusal usually goes to the previous crew member who did a job to their very best. I will say that in the few times that someone is passed over it is almost NEVER because of their skill set. It is almost always because of their attitude. Negativity is a cancer on a film set and there is nothing wrong with not being cut out for feature filmmaking. Some thrive much better in short, controlled environments like commercials and/or music videos… So if production or the artist aren’t happy they just pass on a project. A new hungry, enthusiastic person will be given an opportunity. NOTE I did not say young. Those attributes can come from anyone with their race, age, sex, religion or politics not disqualifying them. At CDI we have the entire spectrum. You leave those personals at the doorstep and come to collectively tell a story. The only thing we own is the ability to collaborate with one another and if both parties agree to collaborate a mutual artistic bond is forged.
Heat and pressure are applied to the coal and some will burn up and others will become diamonds. Over time you will have a handful of diamonds. Pressure can be external and internal and that is what you control and what you process. We always have artists under pressure and they will either burn out or diamond up. Many great artists have burned up and retired from the hardened journey and they are still celebrated for what they did. I always try to share stories of CDI’s journey as we are built now on multiple generations of artists. Others will march on and fight until they are carried out on their shield. That is their story. I often try to tell people if you can do anything else and your spirit is at peace, do it. But if not you better find your tribe. The journey is hard alone. I know because I started that way but I’ve got an army of artists now. I want to give my sincere and heartfelt appreciation to all the artists at CDI. Enough of the hardships let’s talk about the results.
FILM UPDATES:
- https://mmw.news/2025/02/15/harsens-island-revenge-signs-home-video-deal/ The news is spreading that ‘Harsens Island Revenge‘ has signed their home video deal for DVD and streaming. It will release on Oct 1st, 2025 with theatrical play running from March-Sept 2025. The film is being brought to the Lansing, MI studio to start mastering for delivery to home video and to create our theatrical film. Once in hand we will set up the screening in Alpena, MI if the theater management is open to it. So start your call in campaign now:)
- Sticking to the Harsens Island Revenge film, I’ve seen a new trailer recently mastered by Dennis Therrian. It is one of several new marketing pieces that will start rolling out. We already have other theaters starting to inquire about the film playing so that is a good sign.
- WILD FAITH is one of CDI’s most popular films. We have worked for years trying to launch the TV show HASTINGS. Being such a large step which could have happen but I refused to let go of creative control. So our in-between step was the sequel feature film WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. I’m so giddy with delight because I’ve been the recipient of so much fan mail from fans who love the original film. They are why I could not sell out the creative control. What will have now is a sequel that matches all the magic of the original. I literally get goosebumps watching the film and I think fans will love this next installment. The distributor was pushing us for Christmas content and so this film made sense. Not the run-of-the-mill romantic comedy silliness this has all the adventure of the original. BEST NEWS is that on Tuesday which happens to be both our director Shane Hagedorn and senior producer Anthony Hornus day of birth we will be dropping the trailer. This morning one little end credit correction but it is ready to roll. We are all so excited for you all to see it!
- Just as Harsens Island Revenge finishes the film’s theatrical run on Sept 30th, Wild Faith Christmas will be releasing Nov 1st into theaters for the holidays and into the new year. The film trailer will release on the CDI Youtube Channel and be shared to social media on the CDI/Wild Faith Christmas Facebook page. In 2026 after the theatrical run the film will be prepared for holiday 2026 home video release!
- Let’s take a hard left turn to ROM COMS MUST DIE. This dark comedy was an awesome challenge to shoot in a few days with some of those days being bitter cold. The others in the studio with our partners at McGraw Multimedia. CDI is going to be producing a series of feature films that are shot both on location and in-studio. The first experimental film was a HUGE success! The shoot went very smooth and I’ve already seen a rough cut. The film is everything we had hoped for and more. I found myself impatiently tuning in daily to see editing progress because I wanted to see what was next. I knew what was next as I wrote the screenplay but to see it come off the pages it a thrill only writers know. Zany, funny, smart and highly entertaining is my first response to watching it. Director Travis Hayward will start refining the cut with the editor John McGraw. But what I’ve already seen has me excited. Poster and trailer talk as well as I’ve seen a BTS underway. The BTS has a few spoilers so we might have to hold on that but it captures the fun we all had.
- Behind the scenes I’ve spent two weeks behind the desk working with legal and accounting getting end of the year and new year business all completed. We had a payout to investors at the end of December and so that was completed. We’re looking at ways to streamline our business even more as we are growing and producing more content. This is the unsexy part of our business but needed to move ahead. Special thanks to COO Dean Teaster, legal John Mashni and the staff at Davison & associates and my bankers.
- As I’m almost caught up on the business I’m looking ahead. We have a few projects gaining momentum and developing. I’m excited to start looking ahead. We have so much going on now and it is only Feb! I don’t want to get too much into development today but know it is always happening.
WRAP UP: The chickens have been increasing their egg laying as the light returns. Now if only the warmth can return. I’m already looking ahead to gardening and the new improvements to the property. A new firewood rack is going to be put together. I also might replace the old firewood structure with a little greenhouse. The new deck is going to be fun to work on and under. A new retaining wall and either pavers or a bottom deck will be added. At some point a sanding and staining will also take place.
I also have some ideas for inside the office to help organize better. I have a corner shelf unit I want to install. I’m just trying to wait until it gets a touch warmer. But I might go ahead and order it soon. I do hope each and everyone of you is having a good start to your year. I know everyone has challenges and the key is coming up with a plan and moving in that direction. I’m thankful that a loved one who gave us a recent health scare had good news. I know a few others awaiting good news and I hope they get it. This world is always changing especially with technology. We are embracing that technology and those changes. We are going to keep doing our thing and we hope our stories bring a little joy and laughter to your lives. I’m going to go make some breakfast and refill ye ole coffee cup. Until next week!
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
CDI Film Updates and Looking Ahead to 2025!
(Composer Dennis Therrian and Director Carl Weyant working on ‘Harsens’)
Good morning friends! I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee and listening to the birds while watching squirrels busily working for the winter ahead. I want to welcome all the new readers from Mexico, New Zealand, Sweden and more. I’ve had a very busy week getting things ready for the upcoming Harsens Island Revenge release and the Wild Faith Christmas shoot. Dennis Therrian our composer and post supervisor has been busy finishing the Harsens Island Revenge score. Directed Carl Weyant (happy Birthday yesterday) has been prepping everything else to go into the film such as the stock footage, VFX and color correction. This week is when we start to pull it all together. We producers have been working the end credits getting those around. It will be a wonderful thing to see this story all together on the big screen. The end is always trying as you pull everything together. We are close, very close.
(In studio as we locked picture now we are close to a final locked movie)
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – We are fully cast, crewed and locations locked. We’re still putting a few pieces in play but departments are up and prepping to the shoot in a few short weeks. Insurance will be going up soon and we’ll be getting communications and lodging set. Last week I had the wardrobe items stored at the office picked up. Also the hospitality and health (craft services) items were picked up. Great meetings with some of the companies aligning with us via sponsorship or product partnership. Reinert Pottery will be supplying some of the on-camera items. Anchor Construction Corporation came on board. Welcome! We have a few flights to manage and also we have a trip to NC to pick up props and art director Robert Bradley that just got a LOT more complicated. All part of the process but I’ve also been enjoying getting into the ‘Ben Lily’ mindset. My tops of my toes are raw and sore due to my first multiple hours wearing my trapper boots. I’ll have 10 days of several hours in them so I’m trying to condition my feet now.
Re-Releases-
KNIGHT CHILLS deliverables to Twin Engines Global/Deskpop is almost complete. I just need to digitize some paperwork this week and upload that. But the film, trailers and artwork should all be there. We have been posting some great new screen captures to the FB site. AN ORDINARY KILLER will release soon on HD DVD and streaming in December. People are enjoying DEAN TEASTER’S GHOST TOWN and the special edition park DVD will be available soon.
(2.5 million plus views on Encourage TV)
The season for SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA and THE QUEST TRILOGY is right around the corner. I’m happy to announce that on ENCOURAGE TV the first of the biblical trilogy FORTY NIGHTS just went past 2.5 million views! Make watching these feel good classics part of your yearly family tradition.
BEST YEARS GONE, LOST HEART and the original WILD FAITH are good Fall classics to watch! I’ve enjoyed some of the communications from fans of these films. I will also add BESTSELLER on the list if you like R rated scare-fests. Again I’ve been so enjoying the season as the leaves are turning and I’ve even enjoyed a few bonfires. I’ve even allowed my thoughts to start to dance around Christmas just a bit.
Looking Forward to 2025
Once we get WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS in the can (Old term from days of shooting on film) – we’ll turn our attention on ROM COMS MUST DIE a fun feature film we’ll do with Travis Hayward at the helm directing. I will be working on updating the WILD FAITH: HASTINGS TV series to happen after the 2nd film. I’m working on show 4 of 8 right now. I also will be finishing a few scripts over the winter and still trying to land another project that would be both the script and production. Once Harsens Island Revenge is locked I’ll have more talks with director Carl Weyant about development. I have a good project in mind for him that might be a good fit. Looking at maybe developing something with Ian Griffin. I’m excited to see where 2025 will lead the tribe.
(Dane DeFord and Robert Bradley in Maggie valley, NC)
WRAP UP-
I’m about to go look into some eggs and bacon before doing some more yard work. I think inside the Fall stuff might come out. Tomorrow I’ll be pulling prop weapons to be handed off to our armorer Bart Ketner for the upcoming shoot. This week I’ll be tying up many of the loose ends and taking us closer to our end of the month move to Alpena.
My thoughts are still with all the good people trying to rebalance their lives after the storms. And I am concerned a tad hearing about two more storms moving towards the coast. I feel bad for the displaced, the dead and the pets too which are in over-crowded shelters.
I hope you all have a peaceful Sunday and allow yourself a recharge. I’m looking forward to seeing my brother and a few friends later in the day. I’ll be back at the business bright and early in the morning. I’m at the end of the coffee pot so that is where I’ll end this. Be kind to one another even if the world politics has you with differing opinions. I’ll be ready for that to all be done and over with.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Dare to LIVE! Read, Write, Paint, Draw, Laugh!
Hazelnut coffee cheers! I’m fresh back from the flea market where I walked away only with a few trinkets. We went early because of pending rain. We’ve had quite a bit the last two days but at least today cooler weather and a breeze came with it. This week we ended our outdoor soccer season. In our play off match we lost 2-1 in the last few minutes. It was a great game that could have gone either way and a great season. I will miss my Thursday workout on the field. It really pushes me to the max and I love it. I’m in strong running shape and I credit that to this sport that I love. The best part is playing with my brother and friends. I love the physicality of it all smashing into other players fighting for space and possession of the ball. I’m already looking forward to the next outdoor season.
The heat has been more taxing due to the sizable ‘Ben Lily’ beard I’m sporting. In two months and change I’ll be stepping back into that role from WILD FAITH in our sequel. Our crew is about set minus one or two individuals. Our cast is growing as we announced a few more actors this past week. We just cast another co-star this weekend and we’ll be announcing them soon. The actor was pretty touched by getting the role. I remember the joy of getting those first couple roles. I don’t take it for granted but I’ve grown to a point of confidence that I don’t ride the highs or lows when it comes to casting. I’m a believer that the right roles will happen but you still have to do your own part.
We have been adding sponsors onto the WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS project and we’re so appreciative to all of them. I distributed all our business paperwork and the first returned sets of them are coming in. I’ll be opening the bank account this week and getting things rolling. Again we’re so appreciative to all the investors on these stories. Art is a special investment and often there is better ways to make bigger returns faster but the payoff in being part of a story can be priceless. This story has such beautiful themes and moments and will be a worthy follow up to the original. This has led to me doing a 2024 polish on the eight shows in the TV series. I’m working on show #3 and it is so wonderful to revisit this season one of shows. Not sure how I feel about carrying this beard for another year if the series launches but I’ll cross that bridge later.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is getting some high profile play on some of the platforms. We were looking at something to watch on Amazon Prime and there it was right up there with the studio films. I’m looking forward to a discussion on the holiday push for this film. It is such a beautiful true story and an important piece of history.
Harsens Island Revenge is full speed ahead on music and I’ll be getting a full update this week. We’re closing in on plans for a premiere in November in Alpena, MI and we’ll do a few other premieres also. Looking at Owosso, Lansing and Detroit near Harsens Island itself. After we’ll be looking at a full 2025 theatrical run followed by home video. We’ll be having a sit down planning meeting on this very soon. I’m in hopes we’ll have a theatrical poster soon as well.
Re-mastered and re-released versions of Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town, An Ordinary Killer and Knight Chills are planned. The first above is already released to TUBI. AOK and Knight Chills will be releasing info soon but Knight Chills can be purchased on Blu Ray and AOK will soon be releasing the special HD DVD. NEW poster art for Knight Chills streaming and for the Making of book and script is underway. AOK will be getting a new trailer and we’re still doing some tests on the remaining classic CDI films.
We still have some casting underway for ROM COMS MUST DIE which will film the first of the year. We are going to be tweaking the schedule in the coming weeks and that will give us our shoot dates as well. 2025 sequels also being discussed include a KNIGHT CHILLS 2, IN THE WOODS (Now on Blu Ray!) sequel and a long form feature of SMOKE & MIRRORS, a Victorian comedic who done it. Several other projects are working on development including GOTCH and SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE and another project that we’ve not released any info on yet.
WRAP UP:
I will look forward to some script writing over the winter months. I recently did a small harvest of hops which the inchworms got into and I let them because the vines have to come down for the new deck. I’ve been harvesting tea herbs on a regular basis and drying them. I’ve been enjoying the variety of veggies as of late including eggplant which I really like. I might get outside here in a bit and do some more organizing on the property to get ready for the new deck. I’ve decided to re-purpose the old deck and put my handy man skills to the test. I might rebuild the compost bin and try my hand at a few planters. As it cools I’ll be doing some more log splitting and might put a polish on ye ole wood stove. I’m thinking of having a chimney sweep also done to it. I love when the wood stove starts crackling.
I will be unpacking my ‘Ben Lily’ garments soon and breaking in my trapper boots again. I will look to see what needs improvements upon. I know from speaking with Hester (Melissa Anschutz) she might have to rebuild some of her outfit as part of her outfit is buried in storage. I know Shane Hagedorn who plays Emmett, is looking at hats but I love my old Ben Lily hat. (Thank you Austin Two Feathers) We’ve been centralizing all our breakdown sheets and taking inventory. I’ll also be bringing down some of the craft service stuff and seeing if that can live with our hospitality and health department head.
I wanted to say a little prayer for our friend and my co-star (Lost Heart, Best Years Gone) Victoria Jackson, SNL alumni who announced that she has a cancerous tumor on her windpipe that she cannot have operated on. She will be taking some medication to slow the disease but how awful. I’ve been much love being given but also some hate do to her politics. As an artist and as a company we’ve tried to be inclusive to all as artists. An individuals priorities and what box they check doesn’t matter. We are all flawed and have hopes, fears, dreams and can all be led to a more positive place but good storytelling. We have folks that would possible be opposite sides of an issue stand shoulder to shoulder to help create a story. I’m proud of that. As we get closer to November elections I hope that people will try to be kind to one another. I’m going to keep doing what I do despite who wins. The sun will still come up. The moon will still sit in the night sky. I would never want to be a politician. Would you? With everything they put those people through. Every misstep or mis-communication thrown up in your face. Every bone in your closet used to club you with. I’ll stay with being a storyteller. But back to Victoria, my best wishes for healing and comfort. Also for my buddy Ronnie Lee’s loved one recovering as well.
With the context of people I know passing away as of recent it really gives me courage to tackle the difficult tasks. In the end we all rest and all this day-to-day stuff means nothing. Again I say, write that book. Start that small business. Get up on stage and sing. Read. Paint. Draw. Laugh. Live. Celebrating 25 years plus with some of our art is humbling. In another 25 years (If lucky enough) how old will I be? My beloved dogs I love and cherish now will be a memory on a wall. How many more family, friends and loved ones will have gone quiet in that peaceful rest. Will my body allow me to run or kick a soccer ball still? I had to stop for a moment and compose myself. I wasn’t trying to make this a sad post I swear. It is just a reality and a plea to not poison your joy with doubt, fear and insecurities. I’m going to call this good for the week because I allowed it to get a little heavy. But I love what I do and who I get to do it with. I love the journey I’ve had, I’m on and the mystery of where it might lead. I appreciate that I have all of you from around this incredible world to share these thoughts with. Until next week!
DJ
Film Updates, Scouting, Casting and Sad Politics
I’ve just had an afternoon sip of my coffee from this morning, but it is now mid-afternoon on Saturday. I wanted to get a head start on my Sunday blog because I have an early Sunday scout trip planned and a flea market attend in the afternoon. It has been an interesting week in the development of our film properties. I also have some good updates with current film projects, and I even have a few insights to share. Where to begin? The scout trip is a good place to start. We are going to scout my friend’s property that we want to use for several scenes on ROM COMS MUST DIE. It is a comedy and I’m excited about that. We had a great meeting on Monday with Travis Hayward who will direct and John McGraw who will be the director of photography. We also got some good audition reads sent in from our local area casting. We are not doing transportation or lodging on this smaller film project, so we are trying to cast in mid-Michigan. It is an experimental film shooting in studio and outside on locations. It will use some amazing technology and A+ equipment. I want to thank those who have given reads and I’m happy to say we might have found a few more of our actors. We will have discussions about that on our scout tomorrow.
In the afternoon I love going to flea markets and estate sales to look for certain props. On this occasion I’m really looking for things that work with our WILD FAITH sequel WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. We announced last week that Shane Hagedorn will be our director and editor. Also, it sounds like we’ll be announcing other keys and crew members in the coming weeks. We’ve been trying to tie up the last few units of funding but might be close to doing that. Once that is done, we’ll move more aggressively forward on our hiring. But we have been giving proposed dates to some folks. It is a slightly smaller crew versus our last film because the shooting locations are much tighter. I’m really hoping we move solidly into pre-production by the end of this coming week. I’m happy to announce in advance that our friends at PEPSI are again sponsoring us and we’ll be bringing others on with us as well. I’ve been slowly moving my look towards the return of mountain man Ben Lily.
The longer hair and beard are not the best for this heat we’ve had but so be it. My look for my role in ROM COMS MUST DIE will be more groomed but still on the way to mountain man. I had another offer for a bad guy in a tv series pilot. They wanted a rich yuppie type, and I wasn’t sure I could make that happen. The sides turned out to be something I wasn’t willing to do so that made me feel better not to reject the role on look alone. Put it this way, I’m in really good shape for my age but I still don’t want to do any nudity. And the scene matter itself was a touch degrading and so that was a polite pass. Some upcoming actors will be more ambitious and willing and so they can put themselves through it. I’ll focus on my next two roles, and I did ask to read for a role in a friend’s film. I liked the character breakdown, and we’ll see how that works out.
The end of the second quarter is upon us and so I’ll be happy to see how some of the films are doing. I’m excited about how several are trending and that is good for all involved. How fast a film connects with an audience is always a gamble. You can project and predict but you just never know. I’m just happy they are all producing. We just signed an advanced deal for AN ORDINARY KILLER to go streaming in December but I’m excited about the HD DVD due anytime now. I’m about to start a new trailer working with Adam Towner.
KNIGHT CHILLS HD screener has been sent to the first choice distributor to try and set up streaming for this Fall. I LOVE the new trailer and you can look back at last week’s blog to watch several of the trailers. Dean Teaster’s GHOST TOWN is also back in the streaming on HD and I’ll explore getting the Special Edition park DVD’s for sale before Christmas.
I’m going to put more focus on the final three films in the classic collection FIGURE IN THE FOREST, HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FROM VENUS. We have a great double feature DVD of FITF and HN together. We’re exploring several processes with the restoration of these films. But this year has already been good on getting classic CDI films back out into the market.
On that same note, people have started to get their IN THE WOODS Blu Ray with the classic and new versions of the film in HD. I was talking with director Lynn Drzick who had the Blu Ray in his hot little hands and the packaging was great! I’m awaiting my copy of the film and it will be fun to rewatch. I really think the new edit is very good and improves the movie’s flow. So, if you want the new Blu Ray google that up and buy it now. Let me know what you think! I’m also told the sequel script is getting close.
I also want to turn my attention back to some literary releases especially on the films back to market like GHOST TOWN, AN ORDINARY KILLER and KNIGHT CHILLS. I need to get some artwork around for the novels. Same for the ‘making of’ books with scripts plus other extras. I’ve been full ahead on these other streaming titles and development work on the new films. But I’ll soon be shifting gears again. I realize every week when I do these updates how much work I really do. But I do enjoy it. It can be frustrating at times but also so rewarding.
HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE trailer is being very well received. The film last week started music scoring in full and I know a new director’s poster is being worked on. Speaking of director Carl Weyant, I started by having he and Travis Hayward tackling music videos. One of them is completed with SHALLOW RISING, a song called REMORSE CODE and will release on 7/26 I’m told. I will share once it releases. We have another video in post with the same band that will release later in the year.
What am I missing? Maybe that is enough updates for the week. I was excited that at an estate sale also seeking props I found four CD’s by my good friend musician John Two-Hawks. Look up his work you will not be disappointed. He was also an actor in FROM VENUS. After the tropical rains we got the plants have been growing like crazy. I’ve been harvesting herbs left and right all week. As I sat outside on the deck this morning drinking my coffee, I noted all the wildlife from the inchworms eating hops leaves to the birds and squirrels gathering berries. I love all the nature we have on our property. It brings me a great peace and I’m thankful for it. I hope all of you are finding your peace as you chase your dreams.
DJ
Added two cents- It is Sunday and I’ll be leaving for my scout in a few. I’m sad about the events that took place last night. Two citizens apart from Mr. Trump of the USA were shot attending an event as part of their American rights. One died and I don’t know the situation with the other. But this kind of political violence is just wrong and will only make the divides deeper. I’m so glad that I’m a storyteller vs a politician. I think we all need to be better led by our hearts. I just believe in deciding by vote and not violence and this kind of action is not our way.
CDI Updates Galore and Tips on Managing Time and Energy
Good morning my friends. Coffee cheers. I want to welcome all our new readers from Brazil, Norway, Sweden, Russia, China and more. I love that this is a place where artists of the world can come together. I hope my words can inspire, inform and/or assist each of you on your own journey. It was a productive week with my mind grinding a bit on several things. Last weekend brought the news of several people who’s travels here have ceased. The week brought more news of pets, parents and friends who passed. That is the other side of social media and up to the moment news. It use to be a random encounter with an old friend or associate would reveal news from the past few years or months. But now we deal with news daily that can remind us that our time alive and living is finite. Our minds are trying to learn to compensate for this daily bombardment of unsavory news. I feel bad for people who cannot moderate that and self feed themselves more sadness than they can healthily handle.
I have pondered activists of various causes and I think that is a hard road. There is little rest – their minds fixated on the cause without rest. Politics, racial injustice, domestic violence, animal cruelty and poaching…the list could go on and on. If you try to take a rest -others could accuse them of slipping, losing focus leading to overall judgement. Good intentions can quickly turn to near madness. That person(s) can quickly become part of the problem contributing their own hate. This is like a passive mob mentality that while not as intense can be a slow peer pressure burn. “I don’t see you upset, do you still care?” – I’ve dealt with that years ago in some of the film business. My composure was taken for lack of caring and that was not true. I just know when emotions take over (Oh look how passionate someone is) that they don’t always make the best (efficient) choices. I often agree with causes but not the process of pushing an agenda. I’ve recently talked about how I like to speak with my art. I feel I can reach more people with the medium of film and don’t have to live in a manic state. Tell a story with a lesson and drop the mic and go boating or grill out with family and friends. Just because you don’t live in some unbalanced state of mind doesn’t mean you don’t care. It means you have learned to work smarter versus harder. Smarter for the health of the self and smarter for the cause you are trying to enlighten people to. So self evaluate and see if you are working in a way that is best for you and ultimately for your cause. Life is a marathon and so don’t burn yourself out. I’m also going to note my parents both had a birthday one day apart. I’m just blessed to still have them both here on this journey. My furry boy Luke who passed a few years back would have had a bday and several people had some nice things to say. Appreciate each day and try to lay your head on the pillow each night having done good deeds and a sleepless night will be rare. Except where dogs and fireworks exist a few less restful nights might follow.
FILM UPDATES
Let’s stay with MANS BEST FRIEND, which after the wins at the Crown Awards seems to have brought even more viewers. I want to thank all of you who have taken the time to watch the film and either send me your beautiful comments and/or posted reviews on IMDB, Amazon or whatever streaming platform. My cousins in Detroit finally got around to a watch on the film and sent me these pictures. I love them because it shows that our audience is not just you humans.
Thank you. If you want to watch yourself – please do.
WILD FAITH/HASTINGS has some exciting developments underway. In the sake of not getting ahead of myself I’ll leave this project for now. But this film which has endeared so many to the Murphy family just might launch in 2022.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA
While ‘Wild Faith’ is storytelling in the 1870’s our upcoming WW2 drama will take us to the 1940’s. Our producers scout trip is booked and our team will go in August to lock in the infrastructure of our next film. Our casting and crewing is about 85% in place with a few departments ands castings still to be set and announced. Our German actors are going to start being announced soon. Here was last weeks cast announcement.
We also hope to start announcing some of the sponsors very soon. I’m just loving this entire era but the hardships endured are pretty amazing. I’m excited that one of my past co-stars will be joining us. Another opportunity to “Watch and learn!” – some of you know exactly who this amazing actor is. You can see all the cast and crew here and follow along as more are announced.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13608086/reference
BEST YEARS GONE released the first trailer and the reaction has been great. You can see it here:
We have two September premieres coming together. Sept 11 will be the race and outside premiere event and we’ll also be announcing an Owosso, MI premiere soon at the NCG. Plans for the music video shoot with Vertical Bridge are underway. The film has had the first pass on sound design and the music is almost there. I will be going in at the end of the month to add voice over. I’m excited for audiences to see this film and I think many will enjoy it. I’ve had several say it had a FARGO vibe to it. I’ll take that as a compliment.
LOST HEART/BIGFOOT, UFOS and JESUS – This film continues to march forward gathering audiences who love this story. It matters not if you watch the family/faith or general market release – just watch it. I love that both the A and B story are getting their own pushes in marketing.
OR
Same film that has all this within it. It was smart for the distributor to go at both these angles of marketing. Which marketing do you like better?
Speaking on trailers – how many of you saw the July 4th release of the trailer for our documentary ‘For the Love of Catch’ ? If you missed it here it is along with the PR. 20k+ views is just a few days tells us the audience is there.
https://www.prlog.org/12876107-for-the-love-of-catch-first-official-trailer-drops-to-fireworks.html
The steampunk, turn-of-the-century tale SMOKE & MIRRORS is also closing in on being complete. I’ve also been reworking the feature script for future production. BESTSELLER should be looking at a new fall release with BMG Global. We’re looking at several films to re-release with a new campaign. Which films would you like to see? FIGURE IN THE FOREST? KNIGHT CHILLS? AN ORDINARY KILLER? ASHES OF EDEN? With BMG opening a general market division it opens up possibilities for more films to release.
WRAP UP
OK. I’m going to wrap this up. We’re going to go visit one of the Sunday flea markets where I love to seek out curiosities and WW2 props. I’ve got a busy week ahead of meetings and such so I’m going to relax and get ready to attack the week. I’ve been having fun slowly rehearsing and building more character for the WW2 film. I’m currently reading a book written by the actual PW camp commander that my character is loosely based upon. I seem to be past my slight knee injury from soccer after a fun game Thursday. It feels good to be able to walk stairs without issue. That means might kicking drills on the new outside heavy bag can start in full. I’ve enjoyed doing my heavy bag punching outdoors. The mosquitos are making my punches even faster. I should be trying to catch them with chopsticks. I hope you all have a safe weekend and a productive week ahead.
DJ
ARTISTS Around the World, Updates and Award Nominations
Good morning my friends – coffee cheers. (Above: Movie lunch pails – one day:) I loved seeing all the readers that dropped by last week and from so many different countries. Interesting talk recently that the artists in all countries likely exist in an alike mind space. This started from watching the live action Mulan. I really enjoyed it. Of course I’m a martial artists and I also love the history and traditions of the asian countries. The media backlash was over some of the film being filmed in areas of China where the treatment of some people there has been in question. My point is that I can assure that most of the artists in China are not the ones committing these actions. Politicians and corporations are where the differences often lie. Again I think that art is one of the best forms of communication still working. I think it is through storytelling and art that people try to change things by changing the hearts of the people. Iran. That was brought up and I am sure that there are many wonderful Iranian artists and many are likely not in step with their government. Artists have been persecuted in many places over the corse of history for illuminating people in a way that often goes against the agenda of politics. Don’t get me wrong, artists have their issues and running a country of diverse people is never easy. But the film Mulan had beautiful locations and maybe that is why certain things were filmed at certain locations. Story-first we call it. In telling our story we try to do what is best for the story not politically motivated. Also I do understand financial reasons for location choice. I just like to look at the sum of the parts. In any endeavor using many people – having a story to focus upon brings out the best in each person. Their best artistic qualities end up showcased. Again that’s why we embrace the ‘collective development’ of individuals versus a ‘cancel’ mentality. On our sets a respectful attitude is required and any course corrections to transgressions would be attempted and often the flow is resumed. In a few situations we’ve let people go but when that has happened I’ve owned that as a miss or a loss. A kid who had to be sent home from summer camp because a staff couldn’t nurture the good kid within. A student who quits never to return to the dojo is on the sensei – he failed to nurture the student properly. An athlete who has to be removed from a team shares that failure with his coaches. Just a few thoughts. I’ve had beautiful fan mail and invites to visit their countries from people all over the world. Those places I would be honored to visit but being honest, some places have me nervous. The nervous apprehension is not stemming from the artists. So in conclusion, if a group of people geographically create something in an area where some in power have misstepped should all the people, all the artists be held accountable? And yes. I’m sure the artists in some of these places object to things they don’t agree with, much like here in the USA. But many elsewhere are met with bullets in response to their objections. So let us praise positivity in story wherever it’s told.
Onto some film updates. First this week we starting to announce some of the ICFF 2021 Nominations which is for films of faith, family and inspiration. Positive stories:) We were fortunate enough to again be chosen for several nominations with LOST HEART. First is my favorite award nomination next to ‘Most Inspirational’ which THE QUEST TRILOGY garnished. BEST FILM – I love this because again as mentioned earlier it represents the collective artistry of the tribe.
On a personal level I’m enjoying the collecting of these screenwriter nods. When acting was my main push and I guess I would say it still is. I use to downplay the screenwriting not wanting to be seen as a screenwriter who acts. But these days I’m 100% confident is just being the artist I am with multiple avenues to create. As an actor, I’ve had the pleasure of trying to utter some pretty bad dialog in some questionably written scripts. Often by some good directors who’s art of screenplay wasn’t on the same level. But that means a director directing and actors acting with a poor blue print. To have a chance at executing a good story you need a strong blue print. This is why I’ve done less and less outside work. I KNOW great material is out there and good teams to execute production but getting those circles to all align can be difficult. There is so much that can hinder a film production the script should not be one of them. So I’ve been poking about and having a few discussions on literary representation. I would like to see a few stories go be created by others. To have other artists and tribes make a go at telling a great story because of a solid blue print. We can only create so many stories as a company. So I look forward to creating a few wonderful vehicles for actors and teams out there in the world.
Congrats to Jesse Low. One of the other instinctual things a producer(s) have to do is try to marry the right story to the right director. It is an art. Just like management. Casting. Crewing. If working as many with a zero budget it’s making the best hand with what you have. On the low budget you do have choices. In a way the best choices, because you will only attract artists who love the story and/or filmmakers. Also development – after several features – the relationship flow with Jesse Low has become tight. Coffee Cheers to many more!
A film will LIVE or DIE but the leads. So many wish the opportunity but it is not easy. It is why I cringe when someone says, “I might try acting, sounds fun.” Acting is more a calling (or a disease) versus a fun thing to try. The medium of film requires even more focus as things are often in random order and the multiple takes can be draining. Many actors and actresses don’t have the endurance to do it. That is why shorts are a good build for cast and crews. Features are a longer journey and requires pacing, prep and hyper-focus.
Melissa Anschutz went above and beyond – allowing audiences via her national PR appearances to hear about her personal battles immediately following filming. This reached, touched and helped many people with alike tragedies in their lives. She is very deserving of both these awards so a big congrats to Melissa and thank you for all you do to help the tribe of artists. You’re an inspiration to many out there.
CDI has been blessed to have many very successful artists join our tribe and storytell with us. These folks have such great projects behind them that when they branch out to work with anyone they take a real chance. At CDI we don’t play ‘star’ that is for the red carpet for those who wanna play that – this is storytelling. I’m so appreciative of the artists who bring their very best. No phoning it in. They BRING IT. I do love how Tarantino brings great names from previous successful stories that maybe haven’t been seen in a while and showcased fresh, powerful new performances. We do that. We work hard to provide the most professional experience and to encourage the best set to create. I’m so happy for Victoria Jackson and Don Most for their nominations in the supporting roles. If you watch the film LOST HEART you will realize how deserving them are. Often a fest might give a nod because of the star power it brings but these nominations are right on. They both give performances that audiences will remember for years to come. It shows that Happy Days and SNL were just early stepping stones and they are still the artist they ever were and with experience, even more talented now. Congrats.
Now we come to this. I want to say that I have to get better about accepting such things. I truly enjoy other people getting recognition so that they will want to come out and play next time asked. Last year I was nominated for ‘Paul Landings’ as the Best Actor in MBF and took great pride in that since Paul represents our wounded military vets. Now ole ‘UFO Worldwide’ Reporter Niles Cass doesn’t seem as dramatic or deserving but I am still deeply honored. Two different tone films which is made more interesting since at ICVM at NBR (Crown Awards) in June (Texas) they have narrowed down to 5 top films nominated for Best Film and MBF and Lost Heart are going head-to-head because of the Covid lockdown last year. Proud of both stories just very different.
I wanted to share another special recognition that LOST HEART received. Congrats to my brother from another mother Ponceman. Working with Ponce a second time was just a pure joy. Might have to make it three times;)
I could do some additional updates but it is getting late and I need a shower after waking up and pushing myself in the strongman contest. This coop was MUCH heavier than I thought but the Amish don’t play. This is not like the previous coop which was nowhere as heavy duty. New chickens arrive next weekend.
Casting and crewing talks have been going great on the WW2 drama. This week we’ll announce two more leads in the main family joining actors Curran Jacobs and Cassie Dean. One is a beloved tribal member and the other a wonderful actor who will work with CDI for the first time. Our German reads have been exciting! We have other roles locking in and many to still explore.
BEST YEARS GONE is going to be traveling this week to our post studio with Dennis Therrian. Nathaniel Nose has done a wonderful job. We’ll know this week if he’ll be cutting the trailer. The Battle of the Bands runs until the end of April and we’ve had some great submissions. I plan to announce another judge this week joining Joe Pullin and John Two Hawks. I’m so excited to get onto this next phase. I look forward to spending some time at the studio in the pines. I think I might have to be on grill duty also.
I’m going to wrap it up here. I know I likely missed a few updates but I think we hit upon enough. I was a bit behind last week on emails, calls and even contract review (Monday:) But this week will be a good catch up. I hope each and everyone of you have a productive week. Be good to one another.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
First Looks at ‘Best Years Gone’ – Development Updates! Feel the Music & Laughter
Good morning everyone! I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee watching the snow fall. Michigan is at its coldest point with overnight going into the negatives. I want to welcome the new readers from Vietnam, United Arab Emirates and more from around the world. We so enjoy the ever-growing circle of artists who stop by to take a read. This week was very productive on many fronts and so let us look at a few updates.
BEST YEARS GONE – This week we have had many updates on our film now in post-production. Below is a link to Nathan K. Robertson, our 1st AD and Associate producer put this fun video together on MASKS and safe protocol while shooting end of 2020. Please do take a watch – if you grew up with 80’s Sat morning cartoons you will enjoy this. Thank you again Nate.
This is followed by a story and ‘behind the scenes’ look about our company CDI (http://www.cdiproductions.com) and our mission statement. The cool video was done by Daniel G. Chipman who has worked with CDI on and off since 2002. The music was by the incredible Dennis Therrian. The next cut of the film will be done this week and our director will make any tweaks from there. We’re also looking at the VFX shots and soon the locked picture will move to music and sound design. We had great talks this week on upcoming merchandise items. Also the ‘Battle of the Bands‘ details are getting worked out and the distributor is excited. We are talking about a unique premiere at a racetrack with bands, the film and a race! How cool would that be? Have you followed our IMDB.com or Facebook pages? Seek them out:)
LINK BELOW TO THE STORY AND BTS VIDEO! (I’m very happy with how the story came out)
https://www.prlog.org/12857968-passing-through-the-storms-of-covid-unified-in-telling-story.html
WILD FAITH/HASTINGS talks and development continue. The 8 shows are being polished up for presentation and we’re working with our distributor to develop this TV series spin off. We’ve got the script to a few of the proposed directors and we’ve started to look at who would return and who would not for the series. I stated how thrilled I was by the Darby Hinton endorsement of the season 1 scripts. Our distributor is helping pull together marketing “impressions” for us to use in our development business. They reported 15 million impressions for 2020 which if you multiple that X 8 shows that is a lot of zeros. Talks with several networks will continue. With THE QUEST TRILOGY playing as a series on Sony/Pureflix platform under a new Easter campaign maybe Sony/Pureflix will be a good partner. We will see where the journey takes us but we’re pulling everything together. But to the millions of fans – thank you!
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – This week we made some great steps towards pre-production. We had more financial commits to this Christmas WW2 film. We’ve also have had some great actor reads from around the country. I’m happy to say that we’ve settled on casting for a handful of roles. I’m really impressed by some of the talent especially the reads that came from the outside. We usually have to go through hundreds or thousands of casting choices but it is beyond cool when you find someone you love in the first couple reads. We are discussing a teaser poster, PR title font and other things before we start announcing. I like to wait until we are moving into pre-production for casting PR but we are so close. Only a few more pieces to align and we’ll also be bringing on several sponsors via product placement. We know from WILD FAITH that 15 million + impressions are what sponsors can expect. So this week we might see our first cast announcement and I’m really excited. It is fun to see the script come to life by artists. This is a based on a true event and is a powerful story with themes that will ring true today. It is cool to note that Rance Howard was my WW2/farm script consultant. I got to hear stories for hours. I wish Rance could be playing with us on this one.
If you go to the http://www.cdiproductions.com website you can read lots of updates. The merchandise is slowly getting its feet underneath and the streaming links to ENCOURAGE TV are active whereas you can watch our films free with ads. Watch. And leave us your thoughts/vote on sites like Amazon.com and or IMDB.com if you would. LOST HEART is now starting to hit high in the BMG charts on sites like TUBI, joining WILD FAITH and MBF also growing a fine audience. MBF will be getting a new campaign push as the film was forced out during the transition when Covid first hit. We’re working on the 1st UPREZ and conforming of older film titles to HD/widescreen. My plan is to also do a run of CDI’s first two films in another CDI CLASSIC COLLECTION – Double Feature. KNIGHT CHILLS and FROM VENUS will join FIGURE IN THE FOREST and HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS available now on the CDI Merchandise page. We are proud of our humble beginnings and happy to be bringing these titles forth for the hardcore CDI collectors. I love physical media and so will you if any companies go out of business in the near future. VHS, VHS, VHS – just kidding. Although I do collect my favorites classic VHS as art.
I did get some tinkering work done this past week at the office. Keeping a fire hot to fight off the cold was a constant battle. I can tell the swinging of axes will have to happen this week. We’ll work this week on finding our last few ‘Algona’ partners so we can move to the next phase. Our first cast announcement will be this week and no I’m not the announcement. I am going to participating in this film in a good solid supporting role. I have lots of duties on this next endeavor and so it will be good to not be so deep in a role that I’m shooting every day. I shot everyday on the last film as the star and it takes endurance. Not all artists are cut out for that and that’s perfectly okay. Many memorable characters have been made with relatively small screen time. I just need to be connected to the role. I’m really loving this new role. The characters attributes not far from my own but the character exists in a world that is a vastly different time and place. That is the exciting part to try and get inside their perspective. What news did they hear daily? What did they talk about daily? Fears? Dreams? Technology? Music? I really do love period pieces.
I’m going to wrap this up maybe make a few biz calls. Sushi is on deck for tonight. Do support your favorite local restaurants or they might disappear. I think with our Covid numbers getting better, vaccines rolling and politics fading from center stage we can all get back to our passions. How many hours have been stolen? Glued to the TV News, emotional mudslinging and just anxiety of the future. You’ll get there. After touching base with news that delivers with your garnish of choice – turn it off. I recommend pulling out those old albums. Blue Oyster Cult, Public Enemy, Bowie, Rolling Stones, KISS, Led Zeppelin, Tom Jones, Grand Funk Railroad, Heart, Beastie Boys, Moody Blues, Bob Marley…MUSIC! And create…
Also make sure 1-2 of your calls daily, yes calls, not texts. This last year I hated the lockdowns but I caught up with and spoke to all kinds of old friends. I’m still working my way down mental lists. Laughter is the key and I have great laughs daily. Sometimes hearing funny new stories and other times talking of past funny situations. But make those calls and laugh. I see so many people angry about what they cannot, and in some cases, should not, try to control. MUSIC + FRIENDS+ LAUGHTER = BALANCE. Try it! You’ll be happy that you did. Until we speak again next week be good to one another.
DJ
The ‘Sacred Set’ of Unity and Non-Judgment – ART for the Save!
Another Michigan Sunday and another day of beautiful blowing snow. I think we’ll only get the fringes of this new storm. I had planned to jump right into the movie updates but I’ll discuss a few things here that I see as important. Not only to our endeavor but to all endeavors. I’ve noted that on our productions we have cast and crew from all parts of the spectrum. But this spectrum can be in ethnicity, religion, political or even the disabled. In the off time these artists go off to their own circles of living. Some feel the need to shout their stance about everything, lobbying their point to the masses on their social media walls. These opinions are often in opposition to one another which leads to child-like spats.
My sight of this banter is brief as I scroll to post our PR on various film projects. PR is really the only use I have for social media along with keeping up on a few cousin’s day-to-day lives. I’m disheartened by what I see which is a slew of people communicating beyond poorly. WHEN CONDEMNING HATE MAKE SURE YOU DON’T GO TO THE SAME PLACE. Social Media often misused becomes a poison. By reading lots of angry statements I see the poisoned people. People all sipping from the same cup of poison. As I work hard daily to develop, launch and fund projects, stories and parables whose goal is to cast positive light upon all people, others are busy ripping each other down.
I had some great meditations this week on politics since our country is still working to find its balance. I’m a moderate when it comes to governing. I don’t want total supremacy of any extreme stance. I don’t want to have everything my way. I will try to explain a bit better but it’s more about sharing my curiosity on the subject. If I have a group of priorities that is important to me, I’m happy to have some of my ‘wants’ met and to concede some priorities to others. If you have school children your priorities could be very different than a childless couple. But you know even while some of the priorities while not yours, helps others – and so you should be happy to give. Extreme people seem eager to win everything and after a while, at any cost.
In business, we call it same side of the table negotiation. So everyone walks away feeling like they got something they wanted or needed it is a WIN-WIN. If one party has everything and the other party has nothing, it’s not good for the balanced whole. But many people still so want it all. For you to have all others have nothing. Who does conflict serve? I cannot control the world or how individuals treat one another. A world where people are forever pointing out the perceived wrongs by the other party. People trying to remake the world into a place where two wrongs make a right. The one place I can control balance and unity is on a film set. I can say that the stories we tell are built onto the ancient chassis of tragedy and comedy.
I believe, again I say ‘believe’ in the restrictive age of dangerous opinions – that communication via storytelling is one of the few remaining ways of collectively, effectively communicating amongst people. And so by us leading by example – by putting stories of laughter and tears forth and pushing lessons to try and make everyone a little more kind and understanding. Our stories show us where we’re alike and illustrates the often toxic results of leaning too heavily into our differences. So we will continue to tell our stories with a vast array of artists without boxes. I did recently have someone say they might not want to participate in something if the people involved don’t align with their views. No such nonsense will prevail here. I’m accountable for good size chucks of money. I hire the best artists available to us. I work to unify and bring out the best in each artist and it manifests on the screen.
While shooting on ‘Best Years Gone‘ (Now we’re talking movies!) we had talented artists that come at things differently in their personal lives. That was all moved to the background as we told our story of imperfect love, loyalty and dream chasing. All this happened during heavy political and Covid times and yet our artists remained focused. In 10 to 20 years these stories will still be influencing while the politics of today become a notational blip in history. Be skilled. Give the Tribe your best efforts. Be respectful on set at all times to everyone. These are the things I care about. So our storytelling will never have strings attached or walls restricting people save maybe laziness, dishonesty and negativity. A CDI film is a manifested place of creativity, imagination and ingenuity. The outside world with all its A or B is not something I participate in. I choose to try and understand and develop people versus cancelling them and not listening. Participate in that game and nobody wins and eventually it will turn on you.
All the crazy seems to be over one person’s right to check a voting box. Their box checked is based on their own opinions but unsure people often feel the need to over-explain or justify why they check this box or that. You don’t need to explain your view or tear down the opposing view. Just check your box and move on. Why the need to justify with insults to people not listening? PEOPLE don’t listen if they don’t RESPECT. Start with that- I can’t heal people of their insecurity, or need to gather support for their opinions and viewpoints. But I will not get into the judge game as so many do. As I stated before, I don’t want nor need to have everything my way. I’m willing to concede some to create a better balance for the whole. When you walk up the plank boarding a TribeCDI ship you’ve willing come on board for a greater adventure. To tell a meaningful story that will enlighten for decades to come or maybe more. Black, white, brown or green – Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Pagan or Spaghetti Monster- Gay, Disabled, Conservative, Liberal, Moderate will all become ONE TRIBE of STORYTELLERS. This is the way:)
Forty Nights (The Quest Trilogy Part 1)
CHASING THE STAR (The Quest Trilogy Part 2)
The Christ Slayer (The Quest Trilogy Part 3)
THE QUEST TRILOGY above is getting ready to play as a series on PUREFLIX (SONY) on the run up to Easter. I think these films are 100% unique in that they were made with no agenda except exploring, distilling and speculating with a certain teaching at the heart of it. In these films we also chose to tell the story in a style akin to the Original ‘Star Wars‘ films. Please do take a watch on the three films in their proper order. Even if religion is not your thing or even Christianity, take a watch. The films are for everyone and again explore many of the questions that people have pondered for thousands of years.
MBF: MAN’S BEST FRIEND is getting a new 2021 campaign with BMG. WILD FAITH and LOST HEART are continuing their trek out to worldwide audiences. With home video up 40% we’re getting tens of thousands of new fans per week. If you keep an eye on the parent http://www.cdiproductions.com site you will see many updates coming including streaming and merchandise.
DEVELOPMENT
The Hastings TV series is being packaged to sponsors and potential financiers. The show scripts are being reviewed by possible directors and returning talent. SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA has been incorporated and we’re working to put the last financial pieces in place but it is so very close. We’re started the hard -casting in earnest and we’re starting to lock in some of the talent. Once we move from development into pre-production we’ll start rolling talent PR announcements out. We’ve been doing a national casting on our young lead 8-11 that plays young. Blond hair preferred. I’m always amazed at the young talent making it happen. I can say I’ll be playing a supporting role on this one. It will allow me to go clean cut for a role.
BEST YEARS GONE is now being worked on by the editor and director to get us a locked picture. This coming week we’ll be helping to set up the new post studio. It’s in a beautiful pine forest and I’m looking forward to our upcoming film work there for years to come. I’m going to start to wrap this up. I’ve been getting a new story synopsis out of my head and onto paper. I have a few business proposals I might try to get a jump on for the week ahead. Be kind to one another. Erase those hateful thoughts. Spit out that poison and do something constructive, productive and meaningful. I see so much wasted time. If you’re in the arts and failing look at your allocation of time. If you waste thousands of words and hours throwing stuff back and forth arguing with no real goal or possibility of change, don’t complain as others pass you by in productivity.
I have said it before, I don’t consider myself special. I’m not anymore special than anyone else. I just focus and hone my craft and basically outwork others. End of the week I had a nice development talk with a younger filmmaker that I had not spoken with in a few years. He has traveled the country in the various film communities and encountered the GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY of our biz. You can’t move away from it. It exists. You can learn to recognize and avoid these pitfalls and quagmires. He was pitching me on an idea I had pitched 15 years ago but I think the environment is now better suited. This filmmaker was on the right track with a mindset adjusted by the world situation. To dream with realistic short goals that can lead to greater rewards. Wait! Was this individual a conservative? Liberal? What religion? Was he gay? Straight? Does he like McDonalds or Burger King? I have no idea. We didn’t talk about such things and they were not important to our discussion. We were two artists with experiences talking about how to move ahead and keep telling stories. Different groups of people doing vastly different things with their time. Which team do you want to be on?
With that, I’m doing to bid you ‘good day’ and get to some other domestic Sunday business. I do have some wine that could be bottled. Maybe a bit more office work. I got a lot of caulking done this week. Thankfully the wood piles are full from a few ‘Viking Days’ at the fort. Keep that fire burning!
Have a great week!
DJ
The Virus of Hate and CDI Updates
Welcome to July! I’m sitting here sipping my hazelnut coffee and just finished watering the garden and yard. I’ve harvested some additional rhubarb and the berries are starting to pop. I’m going to make some ‘ROTHGA WINE’ short for “Return of the Hoppy Grape Ape” which was very popular. I’m also going to do a run of dark beer which I’ve never done. We’ve had several days of grilling and today we’re having a bday gathering at my father’s for several missed and upcoming bdays including his own. This week we’ll also celebrate my momma’s bday with a cook out. The outdoor goal for the week will be to put down some cedar mulch.
I’m a true optimist so I’m sincerely wishing we start a truck back to being a healthy state? nation? world? I’m a tad concerned because so many want to just ignore the situation and I get that. But for every person I talk with who thinks things are overblown I hear about another death due to the virus effecting some family. No they are not all elderly but even so how does that make it any better? But what makes it worse is the virus of hate. I’ve seen so much nasty attitude being thrown about which seems to be a combination of highly stressed people needing to vent off and tribal anger. The political system has weaponized nearly every platform of life. People plugged into 24/7 news are living in a “Breaking News” state of panic. People in SOP (State of Panic) are offended easily and over-reaction has become the norm. With the virus where people could be accountable for lives over-cautious can be a good thing. But over-reaction to partial, incomplete or the pushed message has created something greater than the virus it has created hate. When you start hearing people wishing people of another stance of thought dead, something is wrong. As I said before and I’ll say it again – in the process of condemning hate don’t join the ranks as one who also hates.
Again after getting a dose of the news (this includes social media) I would recommend putting some music on or escape into a nice movie. Put on the Steve Miller Band and write that book or script. Speaking of…
BEST YEARS GONE – Recently we announced more cast for our next CDI film. We have moved primary filming into that last window before Thanksgiving. We will be doing some VFX, B-Roll and beauty exteriors prior. We met recently with our DP Travis Hayward and I’m excited about some of the ideas we have. We have engaged in talks with various companies about sponsorship and have some great partners lining up. We’ll be making a few more cast/crew announcements as we get closer to rolling cameras.
LOST HEART – This film is just about complete. A few of the color corrected shots need a quick tweak and we’re wrapping up the last few things biz-wise. The credits have been gone over and gone over and it’s agonizing because with all the effort still some mistakes are made. When I see a studio film and all those names I cringe as that is a huge task. This will be a big week and as badly as I want to share some exciting news I’m going to wait until the ink is dry. Please do follow us on Facebook and of course the CDI website at http://www.cdiproductions.com
THE QUEST TRILOGY: FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR, THE CHRIST SLAYER – In the often confusing world of biblical storytelling apparent by the multitude of denominations that all claim some sort of pedigree over the others – we distilled the parables to the heart of a teaching. We tried to fill in the gaps to have it make sense to those who require logical connection. A good story can enlighten us to new lessons, ideas and actions within our lives. These films don’t participate in the “our denomination is better than yours” mentality. These are stories that anyone can take something away from if they have never stepped foot in a church or cracked a bible. I listed to a bit of a mainstream podcast that for the most part made fun of the films. But he kept encouraging the other reviewer to watch it so they could make fun of it together. They watched them out of order and went into the watch with their cup full. That is a term we used in martial arts and refers to the zen idea of emptying your cup so you are open to learn and listen. Not to what the other person tells you is true but what you “discover” and “feel” to be true for you. Anyway I get the “rip it apart” mentality trying to be funny (I was 20 before) but these films have a good dose of “CIRCLE OF IRON” to them. That was a film of a spiritual journey written by the late, great Bruce Lee. If you are picking apart small things you are missing the story. Bruce said something about focusing on the finger instead of where it’s pointing to the moon. What is missed is all that heavenly glory. Something to that effect. If you like films that make you think you might enjoy these historic fiction films.
WILD FAITH – This week brings me back to the develop of the ‘Hastings’ TV series. Of our distributor’s films WILD FAITH was again the top viewed on several platforms. I’m speaking with possible TV networks to commit and have several more to explore. If you have not seen this film please do and see what everyone is talking about. The TV series will have many of your favorite TV stars from past years. This type of family programming is in demand and we hope to help fill that void.
MBF: MAN’S BEST FRIEND – This film continues to engage and create discussion with audiences. I’m so proud of this film and I hope we get to showcase it in LA this fall. I want to thank all our men and woman who proudly serve.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – A handful of years ago I worked with Rance Howard (Ron’s father) as my consultant on a powerful story about WW2 German POW’s in one of the many small mid-west prison camps. The project had many up’s and down’s that can happen when too many cooks are in the kitchen. I left the project and it stalled out but now several years later with our script, plans are being made to shoot this in 2021. MBF’s Anthony Hornus will direct. We have over half the budget officially committed as of last week and we’re putting together our presentational packages. I’m excited to see CDI tackle the WW2 era. We’ll be doing some upcoming PR on this but like always you get it first here.
THE HISTORY OF CATCH-CAN WRESTLING – As a lifelong student of the martial artists I’m fascinated by all the warrior arts. From ancient times to present day the art of wrestling has continued. Now CDI in association with The Red, White & Blue Project is helping to produce and distribute a documentary film with current world champion Curran Jacobs as the host. Some will remember him from MBF as the young defense attorney for Paul Landings. If you have any interest and want you or your company to support this doc-film please do reach out. I’m excited for this collaboration!
I’ve gotta refill the ole coffee cup and get something to eat. Keep working on your art, your dreams and be kind to your fellow humans. I hope July is a kind month to us all and I’ll look forward to speaking with you all next week.
DJ
Love vs Fear – And Film Updates:)
Good morning. The sun is shining and the buds are blooming on the apple and mulberry trees. The first sprouts of rhubarb are poking their way up also. I hope all my fellow artists and friends are getting by during this challenge. I still think it some ways that the alien UFO attack still might have been better than this virus. We had a short time where politics disappeared and people just focused on solutions versus blame. It is a unifying event by the threat but it has kept many of us separate from loved ones. This has caused some emotional and some financial pains – understandable. What disappointed me this week was the rise in division again. Here is the thing…
I went to Northwestern Elementary School, Otto Middle School and Sexton High School. It is in Lansing’s public school system and before any right to choose. I believe given a choice many out of fear will choose to remain apart. Divided by race, creed, financial status or any number of things. I think going to public schools was one of the best things ever for me. The real world has divisions but many more sectors that cross over. Why? Because at the heart of it we all have hopes, dreams, fears and we all are born and will die. I’ve always enjoyed the diversity of my friendships. If someone was really in life threatening danger I would work to save them. It would not matter the color of their skin, how they were dressed, who they vote for, how they worship or where they call home. You could be wearing a BERNIE tee shirt or a MAGA hat, it doesn’t matter. I would try to save you. Those that think they are different when understand on their last few breaths that they are not. We are all the same. How we appreciate the life we have and those we share it with varies I’m sure.
We are seeing the best of who we are in some of those working front lines to contain this virus. Where it came from? Misuse of nature or manipulation of the nature order of things, doesn’t matter. Blaming? Why? The mild differences between the way we feel on certain topics is made worse by these extreme situations. We are seeing love and hate – but know hate comes from fear. To love takes courage because of the fear of losing it and feeling pain beyond our control. A dear friend lost EVERYTHING in a house fire but gained a perspective and newfound appreciation for life that could only come by walking through that pain.
We are walking through that pain. My sincere hope is that we gain that new insight to respect and appreciation. This is all someone else’s issue until you suffer a loss or the fear of that loss. In my business I have to make decisions all the time and some that are not always met with full agreement. But the ones held accountable are trying to do their best they can. When people see my name listed above theirs it doesn’t make me more powerful just more accountable. And in politics we have opposing sides who no longer play by gentlemen rules. (gentleladies too) If you misstep and we all do, they will use that against you. That is why many would rather be over-protective vs under protective but with the economical issues that will be politically weaponized it is unfortunately a lose-lose situation. Know that deep down nobody wants death nor financial ruin and how to navigate that path is not a perfect science. Sometimes you need to get outside the emotional storm. Fear vs Fear is what we’re seeing.
If you have a horrific car crash and are trapped in a burning vehicle you would not deny help if the person has different color skin, wears turban or Trump hat, is gay or prays on a mat facing East…you would accept the help. All I’m saying is, don’t be a bitch to fear. Now I’m a person who listens to people in the medical field not the political. I mean we all listen because they spend so much to try and grab our attention. They are just numbers until it is personal. How many would willingly accept a business set back if it meant saving the life of someone they loved, a mother, father, sibling, child? If someone close to you gets sick you will likely suffer that financial set back in some way anyhow. So let those accountable do their job and no matter how they do it I know people will face criticism. As a boss or employee, parent or child and definitely as artists we all face that. Because some people hold up their identity by going against the grain. Trolls on the internet. Gossipers in social circles. Art critics. We will get past all this and I hope your loved ones come out safe. Some unfortunately will not. But how many friendships will be damaged by the negativity once we get to the other side? I love all my friends and their priorities on various topics don’t change that. I am often disappointed by actions I see but I too have disappointed people. Hence forgiveness. I hope many of you forgive one another after all this. That you know that all the irrational words, actions and deeds were done out of fear.
FILM UPDATES
I knew I was going to speak on some of the current topics above but was so happy to get an email this morning.
THE QUEST TRILOGY is now playing on one of the largest TV networks in Mexico. It might have further reach into Latin America I’m not sure. What I’m sure of is that millions of people are watching our stories. FORTY NIGHTS
CHASING THE STAR
and THE CHRIST SLAYER
On behalf of the entire CDI family of artists we hope the millions of new viewers take something positive from these stories and make they part of their traditional watchings.
I also want to thank all the fans of WILD FAITH and MBF: MAN’S BEST FRIEND the fan mail is appreciated. I’m just so happy that we can bring some entertainment and thought to our audiences.
LOST HEART
We’re moving strong and I’m excited to see the soundtrack put to picture. This movie will be just the dose of happy that many need. I have more talks this coming week about the roll out of the film.
BEST YEARS GONE
We announced some of our talented cast and crew last week.
The ship stocked up even more this past week and we’ll be ready to roll when the storm passes. You can look us up on Facebook to follow the films or Collective Development Inc. as a company. Our website http://www.cdiproductions.com is undergoing some updates. Including a subscription mailing list on the CDI site. We’ll be using that for future casting and crew calls and more. So take yourself over there and sign up to stay current.
Even this blog here is going to undergo some revamping in the next couple weeks.
REVAMP
I’ve had all kinds of great conversations- some personal and some business in the past weeks. Calls that maybe you were too tired to make after a long day of work. I don’t, can’t and won’t judge people as I don’t walk in their shoes. I would say do channel your energy into something positive. I’ve seen people type arguments longer than some college papers. These people could have written books, scripts, blogs but instead just throw names and negativity back and forth. I’ve actually gotten a lot of writing done and will complete much more. Some of these writings will become future stories and some will be sold. What is the return on your writings? Loss of friendships? High blood pressure? Lack of sleep? Undeserved venting at those closest to you? Again I never claimed to be the greatest artist or any of that cocky nonsense. But I do outwork a majority of people. Not just in quantity of the work for the quality. How productive? Which projects did you put energy behind? Just evaluate and see if you can increase your peace of mind. I probably spent 15-18 hours a week in personal meetings before all this. I’ve been using all that extra time to be better prepared. And amazing opportunities continue to develop behind steady development work. There is no short cut.
A beautiful pick by artist Jeff Butler
I’m going to go work in the yard and do some grilling today. Keep your chin up and stay busy with positive things that make you feel accomplished at the end of your day. Know that accomplished tasks which could be just reconnecting with a few people from your circle, can do wonders for yourself. Until next week be good to one another. Coffee cheers!
DJ
Humanity Net, Updates and Reflections of the Time
Good morning everyone! It has been a very interesting week. I will start by saying I am at least in part a person who enjoys ‘alone’ time. I always say the brainstorms and excitement comes in those meetings with friends and peers. But what really matters is when we are alone what happens. I’m like a multi-tasking little bee moving from one task to the next. Some people shut down once they have nobody there but I ramp up. In my solo days when struggling more in the industry I was a workaholic. I had family and friends worried and plenty of doubters and haters from the masses. I’m a fully committed artist and feel ‘best’ is subjective so I always strive for truth and unique. Those are things I can control. There is a secret there. Don’t be driven crazy fixated on what you cannot control. Work with what you can control. I’ve been behind on my emails and business since we shot LOST HEART. I’m using this time to really organize everything. This goes for the office also. I’ve got sheets of new ideas to implement in the coming years. So how you spend or waste your time is under your control. As it gets warmer the yard zen will be in full effect. PS: Welcome new readers from Japan, Bulgaria and Australia – cheers. So my point is you can spend vast amounts of time plugged into the 24/7 update machine or put some music on and get stuff done. If you spend this time organizing, planning and prepping when the fog lifts some will be relieved and some will be ready. I promise you I will be ready. I urge all of you to do the same. You can check in morning, noon and night if need be but don’t live the agenda of fear and pause. Let this situation make you afraid not to live.
This self imposed isolation marks an interesting place for an observer like myself. This marks a time when the value of life is being placed above the economics. Economics aren’t removed because the crippling financial effects would have happened slowly out of control. By halting certain businesses the action is controlled and damage can be mitigated but not removed.
This points out an interesting point – people in authority are expected to bring about certain changes but they are expected to do so flawless – impossible. Every transition will and does have casualties. How do you fix a situation? It’s a classic Star Trek moment – the engine room is on fire and going to destroy the ship. Spock contains and changes but at a great personal loss. Many world problems don’t have clean solutions and that creates ongoing suffering. I often refer to HUMANITY NET – what we all require regardless of anything else about us. Clean water, food and air – healthcare? These world issues are giving us as humanity a test run. World cooperation is underway, not without flaws but what is? Expectations? I remember feeling bad after 9-11 as reporters hammered the FBI, asking if they dropping the ball. Like watching the end zone pass dropped and keep asking if they dropped the catch. You know they did. Why keep asking silly questions? So as many deal with this for the first time – it isn’t flawless but people are trying and working very hard. We can come out of this better as humanity. I see glimpses just behind the tee-pee hoarders greed and the “must add politics” to everything. We will see.
FILM UPDATES
- First here is a bunch of teaser trailers and behind the scenes videos https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtJJRsD49k5DsNq11BD_40g
- Tomorrow I’m doing an interview with Isaac Hernadez about CDI and our scripts/films.
- I heard word that the India thriller “Karma: Crime, Passion and Reincarnation” is coming to USA streaming. Stars Carl Weyant from “The Christ Slayer” and maybe that DJ Perry guy:)
- I’m trying to arrange a few watch parties of CDI films that will have a Q&A session after. We will see as I must talk with our computer folk.
- I’ve got two different people talking about hiring some script work we’ll see – either way writing is happening.
- Good meetings last week on ‘Best Years Gone’ and we’ll be announcing our Director of Photography this week. Looking forward to working with this person again!
- Thank you to all for the fan mail on The Quest Trilogy, MBF, Wild Faith it truly makes my day. You all make my day and it keeps me moving forward.
- We are working on some new exciting releases and merchandise for 2020.
It is still chilly here in Michigan but I will be getting stuff done on this fine day. If you know some people sitting at home who might want to join our weekly time together – http://www.djperryblog.com
My closing statement is this – as much as I appreciate my solo time and get lots accomplished in those moments- I’m missing my family, friends and associates and I look forward to meeting with all of you soon. Use this “social fast” time to organize yourself.
Be safe.
DJ
A Story Can Change the WORLD
It is a peaceful Sunday morning and I’m sipping the ole hazelnut coffee and about to give some updates on our film endeavors. First, I want to note the earthquakes that are hitting multiple areas around the globe. Also with the new wildfires erupting in the N.C. mountains. I hope my friends there stay safe. Earthquakes and wildfires and that could also describe the political shake up here in the USA. I’m not a politician and as a storyteller I want to enrich the lives of all people. My only note as of late is I’ve never seen positive communication between parties when the volume becomes LOUD and the EMOTION sets in. Ears close and frustration mounts as people feel unheard. Talking is always better than yelling. Trying to hear both sides and seek compromise will always beat out yelling in someones face. I think a majority of people who felt unheard just went silent and let their vote speak. Also as a former soccer coach I’ve noted that many people do not know how to lose. I saw a climate of “everyone wins” grow over the years and many of us know that is seldom the case. Now I’ve had immense amount of set back in my life and I try to waste as little energy as possible on things I cannot change. I try to accept situations and make solid moves from that stance. I hope that the divide which is now more in the open creates good communication, understanding and compromise. Time will tell.
About film
The Quest Trilogy
I hinted at a deal that is going done to take these films and other CDI properties to the next level of distribution and production. We have our first paperwork and are reviewing. I plan to put pen to paper this forthcoming week. I’ve been also prepping the other projects for presentation.
DJ Perry as Jesus in “40 Nights”
40 Nights – the beautiful comments continue and the new marketing teams will start work to prep for the new 2017 release push. I cannot discuss this too much until we have concluded the deal.
Chasing the Star – we’re entering the final phase of post-production. The first look trailer is being polished up and will be released soon. Audiences will be in for a great journey with this second film in our trilogy.
The Christ Slayer – this film is now moving into active development. We’ll be announcing new developments on IMDB.com and via new PR releases. I will be returning to my role as Jesus in this film. I look forward to completing the trilogy with this heart-moving, thought-provoking film.
Wild Faith – the editing is underway and approaching the half way point. We’re also prepping for one last pick up day that will be flashbacks of our main character. It is a return to shooting some Civil War footage and so fans of “Wicked Spring” will be happy.
Terry Jernigan and DJ Perry in “An Ordinary Killer”
I plan to roll out several of the classic CDI films from the library but I’m holding while we work out this new deal. But I assure you we will see several of the films re-release. Some will see their 1st Blu-Ray or streaming/digital deals.
I’ve had several people ask howe they can be considered for CDI films. The first thing I always say is get that showcase reel together. GAME FOOTAGE. On the CDI site http://www.cdiproductions.com we do post what we’re currently seeking. We do sometimes use IMDB Casting, Backstage or other casting notices but as a company of actor/producers we keep our eyes and ears open. When new talent is found that fits – they are brought into the discussion. Also if you’ve worked with CDI with no issue that puts you to the front of the list for consideration. I’ve talked about being ready for opportunity in past blogs but it is important. If you work a day job get one with flexibility. I use to live, and still do, quite conservative. I don’t spend money I don’t have on flash. I try to stay on top of my personal so when duty calls I can transition into business as needed.
On set of the thriller “Bestseller”
I did have one good conversation with an actor aspiring to produce at a certain level. I gave my honest advice which essential was about taking steps. If you’ve only done 5k shorts what experience says you’re ready to manage 2 million dollars? If you’ve never done the 50k or 500k project you’ve missed so many lessons. I liken it to the martial arts whereas you learn in phases. Nobody jumps belts or degrees without learning the lessons at each new phase. I don’t see where people in film think that is a good idea. And if you lack that experience it is easy for outsiders to run amuck with your project. And team building is so important. One bad “player” can damage/kill a project so the team is so very important. If you can make a solid 50k film you will be in better shape to do that 75-100k film. The learning curve is so very important. So if a project, passion or not is too big for you – set it aside and do something smaller. BUILD.
I’m going to go do a few things in the yard to stay ahead of the snow which will find us. Embrace the differences amongst us and communicate calmly. Less shouting. More listening. Smile. Work towards real change. I will keep influencing people with a story. A STORY can change the world.
Be good to one another.
DJ
Peace, Purpose and Progress!
It is a peaceful Saturday and I’ve finally gotten a chance to sit down and spend a few moments with all of you. This last week was extremely full of meetings, handing off of materials, in-studio work and many other matters of business. But let’s take a moment to discuss the topic everyone is speaking on.
I think that most of the headlines are currently focused on the terrible happenings in France. We can watch the misery and yet it still feels distant until it hits home. I remember how I felt when one of my best friends from the neighborhood growing up – got caught in that Boston bombing. He suffered some wounds but nothing too severe. I would guess the thoughts of that day would be the worst. But I imagine my pain had he died or lost limbs like so many. We watch on TV these masses of people fleeing savage behavior in their homeland, but imagine it was yours. I wonder where or when we all failed? Where tribes of people with differing beliefs exalted themselves above one another using their religion as justification. I believe if people truly anticipated a final judgement of sorts that was based upon how they lived their lives and treated people – the world could be a better place. So much violence being inflicted over something as simple as differing opinions on paths of faith.
As the possibility of life on other planets becomes more real versus just science fiction – perhaps that will change things. Now some scientists realistically fear attracting higher life forms, like alien hunters. Maybe if another life form started seeing all mankind as something to be harvested, removed or eliminated – maybe our little differences between us would lessen. Religion should be about tradition and something intimate between a person and who/what gives them their peace and purpose. I don’t like to talk judgmental politics or religion – my place is as a storyteller. But violence against innocent people is once again just a horrible example of the worst that mankind has to offer. It’s been happening for a long time to many tribes all over the world. This recent tragedy is just a current reminder of how horrible we can be to one another. If a religion pits people versus people it was likely created by people to serve people – not divinity. If your organized religion endorses this lack of tolerance – question the source.
Enough of that topic. Let’s look at some of the movie updates from the week.
“Ashes of Eden” – Some wonderful PR rolling out this week. That is the extent I’m allowed to talk about it for now.
DJ Perry as author Mark Franklin
“Bestseller” – Artwork with the distributor has started and I believe our national street date will be March 2016. Meanwhile we’re traveling to Grayling, MI next. That might be followed by Kalamazoo and the Detroit area.
“Donors” is releasing Feb. 2nd, 2016. EXCITING!
Jesus (DJ Perry) in the upcoming “40 Nights”
“40 Nights” the distributor and marketing teams have started work on marketing materials. I do believe Wal-Mart is assisting with the marketing art so we know they’re one of the participating retailers. Tomorrow we’ll release the 1st of a series of short teasers. Meanwhile we have music and sound design still full speed ahead. VFX work is finishing up so we can lay it all in and color correct. The next couple weeks we PUSH hard!
The “Chasing the Star” script was the center of meetings this week. We also have been doing a good amount of west coast casting since we’re shooting in AZ. We’ve been excited by some of the reads we’ve seen and we’ll be announcing some new casting choices this week. The business paperwork will be signed this month and we’ll start putting paper under people next month. In time for a Merry Christmas with this Christmas themed film.
I’ve got final paperwork for the distribution of the “Knight Chills” book and film. A comic book/graphic novel could also go into play. The sequel script is being worked on and may get some attention once I finish this. “From Venus” might also get this treatment.
“An Ordinary Killer” is getting remastered to prepare for a re-release. It will be the film showing Nov. 19th at our Sanctuary Spirits mixer. That is in Grand Ledge, MI and there is an event page on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/events/187821044889028/
If you want to come meet some other actors, filmmakers and enjoy great distilled spirits come join us.
Lastly, I’ve got an NDA to sign and return. I’ve got a company sending me a book and script for an upcoming 2016 project. We will see:) I’m excited about the 2016 CDI western we’re doing with “40 Nights” director Jesse Low. Overall, I’m trying to have a productive end to 2015 and get ready for a great 2016!
Have a great weekend and be good to one another.
DJ
Happy 4th of JULY! Casting, Censorship & Current Events
HOT TOPICS – INSIGHTS
OK! I have my hazelnut coffee beside me as I work on a few business items. I think it’s good to first say thank you to all our military folks who allow us all the freedoms we enjoy. While we are far from perfect as a society here in the USA we do strive to better ourselves. I personally did not elect to be a politician and so my personal feelings on certain subjects are just opinions. I did choose to be a storyteller. Be you – Right wing, left-wing, wing nut, black, white, yellow, brown or purple – I want to entertain and enlighten you via motion pictures. I recall late last year getting fan mail from Egypt following one of our films playing the Cairo Film Fest. I got fan mail a few weeks ago from India over another film. I really love people’s cultures, traditions, foods and art. I think we are in a time whereas people are boldly putting mortal agendas onto divine heresy. Words are symbols combined to convey meaning. I see communication breakdowns passing a few instructions down the film production line. Imagine various levels of educations, multiple languages, lacking the right word to describe something, unable to describe something and the humanistic urge to put their own agenda and spin on something. Now multiple this by hundreds or thousands of years and things get very blurry.
JUDGEMENT
I would say preach whatever religion or outlook you wish. Shall and Shall Nots. But nowhere does anyone mortal have the anointed position to make judgement spiritually. People flock together to feel more confident in their own choices and decisions. Numbers don’t make one right. And each person may be judged (if you want to subscribe there) individually. But not by anything or anyone here – not in matters of soul, spirit or divine essence. If people would let people live and stand accountable in the end for their own actions – all would be better. Concern yourself with yourself, I say. The Golden Rule is beautiful because you don’t know if you are right. You can tell yourself that. You can quote from text that may or may not be accurate. But in the end IF you believe in judgement – what if you are wrong? What if a half-dozen people different from you in their beliefs are brought forth and asked if they would vouch for you as worthy. Did you give kindness, compassion and love to these and other people? Or did you pass hate, intolerance and judgement upon people. That feels like a power best left to scales held on a much greater divine level. When I see those who stand in high judgement I see the coming of their fall. When I hear talk so crazy or hate-filled – I imagine what great displeasure of someone who puts words into others mouth. People may await the return of a savior but from what I see – people should not be so excited by this unless God is grading on a curve. And those who think they have the cheat sheet created by authors – edited a thousand times – and hand selected for digestion again by Wise? Men? Be careful!
THE CLOAK THAT COVERS THE SPARK
The color of our skin is but the traveling cloak. Perhaps our body itself just the bio-organic clothes we wear over our individual sparks. I see how a spark within us could be created in the image of a greater – more vast powerful divine spark. Stripped of EVERYTHING mortal how are our sparks different from one another? Ponder that. I’ve often thought that while so many sit and await some return of a savior perhaps the people themselves have the power over when that someone will return, reveal or make oneself known. Should mankind evolve to a higher state where they are truly ready – maybe someone will step forth. It could happen:)
SYMBOLS – GOOD, BAD & UGLY
I have also done a Civil War movie in Virginia (Wicked Spring) and spent much time in the beautiful South. I was also born in the North, in equally beautiful Michigan. While I will be the first to say I’ve seen shunning and disparaging talks about people wearing different traveling cloaks everywhere. I’ve always been quick to step up on these conversations if in earshot. Some Brits talking about Indians. (From India) Indians (From India) talking about darker skin Indians. Japanese talking about the Chinese. Whites about blacks. Canadians about the Detroit Red Wings. Seriously – all shaped by our experiences with one another. Be that good experience. I can say with all truth that in my travels IF people labeled me as an AMERICAN – I left them with a good impression of how we can be. FREEDOM TO BE. Just because we have the freedom to exercise something it is up to us to question should we. Where does the motivation lie? Pride, Shock, To Hurt, To Isolate, To Associate? Take a sensitive issue like FLAGS. What are flags? Symbols. These mean different things to different people. The cross. A dove. Crossbones with a skull. Symbols meant to rally, inspire, unify and identify. I keep hearing the comparison to the Nazi flag. The symbol on their flag was used first in Neolithic times. It has different meaning to the Chinese or the Indians. WW2 left dark meanings on a symbol that for thousands of years meant lucky. The beholder will see what they see. Today is a day that we celebrate the stars and stripes. I say it represents the GOOD, the BAD and the UGLY. We as represented by that flag – have done remarkable, shameful and unthinkable things. But UNITED WE STAND. Our goal is to add more GOOD to our list of accomplishments. Can we ever erase the BAD or UGLY? No. But the ratio can be off set by adding additional GOOD deeds. We are also a country of freedom that purposely limits censorship. The need for “Censorship” to me often shows a lack of faith in select individuals to make good choices. AND while those groups may be partial correct – (We make bad choices as humans all the time) – to error allows one to grow. You will fall learning to walk. We allow much free will in America and constantly try to adjust our compass. Politics and special interest of those who hoard of shells and beads (currency which = symbols on paper or metals) this will make change slow but it will change. For better? For worse? Flags can mean PRIDE or HATE. Flags can get a reaction of PRIDE or HATE. The stars and stripes do not bring tears of pride to inhabitants of a far-away village accidentally bombed in some drone attack. The stars and stripes proudly flew on the moon. A flag can be the good, the bad and the ugly. It often is all three.
FINALLY…MOVIE UPDATES
Finally! I know some of you are saying that. I usually take a step back on all those current issues but had many people ask my views. I had to ponder them for a while. Meanwhile in the film world GREAT things are happening.
TV DEALS
We announced our new Parables TV licensing for “7 Stones,” “Outside the Wire,” and “Standing Post” – congrats to those cast and crews.
ASHES OF EDEN Oct. 13th worldwide release and how about that poster art! I love it.
CDI Associated production releases Oct 13, 2015
BESTSELLER – We will know Monday about the July 21st show date at Studio C Celebration Cinema BUT we have our week run at the south Lansing location from the 24th-30th of July and I’m excited that some home town folks can come see the film. Audiences have really enjoyed it. I’m in talks with a handful of distributors for VOD, foreign and such. We are close to setting up some dates in the Detroit, MI area. We also have been working several others in hopes of getting it to all of you. We’ve gotten your communications and we’re working on it!
DONORS does look like it is signing a domestic deal with one of the distributors CDI Distribution has been in talks with. More on this is the coming weeks.
CDI Distribution is in talks with the Philippines and India on some licensing of films. China may be next via one of our associations.
40 NIGHTS – I’m very excited by this film. I got my final notes over to our director/editor and I think we will be closing up the edit in the next couple weeks. I would love to have the film move to music and sound around July 15th. The first official trailer is also almost done and I love it. The great part is that the trailer is powerful yet the film itself holds so, so much more! Not one of those trailers where all the best parts are thrown into the teaser. We do have a place on the http://www.40nightsthemovie.com website where churches and organizations can sign up if they want a screening. We will push this harder once we release the trailer.
Jesus is the upcoming “40 Nights”
UPCOMING PRODUCTIONS & CASTING
I’ve finally gotten to a point where development (always ongoing) is ready to take front and center. I’ve been writing on a handful of projects which will have their own PR forthcoming BUT those of you who come here to this blog get the 1st drop on some of these developments. Let me bullet point a few as my fingers are growing tired and eggs are calling me.
CASTING
– We will be looking for (2) African-American Michigan-based talent. One is young girl 8-10 years of age and also a fine young lady of mid-late 20’s. We want to see dramatic resume reels and they can be sent directly to perrydj@aol.com and will be looked at by our development team. NO OTHERS AT THIS TIME PLEASE.
SCRIPTS
– I’ve been working on the “Knight Chills 2” script and that is moving along nicely. It will possibly go into production this year.
– I have started in on the next biblical feature to be shot as part of our Lightworx Entertainment deal. It is entitled “Chasing the Star” and we are looking to once again shoot in AZ come Jan/Feb 2016.
A couple other scripts are also being worked on as time and inspiration hit.
ACTING PROJECTS
What is next acting-wise? I’ve gotten this question quite a bit as of late. We do have a few CDI projects as noted above that I will be participating in. Outside of that I’ve got a few projects my management has presented. It looks like I’m going to shoot a western trailer in August with an actor I truly admire. I’ve also been submitted directly to producers on a film to perhaps play a very famous person of history. Next week I’m also announcing my involvement in a studio project that has been coming together for a while. I had to get studio approval on everything but now that is all in place – SHAZAM! My HINT: The original source material is a Stephen King book.
I might have missed a few things but it is the 4th of July. I need to go relax and eat some good food with family and friends. Be safe everyone!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 