Trust in the Process! Welcome to May!
Germany, Finland and Ireland are where most our readers were from last week outside the US. Today is a touch chilly but the sun has been out and color from flowers blooming are everywhere. Violets, tulips and apple blossoms are among the many flowers. I’ve been cleaning herbal grow beds and planting some seeds here and there. Sun flowers and green beans are some of the seed planted. I mulched up all the leaves and also started some test sanding on the deck. It only needs some spot sanding and so I’ve decided to do it all myself. After will be a seal and stain but already the railings on the stairs is nice and smooth. I need to get things ready for some grilling which maybe I’ll do today. The deck is waterproofed with metal sheets underneath that run into a gutter and out into the yard. It makes the under area so nice. This week I’m going to work on rebuilding a retaining wall but it makes such a nice space behind the house.
This week was full of movie work with release promotions, post production work and development for the next couple of CDI films. I’ve been having scripts read by some of the key folks we are considering. I’ve been working on budgets also which is a lot of number crunching. We’ve already got some folks ready for the next couple adventures but I have to make sure we are ready to make it happen. Who, what, where, when and how are the basics. We can discuss more on the new projects later. Let’s take a bullet point look at some of the developments.
- Harsens Island Revenge was held over for a second week. Alpena and the surrounding area have turned out to support this wonderful story. The shows have been selling out and many people have seen the film multiple times. Four times might be the current record. I’ve been getting some great fan mail on the movie itself and the character of Axel. A heart-felt thank you.
- Here is a great review from the Alpena News READ: https://www.thealpenanews.com/life/2025/05/step-back-into-the-1920s-with-harsens-island-revenge/
- If you go to the Harsens Island Revenge Facebook page you can see updates on new theaters and great pics and videos from people watching the film.
- Next up will be NCG which we’re trying to get it booked beyond the Owosso screen (Starts May 17th) so if you have an NCG in your area call them and request Harsens Island Revenge!
- Our previous period drama SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA was the kick off film for Iowa’s 3rd annual Farm to Film Fest at the State Theater the oldest continuing operating cinema in the world! If you have not seen this film you can rent/buy it on Amazon and several platforms. Directed by Anthony Hornus this WW2 drama will educate and entertain you!
- I hope in the tradition of spring all of you had a chance to watch THE QUEST TRILOGY the 3 biblical adventures consisting of Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer. Available on many platforms just google it up!
- I want to explore WILD FAITH going back into select theaters before our sequel Wild Faith Christmas releases into theaters this year. The post work is coming along great and I’m excited to have this follow up story release. The TV series is still a hope and we’ll see what opportunities open up. Music is being composed and I’m looking forward to a listen through soon!
- Rom Coms Must Die the Travis Hayward directed comedy/horror film is close to a lock picture. We will review on Monday to also sign off on the color correction. Sound design has been underway and we’ll do another spot on that. We will also be reviewing a first trailer cut so that will be exciting to see.
- I’m told that Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town is now playing HistoryFix a subscription based site that runs quality historical films. It is also where you can watch it in 4k!
- CDI’s first film KNIGHT CHILLS is now available on TUBI for lovers of that platform. Actually CDI has several films playing that service you can google the titles from IMDB or just search ‘DJ Perry’ or one of your favorite CDI actors and their films should come up.
MISC.
I think I’ve mentioned before that The Red Letter Awards nominated Harsens Island Revenge for Best Picture. Previously our WW2 drama Silent Night in Algona beat several million and tens of million dollar budget films for Best Picture. I also was nominated and won for Best Screenplay. I believe in part that is why we could knock off bigger films. It has to be captured and performed at a high level but it all starts with the script. I love that over the last decade plus my writing has been recognized. I use to play it down so it didn’t eclipse my acting but I don’t hide that anymore. I celebrate it because to have a chance at a good film you need an excellent script.
I’ve been evaluating two books on request to possibly turn into screenplays and likely produce. I will work on a script that CDI doesn’t produce. Some organizations have many things going in the right direction but a poor script will hurt everything. I got into writing as an actor wanting deeper more powerful stories. I’ve had to have a few conversations about scripts that isn’t always easy. But write, write and rewrite can help improve your skills. Many directors aren’t as good of writers as they are directors. Hey, I don’t direct. We can’t all be good at everything. I recently challenged a friend to dive deeper into a script they are developing. I also have a call this week where I was asked to evaluate a film and the weak point was the script. And the company owner is the writer so again I’ll have an honest conversation. It all starts with the script.
Development: I’ve got the two active developing scripts and we have at least three passive development scripts. Active could be shot this year and passive is more likely next year even if funding pops now. Locations, casting and many things directly affect the development of a project but ultimately it is funding. Over the course of the month we’ll be running accounting to prep for new dispersement of revenue from our films. Peaks and valleys as often films go on and off certain platforms and catch an audience here or misses there. We’ve got some new campaigns to push certain films into new circles.
I will say with two of the CDI films MBF: MANS BEST FRIEND and LOST HEART I get asked often about a sequel Both have sequel outlines and both have had some script work. But the audiences need to get behind the originals. We have loyal fans for both those films but share that love with others. I might work more on those two scripts in my free time. But right now we have a good amount of development work underway. I will be approaching some of the past EP’s to give them first opportunity on some of the new films. I would love to film one this summer and one this fall.
WRAP UP:
My week was made by the smiling faces and the great responses to the new HIR (Harsens..)release. I hope to have some promo art underway this week. I know the film is being delivered to NCG this week for testing. Also home video will be getting the film with a few format corrections for the Oct 1st DVD/streaming release. I’m just tickled by all the joy I’m seeing. That is so much better than anger, division and hate.
I might finish sanding the railings on the porch today and do a bit more yard work. Tomorrow I look forward to being in the studio with Rom Coms Must Die. We are working with our Dreamscape Prods partners to get more theaters on line. You calls help this process. Work hard towards your goals but also trust the process. That is also a way to practice patience. If you’ve done the work sometimes you must wait and trust the process. I’ve talked before about this as a PULSE versus a RAY. The latter can be draining and as we know sometimes the watched pot never boils.
With that it is time to refill the coffee cup and soon make some eggs. I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday. I look forward to sitting down and sharing with you again next week. If you saw any of the films and want to drop a note here please do. If you want to have a film play near you make the calls. I will be attending the Owosso, MI May 17th screening and look forward to shaking some hands. I hope your May continues to be a beautiful one.
DJ
‘Harsens Island Revenge’ Has Roared Onto The Big Screen! (Plus other CDI Developments)
(Graham Turner showcasing one of the cast/crew mugs from our Reinert Pottery sponsor)
I woke to beautiful sunshine streaming in the window even though the outside is a touch chilly. We have flowers blooming and trees are budding and everything is starting to take on a beautiful green color. This past week I finally did my lawn mow and mulch. I finished my trimming of the apple trees and the mulberry trees might be next. I’ve loved that I can disconnect from the desk at times and go tinker on the property between business calls. I hope everyone had a nice Easter and carry that good feeling into the spring. We lost one of our hens to an illness and I buried her. The next day my lil mouse Jerry who I had been working to live trap and relocate got hung up on a sweet potato bag. When I say hung I mean just that found him dead. Poor lil dude was still warm I cut him free and tried to rub some life into him with gloves on but no dice. So another day and another burial amongst the raspberry bushes.
(The film is bringing family and friends together!)
Okay let’s talk movies! Friday up in Alpena the classic cars were out and the flapper dresses and soot suits made an appearance for the kick-off showing. Of what? Harsens Island Revenge of course. An afternoon showing for cast and crew and the public got to see the first showing Friday night! A packed house and that carried right into yesterday and I’m going to guess today. I know folks who have seen the film three times already. It plays great on on the big screen and I’m excited to see it play Owosso, MI starting on May 17th! That is the home town of the book author Karl Manke and fellow actor/producer Anthony Hornus. There will be an afterglow party there also. Lansing, Grand Rapids and Detroit bookings are underway. We will try to hit as many as we can put people need to reach out to their theaters and request it. You can see some great pics from the Alpena showings by going to the FB page of the same name. Also if you saw the film and what to talk about it you can put your review comments on http://www.imdb.com (Harsens Island Revenge)
The next film coming down the pike (funny term) is WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. We are seeing a nice surge in viewing of the original film WILD FAITH. The sequel has a first pass on color correction and music has started as well as the opening credit sequence. This film will bring some of the favorite characters back to the big screen in November. The Season 1 that I have written might find its funding/footing we will see. I think fans of the first will really love this follow up and first time viewers will love the film. But they might be inspired to go back and watch the first film. Either way this amazing film is moving down the post process with Dennis Therrian’s music being currently created! Follow this film’s FB page for more updates.
ROM COMS MUST DIE the dark comedy about filmmaking and the first feature by Travis Hayward. On Monday we’ll watch the film on the big screen and see if we want any adjustments before we lock it. We are going to also look where we can add additional sound design. I completed my Voice Over work on Saturday so that will be laid into the picture. We’ll also discuss any tweaks to color correction and next week I should see a first trailer cut. This film is wildly unique and I think will be well received especially by artists. Follow this film’s FB page for more updates.
MISC.
- I did a VO for an MSU promo piece which was really cool because it is my alumni school!
- A new music video for SHALLOW RISING should be coming out soon!
- I sent the new Semi-Sci-Fi script THE KINGDOM CHIP to a few individuals for feedback. I’ve gotten some great feedback on the script and some input that had me tweak the dialog a bit on a few scenes and I like the flow much better. This is sitting with one of our directors and I’m awaiting their feedback.
- After ROM COMS MUST DIE (RCMD) will decided to do a few of these lower-budget films giving some new opportunities to artists. I have two scripts being evaluated and I’m working to identify directors and DP’s (Camera). While releasing these two big films it might be a good breather to do the smaller scope films for a beat. We had so much fun with RCMD.
- Last week I did a newspaper interview and two podcasts. Here is the Alpena newspaper interview– https://www.thealpenanews.com/life/2025/04/harsens-island-revenge-opens-tonight-at-sanctuary-cinema/
- Here is the ESPN podcast with 3PP – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kr55Z78nMpo
- The other podcast is THE INTENSE LIFE and I will post next week once it goes live.
- Collaborations – I have a few follow up phone calls on possible collaborations. In these situations they have their own funds and want it done properly. A few of these include scripts already written and in development. In a few others it could have me writing the script. It all starts with the script.
- This week I talked about the post film work but it will be diving deeper into the development. Even typing here has helped me put everything into perspective. I think I know the direction I want to take. I’m anxious for some feedback this week that will help influence those decisions.
- Again if you have a theater near you and you want the film to travel to your back yard please contact the theater management and request the film. If you can pass on the contact info I will put that into the hands of our theatrical booker!
WRAP UP: What a week! I want to thank all the wonderful fan mail I received for the performance in Harsens as ‘Axel’ the WW1 vet who assists our lead Frankie (David Reardon) in his situation with the Purple Gang. We will try to get some more reviews done and announce some new theater dates! In the meantime the film will play in Alpena for at least the week maybe longer. A trip to Alpena would be fun and you could see a film too in that beautiful Sanctuary Cinema. Thank you to our friends there! I’m off to make a few eggs and work in the yard today. It is really looking good and soon the summer zen will be upon us. Until next week be good to one another!
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Updates a Day Early Due to Easter! My Gift to You All!
(A beautiful shot from Part 3 of The Quest Trilogy “The Christ Slayer” )
It is later on a Saturday and I’ve decided to start putting my update together as tomorrow is a busy day being Easter. So this past week was busy and I was tired once Friday came along. The week prior ended with my lil brother’s birthday and that was a fun celebration. Monday was back to business with a meeting with Travis Hayward and Adam Towner. It was to both cheer accomplishments (Their local festival win) and plan the next steps with Rom Coms Must Die (RCMD) feature marketing. The film is soon to address additional VFX and sound design before music and mixing. We’re working on the first look trailer and poster art for RCMD So that will be exciting also. I also got to enjoy their short film that won the local festival.
Good meeting mid-week with Shane Hagedorn and our friends at Dreamscape Productions about the theatrical release of Harsens Island Revenge. The film starts its theatrical run in Alpena, MI at Sanctuary Cinemas this coming Friday and will play for a week or so. How long depends on interest in the area. The Owosso, MI showings will start May 17th at the NCG and we’re guessing a week or two there as well. We are also looking to see if it will release in other NCG’s so if you have one near you call and request the film. Lansing, Grand Rapids and Detroit will likely be the next showings working with Celebration Cinemas and Emagine.
Speaking of theatrical showings, on Friday I went to the opening of WAS ONCE A HERO a unique western that friends Darby Hinton, Shane Hagedorn and Rebecca Holden acted in. Actor, producer and writer Dan Searles played the shopkeep in Wild Faith Christmas. If you get a chance to see it please do. It is now in Lansing, Grand Rapids and other locations. Wild Faith Christmas is about 60 min into the color correction. Dialog clean up is complete and sound design is also almost done. Next up is the music score which is where the film really comes to life. This follow up to our WILD FAITH is heading to theaters this holiday season.
Thursday I started the day by watching a director friend’s memorial for his dad who passed away. I had to stay home and be ready to receive a truck load of props from Wild Faith Christmas. I’m still putting stuff away. I had to reschedule a later meeting with an actress/producer friend but that happens especially when little children are involved. Friday as noted I had that screening but also had a good meeting over possible acting, writing and producing work for CDI. I just finished the script I had been working on which might film in Spring 2026 pending on chips fall. I’m in talks about several books to script and I’m hoping to lock one of them. I do enjoy writing and it is something I really embrace. The feedback so far on the script I just completed is strong.
I was waiting for many folks to get past tax deadlines but I’ve got several film projects in development. I’m going to give a few folks a first right of refusal on funding. We’ve had to turn away a few people on the last couple films and I don’t like to do that. Funding can be really hard and so we’ve got a good slate of projects from smaller to larger in budget. I’m really hoping to be filming this summer followed by fall and spring. We have the resources and manpower now to handle more films. It takes time to develop people and get them into the CDI flow. I’m also going to be talking with a few management folks about music videos for bands. We have the new Shallow Rising video releasing soon and will be shooting some promo for a music concert venue soon. We really like the music videos also they are a lot of fun.
Today in Muskegon our IN THE WOODS writer/director Lynn Drzick is meeting and greeting fans of our classic monster movie film. The Blu Ray is released and these are all steps for a possible follow up film. Next week I have an interview on Monday for Harsens Island Revenge and a podcast on Thursday. Friday we’ll get to hear what audiences think of the film! I have another podcast (Premium Podcast:) that we are trying to get on the books. I hope to have to good development follow up meetings next week too. So on the movie front things are busy as usual.
WRAP UP:
I’ve been loving being outside and doing the yard clean up. It is starting to come together. I spread the red clover seed and have some other herbs starting to sprout. The chickens have been doing pretty good with 3-5 eggs a day. I was doing well with my office organizing until two wagons full of props arrived. The Paw Paw/Rhubarb wine has gotten good marks from folks at our meetings. I’m still exploring the idea of using the lumber from the old deck to build a greenhouse. The new deck will soon need to be sanded and stained and I’m trying to prep for that. I’ve also been trying to clean on the shed which the squirrels invaded once they found we had chicken scratch in there. They are pretty determined when they wanna be. Flowers are popping up all over and my brother already found a morel on his property. We usually get them so I’m keeping an eye out.
I’ve done some PR on asking and encouraging people who enjoy the CDI films to watch The Quest Trilogy where we make a go at the biblical dramas like what we grew up on with ole Chuck Heston. They can be found free with ads and please do watch them in order. Part 1 Forty Nights, Part 2 Chasing the Star and Part 3 The Christ Slayer. I hope you all have a wonderful Easter and a great week ahead. We are enjoying the days getting warmer we actually had one day 78 degrees or so. I hope you enjoy getting this a day early. I just didn’t want to be rushed tomorrow because we have a full day. There is the first flea market of the year down the road also. Those are always fun. Soccer is also right around the corner starting in May! Until next week!
Coffee Cheers! Tea at night for me!
DJ
Theatrical, Post Updates, Development and More…
Good morning my friends and fellow artists. I’m sipping ye ole hazelnut coffee and again I have Scooby Doo cartoons going on while I type. I had a great week which I’ll be happy to share on here including an end-of-week trip to the Henry Ford/Greenfield Village. We focused on the craftsman part of the village and enjoyed seeing the art of working with your hands and materials to create glass, pottery, weaving and more. A good lunch and company there and back to Lansing. I see that Ireland is where my second highest viewership is after the USA. I’m a good dose Irish so that is nice to see the support.
Last week we were shooting the final pieces of ROM COMS MUST DIE. I’ve already seen that scene added in and it was everything and more we had hoped to get. Next is a BIG screen viewing to lock picture and to make notes of sound fx adds and music cues. Travis Hayward and a team participated in the local Capitol City Film Fest winning Best Picture and the Audience Award. I will see it this week but I’m not surprised and it is what helped us decide to give him the feature film directorial opportunity. We will discuss future opportunities at our meeting this week. I’m also going to be meeting with Adam Towner who also deserves a congrats as part of that festival win. It is what also helped give him the opportunity to co-star in the feature film. But Adam is talented on both sides of the camera and we’ll be discussing the RCMD poster and first trailer. Always a fun meeting!
Harsens Island Revenge has been delivered and we’ll have some discussions this week on home video release plans. But that is happening in October and we’re kicking off the theatrical release on April 25th in Alpena, MI. We have a 1st showing for main cast and crew plus a handful of VIP’s as the Sanctuary Cinema theater is smaller. I’m told the second show is sold out and the 3rd that night will likely be sold out as well. The film should play strong in that area for several weeks. For those who cannot make the trek to Alpena the next premiere showing and run will be early May in Owosso, MI with the NCG theater. If you have an NCG in your area call and request the film with the manager. We are finalizing all that and we’ll be doing that with a nice afterglow. Our book author Karl Manke is from there as is CDI producer/director/writer/actor Anthony Hornus.
Speaking of mister Hornus (Tony) his last directorial film SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is having a special one night theatrical showing at the Iowa Farm to Film Festival tomorrow. If you go to the film’s FB page you can listen to two great interviews by Tony. It is always worth seeing on the big screen but you can buy/rent on Amazon and other retail sites. It will go to free with ad watching this summer and I’ll be sure to let you know more about that.
Speaking on Iowa, I did have a great talk over another Iowa story SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE that has been developing slowly. We have a second developing project from the Iowa area and that is the Frank Gotch story. He was the Catch Can world champion and hailed from Iowa. A real life Rocky story. It really takes people who want to see these stories immortalized and not forgotten. Every story happens in it’s own time I like to say.
Wild Faith Christmas is now being color corrected and undergoing music and sound design. I LOVE the characters from this franchise starting with WILD FAITH. As we get closer to a holiday release I’m going to start talking with some folks about the TV series. If you run a TV station or network and want a family friendly series with 20-30+ million previous viewers feel free to reach out. I have a few good meetings ahead that could move the needle on this TV series.
Speaking on sequels I was asked twice in one week about a sequel to Man’s Best Friend. I also had a dear lady say she had to stop watching for a few because of her crying. The film hits hard in the feels for dogs and veterans. I do have a full sequel outlined (One for Lost Heart also) and I might kick these out at some point.
Speaking on scripts I did finish my first draft of my latest THE KINGDOM CHIP. It is a real thought-provoking script that will lead to much needed conversation. It deals with many of the real challenges that lie ahead when it comes to technology. This project was written to loosely fit in with The Quest Trilogy. That is our series of biblical adventures filmed in the desert of Yuma, AZ. This script would possibly shoot in Yuma again with our friends there.
I’ve been approached about another possible script in addition to the couple books I’m looking at for adaptation to screenplay. I’m in a good place to write now and so I’m trying to lock in a deal on my next writing endeavor. I love earning from writing. Just me, my imagination and a cup of tea or coffee. Some of these projects might have CDI producing and some are for other talented groups to produce. It all requires a strong blue print.
On the development tip the proposed schedule is looking like a possible attempt to launch HOT ROD LOVE again which is our 70’s drag racing film. I’m talking and gathering a few verbal commits from people who love that sport. This fall/winter is perfect for our feature version of SMOKE & MIRRORS. (See CDI Youtube Channel) It is a ‘who done it?’ turn of the century piece. I love the writing of it and I’m doing a breakdown on that. And THE KINGDOM CHIP would be early Spring in Yuma, AZ if everything worked out. There are a few other projects in early development that could replace on the slate but the three above have a good strong start. I have not forgotten about a Knight Chills 2🙂
Misc Updates:
The NEW music video that CDI produced with Weyant Ent. from SHALLOW RISING was delivered and should release soon. The song is called BLIZZARD. I’m thinking we might also film another in the not to distant future. I’m also talking to a few others about more music videos (Mark Owen:) which I really do enjoy.
I do have some voice over work for a movie 4:26 that Carl Weyant directed after ours. I will likely knock that down in the next two weeks along with some VO work for ROM COMS MUST DIE. I am looking at a few outside acting gigs but it just has to be a right fit. I play a range of roles but the key is the connect. I have plans to try and do a new 2025/2026 reel. I get so busy and that often gets lost. But that can be good if you are working.
WRAP UP:
My office organizing has been going great. So has my property clean up from a long hard winter. I’ve been doing some tree trimming and also getting pots ready for planting. I’m still slowly deconstructing the wood shed and might replace it with a greenhouse. I will still need a place to process wood but I’m looking at some new ways of storing it. A deck sanding and staining is also right around the corner.
Soccer starts in May so that is right around the corner. I’ve been kicking the ball around trying to get my touch back. I’m also getting ready to go to my first flea market of the season! I love them. I find so many props and wardrobe for films. OK. I’m going to go make a few eggs and get showered up for my day.
I hope you all are having a great start to your 2025. Stay informed but don’t dwell on negatives. Listen to music and see how you can enact positive change around you. Laugh daily and keep checking things off that TO DO list. I’m anxious to see how the rest of the year unfolds. I’m sure there will be ups and downs as that is the way of life. Twelve days before the first audiences see Harsens Island Revenge in the theaters.
Have a wonderful week and a happy 50th Bday to my baby bro. I look forward to celebrating later!
DJ
Finishing the Month Strong! New April 1st Trailer?
(A throw back of ‘Ghost Town’ in Time Square NYC – Going to Historyfix in 4k!)
A warm and damp morning in mid Michigan. I heard they had ice storms up north in the area of Alpena where we recently filmed two of our films. Either way spring is in the air for sure. Plants are starting to sprout and animals are building new nests. My clean up of the property is going well. I’m still leaving the ground leaves for bee cover. My work on the slow dismantle of the old wood shed is underway. I have an estimate from our builder to sand and stain the new deck. I think the first time I will have the pros do it and after that I can have a go at it. I enjoyed it being warm enough to do a few tasks. I may have to do some tree trimming on the mulberry and/or apple trees. That sometimes causes them to skip a season of fruit. I’ve been leaving the apples for the squirrels the last few years.
I mentioned Alpena and I believe we mentioned have an April 25th date to kick off the theatrical run of Harsens Island Revenge (HIR). Tickets should go up for sale soon! That theatrical deal has been signed with our friends and partners at Dreamscape Productions. They will be contacting several of the northern theaters/chains to see if they want to book HIR. We are also starting talks with NCG in Owosso, MI and the NCG chain to run the film. Celebration. Emagine and more. Please contact your theaters near you and request the film. Also get the name of the person who handles booking. We want to travel this film around the country and I’m even looking into Las Vegas. To build the hype even more I think I’m going to drop a second HIR trailer cut by Dennis Therrian on April 1st, no fooling!
Wild Faith Christmas is also moving along nicely. The final locked film is due to be delivered by March 31st to Dennis Therrian who has already did a first pass on dialog clean up. Music beds have also been worked on and it will be exciting to see the sound design and score settle into the picture. Shane Hagedorn and Dean Teaster are doing various color tests on the film. They will work the final look of the picture. A theatrical poster is slowly being developed and we hope to release that soon.
ROM COMS MUST DIE is about to shoot the final opening scene next weekend. The edit is close to a lock. The color correction is about 60% there. The dialog is almost cleaned up save my VO and a few ADR lines. Sound design will be the last little piece to do almost with a suitable score. This dark horse is going to be a fun surprise for many. It marks CDI’s return to comedy/horror and I think it will be well received. A trailer and poster will be in the works in the coming weeks. I saw a great BTS but it gives away a bit too much to release right now.
Misc Release News: We’ve recently seen the re-release of Knight Chills to Blu Ray and streaming. An Ordinary Killer to streaming as well as Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town. A 4k version of the latter is going to Historyfix and is being actively delivered. I’ve hunted up some of the early work tapes of HEAVENS NEIGHBORS and we might start some restorative work on that film later this year. FIGURE IN THE FOREST and FROM VENUS are being looked at. I would love Saturn Core to give FROM VENUS the same treatment they gave KNIGHT CHILLS.
Writing Projects: I’ve got many pet projects in various stages of writing but we’re looking at the scripts and evaluating them. I will say that my script that I wanted to get out of my head working title THE KINGDOM CHIP has a first draft. It is best pitched as an O’ GOD for a new generation. It is also a loose follow up to The Quest Trilogy. If you have not seen these three CDI films I am really asking that you do. Inspired by the ole Chuck Heston Biblical Adventures they are an amazing series of storytelling.
I also have had two books sent to me to read and evaluate for scriptwriting. I would adapt them to screenplays and CDI would perhaps produce. These projects would come with funding. I’m also suppose to pull together a polished draft of a detective story. I’m awaiting that material but the delay worked in my favor as I will do the final polish on The Kingdom Chip before allowing it to be read.
I have the 8 shows for WILD FAITH: Hastings and we’ll see what doors open as we get near the release of the sequel. I have a few fun scripts that are completed and have been sitting. We will see about making those films happen with some of our emerging director/filmmakers.
Development: I started above to delve into the development arena. I do want to pick a few projects to produce this year. The Kingdom Chip which has some interest would be shoot in that “window” in Yuma, AZ before the heat sets in. The feature version of our concept short SMOKE & MIRRORS is a possibility. I’ve been lining up a few things there.
We have a few other outside sources talking projects with funding. FUNDING is what is needed to get you moving to the front of the line in evaluating scripts/projects.
WRAP UP: The last few weeks I’ve accomplished most of what I’ve been wanting to do. Office reorganizing is mostly done. End of Year reporting work on the movies done just need to square those accounts. I did some of them last week and will look to finish this week. My personal taxes are done just need to send that in with the firm sends my paperwork.
I’m looking forward to filming my last piece of the Rom Coms Must Die puzzle and my head will be officially clear of any outside characters. My itch to tackle and new role is slowly building although you think I would enjoy the down time.
Soccer and flea market season is right around the corner. I love looking for wardrobe and props for our films. Soccer is just a great way to test yourself weekly. I’ve been working on strength and flexibility but need to do some running. I dislike running just to run.
This week there is a film mixer for the local film festival that I might attend. It really depends on the flow of the week. I will have my fill of mixers with all the film releases this year. I do enjoy meeting other artists and seeing how they fit into the mix. I’m not going to be at the Alpena showing of Harsens Island Revenge but will be ready to attend the Owosso, MI showing and afterglow.
I’m going to wrap this up here and do a few things around the house. I am going to attack the week and look to make some great things happen. I hope each of you are enjoying the spring vibe returning to us all. Working in the morning with the sounds of birds is really nice. Watching the squirrels building and playing is nice. They had a long, hard winter and deserve some abundance. Until next week my friends!
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Showtimes are Coming for CDI’s Next Film!
(The previous film adapted from a Karl Manke book – watch it now!)
A chilly good morning to you from Michigan. Hazelnut coffee cheers! We had a handful of nice days followed by rain and cold and now just windy and cold. But the sun has been out and I’ve started the yard clean up. I’m slowly dismantling the old wood shed and plan on a new set up. Maybe even a greenhouse we’ll see. I did reorganizing the remaining wood and we’ll have a few more good fires in the office. Speaking of the office, my spring cleaning and organizing has been going great. The new shelf unit has helped tremendously. I’m holding off on any mowing or mulching to give the bees and such time to get past the frost. The birds and squirrels are about and setting up their springtime dwellings.
Let’s get to some other news concerning the films.
Harsens Island Revenge – The film has been tested at the Sanctuary theater and the reviewers loved it. Shane Hagedorn was responsible for us finding the beautiful city of Alpena to film in. He will be the master of ceremonies for our kick off April 25th release. An early showing will be for our local cast and crew and few VIP guests although everyone who helped I consider VIP. But only 95 seats for that first show. But tickets will go on sale soon for a 5:00 and 8:00 showing. It will run for a week at the 3, 5, 8:00 time slot in the big theater. After that it will go to a smaller theater and play multiple showtimes. A fun 1920’s afterglow is being set up and I hear some folks may go in 1920’s dress. I will not be attending the Alpena showing but will be anxious to hear audience reactions. After watching feel free to go to IMDB.com on the film’s page and leave your thoughts. I do promise to attend some future special screening for signings.
I’m also proud to say our theatrical partnership deal with Dreamscape Productions is done. They will be reaching out to other Northern, MI theaters to see if they want to play the same Alpena dates. We will also start working to set up the Owosso, MI kick off and run with the NCG theaters. This is the home town of the author Karl Manke, co-producer/actor Anthony Hornus and the Stuarts whose Alpena house was used in filming. I hope the film gets placed in many of the NCG theaters.
From there we’ll be planning Lansing, Grand Rapids and Detroit, Michigan showings. I saw that Dreamscape Prods working our friends film WAS ONCE A HERO is booked in a few drive ins. That would check a goal of mine to have a CDI film play a drive in. We use to attend lots of them back in the day. From there we’ll start to spread across the USA and so contact your theaters and request the film. Reach out on our HIR Facebook and let us know the theater. I know we want to come to all our friends in Iowa and Minn. who enjoyed our SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – Speaking of- it will be going July 1st to the popular AVOD platforms. That means ad-based so you can watch for free if you watch ads. Platforms like TUBI and the distributors Encourage TV. If you have not seen this powerful WW2 wartime drama please do. Available now on many platforms to rent/buy.
Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town is coming to HISTORYFIX! This site is for fans of history and period films. The film was previously mastered to HD but now has been re-mastered to 4k providing the best version of the film.
Look for new marketing campaigns for both LOST HEART and BEST YEARS GONE. Both bring the drama and the laughs which can sometimes be tricky for marketing. Both these films should be required CDI viewing! Let me know your thoughts on them both.
Wild Faith Christmas is in post production and being worked on hard for a holiday release into theaters. The color correction process is underway as is dialog, music and sound design under the masterful ear of Dennis Therrian.
ROM COMS MUST DIE – will be making some production announcements as we prepare to shoot the final pick up day. We wanted a different season so we had to wait a few weeks. April 6th we will film our last pieces and we’ll be able to lock picture soon after. This film is crazy fun with some wild performances but our cast. Our partners the McGraw brothers are taking a few days to remember their dear father who passed. I’m glad he got to enjoy our rough cut and gets some laughs and joy from the viewing.
DEVELOPMENT –
I’ve been working on that one script I mentioned that I was highly motivated to write. A small scope and powerful piece pulled in part from our news headlines and given a good WHAT IF twist. I’m halfway through the script and very happy with it.
I’ve also got two books being sent to me that the parties may want me to write the script and possibly produce the film. The above mentioned McGraw brothers also have a project that they want me to write on for us all to produce with our CDI association.
We have a few scripts that I’m considering putting some of our investors behind and producing this year. One promising development funding path hit a roadblock and I mention this only because our success often gets mentioned but not the setbacks. We have many setbacks on the way to success. Patience and persistence play into the equation often.
In the wake of Wild Faith Christmas we will see if we can get some traction on the WILD FAITH: HASTINGS TV series. We have a built in tens of millions audience that grows weekly. We will see if the season one, eight shows can find a funder or distributor who does original programming. Creative control is still my main concern as I’ve seen way too many projects go South due to bad variables.
THE QUEST TRILOGY – I hope that some of you have sought out and enjoyed our three biblical adventures. Forty Nights, Chasing the Star, The Christ Slayer and in that order. This are very unique in their telling and have brought strong recognition from people from all walks. With one of the scripts I’m writing we might look to return to Yuma, AZ to film we will see. We have some great folks there and it has been too long.
WRAP UP: My film end of year work is over. I had one investor move without notifying so I had to make sure he got his proper paperwork. I will be looking at paying all those off plus my own personal taxes. I have about two weeks to get into my ROM COMS MUST DIE role for one more scene. I’ll finish that script I’m working on likely this week. The cold days keep me writing more.
My dental implant went great and all is good save my checking account. But it is worth not having the dental pain that cracked tooth gave me. Speaking of cracked teeth soccer season is right around the corner. I hope for a fun year with no injuries to anyone.
I might actually work on that script a spell while the coffee is flowing and so are the words. I was a sad at my schedule conflict on the Alpena premiere dates but it happens. More of my family will be attending one of the showings down state and it will be nice to enjoy it with them. I know all the folks in Alpena will be proud of the showing.
Until we talk again next weekend I hope you have a smooth and productive week. I’m going to keep the wheel steady as she goes. Enjoy some nature. Enjoy some family and friends. Move ahead on your goals and smile. The sun will keep coming up and shining. I see many swimming in negativity but do not get dragged down in it.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Forward Without Fear – Moving Forward to the Future! (March 2025)
(Walk forth without fear which can be like a cage)
Hazelnut coffee cheers! I was just about to write what a dark, cold and gloomy morning it had been and the sun burst out. We had a very remarkable end of week with some beautiful weather that did not require a coat and on one day nothing more than a tee-shirt. They say it was 30 degrees above normal. Now we have a small call for light rain and even snow as the air swirls around picking up some Canada cold. I had a very productive week and while not hitting every benchmark some great progress was made.
This week around the property I started some clean up from the dogs and started to move stuff out of storage. Bird baths, sun dials, shepherds hooks and statues. It is only the first steps of many prepping the yard to become the zen nature space it becomes each year. I blame the beautiful weather for not fully having the upstairs of the office where I wanted it to be. That said I did get the new storage shelf built with is L shape for in a corner. I had to move four shelf units around to make room for this one. That meant taking stuff off and shuffling stuff. I also had to build it in a few small space. It took three days because I would work until my patience was getting tried. On two different days I realized shelves had been installed in the wrong way and had to dismantle them and redo it. So it took three days but now they are almost filled and it is force a spring clean and reorganizing of all these shelves.
I’ve started to slowly prepare the wood shed to be dismantled and I’m not sure what I will put there. Maybe a little greenhouse. Maybe a wood gazebo or pergola? I have a new wood rack to assemble. I need a new chopping block as the old one is many years old and it giving way to decay. The deck will need to be sanded and stained this year. A new retaining wall built to help prepare the under deck area. Still not sure how that will all come together but it is nice…and safe. The old deck was not safe any longer and had to go. The chickens are kicking out eggs and I’m sure there will be several improvements to that area. I see a few of the raised garden beds have sunk a touch in places and might need to be leveled. Always things to do and I love that tinkering. I also plan to have a pro chimney sweep for the fort stove at the end of the season. What blog is this you ask? Home fix it? Get to the movies you say! Okay I’m getting there.
MOVIE UPDATES:
- Our Ghost Town movie has been uprez’d to 4k HD and will be going up on HistoryFix as I’ll be signing that deal today or tomorrow. That will be the best version of the film every seen to date.
- Dialog and sound design/music is starting on Wild Faith Christmas. Also director Shane Hagedorn and Dean Teaster will start color correcting on the film. Dean has been a photographer and done extensive restoration work on old photos and film. He and Shane have decided to spend the time to get the exact look that is wanted for the movie. This weekend the software is getting in place and the work flow established. The film is on track for our November theatrical release.
- We had a great meeting over Harsens Island Revenge theatrical and the paperwork will be signed up here soon. The theatrical film is being tested and we should have word any day now and we’ll set the first premiere and run in stone. This movie is really an exciting achievement in scope and magnitude. We plan to run it all over the state before we expand outwards to the whole country.
- Going with what I’ve announced up top we have a second of several Harsens Island Revenge trailer that we’ll release to audiences to prepare for the films arrival in theaters. We need to decide what the release date for the trailer will be. maybe April 1st. Am I joking or not? Haha! It will give audiences additional peeks at this exciting film.
- I’m trying to set day and time for for our one planned pick up scene for ROM COMS MUST DIE. We needed a different season depicting an early date. I also plan to do my VO for the film maybe this week. We are getting close to a locked picture but already with some limited sound design and temp music it is very entertaining. My return to the horror (comedy) genre will be a fun one. I do want to get us started on some poster art and a first trailer.
- This is the second week in a row that I wrote an entire paragraph only to have it disappear. TAKE 2! So I said with Easter approaching I’ve been promoting our trilogy of desert filmed biblical adventures. THE QUEST TRILOGY includes three films Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer. I’m asking you again to watch these films and send me your comments on them here.
- I told you all I was highly inspired to write a loose 4th film in this series with the working title THE KINGDOM CHIP. I’m almost 1/3 of the way through the script and I really love the story. It has a lot to say on spiritual matters and technology. It might also be a possible return to our Yuma area/network to film this one. I will see once it is completed.
- I was suppose to have another writing project come over to me last week but it has been delayed so I’ll stay the course and try to finish up this current project. But I might be rolling right into a new writing project which is just fine with me.
- One of the development projects GOTCH was moved along for evaluation for funding. I really love this story and have since the first reading of his biopic. If you want to know about this man Frank Gotch please watch our doc film FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH. (On Several Platforms)
- Several other CDI projects are being evaluated to be put into the funding pipeline. I wanted to get through end of the year taxes and such before moving onto this phase. That work has been completed the paying the accountants. I will be doing some check writing this week for sure.
WRAP UP: This week I will try to finish my office organizing which is always in progress. I might be able to focus more on writing and desk work when it is chilly. St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and in my days gone by I’ve had a few wild ones. This one will likely be more chill maybe some corn beef and cabbage. I have a meeting with legal over some business reorganizing which will be fun.
I’ll keep moving forward with yard clean up and put in some training for upcoming soccer season. I’m really looking forward to kicking the ball around soon. I’m happy to report that my back strain from when I was deconstructing the old deck has healed. I just had to have patience and give it time not something I’m great at always. I actually just had a few eggs scrambled so I might go organize in the office for a while and get ready for tonight. I will be having the stove roaring as we’re suppose to get some cold chill maybe even snow. DOH!
I hope you all are enjoying our slow transition to spring. I’m very appreciative and enjoying the turning of the seasonal wheel. Move steadily towards your goals and work smart. Don’t be discouraged if things are a little off schedule as that is the way of the world. I just know that this year will reveal some wonderful things. It already has done that. I’ve already enjoyed the companionship of family and fellow artists. Never stop dreaming. Never stop moving ahead and don’t let fear freeze you. Even setbacks are important lessons. All part of the education. Until next week my friends I thank you so much for your support and the few moments you spent here.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Springing Ahead – Updates All Across the Board
(A moment from part 3 of The Quest Trilogy: The Christ Slayer)
Hazelnut coffee cheers on a sunny but chilly morning in Michigan. I have had a productive week that left me ready for a recharge. I started last Sunday with a wonderful VIP back stage tour of our local zoo Potter Park. I’ve been going there since I was a wee lad with my grandfather and family. It was nice to get to meet and greet some of the animals up close. Petting the rhino was probably the highlight. What an amazing animal and I truly hope we do leave it alone to survive in the wild for many, many years.
Monday was a morning of business which we’ll get into more but the afternoon was sitting in studio with ROM COMS MUST DIE editor John McGraw and Director Travis Hayward. We watched, stopped, tweaked scenes using primarily the director’s input. Once all those changes are made final we’ll be close to locking the cut. The film really is an entertaining and unique parody, dark comedy about the state of our industry. It talks about the desire of actors that can sadly dip into desperate. Filmmakers that will almost do anything to get that passion project launched. It was an all-star cast and it shows. Plus you got to see folks doing comedy which is a nice change. I was going to record some VO but had to wait. Why?
I’m now in the final stages of an implant for a tooth that cracked below the gum line. I tried to nurse it and keep it but in the end it had to go and be prepped for an implant. The post got put in and that was an easy enough process (not on the wallet) and is healing. I’m taking a week off from wearing a bottom retainer I’ve had for years that just keeps the bottom teeth from shifting. It gives me a funny voice naturally and so I wore it in ROM COMS MUST DIE. I need to wear it to do my VO (Voice over) and so we decided to wait. We also have one flashback pick up scene to film. We wanted a different season and with the snow melting we will likely film it in April. But the first few days were soft foods like soup so I had to limit my food choices. The good news is zero pain. So I’ll take it.
I had a meeting that is for a couple possible new films that got pushed to Monday. And I was back at the McGraw studio on Friday for the last meeting of the week. I’m going to pull pulling together a feature film script from all the story pieces they have. This will result in some associated CDI/McGraw films and this one will be a good one. I’m truly blessed to have a mind that easily orders a story into script format. I also had a development talk with our Harsens Island Revenge director Carl Weyant. But I’ll discuss that film soon but he has a few developing stories that he wants me to consider scripting and producing with CDI and his production partners. This week I’ve also been finally writing a script that has been sitting up in my head. I haven’t had this impulsive inspiration since the biblical trilogy.
THE QUEST TRILOGY were three films we shot in and around the desert of Yuma, AZ. I’ve said this many times that if these films represent your path of faith or parables with positive lessons they are worth watching. They are beautiful in their presentation and showcase little known parts of scripture. They can be watched on Amazon, Tubi, Encourage TV (YouTube) and more. You should watch them in order of FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. In these times of negativity and division sometimes you need a good dose of positivity. These films will do that and not in a preachy way. So for this and every Easter season or any season, watch all three. They are the type of films that you will take something new away with every watch.
Back to the script I’ve been writing last week and I’m going to look to finish this week is a follow up to these three films. I don’t want to get into it too much here but it is a unique presentation. I think people will really be drawn in by the story. I plan to finish this while I get the McGraw script loaded into my software and prepped. I have and always used Movie Magic software. Before that it was a typewriter. Go to a museum if you don’t know what that is. I think I might have mentioned that I finished last week my rewrite on the 8 shows for season one of WILD FAITH: HASTINGS. I had to rewrite to take place after our sequel script Wild Faith Christmas.
Wild Faith Christmas is in the final editing pass while our composer Dennis Therrian is reviewing and starting to sketch out some musical pieces. We have heard some of them already and it is once again incredible. Director Shane Hagedorn is evaluating color correction and the opening credit sequence. This follow up to WILD FAITH is powerful, heart warming and we had tears in the test screening.
The next big treat for audiences is about to be Harsens Island Revenge. Action. Romance. Slick storytelling that brings the 1920’s to life. The film is done. It is being prepped for delivery to home video which is looking to be 10/1/2025. But the theatrical version is done and will be tested next week and if we are all good the premiere and 1st run will be set. The film took a few weeks longer but we wanted it to be perfect. The film will start with an Alpena, MI run. We’ll be looking at other Northern cities but also bringing it down to Owosso, Lansing, GR, Detroit. After that we’ll be expanding into several states and thrilling audiences with this exciting story based on Karl Manke‘s book of the same name. So fingers crossed that we have no tech gremlins and we’ll get this party started.
MISC NEWS:
I’ve got a story I contributed to another Baker Book House collection on bird stories coming out this year. This one centers on our first experiences with raising chickens. It is nice to write for these books and I’ll be grateful to Callie Smith aka Lonnie RIP who brought me into this circle of writing. I hope to keep doing it for many years to come.
My other big task is ‘spring cleaning’ at the office. I ordered a new corner shelf to help organize many of the business assets. But that is requiring several shelves and such to move around. I’ve started to prep for it but it will be a several afternoon endeavor. But I plan to put the needle on the record and listen to jams while building, moving and re-organizing. My goal is that by next Friday the upstairs of the office we be back and much better organized. With a nice week ahead I might be able to start clean up on the property. Big plans for the new year and I’m looking forward to it. I did some wood prep for the wood stove tonight. Once past the season I have a chimney sweep going to come in and give everything a professional clean.
Lastly, the end of year movie work is almost done. K1’s are going out which report returns to investors for their taxes. The movie taxes have all been filed. My personal taxes are submitted and so that part of the filmmaking game is almost all done. We are going to be meeting (legal & accounting) and talking about how we can streamline biz moving forward. We are growing and we have to keep up with that growth. The cold weather has been perfect for these end of year tasks. I’m looking forward to working and holding some meetings from the new deck. The chickens might get some improvements and upgrades since eggs are like gold now. Looking forward to planting our veggies and herbs and I like to wildcraft collect berries from our trees. I might have to put a trim on the mulberry and apple trees. A new system for the wood chopping and storage will be coming into play. I might consider a small greenhouse. We will see said the wise man.
WRAP UP: I’m going to wrap it up here. I might get after a few of those eggs I was talking about. I might do some more yard or office prep. Movie star stuff like dog poop or stick pick up. I want to start adding some running to my work outs as soccer season is right around the corner. I need to prep for some landscaping to fill in where the old deck stairs once were. A retaining wall needs to be addressed before we do too much to the under-deck. Everything is always an evolution and I enjoy that tinkering as my grandfather use to put it. I have some of my best ideas while engaging in this puttering about. But spring is in the air and I for one am really ready. The winter was harsh and even now the cold hangs on. But the birds are returning and soon plants will start to sprout. I will be planting more clover in the yard again this year. It is good for the animals and is beyond beautiful. Until next week I hope you have an amazing week. I hope to have good news to report next week on our theatrical tests and my office organizing.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
SECRETS of the ‘TO DO’ and CDI Updates for March 2025!
Good morning. I see new readers from Sweden, Switzerland, Poland and more. I want to welcome you here as I sip the hazelnut coffee and reflect back on the week of an artist. Actually a tribe of artists who are working to stay the course while the world evolves. I like to say that if the world went to “hell in a hand basket” Tribe CDI would be pulling a wagon doing puppet shows for can goods. The world just like ourselves could benefit from better communication skills. You see it on the highest levels and it trickles down to the smaller more intimate exchanges.
This past week was extremely productive and I plan to have this new month follow in those same footsteps. One of the SECRETS I use is to truly use a checklist of TO DO’s for each endeavor. I have some that still show up without a legal pad, notebook or even a tablet. Things are fresh in the moment but can easily be lost in the static of life. I have multiple things going past, present and future and my lists help keep it all in step. If you don’t use a list maybe try it for a week or two and see if your productivity increases. You can prioritize what needs to be done and when. It becomes satisfying to cross things off your list. Try it. You might like the results.
UPDATES!
- Harsens Island Revenge (HIR) master file was delivered and I’m told that our theatrical file was done as of yesterday. We are looking to see if it can be delivered digital or if it has to be in person. Shane Hagedorn is communicating with the Alpena theater to see if they can accept a digital send. He is also looking to set up our premiere and theatrical date. So if you are reading this and you’re from the area now is the time to start calling and letting them know your interest. End of March or start of April is looking like our kick off.
- HIR – More We are looking to pen our deal with our theatrical partners this week and discuss all the other venues. I know we’ll be moving around Michigan and I think folks will really enjoy the film. It is slick with some great action and romance all woven into some cool Michigan history. If you want a preview you can read Karl Manke‘s book of the same name.
- HIR – has a few new trailers that will be rolling out to audiences. We are also discussing a music video as a possibility for one of the participating artists. The theatrical tour will be from March to Sept and we hope to open our home video on 10/1/2025 whereas you can buy a collectors DVD and stream the film.
- Wild Faith Christmas – The 1st solid cut of the film was shown in the studio on Friday and we had tears from one of our test subjects. We are looking at a few some tweaks to be done with our final polishing pass. But those few tweaks aside we have a powerful and emotional follow up to WILD FAITH. I’m very proud of the entire team led by Shane Hagedorn our director.
- I’m polishing the last show of 8 in the first season of the proposed TV series WILD FAITH: HASTINGS. It was such a joy to revisit these stories and adjust them to take place after the second film versus the first one. If the right deal emerges that allows us to keep the creative control we could bring audiences back into the Wild Faith world for eight 44 min shows. If the interest is there the shows will be ready. So my first writing assignment of 2025 is about to be checked off my list.
- Monday we’ll be getting together with Director Travis Hayward and reviewing the first cut of ROM COMS MUST DIE. This dark comedy was filmed in February and thanks to the dedicated editing by DP John McGraw we have a first cut. We’ll look at beats and ideas to tweak and strengthen the film for edit pass two. That said, the film is already so fun to watch. Some sound design and graphic work is already done and I’m very pleased. I had a chance to really cut loose with Adam Towner as a co-star. I’m also extremely pleased at how the story presents itself. It seems twisted and silly on the surface but really has a lot to say about acting, filmmaking and chasing artistic dreams. I think fans of the genre will really be happy with the project.
- We have some concept art for ROM COMS MUST DIE but I’m excited to see a few posters emerge. I’ve also seen sneak peeks of some of the Wild Faith Christmas posters and I’m very excited on that front. We like to have the theatrical poster be a version that pleases the director because once it passes to home video they will create what they feel will connect and sell to audiences best. Ultimately I LOVE lots of poster versions but the first one I like to be one that the director ultimately approves.
- As I come out of the end of the year work with accounting and taxes I’m looking ahead. Development has been underway for a while but I’m starting to zero in on projects. Some already have some momentum. Others are looking to build their foundations. It is a process and like my talks some some good friends who produce at a higher budget level – a film sometimes happens in that story’s own time. I am going to get much more focused here as we get ‘Harsens’ rolling out into theaters also.
- Going hand in hand with what I was writing on above with development is writing. I have a meeting next week on a script for hire. I have a few others circling but it only becomes real with pen meets paper and currency is exchanged. We had one project last year that looked very promising but when it was time for rubber to meet the road – no dice. It happens. But you have to be careful about your time. Some people just don’t work at my pace and that is just fine. But I don’t have the time to take 10 years dancing around and taking meetings for things that don’t evolve.
- Acting. I love acting it is why I go through all the producing work. I’m still behind on getting new reels cut and such. I did finally get some headshots last year but I’m always in motion. By that I mean that I’m often quite busy creating characters. I’ve also been busy filming so even if I had many offers coming in I would still have to be highly selective. I’ve always asked that one role gets me one more role. Maybe that means put your everything into a performance and that should draw you another beautiful opportunity. Audiences are about to meet Axel and Edison and spend time again with ole Ben Lily. What is next? That is a good question. I don’t have an immediate answer so that is really quite exciting.
WRAP UP: You can feel spring in the air and I spent a good amount of the last blog talking about that. Today is going to be quite special because I’m getting a special behind the scenes tour of our local zoo. I’ve always loved that place and I went with my grandfather since I was a toddler. We still enjoy it for birthdays, holidays and such. I had an otter steal my sunglasses before so I might get to see that rascal again. I’m told we’re going to meet the rhino so that will be pretty cool. I would like to explore ways to work with the zoo in the future. I’m so glad that it keeps growing and evolving.
It is still chilly outside and so the wood stove will get a work out tonight at the office. But we’re getting close to that getting a good yearly clean and go silent. I love the crackling of the fire and I pull inspiration from the dancing flames. As noted above we’ll have some great development and production meetings in the weeks ahead. I bottled up the Paw Paw/Rhubarb wine and it was pretty good. We tried it on my dear friends birthday. It takes kind of like a Pineapple Lemonade with a mild punch. I do have an Irish Stout that will be on deck for a late Summer brew and will be enjoyed when the wood stove fire comes alive again.
I’m going to get after some eggs here for breakfast before my zoo adventure. I hope you all are having a great Sunday. I hope your weekend gave you a recharge and leaves you ready to attack the new week. Try using the TO DO lists and see what that does for you. I so appreciate you all stopping here each week to catch up. It is not easy being an artist always but it is always rewarding. I’ve seen the world and met wonderful people all in the name of storytelling. Until next week!
Coffee Cheers!
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
Loss, Gain and Everything In-Between – CDI Updates!
Good morning from an icy Michigan. I’m sipping on the hazelnut coffee and about to give you some of the updates. Let’s start first on the personal level. I want to send out healing wishes to CDI tribe member, actor and friend Greg Mason who had a heart attack. I spoke with him and he is doing better but has a road to recovery ahead of him. Also in your life you have women aside from your mother who are like a mother. I had three really, my real mom, my babysitter mom Marie DeFord and lastly spending three summer sin Denmark I had my Danish Mom Gerd. I won’t use her last name for respect to the family who might not want the attention as they mourn her loss. I was 16, 18 and 20 when I stayed with her and their family. It was when I played soccer overseas and was the assistant coach and the head coach. She and I would drink coffee and talk history of Denmark and places around the world. She really loved Egypt. We have stayed in touch over these last 35 years and I was shocked and saddened to hear that she passed recently. I know her large family is really feeling the loss. My heart and prayers of peace go out to them.
I’ve been nursing a head cold after not being sick for a long time. I think cold weather and long days filming finally got me. That said, I think I’m on the tail end of it today. I still allowed myself to do a lotta desk work. This week I will have more to organize but CDI has been very busy with the 3 films moving down the line. Let’s take a look shall we-
Harsens Island Revenge – This movie is truly so cool. The look, the story, the acting, the clothes and the music. The challenge is to find our place in the market being filled with schlock. We are looking at an extended roll out theatrical. The final tech touches were being done to the 4k master this weekend. Once we have that and a DCP can be created we’re looking to premiere first in Alpena. So all those folks in Alpena start your call-in campaign to the Sanctuary Cinema and ask for the film. The issue we face is good projection but small seating and they have to dance around the studio films. I had a good conversation with Dreamscape Prods who looks like we’ll partner with for the roll out. Once we have Alpena premiere done and the theatrical run underway we’ll move to Owosso, MI and the NCG theaters. From there Lansing and Grand Rapids, MI which will likely be Celebration Cinema. And Detroit, MI where we’ll explore Emagine and some of the chains there. I explored The Henry Ford Museum and I think the cost against us is too great. We need to start our recoup with theatrical not dig a hole. I need to get final confirmation this week but we’re talking about Oct. 1st (4th Q) release of DVD and buy/rent streaming in 2025. Prior to that it will be playing multiple cities across the country with this cool WW1 vs Purple Gang film based off Karl Manke’s book. It is coming and when it does it will be a wonderful thing. I think many 1920’s type parties are being planned around the premieres. We already have some event centers that wanna do dinner and viewings but that will run after the main theatrical run. Or at least towards the end after audiences have a chance to see it in the theaters which is best sound and picture. This film is beautiful and sounds great so we want that experience for our audiences first.
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – This film is the next adventure following WILD FAITH and we’re all so excited. Having big shoes to fill due to the popularity of the original I am thrilled to say that the sequel will live up to it. The magic is back from the original and introduces so grand new elements. Our director Shane Hagedorn has been working on the trailer and it is powerful! It has moved into sound design this weekend. I know some poster art is being discussed and with such fine elements/pictures from GW Burns the poster will be great! We are looking to lock the film end of the month and move it into sound design and music with Dennis Therrian. The plan is to release it into theaters Nov 1st and play it until Easter. After that we’ll let it rest during the summer as the home video marketing team prepares for 2026 Holiday push to DVD and streaming. It all has to follow a roll out plan. But I’m so excited about this film and I think all of you will be also. For the tens of millions of fans we are bringing you another adventure.
ROM COMS MUST DIE or is it ROMCOMS MUST DIE – Hmmm…. This film is a mash up of two popular genres that is currently the trend. Romantic comedies and mindless horror – but what we created was a dark and zany film that really has a lot to say about our industry. The plight of filmmakers, actors and the uphill battle to create art. Travis Hayward has directed his first feature film for CDI in association with McGraw Multimedia. We’ve already laughed and been thrilled by raw footage played on the HUGE LED wall. This film might be ready for a premiere this October 2025 with home video being May 2026. We will have fun with the marketing of this film. It was truly written out of frustration from distributors development meetings. We all felt as though we were creating something very special. It is being edited as we speak and I believe it will move quickly down the post line.
NEXT MOVES – Okay this is the 3rd time I’ve typed this and it has disappeared. I’m already having issues with pictures. But what I was saying was that we are going to work on trying to re-master the final three films in the CDI Classic Collection (From Venus, Heaven’s Neighbors, Figure in the Forest) * On DVD the later two can be found at the http://www.cdiproductions.com STORE.
- I’m exploring a new film transfer of WICKED SPRING for a new Blu Ray.
- The Ghost Town book will be next up with CDI Literary.
- I’m exploring a Blu Ray of The Quest Trilogy. Our three biblical adventures.
- Knight Chills is now streaming on Free4All, Xumo and more emerging – Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ognETSVqirEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ognETSVqirE
- An Ordinary Killer is now on ROKU and might look into this film and Ghost Town to Historyfix.
WRAP UP: I thought I might have one of several script writing options locked in but nothing yet. So I plan to finish the WILD FAITH Hastings shows. I might be taking on a script for McGraw Multimedia which will be another feature film working with them. We have a few other projects in funding development as we speak. I think we’ll get a few more shot this year to release next year.
I’m very pleased with how the year has started off and I’m going to remain focused and work hard. I’m looking forward to springtime so the garden can grow and soccer season will be here again. I shared some of the teas I grew and harvested this holiday season. We have enjoyed an on-going supply of eggs which is where I’m about to go now. Nature is the great energizer and balancer of the self.
I hope all of you continue to follow your dreams. It will be a very interesting year with all these stories coming to audiences worldwide. As some of the losses last year and this year have shown, life passes so live it. Enjoy it. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back. Learn from set backs and use that to build. I’m so appreciative that you all stop through to bask in these words. Don’t hate. Create.
Until next week my friends, coffee cheers!
DJ
CDI UPDATES – “Don’t be afraid to try or fail or to be ridiculed.”
Good morning on what will end up being a very chilly next couple days. I’m sipping the ole hazelnut coffee and I have several thoughts running through my head. First after a fun season our Detroit (MI) Lions football team will not be going to the Super Bowl. They had a great season but they played a talented team and their errors tipped the game in their opponent’s favor. How many times do we do that? Our own errors tip something against us? This awareness is called accountability. Many want to blame external factors but you have to look at the internal factors also.
I also awoke to do a brief morning scroll that has unfortunately replaced the “reading the newspaper” time with that first coffee. I saw news concerning a young actor/filmmaker that I don’t know personally but is friends of several of my Detroit area associates. He had a heart attack and died. My first thought was way too young. I also recall the postings over the years where he lamented the struggle of our business. On a positive he went out chasing his dream and even had some success. On another note, his struggle is over now just rest. A slew of RIP’s and messages of love and soon his day to day presence fades as the rest of us keep on. I was actually thinking of several friends who have passed no longer in the game of life. Another reason to enjoy it and don’t be too hard on yourself. We will all live our lives of ups and downs until there is only rest. My thoughts are with the family of this young man.
I’ve been working very hard on all the projects including the new film we are about to start filming in a week. I’ve been getting the business done on these cold days chained to the desk. I’ve been enjoying creating a new character to bring to the screen and I would say he is close to being ready. It is a comedy and I’m excited to do another one. Humor and laughter are one of the great things in life. We are down to some of the main issues being parking at a location so that is a good place to be. The project for those who have not been following along is ROM COMS MUST DIE. It is the first feature directed by Travis Hayward and a reunion working with John McGraw who was a friend from the earliest days of CDI. I have a few solid days of work still required but we are almost all ready. Let’s look at a few other projects that will release in 2025.
Harsens Island Revenge has been worked over with a “fine tooth comb” to make it the best we can. It is being evaluated for theatrical and I plan to get word tomorrow. It is being reviewed by our home video distributor and talks on finalizing that on Tuesday. I did let a sneak peek go out to an awards/event organization that we’ve been nominated by and won awards from in the past. The film has many positive values and lessons to it but wraps it in action and some historical violence. I wanted to submit it to a 3rd party unrelated to the project. I’ve never met the people or even spoken by phone with anyone at the event. They reviewed and I received a wonderful message about the film. A follow up phone call had me listening for the good part of an hour about the film and what makes CDI films stand out so much. I think it is because I don’t follow the trends or what not. We don’t jump on any bandwagons and always choose unique stories to tell. I will say that the story was well received and it has been nominated for BEST PICTURE. I’m sure there will be some other nominations but I’m just happy that the story connected with outside parties. I’m thrilled for the nomination because it represents ALL the artists. I will release more on this when the event announces more. But it was very encouraging to hear the feedback. I think all the films are special but they are our “children” so to speak. But we are creeping closer to setting up the premiere runs. I’m very proud of director.editor Carl Weyant’s first feature film collaboration with CDI.
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is done with the first pass on editing and has been in the polishing pass for several days. I plan to see the film this week and soon we’ll lock it up and get it to Dennis Therrian to start dialog, music and sound work. Shane Hagedorn the director is very happy and said it is full of gems. By gems we mean scenes with moments of strong emotion. I know that a trailer and official director’s poster are in the works. We hope to have this film playing in theaters for this 2025 holiday season (Nov 1st) so we are moving along nicely to hit that goal.
MISC UPDATES:
- KNIGHT CHILLS, our 1st CDI film from 1998 is preparing to release on streaming on 1/31/2025 on several platforms. Amazon, Tubi, Roku, Xumo and more!
- HERE is a fun round table Indie Film Cafe review on KNIGHT CHILLS – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlAe0Gbnzrs
- Also IN THE WOODS my 1st starring role Creature Feature got the 25th anniversary Blu Ray treatment and here is a cool interview with the director Lynn Drzick – https://fb.watch/xcQnN7O1jE/
- There is talk of appearing at a few conventions in the state to promote the horror film properties. We will see but one being discussed is in April in Muskegon, MI.
- AN ORDINARY KILLER is released on The Roku Channel now! It has been remaster and looks beautiful. Furthermore the watch now benefits veterans and their families being managed by a non-profit.
- We are going to be doing some remastered tests with the final 3 films in the CDI Classic Collection starting with FIGURE IN THE FOREST. This film was the first starring role for Dean Teaster. He has been creating some great characters in our recent films and you can see the talent right from the start.
- I’m going to be working to prep a few more of the books based on CDI films to become available. Music and soundtracks would be nice we will see what we can do this year. Merchandise is up on the STORE http://www.cdiproductions.com site. Let us know what you would like and we’ll try to make it available.
- CDI Highlight Reel and a few personal actor reels need to be cut. I will work towards that end when I clear some of this end of year stuff off my desk.
- Development on a few new projects is underway so if you have some interest in seeing some films being made and want to get involved you can always reach out and see what we have cooking. I know we have two projects in active funding as we speak. It is a cycle of develop, produce and release. We have a great group of backers and we’re appreciative to them all.
- SPONSORS. If you have a company that wants to align your company with other great brands like PEPSI, SMITHFIELD FOODS, HERSHEYS, HORMEL, TRU-HILTON and more…reach out. We are accepting sponsors on our current film right now!
WRAP UP: I’m going to eat a bran muffin and refill the coffee cup. I’m going to send some communications out to our art team on the next film. After I might gather up a few more props and work a few lines. I have company this eve at the office/fort so I’m going to get the fire kicking! I’m appreciative of the journey I’m on. The great support of family and friends in and out of the business of film. I’m happy for the challenges as they force me to grow. One day I too will breath no more, be concerned no more and just be at peace. But until that day I’m going to keep doing what the young boy in me always dreamt of doing. I hope each of you keep chasing your own dreams. Don’t be afraid to try or fail or to be ridiculed. I recall those distant days and while hurtful those folks were motivators. But you must motivate yourself. I hope my actions alone motivates others. Until next week-
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Using the 10% Success to Create Momentum
(2025 is underway and CDI is preparing to shoot our first feature of the new year)
Hazelnut coffee cheers on a beautiful white snowy Sunday. The air is bitter and crisp as we venture into our new year. I’ve been moving things right along in with end-of-the year things I’ve got to do. Business tax wise I just have a few things to get over to the accountants. I have yet to tally the data for my own personal taxes. I use to dread or at least look upon these tasks semi-negatively but have adjusted that to just be a thing. Just another TO DO that has to be checked off to keep everything moving. I thanked the great team I have around me last week. That makes it easier and enjoyable. I’m really appreciative of the relationships I have with people.
(Pre-production during a MI snowstorm)
Before we get to deep on the exciting developments I do want to say how heavy my heart has been watching these LA fires. I’ve spent lots of time there in my early years of getting established. We use to take 2-3 week-long business trips out there to set up distribution, launch projects and network. I’m not a big city person but always preferred LA over NYC. I’m not a person who likes crowds. You won’t find me at too many giant concerts, festivals or sporting events. I don’t like traffic which exists in all big cities. I do like the dry heat versus humid heat. But I did/do enjoy my visits to LA. Mainly because of the friends and the long tradition of our film business there. I have been concerned for many years about their increasing wildfire breakouts and decreasing water supplies/levels. It’s just hard to watch people who have lost everything. What do you grab or take in such an emergency. The landscape of LA/Hollywood will be forever changed. How it will effect the movie business I do not know. But many in that industry will be focused on rebuilding their lives. Again my sincere thoughts are with all the people there. The air, water and more now toxic- and their hearts heavy with loss.
(Adam Towner enjoying the synergy)
Longtime labeled the “backwoods’ here in Michigan when it comes to our industry. But I can say for many years that this has been the foundation to build upon not a temporary stepping stone. I don’t and haven’t ever been one who longed for a Beverly Hills address or to work tethered to the west coast studios. I’ve been creating, growing and enjoying the artists I’ve been blessed to work with. 2024 was a great year of doing and prepping and now 2025 will see the manifestation of many of these projects. Other new endeavors will begin to flourish in 2026. This past year saw some of the older films remastered and brought to market. Book division launched. New merchandise store launched. We will continue to grow these fun extra divisions also. Let’s look at some of the exciting things coming.
- Harsens Island Revenge – as with any of the films where we build a “world” or in this case a time period. We’ve combed through to fix anything that is out of that time period. Like any of the films produced by us or others you can and will find misses. Like we say, if you are just looking for misses and not engaged in the characters and stories we did not do our job with you. But for some that is something they like to look for usually after the 1st watch. Our film is done. We found in the last proof a pair of glitches and a pair of format issues with end credits. That is fixed. We found a few out of period, hard to notice “misses”. We fixed what was fixable without adding great expense of time and/or money. Most will never see anything since movie making is like the magician, a master of misdirection. But there might be 1-2 “time travelers” or there might not be. Maybe I just want to encourage you to watch the film several times. WHAT IS NEXT? Our theatrical rep and our home video distributor have had the screening review link. We’ll circle back this week and look to put pen to paper on our deals. Once that is locked we’ll set of premieres because in most cases we want to premiere to be the launch of a theatrical run. The questions are a platform (all same release date) or a roll out (different release dates) and do we push for one weekend or week only to create urgency or allow the film to play in a territory as long as it will justify screening. We’ll also look at a small group of festival showings which we will coordinate with our director. I know many are eager to see the film and trust me when I say we are eager to show it. We just have to follow an order of business but the film is exciting and it is coming! We just wanted the best product possible!
- Talking about releases we have a tight post schedule if we want to get WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS onto movie screens Nov 1st, 2025. I’m proud to report that our director Shane Hagedorn has only 4 scenes left to edit. That was as of yesterday and so even as I type that number may be less. Shane has an awesome level of discipline and has been getting up early 5am almost daily to edit for a few hours. That got us here as quickly as it has. Once the 1st cut is done he’ll work a second pass polishing and working on transitions. A good secret to a smooth flowing film is to pay attention to transitions as a writer, while filming and in editing. It can be with visuals or dialog. EXAMPLE: A teapot blowing steam transitions to plumes of smoke billowing from a train engines smoke stack. Transitions can make a film stronger.
- As of Friday our next film ROM COMS MUST DIE passed the point of no return. All paperwork signed and all funds collected. The account will be opened on Monday and that will also be the day our final schedule and agreements will start to get sent around to cast and crew. This is going to be the first feature length film directed by our friend Travis Hayward. Travis started his journey sometime around FORTY NIGHTS, the first in our biblical trilogy filmed in Yuma, AZ. He was the 2nd AC and I recall him struggling a bit from his sinus allergies and working into a full size crew. The first DP gig was when I put him on a concept film WASTELAND we shot in The Valley of Fire, outside Las Vegas. As he worked his way into performing as a director of photography on several CDI projects he was also directing short format projects. The first for us was the OFF TO THE RACES music video for the winner of the Battle of the Band (Vertical Bridge) for BEST YEARS GONE motion picture. Now reunited with CDI’s John McGraw who will take on the DP/editor duties on RCMD, Travis will sit in the director’s chair and we’re all very proud of Travis and his journey. Cameras roll towards the end of the month. It is also our first test of partnering with McGraw Multimedia shooting some of the film on location and some in-studio. LIGHTS. CAMERA. ACTION!
- Talking of early CDI beginnings, the first feature film we did was KNIGHT CHILLS. Shot in 1998 it was a beta cam film about folks playing a Dungeons and Dragons like game. The 25th anniversary Blu Ray was released and can be bought full of extras. But for the 1st time ever the film will be streaming as of 1/31/2025. The film was remastered and remixed and we even just re-released the book on Amazon. If you want to see the humble beginnings of CDI we encourage you to take a look.
- Two of CDI’s past films DEAN TEASTER’S GHOST TOWN and AN ORDINARY KILLER (AOK) can be watched streaming now thanks to Ammo Content. The 1st being our Smoky Mountain western available on Tubi and other platforms. The GHOST TOWN IN THE SKY theme park DVD can be purchased at the EBAY STORE website on the http://www.cdiproductions.com website. AOK is on The Roku Channel and will expand to more in time. That film was remastered to help The Red White and Blue Project, a non-profit that benefits veterans and their families.
- Following this trend we are going to have our friends at McGraw Multimedia see what they can do to help in the restoration of the remaining CDI Classic Collection. Those remaining three being FROM VENUS, HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST. These three films were directed by CDI partner Jeff Kennedy. The last two can be purchased as a double feature DVD at the CDI store mentioned above. All three need to have work done to counteract the film look filter from all those years ago before they are uprezed. Fingers crossed and we might have these three back into marketed enhanced by year’s end.
- We have two films in active development to possibly shoot if we can get all the funding pieces in play. One is A CHRISTMAS SEANCE and the other the biopic on turn of the century Catch-Can wrestling champion GOTCH. We have also had some discussions on HOT ROD LOVE, our 70’s racing film that we had some traction but not enough. It happens. A film will often launch when the time is right. I have just two more WILD FAITH HASTINGS TV shows to adapt over to taking place after our sequel film. I think once the promo starts heating up on that film we’ll make a go at launching the TV series to film ideally in 2026.
(Travis Hayward has climbed the CDI ladder and is about to direct his first feature film)
WRAP UP: I’m going to wrap this up as my coffee cup is getting low. I’m going to go prepare some eggs for breakfast. I’m happy to say our hens have been producing well. I’m looking to have a strong kick off to the week. As noted opening our account on the new film with some rehearsal work to follow. We’ve been gathering up props which is always fun. I don’t know what else to add except maybe review those 2025 goals again. You made your list if you followed my instructions a few blogs ago. Start to look at a plan or a series of short goals to get you to your larger goals. Everything starts by taking steps. I conversation from this week just came to me.
(Some of the prep team for the next CDI feature in association with McGraw Multimedia)
Stay focused. Have patience. And again keep hitting those small goals. Stop looking for quick short cuts. Focus on the small wins as they all add up. Pretty soon you look back and see your half way there. Don’t quit. Don’t get impatient with progress going slower than YOU wanted it to. STAY THE COURSE. Persistence is a quality that gets many things accomplished. The field of dreams gets smaller as people get discouraged and give up. I’ve said it before, much of what I’ve done has been built off 90% rejection and 10% success. The key is perspective of looking at the forward movement/momentum. Shane Hagedorn sent something to me this week that again reinforced these values. If you dwell on the rejection your momentum slows and may stop. Stay excited by the 10% success and that % may increase or accumulate at least. Another saying that has been in our industry a long time was “if it was easy, everyone would do it”. I’m here to tell you it is never easy. Being that it is the arts it is actually harder. But the reward is so much sweeter. The friendships. The journey. The long fasting fruits of the labor. It is not for everyone but if you have no choice, start leaning into that 10% success and build. Coffee’s gone. Meeting over. Until next week my friends!
Keep on keeping on.
DJ
Into 2025! Here We Go!
A big hazelnut coffee cheers on a VERY bitter cold morning. And WELCOME to 2025! We are off and running in the new year. This past week was some good prep and progress on projects. We are starting to collect our paperwork and funds for our ROM COMS MUST DIE comedy we will be shooting with Travis Hayward directing. I’ve been slowly morphing into this new role and working to get stuff prepared to film at the end of the month. We had two end of the year Christmas gatherings with my parents and family. Good food, fun and laughter. We are preparing to send over info to the accountants for issuing 1099 and K1’s on our last film WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. On last briefing with our director Shane Hagedorn the edit was at the 70-72 min mark. We are in the final act of the story and Shane commented how enjoyable it was spending time with those characters.
Harsens Island Revenge has been in final color correction and clean up. I watched the most recent version yesterday. It was beautiful and sounded just incredible. The added days for the color mix were worth it. We noted a few end credit format fixes and a handful of small fixes that would make the film even more complete. That is noticeable out of period things that appear in the film. Only noticeable to a few folks perhaps but if we can fix it we will. So we’re taking another 3-4 days to correct and another 19 hour render for our lower resolution film file. The 4k takes almost two days to render out. But my plan is to show the nearly complete film file to our potential distributors. These fixes have dragged our timeline by about 2 weeks. But thankfully we are not in a crunch. But it is looking like the 1st premiere might be end of February as it takes time to set up and market these events. But I promise the slight delay will be worth it when it hits the big screen.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA has been being enjoyed by families both on select big screens and streaming on most platforms with Amazon Prime being most popular. This year in June/July we’ll see the film move onto even more platforms for ad based video on demand. If you have not seen this CDI wartime film set during WW2, do so. It is a great piece of true history and one that will touch your heart.
KNIGHT CHILLS our 1st CDI film is going to get its first streaming release on 1/31/25. We’ll be doing some more PR on this as we get a bit closer but I am excited to have it play streaming. Buy the book on Amazon too now!
Looking Forward into 2025–
- As noted we’ll be rolling cameras on the comedy ROM COMS MUST DIE.
- End of February will likely be our first Harsens Island Revenge premiere.
- End of February will also be the targeted month to move WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS into music and sound design. We are still targeting a Nov 1st theatrical release.
- Projects are under development that could have us filming a feature in the Summer and one in the Fall. Script feedback and funding are always factors so we’ll see how that works out.
- More merchandise will be finding its way to the CDI Store which you can get to via http://www.cdiproductions.com
- More literary work will be coming out in 2025 on Amazon joining the IN THE WOODS (script/making of & novel) and the KNIGHT CHILLS novel.
- We have plans to try and remaster the remaining 3 films in the ‘CDI Classic Collection’ FROM VENUS, HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST. The last two can be bought as a DVD double feature on the merchandise site. We are fighting against old format and a ‘film look’ filter applied all those years ago.
- I’m going going to finish the last couple of the WILD FAITH HASTINGS TV series scripts that need to be adjusted to take place after film two. I’ve got a few other pet projects and possible work-for-hire scripts to write. I do love to write and this cold weather is perfect for allowing one to focus upon this task.
- I do want to get a CDI Highlight Reel and also an actors reel for myself showcasing some of the more recent performances. I got some new headshots late last year but I need a few new showcase pieces. But the roles keep coming so I guess that is a good excuse for not getting new materials together. But still…
- Lastly, I’m looking ahead to warm weather and the new endeavors on the property. I’ve got a new log rack and want to rebuild the wood shed. The above and below parts of the new deck will be fun to “deck out” to coin a phrase. I harvested and gifted a lot of tea this year. I’m going to bottle a new wine made with paw paw fruit. I also have an Irish beer to make sometime this winter. It is always nice to pop a few bottles over a good meeting. So it will be fun to revitalize the property and that always takes some planning.
WRAP UP: As the news said, a horrible way to start the new year with the attach in the French Quarter, New Orleans. Someone stole the new year optimism and lives from a handful of people. Others forever changed by injury and the poor families. I’ve spent time there in the French Quarter and it is heartbreaking. I’m more low key these days having already done the crowds and crazy in my youth. Now I like quiet contemplation going into the new year. I’m ready to create projects, moments and memories with fellow artists, family and friends. I’m looking forward to the journey and will work to keep the energy bright and positive. Enjoy the challenges and the rewards. There are many who are unable to meet challenges beyond day to day survival. But each day and breath is a reward. I love nature and use it to rejuvenate myself. I had a moment the other day with technology, one of the few things that can disrupt my zen. But thankfully I have talented friends with some patience. I do try to learn new processes and technologies but it doesn’t always come easy.
I’m going to wrap things up here to go to bday gathering for a family member. Later I will get to see my brother and a few friends for the first time in 2025. Stay warm. Stay safe. And we’ll talk next week. I hope you all are enjoying your first days of 2025. Look ahead at what you want to accomplish and start moving in that direction. And for our Detroit Lions (football) let’s hope for a victory tonight. Coffee cheers to you all.
DJ
Bitter Michigan Cold – Finishing 2024 and Prepping for 2025
(GW Burns capturing the cast and crew in action on Wild Faith Christmas)
Brrrrr…today is bitter cold in Michigan! The crunchy snow beneath your feet and the cold bite on exposed skin. I was letting the chickens out this morning and they were even unsure of this arctic weather. I’ve been thankful for the eggs they are kicking out and that has been a warm nutritious start to each day. We are just days before Christmas and we draw even closer to the end of the year. I enjoy giving gifts throughout the year as I find treasures. I’ve been preparing for the coming of Father Christmas with some love gifts this year. We have a few different Christmas gatherings and thankfully they are spread out. It is hard when you try to cram them all into a day. I feel very blessed in that I have most all of what I need and I have few wants. I do want to keep creating these wonderful stories with my fellow artists and sharing them with the world.
(Tickets went on sale Dec 20th for our run from Dec 23-26th in Lansing, MI)
2024 has had some great developments that I’ve been recapping in many of my updates. I had a busy week prepping and sending out checks to our investors. The indie film scene can be hard as there are many places you can invest funds that might make bigger and faster returns. But few investments have the impact that the films do. First is allows artists to be artists and create. It allows a story or a piece of history to be recorded and not forgotten. The power of the storytelling can put a thought, smile or light into a viewers life. I watched a great Tyler Perry WW2 drama based on true events much like our SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. Our film has the same emotional power but was made for a small fraction of what that film was made for. I bet our film was close to their catering budget. I will work steadily forward to try and grow our budgets but as I’ve noted it is hard work. I’m so thankful to our supporters both those who fund, sponsor and watch our films. We move slow and steady forward and that is a good thing. I cannot take big risks that could bring big rewards but can also bring things to a halt. I would like to do a least one really big budget adventure at sometime in my lifetime. I’m sure it will be so. I will treat it with the same care I do the smaller budgets. But as I stated I feel blessed to be able to do what I do. The next phase of work will be the end-of-year taxes for the films. Again this is the work that keeps the wheels turning. This year we might make some moves to streamline some of the process so I can focus more on my strengths of writing, developing and managing production. Oh, yeah and acting.
(Tickets went on sale Dec 20th for our run from Dec 23-26th in Grandville, MI)
Acting-wise I have two great roles about to be presented to audiences. I recently had several people reach out to express their love and appreciation of other characters I’ve brought to life. As of yesterday I had some compliments on ole’ Gil Gilles (Best Years Gone). Other great fan (e)mail and even a phone call to congratulate me again for Col. Lodell (Silent Night in Algona). I love bringing these characters off the page. Coming up this year people will meet WW1 veteran AXEL in Harsens Island Revenge and get to spend time again with Ben Lily in Wild Faith Christmas. But to be able to create these roles a team of people put in a lot of work. I’m in development right now on Amos Edison “Edison” the frustrated filmmaker. The position of the character is known by many. The few that get to direct one feature film but they have a hard time getting that second one off the ground. It is going to be a funny insightful movie.
(Harsens Island Revenge – coming in 2025!)
Random Updates!
- The above mentioned WW2 drama SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA played a few theaters in Iowa and now will play my home town Lansing, MI and Grandville (GR), MI December 23-26th. It is a newly remastered version from the original theatrical run. I’m looking to step out Monday (Dec 23rd) to sneak into a theaters and enjoy the film on the big screen at Celebration Cinemas. I’m looking at the 11:55 showing and there is also a 3:20 in Lansing. Look on their website for Grandville, MI times and for the other days. You can also buy/rent the film on Amazon now but if you can experience the big screen do so.
- Harsens Island Revenge is undergoing final polishing of color correction and combing through looking for anything that could cause issue in QC (quality control). Filmmakers know what I mean. We are taking these last few days of 2024 to do just that as no desk business will happen but our director is using the time to polish. We have a deal memo for our home video deal and we’ll be discussing the size of the theatrical run in the first days of 2025. What is coming is an epic piece of historic fiction!
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is right about at the hour mark in the edit. I figure it will be completed at the start of the new year for review. After notes there will be a second edit pass and moving to lock picture and start post sound/music work in February. This steady forward is so we can look to have the film hit theaters Nov 1st, 2025. The team knew we once again had something special and from the edit, we do.
- I’ve got no less than three possible script writing gigs lining up and they could all lead to production work as well. We’ll see which ones develop into solid deals. I’m still working on the Wild Faith TV series adjustments writing the 8 shows to take place now after the second film. I do have a few personal scripts I’m also working on and one of them is a really powerful story that has me excited.
- Thank you to David Gries who has been doing some updates to our http://www.cdiproductions.com website. Fans can also follow our IMDB, Facebook and Instagram page #tribecdi as we try to keep ways for fans to follow along. Also this blog. Feel free to share it with others. The EBAY store where CDI merchandise will be made available is also up now on the website. Hit STORE!
- I am going to try and get some updated acting reels and we will have a new CDI highlight reel coming early in 2024. I often neglect my own acting materials for the CDI materials and I’m good with that but once and a while I need to update. Thank you to GW Burns for the snap new headshots! He is the man to go to for capturing that personal essence.
- All the CDI films make good family watching from the biblical trilogy FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER to LOST HEART, MBF and even BEST YEARS GONE. I invite you to watch them all. If you enjoy one of them pass that note along to family and friends. When it is cold nothing like watching a good story with family and friends.
(Merry Christmas from the entire CDI Tribe!)
WRAP UP: The Lions play football today and I’ll likely multitask and use that time to organize some personal end-of-year tax stuff. I’m going to see my brother and a few friends later this eve and tomorrow might go see Silent Night in Algona at the Celebration Cinemas. I have to try and set dates on our next film in Jan/Feb 2025 which I also might try to do today/tomorrow. I want to again say how appreciative I am that all of you keep checking back in here weekly. I hope each and everyone of you have a good Christmas. We have one more of these visits in 2024 before we transition to 2025. I’m ready for the new year and ready for the new challenges, success and moments. Happy Holiday season. Time to go refill the coffee cup and make some eggs!
Cheers!
DJ
Starting to Feel A LOT Like Christmas! CDI Updates! December 15th, 2024
Christmas 2024
Hazelnut coffee cheers to all of you my friends! December 15th and we have a handful of days to go before Christmas but really it is the entire season not one day. I enjoyed shopping with a buddy of mine which included a stop for hot tea and appetizers at a Thai place. I’m not against a good glass of red wine with a good piece of meat but I just don’t drink alcohol much these days. My last might have been a tequila toast to our friend who passed away a few weeks ago. Man do I not miss hangovers. I cannot handle that and also I’m on such a good sleep schedule. I go to bed at a reasonable time and I’m up early with fresh batteries. Is that old? Responsible? I’m not sure what it is but it works for me. I would not change any of my days of ‘priming’ before going into bars. Edward 40 hands, 3- Man, quarter bounce, beat the clock Jack at the Sleazy D, $1 pitchers at Ricks and I could go on and on. I have lots of great stories to reflect upon and amuse myself well into old age. My shopping buddy was one of my Viking drinking buddies and here we were drinking tea. Drinking heavy is a young man’s game. I’m not sure if it is as popular as it once was but I suspect on many college campus’s the tradition lives on. I still do enjoy making a run of beer and wine each year and it makes for a special occasion. Do be careful if you are still in the game. Have fun and be safe. Running the streets is never 100% safe that is part of the adventure.
(The most recent CDI adventure – Alpena, MI)
Filmmaking also has dangers from mild to severe. The only safe way is to not do anything. What is the saying, boats are safe in the harbor but that is not what boats are meant to do. So preventative becomes the main goal when we go on filmmaking adventures. You want to limit dangers to a small finger cut, a stomach bug or a nagging cold. Anytime you bring a large amount of people together for an extended time you increase your risks. But you have to go on the adventure to get the gold. In our analogy the GOLD is the footage. I’m a bit of a Bilbo Baggins if left to my own devises. I like to ticker and putter around the property enjoying nature and put some order to my surroundings. But thanks to filmmaking I’ve gone on many adventures to distant places. I’ve met and shared with good people from different lands. We’ve captured gold with amazing backdrops for our stories.
The adventure of filmmaking – photo by GW Burns
I had a very good week of working to wrap up end of the year action items and prepare for the new year. I’ve said before how much easier it would be if it was just SHOW, SHOW, SHOW but it also includes BIZ, BIZ, BIZ. I’m awaiting breakdowns from legal to write out checks to investors. I’m preparing to enter end-of-year taxes which includes more work for projects shot this year. I have to deal with all the aspects of running these projects. I have a great team behind me including our bankers, accountants and of course our producers. We were having some good talks about the future of CDI and growth. We’ve come so far from a few friends playing with a camcorder. I hope all of you are having a great season and enjoying some time with family and friends. Let’s look at some of the updates from the week.
- KNIGHT CHILLS, CDI’s 1st feature film fulfilled something on a bucket list last night. It played in Brooklyn, NY at the Spectacle Theater as a midnight movie! When we use to go see HEAVY METAL (My fav) or ERIK THE VIKING at our midnight theater I dreamed of having a film play to a rowdy late-night audience sipping on 40’s or paperboy wrapped whiskey pulls. Last night that went down. They have one more 10pm showing on Tuesday. You can buy the book and Blu Ray on Amazon and on 1/31/25 the film starts streaming! Ride on Sir. Kallio!
- Staying with theatrical our WW2 Holiday drama SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA has been playing theaters in Iowa. It just finished an extended run in Algona, Iowa and next up is a one night event in Boone, Iowa on December 16th at 7pm. Our theatrical partners at Dreamscape Productions have been doing a great job of getting it out there. Follow our FB page for this and all the CDI films to see new showings and updates. Also INVITE your friends to follow the pages so we can increase our reach.
- HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE is getting close to being finished. The film is being polished up looking for any technical tweaks and to fine-tune the mix and color. I have meetings next week over theatrical and home video. We are planning a series of premieres and a few event showings. We’ve had a few offers to show the film in event rooms with large but not theatrical screens and surely not theatrical audio. After the theatrical run we will do some of these but not until audiences can experience the film in the best format. We have to do everything in an order of business so please have patience as the film is coming and it will be worth the wait. It truly is epic and I’m excited for Karl Manke to see his book come alive. The Purple Gang is large and in charge and a small group of WW1 veterans make a stand. Action, drama and romance await!
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – Shane Hagedorn has been assembling daily the puzzle pieces from our shoot. Here is at 41 minutes solid and working towards that 45 min/half way point. In the new year we plan to have a teaser poster and first teaser trailer. I’m also happy to say that the new film has created a lot of interest in the original film. For some it is a re-watch after several years and others it is finding it for the first time. The film is among the most popular of the CDI films. It is a truly beautiful film and this follow up with also be another of the same quality. I’m also working on polishing up the 5th of 8 shows in the proposed TV series.
- AN ORDINARY KILLER is suppose to go live on The ROKU CHANNEL and XUMO today. I’ll be keeping a look out this week and next week will provide links. If you see it appear anywhere else please do send it over. This based on a true event was the 5th CDI film directed by Anthony Hornus and Jeff Kennedy. It details the hard work of several generations of detectives to solve this cold case.
- I mentioned that the Knight Chills book is now available on Amazon. I’m going to be writing a new intro for the re-release of the Ghost Town book. It is the novelized story to go with the movie DEAN TEASTER’S GHOST TOWN now playing with Ammo Content on several platforms including TUBI.
- Going to the CCC or Classic CDI Collection you can buy the FIGURE IN THE FOREST and HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS DVD plus various other merchandise. Look for more to keep adding to the EBAY site. HERE: https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?item=356365913024&rt=nc&_trksid=p4429486.m3561.l161211&_ssn=collectivedevelopmentinc
- On the upcoming ROM COMS MUST DIE a comedy we’ve cast two more actors almost rounding out our cast. We need to look at shoot dates for Jan/Feb and get a few more things lined up but it will be a cool experimental feature using one of these new LED walls for part of the shoot.
- We will be doing a few updates to the CDI website (www.cdiproductions.com) and adding a new page for HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE and adding the new Ebay link on there. I started a CDI instagram page #tribecdi so you can follow along there as well.
- DEVELOPMENT – I have Carl Weyant reading a script for a possible shoot this year after ROM COMS MUST DIE. Also we have a new battle plan coming together for Curran Jacob‘s GOTCH project. We were looking to film in Iowa but the cost there for us is higher with transportation and lodging so we might film a bulk of it here in Michigan and just do some final pick ups in Iowa. We tried to engage the community there associated with Gotch but they’ve had community issues with flooding. We just could not get the support there we needed but we’re adjusting and already have some funding commitments to film here in Michigan.
WRAP UP: I’m very proud of the accomplishments we’ve had in 2024 and 2025 could be even better. I know some in the community have been concerned over the New Multimedia Jobs Act in Michigan to try and fire up the film scene. The first round of incentives did not really benefit us and the one project ran under it was messy to be kind. I’m about outside projects being attracted because it gives cast and crew some experience even if it appears Michigan folks get the crumbs. Vendors and support businesses can really benefit from them. I like more of the internal film grants for longtime residents of the state. We’ll be making films incentives or not. Just like when they had the big election this year. We’ll still keep making films in either environment.
Off topic – I do find all this UFO/UAP/Drone stuff interesting. I’ve enjoyed all the ‘unknown mysteries’ since I could read. NOTE our film BIGFOOT, UFO’S and JESUS streaming now! The fact that they have government committees investigating and the FBI is asking for tips…mighty strange. I enjoy watching it all unfold. What use to be elementary school playground talk is now mainstream news- crazy. We’ll boldly step into 2025 and see what the new year brings. I do know it will bring a few of our movies to all of you.
(Part 3 of CDI’s The Quest Trilogy – The Christ Slayer. Part 1 is Forty Nights, Part 2 Chasing the Star)
Back on topic– I think I mentioned on my FB social media that I had my first ever paid offer to star in a stage play in another state. I humbly passed as it is happening in a busy month and during one set aside for ROM COMS MUST DIE. I’m in the process of becoming Amos Edison, filmmaker. But I thought that was a cool first and again I appreciate the offer but filmed narrative is my medium. I did finish voice over narration for my last book in an audio book series. That has been fun to do so thank you Ronnie Lee. I’m going to finish up here and get some breakfast on with some fresh eggs. We went from bitter cold to a melt down today. We’ll see if the cold kicks up again or not. I’m going to play elf and do some wrapping of presents. I’ve been enjoying the season and you have to take those moments to be grateful for the people in your life. I’m grateful for all of you readers too. Many that I’ve never met but I still appreciate your time. I hope you can take some gems of info from these writings. I’m excited to talk this week about a new CDI Highlights Reel also. Who knows I might even get around to updating a few acting reels. Last week we discussed my tech handicap when it comes to certain things. The coffee cup is low so I’m going to coffee cheers you with the last sip and go make some breakfast. Have a great Sunday and a wonderful week ahead of you.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Welcome to December- Keeping Momentum!
(The Christmas tree hunt was successful!)
I want to wish a good morning to all my friends around the world who stop on by each week to share in the artistic journey. I’m trying to update and enhance the machine that moves everything round and round. There are so many platforms and the nuances of each one. I don’t do Snapchat or TicTock and many others I’m sure. Facebook has been a good platform to land our different films. Everyone has a page where we post photos and release information. Do me a favor and seek out these films (Use http://www.imdb.com if you need to) and follow them. IF you have not seen the film please do as they were made for you to enjoy. If you enjoyed it please do invite your friends to follow. You can do 1000 invites on a page per day which means for many just a few days of invites. This is how we’ll reach more fans and friends which might be future fans. This is how sequels get made because of the popularity of a particular film. EXAMPLE: Wild Faith has been doing well and so it deserved a follow up sequel. If you want to see a sequel to Man’s Best Friend, Lost Heart or whichever is your favorite you need to help spread the word. I even have a RETURN TO ALGONA film idea about Edward’s return visit to Algona after the war. Watch SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA on select big screens playing in December in Iowa and the surrounding states. The grassroots way is the safest way versus large marketing campaigns that can bring success or large debt.
Releases and Re-Releases- As mentioned above our WW2 Holiday drama is returning to select theaters such as one night at the Boone Theater in Boone Iowa on Dec 16th. Fridley theater in Algona, Iowa is running the film Dec 6-12th. The film showing has been remastered and is worth watching on the big screen. For those unable or unwilling to drive to the theaters it can be watched on Amazon Prime. In a good surprise KNIGHT CHILLS will play five evenings at the Spectacle Theater in Brooklyn, NY on Monday Dec 2nd at 7:30pm, Dec 8th at 5pm, Dec 11th at 10pm, Dec 14th at midnight and Dec 17th at 10pm! http://www.spectacletheater.com for more info. I would love to see it on the big screen! It can be seen on Blu Ray from Saturn Core/Vinegar Syndrome and on 1/31/25 it will go streaming on FREE4ALL thanks to Deskpop Entertainment. Ammo Content out of NYC will be releasing AN ORDINARY KILLER on streaming December 15th!
(Going old school with Knight Chills and In the Woods)
MERCHANDISE – CDI Literary has launched with the KNIGHT CHILLS book on Amazon. The same arrangement with Katharsys Media has my first starring role with Jim Greulich available now IN THE WOODS with three books to accompany the new Blu Ray release. The novel, the making of and the prequel script if you dig sword and sorcery entitled panDEMONium. Plus the CDI EBAY store should be launching today if not within the next 48 hours. I have to check in and see if the Dec 1 launch is going live. For those who know him Big Bart will be supervising the CDI EBAY store.
DOUBLE BARREL – We have two CDI films in the immediate pipeline. One is preparing to release in Q1 2025. Harsens Island Revenge will have its producers review on the end of the week. The final touches are being done and so I’m looking to clink some glasses at the week’s end. From there we’ll put the theatrical deal together and look at a few festival showcases. This Karl Manke book translated so well to the screen. Action, romance and everything in-between. We’ve been in talks with Twin Engines over the home video. We’re looking to set up a series of premiere dates that kick off the theatrical with a certain chain of screens. We are also in talks with potential release sponsors to help this film reach is full potential. We released a spec promo video to thank Pepsi (Seek out the HIR Facebook page to watch it) and we’ll look to see how we can expand on that possibly with some TV play. I’m actively trying to get FORD on board as all the cars seen in the film are FORDS. It will be an exciting 2025.
(Pic by GW Burns from the set of WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – Follow us on Facebook)
The second barrel is the WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS that is now into editing. We’re 10+minutes into the film and I’m hearing great things. I’ll let us get 30+ into the edit before I go get a preview. Our goal is to have the film release into theaters on Nov 1st 2025 but that will require a quick edit and for us to move right along on post audio. I think we can do it with Shane Hagedorn at the helm. He does not let grass grow under his feet. I’m looking to have a teaser poster ready in early 2025. We have some amazing photo elements thanks to GW Burns.
KEEPING MOMENTUM– It is very tempting when everything is going good to take your foot off the gas and coast. This must be avoided. While I almost have all the clean up done on Wild Faith Christmas I still have December film disbursements, end-of-year taxes (personal and biz) and 2025 development. You cannot spend a lot of time basking in what you’ve did because there is always more to do. A few of the new developments required.
- As mentioned the CDI EBAY store and connect it to the CDI website.
- Update the CDI website with Harsens Island Revenge info/trailers/making of
- Start next book release for the literary deal which will be the Ghost Town book
- Casting is close to complete on the upcoming ROM COMS MUST DIE (Scheduling is next)
- Considering an Adam Towner edited CDI Highlights Reel for the new year!
- Looking at upcoming writing and development projects (currently finishing the Wild Faith Hastings show updates 4 of 8 done)
This list could go on and on but these are a few of the action items. The cold and the snow make it much easier to chain to the desk for script writing and proposals. I am happy to report that the Halloween/Fall stuff did come down and we have a very nice Christmas tree undecorated but in the house. I need to bring the snow shovels out of storage. We have not gotten the huge drop others have but we definitely have snow. I’m trying to get some of the Christmas shopping done and I’ve got a good start on it. Thanksgiving went smooth with us being able to just visit versus host. We have some foster kittens that have been making our upstairs a playground. And they’ve discovered the joy of plants and dirt. Muriel is the name I think we’ve settled on for the one really young kitten who will be joining Sybil as full-fledged members of the house. The chickens community center has been winterized with straw bales and we are still enjoying fresh eggs. Finn (Our youngest dog) has been nursing a toe injury and that has almost healed. I’m thankful he no longer has that cone on with the new tree in the house. He saw it as a battering ram. Anything in his way be damned!
(A pic from Thanksgiving at Pa Perry’s)
I just finished some 4H bacon, fresh eggs and some dry rye bread. Washed it all down with some great hazelnut coffee. Do you know all the attributes of hazelnut especially amongst the Celtic Druids. The nine hazelnut trees growing around a sacred pool. As the nuts fell into the pool and were eaten by salmon they absorbed the wisdom. There is lots of historical myths which I was introduced too this past week. They also protect against evil. If that is true I should be well protected. I love studying the properties of trees, plants, roots, seeds and berries. Take a read it might be something that interests you as well. I have to go get the wood stove ready to entertain company this eve and into the week. I ended the week with a great meeting with Adam Towner and Curran Jacobs. We drank the last of the Mexican style chili-beer. Now I might have to make the Irish style beer next. Always a good toast for the new year as people come to visit. I’m now going to wrap this up and get after some of those TO DO’s. Do the same with your list and get that early start on 2025. I’m happy the Detroit Lions pulled out a Thanksgiving win. I have numerous relatives now passed that waited for that day. Stay warm if you are reading from a cold region. Welcome to December my friends!
DJ
Loss, Gains and Everything In-Between – CDI Updates!
(Life can sometimes have clouds but the sun is still there)
Hazelnut coffee cheers. I was planning on jumping right into all the film updates but I have to mention a subject we all deal with. The death of a friend. I have spoken before about how blessed I am to have many of my friends from elementary school, middle school and high school. I think it is about friendship. If we are friends that means something to me. I have many friends from different circles and movies are actually more recent if you want to call 30 years recent. Before that I’ve got friends from martial arts, gym, soccer and of course classmates. One of my friends from middle school carried through several years after college where we just drifted a bit due to life. Chance brought us together again maybe 4-5 years ago and we’ve stayed close. He was one of a handful of friends that enjoyed ole school wrasslin’ stories. He had the best sense of humor and laugh. I use to train him when I managed a gym. He was trying to get into the police academy. He always fought his weight but was a fearless talker to the ladies, a real charmer. I taught him martial arts when he was a bouncer. I have a slew of fun stories that only really mean something to the handful of us but he was just jolly. I use jolly because the years apart allowed him to get heavy. We were once again working on that with better habits and food choices. He was making progress and feeling better about himself. He cared for an ill parent for several years putting their health above his own. Once she passed he was really dedicated to working on himself. His confidence was growing and he was becoming more sociable and got back into the work force. We got together every 2-3 weeks but talked or texted weekly about some childhood BS. We got together shortly before I had to go to Alpena and film WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. Upon my return last week I texted to check in on him. After two texts went unanswered I rang him to find his phone disconnected. My heart sank and I had a bad feeling. I googled his name and an obituary immediately came up. He had passed on November 6th. I’m not sure how he passed it was sudden and at home but I cannot believe that I’ll hear no more laughter recalling the college heist of a keg of beer from May Fest back in the day or BB gun wars because we didn’t have paintball guns. This is not a trend I’m looking forward to at all. He was enjoying making his way through the CDI catalog of films and was eager to hear about the new adventure. RIP my friend.
I have some holiday music on and I’m actually feeling very good about everything that has been unfolding. The death reminds me to not sweat the small stuff as when the game is over there is no more stress, worry or concern so give yourself a break. But until it is my time I’ll keep on creating and spending time with friends from all my circles. I was tired last weekend but not exhausted. It was a smooth ride filming our Wild Faith sequel. One of the smoothest in recent memory. And I think we created a wonderful story with powerful moments. It still takes a few weeks to deconstruct the circus. I’ve had craft, wardrobe and several folks come through the office. We discuss, debrief and wrap up business. I still have props coming through likely next week. These are all secured until the next big adventure.
(Ben Lily as captured by GW Burns)
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS UPDATE:
The film elements of visual and sound have been married and editing has started. Shane Hagedorn our director is editing and he is several scenes in and very happy. We plan to move quickly through the process to release to theaters Nov 1st 2025. We are also using this film as a test of sorts for the TV series. A teaser poster won’t be far behind and a trailer cut in the new year. Currently people are enjoying all the BTS and official GW Burns photos on the FB page for the film. If you have worked on any of the CDI films I ask you to join and invite your friends and followers. Thank you again to all who have helped make this film happen.
Harsens Island Revenge UPDATE! The film is sprinting towards the finish line. The word that came from the director and the post supervisor is FANTASTIC. It felt like you were watching an exciting film when we completed the edit. But now with music, sound, VFX and color correction the film is gonna be amazing. We have our in studio review on Dec 6th and if we can toast and call it a picture lock we’ll move to the next phase. That is setting up the theatrical and premiere showings for Q1/Q2 2025. I’ve also been in negotiations for the home video side of distribution. The back half of 2025 will be home video.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – We’ve signed a theatrical deal with Dreamscape Productions to book our WW2 holiday film back into theaters due to the demand. We’re also working with them to get the film (and others) out to military base theaters. I do know the Fridley theater in Algona will run the film Dec 6-12th and it is the remastered best version of the film. The first run we were rushed by early dates given by the theater and so the VFX were not at 100% and now they are. Those who don’t want to brave the outdoors can still watch the film on TV (UpTV) or various streaming platforms. It will go to ad-based streaming like Tubi and such summer of 2025. Check with your local theater and if they are not running it request it. It is a wonderful watch on the big screen.
NEW CAMPAIGNS– We have new release campaigns for both LOST HEART with great new artwork. The same for BEST YEARS GONE. The latter was the last film that WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS director Shane Hagedorn directed with your’s truly starring. Both of these films are fun to watch and we’re just trying to capture more eyeballs. Tis the season for THE QUEST TRILOGY also and I try to watch every year. Watch them in order FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. These films showcase the one other time I’ve played a character twice, Jesus.
Misc Updates/PR and more:
- The KNIGHT CHILLS book has just released https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNTC87LN/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oWEuGRguzuwqKy9XFPbUPfLJRAVIgJdOuUU7SgI0KXAZ4iDSoEToT_Xya5E4yfrlCFKsGyaIil8uGpbIv6Q6P7fYzPyAd8qYgNViSddkWXiYe1WGJmzEuFFj2ItcxvE188xDjA4iFtyckUSblL-bYA2uXaAVRbRifNm7PGt0eMQjBL6iRvrD3Thkn443l2hwAMLsv2LQGcZzvCl_cMwHTJxSszMCydREd_JsfJJba6I.R_s_RN1krO1XGsddtx_8B-Cw_go2tuYC6nCF6Kqzntw&dib_tag=se&keywords=Knight+Chills&qid=1732301704&sr=8-3
- Read all about the KNIGHT CHILLS book and the upcoming 1/31/25 streaming premiere here: https://www.prlog.org/13049488-classic-role-playing-movie-knight-chills-coming-to-hd-streaming-and-book.html
- AN ORDINARY KILLER HD releases to streaming on Dec. 15th, 2024
- Casting has resumed for ROM COMS MUST DIE a Q1 film that will be Travis Hayward‘s first collaboration with CDI as a director.
- I finished revamping the 4th of 8 tv show episodes for WILD FAITH HASTINGS. I will get the others updated to take place after the 2nd film versus the first.
- I was also approached about two additional feature writing projects that would not shoot this year but if all goes as planned we would have two scripts. Development-
- I also have a book from Baker Publishing releasing December 2nd and it is fun stories about birds. I’ve contributed stories to books on horses, cats and dogs. Now to round it out with birds. I will provide a link once available.
- I think the next book to release under our CDI/Katharsys Media deal after Knight Chills will be the Ghost Town book. The movie Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town has been released to Tubi and other platforms under our Ammo Content deal. WATCH HERE: https://tubitv.com/movies/616519/dean-teaster-s-ghost-town
WRAP UP: I’m going to keep working towards wrapping on the last film shoot and getting our new film ready for 2025 release. I’m also looking ahead at our new productions. I’m reconnecting with many friends over the holidays and being thankful for what the year has provided. I’ve been also working to winterize the yard. I might have to split some more wood as the wood stove is now in use at the office. Again thank you to all the family, friends and fans who support these creative endeavors. I do know how lucky I am to do what I love and I never take that for granted. I will see my brother and a few friends tonight and likely raise a toast to our departed friend. It has been a year of loss, gains and everything in-between. That is life I suppose. I hope you all have a good Thanksgiving and enjoy getting ready for Christmas. I enjoy finding little appreciation and love gifts all year round but this time of year is extra special. I look forward to the tradition of the live Christmas tree that makes the house smell so wonderful. We usually go on a tree hunt after Thanksgiving. Be good to one another. Check on your friends and loved ones. I hope you all have a wonderful week.
DJ
Final Countdown to Filming – Other CDI Updates!
A wonderful morning to everyone out there. I’m sipping on the ole hazelnut java and looking forward to spending a few moments with all of you. Next week this time will be day one of pre-production on WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS (WFXmas). I want to welcome all the Latin America new readers as well as Ireland, UK, France and more. Again I’m proud of our circle of artists. I want to explore how to promote the blog a bit more but I’ve been so busy with tasks at hand. Last night we had a bday gathering which was nice and I look forward to Friday pumpkin carving with my mom and brother’s family and kids. I hear my nephew wants to be an orc like in Dungeons and Dragons or Lord of The Rings and my niece wants to be a scary clown. I’ve been doing yard prep for winter in-between all my film prep work. I’ve been cutting up wood for the wood stove because I had my first fire last Sunday. I was happy that I was able to take down a modest sized tree that was rubbing the house during windstorms. I dropped it without hitting the house, gutters, deck or power line and so I was well pleased.
Working with the other WFXmas producers we almost have everything in line. I’m still crossing a few things off the TO DO list. I’ve been waking up each morning to look into the mirror and see ‘Ben Lily’ staring back. It will be great to play ole Ben again and next to Jesus he’s the only role I’ve played in two different films. Again the season is upon us for the biblical adventures and so do watch FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. Ben and Jesus both require the epic beard but they are quite different from one another. Wardrobe, craft service, guns, basecamp items have all been handed off to the correct departments. I’ve been working on landing a few new sponsors for WFXmas and even some release sponsors for the upcoming Harsens Island Revenge. I’m really trying to get FORD involved for the Harsens film. It is all Fords in the film and I would love a special event at The Henry Ford Museum. I have a few upcoming meetings with some great potential national/international sponsors this week to join those we’ve done business with. I think these films are a great showcase for many brands and products and have many great promotional possibilities. If you have a brand or company small or large and want to join us please do reach out.
Let’s do a good old TOP TEN of new developments in no particular order!
- Meeting Monday about laying the foundation of some new studio development projects. We might be able to get funding directly from a source studio for the right projects. We will see how that goes but I’m optimistic. I’m in that active 2025 development phase.
- It is nice to have one feature on deck for Q1 2025 which is the comedy horror ROM COMS MUST DIE. Once we get to the other side of WFXmas we’ll lock down some hard dates. I would love to get some strong teaser art going over the holidays.
- I think I have all the deliverables in place for the KNIGHT CHILLS streaming release. I just need to await laugh dates. We also have a theatrical release run for it in the NYC area which I’ll supply information once I receive it.
- The CDI Literary division is kicking off with Katharsys Media who previous released the MAKING OF IN THE WOODS (Hard & Soft Cover) and the IN THE WOODS novel. All these plus my script for PANDEMONIUM (ITW prequel) are all on Amazon. The KNIGHT CHILLS novel proofs are being sent and will be going up for sale soon. The book after that might be the Script/Making of Knight Chills and/or Ghost Town and An Ordinary Killer. They make great gifts.
- I told you all that I’ve been a contributing writer to several true short stories that include animals. I’ve been involved in the Baker Books collections on cats, dogs, horses and now birds. These books are internationally distributed but usually found at airport bookstores I’m told. The new book releases on Dec 2nd and so I’ll pass along the info once I get it.
- CDI Merchandise is being set up as a fundraising tool for veterans and animals via The Red, White and Blue Project non-profit. It will go active end of November! Every purchase will benefit good causes and we are all thrilled by that.
- Speaking on the benefitting of the veteran non-profit above- AN ORDINARY KILLER will soon be releasing as a fundraising tool also helping Two Average Joes Media that works on cold case files. The HD DVD and Streaming film will be available in time for Christmas.
- We are prepping things for a few event screenings of SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA (SNIA) back into select theaters. We’ll be working with our new partners at Dreamscape Productions. That deal should be in place this coming week. This film is an excellent watch for the holiday season either in theaters (a great way to see it) or at home with family. It is also still playing TV and mid next year will start playing free with ads streaming. This based on a true WW2 story is very touching.
- Harsens Island Revenge music is done and the film will start to be mixed and mastered with our Director Carl Weyant and our post audio supervisor and composer Dennis Therrian. We will be using the SNIA theatrical as a template for the Q1 theatrical. When we return mid Nov from Alpena shooting we’ll sit down for a producers watch of the full film. Once locked we’ll start planning the series of premieres and plan what festivals and events will be treated to this gem. I’m very proud of this film as it showcases where we are as a company. I’m glad we slowed the roll on the final mastering as it will allow a more careful mix. This is the 2nd book by Karl Manke turned into a film. The previous book HOPE FROM HEAVEN became BEST YEARS GONE. Seek that film out and take a watch. This is director Carl Weyant’s first CDI directing job in feature film but he can be seen acting in THE CHRIST SLAYER (Part 3 of The Quest Trilogy) and the above mentioned SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. Carl makes a cameo appearance in Harsens Island Revenge but go back and watch Carl in action as an actor. He’s a talented young man I’m proud to call a friend.
- I’ve been slow in finishing my rewrite on the remaining 6 shows of WILD FAITH HASTINGS the proposed TV series. I’ll use my momentum from the sequel to come home and finish those up. I’ve been looking to see what I will write on over the winter months. If I don’t have a set writing project I’ll turn my attention to a few of the unfinished ones I have as work in progress. A great SciFi piece, a few comedy pieces and more. It is always about the funds behind a project but you always need a blue print first. But to get good at writing you just need to keep doing it.
(Anthony “Tony” Hornus in BEST YEARS GONE)
WRAP UP: I’m going to wrap this up. We’re going to go visit the last flea market of the season and I’ll look for any final props or gifts. I found a good gift for my amigo Tony Hornus the other day. I love giving gifts to people. They say you are wealthy but what you can give away not what you have. I’m blessed with good family and friends. I’m comfortable with my needs and only have a few wants. I live simple and spend much time in and with nature. The Detroit Lions play today and they have been doing very well but my heart goes out to one of our players who suffered a bad leg injury last week. As an athlete myself I understand the risk and reward of sports. They are not 100% safe. Life is not 100% safe. You want to be smart, cautious and thoughtful but life is too short to be 100% safe. Especially when it comes to following a dream. I’m caught in that often in business because I feel honor bound to play it safe especially with other’s money. But often big profits lie in risk. I often choose modest profits because I cannot afford the big risk. I would rather keep doing what I love versus reaching too far and having it all come to a grinding stop. But I am working hard to get better budgets so I can compensate our incredible artists better and market our films further into the world at large. Step by step. I might even do a few video updates from on set versus writing or I might move the blog day to Saturday which is the off day for production. Maybe both:) Thank you all for stopping through. Find me on Instagram to see some cool reels of our films my personal one is officialdjperry and the CDI one is tribecdi – enjoy! Have a wonderful day and a productive week!
DJ
October in Full Effect! CDI Updates 2024
Coffee cheers from a cool damp Michigan. Welcome new readers from Portugal and Romania and more. October has been beautiful but a bit dry. I haven’t had to mow in quite some time which is fine. I’ve harvested most of the herbs and I’ve been cutting wood getting ready for the coming cold. I might even polish up the stove and have a first fire tonight. The new younger chickens have been accepted into the big coop and so that is a positive. The older girls are molting and slowing on their egg laying. But the young ones might be getting ready to start. I’m looking forward to steak (venison) and eggs after I finish this. Also we have two more local flea markets one this morning ands one next week. Just in time before we travel up North for our WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS prep. My beard I’ve got to bring ole Ben Lily back to the screen has me wearing a bit of every meal. But I’m feeling ready to ride. I found the last few prop pieces for ‘Ben’ and so that should be good to go.
Staying on topic with WFXmas we’ve been having some great meetings. I’ve got all but one of the investor checks deposited and just a few more sponsors to collect on. The charge on sponsors is being led by PEPSI and had a great meeting with our rep there. I’m awaiting thermal mugs from our friends at the Michigan Community College Association. We have a few more great sponsors to speak with. We are enjoying the partnerships on production sponsors and are starting to explore release sponsors which is for our theatrical runs. If you want to align your company with WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS about to go into production or Harsens Island Revenge about to release in 1st Q 2025 please get in touch!
Harsens Island Revenge team was working to have a special pre-release screening on November 1st in Alpena, MI but to do so would disrupt on final post flow. Additionally the film would not be our final best film but a rushed version. Rush means mistakes and rush would have meant incomplete. We are still going to do a great premiere in Alpena, Owosso, Lansing and likely Detroit and Grand Rapids. We are in discussions over the theatrical and I have some paperwork to review this week. More on this amazing story very soon! If you cannot wait search up the title online and buy the book!
KNIGHT CHILLS – CDI’s first feature film from the late 90’s has now been delivered for streaming. I’ll be awaiting a release date but I also got some great news about a December theatrical play in Brooklyn, NY. More on that deal as I receive it. AN ORDINARY KILLER is still on track for a December 15th streaming and the HD DVD is also coming soon! I’m also excited for the special podcast that features the film coming from TWO AVERAGE JOES MEDIA. Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town smoky mountain western is streaming and the special edition DVD from the Ghost Town in the Sky theme park will be available soon. All CDI merchandise will be charity driven with a % of the revenue going to military veterans and/or animals. We will even have some movie props and wardrobe that people can bid or purchase. More on all that soon!
We are enjoying rounding the corner into the last Q of 2024. It has been a productive year and we are looking forward to 2025. Nov/Dec will be some prep for ROM COMS MUST DIE the feature film debut of Travis Hayward with CDI. We are exploring a few theatrical plays of SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA for the holidays. This movie continues to play on TV and available to rent/buy digital or DVD. Next year it will move to ad-based free with ads. We are also starting to push some of the other Fall/holiday titles like THE QUEST TRILOGY. Part 1 FORTY NIGHTS surpassed 2.5 million views on Encourage TV. If you have not watched these three films give them a go. I promise they are not your typical biblical adventures but have a unique perspective to each of them. There is a good change of a few more of those type films making it on our production slate.
BREAKFAST BREAK and WRAP UP!
I have to note I took a break during that last paragraph and ate my eggs and venison steak – so good. The key to venison is prep. Our fresh eggs are also splendid but there is a lot of work involved with chickens. This week will include insurance, communication devices, prop gun pick up, more craft service goods, hard drives and starting to pack personal stuff to be gone 3 weeks. I’ve already been swapping out my warm weather for cold weather clothes and gear.
I’m going to go get dressed and go walk around this flea market. See if any last minute props or wardrobe stuff jumps out at me. I found a great period derby hat that might end up on our antagonist. I hope you all are enjoying the turn of season as we enter that darker phase. As noted earlier I think I’m going to polish up the wood stove and get that ready for a first fire of the season. I’ve had several outdoor fires but there is something about crackling wood in an old stove.
Until we chat again next week have a productive week and be kind to one another.
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
Powerful Posters, ‘Harsens’ Post-Production and Premiere Info and ‘Wild Faith Christmas’ Pre-Production Updates
A light rain and cool breeze is welcome versus the horrible storms they’ve got down south from the hurricane. I checked in with many of my friends and some like my cousin outside Tampa, FL had nothing but wind. Others like Robert Bradley in Maggie Valley, NC are good but their town and region is not. Highways washed out and roads impassable. The main drag of Maggie Valley is flooded out. Just sad that so many are facing the hardships they are. Knock on wood- but we’ve been lucky being on a high hill and our property is sandy and absorbs water quickly. My thoughts and prayers with all those suffering in the aftermath.
I want to welcome out new readers from France, Netherlands and more. I really love the global artists circle we have. I had several folks comment and we’ve had lots of new subscriptions which is great. I’m going to provide some great updates and I hope give some insights that you can apply to your own endeavors. I’m going to do a warm up on my hazelnut coffee and we’ll get into this. Speaking of coffee we’ve been enjoying the new enhanced deck for sipping coffee and watching the morning nature. The dogs enjoy having a better view of the surrounding area and the gate allows me to have them enclosed. That helps at night if I smell skunk in the area which anyone who had had to bathe a dog who has been sprayed knows. I built a small step deck off the office/fort porch and a new compost bin from some of the old deck wood. I still have a good amount left for some of my projects. I’m still harvesting the end of season herbs and using them in cooking and for tea. So many great compounds that are in plants.
NOW TO THE PROJECTS!
With every CDI film we really try to let the director’s pick, choose and oversee one poster, the theatrical one. Because marketing staff at the home video level will put together the artwork that will best serve their purpose. This is the beautiful picture that our director Carl Weyant put together for our theatrical run. Below is some moody shadows and reminds me of the old detective posters of the 20’s and 30’s. Above you see The Purples, a glimpse of the Harsens militia and the innocents put at risk with this conflict. I’ve had a lot of people talking about wanting to buy a poster and all in good time.
We will be getting an RSVP for main cast and crew to see who can attend a private showing in Alpena. Following the screening they will have another show for sale for the public and it will play for several weeks in Alpena. That is what the deal is looking like. The theater controls how many screens and times so we are limited. But as I’ve said before, the more the demand the more screens and times they might open. Currently the invite is for just cast and crew and not plus one. Folks will be responsible for their own travel and lodging. I’ll keep you all informed here and of course we’ll be posting on the Harsens Island Revenge Facebook page. Now in January 2025 we’ll start our theatrical run. Several runs might be kicked off with a special event party like in Owosso, Lansing, Grand Rapid and Detroit so that might be closer for many of you!
We’ve been working hard on end credits trying not to miss any or misspell any names. That said, it happens every film because of the sheer amount of names and sometimes handwriting by people. Lastly, it is passing through human hands and we all make mistakes but we try to keep that as low as possible. The music, color correction and VFX are being finished and polished up. Next week they start to pull that all together. Dennis Therrian has been working a powerful musical score and every artists has been putting his all into the film. Final posting and mixing always requires an increase in focus and communication. Something I myself also work on and try to encourage. If you send something let the party know it has been sent. If you are the receiving party let the sender know it has been received. There is a reason the military is so effective with their communication. The thing to remember is that you all have the same goal and you’re trying to make a process as smooth as possible. Bottom line is the film is getting close to being done.
AN ORDINARY KILLER streaming will be on December 15th and I’m hearing that it will be going to XUMO and The ROKU CHANNEL. Likely it will go to AMAZON and possibly PLEX and PLUTO TV.
DEAN TEASTERS GHOST TOWN is streaming on TUBI and various platforms. We do plan to start selling the special edition theme park DVD’s prior to Christmas. For those that know Robert Bradley this was filmed in his home town and he co-stars.
KNIGHT CHILLS is starting to deliver assets for the streaming release. I also wrote my foreword for the new release of the novel. I’ve been collecting some materials to put together a nice script and making of book also. I’m excited that this film is out there on HD Blu Ray and will soon be streaming! I would like to see this franchise take another step and we’ve got a script. So we’ll see what happens!
Looking Ahead!
This year saw three of the films from CDI’s library (Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town, An Ordinary Killer, Knight Chills) get set up for a new release. We’ll tackle a few in 2025 also. We have to get the technical correct in order to HD remaster the films.
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is in the final weeks of pre-production. We had a great meeting on Friday looking at the remaining TO DO’s. I’m happy to say that the main cast is all DONE! We found our last two leads and we could not be more happy! The sets are on point and we’re working on the last of the logistics. I met with our associate producer and legal over sushi and he’s putting the final pieces in motion. As I was reviewing the new official script and highlighting my Ben Lily lines I was so taken by the story again. I’ve been up to my neck in the business of it but it was pure joy to do lines and re-read the entire story. We have some new sponsors coming onboard with DEANS TREE FARM, SPORTS UNLIMITED and ANCHOR CONSTRUCTION CORPORATION! Thank you to all the fine companies and individuals helping to make this film be everything it can be.
ROM COMS MUST DIE is still on deck for the first of the year. We’ve been quiet as of late but that is because we have a lot out there. That said, we do keep moving pieces on the board. We’ve added Ian Griffin as the AD and will be playing a role in the film. He is an amazing actor that I met in 2002 on AN ORDINARY KILLER. He’s been in many of the films such as BEST YEARS GONE (The police officer) and he’s Boozy Jack the bootlegger in Harsens Island Revenge trailer that says he would sell to the devil himself.
Tis a good season to watch some scary films like IN THE WOODS, now on Blu Ray!
WRAP UP:
We have lots of things in development but like I mentioned we’ll wait until we have more in place. It is rainy and so I’ll likely work on getting some stuff done here in the house and at the desk. I like to get a jump on the week so I’ll soon switch to hot tea and keep at it. I am going to try and catch up on a few calls too. So until we chat next week I hope you all have a great day and week ahead. Remember that everything happens by slowly chipping away at the TO DO’s. I’m going to FOCUS and try to COMMUNICATE and promote better COMMUNICATION This week. We have a lot of exciting things ahead. Happy Sunday and coffee cheers!
DJ
Casting, Pre-Production, Premieres and More…
Good morning friends from Germany, India, Brazil, UK and more. Again I love that our weekly circle is international. I want to welcome everyone to Sept 1st and hope the month is a great one for you all. I was walking about the property and enjoying the cool morning that has fall in the air. My college alumni started their American football season will a close win. Our state team the Detroit Lions will start their season next week. I do enjoy a good game on TV while multitasking. I watched a great soccer match yesterday that had me missing my favorite game to play. I am already looking forward to next year but this time off is allowing my body to recoup. I’ve replaced some of that workout with some heavier yard work as I prepare for the new deck build. I approved the paperwork and so materials will be purchased this coming week with the build soon after. It will be nice to have a new improved deck to relax on and enjoy morning coffee and dinners at dusk. I might put a mow on the lawn today or tomorrow. Yesterday I had a nice fire outside and was burning sticks from the storms all day. I also did another harvest on all the herbs growing. I’m thinking of a good crockpot of root veggies if this cool weather remains. Always something to do on the property but I enjoy it between business phone calls.
This past week saw the opening of the account for the new film, the sequel to WILD FAITH. (Wild Faith Christmas) I’m happy to announce that the crew is in place and our cast is getting close. Our director is up in Alpena, MI where we will be shooting and has scouting the final locations. This coming week we’ll lock the shooting script and schedule. Official breakdowns for departments will be issued. We finally got lodging all set and will be working on catering. Along with the mine set the building of an explosives shed also began. It all plays into the story. I’ve started work on bringing ole Ben Lily back and that was a hoot. I did some wardrobe work with Shane for Emmett and again too much fun. I have a tote that I call ‘Ben in a box’ and inside was all of Ben Lily’s gear just waiting for a sequel. It was fun to open it and go through all his wardrobe and props. Our main casting is still looking at reads for two of the children actors. We also brought on some additional sponsors this week that will assist with some of the flights and lodging costs. We so appreciate all the support we get from these businesses who want to be part of something so heartwarming as this film. I LOVE that this is a Christmas story and I think the fans of the first film will too. I will work on updating a few more of the TV series this forthcoming week. I’ve been enjoying that process as well.
ROM COMS MUST DIE our comedy slasher will remain inactive until Jan 2025 so we don’t have to do any end of year work on a film just at the ready. But once this Wild Faith sequel is done we’ll go full on with the Travis Hayward directed film. We are still casting for an actor that has the KEN from KEN & BARBIE appeal. Also a stereotypical country girl actress. If you fit either of those roles feel free to submit something to me.
Harsens Island Revenge – This is the wrap up month for this exciting film. Dennis Therrian has been hard at work on the music. The director Carl Weyant says the VFX should be about done and we’ve been mixing as we go. Once everything is in a final color tweak and mix will be done. We’re about two start looking over the end credits that Anthony Hornus is compiling for review. We’ll take a week or two to review all those to TRY and not miss anyone or misspell anyones name. Sometimes that comes down to the extras handwriting. We are planning a cast, crew, sponsor and investor screening on Nov. 1st in Alpena, MI. We want to have a premiere in Owosso, the book writers hometown and Lansing as well as Detroit near the island itself. A full on theatrical is being planned for the 1st Q of 2025. This film is full of romance and excitement and I think audiences will really love it.
Sept 1st is also the start of the window for some of the fall favorites of the CDI films. LOST HEART also known as BIGFOOT, UFOS and JESUS. BESTSELLER, BEST YEARS GONE (For Race Fans), WILD FAITH, MBF, SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA and The Quest Trilogy! I started a new instagram account for CDI and I’ve been adding CDI and CDI associated movies. To be a true fan you should see them all. And for fans, NEWS! A new CDI Merchandise site will be going up on EBAY managed by Bart Ketner. I want all sales to have a donated % to charities and we’ll have some great items going up on there. Maybe even some one-of-a-kind props that can go to fans. A lot of asking for the old Ghost Town in the Sky collector DVD’s of Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town movie. We have some posters available but might start printing up more plus even 3D printing. Anyone down for a KNIGHT CHILLS, Sir Kallio statue?
Speaking of KNIGHT CHILLS, the ink is dry and a streaming release is coming from our friends at Twin Engines Global/Deskpop. To go with is we’re going to re-release the novel and I’m prepping for the script/making of book. AN ORDINARY KILLER collectors HD DVD is also coming. I’ve held the DVD in my hands and it is a worthy additional to the shelves of CDI and True Crime fans! This year which is not over, will see the re-release of three CDI classics. In 2025 I plan to have the others restored and re-released.
WRAP UP:
I’ve already got my two pages of TO DO’s for the coming week. I have to order checks. I’m getting our software set-up ready for our next film. More deposits and collecting of paperwork. We have some new poster work being done. New trailers being cut including a CDI Highlight Reel which I would love for Jan 1st, 2025! We’re working to get our backup RAID working properly. Additionally premiere work for Harsens Island Revenge needs to be set. A theatrical poster for the premieres also should be done this week. I’m going to check on that this afternoon. The list keeps growing and we keep checking things off and once in a while you look back and notice how far you’ve come. There will come a day of rest but while you still have ambition and dreams, keep going!
I look forward to speaking with you all next week!
Coffee Cheers, DJ
PS: Having issues with pics so there will not be any this week.
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 