‘RED LETTER AWARD’ WINS AND MORE!
CONGRATS TO ‘WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS’
I’m smiling as I sip my hazelnut coffee even with the soft rain that has fallen all morning. I just had a great call with a childhood buddy from kindergarten after a week or so of phone tag. It is always a joy for me to catch up with those friends. I’ve been dealing with heavy pre-production work on our next film and also dealing with some health issues with a family member. I think we are finally getting the right answers so some treatment can begin. I know having my parents is a blessing and not something everyone still has. It has been a balancing act as this next film is my one big project for this year. I will be away for the prep week and two weeks of filming. So I’ve been trying to be as helpful as I can prior and I’ve been navigating that the best I can.
The plants are all drinking in this water and the cool night weather as we slowly start moving towards the fall. I’ve already been harvesting some herbal teas and such. I successfully have my hops growing again. I will want to arrange for another good mow before I have to be off filming. We’ve been enjoying the new deck immensely. The hammock gives a few quiet moments to reset the mind. The gazebo covered rug is perfect for my stretching and roll outs for my back with a CHIRP WHEEL. They work look them up.
I’m going to move onto some film updates!
- ROM COMS MUST DIE – We had an intimate showing at the Studio 414 which was us giving everyone an opportunity to see the film before it goes to home video on 10/2/26 on DVD and streaming! We surprised everyone by removing the cover charge and just making it a little celebration. They even had a special drink made for the film called the FINAL DATE. We might try to keep bringing films there as a nice mixer to meet other artists. So mark this on your calendars and BUY the DVD for your CDI collection. It is pre-order on Amazon right now!
- AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip – I don’t have any word on theatrical dates which will run until Jan. 2027 but the home video release will be 10/30/2026. The topic of AI is everywhere and this film looks at the topic from all sides. This is my SciFi spin on events taking from the real news headlines. I hope you will all check this film out in theaters and on home video!
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – This film is still working through awards events as we move towards the 11/3/26 home video release on DVD and streaming. I just got word this morning from director Shane Hagedorn in Nashville, TN that last night at the RED LETTER AWARDS we won Best Actor Shane Hagedorn. Adasyn won Best Supporting Actress, Teyton won Best Actor and was there with his family. I heard he gave a great acceptance speech. And I want to note our dear friend Ronnie Lee whom both Shane and I have served as narrators for his audio books, won Best Children’s author! We want to also give congrats to all the other nominated artists and winners. NEXT up will be the WILL ROGERS AWARDS in October.
- DEVIL’S PASS – We are closing in on our on-set pre-production week and two weeks of filming. It has been a slow and steady build up as each department handles its business. It is going to be so much fun. I’ve been slowly morphing into the new role. The big beard is gone replaced with a stylized mustache and I’ve been assembling all my props and wardrobe. We are getting close to go time and that is always exciting. I think with Mondays being my day off (Right:)…I may do my blog on Monday for those few weeks away filming.
DEVELOPMENT – I am working on the funding commits for RETURN TO ALGONA the follow up to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. We are closing in on the 2/3 funded and will be soon opening it up to other investors. We gave an exclusive opportunity to the initial funders and will open up from there. I’ve also been doing some work on the WILD FAITH 3 script and the MBF2. I will be devoting more time on all this Q4.
WRAP UP: I’m appreciative to be able to do all these wonderful creative endeavors. The stories are collectively told and put out there for many generations to enjoy. I want to do a nice push on THE QUEST TRILOGY this holiday season. I’m going to keep just knocking down the TO DO’s every day. I’ve been keeping myself level and focused and I’m going to enjoy watching audiences enjoy these new films. I hope each and every one of you are enjoying your final days of Summer and preparing for a wonderful Fall. It will soon by the harvest, time to reap the rewards from the seeds planted and the nurturing that took place. Nurture yourselves and keep pushing forward. I wish you all a wonderful Sunday and a productive week. – Coffee Cheers! DJ
Forthcoming Release Event, Film Updates and More!
I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee and enjoying the morning. We’ve had two nights of pretty heavy storms that had one of our furry children restless. I can’t believe 16 days before we’re in pre-production on our next film Devil’s Pass. I’ll talk more on that soon. But as for the property, I’ve been harvesting herbs for my tea, tincture and tonics. I’ll need another round of tree trims here soon. The cool mornings have begun and I’m enjoying the hints of fall in the air. The chickens have been giving us a good supply of eggs which when put on avocado toast is just incredible. I really do love eggs in all their forms. Okay onto movie updates!
FILM UPDATES
ROM COMS MUST DIE – This Friday August 28th Adam Towner and I are hosting a brew in view showing of the dark comedy. It is in Lansing, MI at a place called The Studio 313 formerly The Loft. $10 cover and doors/bar open at 6:30pm with the film starting at 7:30pm. We hope to meet some of you other artists in the area and this comedy should speak to you. At the same time you can pre-order the DVD now on Amazon with the release being 10/2/2026!
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – At week’s end director Shane Hagedorn will be going to the RED LETTER AWARDS to represent the film. It is up for ten nominations I do believe. The film will also be repped at the WILL ROGERS awards in October. And on November 3rd, 2026 the film will be available on DVD and to stream!
AI JESUS – This super timely and unique film is being pitched to numerous theaters for a theatrical run. You know the drill if you want it to play near us call your local theatre. Talk to management and request the film. We are awaiting for NCG to book so we can do a premiere showing in the town we filmed in, Owosso, Michigan. The film will play theaters until early 2027 and will become available on DVD and to stream late October. This film examines the good, bad and ugly of AI.
DEVIL’S PASS – This past week we’ve have work underway with all departments. We had a big art meeting last week and it was a great brainstorm session between the team led by AD Adam Towner. We have some great props at our disposal to help bring the world to life. Wardrobe department has been busy working to bring our characters to life on screen. Hospitality and Health, legal, accounting, transportation, extras and every other department are prepping. We’ve gotten our office and AD team communicating with cast and crew. I just love when the machine starts moving on its own. You can go to the FB site and sign up for Extra work with co-producer Anthony Hornus. We want to thank the entire community for all their support and assistance.
DEVELOPMENT –
RETURN TO ALGONA – This 1968 follow up to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is developing well. We have another interested funder and that brings us closer to our goal. Our plan is to have all the funding commits by year’s end. That will allow us to start some pre-production the first of the year.
WILD FAITH 3 – The third installment of the Wild Faith franchise is underway. I’ve been writing where and when I can but I’ll really focus in starting in October.
We do have other proposed films to consider and I’ll be evaluating that also as this year draws to a close. I’m also soon to finish a first draft on MBF2 and start a second pass. I also want to turn my attention back to two literary projects THE QUEST TRILOGY book and the Making of Knight Chills book. Have you seen MAN’S BEST FRIEND? How about the three films in The Quest Trilogy?
WRAP UP: Last week the flea market got rained out. I did a bit of looking this week at props but we are getting close to the finish. A few things we still have to construct but minor things. I plan to do a full costume check on my Devil’s Pass character McBride very soon. I think when I meet up again with Curran Jacobs on his wardrobe extras this week we might do some pictures.
Again I invite you all to come out and join us this upcoming Friday for the Lansing, MI showing of ROM COMS MUST DIE. I am guilty of not getting out and about enough to meet some of the emerging artists. I always try to make the CCFF mixer if not on location filming. This could be the first of a film series if it is successful. So if you are looking for something to do this Friday come on out and have some fun.
I’m going to get after some of those eggs I was telling you all about. I hope you all have a great week and I look forward to discussing with you all again the updates on our projects. Until we meet again, have a great day and a wonderful week! Coffee Cheers! DJ
DEVIL’S PASS Prepping to Sail and Other CDI Film Updates!
Good morning. I’m sitting here and sipping my coffee and trying a sweet cream versus my hazelnut. I occasionally change it up but always come back to my favorite. I’ve been enjoying the wonderful Summer weather and especially with the new deck. Nice to sit out there and make business calls. A rest in the hammock is always peaceful. I’ve been doing some tree trimming and herb harvesting, mainly sage and mint. The eggs have been coming every day as the raptors love looking for food on the property. So I’ve been keeping up with all the work. My soccer season came to an end after a hard fought round one of the playoffs. We have many injuries and were missing many others with obligations. I can say the last two games I had no heavy soreness day one or day two and alas the season is over. So I’m in great shape and happy no injuries especially with our next film shooting next month.
Speaking of DEVIL’s PASS – I’ve been unpacking and preparing to move props, prop guns and wardrobe. I need to take pictures and inventory the latter this week. I’m also going to start working on agreements for our artists as the boat is almost full. I’m excited by the cast and crew we have. EVERY shoot where artists get together to create is special. I have fond memories of each and every one. The trick is good communication and to keep it flowing along the proper lines. I had a great transportation meeting last week and the week after next I am having an art meeting. So this week we will focus on the last few flights, lodging and start looking at catering. We usually get some great sponsors involved. I want to thank Mark Balko and his THUNDER BAY RIVER Sanctuary & Resort for his sponsorship of craft service supplies. Also we want to thank Dennis LeRoux and Prentiss Searles for their sponsorships. We appreciate each and every person helping to make this story happen.
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – The Red Letter Awards is growing closer where we are up for ten awards I believe. Our director Shane Hagedorn is going to attend and we know he will have a good time celebrating our film. I was happy last week to have the film spotlighted for the Will Rogers Awards with is at the end of October. We might do a few final theatrical events but everyone is excited about the 11/3/26 streaming release.
ROM COMS MUST DIE – Ole Clem and Amos are hosting a BREW N VIEW at The Studio at 414 in Lansing, MI on August 28th, a Friday! Doors and bar opens at 6:30 and movie at 7:30 and the cost is $10 at the door. Come watch this comedy horror film before it rolls to home video.
AI JESUS – This film is being prepped for theatrical release with Dreamscape Productions. It has been delivered to home video but we do not have dates yet. We are hoping to have a premiere in Owosso at the NCG if we can get a run there.
- I just took a time out to run down to an estate sale in hopes of getting a heavy duty wheel-barrel at an estate sale. It was taken as we walked up. Early bird get the worm. But we did get a few cement blocks for a chicken roost and a retaining wall. But I just had an early morning work out.
DEVELOPMENT: I did get some writing done on WILD FAITH 3. I do hope to keep working a scene here and there. Also making moves on RETURN TO ALGONA and I’ve sent a first right of refusal out to previous investors. I’ll soon be opening that up to other funders. This is the sequel to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA and I’m excited to film this follow up. Preserving history is a beautiful thing. MBF2 is close to being done also but I’m pondering a few scenes that need to be fleshed out more.
WRAP UP: I’m going to finish up here soon and get cleaned up to go walk the flea market across town. I love going to these especially when looking for props, wardrobe and such. I’m really happy how the year has gone so far minus a few deep loses of friends and family. I just posted about losing Dawn Butler a wonderful hair and make up artist we worked with on 7 STONES and SMOKE & MIRRORS. Cancer is an awful disease and I hope they find a way to prevent that in the near future.
I want to try and do a new marketing campaign for THE QUEST TRILOGY. We’ve been working on a making of book and I hope to get my reflections done this Fall. I also have to write one for the MAKING OF KNIGHT CHILLS. Have you seen these films? If not, you should. They can be watched FREE with ads streaming on different platforms. The KNIGHT CHILLS Blu Ray is pretty awesome with lots of extras included.
I’m going to sign off here and go get cleaned up and maybe eat a few eggs. I might work on a retaining wall but likely wait until later in the week. I hope all of you are having a great Summer. I’m looking forward to the LIONS football season ahead. Also watching MSU can be fun we will see how their team looks very soon. I’ve been behind on some phone calls but I’ve been working hard to keep up. I want to thank Dean and Josh for getting my software prepped for the upcoming film shoot. I hope everyone has a great week ahead. Coffee Cheers! – DJ
Welcome August! CDI Film Updates- Screenings, Releases, Development
CDI has had many great sponsors and product partners!
I bet you know what I’m sipping on. Hazelnut coffee and with the wet cool weather it is hitting the spot just perfect. I want to say that I’ve been enjoying the Summer. The rain has brought out all the shades of green. Sunflowers and butterfly attracting milkweed in abundance. The mulberries have taken a season off on my main trees due to the trimming I did. The apples are doing well but those are mainly for the squirrels. I’ve been harvesting mint and other herbs for use in the cold season. The raptors have been gifting about 5 eggs a day and that is appreciated. I had our last regular season soccer match and lost 4-3 but it was a great game and a great night to play. Our team has several injuries so subs have been near non-existent but that provides one heck of a work out.
I don’t have any great lessons to speak on this week. As always communication is the factor that makes things happen. I’ve been working hard to try and do that as we finish projects and begin new ones. So we can get onto some of the updates as they pertain to film and artistic endeavors. It has been a very busy year with some great wins and personal losses. I got together with a school buddy this past week and attended a farmers market. After we enjoyed a beverage and remembered some of our old friends and adventures. We tried to ring a few up but people are busy with their lives. But I do make an effort to reach out weekly to different folks just to say hello and catch up on life.
CDI UPDATES
- ROM COMS MUST DIE – I will let you know here that while we await the Summer theater schedule to clear we are taking the advice of some and doing a BREW N VIEW at The Studio at 414 on Friday August 28th with doors opening at 6:30 and the film will start at 7:30. Cost will be $10 and there will be some great drink specials and we look forward to meeting some of you. This is the first in a CDI film series we are planning. You heard it here first! More soon…Shane Hagedorn is working some additional theater showings and the film will roll out nationally to home video in October.
- AI JESUS – This super unique film is soon to start booking for theaters with our friends at Dreamscape Productions leading that charge. We’ve finally delivered everything to our home video distributor and will get those dates soon. We are also looking at a premiere likely in the town of Owosso, MI where the film was shot. More on that soon. We do still have BTS video that will be rolling out from our own Adam Towner. To prepare yourself for this movie introduce yourself or rewatch THE QUEST TRILOGY (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star, The Christ Slayer) streaming free with ads.
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – This month our director Shane Hagedorn will be representing us at the RED LETTER AWARDS where we have several nominations. We are looking to do a handful of theatricals before we are streaming/DVD in November. This film might also play at The Studio at 414 if all goes well with the kick off showing. To prepare for this film watch or rewatch the original WILD FAITH streaming on many platforms.
- DEVIL’S PASS – We are roughly six weeks from cameras rolling and we are looking great. Next week we have two production meetings one with our directors and AD staff and one over transportation and extras. Casting and crewing only have a few slots open but as mentioned we’ll be registering extras to be townsfolk. I’m also working with the art department and have been gathering specialty props. It is something I love. The TO DO’s will keep getting smaller week by week as we knock things down. You can follow the FB page for this film for fun updates almost daily. On the personal, I’ve about got my personal wardrobe where it needs to be. And my facial hair is grown to wear soon I can have it groomed as needed. I do love creating the characters to bring forth.
DEVELOPMENT – We have several projects at various states of development but the one that is leading the charge is RETURN TO ALGONA. This is the follow up to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA our WW2 drama. Have you seen it? If not you should and it is a real story. I’ve been approaching sponsors with our team and soon we’ll give an opportunity for previous investors in the first film and after open it up. This next chapter takes place in 1968 and again is a true story.
I’ve been approached on several fronts about new films and I’ve been working on the few follow up scripts to a couple popular CDI films. Both are very appealing to me. It is fun to create a new world and also enjoyable to expand and play in existing worlds.
WRAP UP: This week was full of good surprises. Dean Teaster was called out of the blue and asked if he was the same person behind the GHOST TOWN movie. (Watch Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town on ROKU, TUBI and AMAZON) He said he was one of many. Apparently this lady worked at a museum in Montana I believe it was. He was told the historic group there absolutely love our film. You don’t always hear those direct responses so that was a beautiful thing to hear. That film is 20 years old now I do believe. WICKED SPRING 26 years old. KNIGHT CHILLS, our first looming at about the 30 year mark. I’m so happy that audiences are still enjoying all these films. Stop by http://www.cdiproductions.com to see some of the other films or look them up on IMDB.
I’m happy to be getting so many of these films off my plate from a production stand point and primed for release. I’m finally able to relish in some of the artistic side of things and prepare to have fun “playing” just like we did as children but with bigger and better toys. I’ve been also bringing on sponsors for our upcoming western. That is going to kick into high gear this month. So if you want to support independent storytelling with your company, brand or even yourself – please reach out.
I’m going to pull some things out of storage today as we start to move items to their proper departments. August is upon us and I cannot believe Lions football is around the corner. We start our soccer playoffs this week which will be enjoyable. I hope all of you are having a great Summer and enjoy your transition to Fall. Fall is my favorite season and I love the activities that go along with it. I’m going to wrap things up here and get on with my Sunday. Coffee Cheers to you all! – DJ
Align Yourself With Joy and Hope – CDI Updates!
The hazelnut coffee just sets more mornings right. I’m looking forward to getting into talking about films but I wanted to speak into a few things. First, Disneyland – I made a mention after my blog that I felt was worth sharing here. The world and especially here in America feel so divided by interests. Be that religion, politics, sports teams – you name it. For the day at Disney I saw a mass of people unified by joy of Disney. All types of people old and young and all walks of life immersed in Disney. Tough looking individuals wearing mouse ears and eating mouse shaped pretzels, smiling like little kids. It was the most unity I’ve felt in a very long time. Walt Disney was a great man and his dream is still working its magic. It was an unexpected surprise and one I deeply appreciated.
This next observation is not aimed at any one person but at many. On a daily basis I see folks using social media mainly FB but I am sure it is elsewhere, as a venting board. Negative comments mad or sad or victim rants usually with no frame of reference. First on a personal level what you manifest affects you. If you feed just on negativity your outlook will be one of negativity. You are drinking that poison daily. To rant about something or someone without any reference screams out of balance. If someone deserves a tongue lashing by all means call them, text them, email them, write them a letter (Look it up children) but, don’t just rant publicly. This must tie into non-confrontational folks. Like in management proper addressing of issues is behind closed doors. Because you want to improve this person. But trying to give someone a public shaming makes one look weak. And in a work situation you want a balanced person who if unhappy will talk to management not go off and just bite the hand that feeds them. All those friends that see a public rant aren’t going to pay your bills when you lose a job. Personally you are defining you, your brand, your process of conflict resolution. People paint their own perception and bemoan why they can’t get ahead. I can think of at least a dozen people, good people, who self sabotage themselves. People post things hoping to be seen and they are often seen/heard but the message they send are usually not what they want to send out. I’m not saying don’t be human. But it is like not sending that email to your boss when mad. Sleep on it. Think on it. Send something when you feel balanced.
It hurts my heart when I see people caught in a negativity trap of their own making. When you post something positive you are not ignoring the ugly. You are giving hope. The negative has its followers and they will keep it flowing but consuming it non stop rots you. I could watch enough animal abuse videos before my first cup of coffee to ruin my day. But some share the positive stories that give us hope. And those people likely feel better as they go about their day. So try it. Also if you represent a brand, sometimes you as an artists, keep it professional. Many that are sponsored by major labels want to be associated with positive people. I’m proud of activists who devote their lives to their causes because they are often swimming in daily negativity. But, if you are selling yourself individually or as someone who manages people or projects you need balance. I’m getting off my soap box now but please understand that we each say something with what we show, say, do. That burden can be heavier when you’re a role model. Parent, coach, boss, John Cena – I think you get the picture. Advertising that you can’t handle stress is not going to help anyone. Go walk in the woods. Find your peace. Smile. Spread love. Be like Walt. (Disney)
FILM UPDATES:
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – I’m excited for all the good folks who loved the original WILD FAITH to get their new adventure. 11/3/2026 is the DVD and streaming release date. We have Red Letter Awards in August and Will Rogers Awards recognition in September.
- AI JESUS – We have just about finished our delivery of distribution assets. I just need to make sure the stills and screen captures are to both theatrical and home video. Dreamscape Productions will be the point on the theatrical and they are prepping for all that. We might enter a few festivals and the BTS video should be releasing soon.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE – While we wait for the Summer studio films to blow over we are doing a brew and view in Lansing, MI on August 28th which is a Friday. Adam Towner and I will be testing the projection system at this studio and we’ll start promoting very soon. 10/2/2026 is the home video release date. This dark comedy is really going to stand out from the comedy horror pack due to being highly original. I hope many of you can join us on Friday the 28th of August.
- DEVIL’S PASS – The ship is fueling up and we are working the last few cast and crew spots. Logistics are being worked out and in about 7 weeks we will roll cameras. This is going to be a rip-roaring fun story to tell. It is always hard to get the foundation put in but we are done with that. Now it is addressing some of the support aspects of the film. On a personal note, last week I went to the local flea market and found two wardrobe pieces for my character in the film. A shirt and a hat like what I had identified to purchase but I only paid $9 for both versus $120 in my Amazon cart. I love to buy and keep my own wardrobe incase of sequels or just to have.
DEVELOPMENT:
RETURN TO ALGONA is likely the most developed of the new projects with over 1/2 the funding committed. I’m still in talks with brands/sponsors and we have not even opened the opportunity to investors yet. Being that this is a follow up film I will give the SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA backers a first opportunity. This is all preserving true history that is important to many good people. My goal is to have all the funding commits by the years end and I believe we will.
I am going to finish both MBF2 and WF3 by year’s end. That is another goal of mine. I know we have some projects in development with Curran Jacobs and Katharsys Media as well. I almost have the three finished films off my plate save promotion and that will open up a lot of time. I know I have a few other projects being discussed to produce with the CDI tribe and a few books that might tap into my screenwriting.
WRAP UP: I’m looking forward to a great week. We will be testing the ROM COMS MUST DIE this week and also I have a make up soccer match since wildfire smoke cancelled all the games in our league. I met this weekend with John Mashni who handles legal and assists me with all CDI’s dispersals. We have some great momentum and I’m thankful to be where we are. The end of this year will have many wonderful moments with releases, awards events and new filming. I want to take this moment again to thank all our cast, crew, vendors, investors, sponsors and of course our audiences.
I want to thank those artists that have reached out with scripts but we are not in need of any at this time. We’ve got enough scripts for a decade plus and if you don’t have funding it will not be considered to be in the production flow. It is a hard game as a screenwriter I know this first hand. But I try to answer all the submissions and give some positive motivation to keep submitting to people.
I’m going to just off here and perhaps eat a few eggs. I might try to do some more work around the property although I think heat and rain are making a return. Don’t ever give up on your dreams but always evaluate and adjust your plans. I do believe in hard work pays off. Smart work pays off faster. I think many fail because they focus on the fun parts but neglect the hard business part of the work. SHOW BUSINESS. Both parts are important but the latter will take you from hobbyist to professional. I just told a friend who has a relative working on his first screenplay to take business classes. You and your passion for writing will hone the writing part but what do you do once you have your masterpiece? I’ve optioned/sold only a handful of scripts in 40 years. It is not easy but it is not impossible. Again, dream on my friends! Dream on! Coffee cheers. DJ
Family, Friends and Films – Updates
I’m sipping my hazelnut coffee and sitting down to reflect with all of you. I have had a rollercoaster of exciting highs and sad lows as is life. Last Thursday I headed to CA on one of the first real vacations in recent memory. It was a trip to Disneyland which I’ve never been to. I’ve only been to Disney World as a child a few times since we had grandparents in Florida. Just before leaving I heard from a dear friend that his father was moved into end of life care. His father was more than just a friend’s father. He was the head of the family that babysat me when I was young up until five years of age. But they stayed lifelong friends with our family and I recall many pool trips and New Year’s Eve parties in the 70’s with music, drinks, laughter and games. I will say goodbye this week. The morning of Disney I saw that one of our actors from SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA (SNIS) had beat stage 4 cancer! A few hours later I discovered that another amazing actor Garry Nation who had been in SNIA and a handful of other roles from CHASING THE STAR, MAN’S BEST FRIEND and HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE was moved into hospice. I dedicated that fun day to those on their way out. A reminder to never take any day for granted. The years click by and losing people is a part of life but doesn’t mean I have to like it. Like us all I still feel like I did in my youth. My immaturity dragged with me as life grows longer. I’m blessed that both my parents just had another birthday and I did as well. I am fully aware that not all people still have parents and I’m so appreciative. I’m appreciative of the good friends and family I have in my life.
The mountains that I climb as an artist have been many. It is never easy but always rewarding. There is conflict, setbacks and obstacles in all professions. I’m appreciative that I get to live my dream and I’ve sacrificed much to get to this point. I watched others achieve success professionally and personally while I struggled. But I’ve gotten to a place where I’m just steadily creating with our tribe of artists. Each one emerges into the world and is received differently. I’ve seen audiences laugh, cry and be deeply moved by our storytelling. I’ve heard from people whose life was made better by a story. I’ve had veterans shake my hand for bringing important topics to light. After much work we’re about to see three new CDI film release to the world market. We’ll discuss these and some other updates below.
CDI UPDATES:
- Working backwards starting with AI JESUS. we’ve almost delivered all the assets and we should have home video dates by the end of the month. But some exciting news is that we’ve partnered once again with the good folks at Dreamscape Productions to once again take point on the theatrical release of the film. This film talks about the good, the bad and the ugly of technology and especially AI that is a hot topic everywhere. It has been an amazing tool but one that is causing a shift in society whereas a process or service can be done in seconds and at no real cost. This threatens many occupations as many advancements have over the last several hundred years. I’m not PRO or AGAINST certain technologies. As a storyteller working in our medium I try to responsibly work with each new technology. Before digital we shot several movies on film. Before drones we hung a camera man outside a helicopter to capture a beautiful landscape. You can’t stop advancements, evolution and change. But ignoring some business because they used AI to create a banner or poster is a little extreme for me. But everyone is allowed to have their feelings on something and I respect that. But this film also examines what AI may or may not do to religion. It is a very deep film but wrapped in a lighthearted comedy very much like the O’GOD films from past years. But it does mix in a little WAR GAMES vibe also from many years ago. It will go to theaters for a while before it hits streaming and DVD. We will explore a premiere for this film soon. Also consider a watch on CDI’s THE QUEST TRILOGY of films. That being FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. Follow our FB page!
- ROM COMS MUST DIE – The new home video poster has been released and the film is continuing its pop up tour of theatrical and a few brew N views. The next looks to be in Lansing, MI at the Midtown Brewery on August 28th. That will get locked in next week. I would like to see a few specialty drinks and I think this will be a fun romp. The DVD and streaming release on 10/2/26 and that will be exciting also. We hope to announce a few more Aug/Sept theatrical screenings once we are past the Summer glut of studio films. I will continue to give a few special media sneak peeks as we get closer to the home video release. The response so far has been great! A dark comedy dipping into horror that makes fun of our own independent film industry. If you like to laugh CDI has had a few great comedies and some films just have really funny moments. Check out BEST YEARS GONE, BIGFOOT, UFOS and JESUS for a few good laughs.
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – One of the most exciting releases for me is the follow up to WILD FAITH. That film pulled a large audience, tens of millions who loved the characters and the world. We tried to launch a season 1 TV show but anywhere the money lingered also loss of creative control also lingered. So we made a second feature film and what a beautiful film it is. The TV series has been updated to take place after the second film but I expect many of the same roadblocks but maybe not. But I will say that the 3rd feature film working title WF3 is underway. One of the biggest responses I got from people having just seen film 2 was when will film 3 come out. We will do either a 3rd film or the TV series…or both! But I am very excited to release this second one. It might go into a few theaters again on the 2026 Christmas run up. But 11/3/2026 is the DVD and streaming release and the tens of millions of fans can finally see the film. We don’t control the theaters that will play our films. The owners are starting to see the value of independent films again so maybe that will help theaters and filmmakers. Go and watch the original and get ready for another adventure.
DEVELOPMENT– When the going was good we really put the pedal down on the production slate hence why we have three films releasing this year. We at CDI entered into an exciting project called DEVIL’S PASS working with a writer/company that I’ve admired for a few years. Along with our friends at McGraw Multimedia we’ve been putting everything together. There has been a few parts of the process that went a tad slower due to multiply parties but we’ve worked out each and every issue. The bank account opened last week and I’m wrangling to get all the committed funds into the account. Everything follows an order of business and I like being ahead of schedule versus playing catch up. It is hard when everyone wants everything done ASAP. But we have an incredible team of cast and crew that is almost complete. I’ve been rather uncomfortable growing out this facial hair to play this next role. But it’s the way every film and acting role has developed. Step by step. Layer by layer.
RETURN TO ALGONA – the follow up to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA our WW2 film is in development. We’ve started talking with sponsors and we’ll soon be also talking to investors. I was further inspired watching BAND OF BROTHERS in full finally. Again our film looks at the changes from the 40’s to the 60’s. My goal is to try and have all our commits to fund by the end of the year. We would film in Nov of next year if we can achieve our goal. If you have interest in supporting this film feel free to reach out. We have over half the funding committed.
Again, I could go on about Development as that is always underway. But I only like to discuss when things start to become solid. But this is the years of work behind the scenes by producers that never gets seen. Many show up on set ready to film but don’t understand the time it took. Countless hours that can result in nothing or in a new story coming into the world. I hope I can keep doing this until late in life. Family, friends and films.
WRAP UP – We came back from beautiful CA weather to humidity. As if that wasn’t enough, add wildfire smoke. I was ready for a good soccer match last Thursday but the league cancelled all games. That is a good thing with how bad the smoke was. The plants have been growing well in the heat and humidity. The chickens have enjoyed the property with lots of shade and areas to keep cool. I hope the smoke stays away so we can play our soccer match this week and our make up game too. Today we have the flea market down the road and so I’ll be stopping down to see if I can find any character items. I love slowly pulling together all that. I’m going to go get after a few eggs. I hope you all have/had an enjoyable restful weekend. I had calls right up to 6 pm on Friday and was ready to rest my brain. I will be ready to attack my TO DO’s for next week and give everything I do my very best effort. So until we speak again next week I hope you all have a wonderful productive week ahead.
Coffee Cheers! DJ
Happy 250th and Welcome July! Updates on CDI Films!
Happy 250th birthday to the USA. We represent an imperfect nation working towards perfection. That is not truly possible since everyone has a different idea of perfection. Hazelnut coffee tastes near perfection, for me. I hope everyone had a safe 4th. I’m past my days of strong drink and fireworks thankfully. One of our dogs absolutely hates fireworks. Over the years he has gotten better but still to see him shake makes me sad. I once was one of the hooligans drinking and causing a ruckus. Sorry Miss C. Our cats including old Fred doesn’t like the explosions and I can’t speak for our hens and the squirrels and such on the property but last night it sounded like a war zone. We watched something loud “Band of Brothers” to try and drown out the noise. On that note we only have 1 or 2 shows left to watch and I know I’m late to the party but what a great series. While we don’t have Tom Hanks/SS budgets I’m proud to have created many historic dramas and we have many more to tell.
I did wake up feeling very lucky to be alive and living in the USA. I’ve always loved the romantic notion of the 17th century but with the state of technology, medicine and more, I know that life was much harder than we imagine. The above ‘Band of Brothers’ also helped strip away the heroic glamour of war seen in movies. In many cases it did not matter how athletic you were it was where the mortar round fell or the machine gun nest scattered bullets. And the mental anguish that still haunts war time soldiers to this day. That makes me again proud of how many of the CDI stories look at the plight of soldiers after war. An Ordinary Killer, Ghost Town, Wicked Spring, Harsens Island Revenge, Wild Faith, MBF, Silent Night in Algona and more. I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to experience these stories.
This past week we left June behind and entered July. For me it represented many things aside from turning another year older. CDI finished the third film that will be rolling out this year. On that topic, we debate the value of theatrical release more and more. The communication between these bookers can be difficult. New reports state that indie film houses are on the come back. I would love to see that. So we’ll keep pushing on that front. We’ll get into some of the film updates now.
FILM UPDATES:
- I spent 4 days doing the film disbursements to our investors and residuals on the union films. I’m proud of what we’ve built slow and steady. I want to thank legal and accounting for helping us streamline the process going forward. I love writing checks out to people. It has always been one of my favorite things to do and it is why I still write the checks myself versus automating the process. That day might come but not quite yet.
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is slowly starting a pre-campaign to get people ready for the 11/3/2026 release to DVD and home video. It is also encouraging people to watch or re-watch the first film WILD FAITH. We might try to slip into a few more theaters in October. It would be great to play both films back to back.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE is prepping for a 10/2/2026 home video release. The new poster art is great and we’ll be doing some PR on the three films coming out this year. I’ve got a Lansing, MI based brew N view I’m putting together with one of our collaborators/supporters. We are still pushing the theaters and we’re excited to have this film seen. The response so far from the comedy and horror crowd has been amazing. Follow the FB pages on your favorite films to keep up with all the updates.
- AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is being delivered to the home video distributor. We’ll be planning a premiere likely in Owosso, MI the home town of the director and where we filmed. This unique film centers on topics that everyone is talking about. It is part truth and part SciFi fiction blended in a frightfully real way. AI is not going anywhere and so society will have to adjust. Much like the internet itself, I cannot say that people spending hours a day on their phones or online is healthy but it is what it is. Go watch the trailer and get ready for this film. A BTS is being worked on too my Adam Towner and I hope to have that out to audiences soon.
- DEVIL’S PASS – This action packed mid-western has been in pre-production. I’ve been working to pull in the paperwork and funds so the bank account can be opened. We’ll start locking in other logistics once that is underway. The final casting and crewing has been underway. We had a several hour meeting last week over cast and crew. We had two larger speaking roles and we have several featured that are action versus dialog. It was a great opportunity for several CDI folks to gain the experience of auditioning. It was/is a very competitive process. I myself have lost roles to others. One actor I recall was strong but did not fit the family dynamic. I know that one actor who auditioned for PETE was the one to beat. He is an amazing actor who has co-starred in two other CDI associated films. The other role was a brother to our main antagonist and is so very complex. The actor who stood out for this role was totally unexpected. He had shown a lot of dedication being an extra in no less than three CDI films. I know some folks were disappointed to not get the role but that is part of the growth also. Like in martial arts and soccer the role is earned. I saw a lot of promise in several of the reads they are just green. They need to work on their craft and get more comfortable with the camera. I use to teach workshops back in the day teaching acting for camera. This helped talented stage actors make the transition. We had a couple of reads that were just over-the-top theatrical. Some auditions had people pacing or rocking back and forth out of frame. Grounding your energy and stillness can be a strength in film acting. We will be working to distribute the schedule this week to the department heads and to actors. We are all excited to bring this next film to life this September.
DEVELOPMENT: I’ve been outlining scenes and prepping to finish the script for MBF2. I’ve had more than enough fuel for this story and unfortunately much of it is inspired by the ugly side of human nature. MBF was raw and the follow up needs to also have that teeth. I’m also working on WF3 which again has big shoes to fill with WILD FAITH ands WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS but I think this new story is up to the challenge. I do have a few books that have been submitted for consideration in being turned into a screenplay/movie, but no deal has been made.
RETURN TO ALGONA is the follow up to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA and I’m really excited to bring this next chapter to life. We are in talks with sponsors that will assist with that. Watching Band of Brothers last night made me proud to be capturing history. These stories need to be told or they will be forgotten.
Now that I’ve got much of this accounting and dispersement work done I can also return my focus to the Katharsys Media three film deal. The proposal draft is much longer than what I normally use or submit. A tip here with raising funds includes not putting in a bunch of fluff. Just the facts Joe Friday. I have a few other projects to touch base on and see where we are in the development process.
WRAP UP:
I’m again going to express my appreciation. My mind drifted to many good folks no longer with us. That is in my business and just in my life. I’m deeply appreciative that I had the tenacity to not give up. I had and still have such great people willing to work towards a collective dream. I’ve balanced my work life with a wonderful personal life. This past week I would take a break every few hours from accounting to go put my hands in the dirt. I love working on the property even though the pollen this year has given me an allergy issue to deal with. I will be taking an R&R trip to CA next week to go to the Disney Star Wars park. I will try to set up a few visits with a few local friends but if unable you will find me by the pool.
This week before I go there we’ll celebrate my mom’s bday although we did a little surprise party for her last Sunday. And my dad’s bday is also this week and we’ll be celebrating that later this month. Again, a blessing to still have my parents with us. I know many that do not have that any longer. I want to thank everyone who took the time to wish me a Happy Birthday. It was low key and calm, something I do enjoy. I just had some eggs from our hens and I’ve topped off the coffee several times. I’m going to wrap this up and I don’t know if I’ll be doing a video update from CA or if I plan to bring my laptop. I know I could get more business done but maybe I could use a break from the computer. Happy Bday to America and let us all try to remember UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL. Be good to one another. Coffee Cheers! DJ
ACTIONS BEHIND IDEAS! PLUS CDI UPDATES!
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS streams/DVD on 11/3/26
The birds were a chirping and the sun shining here in the Michigan. I’m sipping on the hazelnut coffee and reflecting on the past week. It was full of great messages wishing me a happy birthday on June 23rd. I had a very low key day whereas I avoided most film work and just relaxed. A new patio rug allowing us to move the hammock onto the deck. Sushi, soccer and being thankful for the 56 years I’ve traveled thus far. We had a bday party the following day for my nephew and also a great soccer match whereas we came back from 4-2 half to win 5-4. We had to dig down deep and lock up the defense and find the back of the net. We did just that. Friday was a fun Father’s Day trip with my dad and brother exploring some of the old family farms and even found the grave sites for a few relatives. Saturday was finishing my mowing before the heat wave hits us this coming week. I’ll use the heat days to start my film disbursements. I did finally get most of my disbursements from legal so I’ll be working on that. Let’s look at some of the other updates in the world of film.
FILM UPDATES:
- I”m awaiting returned paperwork and funds to get the DEVIL’S PASS bank account open. Next week we’ll start evaluating reads that were submitted for the few speaking roles. We’ve been doing some crew interviews to lock in our final members. We’ve been rolling out daily news on the Facebook page for this film.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE has been delivered for home video. I’m working on a brew and view at a local Lansing brewery. We’re pushing on theatrical even though up against some Summer films. The home video release date is 10/2/26 and I got a peak at the distributors cover art. It made me smile and I really like the concept behind it. I would love to see this play in a drive in showing. I might work on that. We should start hearing from some of the festivals that we submitted to come July.
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is being eagerly anticipated by fans of the first film around the world. I would love a few more theatrical showings before releasing on DVD and streaming on 11/3/26. We have producers that will be representing the film at the RED LETTER AWARDS and the WILL ROGERS MEDALLION AWARDS. This film we be a great addition to the Wild Faith franchise.
- AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is completed and we are evaluating it for theatrical. Monday I will pick up the wrap book being digitized and upload that to the distributor. The audio and video assets have been submitted and once we get all the materials in we’ll get home video release dates. This movie is wildly unique and will be a good watch for anyone excited or worried about AI and its inclusion into our world.
DEVELOPMENT:
- RETURN TO ALGONA now has a sponsorship document and we’ll start to approach various brands and businesses to get involved and help fund the remaining amount needed. My goal is to have it committed by the end of the year. That would put us filming in November of 2027. This powerful follow up to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA will be a great reunion to tell this next chapter.
- I need to pull my attention back to our business proposal for the three Katharsys Media/CDI films. I’ve almost got all three of the finished films delivered and that will free up some time.
- I’m also looking forward to finishing two of the scripts I’ve been working on. Those being MBF2 and WF3.
- I’m due to have another sit down with Curran Jacobs over the two films we have in development. That said, I’m excited to be working many scenes with him on the upcoming DEVIL’S PASS.
WRAP UP: A special day ahead and I can talk more about that next week. Next month I’ll be going to LA for a little R&R and maybe a visit or two with some friends in that area. A visit to Disneyland Star Wars is in the cards. I’m again really appreciative for all the birthday wishes. I’m so grateful to be able to do what I love and feel I was meant to do. I’ve been having fun creating this new role for the Devil’s Pass film. That includes look, wardrobe, voice and everything in between. The schedule for that film should be locked for dispersement to departments this week. That said, we have many things underway already.
I’m looking forward to getting through the 4th of July weekend with the fireworks. Our boy Finn hates the loud booms and shakes even when trying to be brave. I had my days in my youth (StretchFest) but now I don’t waste the money. Our hens have been kicking out the eggs. Our plants are growing like crazy ands lil mulberries are out. I still need to bottle the wine made from last year’s harvest. We have a break from our soccer due to the holiday. I hope all of you stay safe from the heat, firecrackers and everything else. Keep refining your goals and chasing your dreams. You have to put action behind the ideas. Step by step you will get where you need to go. Coffee Cheers!
DJ
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY and SOME GREAT CDI FILM UPDATES!
HAPPY FATHER’S DAY – To my daddy and my brother who is also an amazing daddy. My bro seen here with one of his two lil Perry’s Wes. A good day to show your appreciation to anyone in your life who fills that role. I plan to see my dad today for a visit and this week we’re taking a day trip with my dad to go visit some of his places he lived and hung out as a child. It was his dream to have a family and I think he did a good job. Conversely yesterday we attended a nice memorial for a family friend. She was a childhood friend of my mom’s and went to school with both my parents. It makes me think of my own close friends from my youth. I still talk and spend time with so many of them and I cannot imagine losing them. Sadly, we have lost a few over the years but that helps keep everything in perspective.
My allergy eye is still having good and bad days but it is improving or I’m getting use to it. I played my first game with my prescription sports goggles and despite being able to see MUCH better we still lost the game. But as I always say, I always win by way of workout. My legs have been heavy from a great battle where we had lower numbers leaving little time off the field. I’ve also been loving so much soccer on the field. I’ve sat and watched several games and often have it playing in the background.
I’m starting to do some trimming in the yard again as things are growing like gangbusters. I love the bounce of working around the property between business calls and such. I still did not get to bottling the home wine from last year’s berry picks. We have new berries starting to come in now. I still have some projects I want to complete but it is a work-in-progress. I plan to do some grilling today with some venison steaks and I think we are going to wander down to the flea market. Okay let’s get talking about some of our film projects.
FILM UPDATES:
- We just did our flights and lodging for the Will Roger’s Awards in October with Wild Faith Christmas. The same film is being represented in August at the Red Letter Awards where the film has ten nominations! This film might still have a few theatrical runs before the 11/3/26 streaming and DVD release.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE is starting to get advanced reviews before the 10/2/26 DVD and streaming release. I’m working on a brew and view set up or two and we are trying to get the next theatrical showings set up. I’m humbly surprised at the powerful 3rd party reviews giving it 9’s and 10’s. It is a unique story that makes fun of our beloved industry. Artists will really get all the inside jokes and the general audience is enjoying the wild and wacky ride. If you get a chance to see it in the theaters before the Oct release leave your own review on IMDB.com or elsewhere.
- AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip – is being delivered to our home video distributor. I need to get the wrap book digitized. I was going to do it end of last week but some RETURN TO ALGONA (More on this later) meetings took that time. Everyone has a reaction to this title. Sometimes good and sometimes hesitant but always curious. This film is a deep film wrapped in a funny external story that mirrors actual events. I never thought I would play Jesus again after THE QUEST TRILOGY but…so stay tuned. We’ll know if we’ll be rolling out to theaters working with our Dreamscape Productions partners this week. Join the FB page, watch the trailer and get ready to learn the secret of the kingdom chip.
- DEVIL’S PASS – We had a 3.5 hr schedule meeting last week to fine tune and debate scene order with our AD Adam Towner and our directors. We have casting underway and will be looking at some of the submissions this coming week. We have a few cool casting opportunities in motion and everyone is getting excited. We have a few crew roles open and the McGraw’s have been interviewing. Our biz paperwork has been distributed and as that comes back in we’ll be opening the bank account soon. We are working on our first few sponsors and that is always an exciting time. I’ve been personally enjoying the building of my character for this film. It is something vastly new for me and I like that. So casting and crewing is moving along. Schedule will be locked this week. It is going to be a cool moody world we bring to the screen.
DEVELOPMENT:
- RETURN TO ALGONA – Soon we will start closing in on our funders and sponsors for this follow up film to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. Last week we took another step with a financial commitment from the PW Museum. We are going to be challenging several more individuals and companies to help us preserve this next chapter of this incredible story. The story has been read and loved by many of the returning actors. If you or your company want to be involved feel free to reach out.
- I’m trying to get things off my desk so I can do a complete comb through on the Katharsys Media/CDI three film package. We have two films developing with Curran Jacobs and a handful of other random films developing. I’m back to script writing on a pair of scripts. Both are follow up’s to films we’ve had some wonderful success with.
- RETURN TO ALGONA as previously noted is gaining some momentum with now over half the funds committed. The first film put Algona on the map and this second film will help cement that. I want to thank the Donald Tietz Charitable Foundation and the PW Museum.
WRAP UP: I could have followed up on more development but that is always a chess game. In a few weeks I’ll be in LA/Hollywood for a few days on vacation and plan to meet up with a few industry amigos. I’m still waiting on disbursements from legal so I can get those out the door. This week is my nephew’s birthday party. I have a birthday Tuesday June 23rd and I don’t have any real plans as of now. I use to do some big parties but now I tend to keep them more low key. I’m going to wrap this up now and likely eat a few eggs before off top the flea market and I visit with my dad. I will see my brother later today and I already mentioned the grilling and chilling. I hope all of you have a great day. I will be a year older when we chat together again. Be good to one another and a great BIRTHDAY GIFT to me is to WATCH A CDI Film. I do appreciate each and everyone of you. Have a great week and coffee cheers! Mmmmm hazelnut coffee!
DJ
EXPERIENCE OVER EGOS and OTHER CDI UPDATES!
A fine good morning to everyone out there. We are now into June and the heat and humidity has arrived. We had a soccer game last week in the heat and we lost but what a great workout. I was so tired after my soccer bag felt like a hundred pounds and I had to drink some pickle juice before my shower. I ordered some prescription sports googles so I can see better on the field. So now I will have the Kareem Abdul Jabbar look going on. My eye doctor also said that my eyes were having allergy issues so I got some drops. I’ve just been steadily adjusting to being a glasses wearer. I will ballergiese missing my Thursday soccer match which might have a rain out but I have a promo show for for ROM COMS MUST DIE on Thursday with Adam Towner. It is streaming live with a live audience so it should be quite enjoyable. This is my birthday month and so I’ve been reflective upon the journey thus far. Again I feel blessed to do what I love doing working in storytelling. Let’s look at some of the other recent updates.
UPDATES:
- ABOVE is the Thursday show that we will be doing. It looks like so much fun. TUNE in Live if you can and listen to us talk about films and making movies in Mid-Michigan for the world market. ROM COMS MUST DIE is an insanely fun ride from beginning to end. We are still trying to work both theatrical pop ups and brew N views.
- AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip had a final watch/listen through and now the end credits are finally done. We had an 11th hour add to the end credits that was almost forgotten by one of our keys. Missing name or mis-spelled is the most common and once you render and deliver that is what it is. Know if we’ve ever made a mistake it was never on purpose. We plan to have a great premiere for this film and we’ll see if Dreamscape Productions wants to partner with us on this title into theaters. This is a very unique and timely story ripped from news headlines and given a SciFi twist. This coming week I’ll be digitizing the wrap book and getting that uploaded to the distributor.
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – We have a two punch coming up with the RED LETTER AWARDS and ten nominations in August. And in October we have the WILL ROGERS MEDALLION AWARDS to accept for screenplay and the film. We won either gold, silver or bronze. We are the underdog of sorts with both the other films having some amazing talent from C. Thomas Howell to Dennis Quaid, Mary McDonald, Tom Skerritt and Kurt Russell’s son Wyatt. I LOVE that our troupe is in such great company. I’m looking into using this win to try and connect with a literary agent. I had an agent at one of the big 3 agencies years ago but I’m looking at that once again. I love to write and so it might serve me well to have someone focused on work-for-hire or selling scripts I don’t plan to produce. They will be honoring others like Clint Black, Kevin Costner, Barry Corbin and more…
- DEVIL’S PASS is now in pre-production and we’re forming the production entity now. Next week we plan to start signing on our backers and getting the bank account open. Creatively it has been a wonderful process working with the writer and our directors. We have a walk through this coming week with our production designer. We also just dropped a casting call for three roles that can be found on the Devil’s Pass FB page. It also has the extras submission info but why not read for a role and see what happens. We will be doing some PR announcements soon including pulling BONANZA alumni Mitch Vogel out of retirement. I wish we could work with everyone but we too have limited resources referring to cast and crew. Many of our artists have to be local due to costs. But this September we will film this moody mid-western film. Darby Hinton from WILD FAITH is back as one of our leads. We have a few holes in oBonanzaur cast and crew that we’ve been interviewing and auditioning people for. We will also start talking to sponsors this week.
DEVELOPMENT:
We are making some moves to try and bring on the second part of funding on RETURN TO ALGONA the 1968 follow up film to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. We have some great leads and interested parties. Preserving the history of this PW Camp and the Nativity Scene has been a wonderful process. My goal is to get the matching commits this year and film next year in Algona.
We also have a couple of film’s developing with Curran Jacobs who directed FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH. A slate of films with Katharsys Media and a handful of one offs trying to find the right backers. It is always a process of matching up the right variables to make a movie happen.
I’ve had another book sent to me to consider turning into a screenplay. I’ve been paid to do this several times and it is a process I do enjoy. It is different from an original screenplay but both have their fun aspects. As noted before, even projects with funding are strongly evaluated because the process is complicated and if you get the wrong pieces in play it can stop being fun really fast. Experience over egos is what is required to make these projects a success.
WRAP UP: I’ve been enjoying creating a new character for DEVIL’S PASS. I love working with the voice, motivations, wardrobe and even facial hair. As we cast folks each read of the script becomes more clear as you can imagine performances. Just like with the locations that add fuel to your imagination. So I’ll keep looking for those unique pieces.
I might have to put a mow on parts of the lawn today before the rain moves in this week. I did some grilling yesterday of some venison burgers and it feels great to have the grill operational again. We just had some eggs from our hens and that just really makes a morning.
This week I’m back to working on film disbursements and love how streamline it is becoming. I have my team to thank for that. The back end of the week is the production designer scout on Weds, the live show on Thursday and Friday a Devil’s Pass production meeting. I look forward to a great week and hope you all do as well. I’m going to close this up and go get my lawn things done before the heat kicks in. Coffee Cheers! DJ
Welcome to May! ICFF Updates and More…
It is a beautiful, sunny Monday and I’m doing my blog here a day later as I was traveling back yesterday from Florida. We had a great time at the ICFF film event representing WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. It has been several years since I’ve been to the balmy Florida. We flew in and right away I met a couple film individuals from my past which was a great start. I got to put some faces with names and met many new filmmakers. This festival has been recognizing CDI films since FORTY NIGHTS many moons ago. It was my first appearance and I think people were happy to finally meet me as well. I went with Shane Hagedorn and we had several good meals, great music and some even greater conversations.
My knee which I hurt sightseeing at a 17th Century windmill the weekend before got still on my flight. Add a few miles of walking around the resort and it was a minor issue the entire trip. Add some nice new shoes that chewed at my heels and I was a mobility mess. But I dealt with it and now with my knee sleeve and some anti-inflammatory meds and I am on the mend. I better I have two weeks before outdoor soccer season.
Back to the ICFF we were up against a record setting submission year and brought home the gold for Hester aka Melissa Anschutz. Anyone who has seen WILD FAITH or WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS knows how much she deserves the award. I accepted for her and cannot recall what I said exactly but I had several people come up and comment on my speech so I guess I did good.
We have just returned and the celebratory for WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is heating up on the Red Letter Awards front. Shane Hagedorn will be attending in August where we are up for Best Picture, Addy Paddy is up for Best Supporting Actress and Dean Teaster, Best Supporting Actor. More will be rolling out for several weeks. We will be looking to push booking back into the theaters before the 11/3/2026 streaming and DVD release. This beautiful follow up film to Wild Faith is making us all proud once again. See this film if you can in theaters or when it starts streaming.
AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip – This wonderful film will be ready for our first in studio screening soon. I’m so excited to hear all the sound design and music. This week we’ll keep working on the end credits and we will be discussing the theatrical run for this film before the Q4 home video. The BTS is being worked on by Adam Towner and the first draft was really good and now we’re adding more material to it.
ROM COMS MUST DIE – May 18th at the Williamston Sun Theater 7:00 show with box office open at 6:30 tickets $10 cash only. The QC test on the film went well and so we’ll finalize what we need at the hub that distributes the film to theaters. We will start setting up other showings to take place all Summer. Pop Up Screenings! Find our Facebook page and event page and invite your friends to come watch this zany comedy.
DEVELOPMENT:
We have several projects in development at CDI and we’ve talked before about associated films. For a few months now there has been talks on a film project with a good friend of CDI tribe. They have done a few feature films and wanted CDI to supervise and produce. The script underwent several re-writes to streamline the story. Also they were willing to bring the film to Michigan where of course CDI has a serious home court advantage. We have locked in the directorship of the film and have been working on other prep work. We will be announcing this very soon once we solidify a few last deal points. I take our projects very serious and our associated films are no different. But we will be preparing a PR release and moving soon into pre-production. We look to be filming in September in and around central Michigan.
The first script draft for RETURN TO ALGONA the follow up to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is completed. The script was sent to the Foundation that is supporting the development and part of the production. The script was given major flowers by our director and the main producers. Now we’ll likely give a private peek to a handful of talent too. This is looking like it will film in 2027 in Algona, Iowa if everything works out properly.
WRAP UP:
I’m going to be preparing investment disbursements this month and that will be an all month process but one I love. We are so grateful for our investors and sponsors. I’m so proud of this being our 30th year as a production company. I plan to organize some of the contacts from our IFCC trip and follow up on a few business talks there. Again this weekend I was reminded why I feel so blessed to be doing what I love to do. I will likely give my knee a break from working the property for a few but green is poppong everywhere. I am looking forward to a great week of catch up with a fun event at week’s end. I hope you all are enjoying your May kick off. I’m going to refill ye ole hazelnut coffee cup and likely get after a few eggs. I look forward to giving you more updates this coming Sunday! Be good to one another!
DJ
New Releases. New Castings Coming. New Development.
What a beautiful day in Lansing, MI today! It was a tad chilly but the sun was out and the apple blossoms are in bloom. Birds and squirrels are busy at work and our chickens were happy to be out and about. The hens have been kicking 4-5 eggs and day which has been wonderful. Yesterday we did a day trip to Holland, MI and saw the 1700’s windmill and the fields of tulips. I also had a nice Dutch sampler at a Dutch eatery. I have been to Amsterdam so I’ve had some of the local dishes but this was nice. I love experiencing new food, music and traditions. I’m thrilled that this week I will be putting up a new acting sizzle reel. I’ve not done a new one since 2020 because I’ve been busy acting so it wasn’t a priority. I’m very excited that soon I’ll be sharing films and my created characters with a wide audience as some of our films release. Let’s look at some of the updates and look ahead somewhat.
UPDATES:
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS the home video poster above which will release on 11/3/2026 but our partners at Dreamscape Productions will look to get it into a few more theaters before the streaming release. Next week we’ll see how the film does at the ICFF where it has a handful of nominations including Best Picture. The Red Letter Awards in August and I believe we are under consideration at a few additional festivals and events. We have the 8 show season 1 of WILD FAITH: Hastings on deck and I’m working on another stand alone film working title WF3 right now.
- I’ve completed my first draft on RETURN TO ALGONA which is the next chapter following SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. I’ve got some great feedback from my main producers and our director Anthony Hornus. It will be going to the foundation and other associated entities to review soon. We have 1/2 the funding in place and will likely look to film in 2027 either early or late in 2027 as it requires a winter backdrop. We will likely start doing some advance casting out of Iowa working with friends there so get your reels and materials updated. Our production designer is in Algona today doing some advanced scouting.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE – This comedy horror film is having the first showing at the Sun Theater in Williamston, MI on May 18th. The box office opens at 6:30 with the film showing at 7:00. Tickets are $10 cash and have to be purchased at the box office. This will be a great first showing as we’re setting up for many other showings in other theater chains and classic theaters like this one. This was such a fun film to shoot and I think audiences will enjoy it. It is about following your dreams at any cost. I was inspired in writing the screenplay by films like WAITING FOR GUFFMAN, BEST IN SHOW, THIS IS SPINAL TAP and A MIGHTY WIND.
- AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip – We are close to having all the music and sound design put into the film. From there we will do a watch and we’re also assembling the end credit crawl which always takes a little time. I LOVE how this film presents and I think audiences of all types will enjoy it. It has a strong comedic tone but also adds real depth in various places. Monday I’ll be looking at a draft of the BTS video by Adam Towner. We will start to ramp up more of the PR once we get the film finished.
DEVELOPMENT: I’ve been loving the development work on several fronts. We almost have the business foundation in place on a film that would shoot in Michigan this Fall. I don’t want to speak on it until we are further down the road but the last two weeks have had hours of business development spent. I’ve said it before but for me/CDI to consider outside projects the funds have to be there. Otherwise we have a slate of films that the funds could be placed upon. Funding is only part of the equation but having the script in the right place and having the right team is what makes me say yes. Location also plays into it and how easy can I work with the other party. Because often the other party comes to CDI wanting to up their production game but in production value and the production journey. The last few CDI films have been extremely smooth sailing. That is due to having the right personalities and attitudes aligned. Negativity is a cancer in the film world and if you don’t really like the long, hard hours on set don’t do it. God, knows there are easier jobs that pay better but you pay the cost in other ways if you are not happy with what you do.
We have several projects in development all with various great things happening. This one we’re looking at for the Fall is a fun one for sure. We’ve got a great team lining up and a great battle plan. I like the acting role that I would play. It is a unique character that I feel strong about. I know I can bring something really cool to audiences and that process of character building is already happening in my head. So this week we’ll continue our development talks and I hope to announce something once we have dried ink as I like to say.
WRAP UP:
Today I’m going to do some property clean up and maybe get the grill around for Summer use. I’m looking forward to a great week ahead and I’m thankful for all the abundance of good things happening. I’m excited to see what some of the other parties involved think of the RETURN TO ALGONA script. It is be a great story to tell. I’m going to go make a few eggs and get on with my day. But I want to thank all of you for once again stopping by to have a read. If you can come out on May 18th to see ROM COMS MUST DIE I will be there as will some of the cast and crew. Until next week keep plugging away at your dreams and be good to one another. Everyone has their challenges and such they are dealing with. Coffee cheers, time to refill that as well.
DJ
Early Notice of the First RCMD Michigan Showing ands More…
Good morning to everyone! Hazelnut coffee cheers! I had a rare restless sleep which might have been because of something I ate. I might be grabbing a Sunday nap later but overall I’m happy to report a wonderful week of updates on the personal and professional fronts. The week was quite rainy but that resulted in green springing up everywhere. We had our last indoor soccer match and I have to finish signing up for the outdoors season. I racked the wine that we talked about the last few weeks into the 6 gal glass jug to let it set for a while before bottling. I’ve been on the lookout for mushrooms but none yet. Tulips, violets and more are popping and even the lilac is starting to bud as is the apples. I planted a few seedlings and have started to get ready for a season of growth. Today is our first weekend of the flea market right down the road and so that will be fun. Nature is everywhere and I could not be happier. This week will be finalizing some business paperwork. I had a great meeting last week with our legal (Over Sushi) and we’ve been delivering materials to the home video distributor. Let’s talk about some of the updates from the week.
UPDATES:
- ROM COMS MUST DIE our dark comedy will have a first showing at the Williamston Sun Theater on May 18th at 7:00 pm with doors/box office open at 6:30. I believe this 350 seat classic theater only takes cash to be bought at the door. You are getting the early heads up before any of the postings but we hope to see you all there. Soon after the film will start booking around the country.
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS will be playing at the ICFF coming up 1st of May in Florida. We still don’t know the individual nominations but the film is up for BEST PICTURE at The Red Letter Awards on August 29th, 2026 so that will be another great boost for the film. The home video poster art is on IMDB.com on the film’s page.
- AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is a few weeks from a watch through with all the music and sound design played into the picture. This week the end credit work will start in earnest with this being one of the more difficult steps. The BTS video is also being worked on and the final poster art created by the home video distributor will be replacing the concept art. We are all very excited about this project.
- I’m happy to say that my first draft of the follow up script to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is completed. The working title is RETURN TO ALGONA and it will be polished up this week but I’m very happy with it. We’ll be doing some PR about that in the coming weeks. It is likely looking like a 2027 after Christmas filming or the run up to Christmas 2027. The financing is partially in place and we’ll see how fast it comes together once the polished draft is finished. We are all very excited to return to Iowa and tell another wonderful story from the town’s rich history. Anthony Hornus is slated to direct again working with John McGraw (AI Jesus) as the director of photography.
DEVELOPMENT: Even bullet point #4 about is about development. We are catching up on post production and so it is time to create more stories. We have a few good meetings this week that could put us into pre-production. One would be for an end-of-Summer movie and we have several other feature films developing. Maybe even a few documentary films on some really cool subjects. After my polish on RETURN TO ALGONA I am going to return to a few other scripts I’ve been working on including MBF2 and WF3. Do you know what those codes stand for? Also a financing pitch needs to come together for the 3 films with Katharsys Pictures and Lynn Drzick. I’m going to keep this section short but we do have some amazing development underway.
WRAP UP: The streamlining of CDI and getting us ready for many new adventures has been exciting. Again I would have never thought that I would be this deep in all the business of film but I’ve always been about getting things done. I keep chipping away at the paperwork and I’ve almost got that all caught up. I think many people are starting to realize that life is short and you need to go after your dreams full speed ahead. I’m not planning on ever really retiring just adjusting my pace with what I can handle. I LOVE what I do. I LOVE the people I work with. I LOVE that we can make people happy by telling them a story. I’m going to go eat some oatmeal, get cleaned up and wander down to the flea market. I might have a new character I’m creating to put into a story. Enjoy the new growth around you and within you. I look forward to talking next week and we’ll hopefully have some great news to share next week. Until next week, be good to one another.
DJ
April Showers- New Growth Personal and Professional
Good morning to everyone. I hope everyone has had a great week. We’ve had a good amount of rain but it is getting warmer. There is a first flea market this week but rain might make it small or non-existent. I’ve been having fun adjusting to progressive glasses. Finding the sweet spot to view different ranges is a trick. I got my back up glasses with different frames that of course has slightly different sweet spots. The eyes are one of areas you can feel your age. But I’ve spent lots of time on the computer and even work on my iPhone. I need to try and do more on my computer vs phone for the larger screen. In the office I just replaced the old TV with a larger one. I’ve also been doing some more wood stacking and organizing. That season of wood stove fires is slowly closing. I am so happy to have gotten so much trimming of trees and bushes done already. My BERRY KA-POW Chuck Norris Tribute Wine was racked to the 6 gallon glass jug. I’ll let it rest in there for a few weeks before I decide to bottle. I need to use up a few more bottles of ‘Paw-Paw Special’ from the previous batch so I can get more bottles. Sounds like I need a few more meetings at the fort.
I had some good conversations as of late with different CDI members all working on various tasks. We did not attend the local film festival mixer like we normally do since everyone was busy on tasks. I have been commissioned to write the screenplay for the follow up movie to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. It is called RETURN TO ALGONA and is about the return of the German artists/former PW who built the Nativity scene gifted to the town. All the deep dive research into 1968 has been just amazing. The film is a snapshot of 68′ and shows what is the same and different from 1944. In prepping for my semi-literary agent search I’ve realized I’ve had 13 feature films produced that I’ve written and several early co-written projects. Various short form endeavors too. I love to write and I do feel it is where many productions could use help. A better built blueprint. I’m not sure as I’ve never put it all in front of me (I need to) but I think I’ve had every screenplay nominated or won as best screenplay award. I think that is a reflection of my joy of writing. I see a movie in my head and I put it on the page. I think it is a gift and I love sharing it. I’m writing a beautiful story that will showcase many of my favorite actor friends. I have one scene in the opening and that is it. Sometimes you are the star and sometimes you are there to help tell the story. I think that is easier to say having starred in many films and I again am very appreciative of that.
I’ve also had a few great meetings with the marketing teams at our home distributor TEG about the artwork for WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS and AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip. I love the artwork for both and I think they will help bring new audiences to these films and hopefully the franchises. I’m also very fond of the theatrical poster for ROM COMS MUST DIE (RCMD) our dark comedy. I had talks with a possible small art theater for a RCMD premiere. Our set up for for broader theatrical release is close. A few questions being answered by our post supervisor and delivery hub. I appreciate the nice communications from folks who watched THE QUEST TRILOGY films and the original WILD FAITH. I had one individual reach out full of questions after watching part two of the trilogy CHASING THE STAR. I said, you have to watch part 3 and they did. And it all made sense. But the films are layered and you get something every time you watch it. This person watched part 3 twice to grasp all that was shown. Depending on your view point of The Quest Trilogy, AI Jesus could be a follow-up film in the series. A stand alone but with some great tie-in’s. I’m just beyond excited to share these three new films with audiences and I’m loving how the other CDI films are finding new audiences weekly. It is humbling to know that tens of millions of good folks have watched these films.
While books are not as popular as they once were I still love them. Just like I love album LP’s and other physical media. I always say that if you love something you better own it. The Ghost Town book has been reissued and I need to one day connect my name on Amazon to all the books I’m part of. Maybe it needs its own FB page but I have so many already. I would love to get into soundtracks but I think I want to do a best of CDI music in a K-Tel style. I need to write a few reflection pieces for a few upcoming books on Knight Chills making of book and The Quest Trilogy making of book. Speaking of making of – Adam Towner and I are working on the BTS of AI Jesus.
Development – I’ve been enjoying the script writing on no less than three screenplays. One comes with 1/2 the financing and the other two have interested parties but the scripts have to be on point. Other scripts already polished are being broken down for a 1st budget so we know what to ask for money wise. This order of business is so important. Money without a tight script is not good, yet I hear of that in Hollywood all the time. Unfortunately it often shows. Another good problem to have is too many options and we often have that. I’ve said before that outside development/collaboration is taken serious when it comes with money. When we raise money it goes to developed scripts and projects we’ve consulted often with our distributors. That is why we don’t have to shop we produce wanted product. The project has to be primed for success and so that is why I really scrutinize the script and production team because I plan to win. We have a great project we are considering and I like the direction of the development. We will see in the next couple weeks what happens.
I also plan to have a first draft of RETURN TO ALGONA very soon. I’m on page 70 of the first draft and so I am guessing this time next week I will have first draft. We love our Iowa family just like our Alpena, Yuma and friends around the world. I’m going to wrap this up and eat a few eggs. We’ve been still getting 4-5 a day so we have a little egg factory over here. I’m going to stop by the flea market and see if the vendors show up despite the early morning rain. I have a birthday party today for my niece and I’m excited by that. And to end the night my brother and a few childhood friends with gather. It is my dear brother’s birthday tomorrow! Soccer has been fun. We have one more indoor game and outdoor starts next month until October I believe.
I hope you are all enjoying your Spring. I’m blessed to be healthy and happy and I look forward to the exciting things ahead both personal and professional. I hope you all have a great day and we’ll chat next week. Lastly, be good to one another. The world is in flux as it always is but remember what is important. By that I mean friends, family and fun and not always promoting conflict and division. Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Happy Easter! Every Great Film Started as a Conversation
I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee on a day where the rain has finally stopped but we have a touch of icy snowflakes. But it is Easter and you can see the signs of Spring everywhere. Last night I watched our 3rd film in The Quest Trilogy film series called The Christ Slayer. The film is a fine parable, a mix of scripture and legend as one reviewer put it. It is the final chapter in the overall story. It was influenced by films like Ben Hur which we watched 1/2 of last night at almost four hours long. And also obscure films like Circle of Iron written by Bruce Lee. There are so many beautiful moments in our film. I can see places where we could have done better perhaps if we had more resources. And when I say resources, I mean money. But we did so much right and I love see friends and fellow actors tell such a powerful tale in the deserts of Yuma, AZ. Part one was Forty Nights and part two was Chasing the Star and of course part three is The Christ Slayer. I’m proud of what we created and love that millions of people have put eyes on the three films. We’ve been working to pull a book together about making the three films. It is getting there but lots to do including writing I need to do. To do three films that interconnect was just an awesome experience. I want to see the three go out on BluRay also but that is a whole different endeavor. But a loose follow up film four will be AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip heading to theaters this late Summer/Fall before home video release. The film is having a wonderful score done by our talented friend Dennis Therrian.
OTHER FILM UPDATES:
- Read about our upcoming dark comedy ROM COMS MUST DIE here: https://www.prlog.org/13137307-rom-coms-must-die-unveils-bold-first-poster-and-trailer-flipping-the-script-on-rom-coms.html
- We are looking at a ROM COMS MUST DIE premiere showing soon and we’ll start booking theater chains for it very soon. It will release to home video after the theatrical run looking at Q3 around Halloween. Read the PR, watching the trailer and take a look at our poster art.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE has been entered into several festivals and so we’ll see how it does with the targeted audience.
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is going to home video streaming on 11/3/2026 and we’re excited about that. We are looking at several additional events and festivals this year. This follow up is really exciting for us and the fans. I will say on the development front we have a season 1 TV Series WILD FAITH: Hastings consisting of eight shows. Additionally I’ve started work on a stand alone WILD FAITH 3 (working title). This franchise has a lot more to give it is just about the funding. It is always about the funding.
- Staying on the subject of westerns DEAN TEASTER’S GHOST TOWN is the Smoky Mountain western CDI produced several years ago in Maggie Valley, NC and Cherokee. You can watch the film on several platforms but here is the novelization plus a great intro by Dean Teaster with pictures on how the film was developed. You can buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Town-Bob-Terrell/dp/B0GVSN16T9/ref=sr_1_1?crid=18CAPTHDM5PHE&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.3-DEdK9206G55ho-k3pz8ZvcMOD-buVphhn-hmOq_Be7eZ9dcbL-tYiGZKzRvuUvSMusbh3IgNITRgm7sXBUHKOn7GxbD2KiXqYdZbUOa7n4qr9Oaeyn5HG6DfFz_DTVdQcT1Fh3TpSiJSon_GqXMQ.D1I-TP2no2-hqJyYFortH20F240JSwNQ88Nfn8ROWI8&dib_tag=se&keywords=Bob+Terrell+Ghost+Town&qid=1775397295&sprefix=bob+terrell+ghost+town+%2Caps%2C119&sr=8-1
- Speaking on the older films we are still doing some restoration work on three of the early CDI films from the Classic Collection. The idea is to get them into HD so we can release them back into the market.
- We have a few film slates that are being prepared for targeted financing. Either of these could create years of work for our CDI tribe. If you have interest in getting your company, brand or personally involved in helping launch these stories reach out and let’s talk. Every great film started as a conversation. We’ve had so many great partners over the years and we are thankful to each and everyone of them.
- Speaking to the bullet point above at CDI we have opportunities both for investors and those that wish to help launch a project with a tax write off. We have a few non-profits we’ve worked with on several projects and so if investing isn’t your thing but giving to a great cause for a write off is, again let’s talk.
- Both of the above bullet points tie into the fact that we’ve almost caught up on productions and we’ve been leaning more into development. I’ve been working on budgets for two features inside CDI and also writing on several developing scripts. But one script in particular is front and center and I will have a strong draft by the end of the month. We will be releasing PR on it soon but RETURN TO ALGONA is a follow up to our Iowa-based SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. I’ve been so happy with the way the script is turning out. I’ve loved doing all the deep dive into the history of 1968. It is truly a beautiful story and I think it will be a great follow up film.
- Thanks to a dear friend I should have a 2026 acting reel in a few weeks. I do like to participate in the right outside film projects. I’m not one to chase too much but it will be nice to having something from a few of the previous films. The issue often is so many films, character and powerful scenes which is a good issue to have I’m told. I kicked off the year playing a small part in a short that was shot on 16mm this year. I do consider projects that I connect with the character and/or material but I also don’t need the IMDB credit. It does need to come with a pay check.
WRAP UP: This month starts Q2 and we I’m going to be doing some transitional business which started last year. It is all working to streamline CDI business and prepare us for decades of more business. I’ve had many talks recently that once again points out the difference between playing with storytelling and having it all legally cleared so it can monetize in the marketplace. I’m still exploring the literary agent path again since I do have a few properties I don’t plan to produce and I’m very timely on work-for-hire writing gigs.
Film releases, promotions and development all underway to try and make 2026 a great year. It has already come with loss but also gain. Some of the losses have really hit me hard and I know life will continue to hit but I’m going to keep finding the strength to keep moving forward. I’ve said it before, I’m going to keep living forward with laughter and love for those no longer here. I’m going to try and keep being an inspiration to those people.
On this day, no matter your walk or beliefs, reflect on the renewal of faith. For some that will be in God and others in oneself, family connections and the blessings of love that tie you all together. As the weather gets warmer and plants start to grow and animals start to build nests and raise young, take in the beauty of it all. Don’t be afraid to fail. Try new things but do give it your all. Look to find what you share in common and not differences in strangers. I do love that perspective that the astronauts have looking down upon us, that we are all one race on this planet. We fight amongst one another for things here that are all just temporary.
Until we talk again next week, be happy in April. I’ve been balancing my film work with trimming trees and shrubs. The chickens are kicking out eggs. I’m planning improvements to the property and soon will be planting the clover. My BERRY KAPOW Chuck Norris Tribute Wine (It should have a kick!) has been racked once now and I’ve added roasted barley, chocolate and such to the must to add hints of flavor. A Summertime beverage over business talk and corn hole or darts. I’m looking forward to another turn of the wheel and I want to again thank all of you for joining me each week.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
CDI Film Updates- Lessons of Staying in the ‘Right’
Spring is officially upon us and today our clocks ‘Sprung’ ahead! The rain has taken the snow and the ground has drunk up the water. Small buds and bits of green can be found here and there. I want to do some trimming before growth goes full onward. I am enjoying the last of the wood stove fires as soon the temps will tip in the other direction. The added light has the chickens kicking out the eggs. I’ve started the property clean up from the harsh winter. I’m making my list of TO DO’s for the property and I think this coming week I am going to start a batch of Frankenberry wine. That is wine that is made from all the berries around the property with a little rhubarb thrown into it.
I’m about past tax season work with the films. I still have to organize for payment. We’ve worked to streamline some of the process which will help with check writing to investors and end of year tax work. Again I thank the CDI support staff from Dean Teaster, John Mashni and Gary Davison and his team. Filmmaking is a business and it takes a lot more than just what happens on set.
OTHER FILM UPDATES:
- The big news being ran through the PR machine is the nomination of Wild Faith Christmas for several awards topped with BEST PICTURE with the IFCC. One of the largest fests that recognizes family and inspirational films. I’m actually going to join Shane Hagedorn at a hit and run visit to Florida for the awards show. We want to try and have a few conversations about the funding of the TV series and/or a 3rd feature film.
- The Red Letter Awards which is a fast growing event that recognizes positive and inspirational art gave us advanced notice that WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS was up for Best Picture. I think we last won that with SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. The individual nominations will be forthcoming and that show is outside of Nashville.
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is still up for recognition at several other festivals but will also be going into theaters again end of Summer/Fall before the home video release. I think we almost have everything submitted to TEG and this coming week I will start on the delivery items for RCMD. What is that you ask?
- ROM COMS MUST DIE! If you are fans of films that make fun of things such as Spinal Tap, Best in Show, A Mighty Wind or Waiting For Guffman you might really love this film. The theatrical poster is now complete and we are trying to set up the premiere. After we are planning a series of theatrical events. It will release to streaming and DVD before Halloween Q3. This is comedy/horror and will really hit a note if you work in or follow the actual film industry. You can pop over to the IMDB page and see the poster, watch the trailer or the making of.
- Speaking of Making of – I’m trying to catch up IMDB on the making of’s. These are interesting for the public but also a major joy for cast and crew to look back upon. The journey is a beautiful one. We are also doing this on the literary front with CDI’s collaboration with Katharsys Publishing. We are almost ready to re-release rhe Ghost Town book back to Amazon. We have a Making of Knight Chills with the director’s script and notes. We already have a few of these products out there but we’ll be putting many more out to market. Shane Hagedorn and I have been assembling everything for a beautiful book on THE QUEST TRILOGY. It will have great reflective stories from all the directors and more. If you have not watched FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER in that order you should. It will prepare you for AI Jesus coming to theaters and home video this year.
- I’ll give you the drop here early but we are soon to announce a CDI collaboration with Lynn Drzick to do a slate of genre films. One a detective slasher, a SciFi piece and a sequel to IN THE WOODS. I plan to get that PR around but development work is underway for the first film.
- AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is in audio post and the first pass is done on dialog and sound design. We’ll review that soon before the musical score begins. We’ll also start the end credit creation. The front credits need a touch adjusting as we have a few new credits to add. I’m down to the last two marketing units on this film and I think we’ll wrap that up soon. The theatrical release will be Summer followed by the Q4 home video release. This film is very deep but also dressed in humor. The topic of AI is everywhere and this film looks at all angles of this emerging technology. You can watch the trailer online and we will soon have a BTS and final theatrical poster soon!
DEVELOPMENT – The Katharsys/CDI slate in development was mentioned above but that is only the tip of the spear. This coming week will be very telling on two different films where funding is concerned. I did a magazine interview this past week and I was asked the hardest part of making movies. That is easily the funding. I also mentioned the WILD FAITH franchise developing the TV series and a 3rd stand alone film should the series budget be too heavy to lift currently. I’ve noted before a few scripts that I’m working on in-between paid writing. One of them is MBF2. I’m not in a hurry to film this but I’ve had the story in my head for several years and wanted to get it out in script form. If you have not seen MAN’S BEST FRIEND it might be a good watch. I’ve got partial scripts for LOST HEART 2 and WILD FAITH 3. I love to write but funding as we stated is the hard part. The feature film version of SMOKE & MIRRORS could jump in the development line pending what happens this month on other film funding fronts.
WRAP UP: People who know me know that I like to build modest expectations and if we far exceed that projection – great! I don’t oversell or hype with unrealistic goals. To get BIG rewards you often have to RISK big. In the indie film circles one big risk fail can hinder you for years. It is why I’ve always chosen the slow and steady. I hear all the horror stories of promises made and promises broken. Deals without paperwork and people left out to dry. If it sounds too good to be true it usually is. People seeking short cuts and unearned glory usually drive these tragic situations. A face of success can be put upon it all until the bridges start burning. At that point, these filmmakers usually move away and disappear looking to use another market’s gullible. I urge you if you really love this industry don’t play the short game. Play the long game and build your experience to delivery creatively more than was expected. Keep your business tight and be known for your follow through. Unsolicited I had two different individuals speak into the shortcomings of an individual and group. It saddens me because you try to set good examples and give good advice to people but it doesn’t always stick. I think some people are just users and others use their own experience to try and develop people and give opportunities. I always want to stay on the latter side of being a giver vs just taker even if it makes me a fool in some eyes, it’s how I like to live.
If you’ve gathered your wealth by back stabbing and stepping on people it doesn’t make you great. It makes you sad and often lonely once you’ve burned all your bridges. My mind just jumped back to an individual like this who once he had burned all his relationships he killed himself. A loss that did not have to happen. There are filmmakers I know that I don’t agree with and most of them know it because we’ve said our peace. And that said, I know they work hard just a much different process and philosophy from mine. And I know toxic ‘users’ that I will not deal with and will give my truth if asked. But I don’t go out of my way to say anything because after all these years I know that these people burn themselves out. Now many do damage the industry as a whole because a ruined location. An investor burnt by a project never finished will not likely invest again. I’m proud to have investors that have been with us on many films and that should speak for itself. There is more than enough resources for many artists to prosper and I just ask that you all respect your business. People find out eventually that differences exist between production companies and how they run their business. I’m not perfect but I challenge anyone to say I don’t give my best efforts. I’ve dedicated my life to the arts and much to the medium of filmmaking. I deeply appreciate everyone in and associated with the tribe CDI. Slow your roll and do good business and good art.
I’m going to call it. I dislike lecturing but I dislike hearing about bad business even more. Especially if it is people I care about. Note I did not use past tense. I can still care about people even if we don’t have current business between us. But when the business dries up often the friendship goes with it. Maybe it is shame for actions they took. Maybe it is the fact that got everything they are going to get from me. I don’t know the truth of what lies in people’s heart. But I do know I have a wonderful tribe of people that want to do things right. If slower is right. If good communication is right. If good business is right. I can say that the extra effort to stay in the right is well worth it. Have a great week ahead.
Coffee Cheers! DJ
Knocking Things Down in January! CDI Updates in the New Year!
(With my post supervisor and my senior producers)
Hazelnut coffee cheers on a cold Michigan day. I got to feel -13 degrees and it was quite chilly. Today we are getting more warmth but some snowfall to go with it. I had a very productive week and I’m happy with many of the developments. We have been fine tuning several projects at various phases. We will list those soon enough. I will say we’ve had some good back and forth on these fine tuning. It is often needed to LOCK something to move forward. Occasionally a good idea hits after this lock and if the next phase has not started there is time to reevaluate. I’ve discovered that often what makes a film rise to greatness can lie in the final tweaks we make. A color, a font, an added sound effect or a some shift. I remember staying in LA on a business trip outside the Magic Castle with Tony Hornus. Back home they were close to locking the edit on AN ORDINARY KILLER. During my last take on one of the scenes where my detective is looking over his “detective board” has to admit defeat. The last take I violently cleared the desk of all the folders and files flinging them everywhere. Only the DP knew and let’s say the production designer wasn’t happy. We got the quiet sad moment and we have this violent outburst whereas the detective hates losing. After a few glasses of wine and chilling by the pool I had an idea to a debate Tony was having on which shot to use. Use both was my solution. Outside he is calm but inside him there is a storm. So quiet, thrash the desk and return to the quiet shot. You were seeing in his mind what he wanted to do. How he felt. But ultimately the calm detective won out. Both shots were used and it made the scene extra special. To have these talks and brainstorms, especially if the idea is on top of something already liked, can only happen by mutual respect. We could have called it done but that change was one of the last tweaks. You can go stream AN ORDINARY KILLER and see for yourself. Sometimes as I said the special lies in that last, “let’s try this”. That can be hard when you are weary of one phase and want to move to the next. We’ve had a few of those moments while discussing final poster and trailer tweaks. Once it is all done that is what we live with but do enjoy those moments of collaboration. I just ask to be heard and have an idea considered. Occasionally a business angle plays into the suggested tweak and other times it just ties in with other themes in the film. These are wonderful talks that happen on all the great films. Don’t get frustrated and try to enjoy these moments. They come and go and pass into history fast enough.
I will make one other note- I’m participating on a film shoot today acting. A director had a mutual friend introduce us and he is directing his first narrative. It is a one day commit in my home town and they are shooting on 16mm film. I started in film and it has been many a moon since I’ve shot on film and the story is interesting so I said, yes. In my desire to network a touch more one of my 2026 goals was to act in two non CDI films. Check one off after today. I know a few of the cast, crew associated with this film and this will be a nice opportunity to just act. We are suppose to have a snowstorm and I am filming outside but as I always say, sometimes the harsher the conditions the better it looks on camera. To date, Pontiac MI I filmed on a movie called DEAD QUIET playing a homeless man. It was the worst icy snow conditions I’ve filmed in followed by THE NEST, a Korean War film that got hit by a blizzard in Pennsylvania on the last day of the shoot. I will see where this shoot falls in the coldest shoots but I’m pretty acclimated to all the conditions from snow to heat to rain and such.
OK. Onto developments-
- Harsens Island Revenge has joined our streaming films on various platforms. If you have not watched it you should and maybe you would be so kind as to leave a review on whatever platform and http://www.imdb.com
- Wild Faith Christmas opened its run at the State 5 Fridley theater in Algona, Iowa where we premiered SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA (SNIA). SNIA is now streaming and same as above take a watch and review if you can. If you are in and around Algona please do take your family to see our beautiful follow up to WILD FAITH. You can watch the first film streaming and Wild faith Christmas will release to home video Q4 of this year. But we will keep traveling it to various theaters for several more months.
- We made a few more business deals on the AI JESUS film in the past week leaving us with just a little bit of business to go. We are looking to lock the picture on Weds of this week after a watch. We are also close to having a director’s poster and the first teaser trailer for audiences. This film is so very unique filled with humor and thought provoking, emotionally driven moments.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE – I’m still locking the end credits up and I plan to have that done by end of this week. The new master visual will be married to the master audio and we should have a film. Once I get the end credits locked we’ll render and add that to the movie. We might enter a few film festivals but I am looking at April 1st theatrical release and Q3 home video.
- I’ve been also trying to assist Jeff Behrendt on a BTS of ROM COMS MUST DIE. Thank you to our cast and crew helping to get him footage. These BTS are things that we will look back upon many years later.
- Adam Towner has been working on something near and dear to my heart. That would be a 30th Anniversary CDI Highlight reel. He took a fun approach with me narrating and I’m digging it. I’m considering both a book and perhaps a documentary at some point in time. Always things to do.
- I have a meeting this week to discuss the possible uprez of three of the classic CDI films. I would love to see it happen for preservation and to open them up to new audiences. Our early day films seem more primitive in all areas but you can still see CDI forming into what it is today. I also have all the Blu ray rights and so like KNIGHT CHILLS I would love to have several if not all of them mastered to Blu Ray. If you are a Blu Ray distributor feel free to reach out. I love what Saturn Core did with KNIGHT CHILLS. (Blu ray or streaming) * KC was our 1st feature film at CDI.
- We are developing on several fronts with movie/TV projects both large and small. Some projects have years of development behind them before they ever come to be filmed. I won’t jinx anything. I’ll just say we have some exciting opportunities ahead of us. Work hard. Work smart. Keep the faith.
- Thank you to David Gries for the updating he has been doing to our CDI website. It is greatly appreciated. You can watch as we update it at http://www.cdiproductions.com
WRAP UP: I’m going to finish up here and make some eggs. I also need to get my agreement signed and start to assemble my wardrobe for this afternoon. I’m looking forward to today and appreciate the reaching out. As I’ve said before, reach out and you never know. I do say no quite often but if things feel right, I might say yes. I dissolved my most recent agent relationship at the end of last year. I might take on a new one for literary and producing pending how things shake out. Acting wise I’ve done well just off people contacting me directly. I’m fine with negotiating and have my own legal and that usually gets the job done. Part of my issue was I could not keep up on all the acting material hoops they wanted me to jump through because I was too busy acting. I got some headshots taken but I never look like them because I’m usually always prepping for the next role. Even now I’m behind on updating my resume, reel and such but if you want to see my work google me up and you can watch dozens of films with me doing my thing. Okay, it is time to refill the coffee cut and make those eggs. As January 2026 comes to a close I hope your start to the year has been a good one.
I want to thank John Mashni for assisting me in streamlining CDI. We are preparing to handle bigger projects and that means evolution. Thank you to my friends at Bank of America and our accounting firm. Thank you to all our artists friends for the wonderful work you do. I appreciate you all more than you truly know. Until we meet again next week on the first day of Feb stay warm. Stay focused. Coffee Cheers!
DJ
CDI Film Updates! Plus the Secret to Making Your 2026 More Productive!
Good morning! After a few days of rain and gloom we got our pretty snow back. We did enjoy some warm temps for a stretch of days. Yesterday the Christmas tree came down which is sad but also signals the start of the new year being in full swing. It was a very productive week on many levels but still the world seems to be off balance again with negativity in abundance. I’ve said before, it’s what I love about being a storyteller versus activism. I can work with artists from many circles to collectively tell a story that is beneficial to all. That helps remind us of what brings us together and inspires hope for a day of better harmonious co-existence.
On a business level we are in full swing of streamlining CDI and preparing for some great things in 2026. I’ve nearly got all the end of year materials forwarded to our accounting firm. Just a few December statements once they are sent and legal will send investor dispersement breakdowns for last year. I’ve just got my personal taxes to complete but I’m close to having all that together. There is so much business to attend to and I think that for many struggling in the arts that is a direct result of all show and no business sense. I’m proud that we’ve been working to do it right from movie one at CDI.
I’m still working out HOW TO’s on little functions of my new laptop but as you can read I’m getting there. I guess I could say the same thing about my jeep. I’m still working on understanding a few of the buttons and gizmos. Evolving is slow for me as I get proficient in a process and I’m not easy to change. But with good folks around me I’m slowly making changes. CDI’s website will be undergoing some much needed updates thanks to David Gries. CDI has turned 30 years old this year and we’re celebrating that. Adam Towner has been working on a CDI highlight reel. I’ve had others suggest a documentary film, a book and more. One step at a time. I do have a meeting on the books about working on Classic CDI films 2-4 which need restoration work before being ready for the marketplace. We are working on a few literary releases associated with the movies and I still want a few record albums showcasing Dennis Therrian’s amazing work. Maybe like a KTEL (Old School) best of CDI music. I have ideas. Let’s look at some of the more recent updates!
- CDI’s roaring 1920’s film Harsens Island Revenge released to home video on the ad-based platforms like Encourage TV, Roku, Tube…meaning you can watch free with ads. We get paid by advertisers. I’m about to release the first investor checks from theatrical once I get it properly recorded with legal. Again this was based on a book of the same name by Karl Manke so read the book as well!
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS gave us one of the happiest pre-Christmas run in theaters and was extended in Lansing and Grand Rapids, MI playing Celebration Cinemas until the 15th of January! We are trying to lock in dates with NCG and Emagine but things have been slow. Even when we have audiences ready we still need to wait because we don’t control the theaters. We’ll keep playing this film all winter and it will release to home video 4Q before the holidays. The distributor is planning a campaign with the original film WILD FAITH 3Q promoting the forthcoming follow up. The original has done well for us and justified the second film. We do have the TV series to push towards production and I’ve been slowly working on the 3rd stand alone film. This franchise has become a bright spot in the world. Thank you to the tens of millions who have supported it.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE – This film is a parody from start to finish about the filmmaking industry. The hardships of actors, filmmakers and distributors who often want junk content. The new audio mix was amazing and of course it was because that is what Dennis Therrian does. Our director is doing a final visual test on film using a filter to see if we/he likes the enhancement. After that we’ll put it all together for a final watch through . We are almost ready to start talking premiere and the theatrical run. I would like to see an April 1st theatrical release. The home video release is set for Q3 before Halloween. It is comedic with a dark, twisted sense of humor. We all think audiences will enjoy it and if you work in the industry you’ll get a few more of the inside jokes.
- In the same week we got to do a watch of AI JESUS: THE SECRET OF THE KINGDOM CHIP with all the VFX inserted. WOW! It was so cool to see the entire flow with completed VFX. We are making some final tweaks and reviews before the film moves over to music and sound design. It will drop into the studio end of January and I’m guessing 2-3 months of work bring us to May/June. We’ll do a summer theatrical release and home video is set for 4Q. You cannot turn on the radio air TV without ongoing talks on AI. The film used AI in various parts of the production flow and even included a high end production robot. A trailer is being polished up and will have the music and sound design done before work on the main feature goes into high gear. I’m still sitting down with investors and sponsors over the last few marketing units. I’m working to close that up since everyone is excited to get back on set with new film production. PS: This film does have ties to THE QUEST TRILOGY the three biblical adventures CDI produced in the desert of Yuma, AZ. So do take a watch on all three FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER.
DEVELOPMENT: We’ve got a few commercial and narrative projects in development. A few films have pitch packs out to funders and I’m working on a few new scripts. The follow up films are fun allowing endearing characters to return. With pre-existing fans it makes sense business-wise too. Aside from the WILD FAITH franchise there’s 2-3 other CDI favorites that might get a follow up. We do have some original films in development also and I’m excited to see which ones get traction.
WRAP UP: So I talked with Terry Knox this week who people know mostly from ST ELSEWHERE and TOUR OF DUTY but we’ve done a half dozen films together since AN ORDINARY KILLER in 2002. He was bragging at the production value of HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE which he had just watched. He plays a member of the Purple Gang. Somehow we got talking about conventions and meet and greets. I know they have them for horror films, comics, sci-fi and war films/TV series. It must have stuck in my mind. I awoke this morning from a dream I had gone with T Knox to a convention that had actors from all different TV shows. I was representing WICKED SPRING, MBF, SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA…I was meeting folks from Hogan’s Heroes, Band of Brothers and MASH. In my dream I was talking with Gary Burghoff (Radar) from MASH and told him how much I’ve enjoyed his work and asked how he was doing. He was starving and so I went and got him some snacks from a green room table. Funny stuff!
I’m going to wrap things up here. I’ve got some other work I want to get done but as always I appreciate the time we had today reviewing our progress. With the extension of Wild Faith Christmas in the theaters, Harsens Island Revenge to AVOD and the post work flow I’m pleased with how 2026 is already started. We have had a few negative folks come out of the wood work throwing stones at the art. I told someone recently almost all the negativity any of us artists get comes from other artists not the general audiences. Writers who cannot option or sell a script. Producers who can never finance a project. Directors who will never sit in the chair. Actors that don’t get cast. ROM COMS MUST DIE is a love letter to some of these folks but Amos and Clem are doers. Channel this frustration into work and progress versus pooping in someone’s punchbowl. Haha! Maybe too much. But you get the point. Most don’t take the time to review or are unable to navigate the process. But if you can and you want to counter some hate with joy, please do. Amazon reviews. IMDB reviews. And believe or not I’ll send positive wishes even to those struggling and aiming their frustration at at working artists. In the time it takes to write a negative review something positive could have been done to move their own pieces on the chess board. But negativity is part of the game. My above friend T Knox once said if you don’t have haters you’re not doing something right. The rocks thrown haven’t slowed the forward train in 30 years so I don’t think it is going to happen. If you are one of the frustrated focus more on your business and less on the art. The art is fun and the business often is not. But the secret to success lies in doing both and in good time. A company that distributes films cannot work with you if your biz is not in order or your film cannot make deadlines or pass quality control. So focus on these things and make your 2026 better than your 2025!
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
CDI Updates – Success is rarely an accident but often a result.
I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee like I always do but today our little chat is being done on my new work computer. It is a Mac Air and so far so good. My Movie Magic software is up and running and I still need to adjust a few things with my Microsoft Office. How the time flies when you just keep moving ahead. I thought the old computer was not that old but when programs started being limited or not working it was because it was from 2012 and had reached the final operating system it could handle. The old computer might get dedicated to photo management or something of the sort. I’m going into the end of the year with good tidings and joy. I’ve been working to try and round out my holiday shopping for gifts. I do love giving little gifts not just at Christmas but all year long. Much of what I purchase I do so for other people or for the movies will tell. (Props/Wardrobes) I’ve turned the fort office into Santa’s workshop jamming tunes and wrapping presents. I have to do some clean up before my brother and a few amigos come to visit tonight. I might need to split some more wood but I will wait until it warms up a tad. I went out to let the chickens out and it was FROZEN out. Back to the hot hazelnut coffee, see how that comes full circle?
WILD FAITH and WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – The top picture is of Emmett, Ben and Hester in the original film. (You can stream on dozens of platforms) In theaters now is the sequel and it just returned to Alpena, MI where we filmed on Friday for another week of showings. It also opened in several new states from Iowa, Massachusetts, New Hampshire you can see a full and evolving list on our FB page for Wild Faith Christmas. We also are excited to have it playing in CDI’s home town of Lansing, MI at Celebration Cinema on December 22 at 6:00 and 8:15. Being a Monday it should not collide with many people’s holiday plans. This franchise and the second film is getting great reviews from audiences. Laughter, tears and a film that really captures the holiday spirit. I could not be happier. I do have an idea for a 3rd film which I may or may not have started. I also have the eight 44 min TV series season one written. If I can find the right funding without too many strings we just might tackle that series.
Harsens Island Revenge – CDI’s second adaptation of a Karl Manke book. The 1st was Best Years Gone from the book Hope From Heavens directed by Shane Hagedorn (Ashes of Eden, Wild Faith Christmas). The 1920’s historical drama pits WW1 vets versus the Purple Gang. It is full of action and style and you can buy the DVD or stream it on Amazon Prime.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is CDI’s previous Christmas story based on a true event during WW2. It might be returning again to the Fridley Theaters in Algona as the people do a yearly watch of the film and visit the two museums in town. (Nativity Scene, PW Museum) It is also streaming and for sale on DVD for those who do not want to brave the cold. Iowa folks are a hardy lot.
THE QUEST TRILOGY (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star, The Christ Slayer) are a series of Christmas adventures worth watching at any time but even more so during the holidays. Beautifully shot in Yuma, AZ from the rugged desert to the awestruck date farms, this film will make you think and entertain the whole family. I am exploring a blu ray for all three films next holiday along with a retrospective coffee table book on the making of the three films. Interesting enough a new CDI film is a loose follow up to this trilogy and that is the upcoming AI Jesus: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip. The film picture is almost locked and in Jan 2026 it will move into the music and sound studio. This powerful and heartwarming film will again promote much discussion as we move ever deeper into the age of technology. This film was directed by Anthony Hornus (MBF, Silent Night in Algona).
LOST HEART, ASHES OF EDEN, MAN’S BEST FRIEND, BEST YEARS GONE, WICKED SPRING, DEAN TEASTER’S GHOST TOWN, AN ORDINARY KILLER, KNIGHT CHILLS, THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ are all good cold weather watches from the CDI library. We are still working to try and update a few of the older CDI Classic Collection and we hope to bring a few of those back to audiences in 2026.
ROM COMS MUST DIE is a dark comedy that really makes fun of our obsessive film industry. It is in final mixing before it will do a run in theaters before releasing around Halloween on home video. Comparing RCMD to say Lost Heart is like comparing an apple and a screwdriver but if you like horror films and dark humor you will enjoy this very unique take. BESTSELLER is another dark film adapted from the book by Chris Knight and is a good late night watch. I’ve also acted in a handful of scary films having gotten my start with them starting with IN THE WOODS (New Blu Ray out).
DEVELOPMENT: There is several active and passive development underway. It is somewhat limited by the fact I’m still in talks with backers on the few remaining investment units on AI JESUS. Once that is finalized I will be more aggressive in my development. We do have possibles on several fronts. I’ve got several scripts I’m working on including a few sequels to fan favorites.
WRAP UP: I got the final distribution of returns out to our investor pool and we are in the midst of streamlining CDI product making it better tax wise and easier to write out checks to investors. Right now some investors are getting 3, 4 or 5+ checks which would be easier with one check and a broken down control sheet. Many thanks to our legal John Mashni and our accounting firm Davison & Associates CPA for assisting in this process. CDI is growing and might soon make some big leaps in production. You have to be ready for success. Success is rarely an accident but often a result. With that I’m going to wrap this up. This is my first business on this new computer. It really is nice. I often work something until it can go no more. That is how I’m sure I will live my life. I will work until my body can go no more. Unlike several friends entering retirement I feel like we are just getting going. I have business mentors in their 80’s+ who are still creating and making things happen. Those are my role models. CDI will do a big SciFi film my love letter to the original STAR WARS. I have other storytelling goals and with the CDI TRIBE we will make them happen. We bring in new tribal members every year. Find people who fit with you and watch the achievements thrive. Avoid negativity and drama that I hear about and occasionally see but we work hard to eliminate anything like that. At a certain age you want to have fun and create. That is what we do at CDI and I’m proud of that. I’ve said it before, I’m not trying to get to any top of any mountains where only the backstabbers and climb steppers exist. I don’t envy others work but I will admire a job well done. I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season. I will be back with you all next Sunday to report any updates. I’m working with Adam Towner trying to put together a CDI 30th Anniversary highlight reel. I am working with David Gries also to update and give the CDI website a facelift. I’m excited for 2026 but I’m going to savor the last of 2025. Coffee Cheers my friends be good to one another!
DJ
Happy Holidays from CDI – Film Updates
I’m up on a beautiful Sunday sipping hazelnut coffee and looking at all the joy from Alpena, MI audiences who started watching Wild Faith Christmas yesterday. We had a fun premiere on Thursday with only a last minute time change from the theater being the only small issue. People don’t always realize we don’t control the theaters. We can’t make a theater play us but your voice means dollars to them so they listen. The night before the event was wonderful due to one of our sponsors taking us to a great place for fish. I enjoyed some walleye. Also got to play some old school pinball which was fun. The night of the event was so enjoyable to me. We saw the impact of the film out west with western genre fans we did not know. Thursday we got to share with many of the good folks who helped on the film. From the first laugh to the last joyful tear the audience made my heart soar. The hugs, handshakes and words of endearment reminded me why I do this. It is hard at every phase from funding to final credits where names can be misspelled or accidentally forgotten.
The film will play until the 20th unless they extend it. We will start getting other theatrical dates soon. I will enjoy watching and listening to the audiences where I can. Don’t forget if you want more Emmett, Edmond, Ben, Hester watch the first film they were featured in Wild Faith. Tens of millions have enjoyed the first film and I believe they will love the second one.
If you want more holiday viewing from CDI you can stream Silent Night in Algona, a beautiful based on the true story drama set during WW2. Also CDI did three biblical features Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer. Watch in that order. You will get to see me play a camp commander and Jesus. Harsens Island Revenge while not a holiday film is a great watch and it just went to streaming and dvd.
Post work is underway with Dennis Therrian working on the musical score for our dark comedy Rom Coms Must Die. Also the final edit and special fx on The Secret of the Kingdom Chip are being worked on too. So 2026 will see two more CDI films released and more production is in the planning stages.
This week I have several development projects underway. Our film mentioned above The Secret of the Kingdom Chip is still in talks with a few final funders but I plan to wrap that up by the years end. That will allow me to focus more on new production. So if you want to discuss involvement feel free to reach out. That goes for businesses and products wanting to join our long list of sponsors and product partners.
Wrap up: I’m going to sip some more coffee and maybe unpack my luggage from my trip North. I might do a little yard clean up now since more leaves have fallen. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and I have much to be thankful for. I’m thankful to all of you around the globe who stop by to share time. We reflect upon the art of the world that we watch and create. In a time of year that can be stressful give each other grace. We are not perfect and never will be. Remember friendship and family are valuable gifts and health is always wealth. Take care of yourself too which can often be by not stressing the small stuff. I look forward to the next premiere of Wild Faith Christmas. I look forward to some end of year meetings at the office fort sitting by the wood stove and sipping something warm. Until next week be good to one another. Coffee cheers! DJ
Finishing the Year Strong! CDI Tribal Updates Entering September 2025!
Here we are again my friends. I’m sipping on the hazelnut coffee and reflecting on my busy week. We had a surge in readers from China this week. Welcome. This past week has been eventful. First at the semi-final stage our soccer team’s season finally ended. We started strong but at the end of the day they capitalized on a few more opportunities. What a great season and a great work out. My abs are killing but not from soccer from being on a ladder and putting a new gazebo together on the freshly stained and sealed deck. It is a lovely reddish color and will give a wonderful place to make calls from and relax. I’ve been harvesting mint, sage, oregano and more from the garden. I’ll be doing some trimming and cutting more firewood soon. I’m going to have some builders look at closer the office rafters in to keep the birds out. Aside from that it has been collecting eggs and organizing the under deck. Always something to do but those little improvements are well worth it.
To the movie updates-
- Harsens Island Revenge is playing until Sept 3rd at the Riverside Cinema and now in Grosse Pointe at the Okulski Theatre until Sept 4th. It is coming one night only to Forest Theatre on Sept 19th. We are working to try and get dates in Algona at Fridley’s for all our friends there. Emagine said if anymore openings they will try to slide the film into some additional slots. The film is being submitted to a few festivals via our home distributor. We had a great meeting with their marketing team and in September the marketing campaign will really heat up. It will be available on DVD and streaming on 10/6/2025. It is also up for several awards on Sept 13th for The Red Letter Awards. I think you can tune in online!
- Wild Faith Christmas is needing a last look on credits before it is mastered for theatrical. It is being submitted to the Wild Bunch Film Festival. The original cleaned up with like 13 awards at the AZ festival in October. We will be meeting over theatrical and our partners will start pitching to theaters. We hope to get it in where they will take it. It is a powerful story and we are excited to bring it to you. We will be doing the MI run for sure with Lansing, Alpena, Owosso, GR and Detroit. From there we’ll go to as many theaters as we can.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE is at the sound studio and we’ll be doing a watch through soon. We’ll get our director Travis Hayward in there to discuss music beds. The first teaser trailer is going to come out this week and I’ve been working on the PR release materials. I’m really proud of this comedy gem and Adam Towner makes a good debut in his first co-starring role. We might be looking at a premiere at the end of the year pending how progress goes. But 2026 will be the theatrical and home video release. Be ready to laugh!
- The Secret of the Kingdom Chip (TSOTKC) is moving full steam ahead on several fronts. I’ve been collecting biz paperwork and funds and fine tuning our budget. We are still assigning a few pieces of that to parties and we’re still bring sponsors on. We’ll be welcoming an Aussie company Three Cuts Gin to the film. Several more will be announcing and we are so thankful to them. Actor reads, set building, camera tests and more are all underway. We start rolling cameras in 18 days! All very exciting developments and we cannot wait until audiences see this story. I was given a great compliment on the script from Mary Badham who said it had a Rod Sterling flair to the writing. I’m a big fan of Rod Sterling so that made my week.
- IF you are excited about some of these new releases there are some CDI films you can watch to be ready. If you haven’t seen Harsens Island Revenge yet and want to see another film adapted from a Karl Manke book by Wild Faith Christmas director Shane Hagedorn watch BEST YEARS GONE. If you are awaiting Wild Faith Christmas make sure you watch part 1 WILD FAITH now streaming! If you are awaiting the Secret of the Kingdom Chip watch our 3 part The Quest Trilogy (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star, The Christ Slayer) and get some hints to the follow up story. Wanna see Tony Hornus previous directorial stories watch MAN’S BEST FRIEND and SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. LOST HEART, GHOST TOWN, AN ORDINARY KILLER, KNIGHT CHILLS, BESTSELLER…the list goes on. As the cold sets in make sure you catch up on the Tribe!
DEVELOPMENT: TSOTKC will be my last feature film for the year. After we have lotta roll our showings and events in planning. We are working on a few film series consisting of dinner and a movie plus a mixer with Q&A and more. I’m finally to the agreement stage of a writing project that is pretty exciting. I will be finishing up MBF2 this winter also. We have some major meetings ahead on film projects as we have many working to try and take the CDI productions to the next level. The Hastings, Wild Faith TV series will get another push with the sequel release. So many stories to be told. I’ll be circling back to some contacts in Iowa trying to help launch a few stories there. I have a few associates with proposed collaborations that I need to dig into more. Both are westerns.
I’m full of ideas for moving into the future. Right now I’m focusing on the projects sitting square on my plate. We will have a great production in 3 short weeks and I’ve got a good amount to do between now and then. I’m going to go get ready to eat some of those delicious eggs. I’ve still got some business to wrap up to help get a jump on the shorter week ahead. If you again want to join us on this next story adventure feel free to reach out. We have a few more crew and a cast or two to lock in but we are looking good.
I hope you all are enjoying the slow transition to Fall. MSU won their first game and that was nice to watch. The LIONS are on deck and that is something I always enjoy. I’m going to work in the yard some today and start that transitional clean up. Maybe a fire outside and maybe even a first fire in the office stove. Push on everyone and lets make this a great year. I cannot believe we are in September already with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas around the corner. It feels like the Christmas tree just went down. That is how the wheel turns and so keep a smile on your face and be kind to everyone. I’m deeply appreciative to everyone who has supporting our artistic endeavors this year. My heartfelt thanks.
DJ
Losing Childhood Heroes Fuels Our Own Dream Chasing.
Hazelnut cheers. Welcome readers from around the globe. I’m writing on a humid Sunday. I have had a week of working very diligently on all our film projects. One thing that is interesting is that many people don’t understand the timelines and how slow that things move turn. Films in the making don’t turn on a dime because one change causes many changes. I’ve been gathering supporters for our next project and the timeline to stay on target is end of the month. We’ve been gathering funding commitments and I’ve been working on sponsors. We have a few great sponsors that have joined us. These are purchased marketing packages whereas a company aligns with the film. Our films have been seen by tens of millions of people. Brands like Candleberry Candles have definitely gained new buyers because of their past sponsored candles. I know that because of our last couple sponsorships with Pepsi that some have become fans of Bubly, Celsius, Muscle Milk and more. I’m proud to announce that we have a few returning sponsors and a few new ones. Same with investors, we have some tried and true and we have some new. All these people are needed to tell these stories. I’m just waiting to assign the last few to interested parties but that will be done end of the week. If you have not been following along the next film up is THE SECRET OF THE KINGDOM CHIP. The paperwork is being drawn up and the bank account will be opened once the corporation is formed. Steps.
TSOTKC the above film is a great mix of spirituality and SciFi. We have some great art pieces being built and this film will be using more advanced tech vs any of the previous CDI films. Much of this is because of McGraw Multimedia and our new partnership with Haptix Studio that we’ll talk more about in an upcoming PR release. Next month will be hiring our remaining cast and crew and prepping the main locations for filming in September. This is the second venture with my dear friends at McGraw Multimedia. We already have a slate of films we plan to work on together. Telling stories with friends is what it is all about.
We have several projects that are moving down the line and other associated developments. Let’s look at some of these endeavors.
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA, Wild Faith Christmas, Harsens Island Revenge and more and talked about on Faith on Film with Anthony Hornus and Shane Hagedorn talking about the CDI projects. You can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtnFcHuz6Gk
- Wild Faith Christmas is just locking up the final credits and one VFX shot I do believe. A producers watch is coming up and after it will be prepping for theatrical. We are looking at a few corporate sponsors who might get involved with the theatrical release. If you have a company that likes the idea of being aligned with orphans and adoption please reach out. The film has way exceeded our director’s expectations. I LOVE the world created and we’ll see what happens from here. I do have the season 1 written and ready to go. If it is too heavy another movie could happen. We will see said the wise man. But do watch part 1 WILD FAITH and get ready for the second adventure.
- Harsens Island Revenge – our theatrical company should be giving us the promotional materials this week to promote our next two screening locations. Don’t hold my feet to the fire but I’m hearing both Riverside Theaters near the actual island and Emagine Macomb will be showing the film 22-28. So get ready to have a roaring 20’s good time. I’m hearing Forest City, Iowa and our beloved Algona, Iowa should get us dates very soon.
- Speaking of Iowa we at CDI are working hard with some of the folks there to try and launch films on world champion wrestler Frank Gotch and the state story of the SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE. We have two great scripts and some people like Randy Couture (Gotch film) attached with a letter of interest. We will find our right parties/partners to make these two project go.
- Last week between scouting and funding work I did my final ADR work for ROM COMS MUST DIE. This comedy horror film has turned out great! The picture is nearly locked as the last of the VFX is going in and the last of the ADR is completed. It will be moving over to our composer and mix master Dennis Therrian in August. I’m excited to watch it with him the first time! The film is highly entertaining “dry” without music and with music it will soar. I’m proud of Travis Hayward with this being his first directed feature film. It was also the first collaboration with the McGraws. The hope is that we’ll do our premiere for cast, crew and friends in October. If you have any festivals that might want to showcase the film do reach out. The idea is a short festival run and into theaters. The home video will be in 2026.
WRAP UP: My film wrap up is that after we film TSOTKC that will be all the major production for CDI for 2025. We’ll finish strong with the Harsens theatrical and be ready to kick off the Oct. 6th home video release. We will also look to do a premiere of ROM COMS MUST DIE around Halloween. Maybe the SUN THEATER in Grand Ledge? November will be the release of Wild Faith Christmas into theaters and I hope to run that through the winter into 2026. We have plans for 2026 productions but those are still in the planning. I had a great call this past week with a peer filmmaker who is considering collaborating with CDI on a few projects. I like the filmmaker and the projects he is talking about.
I’ve been writing weekly and I’m still in talks on three scripts to write in the coming months. I love writing in the winter. So we will see how that all develops. Things move fast and suddenly move slow. That is our business. Next year will be exciting as many of the films will be still rolling down the release path. If you are curious about TSOTKC may I suggest watching THE QUEST TRILOGY (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer). TSOTKC is modern and different but does fit into the trilogy. If the film gets all the same discussions rolling as the script we will have one heck of a film.
Lastly, with life balance- the house now has central air which will be nice versus the portable air conditioners. We are looking at finding a stretch of days to stain and seal the deck. The plants have been growing like crazy and I’ve been harvesting herbs and some veggies. The berries have still been popping and are at maximum sweetness. I still have a small tree to plant that my bro gave me for my bday. The chickens young and old are now mixing and the eggs are kicking. I’m about to go eat some myself. Today is a bday party for my dad who turned 80 on July 8th. That will be fun. I am not going to lie losing Ozzy Osbourne and Hulk Hogan left me sad this week. Heroes we grew up with since childhood. Ozzy has always been on my play list. It also makes me think of how many friends film and non-film have passed. They don’t get to wake to the beautiful birds, squirrels and change of seasons. No more struggling to create, survive, and thrive. I’ve been trying to rest on that when I have a set back or something moves slower than I want it to. So I seek that balance. Soccer was a rain out and so I hope they reschedule the game. Those games really help me with that mental balance. I do love the game and I’m appreciative that I can still play the game.
I’m going to call it good on the update. I’m going to keep on keeping on and I encourage you to do the same. I have to limit the amount of negativity that I take it from the world daily. From child and animal abuse to religious and political divide there is enough negative to ruin anyones day before breakfast. I offset a lot of negativity with music and focusing my attention elsewhere. I just got two classic Rolling Stones albums which I’m looking forward to. We are also going to keep making meaningful films that unite us all and remind us that we are all undergoing this journey called life. Until next week-
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Dream, Devise, and Detail plus Chickens, Bees and Butterflies
Good morning good people. I’m once again here sipping the hazelnut coffee. This morning I was looking over some questions on schedule with our developing film. Pieces fit. Pieces don’t fit. Readjust. It fits! This is what I do. I dream. I devise a plan. I work with others to detail the plan. From the plan comes the budget. From the budget comes what is needed. Time windows. Trying to get everything to meet at the right point in time. Every film is hard work and that is why so few can actually achieve it. It is also a reflection of my life aside from the precious moments spent with family and friends. I am discussing with others the merits of these stories from preserving history to a unified endeavor that brings together artists for a short period of time. Only so many a year and only so many in a lifetime. This is what I do. This was the answer to my meditation this morning.
This past week was nurturing several projects in post production and putting pieces together for the upcoming. This coming week I’ll also be writing checks to the investors/supporters of the previous CDI films. We have a great group of supporters who help make these endeavors happen. For some they go without a new ‘toy’ in order to make these project happen. They want to be part of a positive, powerful story that will live on beyond them, me, us. On the new SECRET OF THE KINGDOM CHIP, I finally released the PR on my own involvement acting wise. I’ve got the long hair and beard in this humid heat and it is truly suffering for your art. You can read about it here: https://www.prlog.org/13086932-ai-jesus-movie-moves-into-production-this-fall.html – I’m excited to tell this story. The script alone has created so much energy and feedback. It will be a worthy addition to the CDI group of films. We ended the week with another step towards full financing but still have a little ways to go. The goal is to have it completed this month and we are on course to do just that. We’ll be opening the LLC and bank account soon. The business paperwork will soon be drafted and we’ll be starting the more intense pre-production work. This week we are also going to start fishing for product placement partners and sponsors. We’ve had many large and small who are just as important as our investors. They help with the unseen issues. They help make the ride a little bit more special and memorable. Let’s look at some of the other developments.
Harsens Island Revenge – I’m told that we have dates for Riverside Cinemas by this coming Tuesday. It is close to the actual Harsens Island and should be a great showing. Also Forest City in Iowa is looking like September and I’m guessing Fridley’s in Algona and other Iowa locations. I think we’ll start booking and finish the Summer strong. We are putting things in motion for the home video release on 10/6/2025. They are also working on DVD artwork which will be exciting. This is a special movie and we’re so happy to be ever-expanding our audience.
Wild Faith Christmas – The film minus a few tweaks and a few VFX shots plus final end credits is about done. Director Shane Hagedorn and composer/sound designer Dennis Therrian are extremely happy with the story we have. Very moving and the beautiful score just magnifying powerful performances. We have a date for a producer’s watch through. From there we will start our theatrical planning which will be here in no time. Holiday 2025 will be theaters and holiday 2026 will be home video. This is a follow up film to CDI’s successful WILD FAITH. Please do watch that film or rewatch it to get ready for the sequel.
ROM COMS MUST DIE – This dark comedy is also powering towards a finish line. VFX and sound design is being laid atop the color corrected cut. I watched it just recently and loved the flow. It is so funny and makes fun of our beloved industry. The idea here will be a premiere. A few festival showings. Theatrical followed by home video. The trailer is waiting to swap out the shots for the best res and color corrected shots. I think folks will really enjoy this film that surprisingly somehow has you cheering for the bad guys. Go figure.
DEVELOPMENT – We talked about The Secret of the Kingdom Chip which is a stand alone film but has loose tie-in’s to CDI’s biblical trilogy part 1 Forty Nights, part 2 Chasing the Star and part 3 The Christ Slayer. If you haven’t seen these three films they are also worth a watch and it will give you some background information.
The SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE film developing in Iowa behind our SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is gaining more supporters. I have to set up a few calls this week about this project. It would be a powerful, ‘based on a true story’ historical drama. Also I’m exploring a few avenues with the GOTCH biopic also to be filmed in part in Iowa.
I teased that I had started on another sequel script to one of the films. This film I’ve been asked about sequel more than any of the others. I don’t have any plans for active or immediate development but I wanted to get the blue print where I like it. In the original film the protagonist was left in jail heading to prison. Any guesses?
WRAP UP – Once in a while I feel the difficulty of managing all the variables but with a team many things can be achieved. I also am a diligent worker putting one foot in front of the other. You have to have faith in yourself, your team, the story and the life path you’ve chosen. I had a great talk with a VERY successful 88 year old businessman this week. Neither of us truly believe in retirement. There is always something to create. He had some wonderful things to say to me and I was appreciative and humbled. I have faith that this week a few more pieces will fall into place. I have some great meetings being set up this week.
On the personal we are back at soccer after a rain out and two weeks off. We had an off game and lost but the battle is the reward. I like that pushing oneself to the max. As for the homestead – we keep waiting for a time to seal and stain the deck but we keep getting rain. The plants are growing like a jungle and I’ve kept it more wild because of the chickens, bees and butterflies but I think another mow is on deck. The berries are at their sweet peak and we’ve got tomatoes about to ripen soon. The herbs are really growing and I need to step up my harvesting. I will keep working to keep up with it all. I have several friends with more property and that must be a chore to keep up with.
There is a flea market which I might attend. But I think today I will focus on taming some of that yard stuff I mentioned. I will end with a little story that I’m sure many artists deal with or have dealt with. I was looking up some of the ad-based video on demand platforms now carrying SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA like Tubi, Roku, Xumo and Encourage TV. I saw someone from our state being negative towards the film. While I’m not sure I have the resources to ever make a film that is a 10 I can say that even if something isn’t your cup of tea we’ve never created a 1 or 2 rated film. But when people trash a film 9 out of 10 times jealously is at the heart of it. They want to know why their script, their team, their film never gets made when others do. We simply out work people. It is that simple. It is always hard work and even our crew members never know all the work that goes into a project months or years before ever hitting set. But this individual was checked by one of our past crew members. They have moved onto some full time endeavors but it was nice to see the gesture. It is like that saying of what people do or say when you are not in the room. I’ve done horror films, action films and what some might consider ‘cool’ films versus our positive, heart felt films. That feeling of healing ala helping people cope with issues they have is hard to beat. Those films give back to the storytellers and is a real motivator. I’m not against a good scare film or taunt thriller but I’m also about character development. I’m about unique perspective and stories. If I just wanted to make genre fluff I would be missing something. Anyway, I commended this past crew member for his words in defense of 200 plus artists. A story that captured a true story from history so it would not fade away. An endeavor that had our cast and crew in another state fighting the elements and the day to day issues of production. Many truly love the film and it plays yearly in theaters. Many people travel to the museums that hold the remaining history. The film will have a special place at the museum as big things are being planned. Or we could have made a film of teenagers poking around in a scary place and random psycho with this or that mask kills them one by one maybe leaving one alive for a sequel. Been there. Done that. Got that tee-shirt. Nothing wrong with those films they are early proving grounds for storytellers but try creating a new time period and that is challenging.
I’m off to make some breakfast. One of the new chickens has started kicking out eggs. I hope you all have a great week ahead and wish me luck as I try to put the remaining pieces in place on the new film. We are close as I mentioned, and once we get this schedule worked out we’ll be locking in the final cast and crew. We are awaiting some cast reads and some of the crew are already planning ahead. You only have this one life so don’t be afraid to go after your dreams. I’m living proof that you can achieve it.
Until next week, coffee cheers!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 
Prepping for the ‘RCMD’ Premiere and Multiple CDI Updates!
What a beautiful Michigan morning. Woke to a local rooster calling everyone to wake up. This was followed by Luna Mae (furry daughter) wanting to go outside and eat. Chicken songs greeted us from the hens before Finn (furry son) did his racing with his neighborhood buddy Jake and ate. Now I’m here with all of you. My hazelnut coffee by my side and Man U playing soccer on the TV. We had our first outdoor soccer game winning 8-3 and it felt great to be outside playing again.
For the second weekend in a row we had a wedding to attend and it was great to be with family for such an occasion. It was an outdoor wedding and was just beautiful and the food was also very good. I had one pineapple drink of some sort and after that iced tea. It is a younger man’s game to drink like a Viking, no more hangovers for me. But I came home to some good news from the RED LETTER AWARDS and I watched some MMA fights before bed.
Let’s get into some of those updates!
WRAP UP: I kind of delved into development in my bullet points so I’m going to skip to the wrap up. I want to send our heartfelt condolences to Shelley Perry our Wardrober on many of the CDI films who recently lost her mother. Many of us are dealing with aging parents and others have lost those loved ones. That is part of the reason that these family events have been special. Same with our CDI events being special. None of us are promised tomorrow.
I’m looking forward to the premiere on Monday and soccer on Thursday. I have meetings with John Mashni next week over the disbursements and I’m enjoying doing things around the property. I have a few serving hops plants after the building of the new deck. I built a structure the vines could climb. I might need a mow this week and not just to mulch leaves. I am going to go eat a few eggs and roll on down to the flea market. I love looking for props and wardrobe at these sales. Next Sunday I’ll be able to report on the ROM COMS MUST DIE premiere. I hope to see some of you there. Until next week- be good to one another!
DJ
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May 17, 2026 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: Ai jesus, Anthony Hornus, BEST YEARS GONE, blog, CDI, Chasing the star, chickens, coffee, commentary, crew, Dean Teaster, Devil's Pass, DJ Perry, dogs, Dreamscape Productions, DVD, family, film, Forty Nights, horror, Iowa, Jesse Low, Katharsys, loved ones, Man U, Michigan, MMA, movies, Red Letter Awards, Return to Algona, reviews, Rom Coms Must Die, screenplay, Shane Hagedorn, Shelley Perry, Silent Night in Algona, soccer, Sun Theaters, Teyton Colbert, The Christ Slayer, The Quest Trilogy, tribe, Wild Faith, Williamston, writing, WW2 | Leave a comment