Showtimes are Coming for CDI’s Next Film!
(The previous film adapted from a Karl Manke book – watch it now!)
A chilly good morning to you from Michigan. Hazelnut coffee cheers! We had a handful of nice days followed by rain and cold and now just windy and cold. But the sun has been out and I’ve started the yard clean up. I’m slowly dismantling the old wood shed and plan on a new set up. Maybe even a greenhouse we’ll see. I did reorganizing the remaining wood and we’ll have a few more good fires in the office. Speaking of the office, my spring cleaning and organizing has been going great. The new shelf unit has helped tremendously. I’m holding off on any mowing or mulching to give the bees and such time to get past the frost. The birds and squirrels are about and setting up their springtime dwellings.
Let’s get to some other news concerning the films.
Harsens Island Revenge – The film has been tested at the Sanctuary theater and the reviewers loved it. Shane Hagedorn was responsible for us finding the beautiful city of Alpena to film in. He will be the master of ceremonies for our kick off April 25th release. An early showing will be for our local cast and crew and few VIP guests although everyone who helped I consider VIP. But only 95 seats for that first show. But tickets will go on sale soon for a 5:00 and 8:00 showing. It will run for a week at the 3, 5, 8:00 time slot in the big theater. After that it will go to a smaller theater and play multiple showtimes. A fun 1920’s afterglow is being set up and I hear some folks may go in 1920’s dress. I will not be attending the Alpena showing but will be anxious to hear audience reactions. After watching feel free to go to IMDB.com on the film’s page and leave your thoughts. I do promise to attend some future special screening for signings.
I’m also proud to say our theatrical partnership deal with Dreamscape Productions is done. They will be reaching out to other Northern, MI theaters to see if they want to play the same Alpena dates. We will also start working to set up the Owosso, MI kick off and run with the NCG theaters. This is the home town of the author Karl Manke, co-producer/actor Anthony Hornus and the Stuarts whose Alpena house was used in filming. I hope the film gets placed in many of the NCG theaters.
From there we’ll be planning Lansing, Grand Rapids and Detroit, Michigan showings. I saw that Dreamscape Prods working our friends film WAS ONCE A HERO is booked in a few drive ins. That would check a goal of mine to have a CDI film play a drive in. We use to attend lots of them back in the day. From there we’ll start to spread across the USA and so contact your theaters and request the film. Reach out on our HIR Facebook and let us know the theater. I know we want to come to all our friends in Iowa and Minn. who enjoyed our SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – Speaking of- it will be going July 1st to the popular AVOD platforms. That means ad-based so you can watch for free if you watch ads. Platforms like TUBI and the distributors Encourage TV. If you have not seen this powerful WW2 wartime drama please do. Available now on many platforms to rent/buy.
Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town is coming to HISTORYFIX! This site is for fans of history and period films. The film was previously mastered to HD but now has been re-mastered to 4k providing the best version of the film.
Look for new marketing campaigns for both LOST HEART and BEST YEARS GONE. Both bring the drama and the laughs which can sometimes be tricky for marketing. Both these films should be required CDI viewing! Let me know your thoughts on them both.
Wild Faith Christmas is in post production and being worked on hard for a holiday release into theaters. The color correction process is underway as is dialog, music and sound design under the masterful ear of Dennis Therrian.
ROM COMS MUST DIE – will be making some production announcements as we prepare to shoot the final pick up day. We wanted a different season so we had to wait a few weeks. April 6th we will film our last pieces and we’ll be able to lock picture soon after. This film is crazy fun with some wild performances but our cast. Our partners the McGraw brothers are taking a few days to remember their dear father who passed. I’m glad he got to enjoy our rough cut and gets some laughs and joy from the viewing.
DEVELOPMENT –
I’ve been working on that one script I mentioned that I was highly motivated to write. A small scope and powerful piece pulled in part from our news headlines and given a good WHAT IF twist. I’m halfway through the script and very happy with it.
I’ve also got two books being sent to me that the parties may want me to write the script and possibly produce the film. The above mentioned McGraw brothers also have a project that they want me to write on for us all to produce with our CDI association.
We have a few scripts that I’m considering putting some of our investors behind and producing this year. One promising development funding path hit a roadblock and I mention this only because our success often gets mentioned but not the setbacks. We have many setbacks on the way to success. Patience and persistence play into the equation often.
In the wake of Wild Faith Christmas we will see if we can get some traction on the WILD FAITH: HASTINGS TV series. We have a built in tens of millions audience that grows weekly. We will see if the season one, eight shows can find a funder or distributor who does original programming. Creative control is still my main concern as I’ve seen way too many projects go South due to bad variables.
THE QUEST TRILOGY – I hope that some of you have sought out and enjoyed our three biblical adventures. Forty Nights, Chasing the Star, The Christ Slayer and in that order. This are very unique in their telling and have brought strong recognition from people from all walks. With one of the scripts I’m writing we might look to return to Yuma, AZ to film we will see. We have some great folks there and it has been too long.
WRAP UP: My film end of year work is over. I had one investor move without notifying so I had to make sure he got his proper paperwork. I will be looking at paying all those off plus my own personal taxes. I have about two weeks to get into my ROM COMS MUST DIE role for one more scene. I’ll finish that script I’m working on likely this week. The cold days keep me writing more.
My dental implant went great and all is good save my checking account. But it is worth not having the dental pain that cracked tooth gave me. Speaking of cracked teeth soccer season is right around the corner. I hope for a fun year with no injuries to anyone.
I might actually work on that script a spell while the coffee is flowing and so are the words. I was a sad at my schedule conflict on the Alpena premiere dates but it happens. More of my family will be attending one of the showings down state and it will be nice to enjoy it with them. I know all the folks in Alpena will be proud of the showing.
Until we talk again next weekend I hope you have a smooth and productive week. I’m going to keep the wheel steady as she goes. Enjoy some nature. Enjoy some family and friends. Move ahead on your goals and smile. The sun will keep coming up and shining. I see many swimming in negativity but do not get dragged down in it.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Reflections on a Past Year and Plans for Another!
(Finn waiting for Santa Paws)
Coffee cheers from a wet and rainy Michigan. I’m sipping some coffee and proud to be bringing you the last blog update of 2024. The years do click by and things come and go but I’m happy to have some consistant things and reflecting with you all is one of those things. I have a final holiday gathering today and so I’m writing with only a few sips in on the coffee. I usually like to get a full cup down me before starting my writing so forgive me if my words are a tad sleepier, sloppier? I had a very nice Christmas thus far that I found to be recharging, reflective and full of remembrance. We all have loved ones that are no longer with us and that changes things. But we try to adapt and appreciate where we are and who we are with. I think I hit a good life marker that should help reduce some of my concern I carry as a leader amongst artists. I’ve always been alpha organizing the sledding trips, the backyard football, capture the flag, or Dungeons and Dragons games with friends. Haunted Houses constructed yearly in friends basements or garages. I love to find gifts for people and even enjoying the wrapping. But why concern?
(Childhood – when life was more simple)
Those activities of youth were all under the roof of parents who took care of life’s concerns. Now I’m seeking larger budgets to do larger projects and compensate artists better. I try to stay organized and up on basic technology so that I can make sure to do everything that is required of me so that we can keep moving forward. You can add fear of doing things wrong to a list of why people don’t do things. I know that one day old age (may) sap my ability to oversee these big endeavors. Or that eternal rest might quiet all the calls to get things done. That TO DO box doesn’t exist that will pass onto a new generation. So while I’m here I will keep creating and doing all the things I need to do. It is not just doing but doing it well. I might control the process but not the end result.
(I’m not 20 anymore)
This week we watched many things but one was a documentary called BRAT PACK. It was about one media journalist article whereas it grouped and somewhat belittled the work of a handful of young 80’s actors. It was interesting to watch Andrew McCarty who was deeply affected by the label that these successful actors got lucky and were more about fame and partying versus taking the craft serious. Sounds faintly alike something we might hear about even today. It caused many of the actors to not work together again. It became what you accepted it to be. Many of these actors were young and so some of it really hit deep. But this actor wasn’t trying to be overly hurtful he was just trying to say something against the grain. He added a catchy phrase all in hope of keeping his young writing career going. Sounds a bit like social media these days. Someone is always going to speak against the trend to try and stand out.
Many still had fond memories like Demi Moore and others like Rob Lowe seemed to have taken it all with a laugh. But what it reminded me of was some of the early criticism from people watching my first films like IN THE WOODS or even KNIGHT CHILLS. I too was in my 20’s and the harsh words sometimes cut because I allowed them too. In the doc Rob and Andrew were talking about the fact that if anything lasts 30 years that is quite something. Now IN THE WOODS isn’t Breakfast Club and Knight Chills isn’t ST. ELMOS FIRE, but it is…kinda. They are someones version of those films. This past 18 months so both those above mentioned films to be remastered and released on Blu Ray. As of 1/31/2025 Knight Chills will go streaming and later this year I plan to see IN THE WOODS follow that up streaming. The beautiful thing is on the Vinegar Syndrome site for lovers of those classic horror films Knight Chills was adored and even mentioned as release of the year. It doesn’t matter but my point is that something that I was proud of back in the day of I was made to feel somewhat ashamed of because of mean words. But now almost 30 years later they are back because of the fans. And the fans are giving roses versus rocks. Not sure that is a good thing with Sir Kallio around. But I know Lynn Drzick (Dir of In the Woods) is talking about a few conventions to do meet and greet with fans. Maybe some of the cast and crew? I know a sequel script for both films now exist. Thank you to the fans.
Let’s fast forward back to the modern. I got to sit in the early theater show and watch and reflect on SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA (SNIA). It has been enjoying a jaunt back into select theaters for the holidays. Several locations in Iowa, Lansing (MI) and it still plays in Grandville (Outside GR) until 1/2/2025. It was such a moving experience and was one of those STOP, TURN AROUND and look at how far you’ve come. It seems only yesterday Darrel Folkert and I were making little videos with the family camcorder. This amazing film can be watched on Amazon Prime but for those able to see it on the big screen it is magic. As I sat there I remember being 7 years old with John Luginsland (Same name from SNIA) watching STAR WARS and RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. My favorite actor was Harrison Ford and he let me know that you could grow up and be something other than a Fireman, Policeman, Doctor…you could grow up and be an actor. And now I sat watching previews for our film in the theater and here is the new Marvel film co-starring Harrison Ford. They were promoting his new film in front of ours. It made me smile. Maybe as close as I’ll get to him but you never know. I’ve met some pretty amazing people in this industry.
(In the game – I love that our stories are being enjoyed)
Looking ahead to 2025! If you want to see bullet points on projects for sale, merchandise, books and more to go with our movies- go back and read a few entries. Every year I write down goals. Each December post Christmas I refine those for the new year. Which goals carry over? Which were achieved and what was achieved that I didn’t even predict the year prior? What I do know is that Harsens Island Revenge as of yesterday was undergoing two last steps before being called done. They were doing a last overall filter on the film and relaying the black bars. Also they were checking to make sure the opening logo was the best quality. But as of today or tomorrow that film should be done. I can’t believe I’m saying that. We’ll be uploading a lower res to a site for our distributors to see. I plan to sign both the new deals 1st of the year after they do a final watch. We will upload to a site for festival submissions as we’ll do a few this year. And it will be prepared to be tested in the theater for our premiere and theatrical run. The CDI tribe led by director Carl Weyant has brought us one heck of a film. It is not too early to start calling your film theaters and requesting it. It prepares the market for when the booker starts reaching out. So call, call, call instead of just wait, wait, wait…
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS which was such a thrill to end the year on is past the hour mark in editing. The film advances about 5 min a day and so in a week or two we’ll have a first edit. Following that will be a first poster and trailer to share with awaiting audiences. I’m so proud of the job director and co-star Shane Hagedorn did and now he’s editing. A force of passion and that is what a director has to be. That leading, driving force pushing to see a vision through.
(GW Burns captures the miners from ‘Wild Faith Christmas’)
ROM COMS MUST DIE – is an intelligent mock on the state of the film industry filtered through the comedy/horror genre. We have our 1st prep meeting of the new year on day two of 2025. We’ll be locking dates and putting things in motion to shoot in Jan/Feb under the directorship of Travis Hayward. It will be fun to be back in action on the screen so soon. This is the first of many collaborations with McGraw Multimedia. John McGraw worked with CDI for many years as camera, grip and editor of several of the early CDI projects. They provided the B unit work on Harsens Island for the above mentioned film. John is the director of photography and we’ll be shooting both on location and in the studio. I’m excited to have John and his brother Eldon and their team joining forces with the CDI tribe again.
Misc./Wrap Up
We have a few additional projects developing for 2025. One which I’ve been waiting for Carl Weyant to read but wanted him to finish the ‘Harsens’ film first. I finished the new draft of show 5 of 8 on the WILD FAITH: Hastings TV series. I will work to finish 6/7 this week and 8 after that. I have the TV show now following the second film versus the first. Acting. writing. Producing. Goals for the property to complete in 2025 are set. Whereas last year it was the new deck build now it will be deck stain and who knows maybe a carport. So look at your 2024 and see what you got done and what you did not. Plan for your 2025 and develop a plan of action. There is development in 2025 that won’t shoot or happen until 2026 but the planning starts now. Have realistic goals. Set short term goals leading towards your long tern goals. I’m going to end this by wishing you a Happy New Year. I hope your Christmas was peaceful be it solo, a few together or many. I want to again thank each and everyone of you for stopping by each week to read these words. I hope some of it can be used to give you motivation, contemplation or any other help you might have needed. I will continue to give my best efforts on a daily basis and there is not anymore you can ask of yourself.
Happy Holiday and cheers to Happy New Year!
DJ
Focus and Persistence While Working Your Personal Puzzle
Hazelnut Coffee Cheers! A happy Sunday to you all out there. It is a warm yet rainy day in the Michigan. I got the lawn mowed and to kick off May did several things in the yard. The life is springing up everywhere for Spring! Dandelions are everywhere and a powerful plant they are indeed. Don’t poison them or any of the plants unless using vinegar or something natural. Everything eats something and that food chain can be affected including beloved pets. Dandelion is a powerful plant that is edible. It has many powerful compounds in it and can be made into several things medicinal or enjoyable. Culinary herbs add taste to food but they too possess many powerful compounds and that has been my study for many years. But at 50 years old I made the choice to focus my studies even more. A good many of the first 50 years were learning to be a warrior and now I’m focusing on being a healer. I maintain my warrior practice to unify and keep mind, body and spirit in flow with one another. I’m happy to say that on the soccer grid we’ve started our season. A beautiful day whereas everyone was happy to be out doing what we love. My running was in good shape but early second half my legs felt a tad heavy. The last week days have been great as my whole body is tight. You get such a complete workout with soccer because of all the directional changes. Our goalkeeper almost broke a finger but after an X ray it was just a bad sprain. At the end of the day it is a battle with rules. I’m already excited for next Thursday to battle once again.
I also had a great dad day whereas we went out to MSU (Michigan State University) our alumni school to look at discarded items for sale. After a few estate and garage sales and lunch. I often find wardrobe and prop pieces for the movies and often discover classic movies and books at a great price. I even occasionally find our own movies out there and that always makes me smile. The balance of the week was desk work on the films. I’m finishing up a script that might get a green light on funding soon versus later. That is the real trick any filmmaker will tell you. It is about budgets and momentum. But also it is not always about just sales it is collections during a certain quarter. We want strong returns to help us fund new endeavors. I usually distribute funds every two quarters to allow it to build up slightly because it is a lot of check writing. I have new checks coming in this week and we’ll look to process those over the next couple weeks. Before these distributions I like to give update reports to our backers. Again our business is hard because there is often riskier but better places to put your money to get bigger or faster returns. But faceless stocks that rise or fall or even bottom out don’t match the beauty of a film that can bring a story to life. That story could keep something from disappearing or bring a new literary classic to life. I’ve been enjoying the reading of Sherlock Holmes myself. What an iconic character.
We’ve also been working on funding several upcoming projects. We still have a ways to go with HOT ROD LOVE which lost its place in the line last year to Harsens Island Revenge which funded itself faster. We could end up in that situation again this year pending some developments in the next few weeks. HOT ROD LOVE might turn that corner and complete funding but we have another project that could jump in front of it. We also have several projects gaining momentum to shoot next year and so we’ll see what is the fastest horses in the race. Speaking of that what an exciting Kentucky Derby yesterday!
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – This film had a strong independent push by us on the theatrical scene. Now we’re just starting to roll into the home video. DVD and streaming is moving well and just off the DVD sales we’ve flown past our marketing costs. In the future our streaming revenue will kick in and we’ve got a good TV license ahead of us for this Summertime. The momentum from all these sales could be useful now but with so many platform and different billing cycles it all comes in at different quarters. We just had another great screening at the International Christian Film Festival in Orlando FL where the film was recognized with nominations for Best Actress Cassie Dean, Best Supporting Actor Shane Hagedorn and Best Score by Dennis Therrian. The SVP executive there said the movie played to a great buzz and was well received. This will push additional people to seek out of story. I think we’ll be creating a new version of the final film to do some theatrical event showing this forthcoming Christmas. This film is showing the potential for a long and strong run and perhaps cement itself as a classic of Christmas viewing. It is also just a Great War time drama to be enjoyed at any time of the year. If you haven’t seen it I encourage you to do so and if you have seen it – enjoy it again.
Harsens Island Revenge – The film officially was picture locked and music, dialog and sound design work has begun. We even watched some exciting first draft music for a few scenes. Some early teaser poster work is now underway and scenes for the film trailer have been pulled and just need to be edited together. This story adapted from Karl Manke‘s book of the same name is just wonderful. It has such a great message to it. Also taken from a great piece of history in our own state. I think this film will be unique as all CDI films are and should take audiences on an exciting journey. I was just so moved by all the performances and the hard work of all our artists. IF you want to see another film made by CDI, directed by Shane Hagedorn -from a Karl Manke book HOPE FROM HEAVEN watch BEST YEARS GONE here: https://youtu.be/U4lxhZ2CQkc?si=eI9uDVwgC50UVoln
Mother’s Day is approaching and we might suggest LOST HEART or The Quest Trilogy (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer) or even THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ.
Memorial Day is approaching and several of our films deal with military themes such as MAN’S BEST FRIEND, WILD FAITH, WICKED SPRING or FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH.
Soon I’m happy to announce that The Red, White and Blue Project a non-profit that raises money for veterans and their families will be raising money by offering a new HD DVD of AN ORDINARY KILLER thanks to Two Average Joes a podcast that works on true crime cases. Sales will directly benefit military family needs and bring this film back out in a remastered version for a good cause. We might also explore other ways to use the film to raise money for veteran affairs but to begin with this DVD will be something you will not want to miss.
The entire CDI Classic Collection is undergoing test remastering to try and bring you the best versions of these films. We have technology available to us now that was unheard of all those years ago. KNIGHT CHILLS was already remastered and released on Blu Ray. BUY HERE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJ5WBSZR?ref_=cm_sw_r_mwn_dp_S8VVQGSK0SGEMD085ZGJ&language=en_US&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR1ezSQmyVp55OyHIm-Wg6SxYlI1McptQ-3jPPjefpWB5ptMEBLYVAUr-7U_aem_AQRqoW18ZuONMJ7L8KTJ9uSR1DzxalcJZaVSVso_GL2Kz1oQqBXq2Hh5BOOZXRZFfyU4frqOqQWVoYOo5SCkZf6P
We are working to cut a new trailer and some fresh poster art for a streaming release this Fall! Beware as I think I hear Sir Kallio coming! To the land of shadows I will ride…
So please have some patience as we try to figure out the best way to move these films into the HD realm. GHOST TOWN our Smoky Mountain western is also being prepped to return to the marketplace. A new trailer is cut and soon we’ll start making some announcements about this exciting story. Being that the film is returning after 15 years is creating a lot of work on my end but I keep telling myself it will be worth it in the end. I have more meetings over it this week. A new generation will enjoy this powerful story. As we prepare this new release campaign enjoy this music video from the very talent Paul Proios. WATCH HERE: https://youtu.be/ixEmKwLwg1U?si=LhV3JYMCbGioijdf
WRAP UP:
I’m rolling with the momentum and while I have things I want to happen faster I have to keep that patience state-of-mind as I flow. Often it would be easier to do nothing in certain situations but the payoff for taking action is often greater. Trying to do things that others would not or could not because of the numerous steps. I’m grateful to have a tribe of artists who are all willing to work towards the same goals. I’m going to keep working at our goals daily and because of the consistent work things get done. Every project is thousands of steps. A 5000 piece-puzzle plus that requires focus and persistence. Keep working on your own personal puzzles. Make the time to step away and breath in life and a good dose of nature. When you sit back down you just might find your focus sharper and your clarity better. Thank you all for spending a few moments with me and I hope within these words are something that will inspire or help you on your own path. Until next week. Be good to one another!
DJ
Christmas 2023 – Good Tidings and Joy
I’m sitting here after another near non-stop day of prep for a holiday trifecta of family get togethers with another on the 30th. I know this is a time for many to reflect upon past holidays and days gone by. I know this time of the year can be hard for those who’ve had loss. We all have empty spots around the table missing grandparents, parents, siblings and dear friends. I had a close friend lose his father today and those losses hurt us all. We are the ones giving the comforting hug or receiving it when it is our time. I had another friend’s memorial a week earlier and that makes these times painted with bittersweet. One of my cousins today was sending me pics of past days and that sparked emotion. I felt like Clark Griswold watching old films in the attic. But it is good to remember even when it hurts a little. Usually a smile will come as we recall funny stories from those past days. Even past pets bring those happy and sad feelings. But we have a new pack of love here with our two dogs and our new kitty Sybil. All are adopted and bring joy into our lives. That is the turning wheel of life. So love on your loved ones and if you are alone consider an adopted pet. They can truly bring joy back into your life.
(Luna Mae)
We also had a furnace issue resulting in a lack of heat. We just had a new one installed a year ago but the problem is that the old one we knew. Yes. It looked like something from Freddy Krueger’s boiler room but we knew it. This new one is very efficient but looks like something that could be found on a spaceship. We looked about and tried a reset but dealing with electricity and gas is unnerving. No dice. So we went to sleep praying we did not have a gas leak. The slowly declining heat was not too bad thanks to the warm weather we are having. The next morning we got ahold of our installer also a friend. The reset button I was trying to find on my own was so small five of them might fit on a penny and between two wires. Ultimately it was a dirty sensor that had to be removed, wiped down and presto. HEAT! But man, you need to know where everything is. Being Christmas and a friend we got off very reasonable but I can see where some would be paying up for a simple service. BUT, they have meters and equipment that are costly and I know that even moving a diesel service truck is costly. I’m thankful and I now know how to clean a sensor. Okay that sensor.
While doing some work this week I did my yearly Christmas watch on The Quest Trilogy. This unique exploration of three interwoven biblical stories always invokes deep thought and positive feelings. Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer. Watch them in that order and I think you will take something positive away. They can be watched many places but on Encourage TV you can watch free with ads. Truly a challenging role for me and a massive undertaking filming all three of those in the desert. Filmmakers earn their desert stripes by filming in a desert. If you know, you know.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA has been sweeping across the country. I was sent a link this morning where it was talked about on a National talk show (Clay Travis & Buck Sexton) to an audience of 10 million + folks. Our national PR doesn’t really kick in until the first of the year but people are renting and buying it. They’re traveling back to 1944 and experiencing a true story that is a bright spot in human history even though it happened during the very dark time of WW2. It is important that we don’t lose those stories and I want to thank our investors and sponsors for making this project happen. I want to thank our cast and crew and my producer team led by director Anthony Hornus. He was the director of Man’s Best Friend which is one of the most talked about films with fans I meet. This film is an amazing follow up and really shows the heart ‘Tony’ puts in his storytelling. But that heart and passion can be found in most all our CDI tribe. I love what I do and much of that is because I love the people I work with and I love the fans who reach out to tell us how they’ve been touched. It was a VERY hard film to make but it was all worth it. I’m glad it is complete and now being seen by the world.
I had some great conversations about upcoming and developing projects. I believe that projects will find a way if they are meant to be manifested. That doesn’t mean sitting and just waiting- it takes packaging and aligning. Countless calls, meetings and the hard work of a strong core of producers. Audiences can already rest assured that another CDI story is coming at you in 2024. Harsens Island Revenge is coming together currently being edited in Brazil. We were closing on the first hour of our story in my last director update. I always like to take the path of modesty but everyone associated with that project knows we have something very special coming. Early in 2024 audiences should be getting their first look with a teaser trailer with the first music by the one and only Dennis Therrian. With the amazing photos by GW Burns a new advanced theatrical poster will be coming.
KNIGHT CHILLS has been fun to revisit. It was CDI’s 1st film and is now on BluRay and selling well. The extras are a great source of learning and inspiration for new or upcoming filmmakers. Thank you to all the fans of this little film. Big things might still be coming from this franchise. You can buy the Blu Ray on Amazon and many retail stores like Walmart, Barnes and Noble and Best Buy.
WILD FAITH: HASTINGS is getting some momentum. HOT ROD LOVE will soon be officially announced on the development slate. We have Pepsi officially onboard and our first investor. We’ll be giving our past investors first opportunity in the new year before opening it to those who’ve given interest in getting involved. Like I said in a meeting this week- we’re building pyramids. These stories will last for generations and they should. I really do like making films that matter. I enjoy films that are just escapism for fun but the older I get I really like the depth. I believe that both can be achieved and much of that starts with the script. I’ve been doing a little bit of screenwriting also but we’ll save that for a different day. We have a few projects developing with young filmmakers and opportunities to grow that next ring of branches at CDI. I have a few potentially big meetings first of the year including one requiring me to jump on a plane across the country. I’m just happy I’m not flying during this time of the year. But in 2024 I’ll jump on a jet and try to kickstart a few new films.
Speaking of 2024- I’m really spending some time recharging and refocusing. I usually make a set of proposed goals and I already have a few in mind. I’m pretty disciplined but that is going to become even more-so in the new year. At 53 I feel like I’m still moving towards my peak. What’s really helping me is the wisdom I’ve accumulated over the years. I know myself very well. I know what I like and what I don’t. What I will tolerate and what I won’t. Mistakes of my past have become vital experience used to achieve success. I’m very excited about 2024 and I hope you are as well. ‘Be the change you want to see’ is a good statement I’ve heard recently used. What I want for Christmas is comfort for those dealing with loss. Peace on earth and goodwill amongst men (and women). Love, unity and understanding- even for a day. If it can start with a day it can grow into more but it takes a step. 2024 doesn’t have to be division filled if we learn to respect one another including learning to respectfully disagree. Anyone preaching or proclaiming hate should not be a leader. And they are only empowered by followers so trust your heart and follow only that. Skip the slights and insults and instead just communicate. Thank you for almost a year of us meeting once a week to think and ponder together. My last blog of the year will be New Year’s Eve. I look forward to joining with all of you again next week and the year beyond.
Be good to one another and Merry Christmas.
DJ
A Story Can Change the WORLD
It is a peaceful Sunday morning and I’m sipping the ole hazelnut coffee and about to give some updates on our film endeavors. First, I want to note the earthquakes that are hitting multiple areas around the globe. Also with the new wildfires erupting in the N.C. mountains. I hope my friends there stay safe. Earthquakes and wildfires and that could also describe the political shake up here in the USA. I’m not a politician and as a storyteller I want to enrich the lives of all people. My only note as of late is I’ve never seen positive communication between parties when the volume becomes LOUD and the EMOTION sets in. Ears close and frustration mounts as people feel unheard. Talking is always better than yelling. Trying to hear both sides and seek compromise will always beat out yelling in someones face. I think a majority of people who felt unheard just went silent and let their vote speak. Also as a former soccer coach I’ve noted that many people do not know how to lose. I saw a climate of “everyone wins” grow over the years and many of us know that is seldom the case. Now I’ve had immense amount of set back in my life and I try to waste as little energy as possible on things I cannot change. I try to accept situations and make solid moves from that stance. I hope that the divide which is now more in the open creates good communication, understanding and compromise. Time will tell.
About film
The Quest Trilogy
I hinted at a deal that is going done to take these films and other CDI properties to the next level of distribution and production. We have our first paperwork and are reviewing. I plan to put pen to paper this forthcoming week. I’ve been also prepping the other projects for presentation.
DJ Perry as Jesus in “40 Nights”
40 Nights – the beautiful comments continue and the new marketing teams will start work to prep for the new 2017 release push. I cannot discuss this too much until we have concluded the deal.
Chasing the Star – we’re entering the final phase of post-production. The first look trailer is being polished up and will be released soon. Audiences will be in for a great journey with this second film in our trilogy.
The Christ Slayer – this film is now moving into active development. We’ll be announcing new developments on IMDB.com and via new PR releases. I will be returning to my role as Jesus in this film. I look forward to completing the trilogy with this heart-moving, thought-provoking film.
Wild Faith – the editing is underway and approaching the half way point. We’re also prepping for one last pick up day that will be flashbacks of our main character. It is a return to shooting some Civil War footage and so fans of “Wicked Spring” will be happy.
Terry Jernigan and DJ Perry in “An Ordinary Killer”
I plan to roll out several of the classic CDI films from the library but I’m holding while we work out this new deal. But I assure you we will see several of the films re-release. Some will see their 1st Blu-Ray or streaming/digital deals.
I’ve had several people ask howe they can be considered for CDI films. The first thing I always say is get that showcase reel together. GAME FOOTAGE. On the CDI site http://www.cdiproductions.com we do post what we’re currently seeking. We do sometimes use IMDB Casting, Backstage or other casting notices but as a company of actor/producers we keep our eyes and ears open. When new talent is found that fits – they are brought into the discussion. Also if you’ve worked with CDI with no issue that puts you to the front of the list for consideration. I’ve talked about being ready for opportunity in past blogs but it is important. If you work a day job get one with flexibility. I use to live, and still do, quite conservative. I don’t spend money I don’t have on flash. I try to stay on top of my personal so when duty calls I can transition into business as needed.
On set of the thriller “Bestseller”
I did have one good conversation with an actor aspiring to produce at a certain level. I gave my honest advice which essential was about taking steps. If you’ve only done 5k shorts what experience says you’re ready to manage 2 million dollars? If you’ve never done the 50k or 500k project you’ve missed so many lessons. I liken it to the martial arts whereas you learn in phases. Nobody jumps belts or degrees without learning the lessons at each new phase. I don’t see where people in film think that is a good idea. And if you lack that experience it is easy for outsiders to run amuck with your project. And team building is so important. One bad “player” can damage/kill a project so the team is so very important. If you can make a solid 50k film you will be in better shape to do that 75-100k film. The learning curve is so very important. So if a project, passion or not is too big for you – set it aside and do something smaller. BUILD.
I’m going to go do a few things in the yard to stay ahead of the snow which will find us. Embrace the differences amongst us and communicate calmly. Less shouting. More listening. Smile. Work towards real change. I will keep influencing people with a story. A STORY can change the world.
Be good to one another.
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 