Memorial Day Weekend – Updates on Releases, Post Work and New Films at CDI!
A hazelnut coffee cheers and a happy Memorial Day weekend. It is a day/weekend of remembering the fallen and CDI has a great number of films that recognizes the sacrifices made by soldiers. Wicked Spring, Wild Faith, Man’s Best Friend, An Ordinary Killer and more focus on what the loss often does to those who survive. So please do take the time to be thankful for the peace and security many of us live within thanks to their sacrifice and efforts.
On the home front I’m happy to report that our soccer season kicked off on a wet and cold Thursday. We outplayed a rival team in my opinion but lost 3-2 due to the factors that happen in a game. But above that it felt great to be pushing myself to the limit and to be in such competition. The next day I got up stiff but did a full property mow and trim but that led to a nap that lasted 3 hours. I usually do a 30min to 1 hour nap tops but my body and mind must have needed it. I woke feeling great! But my day two stiffness was pretty complete and today day three is better so it is something I’ll have to go through. But I feel so good now that my body is getting that “battle” on a weekly basis.
This week saw the announcement of Carl Weyant nominated for Best Director and myself for Best Writer (screenplay) at the Red Letter Awards for Harsens Island Revenge (HIR). More individual nominations will continue to roll out. Here is the announcement – https://www.prlog.org/13077745-red-letter-awards-rolls-out-new-nominations-for-harsens-island-revenge.html – The film concluded runs this week in Oscoda, Owosso, Lansing, Muskegon and Grand Rapids Michigan and in Middletown, CT. We are battling with the summer studio films for space. We have a June run in Rogers City, MI set and we are trying to confirm the run at Emagine Theater in Macomb. But people and their communication can be lacking. We want to form an event page and start some promo for the first Detroit area showing but they don’t make it easy.
You who have seen the film can make it easier by voting and leaving a review at https://www.imdb.com/title/tt21062442/reference/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1 and also at Google, Rotten Tomatoes and more. The first hater came along on the review boards. I’ve seen lots of films and I know what a 1 or 2 film looks like even subjectively. Harsens (HIR) might not be everyone’s cup of tea but when we see a person who created an account to rate a 2. (Note on IMDB 1 and 10’s are not given the same weight as 2 and 9) plus a review that almost always traces back to a disgruntled actor, writer or filmmaker who cannot get their dream project off the ground. Jealously is never a good path and it makes me feel sad for them. There are many who work with budgets above what we can pull together. And in turn we have budgets better than many others but even more-so we have the #tribecdi team that can actually make it all happen. There is so much to filmmaking beyond what the hobbyist see’s. So when you see success on our end you are seeing a lotta hard work by a lotta talented and driven people.
So do review, vote, promote and call your theaters and request the film. But know we don’t really have any power of the set up. The theater is entering into a business arrangement and they have to be open to it. Open can also mean schedule with so many studio obligations whereas you must take these films in these many theaters and play them for this long. So we will be giving our best efforts to get the film into theaters before our Oct 1, 2025 home video release to DVD and streaming. Our friends in Algona, Iowa have been asking and so far the Fridley wants to play us in the fall which means likely Sept if at all. Forest City, Iowa we are trying to work that out. We do have some theaters asking us in Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota. Harsens Island Revenge is a good historical drama follow up to Silent Night in Algona.
Speaking on Silent Night in Algona it will finally go to the last phase of release which is ad based video on demand or free with ads like TUBI in July. It is one of the most popular stages for audiences well because it is free to them and advertisers pay the filmmakers. This is another film on Amazon and various platforms great for a Memorial Day watch. While on this film I will say we have a few Iowa-based film projects in development. We would really like to return there and tell a few more stories. We are in the funding stage and that is always the real trick.
Post Work is continuing with Wild Faith Christmas working on the final music and VFX. The color correction minus a few tweaks seems done. And ROM COMS MUST DIE is working down the post production path also. Color correction is about done and the picture is a lock. Sound design and VFX is underway and music will be the last step before an overall mix. I think with Rom Coms Must Die we will do a few months of festival showings before going to theaters. We are preparing marketing clips now and it will be fun to promote that film.
DEVELOPMENT– Now that theatrical is off and running and post work is moving smoothly along we are looking ahead. With the busy year of releases we’re going to tackle two smaller scope films meaning fewer locations, cast and not as epic in the world-building. Next up for us appears like another CDI/McGraw Multimedia collaboration follow up after Rom Coms Must Die. The film is a SciFi/Tech script with some religious themes called THE KINGDOM CHIP. The second project is the feature version of SMOKE & MIRRORS the Victorian turn-of-the-century who done it. Discussions have been underway for key players in these two projects. We will start to get more solid with these two projects in the coming weeks.
As I was waiting for a few book to script projects to solidify I wrote The Kingdom Chip script that is the right scope and uses the McGraw studio. We are also going to try and get a few more of the literary releases out the back half of the year. Also we will resume tests on the final three CDI classic films we are trying to bring up to HD. I recently did a Voice Over job for my alumni school Michigan State University. I am also looking at a few acting opportunities but it needs to make sense and I need to connect with a story and role. If you have interest in cast, crew, funders feel free to reach out. We keep a file of all those interested because sometimes schedules don’t work out for folks.
WRAP UP: I just had some eggs and things are doing well there. One of our fur babies has had upset stomach for a few days. She is slowly feeling better but you hate to see them off. It could be eating something in the yard from poop to a bad plant to water out of the bird bath. Either way we are helping her to slowly feel better. The yard is in good shape but I might work on the dismantling of the old wood shed and a retaining wall under the deck. We need to pick out a stain and get that done also.
I love all the green growth in the yard and I think some flowers and herbs will be bought today and planted. I do have some already growing and even tasted the first mint of the year. I do love working the dirt and watching things grow. That is kind of like the film projects. Nurturing brings about a final product/harvest and other people get to enjoy it. I’m really feeling so good now that Harsens is launched. Now it is giving best efforts every day to allow folks to see it. And come October it will roll out to the millions we do not reach.
I saw that LOST HEART which has a new campaign along with BEST YEARS GONE rolling out is gathering a new audience. Lost Heart almost has a million views on Encourage TV and exceeds a million when you add a few of the streaming platforms. Both of these are wonderful films again worthy of a watch by all of you!
I’m going to see my brother later today and some of my friends. Tomorrow we will enjoy another day of holiday. But know as soon as we get our full run of dates from Emagine Macomb we will spread that PR around. I don’t like that we don’t get a lot of lead up on some of these releases but others like Rogers City, MI we do. You just gotta roll with it and know that good things will happen. I hope you all have a safe and relaxing few days. Remember to be good to one another and we’ll talk again next week.
DJ
‘Harsens Island Revenge’ Theatrical Roll Out Picks Up Speed! (Plus other CDI updates)
(Owosso, MI kick off at NCG Theaters!)
Good morning to you all. The hazelnut coffee is tasting extra good this morning as I am trying to get the cobwebs out of my head. I was up past my bedtime last night after a fun kick off of the Harsens Island Revenge (HIR) movie in Owosso, MI the home town of the book author. The NCG had us kick off in red carpet style and we had a nice afterglow also. There are some great pics starting to roll in and you can see them on the HIR Facebook page. It will play Owosso until Weds unless they extend it and we hope to travel into other NCG’s. The night before was more low key in Lansing, my hometown due to the storms that still has many without power. We still had a good turnout just no after party as people either had been doing tree clean up or had to the next morning. Not good for food people have in the fridge or freezer. But that is the two local kick off’s with Oscoda and CT theaters playing until Weds/Thursday. Grand Rapids and Muskegon might end after today unless the audiences really showed for them. Next up is Detroit and we’ll start moving into other midwest theaters. The audience reaction has been great with folks really enjoying this story. If you can see it in the theater please do it plays great! Home video won’t be until October so see it when you can in theaters.
(Coming (we hope) to a theater near you!)
OTHER FILM UPDATES!
- Lost Heart aka Bigfoot, UFO’s and Jesus and BEST YEARS GONE have new campaigns underway. If you haven’t seen these two CDI films you should. The latter was also adapted from a Karl Manke book.
- Knight Chills is CDI’s first film from the 90’s enjoying a new HD streaming and Blu Ray release. I want to finish the publication of the script and making of book.
- Ghost Town also got the HD re-release to streaming including HistoryFix and the novel is also close to being ready for a re-publish.
- An Ordinary Killer was also re-released to HD and the book on that is slated to be released. All these will show the rich history of CDI’s storytelling. This film was filmed in the Owosso and Durand area where last night’s HIR premiere was.
- Fan favorite WILD FAITH had audiences asking for a sequel and come November they will get it. Wild Faith Christmas director Shane Hagedorn had great things to report on the music/sound design and also the color correction. That film is going to be another great release!
- The dark comedy ROM COMS MUST DIE is also working color correction and sound design and will start music scoring once Dennis Therrian gets Wild Faith Christmas finished. This week we’ll see a second draft of the movie trailer. This year has several great CDI films rolling!
- Next week I’ll continue my development work. I took a week off to just focus on promotion of HIR but now I’ll get back into prepping our next couple films. Several of the supporters will have opportunities to get involved. I’ll also be working with our team to prepare some disbursements as the circle turns. We are in process of working to streamline the entire CDI biz process as we keep growing. It really does take a team of business folks just like production requires a team.
WRAP UP:
If you have seen Harsens Island Revenge and want to share your good thoughts on the film you can know leave reviews on HIR’s http://www.imdb.com page. Also Google, Rotten Tomatoes and several places allow reviews. If you feel like leaving something please do. My appreciation to Dreamscape Productions helping with our theatrical releases. They have been a joy to work with. All of us at CDI thank you!
Aside from films we did construct a new side coop for the chickens who give us the daily fresh eggs. I’ve got the property looking pretty good and I love all the growth happening and the wildlife that goes with it all. I still have some poles trimming to keep some of the trees from getting too crazy. Soccer season is about to start this week and I’m very much looking forward to that weekly workout. I’ve been training some to get ready and so we’ll see how the season goes.
I’m going to jump off here and refill ye ole coffee cup. We have a flea market down the road and I’m going to go see what props I can find. Tomorrow will start another busy yet productive week. I want to thank everyone who has been supporting all the theatrical releases. It is our pleasure to entertain you. I’ve read each and every bit of fan mail you all have sent and as I said, we so appreciate it. I appreciate all the kind comments on ‘Axel’ my new character in HIR. He’s a pretty cool fella and I’m glad audiences are connecting with him. I hope you all have a great Sunday and a smooth week ahead.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Updates a Day Early Due to Easter! My Gift to You All!
(A beautiful shot from Part 3 of The Quest Trilogy “The Christ Slayer” )
It is later on a Saturday and I’ve decided to start putting my update together as tomorrow is a busy day being Easter. So this past week was busy and I was tired once Friday came along. The week prior ended with my lil brother’s birthday and that was a fun celebration. Monday was back to business with a meeting with Travis Hayward and Adam Towner. It was to both cheer accomplishments (Their local festival win) and plan the next steps with Rom Coms Must Die (RCMD) feature marketing. The film is soon to address additional VFX and sound design before music and mixing. We’re working on the first look trailer and poster art for RCMD So that will be exciting also. I also got to enjoy their short film that won the local festival.
Good meeting mid-week with Shane Hagedorn and our friends at Dreamscape Productions about the theatrical release of Harsens Island Revenge. The film starts its theatrical run in Alpena, MI at Sanctuary Cinemas this coming Friday and will play for a week or so. How long depends on interest in the area. The Owosso, MI showings will start May 17th at the NCG and we’re guessing a week or two there as well. We are also looking to see if it will release in other NCG’s so if you have one near you call and request the film. Lansing, Grand Rapids and Detroit will likely be the next showings working with Celebration Cinemas and Emagine.
Speaking of theatrical showings, on Friday I went to the opening of WAS ONCE A HERO a unique western that friends Darby Hinton, Shane Hagedorn and Rebecca Holden acted in. Actor, producer and writer Dan Searles played the shopkeep in Wild Faith Christmas. If you get a chance to see it please do. It is now in Lansing, Grand Rapids and other locations. Wild Faith Christmas is about 60 min into the color correction. Dialog clean up is complete and sound design is also almost done. Next up is the music score which is where the film really comes to life. This follow up to our WILD FAITH is heading to theaters this holiday season.
Thursday I started the day by watching a director friend’s memorial for his dad who passed away. I had to stay home and be ready to receive a truck load of props from Wild Faith Christmas. I’m still putting stuff away. I had to reschedule a later meeting with an actress/producer friend but that happens especially when little children are involved. Friday as noted I had that screening but also had a good meeting over possible acting, writing and producing work for CDI. I just finished the script I had been working on which might film in Spring 2026 pending on chips fall. I’m in talks about several books to script and I’m hoping to lock one of them. I do enjoy writing and it is something I really embrace. The feedback so far on the script I just completed is strong.
I was waiting for many folks to get past tax deadlines but I’ve got several film projects in development. I’m going to give a few folks a first right of refusal on funding. We’ve had to turn away a few people on the last couple films and I don’t like to do that. Funding can be really hard and so we’ve got a good slate of projects from smaller to larger in budget. I’m really hoping to be filming this summer followed by fall and spring. We have the resources and manpower now to handle more films. It takes time to develop people and get them into the CDI flow. I’m also going to be talking with a few management folks about music videos for bands. We have the new Shallow Rising video releasing soon and will be shooting some promo for a music concert venue soon. We really like the music videos also they are a lot of fun.
Today in Muskegon our IN THE WOODS writer/director Lynn Drzick is meeting and greeting fans of our classic monster movie film. The Blu Ray is released and these are all steps for a possible follow up film. Next week I have an interview on Monday for Harsens Island Revenge and a podcast on Thursday. Friday we’ll get to hear what audiences think of the film! I have another podcast (Premium Podcast:) that we are trying to get on the books. I hope to have to good development follow up meetings next week too. So on the movie front things are busy as usual.
WRAP UP:
I’ve been loving being outside and doing the yard clean up. It is starting to come together. I spread the red clover seed and have some other herbs starting to sprout. The chickens have been doing pretty good with 3-5 eggs a day. I was doing well with my office organizing until two wagons full of props arrived. The Paw Paw/Rhubarb wine has gotten good marks from folks at our meetings. I’m still exploring the idea of using the lumber from the old deck to build a greenhouse. The new deck will soon need to be sanded and stained and I’m trying to prep for that. I’ve also been trying to clean on the shed which the squirrels invaded once they found we had chicken scratch in there. They are pretty determined when they wanna be. Flowers are popping up all over and my brother already found a morel on his property. We usually get them so I’m keeping an eye out.
I’ve done some PR on asking and encouraging people who enjoy the CDI films to watch The Quest Trilogy where we make a go at the biblical dramas like what we grew up on with ole Chuck Heston. They can be found free with ads and please do watch them in order. Part 1 Forty Nights, Part 2 Chasing the Star and Part 3 The Christ Slayer. I hope you all have a wonderful Easter and a great week ahead. We are enjoying the days getting warmer we actually had one day 78 degrees or so. I hope you enjoy getting this a day early. I just didn’t want to be rushed tomorrow because we have a full day. There is the first flea market of the year down the road also. Those are always fun. Soccer is also right around the corner starting in May! Until next week!
Coffee Cheers! Tea at night for me!
DJ
Theatrical, Post Updates, Development and More…
Good morning my friends and fellow artists. I’m sipping ye ole hazelnut coffee and again I have Scooby Doo cartoons going on while I type. I had a great week which I’ll be happy to share on here including an end-of-week trip to the Henry Ford/Greenfield Village. We focused on the craftsman part of the village and enjoyed seeing the art of working with your hands and materials to create glass, pottery, weaving and more. A good lunch and company there and back to Lansing. I see that Ireland is where my second highest viewership is after the USA. I’m a good dose Irish so that is nice to see the support.
Last week we were shooting the final pieces of ROM COMS MUST DIE. I’ve already seen that scene added in and it was everything and more we had hoped to get. Next is a BIG screen viewing to lock picture and to make notes of sound fx adds and music cues. Travis Hayward and a team participated in the local Capitol City Film Fest winning Best Picture and the Audience Award. I will see it this week but I’m not surprised and it is what helped us decide to give him the feature film directorial opportunity. We will discuss future opportunities at our meeting this week. I’m also going to be meeting with Adam Towner who also deserves a congrats as part of that festival win. It is what also helped give him the opportunity to co-star in the feature film. But Adam is talented on both sides of the camera and we’ll be discussing the RCMD poster and first trailer. Always a fun meeting!
Harsens Island Revenge has been delivered and we’ll have some discussions this week on home video release plans. But that is happening in October and we’re kicking off the theatrical release on April 25th in Alpena, MI. We have a 1st showing for main cast and crew plus a handful of VIP’s as the Sanctuary Cinema theater is smaller. I’m told the second show is sold out and the 3rd that night will likely be sold out as well. The film should play strong in that area for several weeks. For those who cannot make the trek to Alpena the next premiere showing and run will be early May in Owosso, MI with the NCG theater. If you have an NCG in your area call and request the film with the manager. We are finalizing all that and we’ll be doing that with a nice afterglow. Our book author Karl Manke is from there as is CDI producer/director/writer/actor Anthony Hornus.
Speaking of mister Hornus (Tony) his last directorial film SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is having a special one night theatrical showing at the Iowa Farm to Film Festival tomorrow. If you go to the film’s FB page you can listen to two great interviews by Tony. It is always worth seeing on the big screen but you can buy/rent on Amazon and other retail sites. It will go to free with ad watching this summer and I’ll be sure to let you know more about that.
Speaking on Iowa, I did have a great talk over another Iowa story SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE that has been developing slowly. We have a second developing project from the Iowa area and that is the Frank Gotch story. He was the Catch Can world champion and hailed from Iowa. A real life Rocky story. It really takes people who want to see these stories immortalized and not forgotten. Every story happens in it’s own time I like to say.
Wild Faith Christmas is now being color corrected and undergoing music and sound design. I LOVE the characters from this franchise starting with WILD FAITH. As we get closer to a holiday release I’m going to start talking with some folks about the TV series. If you run a TV station or network and want a family friendly series with 20-30+ million previous viewers feel free to reach out. I have a few good meetings ahead that could move the needle on this TV series.
Speaking on sequels I was asked twice in one week about a sequel to Man’s Best Friend. I also had a dear lady say she had to stop watching for a few because of her crying. The film hits hard in the feels for dogs and veterans. I do have a full sequel outlined (One for Lost Heart also) and I might kick these out at some point.
Speaking on scripts I did finish my first draft of my latest THE KINGDOM CHIP. It is a real thought-provoking script that will lead to much needed conversation. It deals with many of the real challenges that lie ahead when it comes to technology. This project was written to loosely fit in with The Quest Trilogy. That is our series of biblical adventures filmed in the desert of Yuma, AZ. This script would possibly shoot in Yuma again with our friends there.
I’ve been approached about another possible script in addition to the couple books I’m looking at for adaptation to screenplay. I’m in a good place to write now and so I’m trying to lock in a deal on my next writing endeavor. I love earning from writing. Just me, my imagination and a cup of tea or coffee. Some of these projects might have CDI producing and some are for other talented groups to produce. It all requires a strong blue print.
On the development tip the proposed schedule is looking like a possible attempt to launch HOT ROD LOVE again which is our 70’s drag racing film. I’m talking and gathering a few verbal commits from people who love that sport. This fall/winter is perfect for our feature version of SMOKE & MIRRORS. (See CDI Youtube Channel) It is a ‘who done it?’ turn of the century piece. I love the writing of it and I’m doing a breakdown on that. And THE KINGDOM CHIP would be early Spring in Yuma, AZ if everything worked out. There are a few other projects in early development that could replace on the slate but the three above have a good strong start. I have not forgotten about a Knight Chills 2🙂
Misc Updates:
The NEW music video that CDI produced with Weyant Ent. from SHALLOW RISING was delivered and should release soon. The song is called BLIZZARD. I’m thinking we might also film another in the not to distant future. I’m also talking to a few others about more music videos (Mark Owen:) which I really do enjoy.
I do have some voice over work for a movie 4:26 that Carl Weyant directed after ours. I will likely knock that down in the next two weeks along with some VO work for ROM COMS MUST DIE. I am looking at a few outside acting gigs but it just has to be a right fit. I play a range of roles but the key is the connect. I have plans to try and do a new 2025/2026 reel. I get so busy and that often gets lost. But that can be good if you are working.
WRAP UP:
My office organizing has been going great. So has my property clean up from a long hard winter. I’ve been doing some tree trimming and also getting pots ready for planting. I’m still slowly deconstructing the wood shed and might replace it with a greenhouse. I will still need a place to process wood but I’m looking at some new ways of storing it. A deck sanding and staining is also right around the corner.
Soccer starts in May so that is right around the corner. I’ve been kicking the ball around trying to get my touch back. I’m also getting ready to go to my first flea market of the season! I love them. I find so many props and wardrobe for films. OK. I’m going to go make a few eggs and get showered up for my day.
I hope you all are having a great start to your 2025. Stay informed but don’t dwell on negatives. Listen to music and see how you can enact positive change around you. Laugh daily and keep checking things off that TO DO list. I’m anxious to see how the rest of the year unfolds. I’m sure there will be ups and downs as that is the way of life. Twelve days before the first audiences see Harsens Island Revenge in the theaters.
Have a wonderful week and a happy 50th Bday to my baby bro. I look forward to celebrating later!
DJ
New Premiere/Theatrical Showings and CDI Film Updates!
Good morning! I’m up and at it a bit earlier this morning. I have my trusted hazelnut coffee beside me and Scooby Doo playing on the TV. It takes it back to my childhood. What a week. First a big RIP to Val Kilmer who was such a talented actor. Gone too soon after too many challenges. That is why everyone should count their blessings. Health is wealth and remember that while we all deal with the ups and downs in life. This week went by quickly ending in a bday gathering for my niece yesterday. Today we film the last piece of the Rom Coms Must Die movie. We need a change of season look from our previous Fargo heavy snow look. This will be my last scene for Amos Edison and that will officially wrap that character. That film is edited save the opening and insert footage we will film today. The color correction is about 60% there and dialog and some sound design has been done. Once this footage is edited in we’ll lock it and watch through for sound design and music cues. I think I’ll be able to better focus on development once this is finally put to bed.
Harsens Island Revenge released a new hype trailer we call “Dark Days” that shows the darker aspects of the film. It leaves the romance alone and focuses more on the tension and intensity. The film will release April 25th in Alpena, MI with one cast and crew afternoon showing followed by two public showings. It will play likely for two weeks minimum. We have already started working on the other premiere showings and theatrical runs. The Owosso, Michigan showing is about set up and we’ll be announcing it this coming week. It is early in May at the NCG chain and we’re trying to get more theaters involved. We’ll focus on Michigan first and start spreading out from there. This film will place well on the big screen with all the action. We also will start looking at select film festivals to show at as well.
Wild Faith Christmas has locked the picture and color correction is in full swing. Also dialog is about done and music and sound design is underway with the talented Dennis Therrian. This film has so much heart and just like the original should really hit a spot with audiences. We are looking to land it in theaters in November of this year. I was looking at a picture the other day of me with the Ben Lily beard and I was amazed at how big it was. That is what is so much fun doing the character transformations. I might have noted this last week but once I put Amos to bed today I’m characterless.
I’ve read one of two books this week that I was approached about writing considering. By that I mean turning a book into a screenplay. I’ve done that for several books and it is a good service to offer. On some of the books the author/publisher also paid for CDI to produce the film. So I’m looking at three such possible book to screenplay writing gigs. The first book I really liked and it would make a good movie. The second book is more action and we’ll see how that read goes. I’ve got a detective story I’ve already agreed to do I’m waiting to evaluate and work out the fine details on that project. I did finish the script I was working currently and I’m half way through a solid polish on it. This script project could take CDI back to Yuma, AZ in the “window” when Michigan is frozen and Yuma has not yet become a scorcher. I talked with one of our producers there this week to touch base and catch up.
Yuma, AZ is where we filmed our three biblical adventures in THE QUEST TRILOGY. If you are fans of the CDI storytelling treat yourself to these three films. Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer and do watch them in that order to grasp the greater story being told. The script I just finished and I’m polishing somewhat fits into that “universe” of films. I had some good talks with Carl Weyant who starred in the third film The Christ Slayer and who just directed Harsens Island Revenge with us. He wants to be one of the first to read the new script. These films are inspirational without being preachy or forced. If you just need an uplift take a watch on the trilogy and again let me know what you think here.
A Christmas Seance and Hot Rod Love will both be looked at an evaluated as possibles too. I’ve been having key conversations about these projects. Like I was saying once we wrap today it will focus more of my attention on development. Writing and organizing have been a good amount of my time. I’ve still got a few end of year business loose ends but almost there. There is always so much work to do with the films but it is worth the end result. In a few weeks we get to treat audiences to our next story. But there are many films to enjoy in the CDI library. For lovers of film in our town of Lansing, MI the local fest is underway. I was going to attend the opening mixer but I was just so tired at the days end from dealing with movie business.
WRAP UP:
Outside of the films the yard clean up is going well and I’ll be planting more clover. The chickens are doing well kicking about 5 eggs a day. My wood shed dismantle prep is going well and I’m filling the bins. I’m still having fires at the office in the wood stove. Soccer season is around the corner and I’ve been doing some training for that. Always something but keeping that balance of working in nature and desk work is healthy. I’m going to fuel up well for todays filming likely with some of those aforementioned eggs. The sunshine and warmer weather is really helping my motivation and mood. I’m going to wrap it up here. Keep working towards your goals and keep your smile if things don’t always go exactly as planned. Usually it is just patience and persistence that you need to practice a bit more of. Alright my artist friends keep on keeping on!
DJ
Finishing the Month Strong! New April 1st Trailer?
(A throw back of ‘Ghost Town’ in Time Square NYC – Going to Historyfix in 4k!)
A warm and damp morning in mid Michigan. I heard they had ice storms up north in the area of Alpena where we recently filmed two of our films. Either way spring is in the air for sure. Plants are starting to sprout and animals are building new nests. My clean up of the property is going well. I’m still leaving the ground leaves for bee cover. My work on the slow dismantle of the old wood shed is underway. I have an estimate from our builder to sand and stain the new deck. I think the first time I will have the pros do it and after that I can have a go at it. I enjoyed it being warm enough to do a few tasks. I may have to do some tree trimming on the mulberry and/or apple trees. That sometimes causes them to skip a season of fruit. I’ve been leaving the apples for the squirrels the last few years.
I mentioned Alpena and I believe we mentioned have an April 25th date to kick off the theatrical run of Harsens Island Revenge (HIR). Tickets should go up for sale soon! That theatrical deal has been signed with our friends and partners at Dreamscape Productions. They will be contacting several of the northern theaters/chains to see if they want to book HIR. We are also starting talks with NCG in Owosso, MI and the NCG chain to run the film. Celebration. Emagine and more. Please contact your theaters near you and request the film. Also get the name of the person who handles booking. We want to travel this film around the country and I’m even looking into Las Vegas. To build the hype even more I think I’m going to drop a second HIR trailer cut by Dennis Therrian on April 1st, no fooling!
Wild Faith Christmas is also moving along nicely. The final locked film is due to be delivered by March 31st to Dennis Therrian who has already did a first pass on dialog clean up. Music beds have also been worked on and it will be exciting to see the sound design and score settle into the picture. Shane Hagedorn and Dean Teaster are doing various color tests on the film. They will work the final look of the picture. A theatrical poster is slowly being developed and we hope to release that soon.
ROM COMS MUST DIE is about to shoot the final opening scene next weekend. The edit is close to a lock. The color correction is about 60% there. The dialog is almost cleaned up save my VO and a few ADR lines. Sound design will be the last little piece to do almost with a suitable score. This dark horse is going to be a fun surprise for many. It marks CDI’s return to comedy/horror and I think it will be well received. A trailer and poster will be in the works in the coming weeks. I saw a great BTS but it gives away a bit too much to release right now.
Misc Release News: We’ve recently seen the re-release of Knight Chills to Blu Ray and streaming. An Ordinary Killer to streaming as well as Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town. A 4k version of the latter is going to Historyfix and is being actively delivered. I’ve hunted up some of the early work tapes of HEAVENS NEIGHBORS and we might start some restorative work on that film later this year. FIGURE IN THE FOREST and FROM VENUS are being looked at. I would love Saturn Core to give FROM VENUS the same treatment they gave KNIGHT CHILLS.
Writing Projects: I’ve got many pet projects in various stages of writing but we’re looking at the scripts and evaluating them. I will say that my script that I wanted to get out of my head working title THE KINGDOM CHIP has a first draft. It is best pitched as an O’ GOD for a new generation. It is also a loose follow up to The Quest Trilogy. If you have not seen these three CDI films I am really asking that you do. Inspired by the ole Chuck Heston Biblical Adventures they are an amazing series of storytelling.
I also have had two books sent to me to read and evaluate for scriptwriting. I would adapt them to screenplays and CDI would perhaps produce. These projects would come with funding. I’m also suppose to pull together a polished draft of a detective story. I’m awaiting that material but the delay worked in my favor as I will do the final polish on The Kingdom Chip before allowing it to be read.
I have the 8 shows for WILD FAITH: Hastings and we’ll see what doors open as we get near the release of the sequel. I have a few fun scripts that are completed and have been sitting. We will see about making those films happen with some of our emerging director/filmmakers.
Development: I started above to delve into the development arena. I do want to pick a few projects to produce this year. The Kingdom Chip which has some interest would be shoot in that “window” in Yuma, AZ before the heat sets in. The feature version of our concept short SMOKE & MIRRORS is a possibility. I’ve been lining up a few things there.
We have a few other outside sources talking projects with funding. FUNDING is what is needed to get you moving to the front of the line in evaluating scripts/projects.
WRAP UP: The last few weeks I’ve accomplished most of what I’ve been wanting to do. Office reorganizing is mostly done. End of Year reporting work on the movies done just need to square those accounts. I did some of them last week and will look to finish this week. My personal taxes are done just need to send that in with the firm sends my paperwork.
I’m looking forward to filming my last piece of the Rom Coms Must Die puzzle and my head will be officially clear of any outside characters. My itch to tackle and new role is slowly building although you think I would enjoy the down time.
Soccer and flea market season is right around the corner. I love looking for wardrobe and props for our films. Soccer is just a great way to test yourself weekly. I’ve been working on strength and flexibility but need to do some running. I dislike running just to run.
This week there is a film mixer for the local film festival that I might attend. It really depends on the flow of the week. I will have my fill of mixers with all the film releases this year. I do enjoy meeting other artists and seeing how they fit into the mix. I’m not going to be at the Alpena showing of Harsens Island Revenge but will be ready to attend the Owosso, MI showing and afterglow.
I’m going to wrap this up here and do a few things around the house. I am going to attack the week and look to make some great things happen. I hope each of you are enjoying the spring vibe returning to us all. Working in the morning with the sounds of birds is really nice. Watching the squirrels building and playing is nice. They had a long, hard winter and deserve some abundance. Until next week my friends!
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Showtimes are Coming for CDI’s Next Film!
(The previous film adapted from a Karl Manke book – watch it now!)
A chilly good morning to you from Michigan. Hazelnut coffee cheers! We had a handful of nice days followed by rain and cold and now just windy and cold. But the sun has been out and I’ve started the yard clean up. I’m slowly dismantling the old wood shed and plan on a new set up. Maybe even a greenhouse we’ll see. I did reorganizing the remaining wood and we’ll have a few more good fires in the office. Speaking of the office, my spring cleaning and organizing has been going great. The new shelf unit has helped tremendously. I’m holding off on any mowing or mulching to give the bees and such time to get past the frost. The birds and squirrels are about and setting up their springtime dwellings.
Let’s get to some other news concerning the films.
Harsens Island Revenge – The film has been tested at the Sanctuary theater and the reviewers loved it. Shane Hagedorn was responsible for us finding the beautiful city of Alpena to film in. He will be the master of ceremonies for our kick off April 25th release. An early showing will be for our local cast and crew and few VIP guests although everyone who helped I consider VIP. But only 95 seats for that first show. But tickets will go on sale soon for a 5:00 and 8:00 showing. It will run for a week at the 3, 5, 8:00 time slot in the big theater. After that it will go to a smaller theater and play multiple showtimes. A fun 1920’s afterglow is being set up and I hear some folks may go in 1920’s dress. I will not be attending the Alpena showing but will be anxious to hear audience reactions. After watching feel free to go to IMDB.com on the film’s page and leave your thoughts. I do promise to attend some future special screening for signings.
I’m also proud to say our theatrical partnership deal with Dreamscape Productions is done. They will be reaching out to other Northern, MI theaters to see if they want to play the same Alpena dates. We will also start working to set up the Owosso, MI kick off and run with the NCG theaters. This is the home town of the author Karl Manke, co-producer/actor Anthony Hornus and the Stuarts whose Alpena house was used in filming. I hope the film gets placed in many of the NCG theaters.
From there we’ll be planning Lansing, Grand Rapids and Detroit, Michigan showings. I saw that Dreamscape Prods working our friends film WAS ONCE A HERO is booked in a few drive ins. That would check a goal of mine to have a CDI film play a drive in. We use to attend lots of them back in the day. From there we’ll start to spread across the USA and so contact your theaters and request the film. Reach out on our HIR Facebook and let us know the theater. I know we want to come to all our friends in Iowa and Minn. who enjoyed our SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – Speaking of- it will be going July 1st to the popular AVOD platforms. That means ad-based so you can watch for free if you watch ads. Platforms like TUBI and the distributors Encourage TV. If you have not seen this powerful WW2 wartime drama please do. Available now on many platforms to rent/buy.
Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town is coming to HISTORYFIX! This site is for fans of history and period films. The film was previously mastered to HD but now has been re-mastered to 4k providing the best version of the film.
Look for new marketing campaigns for both LOST HEART and BEST YEARS GONE. Both bring the drama and the laughs which can sometimes be tricky for marketing. Both these films should be required CDI viewing! Let me know your thoughts on them both.
Wild Faith Christmas is in post production and being worked on hard for a holiday release into theaters. The color correction process is underway as is dialog, music and sound design under the masterful ear of Dennis Therrian.
ROM COMS MUST DIE – will be making some production announcements as we prepare to shoot the final pick up day. We wanted a different season so we had to wait a few weeks. April 6th we will film our last pieces and we’ll be able to lock picture soon after. This film is crazy fun with some wild performances but our cast. Our partners the McGraw brothers are taking a few days to remember their dear father who passed. I’m glad he got to enjoy our rough cut and gets some laughs and joy from the viewing.
DEVELOPMENT –
I’ve been working on that one script I mentioned that I was highly motivated to write. A small scope and powerful piece pulled in part from our news headlines and given a good WHAT IF twist. I’m halfway through the script and very happy with it.
I’ve also got two books being sent to me that the parties may want me to write the script and possibly produce the film. The above mentioned McGraw brothers also have a project that they want me to write on for us all to produce with our CDI association.
We have a few scripts that I’m considering putting some of our investors behind and producing this year. One promising development funding path hit a roadblock and I mention this only because our success often gets mentioned but not the setbacks. We have many setbacks on the way to success. Patience and persistence play into the equation often.
In the wake of Wild Faith Christmas we will see if we can get some traction on the WILD FAITH: HASTINGS TV series. We have a built in tens of millions audience that grows weekly. We will see if the season one, eight shows can find a funder or distributor who does original programming. Creative control is still my main concern as I’ve seen way too many projects go South due to bad variables.
THE QUEST TRILOGY – I hope that some of you have sought out and enjoyed our three biblical adventures. Forty Nights, Chasing the Star, The Christ Slayer and in that order. This are very unique in their telling and have brought strong recognition from people from all walks. With one of the scripts I’m writing we might look to return to Yuma, AZ to film we will see. We have some great folks there and it has been too long.
WRAP UP: My film end of year work is over. I had one investor move without notifying so I had to make sure he got his proper paperwork. I will be looking at paying all those off plus my own personal taxes. I have about two weeks to get into my ROM COMS MUST DIE role for one more scene. I’ll finish that script I’m working on likely this week. The cold days keep me writing more.
My dental implant went great and all is good save my checking account. But it is worth not having the dental pain that cracked tooth gave me. Speaking of cracked teeth soccer season is right around the corner. I hope for a fun year with no injuries to anyone.
I might actually work on that script a spell while the coffee is flowing and so are the words. I was a sad at my schedule conflict on the Alpena premiere dates but it happens. More of my family will be attending one of the showings down state and it will be nice to enjoy it with them. I know all the folks in Alpena will be proud of the showing.
Until we talk again next weekend I hope you have a smooth and productive week. I’m going to keep the wheel steady as she goes. Enjoy some nature. Enjoy some family and friends. Move ahead on your goals and smile. The sun will keep coming up and shining. I see many swimming in negativity but do not get dragged down in it.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Forward Without Fear – Moving Forward to the Future! (March 2025)
(Walk forth without fear which can be like a cage)
Hazelnut coffee cheers! I was just about to write what a dark, cold and gloomy morning it had been and the sun burst out. We had a very remarkable end of week with some beautiful weather that did not require a coat and on one day nothing more than a tee-shirt. They say it was 30 degrees above normal. Now we have a small call for light rain and even snow as the air swirls around picking up some Canada cold. I had a very productive week and while not hitting every benchmark some great progress was made.
This week around the property I started some clean up from the dogs and started to move stuff out of storage. Bird baths, sun dials, shepherds hooks and statues. It is only the first steps of many prepping the yard to become the zen nature space it becomes each year. I blame the beautiful weather for not fully having the upstairs of the office where I wanted it to be. That said I did get the new storage shelf built with is L shape for in a corner. I had to move four shelf units around to make room for this one. That meant taking stuff off and shuffling stuff. I also had to build it in a few small space. It took three days because I would work until my patience was getting tried. On two different days I realized shelves had been installed in the wrong way and had to dismantle them and redo it. So it took three days but now they are almost filled and it is force a spring clean and reorganizing of all these shelves.
I’ve started to slowly prepare the wood shed to be dismantled and I’m not sure what I will put there. Maybe a little greenhouse. Maybe a wood gazebo or pergola? I have a new wood rack to assemble. I need a new chopping block as the old one is many years old and it giving way to decay. The deck will need to be sanded and stained this year. A new retaining wall built to help prepare the under deck area. Still not sure how that will all come together but it is nice…and safe. The old deck was not safe any longer and had to go. The chickens are kicking out eggs and I’m sure there will be several improvements to that area. I see a few of the raised garden beds have sunk a touch in places and might need to be leveled. Always things to do and I love that tinkering. I also plan to have a pro chimney sweep for the fort stove at the end of the season. What blog is this you ask? Home fix it? Get to the movies you say! Okay I’m getting there.
MOVIE UPDATES:
- Our Ghost Town movie has been uprez’d to 4k HD and will be going up on HistoryFix as I’ll be signing that deal today or tomorrow. That will be the best version of the film every seen to date.
- Dialog and sound design/music is starting on Wild Faith Christmas. Also director Shane Hagedorn and Dean Teaster will start color correcting on the film. Dean has been a photographer and done extensive restoration work on old photos and film. He and Shane have decided to spend the time to get the exact look that is wanted for the movie. This weekend the software is getting in place and the work flow established. The film is on track for our November theatrical release.
- We had a great meeting over Harsens Island Revenge theatrical and the paperwork will be signed up here soon. The theatrical film is being tested and we should have word any day now and we’ll set the first premiere and run in stone. This movie is really an exciting achievement in scope and magnitude. We plan to run it all over the state before we expand outwards to the whole country.
- Going with what I’ve announced up top we have a second of several Harsens Island Revenge trailer that we’ll release to audiences to prepare for the films arrival in theaters. We need to decide what the release date for the trailer will be. maybe April 1st. Am I joking or not? Haha! It will give audiences additional peeks at this exciting film.
- I’m trying to set day and time for for our one planned pick up scene for ROM COMS MUST DIE. We needed a different season depicting an early date. I also plan to do my VO for the film maybe this week. We are getting close to a locked picture but already with some limited sound design and temp music it is very entertaining. My return to the horror (comedy) genre will be a fun one. I do want to get us started on some poster art and a first trailer.
- This is the second week in a row that I wrote an entire paragraph only to have it disappear. TAKE 2! So I said with Easter approaching I’ve been promoting our trilogy of desert filmed biblical adventures. THE QUEST TRILOGY includes three films Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer. I’m asking you again to watch these films and send me your comments on them here.
- I told you all I was highly inspired to write a loose 4th film in this series with the working title THE KINGDOM CHIP. I’m almost 1/3 of the way through the script and I really love the story. It has a lot to say on spiritual matters and technology. It might also be a possible return to our Yuma area/network to film this one. I will see once it is completed.
- I was suppose to have another writing project come over to me last week but it has been delayed so I’ll stay the course and try to finish up this current project. But I might be rolling right into a new writing project which is just fine with me.
- One of the development projects GOTCH was moved along for evaluation for funding. I really love this story and have since the first reading of his biopic. If you want to know about this man Frank Gotch please watch our doc film FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH. (On Several Platforms)
- Several other CDI projects are being evaluated to be put into the funding pipeline. I wanted to get through end of the year taxes and such before moving onto this phase. That work has been completed the paying the accountants. I will be doing some check writing this week for sure.
WRAP UP: This week I will try to finish my office organizing which is always in progress. I might be able to focus more on writing and desk work when it is chilly. St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner and in my days gone by I’ve had a few wild ones. This one will likely be more chill maybe some corn beef and cabbage. I have a meeting with legal over some business reorganizing which will be fun.
I’ll keep moving forward with yard clean up and put in some training for upcoming soccer season. I’m really looking forward to kicking the ball around soon. I’m happy to report that my back strain from when I was deconstructing the old deck has healed. I just had to have patience and give it time not something I’m great at always. I actually just had a few eggs scrambled so I might go organize in the office for a while and get ready for tonight. I will be having the stove roaring as we’re suppose to get some cold chill maybe even snow. DOH!
I hope you all are enjoying our slow transition to spring. I’m very appreciative and enjoying the turning of the seasonal wheel. Move steadily towards your goals and work smart. Don’t be discouraged if things are a little off schedule as that is the way of the world. I just know that this year will reveal some wonderful things. It already has done that. I’ve already enjoyed the companionship of family and fellow artists. Never stop dreaming. Never stop moving ahead and don’t let fear freeze you. Even setbacks are important lessons. All part of the education. Until next week my friends I thank you so much for your support and the few moments you spent here.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Ready For Springtime – Looking Ahead! (CDI Updates)
(Ben Lily in Wild Faith Christmas)
Hazelnut coffee is flowing and so am I. I’ve got to say that I’ve been very pleased with the flow of 2025 thus far. The harsh winter has been the biggest thing I’ve had to deal with. Even I ended up with a short-lived head cold after we wrapped filming on ROM COMS MUST DIE. I spent a nice day bringing out some logs that don’t require splitting and prepping for more fires. I am truly ready for spring to bless us with growth and green again. I’ve got many projects planned and the property clean up will be something to tackle. We’ve had wind storms and the squirrels have found their way into the shed where chicken food is kept. Our chickens have been kicking out the eggs nicely and I’ve been enjoying some nice breakfasts. I am excited to erect the new log rack and do some great yard improvements. I’m even considering a greenhouse where the current wood shed is. I also just bottled up the Paw Paw Rhubarb wine so we’ll see how that mellows now that it is bottled. We just finally finished the last of the Rocking Rhubarb wine. I think I have an Irish Stout to make later in the year. I usually only do 5 gal of wine and beer but it keeps a supply for those occasional celebrations. And what are we celebrating? A lot as of late.
- The hardrive of the final Harsens Island Revenge movie should be arriving at our ‘In the Pines Studio‘ to prep for home video delivery and creating the theatrical file. We are about to release a new trailer and have a 3rd one forthcoming. We also have a music video that might be coming together. We are all excited to start showing this film to the world. We’ll also be looking for those few festivals or events to showcase at but we’re ready for theaters.
- Wild Faith Christmas trailer on the ‘CDI Youtube Channel‘ has been getting lots of praise. Fans of the 1st film are starting to get the news about the sequel. You can read about the new film and watch the trailer here: https://www.prlog.org/13062302-first-look-at-wild-faith-western-sequel.html
- Dennis Therrian will host a Wild Faith Christmas screening this Friday for the post-team. Music work has already started and we’re going full steam ahead to have the film ready to place into theaters Nov 1st with our partners at Dreamscape Productions. Team members are working end credits and I’ve been getting our IMDB database updated. Stop by there to check out our cast and crew.
- The hope is that the TV show WILD FAITH HASTINGS might finally get the traction it needs from this second film. I’m working on the revamp of show 6 of 8. I’ve been reworking them to take place after the second feature film. We might have a few new paths to make this show happen. We will have to see how that all unfolds.
- The 3rd feature film that we just filmed was ROM COMS MUST DIE. I’m happy to say that the 1st edit of the movie is done. We have a meeting next week in two weeks to review with our Director Travis Hayward and make tweaks. Some sound design work is being done at the same time. This film is intelligent, zany and highly entertaining. I really enjoyed this walk back into the genre of horror with a heavy dose of comedy. Tone wise of something like Dale & Tucker Vs Evil, I’m loving how it came out. I think this film will do very well with audiences and it really has a lot to say about our industry. The script I penned came from an interesting place so that really helped.
- I have recently been having folks discover some of the other CDI films like LOST HEART aka BIGFOOT, UFO’s AND JESUS, which is getting a new marketing campaign. Same with BEST YEARS GONE that is getting a new campaign and folks are wanting to watch Shane Hagedorn‘s previous directorial film before Wild Faith Christmas. Also it you like the period piece dramas some folks are finding WICKED SPRING a beautiful and brutal Civil War epic we shot in 2000 and released in 2002. In all these films you will see many of your favorite faces.
- Our friends at HistoryFix will be re-licensing Wicked Spring and I think they will be adding Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town to their line up of great films. KNIGHT CHILLS is now on Amazon Prime in addition to the other platforms carrying it. We will continue to seek licensing deals for the library titles.
- Restoration and remastering of older titles is still underway. CDI has a few titles that still need to be brought current so they can be enjoyed again by the masses. I’m even exploring a re-transfer of the film stock on one project to make the definitive Blu Ray.
- Speaking on Blu Ray which we saw an awesome release for both KNIGHT CHILLS and IN THE WOODS. Soon I plan to try and get IN THE WOODS to streaming but we’re giving it some time. I need to speak with director Lynn Drzick. There is a planned appearance and signing in April in Muskegon that if my schedule allows I plan to try and attend.
- I’m in development looking at the next few projects. As noted I’m doing some writing but a few projects have some growing momentum. I have a new project I’m talking about with ‘Harsens’ director Carl Weyant and a ‘McGraw‘ feature film. I’m also excited about the streamlining meetings I’ll be having soon with our legal/accounting team about bringing some of the projects under a holding company. We are growing and we have to keep up with the growth. It will benefit our investors even more and that is always a goal.
WRAP UP: I’m going to wrap this up. My photo gallery on here took a dump so my photo postings on here have been slim. But it is getting worked out. I’m also looking to have someone help me update the CDI Youtube site to make that even better. We’ll be adding a new content page for Wild Faith Christmas and ROMCOMS MUST DIE to the http://www.cdiproductions.com page. I’m going to get after some of those yummy eggs. I might get a small jump on my work week doing a few things or I might write a bit for fun. Either way I’m going to do something productive. If you make productive a habit you’ll see many things get accomplished.
I hope each and everyone of you have a great week ahead. Don’t focus on things outside your control but focus on what you CAN control. I was excited to get an email about soccer season being around the corner. I’ve recently healed up a lower back, butt muscle I hurt when disassembling the old deck last Fall. Being on sets and horses did not help the healing go fast but I think I am on the other side of that. I might have to start doing my ROCKY training running in the snow. Remember in addition to your goal work spend a good amount of time in nature and get your physical activity in. Mind and Body health is good for the overall Spirit.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Formation, Communication and the Art of Victory!
Hazelnut coffee cheers to each of you. It is again a very snowy morning here in Michigan. I’m excited to sit down and reflect about the journey and the accomplishments. Recently I was reading one of the many versions of THE ART OF WAR and one thing jumped out on this read. FORMATION AND COMMUNICATION. Now I’ve spoken many times on communication and that being a key to success. Formation was a new concept to ponder. As a lifelong martial artist my goals are to bring out the best in each individual and when placed in a proper “formation” victory is achieved. The soccer player and coach in me allows two perspectives of teamwork that I also find helpful. My camp counselor training helps best when we are off filming. Because you have people living outside their comfort zone pushing their focus and artistic abilities to the max.
The enemy of most artist lie in-between the gigs, campaigns, adventures. Any organization thrives by having a strong core and for our group that is the producers. They don’t work per hour, task or under salary. They work to develop properties and do the hardest part of it all, fund it. Once up that big hill is when the next stage of hard work begins which is putting the plan in motion. When you look at all the work that goes into it you might be lucky to make a penny an hour. (Maybe less) Why do we do it? When you see all the happy artists working like ants, all knowing their task, it is a sight to behold. When you see that story that started on a page flicker to life in a dark room it is truly magic. When your name arises to say that you worked with this team and created something that would have never existed. Furthermore will continue to exist after one passes from this lifetime. I have an ever-growing list of filmmaking friends no longer with us and I would like to think that they are happy that they created with their friends as they look us still living.
Financially for a large % of artists you make very modest wages if lucky enough to make wages at all. We take pride in the preserving of history both in story and the artists that told those stories. Kathryn Combs, award winning wardrobe supervisor. Actors like Randy Godwin, Bill McKinney, Rance Howard, Pappy, Russ Stine, Popcorn Sutton and Dan ‘Grizzly Adams’ Haggerty just to name a few who brought characters to life. Sound operators like Eric Holloway and Josh Holloway. I could unfortunately go on and on but at least their names are still spoken with a laugh and a good story. I task myself with the funding of these projects and collectively it is made a bit easier. I work to earn and justify larger budgets to help ease the life of our artists. But the truth is I only take a few weeks of the non-producers life each year. I always say, if the 3-6 weeks I work with someone paying modest wages fumbles up their year someone is doing something wrong elsewhere. I would love to be at the level where 3-6 weeks working with us could be a good part/all of that person’s yearly income but I’m not there.
But I can say that I’m getting closer every day. Because I work towards that goal every day. I often joke when someone addresses the modest wages that unless they rip off their ski mask and hand me a bag a money, I’m doing the best I can. I think what I’m saying is you get zero bonus points for pointing out the obvious. I like to say, I pay problem solvers not identifiers. Why? Because problems have been identified. So the team works hard to obtain the funds for a new story endeavor. At that point we evaluate the crew. (* See that ART OF WAR ‘formation’ talk above) And offers of “date, rate, do you wish to participate?” is presented. First right of refusal usually goes to the previous crew member who did a job to their very best. I will say that in the few times that someone is passed over it is almost NEVER because of their skill set. It is almost always because of their attitude. Negativity is a cancer on a film set and there is nothing wrong with not being cut out for feature filmmaking. Some thrive much better in short, controlled environments like commercials and/or music videos… So if production or the artist aren’t happy they just pass on a project. A new hungry, enthusiastic person will be given an opportunity. NOTE I did not say young. Those attributes can come from anyone with their race, age, sex, religion or politics not disqualifying them. At CDI we have the entire spectrum. You leave those personals at the doorstep and come to collectively tell a story. The only thing we own is the ability to collaborate with one another and if both parties agree to collaborate a mutual artistic bond is forged.
Heat and pressure are applied to the coal and some will burn up and others will become diamonds. Over time you will have a handful of diamonds. Pressure can be external and internal and that is what you control and what you process. We always have artists under pressure and they will either burn out or diamond up. Many great artists have burned up and retired from the hardened journey and they are still celebrated for what they did. I always try to share stories of CDI’s journey as we are built now on multiple generations of artists. Others will march on and fight until they are carried out on their shield. That is their story. I often try to tell people if you can do anything else and your spirit is at peace, do it. But if not you better find your tribe. The journey is hard alone. I know because I started that way but I’ve got an army of artists now. I want to give my sincere and heartfelt appreciation to all the artists at CDI. Enough of the hardships let’s talk about the results.
FILM UPDATES:
- https://mmw.news/2025/02/15/harsens-island-revenge-signs-home-video-deal/ The news is spreading that ‘Harsens Island Revenge‘ has signed their home video deal for DVD and streaming. It will release on Oct 1st, 2025 with theatrical play running from March-Sept 2025. The film is being brought to the Lansing, MI studio to start mastering for delivery to home video and to create our theatrical film. Once in hand we will set up the screening in Alpena, MI if the theater management is open to it. So start your call in campaign now:)
- Sticking to the Harsens Island Revenge film, I’ve seen a new trailer recently mastered by Dennis Therrian. It is one of several new marketing pieces that will start rolling out. We already have other theaters starting to inquire about the film playing so that is a good sign.
- WILD FAITH is one of CDI’s most popular films. We have worked for years trying to launch the TV show HASTINGS. Being such a large step which could have happen but I refused to let go of creative control. So our in-between step was the sequel feature film WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. I’m so giddy with delight because I’ve been the recipient of so much fan mail from fans who love the original film. They are why I could not sell out the creative control. What will have now is a sequel that matches all the magic of the original. I literally get goosebumps watching the film and I think fans will love this next installment. The distributor was pushing us for Christmas content and so this film made sense. Not the run-of-the-mill romantic comedy silliness this has all the adventure of the original. BEST NEWS is that on Tuesday which happens to be both our director Shane Hagedorn and senior producer Anthony Hornus day of birth we will be dropping the trailer. This morning one little end credit correction but it is ready to roll. We are all so excited for you all to see it!
- Just as Harsens Island Revenge finishes the film’s theatrical run on Sept 30th, Wild Faith Christmas will be releasing Nov 1st into theaters for the holidays and into the new year. The film trailer will release on the CDI Youtube Channel and be shared to social media on the CDI/Wild Faith Christmas Facebook page. In 2026 after the theatrical run the film will be prepared for holiday 2026 home video release!
- Let’s take a hard left turn to ROM COMS MUST DIE. This dark comedy was an awesome challenge to shoot in a few days with some of those days being bitter cold. The others in the studio with our partners at McGraw Multimedia. CDI is going to be producing a series of feature films that are shot both on location and in-studio. The first experimental film was a HUGE success! The shoot went very smooth and I’ve already seen a rough cut. The film is everything we had hoped for and more. I found myself impatiently tuning in daily to see editing progress because I wanted to see what was next. I knew what was next as I wrote the screenplay but to see it come off the pages it a thrill only writers know. Zany, funny, smart and highly entertaining is my first response to watching it. Director Travis Hayward will start refining the cut with the editor John McGraw. But what I’ve already seen has me excited. Poster and trailer talk as well as I’ve seen a BTS underway. The BTS has a few spoilers so we might have to hold on that but it captures the fun we all had.
- Behind the scenes I’ve spent two weeks behind the desk working with legal and accounting getting end of the year and new year business all completed. We had a payout to investors at the end of December and so that was completed. We’re looking at ways to streamline our business even more as we are growing and producing more content. This is the unsexy part of our business but needed to move ahead. Special thanks to COO Dean Teaster, legal John Mashni and the staff at Davison & associates and my bankers.
- As I’m almost caught up on the business I’m looking ahead. We have a few projects gaining momentum and developing. I’m excited to start looking ahead. We have so much going on now and it is only Feb! I don’t want to get too much into development today but know it is always happening.
WRAP UP: The chickens have been increasing their egg laying as the light returns. Now if only the warmth can return. I’m already looking ahead to gardening and the new improvements to the property. A new firewood rack is going to be put together. I also might replace the old firewood structure with a little greenhouse. The new deck is going to be fun to work on and under. A new retaining wall and either pavers or a bottom deck will be added. At some point a sanding and staining will also take place.
I also have some ideas for inside the office to help organize better. I have a corner shelf unit I want to install. I’m just trying to wait until it gets a touch warmer. But I might go ahead and order it soon. I do hope each and everyone of you is having a good start to your year. I know everyone has challenges and the key is coming up with a plan and moving in that direction. I’m thankful that a loved one who gave us a recent health scare had good news. I know a few others awaiting good news and I hope they get it. This world is always changing especially with technology. We are embracing that technology and those changes. We are going to keep doing our thing and we hope our stories bring a little joy and laughter to your lives. I’m going to go make some breakfast and refill ye ole coffee cup. Until next week!
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Loss, Gain and Everything In-Between – CDI Updates!
Good morning from an icy Michigan. I’m sipping on the hazelnut coffee and about to give you some of the updates. Let’s start first on the personal level. I want to send out healing wishes to CDI tribe member, actor and friend Greg Mason who had a heart attack. I spoke with him and he is doing better but has a road to recovery ahead of him. Also in your life you have women aside from your mother who are like a mother. I had three really, my real mom, my babysitter mom Marie DeFord and lastly spending three summer sin Denmark I had my Danish Mom Gerd. I won’t use her last name for respect to the family who might not want the attention as they mourn her loss. I was 16, 18 and 20 when I stayed with her and their family. It was when I played soccer overseas and was the assistant coach and the head coach. She and I would drink coffee and talk history of Denmark and places around the world. She really loved Egypt. We have stayed in touch over these last 35 years and I was shocked and saddened to hear that she passed recently. I know her large family is really feeling the loss. My heart and prayers of peace go out to them.
I’ve been nursing a head cold after not being sick for a long time. I think cold weather and long days filming finally got me. That said, I think I’m on the tail end of it today. I still allowed myself to do a lotta desk work. This week I will have more to organize but CDI has been very busy with the 3 films moving down the line. Let’s take a look shall we-
Harsens Island Revenge – This movie is truly so cool. The look, the story, the acting, the clothes and the music. The challenge is to find our place in the market being filled with schlock. We are looking at an extended roll out theatrical. The final tech touches were being done to the 4k master this weekend. Once we have that and a DCP can be created we’re looking to premiere first in Alpena. So all those folks in Alpena start your call-in campaign to the Sanctuary Cinema and ask for the film. The issue we face is good projection but small seating and they have to dance around the studio films. I had a good conversation with Dreamscape Prods who looks like we’ll partner with for the roll out. Once we have Alpena premiere done and the theatrical run underway we’ll move to Owosso, MI and the NCG theaters. From there Lansing and Grand Rapids, MI which will likely be Celebration Cinema. And Detroit, MI where we’ll explore Emagine and some of the chains there. I explored The Henry Ford Museum and I think the cost against us is too great. We need to start our recoup with theatrical not dig a hole. I need to get final confirmation this week but we’re talking about Oct. 1st (4th Q) release of DVD and buy/rent streaming in 2025. Prior to that it will be playing multiple cities across the country with this cool WW1 vs Purple Gang film based off Karl Manke’s book. It is coming and when it does it will be a wonderful thing. I think many 1920’s type parties are being planned around the premieres. We already have some event centers that wanna do dinner and viewings but that will run after the main theatrical run. Or at least towards the end after audiences have a chance to see it in the theaters which is best sound and picture. This film is beautiful and sounds great so we want that experience for our audiences first.
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – This film is the next adventure following WILD FAITH and we’re all so excited. Having big shoes to fill due to the popularity of the original I am thrilled to say that the sequel will live up to it. The magic is back from the original and introduces so grand new elements. Our director Shane Hagedorn has been working on the trailer and it is powerful! It has moved into sound design this weekend. I know some poster art is being discussed and with such fine elements/pictures from GW Burns the poster will be great! We are looking to lock the film end of the month and move it into sound design and music with Dennis Therrian. The plan is to release it into theaters Nov 1st and play it until Easter. After that we’ll let it rest during the summer as the home video marketing team prepares for 2026 Holiday push to DVD and streaming. It all has to follow a roll out plan. But I’m so excited about this film and I think all of you will be also. For the tens of millions of fans we are bringing you another adventure.
ROM COMS MUST DIE or is it ROMCOMS MUST DIE – Hmmm…. This film is a mash up of two popular genres that is currently the trend. Romantic comedies and mindless horror – but what we created was a dark and zany film that really has a lot to say about our industry. The plight of filmmakers, actors and the uphill battle to create art. Travis Hayward has directed his first feature film for CDI in association with McGraw Multimedia. We’ve already laughed and been thrilled by raw footage played on the HUGE LED wall. This film might be ready for a premiere this October 2025 with home video being May 2026. We will have fun with the marketing of this film. It was truly written out of frustration from distributors development meetings. We all felt as though we were creating something very special. It is being edited as we speak and I believe it will move quickly down the post line.
NEXT MOVES – Okay this is the 3rd time I’ve typed this and it has disappeared. I’m already having issues with pictures. But what I was saying was that we are going to work on trying to re-master the final three films in the CDI Classic Collection (From Venus, Heaven’s Neighbors, Figure in the Forest) * On DVD the later two can be found at the http://www.cdiproductions.com STORE.
- I’m exploring a new film transfer of WICKED SPRING for a new Blu Ray.
- The Ghost Town book will be next up with CDI Literary.
- I’m exploring a Blu Ray of The Quest Trilogy. Our three biblical adventures.
- Knight Chills is now streaming on Free4All, Xumo and more emerging – Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ognETSVqirEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ognETSVqirE
- An Ordinary Killer is now on ROKU and might look into this film and Ghost Town to Historyfix.
WRAP UP: I thought I might have one of several script writing options locked in but nothing yet. So I plan to finish the WILD FAITH Hastings shows. I might be taking on a script for McGraw Multimedia which will be another feature film working with them. We have a few other projects in funding development as we speak. I think we’ll get a few more shot this year to release next year.
I’m very pleased with how the year has started off and I’m going to remain focused and work hard. I’m looking forward to springtime so the garden can grow and soccer season will be here again. I shared some of the teas I grew and harvested this holiday season. We have enjoyed an on-going supply of eggs which is where I’m about to go now. Nature is the great energizer and balancer of the self.
I hope all of you continue to follow your dreams. It will be a very interesting year with all these stories coming to audiences worldwide. As some of the losses last year and this year have shown, life passes so live it. Enjoy it. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back. Learn from set backs and use that to build. I’m so appreciative that you all stop through to bask in these words. Don’t hate. Create.
Until next week my friends, coffee cheers!
DJ
Loss, Gains and Everything In-Between – CDI Updates!
(Life can sometimes have clouds but the sun is still there)
Hazelnut coffee cheers. I was planning on jumping right into all the film updates but I have to mention a subject we all deal with. The death of a friend. I have spoken before about how blessed I am to have many of my friends from elementary school, middle school and high school. I think it is about friendship. If we are friends that means something to me. I have many friends from different circles and movies are actually more recent if you want to call 30 years recent. Before that I’ve got friends from martial arts, gym, soccer and of course classmates. One of my friends from middle school carried through several years after college where we just drifted a bit due to life. Chance brought us together again maybe 4-5 years ago and we’ve stayed close. He was one of a handful of friends that enjoyed ole school wrasslin’ stories. He had the best sense of humor and laugh. I use to train him when I managed a gym. He was trying to get into the police academy. He always fought his weight but was a fearless talker to the ladies, a real charmer. I taught him martial arts when he was a bouncer. I have a slew of fun stories that only really mean something to the handful of us but he was just jolly. I use jolly because the years apart allowed him to get heavy. We were once again working on that with better habits and food choices. He was making progress and feeling better about himself. He cared for an ill parent for several years putting their health above his own. Once she passed he was really dedicated to working on himself. His confidence was growing and he was becoming more sociable and got back into the work force. We got together every 2-3 weeks but talked or texted weekly about some childhood BS. We got together shortly before I had to go to Alpena and film WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. Upon my return last week I texted to check in on him. After two texts went unanswered I rang him to find his phone disconnected. My heart sank and I had a bad feeling. I googled his name and an obituary immediately came up. He had passed on November 6th. I’m not sure how he passed it was sudden and at home but I cannot believe that I’ll hear no more laughter recalling the college heist of a keg of beer from May Fest back in the day or BB gun wars because we didn’t have paintball guns. This is not a trend I’m looking forward to at all. He was enjoying making his way through the CDI catalog of films and was eager to hear about the new adventure. RIP my friend.
I have some holiday music on and I’m actually feeling very good about everything that has been unfolding. The death reminds me to not sweat the small stuff as when the game is over there is no more stress, worry or concern so give yourself a break. But until it is my time I’ll keep on creating and spending time with friends from all my circles. I was tired last weekend but not exhausted. It was a smooth ride filming our Wild Faith sequel. One of the smoothest in recent memory. And I think we created a wonderful story with powerful moments. It still takes a few weeks to deconstruct the circus. I’ve had craft, wardrobe and several folks come through the office. We discuss, debrief and wrap up business. I still have props coming through likely next week. These are all secured until the next big adventure.
(Ben Lily as captured by GW Burns)
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS UPDATE:
The film elements of visual and sound have been married and editing has started. Shane Hagedorn our director is editing and he is several scenes in and very happy. We plan to move quickly through the process to release to theaters Nov 1st 2025. We are also using this film as a test of sorts for the TV series. A teaser poster won’t be far behind and a trailer cut in the new year. Currently people are enjoying all the BTS and official GW Burns photos on the FB page for the film. If you have worked on any of the CDI films I ask you to join and invite your friends and followers. Thank you again to all who have helped make this film happen.
Harsens Island Revenge UPDATE! The film is sprinting towards the finish line. The word that came from the director and the post supervisor is FANTASTIC. It felt like you were watching an exciting film when we completed the edit. But now with music, sound, VFX and color correction the film is gonna be amazing. We have our in studio review on Dec 6th and if we can toast and call it a picture lock we’ll move to the next phase. That is setting up the theatrical and premiere showings for Q1/Q2 2025. I’ve also been in negotiations for the home video side of distribution. The back half of 2025 will be home video.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – We’ve signed a theatrical deal with Dreamscape Productions to book our WW2 holiday film back into theaters due to the demand. We’re also working with them to get the film (and others) out to military base theaters. I do know the Fridley theater in Algona will run the film Dec 6-12th and it is the remastered best version of the film. The first run we were rushed by early dates given by the theater and so the VFX were not at 100% and now they are. Those who don’t want to brave the outdoors can still watch the film on TV (UpTV) or various streaming platforms. It will go to ad-based streaming like Tubi and such summer of 2025. Check with your local theater and if they are not running it request it. It is a wonderful watch on the big screen.
NEW CAMPAIGNS– We have new release campaigns for both LOST HEART with great new artwork. The same for BEST YEARS GONE. The latter was the last film that WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS director Shane Hagedorn directed with your’s truly starring. Both of these films are fun to watch and we’re just trying to capture more eyeballs. Tis the season for THE QUEST TRILOGY also and I try to watch every year. Watch them in order FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. These films showcase the one other time I’ve played a character twice, Jesus.
Misc Updates/PR and more:
- The KNIGHT CHILLS book has just released https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DNTC87LN/ref=sr_1_3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.oWEuGRguzuwqKy9XFPbUPfLJRAVIgJdOuUU7SgI0KXAZ4iDSoEToT_Xya5E4yfrlCFKsGyaIil8uGpbIv6Q6P7fYzPyAd8qYgNViSddkWXiYe1WGJmzEuFFj2ItcxvE188xDjA4iFtyckUSblL-bYA2uXaAVRbRifNm7PGt0eMQjBL6iRvrD3Thkn443l2hwAMLsv2LQGcZzvCl_cMwHTJxSszMCydREd_JsfJJba6I.R_s_RN1krO1XGsddtx_8B-Cw_go2tuYC6nCF6Kqzntw&dib_tag=se&keywords=Knight+Chills&qid=1732301704&sr=8-3
- Read all about the KNIGHT CHILLS book and the upcoming 1/31/25 streaming premiere here: https://www.prlog.org/13049488-classic-role-playing-movie-knight-chills-coming-to-hd-streaming-and-book.html
- AN ORDINARY KILLER HD releases to streaming on Dec. 15th, 2024
- Casting has resumed for ROM COMS MUST DIE a Q1 film that will be Travis Hayward‘s first collaboration with CDI as a director.
- I finished revamping the 4th of 8 tv show episodes for WILD FAITH HASTINGS. I will get the others updated to take place after the 2nd film versus the first.
- I was also approached about two additional feature writing projects that would not shoot this year but if all goes as planned we would have two scripts. Development-
- I also have a book from Baker Publishing releasing December 2nd and it is fun stories about birds. I’ve contributed stories to books on horses, cats and dogs. Now to round it out with birds. I will provide a link once available.
- I think the next book to release under our CDI/Katharsys Media deal after Knight Chills will be the Ghost Town book. The movie Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town has been released to Tubi and other platforms under our Ammo Content deal. WATCH HERE: https://tubitv.com/movies/616519/dean-teaster-s-ghost-town
WRAP UP: I’m going to keep working towards wrapping on the last film shoot and getting our new film ready for 2025 release. I’m also looking ahead at our new productions. I’m reconnecting with many friends over the holidays and being thankful for what the year has provided. I’ve been also working to winterize the yard. I might have to split some more wood as the wood stove is now in use at the office. Again thank you to all the family, friends and fans who support these creative endeavors. I do know how lucky I am to do what I love and I never take that for granted. I will see my brother and a few friends tonight and likely raise a toast to our departed friend. It has been a year of loss, gains and everything in-between. That is life I suppose. I hope you all have a good Thanksgiving and enjoy getting ready for Christmas. I enjoy finding little appreciation and love gifts all year round but this time of year is extra special. I look forward to the tradition of the live Christmas tree that makes the house smell so wonderful. We usually go on a tree hunt after Thanksgiving. Be good to one another. Check on your friends and loved ones. I hope you all have a wonderful week.
DJ
‘Wild Faith Christmas’ and ‘Harsens Island Revenge’ Updates plus RIP to a Dear Friend of Tribe CDI
Hazelnut coffee cheers on a cool Michigan morning. I want to thank all the readers last week from 13 different countries. I want to note that the coffee is coming from a new NINJA coffee maker. I’m still trying to learn all the functions but it makes a good pot of coffee for sure. Our old one was getting glitchy stopping and starting while brewing. I have had a full week of updates some exciting and some sad, as that is how life is. Let’s start with some happy life updates. I preach to all my young “knights” (artists) around the table of the fort to mind their dental. I’m very persistent on staying on all that with brushing, flossing, sonic, water pic and rinses. I eat a very low sugar diet and even my vices save the occasional glass of wine or beer has diminished. From soccer no doubt I dealt with a few teeth issues mostly cracks. Not as bad as hockey but soccer can be equally brutal with less pads. I’m not talking about millionaire star players rolling around in agony at the first touch. I’m talking about a league of older gents proving they still have it. Venting their life issues on the field with very intense play and I would have it no other way. Anyways, I had a cracked tooth they could not save because the crack was below the gum line. I had it removed and prepped for an implant/crown next year. Between that and the deep clean I had my teeth are in good shape. But many functions from joints to eyesight can be connected to infection of the teeth. I’m glad to have all that fixed and dealt with. But I do encourage the young artists to keep that a priority so not to have later in life issues.
(Fall friends!)
I’ve been doing a lot of prep on the property by managing the wild growth of plants and trees. I’ve been harvesting the herbs as they get closer to end of the season. We’ve been integrating two new younger chickens into the flock. We are still enjoying daily eggs and that is a wonderful thing. I put in motion the new deck improvements which I’m not doing. I have a few larger build projects that I want to do including a front porch, car port and better privacy fencing but everything costs. So projects have to be spread out and prioritized. I’m going to repurpose much of the old porch boards to maybe build a few things around the property. The new deck will be set with grading under panels to waterproof the under space. Next Spring will likely be pavers and such so a nice area can be created down below. But I love the high deck to sit and sip coffee while enjoying the property and the park beyond it. Bouncing between the desk work and the outdoor work makes for a good balance.
(Pepsi keeping the office/fort stocked! Thank you so very much.)
I’ve been hitting a few estate sales and today a flea market gathering props for our next two films. I’ve found some great stuff that will work well in the two films. I seldom find things for myself but often find great presents and gifts for people. The hunt is a lot of fun and the former owners would likely be thrilled their cherished items are being used to be part of a story. I even found a train conductors hat which you can guess what film that might go with. WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS is moving down the tracks to keep with our train analogy. We announced three new actors onto the film all have been party to CDI Tribe storytelling before. Tim Lovelace (Harsens Island Revenge), Randy Spence (Chasing the Star, Best Years Gone & Harsens Island Revenge) and Steven Sutherland (Ashes of Eden) have been announced. Go watch their previous films with CDI and you’ll see what awesome actors they are. With those roles filled that leaves us with only two major castings. Both are children and we’re closing in on those roles. Crew is locked in and now so is the schedule. The official script and breakdowns for departments will be distributed next week. Director Shane Hagedorn had a wonderful scout trip and also got to look at the mine set. I’ll be posting pics soon of another set piece build for the movie. We have several new sponsors coming on board to join Pepsi, Lerma Transportation, Ace Pyro, Reinert Pottery and more. You can see them in a folder on our FB page along with some great pics of cast, sets and promo art. We are full speed ahead- giddy up!
(Now we are getting closer to a locked film!)
Harsens Island Revenge – As of early last week half the film score was completed and mixed in. Director Carl Weyant and composer Dennis Therrian plotted out the second half and that is being worked on. The film has intensity and romance and everything in between. Karl Manke‘s book of the same name is going to be epic on the big screen. I won’t go as far as to draw a direct comparison to Elmore Leonard but he’s on the same path. Unique stories and characters in his books and now films too. I still cherish the hour plus I spent drinking and talking with Elmore Leonard in Hamtramck, MI before realizing who I had been talking with. I got a sneak peek at the theatrical poster our director is working on and I was excited. It should be done next week and our friends at Pepsi plan to print them for the Alpena, MI premiere and the other premiere 2024 showings. I’m in talks to have our new partners at Dreamscape Productions participate in the theatrical roll out which is looking like 1st Q of 2025. For those awaiting home video it will likely be Summer 2025 that it comes out. This is how all the distribution windows work.
The Fall/Spooky season is upon us and that is good for films like BIGFOOT, UFO’S & JESUS aka LOST HEART, WILD FAITH, BEST YEARS GONE, BESTSELLER and several of the CDI associated films. (See CDI’s new Instagram page tribecdi that is slowly listing all the CDI films.) And immediately after starts our holiday window where films like SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA, FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER will be on full push.
I will be meeting with Bart Ketner in the next two months that will be overseeing our CDI EBAY merchandise page. I also love this trend of charity like what we’re doing with the new AN ORDINARY KILLER release (HD DVD coming soon and streaming before Christmas) benefitting Two Average Joes Media and The Red, White and Blue Project non profit. The EBAY page will launch end of November in time to get a few Christmas CDI swag with a % going to aligning charities. I might even get into doing signed scripts, movie props and wardrobe to raise money for various good causes. Curran Jacob’s FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH documentary film is another project where a % of the revenue goes to veteran families and youth wrestling organizations. It is about giving back and creating awareness.
(Greg Mason with Debbie Bennett RIP)
These two attributes were strongly held values with a special member of the CDI Tribe Debbie Bennett. She retired from being a specialist in the medical field helping people so her love of helping is no surprise. We at CDI met her as the kind, smiling and helpful significant other of actor Greg Mason. She had accompanied him to several premieres and after the WILD FAITH premiere she quietly asked if she could get more involved. I wasn’t sure what she was asking but inquired to what she had in mind. She had heard about our next film MBF: MAN’S BEST FRIEND that highlighted the plight of adoption dogs and wounded veterans. We had a few potential investors at the premiere to discuss the future film(s). She asked if she could invest. Now filmmakers know how hard financing can be but quality storytelling does somewhat sell itself. She had been quietly listening to all the other financial investor talks and was more savvy than anyone assumed. Never judge a book but the cover. She was an Executive Producer on MBF and the film LOST HEART after that. She came to set and worked as a driver picking up talent and taking them to the set and back again. LOST HEART dealt with grief and loss but in a very humorous way. She loved being part of a film that helped people (and dogs) she was an animal lover too. WAS- yes I was speaking in past tense. I got word from Greg Mason the other day that Debbie was no longer with us. She had issues with her liver and other complications and was now at peaceful rest. The CDI Tribe sends Greg and her family sincere condolences for the loss of a beauty soul. RIP Debbie but the stories you helped make and bearing your name will continue on.
This week we also added actor, writer, director Anthony (Tony) Hornus’ parents to our FB Collective Development Inc. “In Memory” folder. Most of our parents have played a great part in supporting our dreams as artists. That is not always the case but in Tony’s case it was definitely true. Just like our significant others who hold down the fort when we have to go away and film. Take a few moments to look at and read about many of the CDI artists no longer with us. I know I’ve missed some and sometimes I don’t learn about a passing for a while after. But we do try to add the folks who have traveled with the CDI Tribe along the way. Remember to appreciate the people that are supportive on your journey.
(My Mom and Dad with baby filmmaker DJ Perry)
WRAP UP: I’m going to wrap this up. This week I’ll be double checking our software that we use for accounting. (Thank you Dean and Josh) Also working with John Mashni on a few legal loose ends. I have to get our production check book in order and start putting agreements together for cast and crew. Everyone is doing little character things from looking at hair, wardrobe, props and such. I’m also going to get back to work on the TV series updates. I have 5 more shows to readjust to fit after the second film. I hope you all have a wonderful week getting your TO DO’s done. My alumni school Michigan State University won their second football match. Our Detroit Lions have their first game tonight which I’ll have to copy because I’m having some family and friends over. Again, appreciate the time with family and friends. Don’t be afraid to adventure and try something new. Many that we know are at rest their journey done. While your journey is alive and well, do the work, face the obstacles, trials and tribulations. Dare to do something great! I so appreciate all of you out there who spend your quiet moments with us. I hope I inspire some of you to dream on, as Aerosmith would say. Until next week-
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Casting, Pre-Production, Premieres and More…
Good morning friends from Germany, India, Brazil, UK and more. Again I love that our weekly circle is international. I want to welcome everyone to Sept 1st and hope the month is a great one for you all. I was walking about the property and enjoying the cool morning that has fall in the air. My college alumni started their American football season will a close win. Our state team the Detroit Lions will start their season next week. I do enjoy a good game on TV while multitasking. I watched a great soccer match yesterday that had me missing my favorite game to play. I am already looking forward to next year but this time off is allowing my body to recoup. I’ve replaced some of that workout with some heavier yard work as I prepare for the new deck build. I approved the paperwork and so materials will be purchased this coming week with the build soon after. It will be nice to have a new improved deck to relax on and enjoy morning coffee and dinners at dusk. I might put a mow on the lawn today or tomorrow. Yesterday I had a nice fire outside and was burning sticks from the storms all day. I also did another harvest on all the herbs growing. I’m thinking of a good crockpot of root veggies if this cool weather remains. Always something to do on the property but I enjoy it between business phone calls.
This past week saw the opening of the account for the new film, the sequel to WILD FAITH. (Wild Faith Christmas) I’m happy to announce that the crew is in place and our cast is getting close. Our director is up in Alpena, MI where we will be shooting and has scouting the final locations. This coming week we’ll lock the shooting script and schedule. Official breakdowns for departments will be issued. We finally got lodging all set and will be working on catering. Along with the mine set the building of an explosives shed also began. It all plays into the story. I’ve started work on bringing ole Ben Lily back and that was a hoot. I did some wardrobe work with Shane for Emmett and again too much fun. I have a tote that I call ‘Ben in a box’ and inside was all of Ben Lily’s gear just waiting for a sequel. It was fun to open it and go through all his wardrobe and props. Our main casting is still looking at reads for two of the children actors. We also brought on some additional sponsors this week that will assist with some of the flights and lodging costs. We so appreciate all the support we get from these businesses who want to be part of something so heartwarming as this film. I LOVE that this is a Christmas story and I think the fans of the first film will too. I will work on updating a few more of the TV series this forthcoming week. I’ve been enjoying that process as well.
ROM COMS MUST DIE our comedy slasher will remain inactive until Jan 2025 so we don’t have to do any end of year work on a film just at the ready. But once this Wild Faith sequel is done we’ll go full on with the Travis Hayward directed film. We are still casting for an actor that has the KEN from KEN & BARBIE appeal. Also a stereotypical country girl actress. If you fit either of those roles feel free to submit something to me.
Harsens Island Revenge – This is the wrap up month for this exciting film. Dennis Therrian has been hard at work on the music. The director Carl Weyant says the VFX should be about done and we’ve been mixing as we go. Once everything is in a final color tweak and mix will be done. We’re about two start looking over the end credits that Anthony Hornus is compiling for review. We’ll take a week or two to review all those to TRY and not miss anyone or misspell anyones name. Sometimes that comes down to the extras handwriting. We are planning a cast, crew, sponsor and investor screening on Nov. 1st in Alpena, MI. We want to have a premiere in Owosso, the book writers hometown and Lansing as well as Detroit near the island itself. A full on theatrical is being planned for the 1st Q of 2025. This film is full of romance and excitement and I think audiences will really love it.
Sept 1st is also the start of the window for some of the fall favorites of the CDI films. LOST HEART also known as BIGFOOT, UFOS and JESUS. BESTSELLER, BEST YEARS GONE (For Race Fans), WILD FAITH, MBF, SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA and The Quest Trilogy! I started a new instagram account for CDI and I’ve been adding CDI and CDI associated movies. To be a true fan you should see them all. And for fans, NEWS! A new CDI Merchandise site will be going up on EBAY managed by Bart Ketner. I want all sales to have a donated % to charities and we’ll have some great items going up on there. Maybe even some one-of-a-kind props that can go to fans. A lot of asking for the old Ghost Town in the Sky collector DVD’s of Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town movie. We have some posters available but might start printing up more plus even 3D printing. Anyone down for a KNIGHT CHILLS, Sir Kallio statue?
Speaking of KNIGHT CHILLS, the ink is dry and a streaming release is coming from our friends at Twin Engines Global/Deskpop. To go with is we’re going to re-release the novel and I’m prepping for the script/making of book. AN ORDINARY KILLER collectors HD DVD is also coming. I’ve held the DVD in my hands and it is a worthy additional to the shelves of CDI and True Crime fans! This year which is not over, will see the re-release of three CDI classics. In 2025 I plan to have the others restored and re-released.
WRAP UP:
I’ve already got my two pages of TO DO’s for the coming week. I have to order checks. I’m getting our software set-up ready for our next film. More deposits and collecting of paperwork. We have some new poster work being done. New trailers being cut including a CDI Highlight Reel which I would love for Jan 1st, 2025! We’re working to get our backup RAID working properly. Additionally premiere work for Harsens Island Revenge needs to be set. A theatrical poster for the premieres also should be done this week. I’m going to check on that this afternoon. The list keeps growing and we keep checking things off and once in a while you look back and notice how far you’ve come. There will come a day of rest but while you still have ambition and dreams, keep going!
I look forward to speaking with you all next week!
Coffee Cheers, DJ
PS: Having issues with pics so there will not be any this week.
Dare to LIVE! Read, Write, Paint, Draw, Laugh!
Hazelnut coffee cheers! I’m fresh back from the flea market where I walked away only with a few trinkets. We went early because of pending rain. We’ve had quite a bit the last two days but at least today cooler weather and a breeze came with it. This week we ended our outdoor soccer season. In our play off match we lost 2-1 in the last few minutes. It was a great game that could have gone either way and a great season. I will miss my Thursday workout on the field. It really pushes me to the max and I love it. I’m in strong running shape and I credit that to this sport that I love. The best part is playing with my brother and friends. I love the physicality of it all smashing into other players fighting for space and possession of the ball. I’m already looking forward to the next outdoor season.
The heat has been more taxing due to the sizable ‘Ben Lily’ beard I’m sporting. In two months and change I’ll be stepping back into that role from WILD FAITH in our sequel. Our crew is about set minus one or two individuals. Our cast is growing as we announced a few more actors this past week. We just cast another co-star this weekend and we’ll be announcing them soon. The actor was pretty touched by getting the role. I remember the joy of getting those first couple roles. I don’t take it for granted but I’ve grown to a point of confidence that I don’t ride the highs or lows when it comes to casting. I’m a believer that the right roles will happen but you still have to do your own part.
We have been adding sponsors onto the WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS project and we’re so appreciative to all of them. I distributed all our business paperwork and the first returned sets of them are coming in. I’ll be opening the bank account this week and getting things rolling. Again we’re so appreciative to all the investors on these stories. Art is a special investment and often there is better ways to make bigger returns faster but the payoff in being part of a story can be priceless. This story has such beautiful themes and moments and will be a worthy follow up to the original. This has led to me doing a 2024 polish on the eight shows in the TV series. I’m working on show #3 and it is so wonderful to revisit this season one of shows. Not sure how I feel about carrying this beard for another year if the series launches but I’ll cross that bridge later.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is getting some high profile play on some of the platforms. We were looking at something to watch on Amazon Prime and there it was right up there with the studio films. I’m looking forward to a discussion on the holiday push for this film. It is such a beautiful true story and an important piece of history.
Harsens Island Revenge is full speed ahead on music and I’ll be getting a full update this week. We’re closing in on plans for a premiere in November in Alpena, MI and we’ll do a few other premieres also. Looking at Owosso, Lansing and Detroit near Harsens Island itself. After we’ll be looking at a full 2025 theatrical run followed by home video. We’ll be having a sit down planning meeting on this very soon. I’m in hopes we’ll have a theatrical poster soon as well.
Re-mastered and re-released versions of Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town, An Ordinary Killer and Knight Chills are planned. The first above is already released to TUBI. AOK and Knight Chills will be releasing info soon but Knight Chills can be purchased on Blu Ray and AOK will soon be releasing the special HD DVD. NEW poster art for Knight Chills streaming and for the Making of book and script is underway. AOK will be getting a new trailer and we’re still doing some tests on the remaining classic CDI films.
We still have some casting underway for ROM COMS MUST DIE which will film the first of the year. We are going to be tweaking the schedule in the coming weeks and that will give us our shoot dates as well. 2025 sequels also being discussed include a KNIGHT CHILLS 2, IN THE WOODS (Now on Blu Ray!) sequel and a long form feature of SMOKE & MIRRORS, a Victorian comedic who done it. Several other projects are working on development including GOTCH and SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE and another project that we’ve not released any info on yet.
WRAP UP:
I will look forward to some script writing over the winter months. I recently did a small harvest of hops which the inchworms got into and I let them because the vines have to come down for the new deck. I’ve been harvesting tea herbs on a regular basis and drying them. I’ve been enjoying the variety of veggies as of late including eggplant which I really like. I might get outside here in a bit and do some more organizing on the property to get ready for the new deck. I’ve decided to re-purpose the old deck and put my handy man skills to the test. I might rebuild the compost bin and try my hand at a few planters. As it cools I’ll be doing some more log splitting and might put a polish on ye ole wood stove. I’m thinking of having a chimney sweep also done to it. I love when the wood stove starts crackling.
I will be unpacking my ‘Ben Lily’ garments soon and breaking in my trapper boots again. I will look to see what needs improvements upon. I know from speaking with Hester (Melissa Anschutz) she might have to rebuild some of her outfit as part of her outfit is buried in storage. I know Shane Hagedorn who plays Emmett, is looking at hats but I love my old Ben Lily hat. (Thank you Austin Two Feathers) We’ve been centralizing all our breakdown sheets and taking inventory. I’ll also be bringing down some of the craft service stuff and seeing if that can live with our hospitality and health department head.
I wanted to say a little prayer for our friend and my co-star (Lost Heart, Best Years Gone) Victoria Jackson, SNL alumni who announced that she has a cancerous tumor on her windpipe that she cannot have operated on. She will be taking some medication to slow the disease but how awful. I’ve been much love being given but also some hate do to her politics. As an artist and as a company we’ve tried to be inclusive to all as artists. An individuals priorities and what box they check doesn’t matter. We are all flawed and have hopes, fears, dreams and can all be led to a more positive place but good storytelling. We have folks that would possible be opposite sides of an issue stand shoulder to shoulder to help create a story. I’m proud of that. As we get closer to November elections I hope that people will try to be kind to one another. I’m going to keep doing what I do despite who wins. The sun will still come up. The moon will still sit in the night sky. I would never want to be a politician. Would you? With everything they put those people through. Every misstep or mis-communication thrown up in your face. Every bone in your closet used to club you with. I’ll stay with being a storyteller. But back to Victoria, my best wishes for healing and comfort. Also for my buddy Ronnie Lee’s loved one recovering as well.
With the context of people I know passing away as of recent it really gives me courage to tackle the difficult tasks. In the end we all rest and all this day-to-day stuff means nothing. Again I say, write that book. Start that small business. Get up on stage and sing. Read. Paint. Draw. Laugh. Live. Celebrating 25 years plus with some of our art is humbling. In another 25 years (If lucky enough) how old will I be? My beloved dogs I love and cherish now will be a memory on a wall. How many more family, friends and loved ones will have gone quiet in that peaceful rest. Will my body allow me to run or kick a soccer ball still? I had to stop for a moment and compose myself. I wasn’t trying to make this a sad post I swear. It is just a reality and a plea to not poison your joy with doubt, fear and insecurities. I’m going to call this good for the week because I allowed it to get a little heavy. But I love what I do and who I get to do it with. I love the journey I’ve had, I’m on and the mystery of where it might lead. I appreciate that I have all of you from around this incredible world to share these thoughts with. Until next week!
DJ
Stepping Stones, Casting Success and Summer Endings!
(Music is the main focus right now on ‘Harsens Island Revenge’ CDI’s Next Major Release!)
Another beautiful morning where you can literally feel autumn in the air. I’m sipping my favorite morning beverage which is hazelnut coffee. I see that we’ve had some record number of readers stopping by to join us. Subscribe and never miss an update. I love how many various countries are represented and we’ve got a lot of new ones. I love shaping the journey on here with all of you. One of my keys to happiness I often speak of on here is staying connected to nature. I’ve really enjoyed the passing of the humidity and the shift. I can see it in the plants and the cooler nights. This week on the property I did some harvesting and upkeep. We have a possum that has been around at night but is leaving the chickens alone. The squirrels are busy building up their nests for the coming winter and getting fat. The inchworms got heavy into my hops but I allowed it as the hops and old deck will soon be coming down. I did some landscaping to the entrance into the fort/office and that is looking much better.
(Wild Faith Christmas is a stepping stone to Wild Faith: Hastings)
Speaking on nature and the turning of the wheel we lost a CDI supporter with Irene Hosking at age 106. You can read on the CDI Facebook site about all her adventures but it was on her property we shot the WILD FAITH Civil War flashback scenes. Kids are returning to school and I remember those days well. Part of me feels like that was just a few weeks ago. Other times I add up the years and I’m stunned. We tied our last regular season soccer match and this coming week we start the playoffs. Anyhow it goes I can say I love the workout it provides. The league is ultra competitive and we always leave it all out on the field. I’m thankful that it has been an injury-free season and I hope to finish the season that way. Of course at our age it is never the major event that gets us it is the minor. Like lifting something too far out from your body or picking something up that fell into a nook.
(All great endeavors takes building – here is the mine set under construction for Wild Faith Christmas)
Maybe we’ll do a bullet point listing of updates.
- I had another successful wardrobe find for my role in ROM COMS MUST DIE. It is a comedy that we’ll film shortly into the new year. We have all our backing and I just got the paperwork to review and so this great quirky story is second film up. We have a few more roles to cast still.
- The next film up to film is WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. I must say that I’m starting to see ole Ben Lily again when I stare in the mirror. Sets are being built and the crew is almost all in place. The casting is going great and we just landed three main roles last week. We’ll be announcing via postcards on social media so join our Facebook page. I have the legal paperwork to review and pass forward this week. Also I’ll be opening a new bank account for the project.
- Along these same lines it was decided to retool the TV series WILD FAITH: HASTINGS to go after the two movies. It was originally written to go after the first film but it is fitting so nice into this third slot. We really would love to see this series go as it would put many more of our artists to work on both sides of the camera.
- AN ORDINARY KILLER 4k passed quality control on the first go which made me very happy. This film is being released in a special HD DVD by months end. I was a guest on the TWO AVERAGE JOES podcast talking about the release. The new release will entirely benefit The Red White and Blue Project that is a non profit for veterans and their families and the above Two Average Joes Media dedicated to bringing closure to cold case files. It is by their efforts that this film is getting a second life to help these two important causes. A new trailer is still looking to be cut by own own Adam Towner fresh off the Knight Chills trailer cut. We have a few more deliverables but this film will go streaming in December 2024.
- KNIGHT CHILLS has seen an epic release on Blu Ray and I love the job Saturn Core did. The film has gotten a new trailer and new poster art is being worked on. If you love the genre, role playing games, etc…you want to own this Blu Ray. The doc on the “panic” back in the day is awesome. I think 2025 could be the year that Sir Kallio rides again with a sequel!
- RESTORATION WORK– We are continuing to work on the remaining CDI films for restoration and re-release. I’m very interested in the idea of possibly doing a version of FROM VENUS where it is animated once inside the comic book. FIGURE IN THE FOREST and HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS are being tested on DE-NOISE to resharpen pixels softened to achieve a primitive film look back in the bay. Once sharped we will try the UP-Rez again to try and get a better end result.
- Collective Development Inc. (www.cdiproductions.com) is now on INSTAGRAM tribecdi so please follow us. I’ve been listing the films in order starting with our 1st and working our way forward. I’ll also be doing the associated projects as well.
- This week I received by new Blu-ray of IN THE WOODS and I’m looking forward to a watch of both versions with and without the commentary. Available via TerrorVision and their participating retailers! I’m also looking forward to reading the sequel script that director Lynn Drzick has been working hard on.
- I have a sit down soon on another project that would include a script adaptation and the film shot. I love the time period and the proposed film would be fun to make. In the meantime I will finish my WILD FAITH: HASTINGS show adaptation and I might even finish a few of the other partial scripts I have in the works. A SciFi script. A martial arts comedy. I really do enjoying writing and it luckily has always come naturally.
- Funding on several developing features continues. I love the SMOKE & MIRRORS feature. SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE, GOTCH…so many great stories to tell.
(Robert Bradley will serve as Art Director on Wild Faith Christmas under GW Burns, Prod. Designer)
WRAP UP: I could continue to bullet point all the various things on my revolving TO DO list. I’m going to finish up here and make some breakfast. After I’m going to hop on down to the flea market again in search of props. I’ve found some real treasures over that last few months. For WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS I found a great period lantern, mining pan and more. I was happy to see that Art Director Robert Bradley had a wonderful vintage medical bag to use. It is going to be a great time putting all this together. I’m really looking forward to seeing some of the returning artists and meeting some new ones as well. We’ll be meeting this week over the schedule and trying to fine tune that. Lodging has been a main focus of our efforts and we’ve been gaining some headway. Also adding some new sponsors onto Wild Faith Christmas joining our current ones. That is something else I need to do this coming week. Thank you for spending some time here with us and I hope it helps to motivate you towards your own endeavors.
Until next week, coffee cheers!
DJ
Official ‘Wild Faith Christmas’ Pre-Production, Casting and More-
Hazelnut coffee cheers and I’m about to put down a few fresh eggs. We just recently added two new chickens of a different breed that produce green eggs. Add some ham and we are good to go. Friday came and I was truly exhausted but I did an immense about of film work and work on the property. I’ve been harvesting plants for herbal teas which I just love for my afternoons or evenings. I’m still a morning coffee person as you all know. This week I have a commercial project for some friends. It will be nice to go play and make a little flea market money which is where I’m heading after I visit here with all of you. Next Saturday will be a celebration of life for that young man I talked about a few weeks ago. Again something that puts life into focus. We tied our last soccer match against a good team and it again felt good to push myself to my limits. Mainly my sprinting limits but I’m blessed to still be able to run where I know that many cannot. I spent a good amount of the time moving things out from under the old deck because the construction of the new deck is just around the corner. Hanging a bat house and fixing up the compost bin has also been part of the list. I spent one day getting the old chicken coop fixed up for the new guests. Finn my furry boy had dental surgery and a small shoulder issue addressed. He has been healing well but being leashed and not doing his morning run has him bouncy and full of energy. Thankfully the stitches come out this week. But let’s talk about movies. I’ve said it before, a lot of my order of action comes to me when I’m working in nature. So if your mind is clouded get out amongst the dirt and trees and see if that helps bring some peace and clarity.
UPDATES
- I was treated to hearing some amazing music by Dennis Therrian written for ‘Harsens Island Revenge‘ motion picture. In a week and a half we’ll access and project a finish date so we can plan a premiere. The talks with the theaters have already started and I’m happy to say progress is moving well. I will be checking in with our director start of the week and will have more to report next week.
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS will be announced this week as OFFICIALLY IN PRE-PRODUCTION! We will be announcing more details about this launch and start announcing some cast. This is an off-shoot adventure with a very heartfelt story and script. You can find the IMDB.com page and it has a brief synopsis on the story. Also find our Facebook page and follow us. There is lotta paperwork to put together and I’ll be starting in on that this week. Cameras will roll in November with Shane Hagedorn directing and reprising his Emmett Murphy role. There will be a return of a few old favorite characters and some new ones as well. Right now we are casting our child actors first and after we’ll focus on the adult roles. I will say that I’m starting to look a bit Ben Lily-eque;) Also we have a crazy cool set about to be constructed but I’ll save that announcement for later.
- ROM COMS MUST DIE is in active development and soon to be in pre-production which the bulk of the film shooting post Wild Faith Christmas. But there are flashback segments and some other Fall pick ups that will be shoot in advance. The film will showcase Michigan in three seasons. Our casting on this is on-going and still looking for a few roles but we have reads coming in. This is a hybrid film that will be shot part in-studio and part on locations. An exciting new venture and I’m excited about this story. I found a shirt for my character in the film. I love finding those pieces that connect with the character. I usually like to assemble my own wardrobe most of the time.
- Knight Chills HD has been submitted to a distributor we’ve been working with on the reissues. Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town is back into the streaming market and AN ORDINARY KILLER is going out soon first as a collectors HD DVD and later streaming. I’m excited to have that sitting on the shelf with the other films.
- Fans of classic horror monster movies are being treated to the remastered IN THE WOODS Blu Ray with the classic and director’s cut of the film. I’m going to be getting a promo copy soon and I’m excited to watch all the extras too. Word has it that the director Mr. Lynn Drzick was “in the woods” putting the final touches on the sequel script.
- The 4th of July season brought out several fan communications over WICKED SPRING, MAN’S BEST FRIEND, WILD FAITH and SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. All have some great themes where soldiers are concerned. Please do watch them all and let me know what you think.
- The biblical trilogy FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER films keep a steady flow of fan mail coming in. These inspirational stories can add a smile to your face on a gloomy day. They are not heavy handed and done with love. Again if you’ve not watched the trilogy take the time and watch them in the above order. Let me know what you think.
- LOST HEART aka BIGFOOT, UFO’S AND JESUS is a great summer watch as is BEST YEARS GONE. Both of these have a great thread of humor throughout them but also a good message. Both are good if you need a solid laugh.
WRAP UP: I could likely add several updates but I need to go look for some props. I had a few weeks where I felt like I was marching uphill with heavy packs upon my back. But when you get to the top the sight is glorious. I have such a great team here at CDI. I’m going to be reviewing a project for a possible shoot next year. It will require something slightly new which is taking a play and converting it to a film. I’ve done several books but a play is slightly different. The wonderful thing is that CDI has two new projects ahead. AND we have an amazing film that will be rolling out of post production in a few short months. I hope you all stay in the positive. Listen to music and spend time in nature and with family and friends. Make your path. I’m living proof that you can. And if I can any of you can also. Patience is always hard but keep building and the changes will come.
Until next week, coffee cheers!
DJ
‘Take Care of Our Global Crew’ and CDI Updates!
(Mom on her Bday with my niece)
The coffee is flowing nicely. I had to get it early again because our furry babies do not like the fireworks. Once those big booms start they will not go outside to do a final potty. And when usually they go out just before bed it results it early morning potty breaks. At least this one was only an hour before I normally rise. I want to wish my mother a happy birthday. We all went out to dinner last night and to her house after. It was fun to be with several family celebrating her day. I had coconut shrimp which was nice. I haven’t had that in quite a while. My father’s birthday is tomorrow and we are having a party for him today. My sense of days is all messed up and I’ll be happy to be back on a schedule tomorrow. But I’ll enjoy another day of family and friends before I’m back at the movie tasks. I again want to thank all our readers from around the globe. We had a lot of new readers and from new places which is always nice to see. I like something I read recently that said every 100 years we have a new batch of us humans living upon ole planet earth. They stated this is our crew, almost like your high school class just on a global level. Be good to your crew. In a 100 years a new group will be running the show. This is our time to make the best of things. As I enter my 3rd decade of storytelling I already feel this turning of the wheel. So happy birthday to my mom and dad and I even recently added a new year onto my age. But age is just a number.
(Big daddy who’s Bday is tomorrow but celebrating today!) * On Set Wild Faith
When I return to filmmaking work this week it will be back to the funding stage. I’m not as good at raising capital as I am managing a film crew. I do okay because we have a strong track record. We get things done on schedule, on budget and with good quality. We have all the films in the marketing earning and that allows us to keep moving forward. This year we’re doing two smaller endeavors as we prepare for a few larger endeavors next year. This is allowing some who normally cannot invest to invest. It is a unique thing to be part of storytelling, something that will outlast ourselves. I’ve been putting together ROM COMS MUST DIE, a funny slasher that is clever in the examination of stereotypes and the trails and tribulations of artists. The other is a Christmas sequel to our successful WILD FAITH. We have given the prior backers the first opportunity to be part of the second film, which some did. Now we’ll be opening it up to new investors. The original film has many fans in the tens of millions and so we’re going to bring them a new story with some of their favorite characters. While the sequel is smart because of the ready made audience it is not a money grab. The script and story live up to the first and will be a great second chapter in this saga. We have been doing casting on both of these and I’m happy to say having some success. CDI consists of actor/producers and so we take that part of the process very serious. With the first project we’ll be announcing the director Travis Hayward and director of photography John McGraw this week. I’ll be sitting down with them this week and we’ll be discussing schedule. We got some great news on the WILD FAITH sequel on a location and we’ll be returning to Alpena, MI in November if everything stays on course.
This leads in nice to my updates on Harsens Island Revenge. First the official trailer has released and the response has been wonderful. I’m happy to say that the sound design first pass was almost complete as of Friday. This week will be a review session with our director and more music plotting. The post process is moving along nicely due to the software improvements. That is where AI can assist in guessing where an artists is going. Now we will not ever use AI music as I believe the human touch is best here. I use to say stock footage is like a suit you take off the rack. It can fit good but seldom if ever great. An AI is just stock footage created for your footage. So again AI can increase the speed at which an artist can perform his or her task. But AI will change our industry just like the digital revolution did as we transitioned from film. Actor/Producer Shane Hagedorn has been in Alpena over the holiday exploring options for the premiere. We will access the film at the end of the month and try to rough in some dates for a premiere. VFX and color correction work is underway and even a new poster of the director’s choosing. This will be a great story added to the CDI collection. You can watch the trailer below.
Harsens Island Revenge trailer: https://youtu.be/EC8_9S58nIk?si=6kcN–qsuwEhP0QW
THE MAKING OF Harsens Island Revenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvvof3U4Sss&t=21s
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA started a run on UP FAITH & FAMILY and can still be bought on DVD or streamed on many platforms. PREVIEW HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s03pzBaG3rs&t=30s
(Jackson Kennedy with the special edition Blu Ray)
CDI’s first feature film KNIGHT CHILLS is celebrating 25 years plus and recently released on Blu Ray. It was fun to read all the positive comments about the film on the distributors site where the special edition sold out in 6 days. You can still get the classic Blu Ray but it showed me how a cult following has truly grown. So it will be coming to streaming late this year and we’ve cut a new promo trailer. Great job by our Adam Towner! WATCH IT HERE: https://youtu.be/00bNxQ84b-I?si=ngvS1z-w2xc2SDpA With all the growing success we might see Sir. Kallio ride again one day soon!
(HD DVD coming this month!)
Knight Chills is not the only classic CDI films heading back into the market after restoration. AN ORDINARY KILLER will be heading there with a HD DVD release this month and a wide streaming release in December. That deal will sign this week! This film will be the next trailer that we likely put Adam Towner’s talents on next.
(Badass Blu Ray “IN THE WOODS”)
The IN THE WOODS, Blu Ray is now shipping so google it up and order it from your favorite online retailer!
(Giddy up to Ghost Town!)
Already back into the market is the CDI smoky mountain western GHOST TOWN or known as Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town due to it being about family history. Watch it on TUBI or various other platforms. Watch the new HD trailer by Brett Frame here: GHOST TOWN TRAILER: https://youtu.be/Z1eubAgHvOY?si=U1wjIwP6Zg5BGmle
We are still experimenting on the restoration of FROM VENUS, HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST. A film look filter but on the early films soften the pixels and and when we up-rez them now it blurs them our so we need to sharpen or de-noise the films before we up-rez which is taking us a bit to get that correct. But as you can see the entire CDI catalog is being addressed. I love the job that Steve Young did making our PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ film HD. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/qLaw6zOAsw0?si=wgtuG7svTpRPwFTz
In other development new a GOTCH film is in development spinning off from the documentary FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH which you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLjMjIxZuk0
I was also so pleased to hear from fans over the long holiday who enjoyed our trilogy THE QUEST TRILOGY (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer) and MAN’S BEST FRIEND, LOST HEART, WICKED SPRING, Best Years Gone and WILD FAITH. I truly appreciate all the fans who reached out with kind words. The films all have an ever-growing audiences and if you like one film from the CDI Tribe try some of the others. We put the same heart and soul into all our endeavors.
(Just me- 2024 headshot)
We’ve been approached about producing another feature film next year which is being evaluated. Again if you have your funding this is something we’ll consider. I look forward to reading a rough draft of the script and see where the project is at. It sounds unique from other CDI properties and I love that. I also got approached about acting in a TV pilot being filmed and I’m excited to read that. Plus add in the two CDI projects coming together for 2024 and I will be artistically fulfilled. I did see another project casting in Michigan that had a role that jumped at me. I sent off an email requesting sides and we’ll see what becomes of that. I’ve been playing around on instagram doing promo videos and like I said in a recent one IT’S NEVER EASY:) It connects back to Facebook and you can watch it here: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/mYsJiRqwwcviM6ia/
I’m going to refill the coffee cut and get a few eggs going. I might even put a mow on the yard if it has dried some. I’m looking forward to the BBQ and seeing my brother and friends this eve. Tomorrow it is back to budgeting, scheduling, casting, funding and promoting – all the fun work that goes with the business! I hope you all got a recharge with family and friends and you’re ready to get back at chasing your dreams and goals. I’m also looking forward to soccer on Thursday. I’ve been enjoying watching the matches on TV. In a few short months it will be football time! Go LIONS! Remember that every person walking the earth right now is part of our crew. look out for our crew and be kind to them all. Yes, even if they have differences of opinions. I appreciate you all!
DJ
Tuesday BLOG Catch Up from SUNDAY NC Trip!
(The man, the myth, Robert Bradley)
Hazelnut coffee cheers! I’m sipping the java and decided to give you a brief update. On Sunday instead of the blog I posted several videos from our trip to Maggie Valley, NC. It was to surprise our dear friend Robert Bradley on his 80th bday. I met Robert when we were in development on what is now known as “Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town” the Smoky Mountain western. We were reconnecting with the old gunfighters from the theme park and scouting locations. It is on this trip that I met Robert Bradley known widely across those mountains as ‘The Apache Kid’ by most. It is there that I met Raymond Fairchild, Little Rufus, Tick Rich, Popcorn Sutton, Harry Valentine, Herbert ‘Cowboy’ Cowards and more. All colorful unique characters to be sure. But Robert and I kicked it off right away. He was much akin to the 10 year old in me and he would have been one of those after school buddies to come over and build a fort or explore in the woods. Even after Ghost Town filmed and released he stayed with the CDI Tribe working in the art and transportation departments and often being the armorer when needed. With 80 being the new 60 we plan to have Robert riding along with the circus for a while. Dane Deford our head of transportation has been working close with Robert for the last several films even rooming together. He and I decided to to a surprise run and attend a surprise party they were having for Robert. We did surprise him! Below is the first link of Dane and I on the road to Maggie Valley.
TRAVEL TO Maggie valley
https://www.facebook.com/reel/1188767748797303
The next video link was Dane and I on Sunday morning driving the Maggie Valley strip and visiting the theme park entrance and monument. When we arrived there was a young man there with his motorcycle parked nearby. I thought maybe he was a groundskeeper and he looked very comfortable in the place. Come to find out he was a local from a few towns over who had gone to Ghost Town in the Sky as a boy. He said he comes there to find peace and collect his thoughts. This place left a strong impression on people. He told us of a movie they made and that he had just watched it and how much he and his friends loved it. He said the town was captured perfectly. The new owner had taken him up before and the town is in need of serious work. When he realized I was ‘Will Burnett’ from the movie he was tickled and was sure he was meant to come there that day and meet me. We took a few pictures and I tried to get a movie review but he was a touch overwhelmed I think. He has an ankle tether on and said we didn’t want his review. I said our films are for all people lawbreakers or not. We talked about how for some the heroes in a movie are as close to mentors that some get. It was a great experience. This next video is a mix of photos and footage from the lodge where we surprised Robert. A band led by Blake Anthony Ellege was rocking with several Blues Brothers classics mixed with old country. They had cloggers and a special presentation and it was truly a beautiful day.
WATCH HERE: https://www.facebook.com/reel/830934611796514
For those that want to see the new remastered Dean Teaster’s GHOST TOWN streaming free with ads click here🙂 https://tubitv.com/movies/616519/dean-teaster-s-ghost-town
I’ll keep an eye out for new platforms. We’re also signing a deal this week that will have AN ORDINARY KILLER streaming end of the year December 15th and also the Two Average Joes Media HD DVD Special Edition will be released. Proceeds benefit veterans and their family’s via The Red, White and Blue Project. I’ll have that link for you soon! Do not miss out on owning this one!
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – A release to UP Faith & Family is coming soon in July. This powerful drama is going to be reaching even more audiences as we start to flow out into broadcast and more streaming. Thank you to the thousands who purchased DVD’s. This is one you want to have on your shelf. DVD’s on sale here for $10 BUY HERE: https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Night-Algona-Anthony-Hornus/dp/B0CL7DFYSK Also you can stream if that is how you want it.
Harsens Island Revenge – The music and sound design are underway in full. The trailer is getting closer to being released. The music is being composed and narration is being worked on. Also we’ll be on the look out for a new theatrical poster. I’ll be talking with our director Carl this week and getting the latest and greatest. The MAKING OF VIDEO: https://youtu.be/wvvof3U4Sss?si=Lr95A2kWpr41DNdE
KNIGHT CHILLS – I’ve been working on the new trailer and artwork for a fall streaming release. I hope to lock that up this week. The Blu Ray is an awesome special edition which all fans should own. I love the documentary film that they did. BUY KNIGHT CHILLS Blu Ray: https://vinegarsyndrome.com/products/knight-chills
IN THE WOODS 25th anniversary PRE ORDER NOW! https://www.terror-vision.com/store/in-the-woods-1999-blu-ray
DEVELOPMENT: We have two projects lining up that we plan to shoot this year. One is a comedy horror film called ROM COMES MUST DIE and the other is WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS a heart-warming side adventure in the Wild Faith world that takes place 5 years after the last adventure. We have roughly half the commits we need to make these two films and this week I’ll be talking to others. I’m excited to have these two projects coming together. We have already started some scouting and casting and we’ll be doing more as things come together.
WRAP UP: I’m going to wrap this up and finish unpacking. The heat is getting up there so if it is affecting your area be safe. I do have a soccer match Sunday in the heat. Sunday is my bday and I plan on being quite chill. The following Friday I’m excited to do a belated Bday trip to Greenfield Village in Detroit area. We went to the museum part inside a few months ago and it was so inspiring. I’m looking forward to the old village and seeing the craftsmen.
I’m also going to use the heat outside to keep me focused at the desk. I’ve got disbursements to get to this week and as noted above development and post-production work. I hope everyone had a great Sunday with their father’s or in memory of their father. I got together with my daddy on Friday before leaving town. I’m so appreciative to have him here to still guide and give his opinions on things. I love him very much.
Until Sunday when I’ll be back on my normal schedule, be good to one another.
DJ
NEW ‘Releases,’ NEW Production Direction, NEW Growth!
(My first starring role as monster hunter Alex Kerwood)
Friends,
Coffee Cheers! I want to welcome all our new readers from Germany, Brazil, Philippines and more. I hope you all are having a great weekend. We have some rain this morning that came last night. We had a few perfect warm yet cool and not humid days. I’ll have to put another mow on the yard start of the week. I did a lot of herb harvesting the last couple days. Mint, sage, chives, bee balm, catnip, red clover and more. The power of many of these herbs as tea in not commonly known. We are aware of the taste profile in cooling but many of these have powerful benefits. I drink my coffee in the morning but from noon on you will usually find me sipping a tea infusion.
I had a great soccer match later in the week that we dropped to last year champs but only by 2 goals (6-4) and we capable of taking the match had a few things gone differently. I have learned to love the other steel that sharpens my blade so to speak. My running shape is great and I’m very pleased with that. Add in some archery and my martial arts training and I’m keeping my body busy. Fuel your machine with good eats and push yourself weekly and you’ll be able to turn back that wheel of time a little. I also had a partial tree that broke off maybe fifteen feet up or so. It is really just a squirrel condo these days but the branch shoots started growing out of it rubbing the side of the house and roof. I got a ladder, a pole saw and some motivation and gave it a major cut. I created some more firewood to season ands now we’ll be ready for the July porch build.
I great week of business as we enter my birthday month. First I’m going to announce here that we tried to get up a big hill with HOT ROD LOVE, our 70’s drag racing comedy. We will not start something we cannot finish so the decision to shelf that film for another season is at hand. This is not an easy decision but one just based on facts. What we are looking to do is produce two smaller SCOPE feature films. Smaller is scope means fewer locations, characters and more local casting and crewing versus flights and lodging. As I’ve noted before those are some of the major costs. I’ve written three of these smaller scope films this year so far. I just finished one of them last week and I’ll be polishing it up Monday. The other is a smart comedic horror film that really has a lot to say about the state of our industry now. It would also be the launch of another director from within the CDI family. These smaller scope films have been developed working with our main distributor.
The second script I don’t want to discuss too much yet as I want to discuss the script once polished with our previous director. I say “previous director” because this second project is a sequel to a popular CDI film. If a deal cannot be made we will still move ahead but we’ll see how it all falls together. Currently were processing checks to return to our investors. At that time we’ll invite past investors to travel with us starting with those who backed the first film. One of the investors already got wind and has committed with excitement. Both these projects are exciting because they are diverse in flavor. The 3rd smaller scope film is being looked at by Carl Weyant, our Harsens Island Revenge director. It would film early in 2025 if everything came together. But right now we’re going to focus on the two films in front of us.
(Director Carl Weyant and Dennis Therrian composer/sound designer)
FILM UPDATES:
Harsens Island Revenge is in dialog clean up and I’m told that is going amazing thanks to the artists who captured it, the technology of the recording and the post software now available. Also I’m going to be meeting with director Carl this week and I hope to set a release date for the trailer of June 23rd (My birthday).
(Shane Hagedorn in Silent Night in Algona)
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is on the run up to the UP Family & Faith tv release which I believe is July 1st. I’ll be in talks with the distributor this forthcoming week. I hope they made some licensing deals with foreign territories at the film market in Cannes. This WW2 film should play well around the world and I’m excited that this year we might do some theatrical event screenings around the holidays.
Recently we’ve been remastering and getting some of the CDI classics remastered and ready to re-release. I’ll be sending the KNIGHT CHILLS screening link to our possible new streaming distributor. The Blu Ray release has been good but the streaming will be gold. The film is now in HD and looks great in all its dice rolling action. If you love role playing games this classic Blu Ray belongs on your shelf. The book and making of script release is also being worked on and will go out with the streaming release.
(Throw back to a Japanese release of ‘In the Woods’)
The above film was CDI’s first feature film but even before that I had a handful of film releases and my first feature role was starring in IN THE WOODS. This film was born of passion and we fought hard to fund the film and make it. We faced all kinds of challenges but ended up with a monster movie that found its way into Blockbusters, Hollywood Video, Family Video and mom and pop video stores across the land. It released in many foreign countries and it gave us our first footholds in this crazy and wonderful business. It was great to watch the podcast announcement as Terror Vision announced the new Blu Ray release. Both the remastered classic and a new streamlined director’s version that plays much better. That is what many years of hindsight can do for you. But we’re proud of both versions.
(‘In the Woods’ promo card)
First here is the Official Facebook page to follow along: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560335641893
(The 2024 Blu Ray Cover Art)
And the Terror Vision pod cast look at the hour 13 min mark WATCH HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a4wAh0zces
The NEW 2024 Blu Ray Trailer: https://youtu.be/iXsSR67108w?si=ubmu0n3UIzc8yp_m
BUY THE Blu Ray HERE: https://www.terror-vision.com/store/in-the-woods-1999-blu-ray
There is talk of an event theatrical screening in Kalamazoo where the film was shot. Discussions of a few Horror Con visits have taken place. And there is real talk of a sequel which would be a great full circle moment.
(Terence Knox and DJ Perry star in AN ORDINARY KILLER)
AN ORDINARY KILLER – We’ll be cutting a new trailer for streaming (Looking at December) in a few weeks but the classic movie and trailer has been remastered and will soon be available on a collectors HD DVD. I hope to have a link for you to purchase from next week thanks to Two Average Joes handling the fundraising efforts for The Red, White and Blue Project.
Dean Teaster’s Ghost Town – This film is now streaming on the first of many platforms. You can watch it free with ads. Watch the 2024 trailer here with this PR: https://www.prlog.org/13021607-western-ghost-town-immortalizes-ghost-town-in-the-sky-theme-park.html NOTE: The film has historic violence. You can WATCH THE FILM HERE: https://tubitv.com/movies/616519/dean-teaster-s-ghost-town
In addition to the re-release of Knight Chills, Ghost Town and An Ordinary Killer– restoration efforts are underway on FROM VENUS, HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST. It has been a joy to bring these films to new audiences. The DVD Double feature of Heaven’s Neighbors and Figure in the Forest will be going back up for sale soon!
WRAP UP:
To date, only Jesus has been my repeat role in both part 1 FORTY NIGHTS and Part 3 THE CHIRST SLAYER. It’s a compliment to even consider bringing some of the other characters back to the screen. I really look forward to that possibility. IF you have not watched these three films in The Quest Trilogy please do. Just google up ENCOURAGE TV and watch in order with part 2 being CHASING THE STAR. I had some talks about returning to the biblical at some point.
We have some on-going development on a pair of films to film in Iowa. We are taking steps on one and the other is moving a tad slower. We have a few meetings coming up and perhaps we might be rolling cameras in 2025 in Iowa.
This week is full of meetings and look for some announcements on the new CDI film slate. I’m going to go have a little breakfast and get some things done around the homestead. I hope you all have a great end to your weekend and a great start to your week.
Until next week, DJ
Memorial Day Weekend 2024 – TEN FILM UPDATES!
(Wounded vet Paul Landings tries to readjust to life working in an animal shelter)
Hazelnut coffee cheers! Above is a list of where some of our new readers are from. Please do invite folks and subscribe yourself. This has been a very productive week. Our soccer team dropped a match but I’m loving the work out and feel as if I’m playing good. I also got to end the week with shooting some primitive archery. Some people love guns and go to the range to blow off stress. The loud aspect and ringing ears even with protection makes shooting something for hunting or self protection but not fun. But slinging arrows is something I really enjoy. My main bow is a compact recurve made by Bear. It is a classic and shoots extremely well. It was a great time and I’m going to make that more of a regular activity. I have several others bows that I want to try out for fun.
(True story of WW2 home front soldiers watching over German PW’s)
Outside I’ve been doing lots of work keeping the mowing up. But also added a new arbor and chainsawed a lilac tree of some dead branches. I chipped up the medium sized branches and the large are cut to season for burning. I wonder if they smell good while they burn? On the full moon also did some harvesting of red clover, chive and sage blossoms for tea. Many herbs have great medicinal properties in addition to food flavoring. The hops is growing great and we’ll see how they do after the new porch build which is slated for July. It will create a much bigger deck area and create a nice under deck area as well. I need to start cleaning out the space under the deck and get it ready for the build. I have at least one tree that needs a trimming to get some branches off the house. A few tree trims might need an expert. The berries are getting ready to pop with raspberries looking like they will be a bumper crop. Today we’re having the mother’s over for a grill. Venison and buffalo burgers and chicken with mushrooms and wild onions. Okay, shall we get onto some film updates?
(Civil War veteran Emmett Murphy readjusts to life after the War of the States)
UPDATES
- I think last year I expressed my sadness at the passing of my book editor at Revel/Baker Lonnie. I had written a story that had accepted for our 4th collaboration this one on birds. The new editor Katelyn reached out and the book is moving forward. I’ll promote that when the book releases nationally.
- Staying with literary – It is time to buckle-down and get the first of the CDI books rolling out under our new publishing deal. Knight Chills and Ghost Town books will likely be the first ones up. I need to get on the artwork and create an action list.
- More literary – I’ve been doing a lot of screenwriting as of late and working on a few properties that were smaller in scope meaning fewer locations and characters. This means few company moves hence fewer shoot days and lower budget. Of the three scripts we have we might elect to shoot two of them versus the HOT ROD LOVE which has a larger cast from all over the USA. I will say that the 3rd film script that I’m closing in on is a sequel to a popular film of ours. It has been a joy to write for some of these characters in the world we previously created. My only hint is – giddy up.
- Our Dean Teaster’s GHOST TOWN has been signed with Ammo Content and can now be seen on TUBI at https://tubitv.com/movies/616519/dean-teaster-s-ghost-town (FREE with ads) and will be licensing to many other platforms. I’m also told we will be releasing in the UK so please let me know my friends if it starts to show up there. We’ll do some PR on that next week but you got the intel here first!
- The true-crime film AN ORDINARY KILLER starring myself, Terence Knox, Terry Jernigan and Dan Haggerty is now being used to help the non profit The Red, White and Blue Project thanks to a fundraising effort by Two Average Joes Media who runs a podcast on true crime. They’ve remastered the film and a special HD DVD is going to be sold. Once the purchase site is up we’ll share that. We are looking to put it into the streaming market just before Christmas. I want to cut a new trailer but we’ve remastered the old one for the time being. That will be releasing soon.
- KNIGHT CHILLS which is enjoying a remastered Blu Ray release with Saturn Core/Vinegar Syndrome will be entering the streaming market this Fall. CDI’s own Adam Towner has been working on a new poster and trailer. We’ve had several meetings and I hope to see some updates this weekend.
- I got a sneak peek at some Tom Miller artwork for FROM VENUS. He did the cool artwork for KNIGHT CHILLS used in the Blu Ray release. It is looking great! We have to discuss how we want to deal with the duel format of the film – outside the comic book is letter box and inside the comic book is full screen. Unique in concept but now we have to decide what to do in the remastering. Maybe a matte of the comic book old old school TV matte.
- Remastering tests continue on FIGURE IN THE FOREST and HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS. I do want to get the double DVD featuring the two films for sale. Both are great films directed by CDI’s own Jeff Kennedy.
- I got to see the first cut of the music video we just did with SHALLOW RISING and it looks great. The previous video is suppose to release this month and when it is we’ll promote it on here.
- I had a great meeting with my friends at McGraw Multimedia where we are discussing some exciting collaborations. We also had a great meeting discussing pulling together various artistic companies in the Lansing area. If it all gels it could be BIG for Lansing. Stage, screen and video games all under one roof. I’m in talks with them for future supervision of production which I’ve discussed with various companies out west but I had/have no interest in leaving our state. This facility would be exactly 7 minutes from my house which makes it ideal.
(WW1 veterans deal with the Purple Gang of Detroit in the roaring 20’s)
I feel as if I have a few additional updates but I’m going to wrap it up here. I have some breakfast to get after and I have to get the grill ready. I’m looking forward to a day of friends and family. I love catching up on some of the TO DO’s around the property. This forthcoming week I’ll finish the script I’m working on and we’ll have some developmental talks. I will say that we’re discussing a return to the Alpena area to work with some of the fine folks we’ve already met and worked with on Harsens Island Revenge. SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is preparing for it’s TV debut on UP FAMILY & FAITH channel and I’m anxious to hear if the film did some licensing in Cannes, France. Harsens Island Revenge is having sound design, dialog and musical score all worked on. We overcame the few tech issues we were having with software. The reports coming in on dialog are wonderful and I’m told will be some of the best yet. That is technology for you both in source capture and clean up. A long ways from our small DAT players. The trailer and theatrical poster are being worked on and I hope to have a first draft by end of the month. My goal would be to release a trailer on my June 23rd Bday. We will see if the team can make that happen.
(Making plans for 2024/2025 and behind with John Mashni)
I might have a Knight Chills trailer by that time also. Our 1st film and our most recent film side by side. That is growth. We’ve learned so much from set back and success. We’re excited to move into new territory. We’ve been planning some big things for 2025 production-wise. I had a great meeting with John Mashni, one of our producers and our legal consultant. We were preparing breakdowns to release $ back to investors on the current films. Additionally we’re discussing the future which has some very promising opportunities. Many more stories to tell my friends. Do me a favor and enjoy your favorite CDI film(s) with some family and friends this week. Recommend one of your favorites to someone new. I’m also told next Friday we might get some exciting news finally on IN THE WOODS, my first starring film returning as a remasters Blu Ray and even to select theaters. I’m just so grateful that I’m allowed to do what I love and that so many people are touched by the stories. Thank you for all the little notes and fan mail, it is appreciated. Have a safe and fun Memorial Day and remember those who served and died to protect our freedom and liberties. Enjoy a few of our film clips in this promo for ENCOURAGE TV– https://youtu.be/HKVI4ONZ4Dk?si=p3u50jdleuSG60HU
Until next week! Coffee Cheers!
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
POSITIVE UPDATES, PRODUCTIVE PONDERINGS and POWERFUL PODCASTS
(The Journey South)
Coffee Cheers! I’m sitting down with all of you on a Monday versus Sunday due to a trip to Roanoke, VA. A charity test screening was happening for a western film WAS ONCE A HERO. We met the writing/producer Dan Searles when we were at The Wild Bunch Film Fest in Wilcox, AZ with WILD FAITH. I was invited as a VIP guest with Shane Hagedorn who has a powerful supporting role in the film. I got to met and visit with many great folks from this film family and it truly is a family with many working on the film. I got to support some other friends and fellow actors like Darby Hinton who was the lead, Robert Carradine, John Carter Cash and Rebecca Holden. As I said, I got to meet some wonderful folks including Mary Badham who took a break from her Broadway schedule to attend. She was once the youngest nominee for a supporting actress Academy Award for playing ‘Scout’ in To Kill A Mockingbird which now I’m going to rewatch.
(Stepping back in time)
We had several great meals and attended a wonderful event to benefit the non-profit Healing Strides. They use horses in their healing process. We stayed in a beautiful pre-Civil War home that had been added onto in the early 1900’s and has since been modernized without looking like it is. I LOVED the spring water both to drink and shower in. It was so beautiful as the house sits amongst pecan trees set against rolling hills. We also got to hit a few farm/craft markets and explored the historic town. Such wonderful history and tradition and the mountains can be truly so very rejuvenating. We have some associations in the works and this was a great step beyond the zoom calls to really get to know folks.
Other CDI Updates-
AN ORDINARY KILLER – This past CDI film is getting a new life as a fundraising tool for another non-profit that benefits military families. A good fit since the lead detective was a veteran dealing with his own issues while trying to solve a case. The ‘based on a true event’ film has new facts coming to life due to the efforts of real detectives that work on cold cases. Their podcast Two Average Joes just released a special presentation of our making of that film brought current in preparation for a re-release of the film to select avenues. Watch here and follow with interest all the new facts coming to life! WATCH HERE: https://youtu.be/JAEjJFQ77N0?si=ZlyjgZVkkk-JjiL_
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – This amazing piece of history preserved in this motion picture continues its march into new circles of distribution. In a few months the film will launch onto UP FAMILY & FAITH TV . The film continues its release on transactional streaming platforms like Amazon, Googleplay, iTunes and more. DVD sales are proving that the medium is not dead and actually growing as people once again realize that value of ownership in physical media.
(In Studio working on Harsens Island Revenge)
Harsens Island Revenge – We had a watch last week on the second pass of the film with the new pickup footage added in and it was powerful. The voice over was dropped in and the WW1 footage just added a wonderful layer. EPIC! The 61 VFX shots are being added in and we are looking to have a locked picture with completed VFX next week. We had a great in-studio meeting over sound design and music. That will be another great phase that might include some grilling:) Our director Carl is back on schedule releasing some of the screen capture portraits. JOIN our Facebook page and don’t miss any of the updates. Like the Making of- just released. Edited by our wonderful Adam Towner! WATCH HERE: https://youtu.be/wvvof3U4Sss?si=GkHLHBgN6DQ0gmXh
The CDI CLASSIC COLLECTION– From KNIGHT CHILLS, CDI’s 1st feature to GHOST TOWN, our 6th feature and the last of the CDI Classic Collection. All the films are being prepped to re-enter the market. This includes literary, new streaming HD, blu-ray, retrospective interviews and more. The first 6 features make up the classic era of CDI when we were just starting up and learning our craft. We’ve been doing test runs of the new HD versions of the films and I can say it is quite amazing. Kudos to the technology that is giving us this gift. The 1080 version of Knight Chills is beautiful but 2k, 4k? AMAZING….We already discussed AN ORDINARY KILLER and the new releases will include theatrical for some of them if not all of them. WHY? Because we can;)
WRAP UP: Again this weekend I was reminded how blessed I am to be doing what I love. To be working and laughing with such talented and passionate people. Lining up the business ($) on a project is always a chore but the resulting art always makes it worth it. I’m motivated to get back after it and seal up the deal on our next film HOT ROD LOVE and a series of projects working to be able to film next year. I’ve got to keep moving pieces on the chess board but we have a great team working towards our goals. I’m looking forward to new concept art on one project and some meetings on others. I’m excited about the warmth. We left in cold rain that lasted until we were 30 min from our destination and arrived to sunshine and warmth. Now it feels like we brought it back with us. I’m eager to start doing some outdoor stuff as well. My first mowing might be at hand and that is always rewarding. I’m going to be planting some fresh clover and already we have things budding. I’m ready for soccer season and outside meetings. Until we chat again next week on our regular day of Sunday, keep dreaming. Keep doing little things to move closer to your goals. In the meantime, be good to one another!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 
Mother’s Day, New Theatrical Releases, Post-Work Updates, Development and More…
(Me and my beloved momma)
Hazelnut coffee cheers to you all! Let’s hear it for Mother’s and to those who mother. I’m blessed to have my momma healthy and still with us as we journey through this life. Today we have a planned picnic at a park we use to go to as kids. It will be fun and I’m looking forward to some good family time. I have soccer on the telly which is getting me excited for our season that will start in a few short weeks. To say that things have been busy would be a major understatement. Let me jump into some of that.
As we have just completed our first theatrical run of Harsens Island Revenge in Alpena we are beyond thrilled. The audiences showed up in force over two weeks with many sold out shows. I was blown away by the people who went and saw the film three or four times but they said they saw something new each time. Our director saw a few things that others did not pick up that he wanted to adjust and so he did. Now we are in a crunch to move this new version down the work flow line to be ready for Celebration Cinema’s release in Lansing (May 16th- 21st) Grand Rapids (May 16th-18th) and Muskegon (May 16th-18th) and NCG theaters that will release May 17th-21st in Owosso, Michigan. We have our first Detroit area dates for the end of May but want to firm up the run dates but know the film is coming!
So many moving parts where one email that someone isn’t CC’d on or an updating text or phone call can disrupt the flow so easily. Everyone wants to create the best experience for the audiences. An afterglow will happen after the Owosso first show on the 17th announced at the show. Lansing’s kick off on the 16th will likely have an afterglow at the Midtown Brewing Co as one of our sponsors. And I would not be surprised at other pop up afterglows. Alpena went all 1920’s with their dress and that too is welcome. We are working on many out of state showings and we’ll be rolling this film out into theaters until Oct 1st!
If you have seen Harsens Island Revenge and want to help you can leave reviews at places like ROTTEN TOMATOES, IMDB, GOOGLE and LETTERBOXD. Also you can request the film at your local theaters and if you can get a manager/booker contact we will try to set up directly. The film has been nominated for Best Picture at Red Letter Awards. We’ve had several nominations and wins over the years most recently was 2023 SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA won Best Screenplay and Best Picture beating out some heavy competition. They have also started to roll out individual nominations and David Reardon has been nominated for Best Actor thus far. I’m sure we’ll have more nominations as this film really did all come together in a powerful way. We are not all about awards but it is a wonderful thing to have all the hard work recognized. This train is moving and just getting started!
Wild Faith Christmas is deep into music and color correction with our director working on an opening credit sequence. This is another beautiful film sequel to our very popular WILD FAITH movie. Watch the first film if you are interested in getting to know some of the characters ahead of time. I do want to explore putting the original back into theaters for a few weeks before we release Wild Faith Christmas into theaters. We planned the trailer in front of the ‘Harsens’ movie in Alpena and we will see if we can do that for our other releases. If you are reading this and own or work at a TV station/platform and are interested in the TV spin off reach on out. We have a season one scripted and ready to film.
ROM COMS MUST DIE – This comedy-thriller post work kicked off our week in the McGraw studio making some final adjustments and notes to the edit and the color. We are experimenting with credit sequences and a first trailer is being cut. I’ve been having fun learning some AI and creating comic panels of our characters in the film. You can see them on the Facebook page and on CDI’s Instagram page. Once we lock the picture all final VFX and sound design will be finished. Once Wild Faith Christmas is done we will have Dennis Therrian do the musical score and mix.
Development:
Three films moving right down the line 1, 2, 3 and meanwhile I’ve been having development talks over a few of our scripts looking to film this year. We are exploring the main actors, directors and DP’s and I’m having talks with funding folks. I try to match the films up with the right folks and give first rights to participate to those who have supported us. But we have turned funders away on the last few films because when we have what we need that is all we require. But we also have a growing list of sponsors from over the years.
I do still have a few possible book to script projects. Until you have a real solid script it is hard to do any real development. It is a busy time and getting some call times set up has been challenging. But I’ve always lived by “one film getting one more” and so if that continues to hold true we’ll be making another three films in the not too distant future.
The Week Ahead:
WRAP UP: I could wax on a while on everything underway. I had some great talks this past week with folks we’re working with. I love people getting opportunities and growing in their craft. I was lamenting a few folks who’s communication is sub par to severely lacking. People outside our immediate circle seem to respond better when we’re casting, crewing or generally giving. I am thankful for my old school friends from before all the movie madness. They keep me grounded and appreciate me for me. Many of my feelings about our industry I put into the writing of ROM COMS MUST DIE. The desperation many have to succeed that twists them and haunts them. I feel super lucky to have been born before technology ruled people’s lives. When I see pictures of people gazing into their phones I see a mirror. Mesmerized by vanity. Identity and self worth tied to their likes, follows or comments. 90% of the social media seems like poison. Peddling fear, insecurity and such to be able to sell a cure. Like Public Enemy says, Don’t Believe the Hype.
The property is looking beautiful with grasses, flowers and clover starting to grow. Dandelions and Violets everywhere with busy bees hard at work. Waking to birds is one of my favorite things and watching the squirrels play and carry on with their business is amusing. With the deck we’ve decided to tackle it ourselves. I’ve been doing a light spot sanding focusing on the railings and imperfections. A new chicken coop community center is about to be constructed. I’ve been working on a retaining wall for the underside of the deck. I have plants growing all over the place and friends already excited for herbal teas. Just having my hands in the dirt is really helpful to balance all the desk work. I’m going to wrap this up to actually go tend a few things in the yard. After I have to get things around for the picnic and before that a stop at the flea market. I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and recharge. I’ll be ready to hit the ground running on Monday. I was up early today and enjoyed my peaceful quiet time with that first cup of coffee.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
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May 11, 2025 | Categories: Blogroll | Tags: 1920's, AI, Alpena, Best Actor, Best Picture, Best Screenplay, BEST YEARS GONE, birds, blog, books, CDI, Celebration Cinemas, Chasing the star, chickens, coffee, comedy, comic, comments, coop, crew, dandelions, deck, Dennis Therrian, development, eggs, fear, film, follows, Forty Nights, ghost town, google, Grand Rapids, Harsens Island Revenge, haunt, hazelnut, herbs, horror, hype, IMDB, insecurity, knight chills, Lansing, Letterboxd, likes, Lost Heart, McGraw, Michigan, Midtown Brewing Co, momma, mother, Mothers, movie-review, movies, music, Muskegon, NCG, oscars, Owosso, picnic, plants, Public Enemy, Rotten Tomatoes, sanding, script, Silent Night in Algona, soccer, technology, The Christ Slayer, The Quest Trilogy, theaters, thriller, Tubi, TV series, twist, VFX, violets, Wild Faith, Wild Faith Christmas, Yuma | Leave a comment