An ‘Official Wrap’ on Harsens Island Revenge and More Updates!
Good morning new readers from Portugal, India, Philippines, Denmark and the UK. Maybe my Indian friends can help me – what is the S. Indian coffee secret? I had that brought to my room every morning in India when filming KARMA. I want to seek it out here and see if I can find some. Yes. It rivals my hazelnut coffee I’m so fond of. So this morning I am well rested but yesterday eve I was pretty exhausted. Why?
For several weeks I’ve been prepping for what would be about 3 min on the screen but it was worth it. After watch the first cut of the film we knew we needed the close up shoots of our pilot and lead attacking some ‘Purple Gang’ property. The 1927 plane was far from Alpena where we filmed and so we needed close ups to match with our other footage of the flight. Movie magic in full effect starting at noon on Friday had us capturing our sequence and establishing shot of the plane that will be seen outside the hanger scene we shot at the Alpena Air Force base. Our crew had to travel in a snow storm but all arrived safe and we had such generous hosts that helped us get what we needed in a 2.5 hour period.
After the plane shoot it was traveling downstate to some beautiful property belonging to our transport captain Dane DeFord. This was the sit for our opening scene to the entire movie. It takes place in WW1 whereas a group of German soldiers are awaiting mechanics to come fix their tank. When I wrote the scene I always envisioned a cold miserable day where the poor soldiers are trying to stay warm. Our film’s hero is sent to deal with these Germans in hopes of capturing a tank. Let’s just say that after several temps of 60’s+ degrees that threatened to give us a very different day we ended up getting exactly what we wanted! Beautiful falling snow that just made the scene so cinematic.
These snowy conditions look great on camera but are hard on cast and crews. But with our scaled down team we got the perfect scene. And we had such a great time all together filming it. Great re-enactors to bring our German’s to life with Mark E. Holmes (Silent Night in Algona) playing our lead German. Mark Balko and his Pepsi team really came through with catering and craft services. Thank you Mangos from Alpena! We had campfires going in the woods and we were storytelling again. The magic of it all and after weeks of hard work it was all worth it.
I want to thank everyone involved. GW Burns our production designer was in from Florida and got a wake up call on Michigan snow. After nine hours trucking through heavy snow I was beat at midnight when I finally started my trek home. I had 4 deer run in front of me, 1 beside my car racing me and 1 huge buck who almost came in front of me but decided against it. I see why Dane who likes to hunt lives there, deer city. I had a restless night because my body felt beat up like after a soccer game and I drank too much coffee later at night. My furry son Finn had been under the weather with upset stomach and was restless and so that night gave me little sleep.
Up and more coffee before off to the sound studio with David Reardon our young lead. With Dennis Therrian and our director Carl we got all our narration. I even laid down a line of two for Axel on the phone in the film. A stop to drop off our rented US “doughboy” uniform and I was home. My Finn was doing better and last night was a peaceful sleep. Again none of this is easy and at CDI we work hard. There is no half ass here as my dad would say. So we need to enact a refund on one hotel in Jackson that did not live up to its pictures and a few expenses to report but the film is now an official WRAP. All the pieces of the puzzle are complete. We’ll have a few weeks to tweak and add these shots into the film but soon it will be locked and music and sound design will start. Adam Towner should be finishing up the Behind the Scenes and we are now working on a theatrical poster and first trailer to likely release end of April.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA– Curran Jacobs is going to be doing a meet-n-greet in Algona and the film is an official selection at the upcoming ICFF. We have our own Cassie Dean, Shane Hagedorn and Dennis Therrian up for honors. The film will start playing on UP FAMILY & FAITH this Summer which is exciting. The DVD’s are still selling and streaming is giving many a peek at the film.
THE QUEST TRILOGY – With Easter right around the corner I’m asking our fans to enjoy a watch of our biblical three films. It is a good time to stop and reflect on family and life. TRAILER HERE: https://youtu.be/HOiLSFiL9es?si=LfwGuUoncew5UktH
HOT ROD LOVE – I just did a fresh read on our Summer film HOT ROD LOVE. We picked up another investment piece this week bringing us to about 35% financed and climbing. With this pick up shoot in the rearview mirror I can devote even more energy to the next film. So starting Monday more sponsor and investor talks. We want to get the business behind us so we can focus on the creative.
Additional Development-
We also have funding talks starting up on SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE and GOTCH. I’m looking forward to a read on the updated Gotch script end of next week. I’m also happy to say that the Victorian/Steampunk script I was working on is finished and I’m extremely happy with the final story. I’ll send that around to a few of the producers this week to take a read. We’ve also been doing some organizing and updating of the quality of some of the older CDI films by converting them to HD. I’m going to be doing some checking on those this week and it will be fun to watch in the new vivid form.
I’m not going to go much further with updates as I like to get things complete before reporting on them. But I know people are anxious and want to know what is next so I try to keep you all updated. When GW Burns was in town I had him snap a few new headshots for the new agent so I’ll be looking into those. I’m going to try and recharge a bit before hitting it hard again starting on Monday! I hope each and every one of you have a great week. I know the Capital City Film Festival mixer will be coming up. We as a company usually try to participate and support the kick off. Until we speak again next week, be good to one another!
DJ
Producing is NEVER Easy, Acting UPDATES and COMMUNICATION as a KEY
(Just some of the CDI Tribe working on Harsens Island Revenge)
Good morning my friends. I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee and getting a later start due to ‘springing forward’ here in the USA. I’m not sure if they do that everywhere but some like it and others do not. I’m pretty indifferent to it all. I was pretty exhausted at the end of my week from grinding the mental gears. I think the added cold front coming in gave my sinuses a bit of a run but hot tea kept all that at a minimum. Many times you get only the highlights in my blog that show the final outcome. Meaning we did this or that but you don’t always get the in-between or the struggle to get that particular thing done. I’ve been grinding my gears trying to align many things for what we be an added 10-20 seconds in one scene that includes close ups in a period bi-plane with a beautiful wood cockpit that may or may not play on camera. As our Harsens Island Revenge script is written there is a WW1 opening to show Frankie’s (Our lead character) role in WW1 and how it shaped him. A 2-3 min sequence that also makes a statement about war and that war in particular.
(Again just some of CDI Tribe working towards the ‘Silent Night in Algona’ release)
To have the luxury to kill from afar keeps ones morality at a distance but having to kill up close is a different matter. Much like the dark ages where men killed each other up close with arrow, sword, axes and spears the dreaded WW1 was one that still used horses being fazed out by tanks slowly. Also many battles ended in sewage-filled trenches fighting with bayonets and trench knives. That is the horror that sticks with many of those soldiers. To be that close and see the immediate results of ones actions whereas you see the enemies lights go out. I think as they die a piece of the killer dies. A connection of sorts. I’ve been working for weeks to try and first get the location set up and the particulars around it. Add the players which have been hard to get. Not the leads but the ever-important extras who need to be equipped properly. WW1 has been the hardest to find on a budget, all the time periods to date. The best thing which we’ve done in the past is to hire passionate folks who reenact and put together their own kit. Our luck on that and the communication with those connected has been difficult. Add that we are up against a ticking clock to use the military base we had chosen. Why? Ten days prior all members have to be cleared and we are down to days to submit info on folks we have yet to find. Finding the folks alone isn’t hard but having them period dressed and equipped is and so this week we’ll decide if 1) We keep our shoot at the Alpena base 2) We reset the shoot elsewhere likely closer to mid MI giving us an extra week to find the gear and extras. 3) Kill the opening or strip it down to our just lead in WW1 having a slew of fast memories that brings us to the present 1920’s.
(On Set- Harsens Island Revenge)
It can truly be insanity at times and even with the best planning things fall apart or change. And this is all being done on a very tight remaining budget that is precious money that could be used to help launch the theatrical run after the film is complete. Now the film as it starts now is great and kicks off with some action so maybe we are good. Our composer at the first watch loves how it opens. AND we are trying to trim runtime but our proposed efforts is adding runtime. I think you are all getting the gist from my little peek into everything that goes into producing up this films. This is 3+minutes and we produced up 2hrs+ already. So when you see a bullet point of mine on here every week please do not assume any of it was easy. It is not. It gets done because of the talented people involved. People who care about the story. I don’t like to lose and I had to realize that we are in a WIN/WIN situation because the film is already great. We are trying to add sprinkles onto the top. The cake is going to taste great sprinkles or no sprinkles. And the audience will never know that sprinkles were an option.
(Boats that are 100 years old now)
After 2 hours+ of grinding my gears yesterday on something that wasn’t going to reveal itself, I had to just let go awhile. Maybe it is what makes me good at what I do? But yesterday I had to go and just organize in the office for a couple hours. I’ve got many things in motion for the CDI company and the more organized I am the more gets accomplished. Some music. Some organizing. Some chill tea and I regained my balance. Today I have a few conversations and by Weds of this week we’ll know if we are Alpena bound or if we are taking another direction.
(100 year old+ Planes)
Every direction has pros and cons usually ties to money. But in life just like filmmaking people can get frustrated when things you thought were taken care of, tied up, crossed off – start to unravel or come back at you. When you have to readdress something again in the present it takes from your future. Planning and development stop when you have to fix a crack in the foundation. So this 2-3 minutes has been very trying. It can be made harder but lack of communication. I swear we live in an age with more communication and we have become worse at communicating. People put boundaries on their times they work but that is not what we as successful filmmakers do. Now granted not everything is always as time sensitive as I sometimes feel it is but just knowing that it is on someones radar is satisfying. Message received. 10-4. On my list. I don’t like when people don’t acknowledge receipt of a communication. Even if busy. Let someone know because we live in a world of messages going into SPAM etc… COMMUNICATION. I just finished a great series THE BEAR about running a restaurant and it is all communication. “Yes chef” “Behind you Chef” “Corner” – and in soccer the team that communicates is the team that wins. A team with less talented players who communicate better can beat a team with more talented players if they win the communication game. “You have support” “Square” “Give and go” “Keeper’s ball“….My rant is just because I felt the endeavor unraveling despite hard work. In a project even asking “What can I do?” “What still needs to be done?” these things lead to success. And you have to always keep striving to improve.
(On set Harsens Island Revenge)
ANOTHER SIDE-the ACTOR
So above really is about producing up a film or in the case above just a few pick-up pieces. Actors who only act don’t often concern themselves with all that goes on behind the scenes. I can recall working years ago on one of our westerns in NC and while battling with catering and SAG I’m getting calls about an actor friend not liking their boots. Actors tend to just be concerned with their little focus but producing introduces you to the wide world of what it takes to put on a show. Even crew members only see the presentation and as I’ve said before, it is near impossible to pitch a perfect day. You hope the 95% right buys you grace for the 5% that goes wrong. Thousands of things that go right in a day due to the hard work of a few but cries of anguish if catering does a subpar job on vegan side meal or someones magnetic key deactivates on their hotel room. We take accountability but third party and a tech malfuntion should be covered by earned grace. Those incapable of grace are removed on future projects for their own good. Film shoots are more closely related to war versus vacation even when the places we shoot are beautiful.
(Old Men soccer champions)
So on the actor front my new agent sent me an audition for a pilot TV series. I’m use to reading a full script to absorb the character and roll but this is a few sides. I had this talk out in LA with friends who work often out there. I asked it they request or direct their agent towards shows they like? They said they pretty much read everything so their agent doesn’t drop them. I questioned what if you don’t like the show? The story? The Script? Doesn’t matter apparently to many. I wanted to do this read since it was the first thing my new agent sent over. Also I was going to be forced to do an upload and use the actor’s access portal. A good test. I did my read and damn, pretty good. I guess it should be after all these years. I was successful in my upload. I did get a few good notes on how I could subjectively improve the eye line and questioned would a tripod be better. See how the hee-haw that actors go through is the stressful time consuming parts. Second guessing and stressing and I don’t participate in that. I politely declined and said that what I presented I was comfortable with and if the production quality was not up to par I was find with it not being sent forward. The read was actual well liked and sent forward but after I felt a strange feeling likely opposite other actors. SHIT what if I actually get the role. Will I like the script? What if it does get picked up? I have a film lining up this summer that I know the script is good and the role is great. I have soccer season ahead and I’m looking forward to that. I would have to move a dental cleaning off the pilot shoot. WHOA partner:)
(Acting is still my top passion)
I wanted to start looking at some outside projects but I’ve avoided series in the past. WILD FAITH TV series would be different but maybe even after a season I might not enjoy that. I like finishing something. WRAP always makes me feel accomplished. Well, I just figure I will play the hand. Realistically I might not get the role as they’re many great actors and what folks like is subjective. If I do the pilot it still has to be picked up. This is just a few funny thoughts in my head. I enjoyed the practice of the read and technical upload but not knowing the full script/scope/creative team behind it is another place for me. I do believe just like all my outside projects that I will do what projects I’m meant to do. KARMA in India is where I met Carl Weyant, who just directed Harsens Island Revenge. Eric Colley and Hallie Shepherd and Paul Proios on G.P.S. (Watch on TUBI). So I’m going to just stay open to what is meant to be. I’m just staying good and busy but when away as an actor it is much easier and I’m still able to do producer/writer work.
(BEST YEARS GONE DVD Wrap)
Speaking of writing I saw that Benedict Fitzgerald writer of The Passion of the Christ passed away. I almost had an opportunity to work with him thanks to a friend Isabella Hirt but I was busy with BEST YEARS GONE. Which I’m happy to report can now be seen free with ads on Youtube’s FREE4ALL which is Twin Engine Global‘s new streaming service for non-family and faith films which is Encourage TV. Staying with the topic of writing I’ve been enjoying doing the polish on a script looking to film next winter. I think the funding is there and it is very unique but will be a lotta fun. It is a period piece and will be a lot of fun for all the actors. My second pass is working the descriptions and dialogs for pacing, flow and proper language. I had some talks this past week again about literary representation having had many produced screenplays now doing quite well in the marketplace. We will see said the wise man.
(A published un-produced script of mine on Amazon)
The literary side is developing nicely with several of the CDI projects publishing script and making of books and novels where it applies. I’ve been discussing the deal and discovering extra pieces and pictures to make these releases special. With the backup RAID now functioning we will be able to move into more theatrical and perhaps soundtracks. I will be looking for the right person to run the CDI merchandise site on commission.
(The actual 1920’s not an easy thing to recreate)
To tie into the above and circle back to Harsens Island Revenge – the making of by Adam Towner is looking great. We got a peek when watching the first cut of Harsens Island Revenge which was just amazing. Boats, planes, cars and buildings all helped to create the 1920’s. The world was brought to life by our artists on both sides of the camera. The performances all around are so strong with our young leads David Reardon and Cassie Dean doing such a wonderful job. It reminded me of some of the epic films of days past but with a modern capture bringing the world out of black and white and into full color.
(Silent Night in Algona – watch it if you have not)
This has all been good for me to just let some of this flow out and put order to my pick up shoot options. I have a few phone calls to make to discuss these options. It will all work out as we have some of the best artists within our creative tribe. I will go boldly into the new week and just deal with the cards we are dealt. I want to end by sending the CDI thoughts out to Anthony Hornus and family who lost his mom this past week after a long illness. For many of us our parents are a strong support system. Last time I spoke with her was at the SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA Owosso, MI premiere and she was very proud of her son. We are all proud of Tony too and I’m deeply sorry for his loss. He will always have his TribeCDI with him. I hope everyone has a productive week. Until next time- coffee cheers!
DJ
Surviving the Storms and 10 Movie Updates
Hazelnut cheers on a chilly morning in Michigan. Slept with the window open and woke up to a cold foot. I’m going to try and do a better job this week with my typing and posting. Last week I lost an hour plus of work on this blog. But you got to watch three video updates from me instead. You got to see my new 1920’s haircut for the upcoming movie Harsens Island Revenge that shoots in less than three weeks. We will arrive on location in less than two weeks. So many cool things happening and I’m excited to pull this group of artists together.
In Michigan we had a big storm roll through including seven tornados across the state. So many branches and trees down and we had a big tree on our property line break in half at the trunk. It fell right where our buddy Finn’s daily race track is. Finn is our furry son (He just turned 5 last week) who races daily with his friend Jake on the other side. The huge tree is still hanging by bark and fiber and is a death trap for any below it. I cleaned up our side in about four hours with a chainsaw. The city will need to drop that big boy and I hope do some clean up on the city easement side. I got to experience most of the storm from inside a car. We had our play-off soccer match in the brutal humid heat. Lightning and thunder started ending the game with ten minutes or so to go. We won 3-2 which was cool but I stayed in my buddies car to cool down and he ran to the clubhouse to have a quick beer toast with a few of the guys. The storm hit and they were stuck in the clubhouse. I was in the car counting a 100 lightning strikes, sleets of sideways rain and hail. He finally made the run out and we made the adventurous drive home avoiding flooding and downed trees across the roads. Sadly one woman and her dog died when a tree fell through her roof while they were in bed. You have to respect nature.
Let’s do a top 10 updates just off the top of my head.
- This article hit The Alpena News as we get close to filming our next story – https://www.thealpenanews.com/news/local-news/2023/08/feature-film-to-be-shot-in-northeast-michigan-locations/
- We announced several new Harsens Island Revenge (HIR) sponsors such as Reinert Pottery, Nash Nurseries and Red Cedar Spirits. We’ll have even more to announce as we get closer.
- A Model German tank, wood model boats, actual boats, cars, trucks and even airplanes are all being assembled to help tell this 1920’s story. Our hard to find props list is getting smaller. Still looking for a still:) A moonshine still that is. It is fun to bring all this history back to life.
- Wardrobe fittings and discussions have been full ahead. My pants should arrive tomorrow which are reproductions by one of our sponsors Warreplica! I’m still trying to find that perfect coat and a second pair of outdoorsmen boots.
- One of our sponsors UAI is not only supporting the film but will be entering a development deal on a video game based on the film. Would you be a WW1 veteran or a Purple Gang mobster? Pick your side!
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA (SNIA) artwork for the home release is almost complete. Also the technical fixes are almost complete. I will give dates on DVD, broadcast and streaming as soon as I get them on our FB page so go join that also to stay up on updates.
- SNIA also has The Red Letter Awards happening outside Nashville, TN about the time we start shooting on HIR. We are up for several awards and I believe Donna Kitzinger our Algona coordinator will be going to represent us.
- I met last week with Steve Young over the upcoming streaming release of THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ on Sept 5th! We also discussed another Oz book to turn into another animated movie.
- On older films getting new life – I mentioned in prior blog entries about my first starring role in the creature feature IN THE WOODS that is getting the HD treatment. A new director’s cut is done and I’m told it looks fantastic. I think some sort of showing is planned for late October. I’m anxious to see it and of course this is all laying the foundations for a sequel. Maybe a re-release into theaters?
- On another CDI film getting this same sort of HD treatment – I’m still under a hush order for another week or two. I think they will start making announcements on Sept 1st. So forgive the mystery of it all just need to be respectful of the business. Thank you to those parties working hard on this new release!
WRAP UP:
To all of you out there – I want to again express our appreciation for your support. I’m going to be doing some organizing of props for pick up this week. Prepping some more of my character wardrobe now that I’ve done a breakdown. I might still have to chainsaw up a few logs from the storm damage and might put a mow on the lawn. I’ve been harvesting hops and rhubarb still and the herbs are still growing well. The chickens are all safe and happy and so the egg factory is all good.
Until next week, be good to one another.
DJ
Casting and Crewing Updates- Improving Communication, Time Filters, and Iron Sharpening Iron
I’m sipping on the hazelnut on a sunny but still chilly morning. We had a snow storm hit and start to melt the next day. Spring and Winter are in a wrestling match with one another. It won’t be long before CDI meetings will also include some outdoor hanging. I want to welcome all our new readers from Spain, UK and more. It has been a nose-to-the-grindstone week and I’m happy to report it was very productive. On the broad view – I got all the CDI film taxes done and thank you to our amazing team. My own taxes are submitted just need to review and send when completed.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA– The film is still opening new screens based on fans calling in and requesting the film is booked. We even have some new April bookings forthcoming so stay tuned and keep calling your theatre. We’re also starting to put our home video deal together for later in the year. We’ll be delivering the final film for home video on May 1st. I’m excited because it will open the film up to millions.
Harsens Island Revenge – This is the next #tribeCDI film and it is in full pre-production mode. We had some great meetings last week that included our director and DP. We discussed crew on the next film focusing on camera and G&E. (Grip & Electric) We already have a few of those people falling in place. #1 GOAL is to have fun and really appreciate the rare opportunity that we get to engage in with our storytelling. We have a new department leader for Production Design and we’ll likely be announcing an Art Director next week after a few final talks. CAST – We’re awaiting a dozen reads from folks CDI has worked with on different projects. We review these each week and will be making some hard choices on casting soon.
After many reads we think we’ve identified our film leads. This is such an important part of the process. You want people that are truly dedicated to the story, the process and appreciate the opportunity. These two have been developed inside the CDI Tribe. This film requires actors to not only appear natural in their moments (scenes) but in 1926. This is a world where Civil War vets were still alive. Cars were replacing horses for transportation. So many “time filters” to put into ones performance. We know that you can’t get it perfect out the gate but it is something you work into. My role in this next one is not camera ready yet. I will work on his look, attitude and his time filters. I’ve done a lot of digging into the period as the screenwriter. But, you put these filters into play to create a complex and rich performance. In the past we’ve done PR on individual or pairs of actors with promo cards but I think we might do something different. Like what? Like a group mug shot or…
I want our proposed lead talent to hear first from our director. If I hear back while doing this blog I will make a BREAKING NEWS update:) But we are looking forward to seeing many new reads this week. I see a few have direct messaged on the CDI FB page and we’ll be reviewing those. Every week we’ll be pulling for cast and crew onto the film. I’m looking forward to watching more reads this week and solidifying more of the cast.
SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE – The script is now a first draft lock allowing me to start to rough budget and make a production plan. 2024 was the shoot plan but it will all depend on how fast it all comes together. SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA only took 14 years so I think we can beat that in less development time. I’ve had the film out to several Native American friends and associates to get their perspective. I also want to thank Lynn Kueck for his historic input. More as this develops.
MISC. UPDATES FROM THE TRIBE
- FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH 2 is being outlined and groundwork is being laid. We’re talking to interested parties to once again help us tell this more in-depth follow up doc.
2) THE MAKING OF ‘IN THE WOODS‘ – I’m awaiting this book that is suppose to arrive today. It was delayed by the storm but it details the journey of my first starring role. This ambitious film by two young and rather in-experienced filmmakers will entertain you. The film got strong penetration into the domestic and foreign markets being a favorite at Blockbusters, Hollywood Video and more. Released on VHS and it made its way into many foreign territories. It is a fun romp and this book is the start of a new campaign that will be coming together. This film made me a B-Movie star in the late 90’s and while some critics tried to kill it – the film has a loyal audience. Drinking games have been formed around the movie and soon we might have a new 4k enhanced movie with lots of merchandise extras. I could even see a Con appearance or two to celebrate the 25th anniversary. Click and buy it below.
3) KNIGHT CHILLS – The first CDI film is also getting a new enhanced version. I am going to be collecting some interviews from people to include on the new release. I need to get extras around by June so I’m guessing an end of year Blu Ray release. In 2024 we’ll go to DVD and streaming plus start licensing foreign. If you are a fan of fantasy role playing games like Dungeons and Dragons, this might be for you. We were back to the original source without any film-look filters that were all the rage. I’m excited to be re-releasing some of these classics in new format that will allow them to survive moving forward.
4) GHOST TOWN, FIGURE IN THE FOREST and AN ORDINARY KILLER will be getting the updated treatment but it takes time. It has been really interesting to walk back and work on these projects.
5) I’ve been working on a few new stories for those national books on animals, that I have contributed too for the last several years.So far, so good. We will see if the editor likes them once she takes a read. One of the books I contributed to his above. I believe that one has a story about my boy Luke Brown. I really do love doing these side stories and I might get more involved at some point but for now film script, producing and acting keeps me busy enough. Look up “Callie Smith Grant” and any of the books from the last few years will likely have stories contributed by me.
6) This week I’ll be starting work on another chapter of an audio book series I narrate. The book author Ronnie Lee has several works for sale in this book series. The audio version is coming right along and will be available soon – https://www.amazon.com/Generations-come-Book-Classroom-Copy/dp/B09RM7LBWV/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2H09KBLP4QV3V&keywords=Ronnie+Lee&qid=1678029492&s=books&sprefix=ronnie+lee%2Cstripbooks%2C161&sr=1-4
7) While waiting for Spring, it is a great time to re-watch your favorites. BEST YEARS GONE, WILD FAITH, LOST HEART, MBF, ASHES OF EDEN, and as Easter is upon us – take a watch on The Quest Trilogy. Forty Nights, Chasing the Star, The Christ Slayer all deserve a good watch even if the faith isn’t your path. The films can speak direct to your faith or as a parable tale with messages to ponder. I’ve said before, that the trilogy, was shot with a Star Wars heroes-myth style at the heart of it. The translation between the two works quite well. It really is noticeable in the photography and the music. PLEASE DO take a watch. I promise you it is a fresh take on what can often be confusing stories.
WRAP UP:
My personal goals going into these new projects is to try and make the communication even more efficient. We have some really large opportunities looming on the horizon in the not to distant future. I’m trying to develop our team so they will be ready. Positive Problem Solving attitudes. Clear Communication. Respectful Communication. Gratitude. I want to develop our team for that next level. I want to work with good folks that I truly enjoy. That is the journey.
I’m looking forward to soccer season. I’m looking forward that that weekly competition you get doing battle on the pitch. I have really learned to appreciate our opponents because iron sharpens iron.
Once this snow goes away for good it will be time to get the yard cleaned up. Tree trimming and planting clover again this year. Soon the yard will be full of hops, berries, veggies and herbs.
The chickens are back laying eggs steady so we are now rich. Rich with eggs:) The birds are returning. The squirrels and rabbits are about. I love all the wildlife about.
CDI will probably look to support the Capital City Film Fest by attending the mixer kick off. Several years ago ASHES OF EDEN was the closing film to 600 people. That was a great night. We would have played SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA there but they wanted only MI premieres and the film has its theatrical run underway. I love that our home town has two festivals. The ELFF is still running after many years also.
That is all I have for this morning. I’m going to drink my last cup of coffee and get on with my day. Until we gather again next Sunday – have a productive week. I think I will watch Manchester United play while getting a few things done.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 