FINAL FOUR DAYS OF FILMING – Updates From Set
(This next week we’ll be filming at the mine set)
Hello friends! Once again I’m doing our blog on a Sat versus Sunday since this is my off day from shooting on WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. We have had an incredible week of capturing scenes for the new sequel to WILD FAITH. Our week was a productive and efficient one finishing each day early save day one which we called right at the end of our day. We had one scene that first day that we did not get but picked it up day two and still had an early day. The energy has been good with everyone excited to be telling the next installment of this franchise. Most of the heavy lifting by way of extras is now all done. All but one of the young leads are wrapped. We have only four more days to film before we have all our pieces. We went and secured a great restaurant for our wrap which looks like an old ship inside. We ate there last night when speaking with management and let’s just say this seafood lover was very happy.
(The prep and planning really paid off in a smooth film shoot)
Even with making all our days and getting quality footage we still always look at how we as producers and each department could be even more organized. It is usually communication and organization which really have been strong. We are always in process of developing our crews and adjusting the line up. But the number one common underlying characteristic has to be a good positive attitude. If you don’t want to be on a film set don’t be. Without a doubt there are more cushy short, commercial jobs for individuals. But for those who want to create something long-lasting and memorable feature film is hard to beat. Minor issues are the only things we’ve had on set last week. Basically by challenging individuals to better themselves in their time management, communication and anticipation. But overall I was happy with how everything ran. Minor issues give you a chance to test your crew like a fire drill and our team passed with flying colors.
(A pic from ‘The Christ Slayer’)
Acting-wise it was a very fulfilling week with me bring back the first character since I played Jesus is parts 1 and 3 of THE QUEST TRILOGY. If you are fans of this blog and haven’t checked the films out you should. FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. With a sequel you are wondering if the magic will be there stepping into the moccasins and buckskins again. I can say that it was a pure joy to once again playing the trapper Ben Lily with a heart of gold. It was awesome to get to work with Melissa Anschutz (Hester), Shane Hagedorn (Emmett), Dean Teaster (Edmond) as well as next week Christine Marie (Albena). Those are the actors I got to work with from the first film plus a slew of awesome new actors. I greatly appreciate the kind words from many of the cast about the script and their participation in the film.
In a while I’m going reach out to our Harsens Island Revenge director and get updates on how the mixing is coming. The excitement here for the film is strong. I also made some contacts that might help with the Detroit premiere which I want at the Henry Ford Museum theater. We will have one in Alpena, Owosso and Lansing. Maybe a special event screening outside Grand Rapids. But that film is going to be a thrill ride full of drama and action. Get ready!
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is continuing its home video run but will be going back into some theaters for special event screenings thanks to a new distribution partnership with Dreamscape Productions. In our discussions we are also going to really try and get the film playing in theaters on military bases around the world. This film is really finding a great audience and it could become a yearly watching tradition for many families. If you have not seen this film please do. If you have not seen it on the big screen you might have a chance very soon.
A few rapid updates-
- An Ordinary Killer streaming and HD DVD Release in December.
- Knight Chills Blu Ray released now and streaming in Jan 2025
- Knight Chills book releasing soon on amazon
- CDI Merchandise site looking to release December 2025
- IN THE WOODS Blu Ray available now
I know I’m missing a few updates but need to switch gears to getting ready for tomorrow. I’m first scene up with means early to bed and have to be ready to rock! We had a good day tooling about Alpena for an hour or so. I tried a coffee made from mushroom and bought a few homemade items from another store. Alpena has a lot of Michigan charm and again we’re proud to be shooting here. I should be back on a normal schedule next week having wrapped and returned home. I hope everyone is doing well and preparing for the holidays with loved ones. I was chatting with my mom today about Christmas plans so the season is upon us. Until we all speak again next week be good to one another.
DJ
Final Countdown to Filming – Other CDI Updates!
A wonderful morning to everyone out there. I’m sipping on the ole hazelnut java and looking forward to spending a few moments with all of you. Next week this time will be day one of pre-production on WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS (WFXmas). I want to welcome all the Latin America new readers as well as Ireland, UK, France and more. Again I’m proud of our circle of artists. I want to explore how to promote the blog a bit more but I’ve been so busy with tasks at hand. Last night we had a bday gathering which was nice and I look forward to Friday pumpkin carving with my mom and brother’s family and kids. I hear my nephew wants to be an orc like in Dungeons and Dragons or Lord of The Rings and my niece wants to be a scary clown. I’ve been doing yard prep for winter in-between all my film prep work. I’ve been cutting up wood for the wood stove because I had my first fire last Sunday. I was happy that I was able to take down a modest sized tree that was rubbing the house during windstorms. I dropped it without hitting the house, gutters, deck or power line and so I was well pleased.
Working with the other WFXmas producers we almost have everything in line. I’m still crossing a few things off the TO DO list. I’ve been waking up each morning to look into the mirror and see ‘Ben Lily’ staring back. It will be great to play ole Ben again and next to Jesus he’s the only role I’ve played in two different films. Again the season is upon us for the biblical adventures and so do watch FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. Ben and Jesus both require the epic beard but they are quite different from one another. Wardrobe, craft service, guns, basecamp items have all been handed off to the correct departments. I’ve been working on landing a few new sponsors for WFXmas and even some release sponsors for the upcoming Harsens Island Revenge. I’m really trying to get FORD involved for the Harsens film. It is all Fords in the film and I would love a special event at The Henry Ford Museum. I have a few upcoming meetings with some great potential national/international sponsors this week to join those we’ve done business with. I think these films are a great showcase for many brands and products and have many great promotional possibilities. If you have a brand or company small or large and want to join us please do reach out.
Let’s do a good old TOP TEN of new developments in no particular order!
- Meeting Monday about laying the foundation of some new studio development projects. We might be able to get funding directly from a source studio for the right projects. We will see how that goes but I’m optimistic. I’m in that active 2025 development phase.
- It is nice to have one feature on deck for Q1 2025 which is the comedy horror ROM COMS MUST DIE. Once we get to the other side of WFXmas we’ll lock down some hard dates. I would love to get some strong teaser art going over the holidays.
- I think I have all the deliverables in place for the KNIGHT CHILLS streaming release. I just need to await laugh dates. We also have a theatrical release run for it in the NYC area which I’ll supply information once I receive it.
- The CDI Literary division is kicking off with Katharsys Media who previous released the MAKING OF IN THE WOODS (Hard & Soft Cover) and the IN THE WOODS novel. All these plus my script for PANDEMONIUM (ITW prequel) are all on Amazon. The KNIGHT CHILLS novel proofs are being sent and will be going up for sale soon. The book after that might be the Script/Making of Knight Chills and/or Ghost Town and An Ordinary Killer. They make great gifts.
- I told you all that I’ve been a contributing writer to several true short stories that include animals. I’ve been involved in the Baker Books collections on cats, dogs, horses and now birds. These books are internationally distributed but usually found at airport bookstores I’m told. The new book releases on Dec 2nd and so I’ll pass along the info once I get it.
- CDI Merchandise is being set up as a fundraising tool for veterans and animals via The Red, White and Blue Project non-profit. It will go active end of November! Every purchase will benefit good causes and we are all thrilled by that.
- Speaking on the benefitting of the veteran non-profit above- AN ORDINARY KILLER will soon be releasing as a fundraising tool also helping Two Average Joes Media that works on cold case files. The HD DVD and Streaming film will be available in time for Christmas.
- We are prepping things for a few event screenings of SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA (SNIA) back into select theaters. We’ll be working with our new partners at Dreamscape Productions. That deal should be in place this coming week. This film is an excellent watch for the holiday season either in theaters (a great way to see it) or at home with family. It is also still playing TV and mid next year will start playing free with ads streaming. This based on a true WW2 story is very touching.
- Harsens Island Revenge music is done and the film will start to be mixed and mastered with our Director Carl Weyant and our post audio supervisor and composer Dennis Therrian. We will be using the SNIA theatrical as a template for the Q1 theatrical. When we return mid Nov from Alpena shooting we’ll sit down for a producers watch of the full film. Once locked we’ll start planning the series of premieres and plan what festivals and events will be treated to this gem. I’m very proud of this film as it showcases where we are as a company. I’m glad we slowed the roll on the final mastering as it will allow a more careful mix. This is the 2nd book by Karl Manke turned into a film. The previous book HOPE FROM HEAVEN became BEST YEARS GONE. Seek that film out and take a watch. This is director Carl Weyant’s first CDI directing job in feature film but he can be seen acting in THE CHRIST SLAYER (Part 3 of The Quest Trilogy) and the above mentioned SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. Carl makes a cameo appearance in Harsens Island Revenge but go back and watch Carl in action as an actor. He’s a talented young man I’m proud to call a friend.
- I’ve been slow in finishing my rewrite on the remaining 6 shows of WILD FAITH HASTINGS the proposed TV series. I’ll use my momentum from the sequel to come home and finish those up. I’ve been looking to see what I will write on over the winter months. If I don’t have a set writing project I’ll turn my attention to a few of the unfinished ones I have as work in progress. A great SciFi piece, a few comedy pieces and more. It is always about the funds behind a project but you always need a blue print first. But to get good at writing you just need to keep doing it.
(Anthony “Tony” Hornus in BEST YEARS GONE)
WRAP UP: I’m going to wrap this up. We’re going to go visit the last flea market of the season and I’ll look for any final props or gifts. I found a good gift for my amigo Tony Hornus the other day. I love giving gifts to people. They say you are wealthy but what you can give away not what you have. I’m blessed with good family and friends. I’m comfortable with my needs and only have a few wants. I live simple and spend much time in and with nature. The Detroit Lions play today and they have been doing very well but my heart goes out to one of our players who suffered a bad leg injury last week. As an athlete myself I understand the risk and reward of sports. They are not 100% safe. Life is not 100% safe. You want to be smart, cautious and thoughtful but life is too short to be 100% safe. Especially when it comes to following a dream. I’m caught in that often in business because I feel honor bound to play it safe especially with other’s money. But often big profits lie in risk. I often choose modest profits because I cannot afford the big risk. I would rather keep doing what I love versus reaching too far and having it all come to a grinding stop. But I am working hard to get better budgets so I can compensate our incredible artists better and market our films further into the world at large. Step by step. I might even do a few video updates from on set versus writing or I might move the blog day to Saturday which is the off day for production. Maybe both:) Thank you all for stopping through. Find me on Instagram to see some cool reels of our films my personal one is officialdjperry and the CDI one is tribecdi – enjoy! Have a wonderful day and a productive week!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 