Finishing the 2026 Year Strong and Looking Ahead!
I woke right up today filled with energy. I was up to greet the new day with coffee in hand. It is no secret that I enjoy my hazelnut creamer but I will be trying pistachio flavored later in the week. I had a lot on my mind last week with balance being the goal. I have to say with the days are tough bring your focus in and just knock down each day as it happens. I’ve been dealing with an ill parent and navigating the system can be a true challenge. But, progress has been made. We have a one month follow up coming up this week. At that time we will access several things pertaining to outside help or care. It is easy to become overwhelmed but slowing things down and following one path of information has helped. I am happy to say we are experiencing improvement and much of that is because of taking a hard look at medication. Doctors are quick to add but not to subtract without some prompting to reevaluate. I don’t want to go any deeper on this but you have to try and pay attention and ask questions.
Dealing with other people dealing with anxiety or depression makes you evaluate your own feelings. I think I’ve always had anxiety in some form because it steps from not wanting to make mistakes in a new process. Luckily I have more courage and passion version anxiety. If you accept the worst that could happen and move ahead you often find that those issues never arise. And if they do they are often much more navigational than originally conceived. Every year should and will bring new unsure challenges but that is the excitement of life. So many things in my life I might not have experienced if I did not push forward. Traveling around the world to film with more or less unknown folks as this was before Skype, Teams or FaceTime. India, Philippines, Mexico, Canada and so many states in America to work with other storytellers. So embrace the challenges the rewards can stay with you a lifetime.
Let’s examine a few film updates-
- ROM COMS MUST DIE is streaming and on DVD. I’m starting to hear from people enjoying a watch diring this spooky Fall season. It is fun to read or watch reviews pertaining to the film. So if you’ve enjoyed the film give us your thoughts and any frustrating artists stories that could make you join team Amos and Clem. You can buy the DVD or stream here: https://www.amazon.com/Rom-Coms-Must-Die-DVD/dp/B0HCXXQYMZ/ref=sr_1_1?crid=X8UUY5LE7A76&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8dwmiRr6bKlk4mL0ZRtVH1ZoPIuUiWRW1F4-Pb2_hk3BLdL8zOT4P581MzjSaCKlstZ6Z8L0mkn2MOzeS6l7SmMmYDHomJmmkVH3Js56vHguCHajle-cX9qJ5aALdauCQDpI2ej5jresRg0fGM2oeRzSonruyGvAxs4N5KGHpPvtI5MCrWUsQKeBlw3Lc6hjB_JJGZHQZ0aYPAQCtvC11AuZBkLs1zCe7ZhDH_cfd9s.9hN0RzWwz-oa9VNqcOPT4sP2goE3E6gXziRIvXUvRHM&dib_tag=se&keywords=rom+coms+must+die&qid=1792326736&sprefix=%2Caps%2C105&sr=8-1
- Next week I’m guessing the PR rollout will begin on AI JESUS: The Secret of the Kingdom Chip. I’ve been awaiting the DVD pre-sale site to appear and on 10/30/26 the streaming rent or buy will kick in on Amazon Prime and other participating platforms. This film marks the 3rd time I’ve played Jesus. To see the other two performances watch FORTY NIGHTS which is part 1 followed by CHASING THE STAR part 2 which I am not in, And Part 3 is THE CHRIST SLAYER, a clever play on words as we examine a famous biblical event from a unique perspective. All can be found streaming on multiple platforms.
- I will be going at the end of the month to attend the WILL ROGERS AWARDS for WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. I’ll be accepting for the screenplay and as the supervisor of our incredible producer team. Lastly CDI is being recognized and we will be in some great company of writers, musicians and actors.
- Speaking about WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS which will release on DVD and streaming on 11/3/26 had a great interview with our friend Isaac with FAITH ON FILM Youtube podcast featuring Shane Hagedorn as their guest.WATCH here: https://youtu.be/QAJJTgqlI80?si=Wk2w5ysLcFU6vjZj
- My first starring role in the creature feature IN THE WOODS is playing a few more NYC dates at The Spectacle Theaters. Look them up for times.
- In Post Production is DEVIL’S PASS the stylistic western with a supernatural twist. We had had some great meetings over the flow and I’m exciting to say that the first cut is almost complete. I’m excited by this collaboration because it flowed and that is due to everyone being professional and communicating respectfully. I’m excited to see some first poster art and teaser trailer. So many cool things to say about this film but I will let it speak for itself. If you follow the Facebook page (All our films have FB pages, are you following?) you will be up to date on all things Devil’s Pass.
DEVELOPMENT: I
When I returned from filming I spent some good time organizing and getting ready for the end of the year. That means end of year disbursements to investors of the films. It also means getting all the end of year accounting stuff ready for taxes. And it also means looking ahead to 2027 and what projects to focus on. We are in talks with our GA friends and the McGraws on future collaborations. And internally we have two films that we are starting to make some moves on. The first part of the year I would like to film a who done it starring David Gries and Melissa Anschutz which has almost launched two other times but got replaced by another film. And we are making some good strides in putting this funding together on RETURN TO ALGONA (Working title) the follow up to CDI’s SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. We’ve been in talks with organizations and brands to help support the new endeavor. We will be talking to private investors also once we get a few more of the pieces in place. This would be a 4th Q 2027 film shot in Iowa.
Additionally, I’ve been writing and researching daily on a 3rd WILD FAITH adventure hence WF3. As the 2nd film enters the market we’ll have a few talks on the TV series but if the offers don’t make sense we’ll roll with a 3rd feature film. I am also getting close to my first draft of MAN’S BEST FRIEND 2 which I’ve been working on. I do enjoy the writing and once I get these two finished I will see what I want to focus on. I had a few different talks about screenplay writing or turning someone’s book into a screenplay but those talks did not go beyond that.
Since filming on DEVIL’S PASS I’ve had daily pitch letters on scripts, stories, etc…and I try to respond to most of them. But without financing committed it will not replace anything on the CDI slate. I do know and admire the process. It is hard and I firmly believe that a good blue print is the key to a successful shoot. To some it is only a box to check but I think it is the start of everything. But I am biased when it comes to writing.
WRAP UP: This week ahead I have a good mix of things on my TO DO list. I’m still settling the few action points on my DEVIL’S PASS wrap up. I’m feeling pretty organized and accomplished moving into the end of year. My mind has started to drift a bit to the holidays. I do love the time with family and friends. The cold has had a few nice fires in the office wood stove. I’ve been doing Fall clean up and soon it will be winter prep.
I’m going to wrap it up here and we’re going to stop at the last flea market of the year down the road. We have a family birthday party to attend and that will be fun. I might also need to get after a few eggs. The chicken egg production is slowing down as it gets colder. I thank you all once again for stopping by to read and engage with our circle of artists. I look forward to talking with you next week. Coffee Cheers! DJ
Forthcoming Release Event, Film Updates and More!
I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee and enjoying the morning. We’ve had two nights of pretty heavy storms that had one of our furry children restless. I can’t believe 16 days before we’re in pre-production on our next film Devil’s Pass. I’ll talk more on that soon. But as for the property, I’ve been harvesting herbs for my tea, tincture and tonics. I’ll need another round of tree trims here soon. The cool mornings have begun and I’m enjoying the hints of fall in the air. The chickens have been giving us a good supply of eggs which when put on avocado toast is just incredible. I really do love eggs in all their forms. Okay onto movie updates!
FILM UPDATES
ROM COMS MUST DIE – This Friday August 28th Adam Towner and I are hosting a brew in view showing of the dark comedy. It is in Lansing, MI at a place called The Studio 313 formerly The Loft. $10 cover and doors/bar open at 6:30pm with the film starting at 7:30pm. We hope to meet some of you other artists in the area and this comedy should speak to you. At the same time you can pre-order the DVD now on Amazon with the release being 10/2/2026!
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – At week’s end director Shane Hagedorn will be going to the RED LETTER AWARDS to represent the film. It is up for ten nominations I do believe. The film will also be repped at the WILL ROGERS awards in October. And on November 3rd, 2026 the film will be available on DVD and to stream!
AI JESUS – This super timely and unique film is being pitched to numerous theaters for a theatrical run. You know the drill if you want it to play near us call your local theatre. Talk to management and request the film. We are awaiting for NCG to book so we can do a premiere showing in the town we filmed in, Owosso, Michigan. The film will play theaters until early 2027 and will become available on DVD and to stream late October. This film examines the good, bad and ugly of AI.
DEVIL’S PASS – This past week we’ve have work underway with all departments. We had a big art meeting last week and it was a great brainstorm session between the team led by AD Adam Towner. We have some great props at our disposal to help bring the world to life. Wardrobe department has been busy working to bring our characters to life on screen. Hospitality and Health, legal, accounting, transportation, extras and every other department are prepping. We’ve gotten our office and AD team communicating with cast and crew. I just love when the machine starts moving on its own. You can go to the FB site and sign up for Extra work with co-producer Anthony Hornus. We want to thank the entire community for all their support and assistance.
DEVELOPMENT –
RETURN TO ALGONA – This 1968 follow up to SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is developing well. We have another interested funder and that brings us closer to our goal. Our plan is to have all the funding commits by year’s end. That will allow us to start some pre-production the first of the year.
WILD FAITH 3 – The third installment of the Wild Faith franchise is underway. I’ve been writing where and when I can but I’ll really focus in starting in October.
We do have other proposed films to consider and I’ll be evaluating that also as this year draws to a close. I’m also soon to finish a first draft on MBF2 and start a second pass. I also want to turn my attention back to two literary projects THE QUEST TRILOGY book and the Making of Knight Chills book. Have you seen MAN’S BEST FRIEND? How about the three films in The Quest Trilogy?
WRAP UP: Last week the flea market got rained out. I did a bit of looking this week at props but we are getting close to the finish. A few things we still have to construct but minor things. I plan to do a full costume check on my Devil’s Pass character McBride very soon. I think when I meet up again with Curran Jacobs on his wardrobe extras this week we might do some pictures.
Again I invite you all to come out and join us this upcoming Friday for the Lansing, MI showing of ROM COMS MUST DIE. I am guilty of not getting out and about enough to meet some of the emerging artists. I always try to make the CCFF mixer if not on location filming. This could be the first of a film series if it is successful. So if you are looking for something to do this Friday come on out and have some fun.
I’m going to get after some of those eggs I was telling you all about. I hope you all have a great week and I look forward to discussing with you all again the updates on our projects. Until we meet again, have a great day and a wonderful week! Coffee Cheers! DJ
