CDI FILM UPDATES and Challenges of a Low Tech Person Surviving in a High Tech World
(A Simple Man – Ben Lily in WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS)
Hello my friends joining us here. I see new readers last week from Australia, Sweden and India. Hazelnut coffee cheers my friends. We are well into December and the temps here in Michigan have gotten cold. Our Detroit Lions had a heck of a game on Thursday that gave us yet another victory which is nice. We are moving along on editing our most recent WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS adventure. Shane Hagedorn is doing the editing and we have to be about 20 minutes or so into the edit. In the film I felt very comfortable playing trapper Ben Lily. Even though it is 1880 Ben represents a man trying to maintain a place in a quickly changing world. In his world electricity will soon take over the oil lamps and motor cars will start to replace horses. Give Ben a good pistol, knife and horse and he was a happy man. It’s funny that the cycles seem to repeat for every generation.
(The book and audio book series)
GENERATION – I just completed the last narration for the audio book series FOR GENERATIONS TO COME by Ronnie Lee. Some of the books and soon the audio books will be available on Amazon. I’ve enjoyed the read that also gives us a peek into the changing of lives throughout the generations. I could really relate but we all can actually. Things from my childhood in the 70’s are now in the Henry Ford Museum.
(At the studio reviewing Harsens Island Revenge)
We had a great session out in the pine studio where Harsens Island Revenge has been having the sound design and musical score done. It’s our 1920’s bootlegging movie based on the book by Karl Manke. We watched the film with all the VFX, sound and music laid in. We saw a few spots that still need mixing and our director is still tweaking the color correction. As I watched all these things underway I was in awe of the technology. It’s funny that some might assume that because I’m a filmmaker that I’m a tech-head which could be nothing further from the truth. My first computer experience in the 70’s was on a TSR-80 that you loaded with a tape player. I played a few games off floppy disks with our family COMMODORE 64 but never learned any programming. I watched others use all these programs to edit, color correct, sound design and compose music and I shake my head at me taking 30 min just to try and change my Facebook Marketplace location to Lansing after somehow getting stuck on a Florida city location. My script writing software MOVIE MAGIC is the first software I was gifted in the 90’s and I’ve stayed with it my entire life. I don’t know all the in’s and out’s but I can make it work. I’ve never made a website and I still can’t wrap my head around file sizes. Anybody else like that out there?
(Post Supervisor Dennis Therrian amazes me by all he can do and do it with excellence!)
This blog is one of the most tech things I do weekly and I still mess it up often knowing maybe half the functions. I’ve never used EXEL to calculate, for me it’s like old school graph paper. My team has gotten me to a basic level of google use but still I have to have links sent to me all the time. I’m just trying to make it another 30 years if I’m lucky without being swallowed up by a wave of technology. Now AI is entering the game and that is cool if it means in 5 years I can have an R2D2 * unit. (*Star Wars reference) Talking with my attorney this week I’ll eventually I’ll have to move check writing over to auto check writing but as of now I still write hundreds of checks roughly twice a year. Great talk with another friend and his success with crypto. I’m not big into digital and I don’t own any crypto or digital currency and don’t plan to. Nothing against it, I guess I just like to keep it simple. With the editing and the mastering of these film projects using such complex and interesting software it brought these thoughts to the surface. I know I’m not the only one who can’t navigate these complex programs. I can’t even log in properly to my AARP account. I wish I could edit so I could update my actor reels. It has been many films ago since I’ve put anything together. I have played on Instagram making a few reels with music and a few fancy filters and that feels like a success. Check out CDI and my instagram accounts officialdjperry is mine and tribecdi is the company. I really don’t use social stuff except to promote movie stuff daily and keep up with a few friends and relatives. It does help with birthdays! So I wanted those of you out there struggling to keep up with tech to know you aren’t alone. I see others older than I struggle even more although some have a real knack for it all. I still do best with a yellow legal pad, a good pen and a phone that I know how to mostly operate. I’m already several models behind on my phone. As soon as I learn something they change it. Let’s do a summary TOP TEN on updates!
- KNIGHT CHILLS plays again in Brooklyn NY at The Spectacle Theater today at 5pm and again Dec 11th (10pm), Dec 14th (Midnight!) and Dec 17th (10pm). On Amazon you can buy the novel. The Blu Ray is for sale also and on 1/31/25 it will start streaming!
- As noted I finished my narration for the last book in the series FOR GENERATIONS TO COME by Ronnie Lee. Look it up it is very interesting!
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA our WW2 Christmas drama is playing select theaters in Iowa but started the Algona run this week. It plays until the 12th unless they extend it. It’s also available to stream or on DVD via Amazon. I got some beautiful feedback from folks that had watched it on the big and small screen. We have started a tradition in Iowa and I hope on TV and streaming it becomes one of your traditions.
- I noted that the Harsens Island Revenge screening went beyond great. We need to fix a few credits and do some mixing but it is almost ready for prime time. It really is epic and had some jumping out of their seats with the opening action. We are soon to start working on setting up the Q1 premieres and theatrical runs.
- WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS which as noted above is 20+ minutes into the edit. It’s looking to move into music and sound design in Feb with Nov 1st being our targeted theatrical release goal. The excitement surrounding this film is carrying over as many are going to watch the original. Both are going to be beautiful, heartwarming stories that will highlight the best in humanity.
- December 15th will be the re-release of the HD version of AN ORDINARY KILLER to streaming. Based upon a true tragedy it highlights the dedicated police work over several generations.
- Bart Ketner is managing the CDI EBAY store and the 1st CDI Merchandise has started to roll out. You can see it here: https://www.ebay.com/usr/collectivedevelopmentinc?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR16XEHbbFvF0m1eSRk1-zMh0HX8sqYsZcCFd1FfY86AV7IYAWZZNYaBQx8_aem_66YD6cOv8KppqvnhPoAhQA
- We’ve been doing some final casting on what will be the first directed feature by Travis Hayward and DP by John McGraw! Once that is locked down we’ll start looking at a schedule in Jan/Feb 2025.
- I have two other features being developed and evaluated to go into funding mode. Both are very exciting projects and will be great additions to the CDI family of films. One is a period comedy and the other a historical drama.
- I’m also lining up a few writing projects for the winter season. When it’s cold and icy nothing like a hot coffee or tea and sitting down to pull from my imagination.
(The view from the post production studio)
WRAP UP: This season has started with much joy. I’ve had a few great reunions with family, friends and our producers reviewing upcoming projects. These projects fill my days and I’m very grateful to be able to do this line of work. When not working on these projects I’m doing general upkeep and organizing. I’ve been turning some of the harvested herbs into oils and tinctures. The most recent was BEE BALM oil. It is good for the skin and any rashes, bug bites and such. I’ve been enjoying SAGE and MINT tea that I harvested. Sometimes I feel I was meant to be born in a more simple time. Maybe the extent of my storytelling years ago would have been around a campfire or maybe on some vaudeville stage. But I was born into this age and I love how many people get to enjoy our collective stories. Our industry is hard. If I was born into the tech world like our youth maybe my actor materials would be stronger because I would be better at doing all this uploads, downloads and such. I’m content to just do what I can do and have faith that I’ll participate in the stories I’m meant to. I no longer yearn for huge projects in far away places. I’m content telling powerful, modest stories with my friends. That’s how it all started back in the day with the VHS camcorder and boom box for the soundtrack. Behind me are the days of shooting on film. A wonderful but stressful tradition I was proud to be part of. And now I do what I’m good at- writing, organizing/managing and becoming. You can’t be great at everything. I just ask people to have patience with me and thankfully my team does. I’m just an old TSR-80 Moving down the Oregon Trail🙂
Until next week!
DJ
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
CDI Film Updates and Looking Ahead to 2025!
(Composer Dennis Therrian and Director Carl Weyant working on ‘Harsens’)
Good morning friends! I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee and listening to the birds while watching squirrels busily working for the winter ahead. I want to welcome all the new readers from Mexico, New Zealand, Sweden and more. I’ve had a very busy week getting things ready for the upcoming Harsens Island Revenge release and the Wild Faith Christmas shoot. Dennis Therrian our composer and post supervisor has been busy finishing the Harsens Island Revenge score. Directed Carl Weyant (happy Birthday yesterday) has been prepping everything else to go into the film such as the stock footage, VFX and color correction. This week is when we start to pull it all together. We producers have been working the end credits getting those around. It will be a wonderful thing to see this story all together on the big screen. The end is always trying as you pull everything together. We are close, very close.
(In studio as we locked picture now we are close to a final locked movie)
WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS – We are fully cast, crewed and locations locked. We’re still putting a few pieces in play but departments are up and prepping to the shoot in a few short weeks. Insurance will be going up soon and we’ll be getting communications and lodging set. Last week I had the wardrobe items stored at the office picked up. Also the hospitality and health (craft services) items were picked up. Great meetings with some of the companies aligning with us via sponsorship or product partnership. Reinert Pottery will be supplying some of the on-camera items. Anchor Construction Corporation came on board. Welcome! We have a few flights to manage and also we have a trip to NC to pick up props and art director Robert Bradley that just got a LOT more complicated. All part of the process but I’ve also been enjoying getting into the ‘Ben Lily’ mindset. My tops of my toes are raw and sore due to my first multiple hours wearing my trapper boots. I’ll have 10 days of several hours in them so I’m trying to condition my feet now.
Re-Releases-
KNIGHT CHILLS deliverables to Twin Engines Global/Deskpop is almost complete. I just need to digitize some paperwork this week and upload that. But the film, trailers and artwork should all be there. We have been posting some great new screen captures to the FB site. AN ORDINARY KILLER will release soon on HD DVD and streaming in December. People are enjoying DEAN TEASTER’S GHOST TOWN and the special edition park DVD will be available soon.
(2.5 million plus views on Encourage TV)
The season for SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA and THE QUEST TRILOGY is right around the corner. I’m happy to announce that on ENCOURAGE TV the first of the biblical trilogy FORTY NIGHTS just went past 2.5 million views! Make watching these feel good classics part of your yearly family tradition.
BEST YEARS GONE, LOST HEART and the original WILD FAITH are good Fall classics to watch! I’ve enjoyed some of the communications from fans of these films. I will also add BESTSELLER on the list if you like R rated scare-fests. Again I’ve been so enjoying the season as the leaves are turning and I’ve even enjoyed a few bonfires. I’ve even allowed my thoughts to start to dance around Christmas just a bit.
Looking Forward to 2025
Once we get WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS in the can (Old term from days of shooting on film) – we’ll turn our attention on ROM COMS MUST DIE a fun feature film we’ll do with Travis Hayward at the helm directing. I will be working on updating the WILD FAITH: HASTINGS TV series to happen after the 2nd film. I’m working on show 4 of 8 right now. I also will be finishing a few scripts over the winter and still trying to land another project that would be both the script and production. Once Harsens Island Revenge is locked I’ll have more talks with director Carl Weyant about development. I have a good project in mind for him that might be a good fit. Looking at maybe developing something with Ian Griffin. I’m excited to see where 2025 will lead the tribe.
(Dane DeFord and Robert Bradley in Maggie valley, NC)
WRAP UP-
I’m about to go look into some eggs and bacon before doing some more yard work. I think inside the Fall stuff might come out. Tomorrow I’ll be pulling prop weapons to be handed off to our armorer Bart Ketner for the upcoming shoot. This week I’ll be tying up many of the loose ends and taking us closer to our end of the month move to Alpena.
My thoughts are still with all the good people trying to rebalance their lives after the storms. And I am concerned a tad hearing about two more storms moving towards the coast. I feel bad for the displaced, the dead and the pets too which are in over-crowded shelters.
I hope you all have a peaceful Sunday and allow yourself a recharge. I’m looking forward to seeing my brother and a few friends later in the day. I’ll be back at the business bright and early in the morning. I’m at the end of the coffee pot so that is where I’ll end this. Be kind to one another even if the world politics has you with differing opinions. I’ll be ready for that to all be done and over with.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
October Updates- Movies
I’m sitting here watching the rain slowly fall from Hastings, Michigan the current location of our midWestern “Wild Faith”motion picture. Yes, I am sipping the hazelnut coffee and I just got done reviewing pics from the shoot. We have only days left this week and it will be a WRAP save one pick up Civil War flashback day. Of our 11 days we finished barely late twice, early once and on time all the remaining days. That is a tip of the hat to our fine crew and prepared cast. We shot in the Historic Charlton Park last week and this week a beautiful cabin at a Nature Center and a period train in Coldwater. I’m a tad tired because when not on camera our producer team is making sure catering, rentals and payroll are all completed. In a few short days I’m looking forward to trimming my nails, hair and beard which I’ve been living with quite a while. It has been worth it as I’ve enjoyed the character on-screen. I play trapper/tracker Ben Lily. I’ve enjoyed all the old friends I’ve had a chance to catch up with and the new friends I’ve made.
OTHER FILM NEWS
THE ACTOR is a great film I did in NYC with Jon Osman and my good friend Carl Weyant. It has a great message at the heart of it. Adler & Associates are taking it to the film market and soon we should know where it will land. Here is a preview trailer.
Additionally I’ve seen the locked picture of “Chasing the Star” with the music composed by the talented Dennis Therrian. That poster and trailer should release very soon to an awaiting audience.
“40 Nights” the film before “Chasing the Star” is gearing up to expand over the Christmas season. If you have not experienced the film I encourage you to do so. Once “Wild Faith” moves into post we will start focusing on the final installment in THE QUEST TRILOGY – “The Christ Slayer” …
“Bestseller” is in prime season and they had it here in Hastings at the Family Video. I think a news story came out yesterday that talks about “Wild Faith” filming but also drops “Bestseller” as something audiences here can easily see in store.
So much positive momentum on “Wild Faith” and once again this film will showcase the beautiful of the state and of the artists. When naysayers come at you the best course of action is to prove them wrong by doing. Over the past 20 years plus I’ve heard lots of lip service but it is the people who create that I respect. Producing movies is hard work and it takes a tribe of artists to do so. I don’t compare or contrast our company with others we just do our thing. If you’ve worked with us you know how we roll. If you haven’t worked with us – you don’t know. Just work hard to keep the drama on the screen and always give your best effort. This team has been wonderful and I know some will be relationships that continue for years to come.
Enjoy your Sunday, I’m going to get another cup of coffee and prep for the week ahead. A few more days and this film will be “IN THE CAN” haha…or maybe “ON THE DRIVES”…Oh, how life and technology changes.
Be good to one another.
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 