Losing Childhood Heroes Fuels Our Own Dream Chasing.
Hazelnut cheers. Welcome readers from around the globe. I’m writing on a humid Sunday. I have had a week of working very diligently on all our film projects. One thing that is interesting is that many people don’t understand the timelines and how slow that things move turn. Films in the making don’t turn on a dime because one change causes many changes. I’ve been gathering supporters for our next project and the timeline to stay on target is end of the month. We’ve been gathering funding commitments and I’ve been working on sponsors. We have a few great sponsors that have joined us. These are purchased marketing packages whereas a company aligns with the film. Our films have been seen by tens of millions of people. Brands like Candleberry Candles have definitely gained new buyers because of their past sponsored candles. I know that because of our last couple sponsorships with Pepsi that some have become fans of Bubly, Celsius, Muscle Milk and more. I’m proud to announce that we have a few returning sponsors and a few new ones. Same with investors, we have some tried and true and we have some new. All these people are needed to tell these stories. I’m just waiting to assign the last few to interested parties but that will be done end of the week. If you have not been following along the next film up is THE SECRET OF THE KINGDOM CHIP. The paperwork is being drawn up and the bank account will be opened once the corporation is formed. Steps.
TSOTKC the above film is a great mix of spirituality and SciFi. We have some great art pieces being built and this film will be using more advanced tech vs any of the previous CDI films. Much of this is because of McGraw Multimedia and our new partnership with Haptix Studio that we’ll talk more about in an upcoming PR release. Next month will be hiring our remaining cast and crew and prepping the main locations for filming in September. This is the second venture with my dear friends at McGraw Multimedia. We already have a slate of films we plan to work on together. Telling stories with friends is what it is all about.
We have several projects that are moving down the line and other associated developments. Let’s look at some of these endeavors.
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA, Wild Faith Christmas, Harsens Island Revenge and more and talked about on Faith on Film with Anthony Hornus and Shane Hagedorn talking about the CDI projects. You can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtnFcHuz6Gk
- Wild Faith Christmas is just locking up the final credits and one VFX shot I do believe. A producers watch is coming up and after it will be prepping for theatrical. We are looking at a few corporate sponsors who might get involved with the theatrical release. If you have a company that likes the idea of being aligned with orphans and adoption please reach out. The film has way exceeded our director’s expectations. I LOVE the world created and we’ll see what happens from here. I do have the season 1 written and ready to go. If it is too heavy another movie could happen. We will see said the wise man. But do watch part 1 WILD FAITH and get ready for the second adventure.
- Harsens Island Revenge – our theatrical company should be giving us the promotional materials this week to promote our next two screening locations. Don’t hold my feet to the fire but I’m hearing both Riverside Theaters near the actual island and Emagine Macomb will be showing the film 22-28. So get ready to have a roaring 20’s good time. I’m hearing Forest City, Iowa and our beloved Algona, Iowa should get us dates very soon.
- Speaking of Iowa we at CDI are working hard with some of the folks there to try and launch films on world champion wrestler Frank Gotch and the state story of the SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE. We have two great scripts and some people like Randy Couture (Gotch film) attached with a letter of interest. We will find our right parties/partners to make these two project go.
- Last week between scouting and funding work I did my final ADR work for ROM COMS MUST DIE. This comedy horror film has turned out great! The picture is nearly locked as the last of the VFX is going in and the last of the ADR is completed. It will be moving over to our composer and mix master Dennis Therrian in August. I’m excited to watch it with him the first time! The film is highly entertaining “dry” without music and with music it will soar. I’m proud of Travis Hayward with this being his first directed feature film. It was also the first collaboration with the McGraws. The hope is that we’ll do our premiere for cast, crew and friends in October. If you have any festivals that might want to showcase the film do reach out. The idea is a short festival run and into theaters. The home video will be in 2026.
WRAP UP: My film wrap up is that after we film TSOTKC that will be all the major production for CDI for 2025. We’ll finish strong with the Harsens theatrical and be ready to kick off the Oct. 6th home video release. We will also look to do a premiere of ROM COMS MUST DIE around Halloween. Maybe the SUN THEATER in Grand Ledge? November will be the release of Wild Faith Christmas into theaters and I hope to run that through the winter into 2026. We have plans for 2026 productions but those are still in the planning. I had a great call this past week with a peer filmmaker who is considering collaborating with CDI on a few projects. I like the filmmaker and the projects he is talking about.
I’ve been writing weekly and I’m still in talks on three scripts to write in the coming months. I love writing in the winter. So we will see how that all develops. Things move fast and suddenly move slow. That is our business. Next year will be exciting as many of the films will be still rolling down the release path. If you are curious about TSOTKC may I suggest watching THE QUEST TRILOGY (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer). TSOTKC is modern and different but does fit into the trilogy. If the film gets all the same discussions rolling as the script we will have one heck of a film.
Lastly, with life balance- the house now has central air which will be nice versus the portable air conditioners. We are looking at finding a stretch of days to stain and seal the deck. The plants have been growing like crazy and I’ve been harvesting herbs and some veggies. The berries have still been popping and are at maximum sweetness. I still have a small tree to plant that my bro gave me for my bday. The chickens young and old are now mixing and the eggs are kicking. I’m about to go eat some myself. Today is a bday party for my dad who turned 80 on July 8th. That will be fun. I am not going to lie losing Ozzy Osbourne and Hulk Hogan left me sad this week. Heroes we grew up with since childhood. Ozzy has always been on my play list. It also makes me think of how many friends film and non-film have passed. They don’t get to wake to the beautiful birds, squirrels and change of seasons. No more struggling to create, survive, and thrive. I’ve been trying to rest on that when I have a set back or something moves slower than I want it to. So I seek that balance. Soccer was a rain out and so I hope they reschedule the game. Those games really help me with that mental balance. I do love the game and I’m appreciative that I can still play the game.
I’m going to call it good on the update. I’m going to keep on keeping on and I encourage you to do the same. I have to limit the amount of negativity that I take it from the world daily. From child and animal abuse to religious and political divide there is enough negative to ruin anyones day before breakfast. I offset a lot of negativity with music and focusing my attention elsewhere. I just got two classic Rolling Stones albums which I’m looking forward to. We are also going to keep making meaningful films that unite us all and remind us that we are all undergoing this journey called life. Until next week-
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Dream, Devise, and Detail plus Chickens, Bees and Butterflies
Good morning good people. I’m once again here sipping the hazelnut coffee. This morning I was looking over some questions on schedule with our developing film. Pieces fit. Pieces don’t fit. Readjust. It fits! This is what I do. I dream. I devise a plan. I work with others to detail the plan. From the plan comes the budget. From the budget comes what is needed. Time windows. Trying to get everything to meet at the right point in time. Every film is hard work and that is why so few can actually achieve it. It is also a reflection of my life aside from the precious moments spent with family and friends. I am discussing with others the merits of these stories from preserving history to a unified endeavor that brings together artists for a short period of time. Only so many a year and only so many in a lifetime. This is what I do. This was the answer to my meditation this morning.
This past week was nurturing several projects in post production and putting pieces together for the upcoming. This coming week I’ll also be writing checks to the investors/supporters of the previous CDI films. We have a great group of supporters who help make these endeavors happen. For some they go without a new ‘toy’ in order to make these project happen. They want to be part of a positive, powerful story that will live on beyond them, me, us. On the new SECRET OF THE KINGDOM CHIP, I finally released the PR on my own involvement acting wise. I’ve got the long hair and beard in this humid heat and it is truly suffering for your art. You can read about it here: https://www.prlog.org/13086932-ai-jesus-movie-moves-into-production-this-fall.html – I’m excited to tell this story. The script alone has created so much energy and feedback. It will be a worthy addition to the CDI group of films. We ended the week with another step towards full financing but still have a little ways to go. The goal is to have it completed this month and we are on course to do just that. We’ll be opening the LLC and bank account soon. The business paperwork will soon be drafted and we’ll be starting the more intense pre-production work. This week we are also going to start fishing for product placement partners and sponsors. We’ve had many large and small who are just as important as our investors. They help with the unseen issues. They help make the ride a little bit more special and memorable. Let’s look at some of the other developments.
Harsens Island Revenge – I’m told that we have dates for Riverside Cinemas by this coming Tuesday. It is close to the actual Harsens Island and should be a great showing. Also Forest City in Iowa is looking like September and I’m guessing Fridley’s in Algona and other Iowa locations. I think we’ll start booking and finish the Summer strong. We are putting things in motion for the home video release on 10/6/2025. They are also working on DVD artwork which will be exciting. This is a special movie and we’re so happy to be ever-expanding our audience.
Wild Faith Christmas – The film minus a few tweaks and a few VFX shots plus final end credits is about done. Director Shane Hagedorn and composer/sound designer Dennis Therrian are extremely happy with the story we have. Very moving and the beautiful score just magnifying powerful performances. We have a date for a producer’s watch through. From there we will start our theatrical planning which will be here in no time. Holiday 2025 will be theaters and holiday 2026 will be home video. This is a follow up film to CDI’s successful WILD FAITH. Please do watch that film or rewatch it to get ready for the sequel.
ROM COMS MUST DIE – This dark comedy is also powering towards a finish line. VFX and sound design is being laid atop the color corrected cut. I watched it just recently and loved the flow. It is so funny and makes fun of our beloved industry. The idea here will be a premiere. A few festival showings. Theatrical followed by home video. The trailer is waiting to swap out the shots for the best res and color corrected shots. I think folks will really enjoy this film that surprisingly somehow has you cheering for the bad guys. Go figure.
DEVELOPMENT – We talked about The Secret of the Kingdom Chip which is a stand alone film but has loose tie-in’s to CDI’s biblical trilogy part 1 Forty Nights, part 2 Chasing the Star and part 3 The Christ Slayer. If you haven’t seen these three films they are also worth a watch and it will give you some background information.
The SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE film developing in Iowa behind our SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is gaining more supporters. I have to set up a few calls this week about this project. It would be a powerful, ‘based on a true story’ historical drama. Also I’m exploring a few avenues with the GOTCH biopic also to be filmed in part in Iowa.
I teased that I had started on another sequel script to one of the films. This film I’ve been asked about sequel more than any of the others. I don’t have any plans for active or immediate development but I wanted to get the blue print where I like it. In the original film the protagonist was left in jail heading to prison. Any guesses?
WRAP UP – Once in a while I feel the difficulty of managing all the variables but with a team many things can be achieved. I also am a diligent worker putting one foot in front of the other. You have to have faith in yourself, your team, the story and the life path you’ve chosen. I had a great talk with a VERY successful 88 year old businessman this week. Neither of us truly believe in retirement. There is always something to create. He had some wonderful things to say to me and I was appreciative and humbled. I have faith that this week a few more pieces will fall into place. I have some great meetings being set up this week.
On the personal we are back at soccer after a rain out and two weeks off. We had an off game and lost but the battle is the reward. I like that pushing oneself to the max. As for the homestead – we keep waiting for a time to seal and stain the deck but we keep getting rain. The plants are growing like a jungle and I’ve kept it more wild because of the chickens, bees and butterflies but I think another mow is on deck. The berries are at their sweet peak and we’ve got tomatoes about to ripen soon. The herbs are really growing and I need to step up my harvesting. I will keep working to keep up with it all. I have several friends with more property and that must be a chore to keep up with.
There is a flea market which I might attend. But I think today I will focus on taming some of that yard stuff I mentioned. I will end with a little story that I’m sure many artists deal with or have dealt with. I was looking up some of the ad-based video on demand platforms now carrying SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA like Tubi, Roku, Xumo and Encourage TV. I saw someone from our state being negative towards the film. While I’m not sure I have the resources to ever make a film that is a 10 I can say that even if something isn’t your cup of tea we’ve never created a 1 or 2 rated film. But when people trash a film 9 out of 10 times jealously is at the heart of it. They want to know why their script, their team, their film never gets made when others do. We simply out work people. It is that simple. It is always hard work and even our crew members never know all the work that goes into a project months or years before ever hitting set. But this individual was checked by one of our past crew members. They have moved onto some full time endeavors but it was nice to see the gesture. It is like that saying of what people do or say when you are not in the room. I’ve done horror films, action films and what some might consider ‘cool’ films versus our positive, heart felt films. That feeling of healing ala helping people cope with issues they have is hard to beat. Those films give back to the storytellers and is a real motivator. I’m not against a good scare film or taunt thriller but I’m also about character development. I’m about unique perspective and stories. If I just wanted to make genre fluff I would be missing something. Anyway, I commended this past crew member for his words in defense of 200 plus artists. A story that captured a true story from history so it would not fade away. An endeavor that had our cast and crew in another state fighting the elements and the day to day issues of production. Many truly love the film and it plays yearly in theaters. Many people travel to the museums that hold the remaining history. The film will have a special place at the museum as big things are being planned. Or we could have made a film of teenagers poking around in a scary place and random psycho with this or that mask kills them one by one maybe leaving one alive for a sequel. Been there. Done that. Got that tee-shirt. Nothing wrong with those films they are early proving grounds for storytellers but try creating a new time period and that is challenging.
I’m off to make some breakfast. One of the new chickens has started kicking out eggs. I hope you all have a great week ahead and wish me luck as I try to put the remaining pieces in place on the new film. We are close as I mentioned, and once we get this schedule worked out we’ll be locking in the final cast and crew. We are awaiting some cast reads and some of the crew are already planning ahead. You only have this one life so don’t be afraid to go after your dreams. I’m living proof that you can achieve it.
Until next week, coffee cheers!
DJ
End of June Updates! Half Way Through 2025!
Good morning my friends. I’m sipping some coffee but with coconut vs hazelnut this morning. I’m glad the humid heat broke somewhat allowing a good mow on the property and some tree trimming. Everything green is growing like crazy with the rain and heat. I’ve been harvesting some herbs and berries for future wine. I’ve been balancing the work flow and trying to stay on top of everything. I’ve discussed this before but communication is so very important when you have projects with so many moving pieces. If you ever want to see your productivity grow focus on your team’s communication. I’ve still got a few folks that I’m working on. I had a good talk about this yesterday that when you are accountable you need to be in the knowing.
Harsens Island Revenge – Funny story. So from those asked to go to IMDB.com and vote and leave a review we had a 9.1 of 10 ranking. I had someone reach out happy about that and I replied “Our haters haven’t caught up yet.” This person said that this stat was posted because of joy and pride in the work. The very next day someone voted a 1 and the ranking fell a touch. So many jealous people in this world who just want to poop in the pool. They have been around since the beginning but to me it is sad and predictable. Another artists distraught that they cannot pull something together and so they lash out. Don’t hate, create. You think or know you can do better, do it.
We have two more nights of shows at the Wells Flame Theater in MN. I’m excited to see where we go next. We have been working on the Emagine/Detroit area now for a beat. If it takes much longer we’ll bypass the chains for now and go to the individually owned. It is a great Detroit area story and the people want to see it. Any way you cut it on Oct 6th it will release to DVD and streaming but it is something to watch it on the big screen. Texas just played Doc’s Drive in and that must have been cool. So keep calling your theaters and we will keep pushing on our end.
I will also drop some PR in advance of next week’s releases. The Red Letter Awards has almost released all the nominations for 2025. The awards show outside Nashville will be on Sept 13th. We have been nominated for Best Film (The Team!), Best Writer (DJ Perry), Best Actor (David Reardon) and Actress (Cassie Dean), Best Supporting Actress (Melissa Anschutz), Best Director (Carl Weyant) * PR coming and for Best Supporting Actor (DJ Perry & Dean Teaster) * PR coming. I think Axel is one of the coolest roles I’ve played in a while. Axel is the reluctant helping hand while Dean Teaster played a truly scary and dangerous character in Abe Axler. While I love the nod the role is a few steps from myself with some 1920’s filters. Dean on the other hand is the nicest person and his role is so far outside himself accent and all, that I believe it to be the better performance. But the great scenes we both had with the leads both nominated and the cast shows how important everyone is to a story. We had so many actors and actresses that were worthy of being nominated. A big thank you to the Red Letter Awards.
Wild Faith Christmas – My updates from director Shane Hagedorn and composer/sound designer Dennis Therrian let me know we are close to a finish on the audio elements of the film. VFX and credit sequences are being looked at. We need to review and add final end credits which is on my TO DO list. This film is going to be an amazing follow up to WILD FAITH. I will start having some conversations about the TV series and see where that goes.
ROM COMS MUST DIE – The first week in July we are set to have a final review of the picture cut, color and VFX that is being put in now. Sound design is being done and after it will be moving to Dennis Therrian’s studio for music score and mixing. The 1st trailer is roughed out but trying to get a few things lined up with that before a release. This comedy thriller (horror) will be a fun one and we will look to have a premiere in October. After maybe a few festival showcases but it will release to theaters and release to home video in 2026.
Development/ Pre-Production:
The Secret of the Kingdom Chip – Anthony Hornus, the director of Man’s Best Friend and Silent Night in Algona is stepping back into the director’s chair. Please do watch the previously mentioned films to get a taste of the powerful stories “Tony” loves to tell. This film almost has all the investment units assigned and once that is complete we move to official pre-production. We have our shoot dates and locations in place. We are filming again in association with McGraw Multimedia (Rom Coms Must Die) with John McGraw as the director of photography. We have been doing preliminary casting and crewing and reaching out for a few reads. This film is really special in that the story is a follow up to The Quest Trilogy, biblical series we shot in Yuma. If you have not watched these three films FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER do so! This is a story set in modern times. It is SciFi and spiritual mixed and the script alone has spurred so many great conversations. This film will leave you talking for sure. The film is also a great dose of positivity something badly needed in these days. We have a social media Facebook page feel free to leave your reels on there. Also looking at crew in the Lansing, Owosso area of central Michigan. We’ve already got art team working on breakdowns and conceptual work. Cameras will roll in September and we’ll have this film ready to release in 2026.
MISC.
We do have additional development underway on a few other films. We just had a camera team shoot promo for a music festival. We also hope to have the most recent music video from Shallow Rising release in the coming weeks. I do have a few script properties I am working on. But nothing we need to talk about now.
WRAP UP:
This week I’ve had some great formal and informal conversations on life, projects and more. We have several requested reads coming in for the upcoming film and those will be fun to review. We already have seen some amazing reads and are excited for the cast line up. I have a few more meetings set up to discuss potential crew. We will likely use a good amount of McGraw’s team as our associated partners. But will be bringing in our own folks too. John McGraw is an OG of CDI reaching back into the earliest days. It is such a joy having him back in the mix of things.
I was happy to finalize the end of year tax pay off which took a while but is now crossed off the list. We’re now moving to some disbursements which I plan to have done and out in the next 2-3 weeks if not sooner. I talked with a few folks about how much work goes on behind the scenes for months before shooting and years after shooting. If it was as easy as just playing with the camera. We all started that way but doing it as a profession is a whole different level.
I’m going to wrap things up here. On the home front we have two new chickens including one that did an escape on day one leading to a chase like ROCKY BALBOA. Our one sick cat is home and on the mend. Two of the foster kittens entered their new home yesterday. We are still awaiting a run of dry days to seal and stain the deck. Enjoying the days of Summer but we can do without the crazy humidity. I think it is time for a few eggs so I’m going to wrap things up here. Thank you all for stopping by and having a cup of coffee or two.
Have a great Sunday and week ahead!
DJ
Reflections on War, Birthday and Future Projects
Hello. I’m sipping my coffee and sitting down to share a few thoughts with you. My thoughts the last few weeks have been on the subject of peace. This morning the news was filled with the briefs on the US strikes aimed to remove the nuclear facilities from Iran. My mind reflects upon how that frightened pets, wildlife, families who are stuck dealing with the decisions of the leaders. I think we all agree that nuclear war is not good for anyone and I love the idea of the reduction of those such weapons. I truly hope that we can get back to a place of peace. Real peace. Is that possible because of the way we humans are wired? I don’t know. This is just one example of several on-going world issues. I’ve spoken so many times about communication. It’s so key to everything. The US is also divided whereas every difference of opinion is amplified and weaponized by activist, politicians and media who feed on the conflict. I wish I had a solid solution and even if I did I don’t know how you would ever implement it. In every conflict there are grieving families. For every father, brother, family member killed in conflict the trauma ignites hate and violence within what was once just innocence. I did not want to ignore these world events. I’m just a storyteller. We can tell stories of joy, love and pride as well as sorrow, shame and caution. Let us all hope that balance, harmony and peace can be restored to the world as a whole.
FILMS UPDATES:
Harsens Island Revenge– This amazing 1920’s action drama is on the last day of showing in Rogers City, MI to packed crowds. One more day, today! I believe Buda, Texas is next at the drive in location. I know talks are underway with Emagine to play several of their locations. Same with Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota where we play soon at the Wells Flame Theater. We’ve entered at least one festival and may enter a few more just for the fun exposure. I have to review the paperwork but I think our home video date will be 10/6/25 but I need to confirm that. We have marketing meetings coming up for that but until we want audiences to experience the big screen thrill. For those that have seen the film thank you for your support!
Wild Faith Christmas – Music and sound design is getting close to being done. The VFX shots are being worked on and will be the final pieces color corrected. We’ve started the difficult process of creating the end credits. I’ve said it before someone always gets accidentally left off or a name spelled wrong usually from bad handwriting by an extra. This powerful and beautiful film will grace theaters this holiday season. After maybe a few festivals before it starts the 2026 holiday run on home video. Shane Hagedorn did a wonderful job directing and Dennis Therrian is weaving his musical magic as we speak.
ROM COMS MUST DIE – The rough trailer is cut and it just needs to be polished up. The film is also at a place where the edit and color correction are about a lock. One more good pass is needed. The sound design is in a good place and the plan is to move it into Dennis Therrian’s studio to compose the score once we can lock it. 2025 in October it might be cool to do a premiere at one of these festivals but we will have to see how the work flow moves.
The Secret of the Kingdom Chip (TSOTKC) – This uniquely crafted story pulled from the headlines and given a SciFi spin (for now) is still bringing the last few investment units on board. That said, the interest in the story has been powerful and I’ve been humbled once again by the scripts feedback. Having been nominated for ‘Best Writer’ on our current Harsens Island Revenge release makes me smile. Several of the films have garnished those nominations and wins and often have left to Best Film, Most Inspirational and so on. I’m a firm believer that the script is the key. You have to have a powerful blue print to make a powerful film. I’ve had a half dozen talks this past week over the impact of folks reading the script. One trusted friend said that he has been enjoyed many great scripts from our camp but this one is the most profound. I know we have a great blue print. Our director Anthony Hornus has been working with our team on casting and locations. We have a few crew attached that need to start doing mental work and once we lock down the final few financial pieces we will reach out to more crew. It looks like it will be shot in Lansing and Owosso and will film end of September. Right now we will keep some of the project ‘Secret’ like the title suggests but soon enough we will have a lot more PR.
Other Development-
We have several other projects in development. We have someone traveling to Chicago next weekend to talk on a project. I’ve been in talks with folks from Iowa, mostly the Spirit Lake area. We have projects to consider for sure.
Birthday Reflections- I am on the eve of my birthday. My 55th but I really don’t feel that way physically just in accumulated wisdom. June 23rd, tomorrow (Monday) is that day. I’ve always been a dreamer and I’ve had many thoughts leading up to this new birthday about my journey. I had a great question asked to me by my mother. She in turn was asked by a few friends of hers. Why did I never go to Hollywood? Wouldn’t my career be further along if I have moved to Hollywood? I have many friends in Hollywood and love my visits like visiting Las Vegas. Everyone buzzes about the biz and you don’t have to worry about boring people with film talk. BUT…I love my family. I love my friends. I love playing soccer with my brother and team mates. Several years ago I had to really think about that and for me I cannot be one of those people who only gets to visit with my family a few hours a year. See my brother and his beautiful family once in a while. To see dear friends I have had from age 5 or 6 on only every couple years. Add in that I absolutely LOVE my state of Michigan and my town of Lansing. I’m a small town guy not an LA, NYC or any major city type of guy. I choose to take the long road and be content with wherever that took me. What could have developed if Hollywood was my home base? I might not ever get to any top of the mountain but I love my family, friends and my film tribe. I love the stories we’ve told. I still chase larger budgets only to compensate our artists better but that is always a difficult climb. But one I do happily because when I have a set back or a frustrating challenge I have family, friends and our tribe to fall back on. So if you want to do me a birthday solid watch a CDI film. SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA goes to ad based free watch with adds on 7/1/2025. Here several of our films can be found free with adds- https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2Tn2MhKrkFOCsmKZaxoZCT1R5GEOEL3E
So I’m happy with not being the king of the hill. I don’t need to be anything but me and I love our stories. I’ve been humbled by the tens of millions who have watched our films. I’m not trying to buy mansions, cars, clothes or anything of the sort. I work every day to make that one film story that turns someone into a fan. To turn and touch one of the ‘haters’ out there with a film story that hits truth with them. That would be amazing. I’ve said before that most of the ‘haters’ I’ve ever had were just frustrated artists. It must be easier to direct that at someone else versus take some sort of accountability. I’m a semi-reformed work-a-holic and that is why I’ve done more than some. Nobody is going to be everyone’s cup of tea. I go to an art gallery and see things that make me wonder why it is taking up space while someone else expounds upon the brilliance of poorly arranged soup cans and string. OK. I just don’t get it but that is okay. We’ve told many kinds of stories so I hope we might have a few that you truly enjoy.
WRAP UP: I’m going to wrap this up. Go pick some berries for future FRANENBERRY WINE. Have a few eggs. I sadly had to bury two of the elderly chickens but in the circle of life we have two new ones arriving Weds. I’m having a lunch with my dad today and seeing some friends and my brother tonight. Tomorrow another birthday lunch/early dinner with family. Next week I’m going to work hard to give myself the birthday gift of finalizing the business on TSOTKC film. I hope each of you have an equally amazing week. Our soccer match last week got rained out and I hope they reschedule that soon. Rain is also called for again this week so I hope we don’t have to reschedule that one too. Stay hydrated in this heat and we’ll talk again next week.
For peace.
DJ
Father’s Day! New Releases! Casting & Crewing For Next CDI Film Discussed
Good morning. Happy Father’s Day! Hazelnut coffee cheers! It is a beautiful day and I’m sitting here and enjoying the morning vibes. I fed the fur babies this morning and also posted a nice little social media message to my dad. He likely will not see it but I will see him later today. He is almost blissfully free of the whole computer/social media thing. He enjoys the yard, his dog and is really enjoying his non hectic years. He took on a lot of responsibility at a young age. He built a lot from very little. He along with my mom gave us a foundation of love to build from. Our neighborhood was our own little paradise that we grew up in and I have a thousand stories I could tell from our upbringing. I know that not all children are given such a good foundation. He created our strong foundation because his was not there save with the help of a foster family. He was/has always been more practical because he had to be. I’ve always been a dreamer because I was allowed that luxury. I’m convinced that him allowing us to ‘play’ with the camcorder is why I have a career in film. It is why all these film stories have been born over three decades. Fathers, parents, mentors can make such a huge difference and without them so many of the great things we enjoy may never come to pass. So I’m going to finish this update before stopping by the flea market down the road and over to my dad’s place for a visit.
This week is also the run up week to my birthday. I’ve been known to get odd around my birthday. I’m a deep introspective person who really feels everything. I’ve often sought solitude because it helps me to focus. I can only be a storyteller and try to remind EVERYONE of our best selves. To recall and record our collective stories that showcase our best attributes or times where we overcame hardship. The world is in that place and many struggle to find their balance. I love that we try to speak to everyone and look to strengthen our common bonds versus what divides us. Everyone has their role to play and people all try to follow their own hearts. Problems don’t go away they change and the youth of today will become to ones to deal with the world issues. I hope we can move towards a place of peace and harmony, like John Lennon said, IMAGINE.
Film Updates-
Harsens Island Revenge is starting to book dates and our director is working to put Detroit in play. The heart of the story stems from Detroit history and we want the good people of the D to enjoy it. We are also looking to attend a few select festivals in addition to the theatrical play that will go through Oct 1st. I’m excited that next weekend our Northern Michigan friends can again enjoy the film in Rogers City around their wood boat show. Also Buda, Texas will be playing the film at a drive in which is way cool. It was always a dream to have a CDI film play a drive in. Now I need to find one close enough to attend. The film is also being prepped for home video. Some of our revenue from theatrical will be used to get E&O insurance which stands for Errors and Emissions. It is required by many distributors and is just another one of the little biz things required. But soon I will have an exact release date for DVD and rent/buy streaming! Find of Facebook page for this and all the CDI films. CDI and myself both have an instagram page where cool promos are promoted. Thank you for all the love so far concerning this film.
Wild Faith Christmas is moving strong down the line. We are getting close for a producers listen to the movie with music and sound design. We’ll start working end credits and the few VFX shots are being worked on now that color correction is about done. This follow up film to WILD FAITH has been anticipated for many years. I’ve noted I have a season 1 written for a TV series that happens after Wild Faith Christmas. I just need to find the right distribution/finance deal that allows creative control. I’m so proud of this film and it was emotionally powerful dry or without music. Now with music the emotion is magnified. We are looking forward to trying to get this into as many theaters that will take it for this holiday season. And on the lead up to the holidays in 2026 will be the home video release. I love this world and hope we do get to play in it more either as a TV series or more films.
ROM COMS MUST DIE – This dark comedy that spoofs that popular trend of romantic comedies and senseless horror come together in this film. We are looking to release a trailer towards the end of the month. On my Bday June 23rd? Maybe? Adam Towner and director Travis Hayward are polishing up the trailer. I’m really happy with how this film came out and it has a lot to say about the biz of film. Essentially it is a film about 2 struggling filmmakers working to get their second feature film launched after the first is a flop. The characters in this are all so enjoyable to watch. We are looking to have a Halloween season premiere and do a short festival run before theaters and home video in 2026. Again you can find the Facebook page and enjoy the promo as it rolls out.
NEW PROJECTS- We are in the process of launching a few new films. We will be looking at cast and crew in the mid Michigan area. We are still assigning a few of the funding units but we are almost there and on target to roll cameras in September on The Secret of the Kingdom Chip. SciFi and Spirituality mix in this uniquely powerful film. The response to the script from initial send outs has been great. We are in talks with cast first and will move to crew. This will be the second collaboration with McGraw Multimedia with John McGraw serving as director of photography. Returning to the director’s chair is Anthony (Tony) Hornus who helped bring such powerful films as Man’s Best Friend and Silent Night in Algona (SNIA) to life. A note on SNIA, it will start playing ad-based streaming on July 1st! So that means the film will go to ROKU, Encourage TV, XUMO and TUBI. We announced two of our leads Dean Teaster and Melissa Anschutz. We have cast/crew talks going on this week and will start initial scheduling. You can find the Facebook page for this new film also and follow along with all the new developments.
The Smoke & Mirrors (The short can be seen on CDI’s Youtube Channel) feature may or may not launch after we film The Secret of the Kingdom Chip (TSOTKC). We might wait until the new year but that depends on how smooth everything rolls with TSOTKC and our releases. I’ve also been working with several developing projects. I’ve been negotiating on several book to film deals but nothing has landed. I am soon to begin writing on another sequel to a very popular CDI film. We are not yet planning to shoot it but I want to get the first draft of the story down on paper.
I did read an outside script recently for a possible acting role but it looks like the schedules could overlap. One thing I’ve really learned over the years is to not commit to too much. I see many younger people fight with that. It can be scary when you are a freelancer and so many say yes to everything. That can be a mistake. I really put everything into whatever I’m working on. So with this Sept film around the corner we will see if I take on any outside acting. I do play a role in the upcoming film but we’ll talk about that on a different day.
WRAP UP: I’ve been feeling pretty good with how everything is flowing. We are working to streamline CDI business. My soccer season has been much needed. Our game last week had us win 4-1 our second win in a row. We lost the first two games 3-2 but we are now getting our groove with our team. I’ve got the yard in good shape with the plants. The mulberry and apple trees are heavy with fruit and I might start collecting mulberries this week for future wine making.
We will be scouting for our one needed location on the next film. I look forward to some of the meetings next week. I always have things on my TO DO list. I have several things I’m always working on. I love the good folks I get to work with and create. The journey is again that wonderful process. It will be fun having folks in the theater watching our current film. For my birthday (June 23rd) a good present would be to watch a CDI film(s) and if you have a favorite tell someone about it.
I’m going to go eat breakfast, water the plants, flea market and visit dad. Later today I will get to spend some brother time. I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and spend time with your dad or spend a few remembering your dad if they have passed on. I hope each of you has a productive week ahead. Chip away at your dreams and don’t be hard on yourself if you go slower or make less progress. Just make sure you keep going in the right direction. Have faith in your dreams and be good to one another. When we speak again I’ll have made another trip around the sun official. I enjoy being where I am age-wise. I loved my younger days but I love my growth and wisdom too. Thank you for all joining me each and every week.
Coffee cheers!
DJ
CDI Release, Post and Development Updates! Hello June 2025!
Hazelnut coffee cheers to all of you out there. What a week of getting things done. I’m still working on improving communication flow with a few individuals which is vital for this industry. But the train keeps a rolling as they say. On a physical level it feels so good to be back battling weekly on the soccer field. We lost our first two winnable games 3-2 but won last week 6-5 and that felt good. Every muscle in your body is sore but in a good way. Smashing into strangers for possession of the ball and space is something you don’t get weekly save in intense competition. The running has been good and I’m happy with the cardio shape. I came in lean and with good flexibility which is a key to not getting hurt.
ROM COMS MUST DIE – The first look trailer on this comedy horror film is looking good. We are running it by our director and DP for any final notes. The sound is getting some work but we are close to giving folks a first look. I think this Oct.-Nov. we’ll do a few festival showcases followed by 2026 theatrical and home video. I think audiences will enjoy this film and it was a joy to make it. This McGraw Multimedia associated project was a great first step and a first feature directed by Travis Hayward. Check out the IMDB or Facebook page if you wanna learn more!
Wild Faith Christmas – This highly anticipated sequel to CDI’s WILD FAITH has the color correction in a good place and is now started VFX work. The music by Dennis Therrian is almost done and director Shane Hagedorn said it sounds amazing. The music in a film magnifies emotion and Shane said the score made certain scenes very emotionally powerful. We know that many have been awaiting to be in this world again and soon they can be. It will be in theaters this holiday season and play for several months before going dark and releasing to home video for the holidays 2026.
Harsens Island Revenge – I’m deeply touched at how many people are loving the film. Many more want to see it and we are working our best to get it out there. We have to wait for some dates and times because the theater owners have studio play obligations. Many don’t understand how that works. We are lucky to get a few weeks notice of play dates. This film plays so well on the big screen and we are working on a big release with Emagine now with the owner and Director Carl Weyant. I’m hearing about a kick off showing at the Royal Oak theater but nothing in stone yet. Looking like July or August but could include many theaters. In the meantime with are show in Rogers City, MI for the wood boat show weekend at the Rogers Theater. Three days and three shows on Friday June 20th and Sat June 21st at 7:30 pm and Sun June 22nd at 2:00 pm. Tickets can be bought 1/2 hour before the show. Many of the actual old bootlegging boats are featured in the film!
The film is also coming to the Wells Flame Theater in Minnesota starting June 27th and going into July 3rd! The Fridley in Algona, Iowa wants the film likely this Aug or Sept but has not given dates yet. It was touching even to see a few folks disappointed because dates did not work out to go watch the film. The good news is in Oct. the DVD’s will be for sale on Amazon and buy/rent streaming will be on several platforms. Again if you want a film to play at your local theater have a few folks call and request it. They do listen to the masses.
EXCITING UPDATE – SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is going to ad-based streaming on July 1st which means a free watch with ads. It will release to Roku, Tubi, Xumo and Encourage TV/Youtube. This film was on a hold back due to the TV deal with UpTV but is now coming to these new platforms.
DEVELOPMENT– Making a film has many challenges. The biggest is always funding but even beyond that is getting shoot dates locked in and trying to align all these schedules. Usually it is up to the artist to try and make the dates work. In indie film the kiss of death is trying to schedule around an actor. You have to schedule around locations. We have a few projects in development and one has become more solid. THE SECRET OF THE KINGDOM CHIP is up next and will shoot back end of September. We were looking at August but schedule between our director and the DP/associated production co was in conflict. Anytime, whenever we create a shoot window we have folks who can’t do it. This can lead to a change in casting and other unable to participate but that is the way of things. These dates are even hard on myself but I am making it work. This week we will approach a few of our past backers and give an opportunity to join us on this film. It has over half the budget committed before even approaching anyone. This happens because on previous films some potential backers got left off because all the units were taken. It’s always a first to claim so some now give an advance notice of being in on the next film. But beyond funding are all the scheduling issues and everything else that comes with managing the circus. A PR release will go out this week but I will leak here that it is CDI’s 2nd collaboration with McGraw Multimedia with dear friend John McGraw serving as the Director of Photography. Furthermore the director is now attached and he has directed two of CDI’s beloved films. Casting talks begin tomorrow! The film is a powerful combo of spiritual and SciFi!
Other Dev News- Some additional development for a late 2025 or early 2026 film is also underway. Also some great talks on an Iowa-based film which is moving slowly down the development line. That would be the SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE film. A few other possibly script writing projects that we’ve talked about and also I’ve been mapping out a sequel to a popular CDI film for future production.
I’m also evaluating another possible collaboration and a script for possible acting. With a collaboration it really has to make sense and with acting it really has to work with my schedule. But I do love to explore these and like the two McGraw Multimedia projects, sometimes it works out.
I will say on the new project the role I will play requires me to shoot my part in advance for the story. As we get further down the road it will make more sense.
WRAP UP: I am going to wrap this up before getting some breakfast eats on. I have a few calls that I will take today but much is getting ready for the new week. A lot of work has been done to the property which is alive with plants, herbs, flowers and more. The mulberry and apple trees are full and I think I will collect berries for an upcoming wine. I’m going to do a run of beer that will be for the fall but I have to empty some bottles first. At meetings and CDI gathers that seems to be no problem. CDI is also working on the streamlining of our flow working with our accountants and legal. That will help in the years ahead. I hope everyone has a great week. I appreciate everyone who stops by for a read. Until next week!
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
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
Into 2025! Here We Go!
A big hazelnut coffee cheers on a VERY bitter cold morning. And WELCOME to 2025! We are off and running in the new year. This past week was some good prep and progress on projects. We are starting to collect our paperwork and funds for our ROM COMS MUST DIE comedy we will be shooting with Travis Hayward directing. I’ve been slowly morphing into this new role and working to get stuff prepared to film at the end of the month. We had two end of the year Christmas gatherings with my parents and family. Good food, fun and laughter. We are preparing to send over info to the accountants for issuing 1099 and K1’s on our last film WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS. On last briefing with our director Shane Hagedorn the edit was at the 70-72 min mark. We are in the final act of the story and Shane commented how enjoyable it was spending time with those characters.
Harsens Island Revenge has been in final color correction and clean up. I watched the most recent version yesterday. It was beautiful and sounded just incredible. The added days for the color mix were worth it. We noted a few end credit format fixes and a handful of small fixes that would make the film even more complete. That is noticeable out of period things that appear in the film. Only noticeable to a few folks perhaps but if we can fix it we will. So we’re taking another 3-4 days to correct and another 19 hour render for our lower resolution film file. The 4k takes almost two days to render out. But my plan is to show the nearly complete film file to our potential distributors. These fixes have dragged our timeline by about 2 weeks. But thankfully we are not in a crunch. But it is looking like the 1st premiere might be end of February as it takes time to set up and market these events. But I promise the slight delay will be worth it when it hits the big screen.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA has been being enjoyed by families both on select big screens and streaming on most platforms with Amazon Prime being most popular. This year in June/July we’ll see the film move onto even more platforms for ad based video on demand. If you have not seen this CDI wartime film set during WW2, do so. It is a great piece of true history and one that will touch your heart.
KNIGHT CHILLS our 1st CDI film is going to get its first streaming release on 1/31/25. We’ll be doing some more PR on this as we get a bit closer but I am excited to have it play streaming. Buy the book on Amazon too now!
Looking Forward into 2025–
- As noted we’ll be rolling cameras on the comedy ROM COMS MUST DIE.
- End of February will likely be our first Harsens Island Revenge premiere.
- End of February will also be the targeted month to move WILD FAITH CHRISTMAS into music and sound design. We are still targeting a Nov 1st theatrical release.
- Projects are under development that could have us filming a feature in the Summer and one in the Fall. Script feedback and funding are always factors so we’ll see how that works out.
- More merchandise will be finding its way to the CDI Store which you can get to via http://www.cdiproductions.com
- More literary work will be coming out in 2025 on Amazon joining the IN THE WOODS (script/making of & novel) and the KNIGHT CHILLS novel.
- We have plans to try and remaster the remaining 3 films in the ‘CDI Classic Collection’ FROM VENUS, HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST. The last two can be bought as a DVD double feature on the merchandise site. We are fighting against old format and a ‘film look’ filter applied all those years ago.
- I’m going going to finish the last couple of the WILD FAITH HASTINGS TV series scripts that need to be adjusted to take place after film two. I’ve got a few other pet projects and possible work-for-hire scripts to write. I do love to write and this cold weather is perfect for allowing one to focus upon this task.
- I do want to get a CDI Highlight Reel and also an actors reel for myself showcasing some of the more recent performances. I got some new headshots late last year but I need a few new showcase pieces. But the roles keep coming so I guess that is a good excuse for not getting new materials together. But still…
- Lastly, I’m looking ahead to warm weather and the new endeavors on the property. I’ve got a new log rack and want to rebuild the wood shed. The above and below parts of the new deck will be fun to “deck out” to coin a phrase. I harvested and gifted a lot of tea this year. I’m going to bottle a new wine made with paw paw fruit. I also have an Irish beer to make sometime this winter. It is always nice to pop a few bottles over a good meeting. So it will be fun to revitalize the property and that always takes some planning.
WRAP UP: As the news said, a horrible way to start the new year with the attach in the French Quarter, New Orleans. Someone stole the new year optimism and lives from a handful of people. Others forever changed by injury and the poor families. I’ve spent time there in the French Quarter and it is heartbreaking. I’m more low key these days having already done the crowds and crazy in my youth. Now I like quiet contemplation going into the new year. I’m ready to create projects, moments and memories with fellow artists, family and friends. I’m looking forward to the journey and will work to keep the energy bright and positive. Enjoy the challenges and the rewards. There are many who are unable to meet challenges beyond day to day survival. But each day and breath is a reward. I love nature and use it to rejuvenate myself. I had a moment the other day with technology, one of the few things that can disrupt my zen. But thankfully I have talented friends with some patience. I do try to learn new processes and technologies but it doesn’t always come easy.
I’m going to wrap things up here to go to bday gathering for a family member. Later I will get to see my brother and a few friends for the first time in 2025. Stay warm. Stay safe. And we’ll talk next week. I hope you all are enjoying your first days of 2025. Look ahead at what you want to accomplish and start moving in that direction. And for our Detroit Lions (football) let’s hope for a victory tonight. Coffee cheers to you all.
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
‘Silent Night in Algona’ About to go Global – ‘Harsens’ Updates and Glimpses of 2024!
It is a wet and chilly morning in the Michigan. It makes me glad that we got our filming on Harsens Island Revenge complete. We do have some pick up shooting between now and Feb 2024. We will be working with my old friends at McGraw Multimedia to do some specialized filming on the actual island. We’ll be getting that just before we lose all our leaves and color. After that we’ll be doing a little PYRO action with one of our sponsors. We have a boat that meets an untimely end and we’ll be dealing with that here soon after. Lastly, we have two proposed pieces to get in Feb. one is a close up cock pit of a period bi-plane and the other is our opening of the film in WW1. A powerful and emotional opening to the film and thanks to our friends at thew Alpena Air Base it looks like we’ll be filming there.
(Don Most’s intense performance will shake audiences)
We’ve kept the momentum flowing with the releasing of official photos to our FB page. Some are stills and others BTS. We even have a special gallery black and white gallery and a “Meet the Purples” and a “Meet the Harsens Island Militia” section. Most of the pics taken by our production designer and still photographer GW Burns. He’ll be working with CDI moving forward and we’re happy to have him. I had meetings this week with several of the team toasting and getting good feedback for future endeavors. We are still wrapping up a few aspects of production but we are almost there.
(100+ years and still on the road, FORD tough)
The season of scares is upon us and last week I gave folks a list of CDI associated spooky projects or projects I’ve acted in. I did have some conversations with a past director about forthcoming films in the horror genre. We had some direct talk on timelines. If you don’t have a script prepared that can take a good part of a year to develop. Even with a strong, polished script you could spend a year between location scouting and casting. In our business there is a lot of talk and that can hurt filmmakers. Assuming something is moving forward when a third party might not be that interested but find it easier to just say maybe, soon…I could give a list of excuses often given. I use to live with my hope attached to those excuses. Now I work with only the most serious of folks minding my time. So if someone is giving lip service push for that letter of INTENT or move on.
Let’s talk about the juggernaut on the board. We had a first big teams meeting with our distributor at Twin Engines Global. SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA will be getting the highlight treatment at AFM (American Film Market) having been evaluated and targeted for success. The film was a surprise hit in the theaters with word of mouth bringing the film into 70+ theatre and played for 10 months after the Dec. 2022 release in Algona. The film will enjoy a release on DVD and streaming on Dec. 1st and we’ve been highly encouraged by our pre-sales. The film went live on Amazon last week to start pre-ordering the DVD. We’ve had hundreds of people asking for DVD’s since the theatrical release from around the country. Now the film has debuted in Amazon’s Top 100 and we broke the under 50 by week’s end. Can we get to #1 on Amazon? It’s a great goal and I would be happy to get in the top 10. Looking at all the negativity in the world showcasing humanity at less than it’s best it is a breath of fresh air to have a film like SNIA releasing. The based on a true story highlights some light in a dark period. Actions that reflect the better side of humanity and can give us HOPE that we can do good. It is the best chance to date of CDI creating a holiday classic aside from our biblical trilogy. (Forty Nights, Chasing the Star and The Christ Slayer) * watch all three in order you will not be disappointed. SNIA will make a wonderful gift and belongs to be part of everyone’s forever collection. You can even send the film as a gift with a message.
PRE-ORDER HERE (SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA) – https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Night-Algona-Taylor-Nichols/dp/B0CL7DFYSK/ref=sr_1_1?crid=7VT1J3D4V465&keywords=silent+night+in+algona&qid=1698585918&sprefix=silent+night+in+algona%2Caps%2C80&sr=8-1
CDI’s first film KNIGHT CHILLS a PG -13 thriller is also a pre-order for a special Blu-Ray full of extras- it releases on Halloween! PRE-ORDER HERE (KNIGHT CHILLS) – https://www.amazon.com/Knight-Chills-Tim-Jeffrey/dp/B0CJ5WBSZR/ref=sr_1_2?crid=L4UBHK9HY82J&keywords=Knight+Chills&qid=1698586174&sprefix=knight+chills%2Caps%2C93&sr=8-2
(One of the CDI props hanging at the office awaiting a future film shoot )
Looking Ahead to 2024!
I’ve been spending a good amount of time in thought and evaluation of which project to push next. Really you push several properties and get behind the one with the most momentum. I think we might return back to the film HOT ROD LOVE that we were pushing but lost our filming window and our main location was still a bit up in the air. It is a fun 70’s comedy based around small track drag racing. We had some commits to fund and we’ll see who else would be interested in participating. It could film early Spring/Summer and give us an opportunity to film again in the Fall or a Spring 2025 shoot in a warmer place like Yuma, AZ:)
(Bart Ketner and Travis Hayward brainstorming at the ‘Fort’ over Bday gifted HIGH WEST – thank you David Zugger)
As for writing I’ve got a few scripts that I’ve been working on as time presents itself. I’m also looking over a collection of books to once again try to pick a story that would translate well to the screen. I think I might have landed on one. I love to write in the wintertime and from the chill outside we can tell it is not too far off. I had some initial talks on the SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE film that would be our follow up in Iowa. I had a few semi-productive talks last week but the pending success of SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA will help these efforts. If I had the full funding today on Spirit Lake Massacre we would still not be rolling cameras to 2025 between casting and location scouting which is another state. I’ve got a few more financial talks over the next few weeks and I think we’ll make some good progress. The best is yet to come!
December 1st on DVD and Streaming!
The truth of our storytelling profession is that everyplace, every town has a few stories just deserving of being told. By population there are only a few storytelling groups out there who want to tell the story as is versus giving it the old Hollywood treatment where you get notes from clueless people thinking of profits not story. The two can go hand in hand but too often desperate filmmakers meets clueless executives and the result is a mess. Many do it right and that starts at the top with passion for a story. EVERY CDI film is like a handcrafted whiskey. A blend of ingredients chosen and handpicked. Speaking of- kudos to one of our sponsors RED CEDAR SPIRITS for sponsoring with us on Harsens Island Revenge. Our meetings as of late have included a warm taste of bourbon or a choice Pepsi product. The Bubly sparkling water is a popular chaser.
(The ‘Harsens Island Revenge’ edit once complete will travel to Dennis Therrian for another amazing score and sound design)
I’m going to wish everyone a fun and safe Halloween. I do enough characters and wardrobe to not feel a need to participate in dressing up. But the beautiful full moon yesterday and the awesome Fall days with leaves changing and falling, just has me super content. The last of the production items save one tote has been dropped off and repacked for storage. I’m looking forward to the holiday season that for me runs from Nov 1st to Easter! It is a good season to stay in with friends and family and watch or rewatch your favorite content from CDI. What is your favorite and why? Put your answers in the comments.
We have 4H bacon cooking and fresh eggs are on deck. I know some in Michigan are out there trying to fill their freezer with venison. This week I think I’ll finally bottle my ‘Rocking Rhubarb’ wine. Great for gifts and/or the meeting around the wood stove. It is at these brainstorming sessions that new seeds are planted. I will give some more thought to ‘AROUND THE FIRE’ podcast proposed a few times. maybe once a month with various storytellers and creators. We have finished the music video we shot just before our last feature film shoot. I’m really happy with it and I’m sure we’ll be able to share that soon. Until we speak again next week, be good to one another.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
‘Knight Chills’ Blu-Ray, Sequels, Sept 5th Releases, ‘Silent Night In Algona’ at Red Letter Awards and ‘Harsens Island Revenge’ Gearing Up to Film!
(Wardrobe test as ‘Axel’ in the upcoming Harsens Island Revenge)
Good morn to you all! I’m here sipping my hazelnut coffee and taking a few moments to try and report on the many past week events. Starting next week I’m going to go to Sat updates during the Harsens Island Revenge shoot. Next Saturday I’ll be moving in up North, and so with that being our day off it will be easier to blog on Saturdays. I might even go to the vlog updates to give you all a more exciting experience while we are filming. Once up there on the 9th, we have a week of on-location pre-production before three weeks of filming. Once home I’ll return to my Sunday blogs. We are doing Saturdays off because more things are open should our cast and crew need to do things on their day off. Above is a pic from my wardrobe tests. I have variations of three outfits, the above being one of them. More on that later. On the home front it has been getting things ready for me to be gone for a month. I’ve finished harvesting the hops and rhubarb. I’ll have to put another mow down on the lawn but soon that should slow down. My soccer season ended with us coming out on top of the lower division. Last year we won the upper division but we had injuries and several of our players coaching. The nice part is I had a good season and no injuries. Let’s jump into some movie talk.
HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE – We are all excited to tell this story. The departments are all kicking strong. I transferred many of the props to our art director. Great meetings with wardrobe and hospitality departments. We are down to our final cast and crew hires and some are being interviewed by department heads. We had a fun read through on zoom with some of the cast participating. I will comment on one funny comment we had to a news story. It was a snide comment on us not shooting on Harsens Island. That is false. We will do some filming on the island but we need 1920’s. Also filming or staging a small army on a island with zero big stores, hospital and dependent on a ferry is not good producing. How many films on the Alamo have been made but they did not film at the Alamo? When we get to shooting SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE do you think that the lake appears as it did in 1850’s? A more primitive lake will surely need to be used for many shots/scenes. We will do some shooting on Harsens Island to get some of the exterior beauty shots but we needed a place more friendly to filming with an army. So this individual obviously has no experience in filming and was just chiming off. People do that quite often these days but I saw it as a chance to educate.
We have many sponsors that have been coming on board and this past week we added Red Cedar Spirits and SE Growth Corp. They join a host of great businesses aligning themselves with our film. Some of that sponsorship will be used to help transport some of the great cars to the area for use in the film. It is exciting to be able to showcase so many cool vehicles from the time period. These amazing cars, boats and even a plane will be able to add this movie to their long history. Two other sponsors Nash Nurseries and Ace Pyro will play a part after the main shoot working with the FX unit for a spectacular moment in the film. We still have a few more coming on board that we’ll announce very soon.
SOME PR:
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – Our fixes should all be done this week and we’ll be able to announce the hard release dates for DVD and streaming. I’m getting asked daily about this and I will answer as soon as I can. We are all super excited to bring this story to the world. Our own Donna Kitzinger, our Algona coordinator will be traveling to TN to attend and represent us at the Red Letter Awards where the film is up for many awards. But honestly, we already feel like we won after all the beautiful responses from our theatrical run.
THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ – This was the first animated feature collaboration for CDI and the film has been remastered to HD and will start streaming on Encourage TV on Sept 5th! This is a great watch for the approaching holidays for the entire family.
Show your support and we just might have to kick off a new film from one of the other amazing books. Speaking of Encourage TV – one of our most popular films MAN’S BEST FRIEND just celebrated crossing the 2 million viewer threshold on the streaming platform. You can watch it free with ads and help us get to 3 million!
WATCH HERE free with ads – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afDYPOiL5pY
KNIGHT CHILLS was CDI’s first feature film. Jeff & Juanita Kennedy and I had been shopping scripts around Hollywood with a few close calls. Finally, we decided to produce our own. This micro-budget feature shot released 25 years ago has become a classic. The good folks at Saturn Core approached us about doing a 25th anniversary Blu-Ray. This required a new digital transfer and audio remastering. We also had some wonderful Tom Miller fan artwork and dug into the archives to bring you some true gems. We were able to get a few new retrospective interviews and even a great film historian talking about the special place this film holds in horror history. Vinegar Syndrome just released a pre-order link for the special edition 1000 unit run whereas they moved about 600 units in the first 6 hours. This is the special slip cover version and will be a true collectors edition.
(Special parody slip art of the new Knight Chills Blu-Ray)
Claim one of these unique collectors edition now! Click on the link below-
(IN THE WOODS– Yes that is Jim Greulich in the background)
We are in hopes to give CDI’s 2nd feature film FROM VENUS the same Blu Ray treatment. Did you know Sir Kallio from Knight Chills makes a cameo? In other remastering news, I had a great talk with Lynn Drzick the director of IN THE WOODS, my first feature film. An ambitious creature feature that now has a director’s cut. The entire film retransferred and re-edited with added scenes. I imagine a blu-ray with the original version and the director’s version. Lynn is going to start talking to various distributors and following a limited theatrical of the new cut, a BluRay and streaming release. What is even more interesting is the sequel that is in the planning stage. I’ve agreed to once again play reluctant monster hunter Alex Kerwood. Also I’ve agreed to co-star in another supernatural thriller that Mr. Drzick will be directing. It is fun to return to the genre that gave me my start. I also recently had to pass on starring in another horror feature due to an overlap in schedule with Harsens Island Revenge, but I was deeply appreciative of the offer.
(Above is Tom Miller’s cool fan art part of the new Knight Chills Blu-Ray release)
WRAP UP: I smell eggs and bacon and so that is my cue to wrap this up. It is gonna be a few more hot days in Michigan before fall truly settles in. MSU my alumni college started slow but pulled out a win. I hope our Lions are off to a good season. I think I’m going to grill ribs today and get a few things done around the homestead. As always, I so appreciate you all. I hope you have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day. I’ll speak to you again next Saturday after settling in to my home away from home for a month.
Be good to one another.
DJ
Hints of Fall – August Updates
I’m sipping the hazelnut coffee and appreciative of my time here with all of you. I want to welcome our new readers from Canada, Ireland and Singapore. It has been a wild week in the world and one of the top events is the awful fires in Maui. I got an opportunity to be there in the very district that was destroyed by fire. The poor people, animals and property lost is heartbreaking. I hope they are able to rebuild but life on that island will not be the same for quite some time. Fire also played a part in our own endeavors as one of our locations to be used in the next film had a fire. Water damage is the main issues thanks to the quick efforts of the local fire departments. I think they will be okay in a month when we film otherwise we will have to make some adjustments.
This past week I put a major grooming on the yard which was growing wild with all the rain. The plants are loving it and growing strong. Tomatoes, herbs, hops and rhubarb are all growing well. I will keep harvesting and nurturing the plants. The hints of fall are all around. Our Detroit Lions football team won their first pre-season game. I had another soccer match that we lost. I saved a goal towards the end but took the kick to my upper thigh. It has been sore but should be good by this next Thursday. We went to a Mint festival in a nearby town and that was enjoyable. We have a flea market in a bit and I’ll be on the look out for more props. That will take us into talks on our films-
Harsens Island Revenge– We had a great meeting with our director this week. We’ve made a few more casting choices and one is a special cameo by multi-national wrestling champion Gabe Dean who will play a bodyguard and enforcer for our lead gangster. We will continue this week with locking down our final cast, crew, locations and props. We had a great change to one of our scenes that will give us more bang for our buck. Some of our prop weapons arrived yesterday and we’ll be excited to bring out the Tommy guns this week. It is truly a fun scavenger hunt for props. We’ve been locking in our agreements and flights will likely start end of the week or the week after. We have some new sponsors that have added this past week. WarReplica out of India and the Michigan Community College Association. We have more meetings and talks this week with more brands wanting to align with us. I look forward to every week working with our team to take us closer to a launch. The cars, boats and even a plane is in the planning. We are about a month out from moving into our on-location prep and shoot.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – We’re about to officially close our theatrical and do a first dispersement to our backers. The final tech prep on the home video version of the film is progressing. It will be exciting that everyone who wants to see the film will be able to. The story which is real has such a moving and uplifting message. It will be the perfect holiday film and we hope will become a classic for families everywhere. I’m also excited to see the new artwork that is being worked on.
SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE is a truly moving story again taken from history. We will really start working to put the financial pieces in place in mid October once we get past our Harsens Island Revenge shoot. I had a wonderful talk with a historian in the Iowa area about the event and our take on the story. It will be another great piece of history that will be saved. It also has the ability to give the local Spirit Lake museum some great attention.
MISC –
We have several other pieces of news that will unfold here towards the end of the year. The music video we just shot went great and could also lead to another. I’m excited to see the first cut of this one. I believe I have another one of the Revel books I contribute to having a release this holiday season. The audio book series I narrate FOR GENERATIONS TO COME keeps rolling. I’ve been listening to some of those I’ve narrated and I’m very happy with it all. I have a few interviews that I’m lining up for the end of the year promoting some of the projects. CDI’s first feature film (Do you know it?) will be getting a special blu-ray release and that will start promoting next month. In the same vein, I’m excited to see the new director’s cut of IN THE WOODS, which was my 1st starring role in a feature film. We might do a theatrical run with the new cut. The director and I have been discussing the sequel ideas as we have an interested party in funding that and another supernatural thriller. It will be fun to return to my genre roots in a few select projects.
WRAP UP: This week it will be business as usual. Each week we just knock things off the list. We’ve been addressing questions on the next film pertaining to extras, vehicles and props. Each week the list of TO DO’s gets shorter. I had a great end of week meeting discussing a new film back up system we’re about to put into play. We all had a beer that just so happens to be my Mexican-Style chili beer and it seems to be a favorite. I just obtained the material needed to make a milk stout style beer. Something I haven’t tried but should be a good winter beer. The ‘Rocking Rhubarb’ wine will be going to bottle pretty soon. Springtime captured in a bottle.
I’m going to get after a few eggs before hitting another flea market today and see if I can find any good props. I hope you all have a productive week. Be kind to one another and be kind to yourself. I’m looking forward to spending time with more of our team as we prep on ‘Harsens’ and get closer to being on-set. I’m ready for the rain and humidity to pass. Fall is truly my favorite season and we’re not there yet but it is around the corner. I’m going to go fill the coffee cup and get on with my day. Again I appreciate all of you stopping by as I try to share some of my insights and updates. Until next week.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Movie Meetings, Music Videos and Memories-
Good morning to everyone out there! I’m sipping my hazelnut coffee out of a beautiful mug gifted by our upcoming ‘Hospitality & Health’ crew member Mollie Davis. I’m super excited about the #cditribe we’re bringing together for this next storytelling adventure. I want to thank all the artistic folks from around the world who stopped in for a coffee break and read. I’ve had an extremely busy week full of positive developments. Some are pertaining to past projects and others to future endeavors. And of course we have the adventures that are right in front of us now. Staying with crew- I met two of the new crew folks we’ll be working with yesterday and a music video shoot. Having done two small film projects at the Turner Dodge house it inspired me to pitch a ‘Scooby Doo’ type story video to the director and in turn the band. They loved it and so yesterday we once again did some shooting at this beautiful historic house. Everyone did a great job and we made our day. I look forward to working with these humble and hardworking gents on our next feature. It’s a multi-layered rock song with an amazing singer, slashing guitar rifts and driving drums delivered by famed drummer Chris Adler (Lamb of God). He and his wife are in from Richmond, VA where we once produced films like WICKED SPRING. (You can watch on Amazon) We knew lots of the same folks from that community and even shared experiences in travel. In between shots we all shared many great conversations about the difficulty of maintaining creative groups and trying to keep that synergy together. We compared hardships of being away on tour and on a film set. I just really enjoyed the artistic talks shared by all. I will be excited to share the music video in a few weeks.
Harsens Island Revenge – We are growing closer to our on-set pre-production and film shoot on the next CDI film. This past week was proofing all the agreements before dispersement. The schedule is finally all set and we had one of our producers up North securing even more pieces of the shoot. I got my 1920’s haircut and that has helped me seriously get into the mindset. I’ve been pulling together elements of my wardrobe and having fun creating. We are working hard to fill the few cast and crew positions available. The schedule caused a few changes but that is to be expected. We’ve been having different department talks also, weapons, vehicles, catering and more. We’ve added the Michigan Community College Association on board as a sponsor. Several more will be aligning their brands with our film. A Michigan story and it’s getting some great support from Michigan companies.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – We are all very excited to see this movie release to the mass audience around the world. I had a great talk with our distributor. They are working on key art for the DVD and streaming release. We’re being told mid October for a release but that is not official yet. We are still working on our few technical tweaks. The theatrical release is closing with only one unpaid theatre so we’ll likely do our theatrical dispersement this coming week. I talked with some from our collaborating Foundation about the recent special theatrical encore in Algona. Again they expressed how happy they were with the final film and the reaction by the community. That is a big congrats to our entire cast and crew.
DEVELOPMENT – I had a great talk with our distributor over several points including the status of our current projects. We also talked about which projects are still moving with strong momentum and the few that could be made stronger with a bit of re-branding. In our biblical trilogy the 3rd film’s sales are lagging behind the first two. It is not the film itself and you could argue that after the experience of the first two, the 3rd may be the strongest production value. But the name itself which is completely on point (pun intended) is turning some away from a watch. THE CHRIST SLAYER has many themes to it and the title plays into one of the themes brilliantly. The distributor brass loves the title as we do but it could be losing some eyes due to the title. We are considering a title change on some platforms to see if it helps. We have another project that we want to change the key art on. We did that with MAN’S BEST FRIEND which was doing well but did even better after a new poster was created. The first was more artistic and the second more straight forward. Actually on the distributors streaming platform ENCOURAGE TV we are growing close to crossing our 2 million mark. Stop over and watch free with ads and you can be one of those helping to cross this mark.
I also had a great pitch meeting as we talked future collaborations. The WILD FAITH: HASTINGS tv series is still gaining momentum as sales are staying strong and growing. I had some talks also over SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE looking to be our second film in Iowa. I have some talks over that project this week and we’ll see if we can move that forward on the development board. There was also some good development talks on a few genre projects and even a possible romantic comedy. Development can take anywhere from a year to years plural so you always have to be working it. I think that is one of the mistakes young filmmakers make is far underestimating the time it takes for certain tasks or processes. Patience isn’t a strong suit for many folks and so it makes it even more torturous.
WRAP UP AND RANDOM FINAL THOUGHTS-
This week we played a soccer match in some brutal heat and we lacked subs. The other team had a full squad show with a good supply of subs. At half we had held it all to a tie but second half they started to take advantage of cracks and lack of gas. That game left me so exhausted by soccer gear bag felt like 200 lbs. I was EXHAUSTED at the end of it but there are good things to be said about pushing yourself to those limits. I woke up the next day and felt pretty darn good. Day two a bit sore but by body is really adjusting to the grueling games. I love the competition and it really resets the mind and body.
The yard is in full grow with a daily picking of herbs, tomatoes and more. The chickens are kicking out the fresh eggs. The hops are all turning to cones and will be ready for picking in a few weeks. On that note- people have been really enjoying the Mexican-Style Chili beer. I’ll likely go to bottle with the ‘Rocking Rhubarb Wine’ in a few weeks also. People do really enjoy the handcrafted goods.
I also finished reading the book THE BOYS written by Ron and Clint Howard. It was all about their life growing up and how their parents helped navigate Hollywood after coming from small town farm community. For me it was spending a few moments with my old friend, co-star and mentor Rance Howard before bed each night. I think I’m going to write Ron and Clint a nice letter after finishing it. It was enlightening, inspiring and also made me very appreciative of my own journey. To bring it full circle, that is what my onset conversations did for me. I would not have had many of the adventures I did if not for my career path. Here’s to several more!
I hope you all have a wonderful Sunday morning. I’ll be ready to hit it hard tomorrow which includes an art department meeting. Weds is a directors meeting and Friday the producers meeting. Thursday will see our team back on the soccer pitch. On that note I see that Sweden beat the USA women’s team in a shoot out. That is how it sometimes goes. Congrats to Sweden! Thank you all for stopping by and I’ll look forward to chatting with you next week.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
End of Month (July) Updates- Mysteries, Goals and Making Moves
A beautiful morning in Michigan that has that slight chill I love. I’m sipping my hazelnut coffee and looking forward to sharing with all of you. Thank you to all the new readers. Do share the blog with artists who you think might enjoy the weekly read. I’m still hearing and reading many expressing their fear over the new emerging technologies. I had an interesting talk with a doctor friend of mine recently. We talked about the developments in medicine that may change how we treat disease and the social issues that could go with it. Imagine if suddenly we were not losing millions of people a year to cancer, heart disease and more. What if they could slow or stop cellular degeneration, aging? How would things change if 120-150 years became the life expectancy? Population is already an issue that is devouring natural resources. Housing, social security- I could go on but I think you see the issue. That is why I love the space race that our billionaires are engaged in. We will need to start living on the moon or other planets to survive the rising population. The wild fires in Canada sending smoke down into the USA gives a hint of how horrible things can be when air quality goes South. What if it was volcanic ash or worse nuclear fallout. AIR, WATER effects FOOD supply and in turn HEALTHCARE. These things should live outside politics. No lobbying should allow the pursuit of short term profit doom long term health and happiness. I think our advances in medicine are coming but the issues of millions extending their lives by decades will come with issues to consider.
This week saw government talks on UFO’s. Yes. I know they have different names for them now but I’m old school. We as kids loved the mysteries of ghosts, UFO’s, Bigfoot and Loch Ness monster. Never in my imagination would I have thought these fringe topics would be mainstream. Maybe the many tv shows proves how much we all love mystery. It is just incredible to watch it all move out of the shadows into the light. I think the public is more than capable of handling the truth. Science continues to push the boundaries as we can see farther, smaller and into areas that before were hidden. Even ground sonar is finding ancient structures that were hidden by nature reclaiming them. But with several “news” outlets reading more like the National Enquirer it can be challenging. It will be interesting to see what will be revealed in the next decade.
Let’s get back to discussing movie updates-
HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE – We’ve moved into the final six weeks of off location pre-production. The schedule was released and we do have a small adjustment coming whereas one of the characters was missing from a scene so that is being added. We did have a few shake up’s due to the schedule. This happens every film, every time. When we look back at picture wrap we can never imagine it being any way other than how it went down. One actor we switched roles and one had to drop because of being out of the country. This past week I did all the agreements for crew to be reviewed and dispersed and this week will be the cast agreements. We are closing in on filling the small handful of cast and crew needed. Things like catering, insurance and lodging are getting solidified. Friday is our new meeting day and it was great to do an end-of-the-week recap. Jersey Giant joined Lerma Transportation as a sponsor and we have more to announce. Independent films are made with the assistance of many and we due provide visibility to tens of millions worldwide. We’ll be announcing many more in the coming weeks.
On a personal level I’m now at the point with my character of breaking down wardrobe for each scene I’m in. I always like to have a say in my props and clothes as the role. I run stuff by our wardrobe professional and it becomes collaborative. I had to get all my measurements for some pieces of clothes I plan to purchase. I’m still tweaking personality traits for the role and studying daily the world in which this character lived in. I still need another haircut to get it closer to period. I’m excited to soon be telling another story. I also love being with all the artists. Some I only really see while filming and so that makes it pure joy. More on this film as it develops.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – My hope is that our few visual fixes will be done and we can move the new master film file to our distributor and their third party to fix a pixel drop. Something the eye doesn’t catch my the QC software did. So we’re going have that fixed that in prep for the run up to DVD and home video. The theatrical run has concluded and we’re only awaiting payment from one remaining theatre. After that we’ll be doing dispersement back to our backers. We are all so EXCITED to have people around the globe see this film. It is as powerful of a film as we’ve ever made. I’ll look forward to all the communications from fans over this film.
DEVELOPMENT WORK – We’ve got a TV series and a new epic film in development. Our pitch decks are complete and we’ll be approaching folks over the next few months. Things take time so they have to start many months/years ahead of actual production. That is one of the things I often encounter is people having unrealistic timelines. We make it look easy but it is hundreds if not thousands of moves on a chessboard of development. I know we could move faster if we were willing to sacrifice creative control which I’m not willing to do. When we don’t have the reigns that is when things can get messy. Many in my position might agree to whatever terms but experience shows that creates turmoil and often failure in such endeavors. So sometimes the longer road is better than the perceived short cut. Remember that.
WRAP UP– The hops are blooming into cones. I harvested more rhubarb for future runs of wine. The herbs have been in full swing filling the air with sweet scents. The eggs are coming daily from happy chickens. My furry son had his first run in with a “white-striped kitty” resulting in a needed, unscheduled bath. The trees are full of apples which may become hard cider or just be squirrel food.
We had another soccer match whereas this time we came up short but again I just love the hard-nose competition. I love how strangers can just collide in brutal fashion, fighting for space and to move the ball towards the opposing goal. I’ve been enjoying watching the women’s World Cup matches while doing work. I still love the game and I’m happy to be able to still play at the level I do.
I’m going to conclude this post and get to finishing a few projects around the homestead. I hope you all have had a great weekend. I hope that your week ahead will be productive and move you closer to your goals. It is important that even when you have a major goal sitting in the distance that you also focus on all the smaller goals that will help get you to that major goal. Proper evaluation is very important. Hard work can be wasted if it is not directed in the proper way. The smarter versus harder is true. Pressure needs to be applied in the right place to get your desired outcome. Do evaluate your plans and see if you are doing things in the correct order of business. Again, I see so many people do what they WANT to do or what they deem FUN but ignore what NEEDS to be done. Fun will follow when things are done in the right order. When they are not you don’t get fun as a result you get frustration.
Keep following your dreams! Coffee Cheers!
DJ
A Character Returns, Embracing Change and Seven Weekly Updates!
Hazelnut coffee cheers! I welcome all our new readers from Ireland, Germany, Philippines and more. I slept very sound last night and needed the rest. We had a physical soccer match this week that we were victorious in but I was a tad sore for a couple of days. We got heavy last week talking about the state of things especially in our industry. It is really about CHANGE. That can be hard for many people, myself included. I’ve got several updates and so I’ll try to bullet point some of those. They apply to projects past, present and future. Let’s look at a few of the updates.
- So my first starring role was a creature feature called IN THE WOODS. It turns 25 next year and our director has had the film re-transferred and also done a director’s edit including new scenes and shots. I was asked to do some wild sounds for the new cut which included a few “wild lines” or unscripted lines. The sounds were of falling down, out of breath, busting through a door and other such sounds. I talked with our director the other day and he said he loved listening to the takes. After almost 25 years, there’s Alex Kerwood again. It was a throwback to recreate the role that started it for me. A private showing of the new director’s cut is planned for late October perhaps including a new theatrical run. The Blu Ray release is planned for next year, our 25th anniversary. We also talked about IN THE WOODS 2 which is planned after we shoot another supernatural thriller I’ve written about here. A team will be doing some scouting late this year.
- KNIGHT CHILLS is also getting the up-rez treatment and I’ll have more to discuss on this come September. The distributor wants it under wrap until that time but I think it will be something special. If I can get the new file here soon we’ll look to cut a new trailer. We’ve talked here about the developing video game and we’ve had many sequel talks. I actually think there exists about 4 different sequel scripts. This is a great world to play in and I’m excited about where it can go.
- I’ve been helping to produce another rock music video which is always a fun experience. I cannot talk too much about it until we do some PR on the project. But if you want to see some of the others we’ve done recently you can watch OFF TO THE RACES by Vertical Bridge and REVOLUTION by DeepFall.
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is undergoing a few visual tweaks this weekend for home video. The film just enjoyed a four day encore run in Algona theaters. That might be the end of it after playing continuously since Dec 9th, 2022! It could enter into some kind of special theatrical in Dec if it doesn’t play against the home video release. I went to a family get together and was pleased to hear so many compliments on the film from people that had gone to the theater. Even better was several younger children (9ish) who really loved the story and the history. I was told it led to a lengthy discussion about WW2, Nazi’s and Jews. History being passed down through our visual storytelling. I’m excited for millions to watch the film in the coming year!
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA has been nominated at the Red Letter Awards in various categories so if you wish you can vote for our film. We are nominated in good company with some amazing actors, writers, directors and teams. It is time to VOTE! https://www.surveyhero.com/c/kuvga3dn
- Harsens Island Revenge is full steam ahead. This past week we released our final schedule to cast and crew. We also lined up our catering and insurance. We have only a few cast and crew to bring onto the project. We have some great company sponsors coming on board. Lerma Transportation Inc. has been helping with our craft service since maybe 2016. We appreciate them partnering with us once again. We have several more sponsors we’ll be announcing in the coming weeks. We are still looking for pre1926 WHEELCHAIR, DIVING SUIT and .30 or .50 cal machine gun. Prop hunting is always a fun endeavor. If you have a lead on one of these in the state of Michigan please do let me know. I’ve also been enjoying pulling together wardrobe and props my new character in this story. I play the role of WW1 veteran Axel, the reluctant mentor sort dragged into yet another conflict. This time with the infamous Purple Gang. The roaring 1920’s here we come!
- Development work continues and once SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is fully off our plate more energy can be directed at the new properties. We’ve got a few great projects in discussion for production in 2024/2025. SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE and WILD FAITH: HASTINGS are two of the leading projects in development. Several people and organizations are showing great interest in developing these film projects.
WRAP UP: Today we’re going to pick up the 4H pork we get every year. Come October it will be time for another venison re-stock. I just grilled some back straps after three days of marinating and it came out great. Left overs today likely on a salad. The herbs and veggies are growing great in the wake of the rains. The hops are starting to turn into cones. The rhubarb is still producing and my wine will go to bottle in a few weeks. The Mexican style beer has been a hit with people and I’ve enjoyed it. Our chickens are still producing eggs and so our “lil farm’ has been producing well. The apple trees are also full and I might make cider or might just leave them for the squirrels.
I’m furthermore excited that tomorrow I will get to go to the premiere of a friend and associate. A short concept horror film made even more special because it features my niece in the movie. How cool is that? This week will be more meetings as we lock in even more pieces to our production puzzle. I look forward to seeing friend and fellow actor Taylor Nichols tomorrow also. Another soccer match on Thursday. We have a prop pick up on Tuesday which will be fun. A CDI producers meeting on Friday. So a full week ahead but time spent with some great friends and artists. I’m going to top off my coffee and get after some breakfast. I hope you all have a great week and we’ll chat again next Sunday.
Be good to one another!
DJ
Persistence Against Resistance – Happy July!
Hazelnut cheers! I want to welcome our new readers this week with several from the US but also from Denmark and also a first, from an unknown country. I’m not quite sure what that means but maybe aliens? My blog has gone interplanetary:) I want to start by saying I’m so happy the air quality has gotten back to a good place. It was really bad for a few days and you could see it and feel it if you remained outside too long. I was happy actually that they rescheduled our soccer match on Thursday. I took a spoonful of honey and did salt nasal spray daily to help keep away any of the various symptoms I heard from many people. We also got some much needed rain which I hope helps Canada and their wild fires. The rain here really helped our lawn and all our plants. As noted last week our berries have been in full effect and the chickens LOVE all the fallen mulberries. The raspberries and rhubarb have been also popping and some will get the freeze for future wine runs. The ROCKING RHUBARB has been bubbling away and I might have one other secret add before going to bottles. My Mexican-style Chili Beer has been getting rave reviews and I have to admit it came out really good. Maybe a few more people will get a try over the next few days.
Before getting into talking about our films I’ll talk about someone else’s film. I remember my first screening of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK. My buddy John from 1st grade on had been one of my main movie buddies. We had seen Star Wars so many times, fibbing to our parents about going to see a different film but going to see Star Wars again. John’s mom was dropping us off at the theater as John and I wondered if the film was about Noah’s ark or this other ark also from the Bible. Well, we knew it had our beloved ‘Han Solo’ playing the lead. To this day the original ‘Raiders’ is one of my favorite films in my lifetime. Yesterday I got to watch the end cap to that spring of movie stories. I know my buddy John has tickets to go see it today. We will enjoy a good post-film talk after just like we did in our youth. I’m glad in a world where so many of our music and movie heroes have passed, Harrison Ford is still with us. I’m going to just say that I really enjoyed the film and leave it at that for now. I also hope I can still be making movies at his age. He can still carry a film as a leading man.
FILM UPDATES:
- I had a good meeting with a high school buddy who has done well for himself with a distillery. We discussed a CDI Collection of bottled booze. A special label and type picked out for each film. Also from each one we might assign a % to a cause. A great way to celebrate CDI’s long history and help some various causes.
- We are starting to land some product partners and sponsors for our next film Harsens Island Revenge. We are in the process of inking these deals but we’ll have some great ones riding with us on this next story. If you have a product or service or just want to support the film, please do reach out. Also I’ve had several cast and crew asking for our schedule. Our draft 4 is under review this weekend and we hope to lock it start of the week. It is lagging a bit from my timeline but we want it to be as tight as we can get it. Aside from that I’ve been enjoying working on my upcoming role and hope to bring you a cool character.
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA is going back into the Algona State 5 Fridley theatre for their Founders celebration July 6-9. Times can be gotten directly from their website. Our post production folks are working with BMG on the last few adjustments for our home video roll out. I hope to get that resolved soon so I can bring you exact dates for DVD, streaming, broadcast and more.
- Thanks to my CDI team – I’ve been prepping the information to report to our backers and cut them checks. It’s a major process with many checks written but I also enjoy the process. It beats the old days of chasing around dishonest distributors. So I will be doing some of that in the forthcoming week.
- We’ve been getting ready to launch a new CDI back up system that will house the CDI library in a way that can be easily accessed by our editors. This will aid in promotional work and in providing footage to talent. We should have this up and running by September.
- I’m excited that many of the films are finding wider and wider audiences. Man’s Best Friend is on the way to 2 million with Encourage TV. Take a watch or watch it again and help us get to that new goal.
- I’m really excited about a deal coming together that will put a few CDI properties into motion as a video game and/or animated endeavor. Many merchandise and spin off properties being worked on and I’m excited to see them come develop.
- Development on TV/film projects continues and the next couple of weeks should help move pieces on the board forward.
WRAP UP: I could be missing a few updates but I will take a moment to state again that these projects are not easy to launch. I’ve had numerous people compliment on the steady flow of creative endeavors but they all happen brick by brick. Meeting by meeting. Deal points to agreements followed by action. I too deal with patience issues at times. I often apologize for my pushing upon people to keep moving things forward. Often we advance more rapidly or consistently because while others rest or play we are working it. Succeeding where so many fail makes me feel good. Not for their failure but for our persistence against resistance.
Keep at your dreams and do something daily and brick by brick you can build it. And to die in pursuit of your dreams is better than the regret of never even trying. I want to thank those who have sent messages or left their reviews on our stories. To be credited as an inspiration to keep after your creative endeavors is priceless. I smell bacon cooking which reminds me that later this month we have our 4H fair we attend. Also the chickens have been kicking out the eggs while feasting on those mulberries I mentioned earlier. So I’m going to say good day and get after some amazing smelling breakfast. I hope you all have a relaxing and SAFE holiday. Our fur babies are not fans of the fireworks so we usually lie in with some loud movie playing. My days of exploding hoot-n-nanny is over and I have the memories and luckily all my fingers and both eyes. So let’s all make this month of JULY a great one!
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
A Look Back at Past Birthdays and Movie Updates!
(DJ Year one)
Good morning! I’m officially another year older and I have to say it was a nice transition. June 23rd is my actual birthday and I often get to pondering at this time. I remember most of my childhood and college bday celebrations. One of my best friends from the neighborhood had a June 18th bday so we often had parties together. I could write an entire book on the adventures of our upbringing and just might one day. We had a wooded area that provided all kinds of fun activities from tree fort building to BB gun wars and capture the flag. We had a large enough group to play some great backyard sports. Dungeons and Dragons was a favorite from about 3rd grade onward. It is fun to see some of these things making such a come back into todays culture.
(Bday in the 70’s)
I did have a soccer match on Thursday that was likely my best of the season. I really wanted to win going into my Friday bday. It was hard fought and we did emerge victorious. You are always a little more sore when you lose. I’m appreciative that I’m still able to run and compete in the game I love. Friday was a good day starting with my brother and nephew visiting. I got a cool Conan the Barbarian tee-shirt and the chickens got some good attention from my nephew who also just had a bday. We ended with a dinner with the moms where I got one of my favorites, an olive burger. I also got to see one of my high school buddies in town and enjoyed a visit over one of my new beers. I’m happy to say from all my testers that it came out great. My high school buddy’s quote was “I normally don’t like beer but this is really good.” This is the Diego Jose’s Mexican Style Chili Beer and I’m happy to report the Rockin’ Rhubarb Wine is bubbling and fermenting like crazy. In a few months it will be ready and so when Fall comes we can enjoy Springtime in a bottle.
(More 70’s Bday)
Saturday was beautiful and I was enjoying the day both in the yard and running around seeking a few Estate Sale treasures. After we had a nice dinner with my dad and his wife where I got prime rib. It was such a big cut and I’m use to more modest portions so now we have leftovers for some steak and eggs. Speaking of eggs the chickens have been going crazy eating up all the mulberries on the ground. Yes, the berries are in full force and I probably eat about 20 or so a day right off the trees. The raspberries and rhubarb are ripening and I will pick and freeze some for the next batch of wine. We had the heat and humidity finally arrive yesterday and so now the air conditioner is kicking. I don’t mind heat as much as I really dislike humidity. Arizona or Las Vegas type heat suits me better versus Florida or Atlanta heat. The most humid place I’ve been was likely Costa Rica rain forest where you learn to live damp.
(More 70’s Birthdays)
I got a new magnetic iPhone car holder and charger since June 30th they have a law in Michigan of no hands on the phone. I use to hold it with the pop top while Siri helped GPS me drive to my destinations. Overall I think it is a law that will save many lives. I see daily distracted drivers and worry especially for motorcycle drivers. A few other little love gifts completed the bday weekend. I even got a nice bottle of rye whiskey from my high school buddy. Gifts to share are always good ones. I will see a few other friends and my brother later tonight and tomorrow I’m ready to attack my TO DO’s a year older.
(Rocking the ‘Star Wars’ Tee -shirt so likely 1977/78)
Let’s take a look at some of the things ahead-
- We have to review the new schedule draft for Harsens Island Revenge and look to lock it this week. We had a great meeting Weds with our director and 1st AD with the producers sounding in. Once we lock the script we can move to securing several other aspects of production.
- As we finalize some final fixes on SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA home video delivery, we hope to get final release dates soon. I know they are starting to work on home video poster/DVD art. Many are awaiting the streaming and DVD home video release and it will be exciting to meet that need. We will be bringing this story to millions.
- I’m going to start organizing things this week for dispersement to our backers of the various films. It is a task with so many films and a lot of check writing but I do enjoy it. Many of the films are really picking up and being viewed by millions worldwide.
- We have been working to restore and upgrade CDI classics and also working on some tie-in’s like Making of books. It is important to remember where you came from and it is fun to see how humbly we started. We have lots of fun extras from over the years and if I can get that all pulled into a few coffee table books that will be a great keepsake.
- Video game spin offs are also part of what we’re pulling together and once the ink is dry I will have more to discuss on this new emerging market. This is all part of the merchandise push I want to see continue. Only so many hours in a day.
- DEVELOPMENT is always underway and we’re making some strong headway in laying the foundation on many new endeavors. We are already working hard to see what will follow Harsens Island Revenge. We have several possibles but it is still too early to predict what will be the follow up film or TV series.
- Speaking on development – a meeting last week might have us doing the next music video. I really do like the medium and so I’m excited about the possibilities. More as this becomes more solid but I’ve heard the demo track and it ROCKS.
- Sponsorship and Product Partners – we’ve had many great brands associated with our films over the years. We have some great ones lining up for our next film. If you have a company and want your service or products highlighted via sponsorship please do reach out. I’m trying to feature some Michigan based companies and even better if they were around in the 1920’s.
(Shogan Warrior Bday gift)
WRAP UP: I’m going to wrap this up here soon and get on with my Sunday tinkering and getting ready for a productive week ahead. For me that is printing out certain documents to reviews and organize my TO DO’s. I want to once again thank each and every person who reached out to wish me a happy birthday. I appreciate you all and the journeys we’ve taken either in life or as fellow artists in our wonderful storytelling endeavors or as fans who invited us into their homes and let us entertain you. Thank you. Thank you. How far I’ve come off just a dream is amazing to me. I hope health and longevity will allow tribeCDI and I to keep bringing you stories for many years. Because one day we will all ride off into the sunset and the stories will be all that remains. Even now much of the music and movies I enjoy feature folks no longer with us. No longer dealing with life’s hardships. My hope for this next trip around the sun is more love, understanding, unity and acceptance. When you live with hate you ruin your own happiness. You deserve happiness and you will receive what you put out into the world. I hope you all enjoy the balance of your Sunday and start the week productive. I look forward to us meeting here again next week. Until –
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
Happy Father’s Day, Film Updates and Remembering a Fan Turned Friend
Coffee Cheers to you all. I want to welcome all our new readers from Brazil, UK and Poland. I will get into a few film updates but I wanted to take a moment to remember someone who I just found out passed away. JD Mayo was a fan of Civil War films and our “Wicked Spring” was a favorite behind “Gods & Generals” and I enjoyed the enthusiasm JD had for our film. Over the years despite health issues he also got into filmmaking inspired by our works. He became a filmmaking peer and we stayed in touch over the years. To find out he passed away in his sleep filled me with sadness. I’m so happy that one of our stories had such an impact on him and even helped direct his life towards storytelling. He always spoke of getting to a level where he could have me act in one of his Civil War stories. I’ve done several westerns but only that one “Wicked Spring” Civil War film. If you haven’t seen it maybe take a watch and think of JD. It is such an odd feeling of here today and gone tomorrow. I will miss the few exchanges that we shared each year. I know many much closer are missing him because he was an example of living and dealing with issues and keeping a positive outlook. RIP JD.
Today is Father’s Day and I’m lucky to still have mine with me. I will be doing lunch with him and we’re going to one of our favorite places. I’m also just a few short days away from another birthday. Age is just a number and it is truly about the quality of the years. I’m happy to say I’ve been free of the tooth pain that hindered me for a few. My overall health has been good and with soccer season upon us I’m getting in some strong running. We lost again this past week but it wasn’t for being outmatched it was more about communication or miscommunication. I’m going to go walk the flea market for a few and do lunch with Pa Perry and family after that. I know many of the kids out there have the Summer off and that was always an exciting time for us as kids. I’m not sure about our parents but we enjoyed it.
All our plants are in the ground and most are doing great. The berries are starting to ripen with the mulberries being first and the raspberries are likely the next to pop. My rhubarb wine is being slow to start fermenting as I made a misstep in my process. I will wait to see if it kicks in stronger or if it will need help. My Mexican-style chili beer is almost ready to drink. (June 18th) I wanted to give my dad a bottle of it but I have not had a chance to try it yet. Most of the beer batches do really well but this style is one I haven’t tried. Plus adding the pepper was an additional thing that could be very successful or not. We will see.
Now onto some film updates-
- A first draft schedule of Harsens Island Revenge landed Friday and our team is reviewing and we’ll meet next week to give any final adjustments and I hope to have a locked schedule by next Friday if all goes smooth.
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – is being quality controlled for TV and streaming and we are close to moving to the approved stage which will give us some solid release dates. I know we’ve been approved to put the film back into the Algona theaters for one week to celebrate FOUNDERS WEEK.
- The developing Iowa film follow up made a few good steps this week and we are circling a few opportunities. This is the SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE project and so far things are really looking good. Part of this developing deal could also benefit SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA when it comes to TV broadcast. We will see how all that pans out.
- WILD FAITH: HASTINGS has many elements coming together but we’re not there yet. We all would love to see that TV series move into production in the near future. If it is meant to be it will.
- Merchandise and movie tie-ins is something we’re working on. One is ‘Making of’ books that will highlight a film or a trilogy of films (hint) either with the script or novelization as well as many production extras. I would love that for all the films but we’re starting with a couple as they are a lot of work.
- Another deal we’ve been working on is video games. We have plans for a few of the CDI films (http://www.cdiproductions.com) to also spin off into the video game realm. It is an exciting off-shoot and while I’m not a big video game player I know many people are. So that is something exciting to work towards. We’ve identified the first properties and we’ll announce that soon once the ink is dry.
WRAP UP:
So I know we opened this talking about death. I also attended a wedding yesterday and that was nice to attend. It had so much food at the potluck reception that I could not even sample everything even though I tried. It made an average Thanksgiving spread look small. I also wanted to again thank all the fathers out there. My daddy has always been a great provider, protector and giver of advice. And now we share a wonderful friendship. I know I’m blessed to have both my parents still with me as many of my friends have lost a parent or they are flying solo. I don’t take this gift lightly. I’m gonna get a refill on the coffee cup and set off to the flea market and hope to find a few 1920’s props. After we’ll do lunch, which after yesterdays feast I’m not sure what will sound good. I wish you all a wonderful day and I’ll talk to you again next week. I’ll have a birthday this week so I’ll be able to report back on that. If you want to gift me something please take the time to watch your favorite CDI film maybe even leave a review of why that film is your favorite. Until next week- be good to one another and have a productive week.
DJ
Enjoying and Embracing the Struggle
Coffee Cheers! I want to welcome our new readers from Brazil, France, Romania and more. I’m proud of our international circle of artists. This morning has had a chill as a slight rain is moving into our area. The entire area has been so dry with fire warnings and smoke from the Canadian wild fires even getting our soccer match rescheduled due to air quality. It was a full week with many challenges but I’m thankful to be able to meet these challenges with zest.
We’ve been delivering the SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA film for home video. The film has been enjoying a nice long theatrical run with talks of it returning to Algona Fridley theatre for their FOUNDERS week- long celebration. Our home video version has even more enhanced picture and sound. We’ve been in the process of working to fix some small technical errors that quality control flagged. I love when an issue arises how many good folks rally around to address the issue. These technical issues are far above my own expertise but thankfully we have some great minds working with us. These few corrections are sometimes things not even noticed by the naked eye but not to a computer scan. So this week our team will work on the “patches” for these few places. This film had more extensive VFX and color correction to give us our desired look. More layers provides more opportunity for things to go astray. We’ll get it all fixed because that is what we do. That is what life is.
LOOKING TO THE PAST-
Accountability is a strength. I’ve noted before that team building is a skill and something that we work hard at. We don’t always get it 100% right but we do quite well. Recently, I was reminded how far we’ve come while scanning through some old VHS tapes and watching trailers from our 1st and 2nd features at CDI. The CDI Classic Collection is what I like to call them. The first four film were like film school and gave us the foundation that we build upon even today. We continue to learn and grow with every project. We get ambitious and try to push our limits and grow. I accept that and it’s that effort that lead to growth. We encourage people to grow as individuals which in turn is growth for the tribe. I stand accountable in part for all the individuals working on our projects. Just as a director does on his/her casting choices. Just remember that taking accountability is a strength while those that use excuses are revealing their weakness. Start living in strength. Live in accountability and watch your growth soar.
At the end of the week we were working on fixing some of these small technical issues. The SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA film has been enjoyed by thousands of viewers across the midwest but is being prepped to be seen by millions. I can remember even with the early films always addressing something and we always did. Battles fought and won and the growth was our reward. I try to embrace all the trials and tribulations. I so happy to be working passionately at what I truly love – making stories with my friends. This week also came with news that remind me how special that is. I had one friend who’s dealing with his mother’s passing and another actor friend fighting throat cancer. I got word yesterday of a classmate from elementary school onward who passed away unexpected. Old, young- you never know when your time is up. The struggle. The growth. All these material things will disappear when it is your time. So I’m learning to mostly smile and embrace the day to day challenges. These situations helped ground me and motivate me for this coming week. As I’m fighting to honor old projects with new avenues to be seen and prepping current projects for for new release and working to fund new endeavors, I’m going to enjoy it. Just like I enjoy a good soccer match. I love my opponents on the other team for pushing me and challenging me to my physical limits. So does these projects challenge me in ways, pushing my creative and business limits. I’m always sailing into new adventures in uncharted waters, but I do it with my creative friends and I love that. I’m ready to attack the new week!
Harsens Island Revenge is moving right along. This week we received our reformatted official WHITE script and we answered a few questions which should allow us to get our schedule for review. Once reviewed we will lock it and use that to start locking in talent dates in addition to location and vehicle dates. We’ve started to lock in some of the crew AirB&B’s which are really nice. They will give more of the comforts of home and give a good experience.
THE JOURNEY OF A STORY
The experience is something special that remains with our crew for a lifetime. Speaking on remembering the experience we’re working on a few “Making of” books that will capture the journey. I’m in the process of starting to put together one for KNIGHT CHILLS and also I’m outlining a book for THE QUEST TRILOGY, our three biblical films. We have amazing pictures and we’ll have different written interviews from people who helped bring these three films to the screen.
WRAP UP-
I’m not going to go into a lot of detail on the individual projects this week. I’m actually going to travel to a flea market and see if any good props are to be found. I’m meeting with our Harsens Island Revenge Art Director tomorrow and that will be enjoyable. We have 4 challenging scenes in this new film project and we’ll work those out. That is part of the fun of stretching and trying to do something new. The lesson from the opening of this blog was don’t be afraid to reach, to try and achieve something new.
I’m also going to be adding the yeast to my Rhubarb Wine must and get that fermenting and in a few months we will have a few cases of a fine wine. The chili beer I talked about last week will be ready to drink later this month. I have a bday in a few weeks and I’m ready to celebrate another run around the sun. The property is just beautiful and full of color with veggies, herbs and flowers. The apple trees are full and the berries are soon to pop! Again nature is a great way to help keep your perspective and keep your balance. Until we meet again next week-
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
‘Silent Night In Algona’ Release Talks and More…
Good morning. I’m sipping my hazelnut coffee and enjoying this brisk morning. A welcome change from the 90 degree days we’ve had lately. My soccer game on Thursday resulted in a loss but the battle was good in the scorching heat. I’m worried that I might not have drank enough water. It was 92 degrees and I have to say I play much better in the cool Fall from my school days. My whole system felt off for two days after the game. Add day two soreness to the equation and poor sleep one night and I had a rough go Friday night. Usually I sleep very soundly and I’m a person who must get at least 5 hours to perform properly but usually get about 8 solid hours. Saturday was as close to a sick day I’ve had in a long time. But most of it was the sleep deprived from the night before. So I’m going to ramp up my water intake for sure. I slept good last night and things seem almost back to normal. But rest and hydration is a much needed element to being productive on the highest level. I use to be a night owl but now I’m a 11-7 sleeper and I enjoy the early rise. We have roosters in our neighborhood that helps with this early wake.
The property has gone full blown with everything growing and blossoming. I’ve started a batch of Mexican-style beer which I’ll be bottling this week. I’ve been harvesting rhubarb and almost have enough to do a batch of wine. I’ve been doing a run of beer and wine each year and it makes for a fun sip at meetings. The hops are growing like crazy and we’ve got several plants gifting us herbs and soon veggies will follow. I love tending to all this while still carrying on my creative duties. I’ve been cutting freshly cut logs to dry and splitting older logs to fill the bins for the coming Fall/Winter. The wood stove is getting a rest from its duties of heating the office. All of this is a good connection to nature and trust me that throwing the axe and hammer around is a hell of a work out.
June is now upon us and that is my birthday month (June 23rd) and I’m not sure if I will do anything special. I am often fine with just a nice meal and the company of family. I can’t believe how the years have gone by. But I feel very blessed to be able to do what I so love- storytelling. Shall we look at a few film updates? Okay we shall.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA- The film and elements have been delivered and are being checked by our distributor. We are still in that process so we don’t have solid home video release dates yet but the talks are going on now. It was proposed to release the DVD and transaction digital around Labor Day (Sept) with subscription video on demand and ad based video on demand around Thanksgiving. We are approved to return to the Fridley theatre in Algona for a FOUNDERS DAY run. So if you did not see it in the theatre, here will be your opportunity or if you want to see it again. The home video version has added sound design and visual effects and so that will also be a great new way to enjoy the film. We’ve had many people want to purchase a keepsake DVD and share this film with family across the country for the Christmas season. People will surely have that opportunity. I’m thinking that the museums in Algona might start carrying the DVD’s also. The current theatrical is just ending but with another showing run in July I guess it is not done. In theaters from Dec 9th to July is a pretty good run.
HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE is heating up with the official production script now formatted and we’re awaiting the schedule for producer approval. This will also give us the day-of-days which tells us what actors, boats, cars and such are needed on what day. This will allow us to move to the agreement phase with talent. I’m going to be putting our VFX deal together this week with McGraw Multimedia. I’m looking forward to working with old friends Eldon and John McGraw on bringing a handful of VFX scenes to life on screen. This will include a cool WW1 scene, two boat scenes and a plane sequence. I’m excited to bring this story to life. We’ve been working on the hard parts of the production which is lodging and catering. I’ve also been in talks with several companies about sponsorship aligning their brand with this film. In Sept/Oct we’ll capture this story and have the Fall/Winter to put it all together.
MISC. DEVELOPMENT
As noted in previous blog entries I’m working to bring some of the older films into the new age. This will include HD enhancement on some. Others will have extras such as ‘Making of’ books and merchandise. And in a few situations it could include a sequel or reboot. We’ve also got some serious development underway on a new Iowa-based film and the WILD FAITH tv series HASTINGS. It is a balance of past, present and future endeavors. I don’t feel like going too far in depth right now on development but we do have many fun projects underway.
ACTING – In part because of the new acting role in ‘Harsens Island Revenge’ and part because of soccer season and the heat, I gave myself a haircut. About 8 cuts of the shears and I’m now sitting much cooler with shorter hair. It was about to the middle of my back. It grows like a weed. This next role in a hardened and experienced ex-officer from WW1. I was watching a doc show of actual life at the front lines in the trenches during WW1 and it was an eye opener.
I found myself thinking about an opportunity to work with an agent again and I’m conflicted. When I was actively seeking roles I had a high booking rate. But taking outside roles does take away from my development of CDI projects. But it is nice to sometimes just go an act versus running a circus. I’m not against considering roles but it has to be something special. At this point in my career I’ve played a lot of roles. I demand a lot from a story/script. Many regional castings are poorly presented and if unpaid have to be a pass. I’m not against those doing unpaid films as it will allow some new talent a chance to showcase on passion alone. I’m just at a place where I cannot sacrifice my routine of doing for free. Also I need to read an entire script. I turned down one project this year because free and fun are just not enough as I mentioned above. Another turned down my inquiry because they were eyeing another name talent. But I do have a great role ahead of me and I’m excited to become this man. I believe in the overall rule that I will do the projects I was meant to do. I know that I still love it though. I could not just produce without the acting. I could write without either of them for someone else but I would still miss acting and producing. Again, I will do what I’m meant to do. The thing about working for others just acting is when the character becomes lost because a story is never finished. I have 5 films I’ve acted in that never finished and four of them were features. I was paid for my time and it took me to places like Miami and Las Vegas but the hard work has never been seen. This always makes me think hard when taking on an outside project. All actors have these stories.
WRAP UP-
My growling stomach is telling me it is time to feed. I see eggs and bacon in my future. Today might include getting some veggie plants and flowers. I’m going to stay better hydrated and get ready for a great week ahead. I hope you all have a great week also. Brick by brick – build towards your goals.
Coffee Cheers!
DJ
NEW (HIR) Teaser Poster and Several Film Updates
(The NEW teaser poster for CDI’s next film ‘Harsens Island Revenge’)
Coffee Cheers on this fine Sunday morning. It is still chilly on these Michigan mornings and the hazelnut coffee is really tasting fine. We will be approaching a few places about sponsorship with coffee during the next CDI shoot. Often when a small army is exposed to a new product they become of fan and a regular user. Some sponsorships help the production directly and some indirectly like when we did jar candles for many years. When you have to stay away from home for several weeks it really does bring comfort. Last week was an extremely productive week on so many fronts. Let’s take a look at some of those developments.
- SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA has been delivered to our distributor (BMG) and this week we’ll deliver the last few pieces. The overall film copyright and a few final marketing pieces will be sent over tomorrow and I hope to have release dates by the end of the week. I’m excited for the distributor art to start being worked on we are all so very excited about the 4th quarter of the year release to home video. We still are waiting to see if we are invited out to the Burbank Film Festival. But this movie has been an amazing journey like they all are. If you have not seen the film yet know we are excited to bring it to you. If you did get to see it in the theaters we’re excited to bring you this enhanced version.
- This past week was also the deadline to get all the extra materials in for an upcoming Knight Chills re-release. For those that don’t know this film was the first feature for CDI. It is a tale about bullying but told using role playing games as the setting. With all the renewed excitement over Dungeons and Dragons and such, this film should be well received. It is not a great film by any means but it is true to itself and the subject matter. It is also a good example of doing it yourself – filmmaking. We learned so much and the film is turning 25 years old soon. It got strong distribution during its initial release but also had us as young filmmakers navigating the hardships of low level distribution. Integrity. But the fans have come full circle appreciating the film. My fear with the older films was always – what if this is the first film of mine they see? Everyone starts somewhere and I/we started at ground zero so that really makes the journey more impressive. I’m secure where I am in my life with everything acting/filmmaking and so I’m enjoying the process of getting this films prepped for a new release to new audiences. They want me to be zero PR releases until they present to licensors in a few months so this will be likely the last update on this for a short while. But thank you to those who were willing and/or able to participate in the Behind the Scenes extras. I can say that we have plans with this company to focus on FROM VENUS (CDI’s 2nd film) and IN THE WOODS (My 1st starring role). We learn and build from our past endeavors.
- I mentioned IN THE WOODS above and I am due for an update meeting next week on this re-mastering. I also have some great new information to share. This film is getting a new edit with added scenes and lots of extras. I’ve seen some of the prototypes of the toy line and it is looking good. I need to get my face scan for the Alex Kerwood action figure. This week at one of our meetings I discovered how I might be able to get this scan done faster and sent to the mold makers. In this CDI association, we have a slate of films moving down the line. I emanated prior SHJ, a supernatural thriller and the buzz on IN THE WOODS 2. I also will be excited to talk about new technology that could really help an older project called PALEFIRE. At least I think that is the title. I need another blast of coffee:)
- SPIRIT LAKE MASSACRE – This powerful and amazing story is being prepped for presentation and funding to interested parties. This film would shoot in Iowa as a follow up to our SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA. It is undergoing a final polish with another set of eyes and the presentation package is being finalized.
- WILD FAITH: Hastings is the 8 show spin off from the WILD FAITH motion picture. It continues to gain momentum on many platforms and just surpassed 7 million views on our distributor’s streaming platform. This is a new endeavor and so we’re trying to set it up just right. The most important thing to me is creative control to keep the integrity of the show that was inspired directly from shows like THE WALTONS and LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE. By that I mean that every show has a life lesson attached to it.
- HARSENS ISLAND REVENGE is CDI’s next film and we’ve been steady at work each and every day. Last week we met with McGraw Multimedia that will likely be supervisions our visual VFX for the film. This was a great reunion of sorts as John McGraw was an editor for CDI in the early days and his brother Eldon, I’ve known even longer. He has been a producer for many years. We’ve got a handful of ambitious scenes in the film that we’ll be tackling. We also got a great preview of all the capabilities of motion capture which might come into play on another film project. We only have a few cast and crew to still place and most of our efforts are on lodging and catering right now. We’ll start locking down locations once we know exactly how many and what days we’ll need a location for. As noted above- we’re starting to lock in some sponsors to assist the film directly or indirectly. Personally, I’ve been having fun slowly building the character for this new role. I like to learn about all the influences in the time period that affects how they see and exist within the world at that time. I cannot lie, I’m itching to get back in front of the cameras and bring AXEL to life. We’re in a holding pattern on some fronts awaiting the schedule from the AD department. We’ll do a close examination and lock the schedule allowing us to go to agreements on cast, locations and vehicles. So many cool things happening and you can follow along on our Facebook page of the same name.
- We have a handful of other projects in development and several possible associated films. I’ve recently read a script by some peer filmmakers and that might lead to a collaboration. And I have talks this week on development of – let’s say it could have us returning to the deserts of Yuma, AZ. We have many film family and friends in that area.
(Some of the CDI Tribe meeting with McGraw Multimedia over ‘Harsen’s Island Revenge’)
WRAP UP:
This week I enjoyed battling on the soccer grid once again. We lost our match but it was a good battle and the season is just getting started. I’m getting my conditioning back and feel pretty good. My flat feet are getting use to the running again. I’ve had many good people reach out this week and had a few really special notes sent on MBF: Man’s Best Friend which is a film that if you haven’t seen of ours you really should. I want to give a shout out to my high school classmates who got together for a 35th class reunion, damn. It just seems like yesterday that I was driving the ole Maverick and playing HAIL TO THE CHIEF with the musical car horn. I just had timing issues with this weekends events but I hope all my Sexton Big Red 88′ alumni had a good time catching up. I’m working to tame this yard which is already a seas of green and various colors. I’ve harvested my first rhubarb for wine making and I’m about to make a batch of summer beer done in the Mexican-style. I might add a pepper to each bottle. If you’ve never tried that you should. I’m ready to start making good ole Sun Tea also. I’m going to finish up here and have a few eggs from our girls before heading to the flea market in search of film props.
Keep following your dreams and I’ll chat with you next week.
DJ
NATURE, MUSIC, FELLOWSHIP and More – Happy Easter!
Hazelnut coffee cheers. Happy Easter! Today truly feels like a first spring day. I started cutting all the old hop vines and cleaning up the deck. I might explore again the building of a new deck. I found a great spot to just meditate and listen to the various birds calling and wooing each other. Some mates loved the cut vines and are using them to build their new nests. I spent some time the day prior to fix our windmill that the storms blew down. I think it got going so strong it tried to take flight. But I’ve enjoyed being able to take part of my day outside. This week I’ll be doing much more of that clean up. NATURE really does bring a peace of mind so make sure to get yours. I’m 3% Danish/Swedish and love my Viking roots and even the ice and snow but I’m ready for the other seasons. We have buds of flowers coming up and a few have bloomed. Soon the violets and the morel mushrooms. I’ll be prepping the ground soon for the sprinkling of more clover seed. We are now using prairie type seeding which produces food for the chickens when they free-range and gives us a beautiful carpet of clover. I’m going to construct a new compost bin. We have a plastic bin that rotates a good amount of compost into rich soil. The garden beds will be the home to new herbs and veggies. I might get a new batch of beer and wine going although my consumption of such has decreased greatly. Wait! Is this a gardening blog? It is about balancing your inner garden your work and dreams moving together until they become one. It becomes a balance of the external manifestation of art and the balance of the self. The self can be brought into balance but what you feed it physically, mentally and spiritually. Sleep is the big imbalance I see in many people and when mine is off, I am off. Diet and what and when you feed your temple body can greatly affect your balance. Spiritually I try not to fill myself too much with the negative things of this world. Not only do people lose hours mindlessly scrolling on their phones they fill themselves with others negativity. These can be hours of productivity lost. Even a nap is more productive to your body. MUSIC. I have always been into music as a powerful tool of tuning oneself as you would a guitar. I find when I take a few moments apart from whatever might be trying to put me off balance to play or listen to music, I can restore the balance and give myself a recharge.
(Maybe 1/5 of the main crew for CDI’s upcoming Harsens Island Revenge)
I’m a person who is quite content with much of my time being alone allowing me to focus on my tasks. But we all enjoy the visits and the FELLOWSHIP of others. This past week I had some great conversations with old friends by phone and in person with friends stretching back to 1st grade. I also enjoyed a few hours at the local Capital City Film Festival party with several #TribeCDI members. It was great to be around so many artists and to see their art also displayed about. We are in pre-production on our next project so it was nice to gather in-person and chat over a drink. We do many meetings by phone but there is an energy that arises from people together working on an idea. I’m a strong believer in that – Knights of the Round Table versus Knights of the Zoom or Teams. My humble opinion is that you might experience greater strides if you actually meet with your circle in person. Brainstorming. Accountability. And setting down a definite TO DO list will help your projects to grow. Great things require great planning. Thank you CCFF for allowing us to have artistic fellowship because of your great planning.
SILENT NIGHT IN ALGONA – Our box office run continues and we’re preparing to deliver the film for home video prep in May. In May, we’ll have someone from our team representing the film at the 32nd Annual Iowa Motion Picture Awards. We are up for BEST FILM, which we’re appreciative for. The new home video version of the film will have enhancements not seen in the theatrical version. A few things enhanced we just needed more time for and a few things are corrections from what we saw on the BIG screen. I’m just beyond excited to bring this film to so many more folks now that BMG will be representing it worldwide. Here is a good read on this new development – https://www.prlog.org/12958246-silent-night-in-algona-signs-with-bridgestone-multimedia-group.html
Harsens Island Revenge – The pre-production is going great. As mentioned above many departments are up and working already on breakdowns and gathering of needed items. We have a scout trip at the end of this month and I’ll be setting a few other key meetings. We are starting to look at the office now that works directly under the producers. A two person team that manages and coordinates the day to day business on set. We are in talks with various parties and will be looking to put a team in motion that can journey with us into the future. Cast and Crew are getting close to full with only a few we’re still working on because we have some time to do so. But it is also nice to have all that set up in advance. This week I’m excited to get back at it all. We have the new polished script and so I’m going to be re-doing my actors breakdown for my role of AXEL. It is fun to start building a role. He is a WW1 ex-officer who now resides on Harsens Island. I discovered something new about the character yesterday – he is a bird watcher. I’m excited to discover new things about Axel as we go along.
FOR THE LOVE OF CATCH 2– Documents are being signed up on the new chapter of the series. If you have not watched the first one rich with history you are missing out. I love the part about the big match Abraham Lincoln had before his political days. We are in talks with sponsors on this project that we hope to film this Summer.
KNIGHT CHILLS 4k 25th Anniversary – CDI’s first film was ironically about role playing games like Dungeons and Dragons. The film had competing offers to put out a BluRay edition. I plan to do a PR release about this soon. We have been reaching out to cast and some crew about doing interviews reflecting back upon filming. Some have moved on from acting and others we are still trying to reach. Others might not wish to participate but I will say that that little film made with with less money than our hotel cost now was an achievement of pure will. I think we are going to do a 25th anniversary poster. More on this soon.
WRAP UP:
We are prepping a few other projects for a new re-release. Also a slew of ideas on merchandise and such. I need to find a few artists that have the skillset we require and we can put them to work. As I type, I hear the egg song of our hens. I think I might need to go have a few eggs. We are having just a small Easter meal and I plan to do some things in the yard. The office needs a real spring cleaning and so I might do that. Whatever your faith is, allow this to be a day of renewal. Renewal of vows to take care of yourself thus allowing you to help take care of others. I’ve spent the week asking people who want to embrace the season to watch CDI’s trilogy of biblical adventures FORTY NIGHTS, CHASING THE STAR and THE CHRIST SLAYER. I will add BOOK OF RUTH, that I helped produce years ago to that list. Some will be playing on TV or have been to celebrate the passover weekend. I hope you all have a wonderful day. A wonderful week. And I’ll see you next Sunday for another coffee chat. The pot of coffee is now gone and I’m going to get a few things done on this beautiful day.
Be good to one another!
DJ
DJ Perry's Official Blog 'Clawing My Way to the Middle' 