A couple of quick updates on some projects we’ve been talking about in recent weeks…  CDI’s co-production RENOVATION has been progressing in post-production since we wrapped in Yuma, AZ back in November.  Check out the trailer that just went live today!  More will be added to the site soon, but this is a great first look.

A glimpse at FIGURE IN THE FOREST

CDI is also happy to announce an official first-look deal for CDI’s domestic distribution through Triumphant Entertainment. On a related front, we recently got the official street date for the wide DVD release of FIGURE IN THE FOREST (Aug. 10) and HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS (Aug. 27) — mark your calendars!  FIGURE IN THE FOREST will also be playing again on TBN: March 16, 2-3:30 a.m.  (EST).  Yes, that’s right, we said A.M.  For those of you on EST like we are in Michigan, you might need to bust out the TiVo or set an alarm if you’re not a night owl.

New on Facebook:

FIGURE IN THE FOREST

HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS

Filming continues to progress on LOCKED IN A ROOM, a co-production with At Risk Entertainment. It’s been an exciting experience shooting in our own backyard again.  We’re looking forward to more Michigan productions and staying close to home whenever we can.

DJ Perry & Dean Teaster in HEAVEN'S NEIGHBORS

Another announcement. . . Two dramas from the CDI vault will get a wide DVD release. FIGURE IN THE FOREST and HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS will have US distribution via Triumphant Entertainment International through their E1 output. They released BLOOD TIES and AN ORDINARY KILLER in Oct. 09. FIGURE has started to find an audience after being licensed to TBN last year but this will be the 1st wide DVD release for the two films.  Look for new websites, trailers and a July release for the two films.

Mary Jo Cuppone as Rita James in FIGURE IN THE FOREST

In an odd coincidence in timing earlier this week, our own Dean Teaster met a fan who found FIGURE and watches the film regularly to help her cope with the loss of her own child.  That’s some powerful feedback!  While dramas might not be an easy genre for filmmakers to get into the marketplace early in their careers, they are often more satisfying to produce.  Congratulations to all the artists associated with those two films. In particular, big congrats to Jeff Kennedy who directed them both and is slated to direct WILD MICHIGAN this year.

What? Did we just say WILD MICHIGAN?  Yes, we did, but we’re not going to say more right now.  After the negative turn of events when we were ready to go into production in the fall of 2008, we’re not going to say too much too soon.  However, we are making progress in getting legs back under this film and hope to make a formal announcement sometime before the middle of the year.

In other news, CDI co-production LOCKED IN A ROOM is rolling camera!  RENOVATION has been quietly progressing in post and after seeing the rough trailer and the color correct tests we are sure the finished trailer and new website will be worth the wait. Our doc film OUTSIDE THE WIRE has had Tony Hornus hard at work on voice over.

Part of the CDI team will be on the set of LOCKED IN A ROOM tonight, so it’s time to get ready for that.  Enjoy your weekend and thanks for checking in with CDI.

We’re happy to officially announce that CDI is now in association with At Risk Entertainment to produce the feature LOCKED IN A ROOM.  Written and directed by At Risk Entertainment’s CEO Larry Simmons, LOCKED IN A ROOM is a thriller with some great twists and turns.  A co-production seemed like a natural next step after many good conversations.  In addition to our own slate of films, we’re looking forward to continuing a new trend of co-productions with other groups of hard-working artists.  Larry Simmons was a top 250 finalist in Ben Affleck and Matt Damon’s 2004 Project Greenlight (HBO/Live Planet). In addition to writing and directing, Larry also produces.  Casting will be completed after just a couple more roles–most of the talent is from Michigan, including many from the CDI ranks who will make some appearances.

Speaking of affiliated projects, CDI’s own DJ Perry co-produced and acted in BOOK OF RUTH: JOURNEY OF FAITH which will air on Sunday, February 14 at 10:00 p.m. EST on Trinity Broadcasting Network.  Check your local listings and tune in!

Believe it or not, but here in Michigan we’re having a pretty mild winter.  Some very cold days here and there, but not much snow and even in this last cold spell we’ve had more than our normal dose of sunshine.  It’s made January a bit brighter, and while February usually feels like the darkest part of winter, it’s easy to see today’s sunshine as a sign of more bright days to come.  Bring it on, February!

This first week of February should see the unveiling of the first glimpse of CDI co-production RENOVATION, with a completed trailer and debut of the official website. We’re also crossing the ts and dotting the is for another CDI co-production which we will announce officially in our next update…

In the meantime, enjoy some coffee, watch some movies, visit with loved ones and make these winter days bright ones!

DJ Perry as Benjamin in THE BOOK OF RUTH

As we get ready to wrap another year, it’s worth a quick look back at the highlights before looking forward to the new goals and projects ahead.  While 2009 did not see production for WILD MICHIGAN, we have continued to make progress in overcoming the major roadblocks and have taken steps to move production to 2010.

We were proud to see the wide release of AN ORDINARY KILLER in October, along with television air dates for FIGURE IN THE FOREST.  Post-production for OUTSIDE THE WIRE: THE FORGOTTEN CHILDREN OF AFGHANISTAN is nearly complete and we’ll have a locked picture in early 2010.

CDI co-production RENOVATION wrapped on-schedule and the post-production is underway.  We’re looking forward to seeing more on that project as it comes together.

DJ Perry, Collective Development Inc. CEO, has continued to be active with other non-CDI productions as well.  He served as co-producer and acted in THE BOOK OF RUTH which is available now in most Christian book and gift stores and will see TV airplay and wider DVD release at the start of 2010.  KARMA: CRIME, PASSION, REINCARNATION featured DJ as a detective in India and screened at the MIAAC Film Festival in NYC.  Read more on DJ’s escapades in a December interview with 28 Days Later.

2010 looks to be a great year with many exciting projects on the horizon.  Stay tuned for more updates and enjoy a safe, happy and fun-filled night as 2009 draws to a close.  Happy New Year from all of us here at CDI!