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!

What’s in Yuma?  CDI!  We’re currently filming the thriller RENOVATION in association with Pisaeno Productions and Rampant Entertainment.  DJ Perry, Dean Teaster and Tony Hornus are all contributing their acting talents, and if you know DJ, you know that he’s almost always producing. It’s a movie-making adventure in Arizona!

We know, we know, we’ve been pretty quiet the last few months.  Never fear, we’re still here and making progress on many fronts.  More updates soon…  (And if you’re into fear, RENOVATION is going to be right up your alley.)

It’s a good time for independent film!  Two CDI projects, HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST, are now available on Amazon VOD through their partnership with IndieFlix.  [Note: if you're not running Flash Player 10, Amazon VOD provides a quick and easy link to upgade.]

Triumphant Entertainment, the parent company of Triumphant Pictures and its newly launched genre division Gutter Films, recently acquired domestic rights to AN ORDINARY KILLER.  This true-crime drama  is slated for limited theatrical release during the 3^rd Quarter of 2009 with a 4^th Quarter DVD release through Triumphant’s New York based partner, E1 Entertainment.  You can even add AN ORDINARY KILLER as your friend on MySpace.  (And while you’re at it, you can add CDI too!)

But it’s also been a sad time as the entertainment industry mourns the loss of two of its great stars along with the rest of the world.  To say that Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson each made such great contributions is an understatement.  While we take these moments to reflect again on how momentary this life can be, let’s take in the celebrations and fireworks of the upcoming holiday in a true spirit of gratitude for our independence and all it brings.

Wishing you a safe and happy 4th of July…