The Year of Co-Productions

DJ Perry interviewed during press junket for DARKEST NIGHTWhere has the year gone? The winter solstice is almost upon us, and we are overdue for an update. CDI chief DJ Perry is recently back from a second trip to the Philippines. A press junket and the premiere of CDI’s first international co-production, DARKEST NIGHT, had him interacting with the international press and film scene in Manila. The director’s cut of the film was well-received at the premiere and further editing and post-production is underway for the theatrical version. The official DARKEST NIGHT website is now live, so check it out for more details on that project.

Another co-production has had a title change–RENOVATION is now DEADLY RENOVATIONS. This change comes as part of its distribution deal. U.S. theatrical release in select markets will be done by Nocturnal Features. Midnight Releasing will handle domestic distribution and Acort International will manage foreign sales.

After a series of successful screenings of  co-production OUTSIDE THE WIRE, distribution deals are under consideration and further screenings are being planned into 2012. Maybe we could call 2011 “the year of co-productions.”

On a more somber note, we have to mention the death of Bill McKinney on December 1. We were honored to have worked with Bill on GHOST TOWN. As news of his passing spread throughout the CDI tribe, we all shared fond memories of our time together in North Carolina. Rest in peace, friend.

Trailer Unveiled for Darkest Night

We were thrilled to see the trailer for DARKEST NIGHT make its first appearance, especially when we had a chance to see it on a big HD TV instead of a computer screen. Take a few minutes to watch it for yourself. Also check Facebook for updates including our recent media coverage (national and international). The official website is still in the pipeline, so keep an eye out for that.

Speaking of things still in the pipeline, upcoming news regarding other associated projects RENOVATION and LOCKED IN A ROOM is forthcoming. CDI has also teamed up with fellow Michigan motion picture production company Third Coast Film Partners based in Grand Rapids. Shout out to the west side! Pre-production for that project, 7 STONES, is already underway and filming for the gripping action-drama will begin later in July.

We’re past the 4th of July now, but CDI has had much to celebrate the last few weeks. The Michigan premiere for Outside the Wire in Owosso was a success! The first showing sold out, and turnout was strong for other showtimes over the course of the weekend. CDI has also added a new member to the tribe–legal counsel Eric Nelson.

The CDI tribe continues to grow–not just chiefs but also fans! Please stay tuned for more updates on projects, screenings, and other news. Summer has been, and will continue to be, a busy time for us, but we’re finding time to sit in a lawn chair. We hope you are too!

Hitting the Ground Running

U.S. Air Force Colonel Victor Kuchar helping an Afghan man into a new jacketWelcome to the new year! The annual CDI holiday party fell on New Year’s Eve so we had a chance to ring in the new year with old and new friends alike. In the last week, we’ve hit the ground running in 2011. An updated version of the Executive Summary for OUTSIDE THE WIRE is completed and on its way to key distribution contacts.

“This is the war you won’t see on network news. It’s the truly heartwarming story of U.S. soldiers bringing relief aid to children, widows and refugees living in the most dangerous areas of Afghanistan. Despite living ‘Outside the Wire,’ these children will charm you with their smiles, laughter and eternal optimism. An inspiring story of a grass roots effort and some very brave soldiers trying to bring these children a better tomorrow.”

- W. Clark Bunting, President and General Manager, The Discovery Channel

In addition to progress on that project, final notes have been sent over for RENOVATION, which will have a theatrical release in Yuma, AZ in March. We are also looking at screenings in Las Vegas, and possibly here in Michigan.

We are also continuing to explore taking on new projects, moving forward on projects already in play, and making new contacts and connections that will make 2011 a successful year. Good luck to everyone in making 2011 a great year for all.

Welcome, Winter!

Director Robert Gwinn, Co-Star Shawn Rougeron, and DJ Perry at the RENOVATION premiere

It’s finally really snowing here in Michigan and we’re taking time to catch up and let all of you know what we’ve been up to the last few months.

CDI was hired in October by our associate Jim Leggett to produce the horror feature SILVER LAKE.  That project kept us busy for almost a month–some filming was completed and the remaining portions will be filmed in 2011. DJ and Tony Hornus both took a short break during production to attend the RENOVATION premiere in Yuma.

In early November, almost immediately after coming home from the SILVER LAKE shoot, DJ was on his way to Las Vegas for a co-starring role in a film shooting there. Since he returned home just before Thanksgiving, he and the rest of the CDI tribe have been focusing on other fronts.

Co-productions continue to move ahead.  Both RENOVATION and OUTSIDE THE WIRE will be sent out to distributors after the first of the year. A few festival screenings prior to release are a definite possibility for both movies.  LOCKED IN A ROOM is in final audio post-production but first looks are powerful and haunting.

We’ve also been firing up our commercial division and are producing promotional pieces for a few new clients. It’s a fun change of pace for our creative team.

Our newly mastered HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST are being held because of an opportunity to release with a major studio. Stay tuned for that announcement after the first of the year.

In the meantime, we’re wishing you and yours a very merry holiday season.

CDI’s fall harvest

Renovation PosterThe fall harvest may just be upon us as several projects come to a point of fruition. While we celebrate the September release of  HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS and FIGURE IN THE FOREST, we are also looking forward to the October 23 premiere of CDI co-production RENOVATION. CDI tribal chiefs DJ Perry, Dean Teaster and Anthony Hornus can each be seen in the film and will be in Yuma, AZ to attend the premiere events.

Our other recent co-production LOCKED IN A ROOM recently completed a pick-up shoot and is rumored to be screening at AFM (American Film Market).

On another front, the CDI production team will be together this week for a look at the final cut of OUTSIDE THE WIRE. Stay tuned for more on that project as it moves to the next step.

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