Approaching Memorial Day

Figure in the Forest PosterWe’re closing in on Memorial Day, which informally marks the beginning of summer.  For all of us, whether or not we’ve had family members in the military, it’s a time to stop and reflect on those who’ve made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country.  And while we look forward to the three-day weekend ahead, some will use that time to start and finish projects, relax and have fun with friends and family, and travel.

As we’ve mentioned in previous posts, here at CDI we’re both looking ahead at future projects (WILD MICHIGAN and more), and looking back at our film history as we gear up for new releases.  FIGURE IN THE FOREST will hit the streets on August 10, while HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS follows on its heels August 24.  You can find both films on Facebook, and we’ve posted some great behind the scenes video.

Heaven's Neighbors posterCDI co-production LOCKED IN A ROOM has been represented at the Cannes Film Market which ends today and we’re looking forward to feedback as we strategize next steps.  (Check out LOCKED IN A ROOM on Facebook too!) In other co-production news, the RENOVATION rough cut is nearly finished and the footage that we’ve seen so far has been looking great.

Before we can settle in to the long Memorial Day weekend, we’ve got a battle of our own to fight in California this week.  So, we’ll be traveling back as the weekend begins.  We wish all of you productive days and safe journeys.

23 May 2010
Categories: Current News & Updates . Tags: , , , . Author: collectivedevelopment . Comments: Leave a Comment

Spring Developments

Things are really blooming here in Michigan as we enjoy what seems like an early spring.  It’s just past the middle of April and lilacs are beginning to bud and some are even opening!  We at CDI are seeing some great budding developments as well.

DJ Perry with Ernie Hudson

DJ Perry with Ernie Hudson at Night of 100 Stars

Projects in development are really heating up and we’ve made some needed updates to our Current Projects.  We’ve got interest from Ernie Hudson’s management for a role in A STATE OF HATE. Check out the article on 28 Days Later Analysis.  Some exciting talks are also underway for HOLLY, JINGLES & CLYDE. After a final weekend of shooting LOCKED IN A ROOM, we’re in serious talks with Rae’Ven Larrymore Kelly for the role of Thelma for WILD MICHIGAN, which brings that project closer to being back in production.

As for LOCKED IN A ROOM, production has officially wrapped and has signed on with Worldwide Film Entertainment who will be taking the project to the Cannes Film Market.  Check out today’s articles from 28 Days Later Analysis and The Geek Files.

We’ve also got some new release dates for other projects.  At a glance:

August 10 – FIGURE IN THE FOREST

August 24 – HEAVEN’S NEIGHBORS

September 7 – THE PATCHWORK GIRL OF OZ

September 21 – JUDGES [Special Edition]

It’s almost time to plant the garden and soon we’ll be reaping what we sow.  CDI is looking forward to a good harvest!

19 April 2010
Categories: Current News & Updates . Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Author: collectivedevelopment . Comments: Leave a Comment

New Releases

DJ Perry & Dean Teaster in HEAVEN'S NEIGHBORS

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

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.

20 February 2010
Categories: Current News & Updates . Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , . Author: collectivedevelopment . Comments: Leave a Comment

Goodbye 2009, Hello 2010!

DJ Perry as Benjamin in THE BOOK OF RUTH

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!

31 December 2009
Categories: 2009 . Tags: , , , , , , , , , , . Author: collectivedevelopment . Comments: Leave a Comment

Incentives to Keep Springing Ahead

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and CDI's Anthony Hornus

Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm and CDI's Anthony Hornus

When Anthony Hornus (producer, writer, director, actor) talked with Michigan’s Governor Jennifer Granholm a couple weeks ago at a Michigan Notable Authors event in Lansing, they had a chance to talk about the status (and future) of the film incentives.  Granholm reinforced what we’ve been hearing in the media lately — the incentives aren’t going anywhere under her watch.  As the state’s economy continues to struggle, one of the bright spots is the growth of the film industry right here in America’s heartland.  We’re happy to be a part of that growth.

We’ve got other good news coming in regarding the status of WILD MICHIGAN, but until things are finalized and official, we can’t say more than that.  We know, we know — we keep teasing you with updates that WILD MICHIGAN will soon be filming.  But, rest assured that things are in fact moving along and that a formal cast list and start date will be announced in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, FIGURE IN THE FOREST has enjoyed some late night show times on TBN despite being bumped out of its initial time slot due to scheduling changes at the network.  Isaac Hernandez at TBN Programming says, “FIGURE IN THE FOREST is a film that is sure to bring hope and peace to those who have experienced a tragic loss of a loved one and further appreciate the time we still have with those that are still with us.”

CDI’s Tribal Chief DJ Perry has also been busy with interviews related to multiple projects.  Check out his interview related to the May 5th release of the special edition of THE 8TH PLAGUE with First Fright — DJ Perry Has an Axe to Grind.  Another interview with 28 Days Later Analysis focuses on the March release of GPS — GPS: An Interview with DJ Perry.  But whatever you do, don’t miss the big interview with Rogue Cinema that covers a whole slew of projects!

So, stay tuned for more updates coming soon and don’t stop moving toward your goals.  They’re right there, at your fingertips, if you’ll only keep reaching for them.

3 May 2009
Categories: 2009 . Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , . Author: collectivedevelopment . Comments: Leave a Comment

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