Segment 1: It’s always a delight to welcome filmmakers actors, writers, producers DJ Perry and Shane Hagedorn on SBW. Second time guest, but first time-live, in studio Director Jesse Low also joins us with news on the release of their next collaborations “Wild Faith”. A departure for these filmmakers, the film will be released on March 16th simultaneously at Celebration Cinema, Lansing, and Grand Rapids, MI, and will run through March 27th. Starring Hagedorn, in his first lead in a film, the film brings us the story of Civil War veteran Blue Coat Northerner, Emmitt Murphy, who makes a dying promise to his wounded soldier friend to take care of his wife and daughter. Murphy is a man of his word, and as a widower himself, he brings Hattie and her daughter, Grace, into his home to live with him and his teenaged son.
Segment 2: DJ Perry, who wrote this film seventeen years ago, also stars as Benjamin Lully, and he and past guest os SBW Melissa Anshutz, who portrays Hester Thicket, who are trappers and adventurist who come to visit with Emmitt Murphy and his “new” after the war, family. Perry’s career goes back some time with his work on over 50 feature films with his production company Collective Development, Inc. and in over production in all genres and formats. He is also an award winning filmmaker in his own right. In addition, Perry has also produced commercials for Toyota, and JBL. Writing, acting and producing have been a life long dream come true and Perry’s story here with “Wild Faith” brings us love, faith and enlightenment and continues to be a testament to the talent that he very well known for.
Segment 3: Perry, Hagedorn and Low chime in this segment, on production, casting, direction and the storyline that became “Wild Faith”. Perry shares that the film most likely would not have been made without the two of them and the help Hagedorn and Low brought in to help make this remarkable and semi-historical period piece. A difficult undertaking, Perry shares. “Actors and producers don’t want to do period pieces.” Also, Perry was asked to remove the African American storyline out of the film to get financed. He refused. Big names, he shares were interested, but only from a self, interest financial interest.
Segment 4: Director Low shares his experience when it comes to filmmaking and how his life is now all about bringing his craft to life with projects like “Wild Faith”, and getting to work with Hagedorn and Perry. His feature directorial debut was with “Forty Nights’, back in 2016 and then reteamed with Collective Development, Inc to work on this film. His background work includes: commericals, major studio films, and now he is a working writer, director and producer. Working with a list of amazing actors, including Hollywood legends Darby Gray and Lana Wood, (sister of the late Natalie Wood) who both star in “Wild Faith”.
Segment 5: Award winning actor and producer, Hagedorn began his acting career in the 90’s starting with a theatre program at a local community college. In school, he was cast in many productions, and he eventually earned a The Iren Ryan Acting Nomination for acting. As a writer, producer he has completed two features, and one documentary. In 2008, The Model Father was completed, this vehicle he wrote, directed, produced, and edited. Craftsman Style in 2009, followed that and in 2014 the well received feature “Ashes of Eden was released where he served as writer, director, producer, actor and editor. Several films are in the pipe and we can all look forward to the next projects.
Segment 6: Feature films, writing, producing, and more make these gentlemen standouts in the entertainment world of Michigan filmmakers and their continued success is exciting and a future filled with many rewards ahead. You can find “Wild Faith” on Facebook.com/wildfaith and you can find DJ Perry, Shane Hagedorn, and Jesse Low on all social media platforms. Also, check out www.collectivedevelpment.com and www.celebrationcinema.com
Bonus Segement: Shane Hagedorn, DJ Perry, and Jesse Low continue with Taylor and Michael discussing filmmaking, the casting process, what’s next for them and offer advice to up and comers who want to become creators of entertainment themselves.
