CDI's 'Best Years Gone' film; Names Three Department Keys

LANSING, Mich. - April 16, 2020 - PRLog -- Collective Development Incorporated, continues pre- production on its first film of an adjusted 2020-2021 slate of projects. Next up is 'Best Years Gone,' based on award-winning Owosso (Mich.) novelist Karl Manke's ninth offering, 'Hope From Heaven.' www.karlmanke.com

'Best Years Gone,' originally set to roll cameras in April in the Whitehall-Montague area of West Michigan, adapted for the screen by CDI's CEO, DJ Perry, who also stars as 'Gil,' along side an eclectic cast of characters.

While casting is on-going for the project, to be directed by long-time CDI collaborator, Shane Hagedorn, so is the process of 'crewing-up' the production team. Three key department heads have joined Team CDI for 'Best Years Gone' filming.

Director of Photography Travis Hayward; Production Designer Alexander ('Berdy') Berdy; and, Costume Designer-Wardrobe Supervisor Shelley Perry all have varying degrees of working their artistic expertise with CDI productions.

For Mr. Hayward, who has worked various camera dept. responsibilities in CDI productions over the past several years is helming the DP position for 'Best Years Gone' continuing his career goals.

"I'm incredibly excited to be back in action with the CDI Tribe," enthused Hayward. "I felt honored when DJ and Shane asked me to join the team as cinematographer. The vision for the film is wonderful and I can't wait to help them bring these eclectic characters and story to life."

'Berdy,' fresh out of Grand Valley State University film school, was thrust into 'reel time' filmmaking last summer as CDI's dramedy, 'Lost Heart,' set for release late summer/early fall, filmed in West Michigan in July-August.

"I'm thrilled to be back on another CDI production," said Berdy. "Lost Heart was not only my introduction to feature films, it was my intro to the industry. I'm ready to step up my game from what I've learned and apply it to this new production. After reading the script, I'm excited for the whole art department and overall crew. We're going to make a great feature film here in Michigan, not something you hear too often. And get to be part of the best group of Michigan filmmakers out there."

Costume Designer and Wardrobe Supervisor, Mrs. Perry is among the very best at her craft. As a seamstress, graphic artist, and teacher, 'Best Years Gone' will be her fifth feature film production with CDI. Wardrobing and costume design on those productions ranged from Michigan in the 1870s to present day.

Known as a 'problem-solver' on set, whose 'jack-of-all-trades,' positive attitude spills over to other cast and crew, Shelley said, "I'm excited to be back with the CDI production team to tell another great story."

www.cdiproductions.com