The life of Emmett McBain, co-founder of Burrell McBain Advertising in 1971, and a renowned water color artist, will be celebrated at a very upbeat memorial party Saturday, June 30, 2-4 p.m. at the DuSable Museum of African-American History.
Mr. McBain died May 22 in his Hyde Park home of cancer. He was 77. He was a naturally-gifted artist, an accomplished art director who created award-winning album covers for the Playboy Jazz All-Stars, Mercury Records and others.
Mr. McBain studied advertising design at Ray Vogue Art School, the American Academy of Art, and the Illinois Institute of Technology. He later became a designer for Vince Cullers and Associates, an art supervisor at J. Walter Thompson, a creative consultant for Soft Sheen Products, and ultimately the co-founder of Burrell McBain, Inc. which became the largest African-American owned agency.
In 1974, McBain left Burrell McBain to pursue a career in art and independent design.
“Perhaps Emmett greatest accomplishment was his ability to throw great parties and this should be one of the best,” says adman Ben Counts who is co-hosting the event with Tom Burrell and Dr. Carol Adams, head of the DuSable Museum.
“All who love art and creativity (and good times) are invited to attend,” Counts says. The DuSable Museum is at 740 E. 56th Place.
CASTING PRODUCERS OF ABC’S “THE BACHELOR” are coming to Chicago July 1 in search of “eligible women who are ready to find true love” for the new season of the hit ABC show. The show seeks women, as the invitation puts it, “who feel they possess the charm, style, class and charisma to become America’s next leading lady.”
The Westin Hotel, 909 N. Michigan, 1-5 p.m. is the place to apply in person and submit an application, or apply online.
The show is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television; executive producers are Mike Fleiss and Martin Hilton.
CHANGING TIMES. Former Cramer-Krasselt head of production Rob Jaeger has joined Razorfish digital agency as production director. His C-K position was filled by freelancer Tom Cronin, who had produced at Draftfcb for three years until the recent MillerCoors account loss.
FLETCHER CAMERAS MICHIGAN is supplying new lightweight Arri Alexa Ms, Alexa, Red and cameras in other formats, and the first Allura lenses in the US for Warner Bros.’ $40 million effects-heavy horror movie, tentatively titled “Category 6,” that starts shooting July 23 in the Detroit area and at Pontiac Studios.
The movie is about the found footage from cell phones and video shot by a group of high school students as they attempt to survive the worst tornado in US history.
Director is Steven Quale, an Evanston native who grew up in Madison. He directed “Final Destination 5” and was second unit director and VFX supervision on “Avatar.” Cinematographer is Brian Pearson.
RETURNING HOME Tuesday after three weeks of hotel living (the Four Seasons, not a hardship) as a result of an accidental fire that necessitated a smoke damage apartment cleanup. Starting July 5, you may again reach the Reel at 312/274-9980.
And remember to send news notes and photos about your latest activities to Ruth@reelchicago.com.
