OLIVER PLATT (“The Big C”) is the latest lead actor to join the ensemble cast of “Chicago Med,” the upcoming planted spinoff series of “Chicago Fire.” He will play the intelligent head of psychiatry, Dr. Daniel Charles, while S. Epatha Merkerson, who spent 16 years on Dick Wolf’s “Law and Order,” is the head of the hospital where the show is set.
The 19th episode , where the spinoff will be aired, will film Feb. 26 through March 13 and air April 7.
In other Chicago Med roles, Laurie Holden (“The Walking Dead:”) plays Dr. Hannah Tramble, described as “a fearless, brilliant ER surgeon whose tough childhood has given her a dark edge.”
Up-and-coming Yaya DaCosta (“Whitney Houston:”) has the role of “nurse Maggie Seaver who starts to date ‘Chicago Fire’s’ Kelly (Taylor Kinney).”
The new show was written by “Chicago Fire” creators Matt Olstead and EP Dick Wolf.
MCGARRYBOWEN AND SEARS HOLDINGS are parting ways after four years at a time when Sears is the midst of a massive consolidation that started last November, Ad Age reports. McGarryBowen was invited to participate in an agency review but decided instead to resign the account.
Havas Chicago handles creative for Craftsman, Die Hard and Kenmore. FCB handles Kmart creative.
NEW AT QURIOSITY PRODCTIONS is Will Meyers, who becomes the 12th director on its roster. As a producer/director, Meyers’ has worked largely for Downtown Partners and Cramer-Krasselt and his resume includes spots for the Illinois Lottery, Walgreen’s, Chicago Cubs Northern Trust and more.
Three additional directors are due to sign shortly, says senior producer Jenny Lumpkin. The staff of eight is located in the West Loop.
LEO BURNETT NEW YORK’S OFFICE will close after four years “to focus on growth opportunities with other Publicis divisions Rokkan, Leo Burnett Business, Leo Burnett Chicago and the broader global network,” according to the official statement.
The office opened in February, 2011 with a full-staff of 15. Its managing director and group CD departed the agency in January and the chief creative, whose efforts brought in several accounts, left last April.
HERE IN CHICAGO, Leo Burnett’s Arc has a new global president, Bob Raidt, who’s been with Leo Burnett for nearly 20 years and will be based in Chicago. He will oversee business strategy and operations in the U.S. and globally with a focus on building the capability, connectivity and performance of the Arc network.
HY CONNECT WON the business of Lansing, Ill.-based Land O’Frost, the largest privately-held brand of packaged deli meat in the U.S. for consumer advertising.
A CHICAGO OSCAR CONNECTION is the winner of the Best Foreign Film, Polish director Pawel Pawlikowski’s dramatic “Ida,” was released by our very own Music Box Films, in the U.S. and Canada.
Founded in 2007 by William Schopf, Music Box Films is releasing the Golden Globe-nominated Israeli courtroom drama, “Gett: The Trial of Viviane Amsalem,” that plays in Chicago and Highland Park Friday, Feb. 27, and the French film, “Gemma Bovery” in late spring.
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