THE MOLLY GLYNN MEMORIAL FUND has been an outpouring of love for the immensely popular and talented film and theatre actress Molly Glynn, who was killed by a falling tree during a sudden storm while she was riding her bike through the Forest Preserves Sept. 6.
The fund’s goal is just a few thousand dollars short of its $155,000 goal, received from around 2,100 donors in just the one week since Ms. Glynn’s death.
What began and still is a horrifying day, said Mr. Glynn’s good friend Michael Halberstam, artistic director and founder of the Writers Studio. However, “it has resulted in demonstrating the enduring commitment of the Chicago theatre community and has served as an inspiration to others across the county.”
Halberstam is serving as the Memorial Fund’s team captain.
SIGNIFICANT NEW BUSINESS enabled The Jacobs agency to expand staff by six, topped by veteran creative executive Bernie Pitzel as its full-time GCD. Pitzel had been the agency’s creative-in-residence since 2011. He reports to ECD Flora Caputo.
The other new hires are Bill Tourlas, director of client services; art director Joanna Mirowsk, designer Kaitlin Severson, account executive Monica Arcaro and traffic/production manager Valerie Sherpa.
MAJOR ADVERTISER ACTION this week throughout the city: Furlined/LA’s 5-day shoot for BMO Harris. Japan’s Mt. Melville 4-day shoot for Nissan for Japanese TV. Backyard shoots 2 days for KFC. There’s also a Chicago Bulls direct shoot for Jumbotron scenes. And “Parks and Recreation” was here for one day last week. Grip truck equipment provided by Essanay Studio and Lighting.
BIGGER AND BETTER THAN EVER. This week Studio Mechanics Local 476 welcomed 165 new members, kicking up the total membership to “a tad over 1,200,” says president Brad Matthys.
“A large percentage of minorities and women are included,” states Matthys and business manager Mark Hogan. “We are very pleased with the diversity we’ve been achieving as we continue to build a work force for the future.”
Diversity at a high level: IFO director Betsy Steinberg reports that the percentage of minorities in film jobs has nearly doubled to 27%, from 15% during the 7 years since she’s headed the film office.
CHRISTMAS IN SEPTEMBER. Filming started Tuesday in the Chicago area on “Waiting for Santa,” Lifetime cable’s very first original production. The low budget film, crewed by young up-and-comers, shoots in the city and suburbs for three weeks. Carrie Holt deLama is UPM.
JERRY SPRINGER, ATTORNEY GENERAL LISA MADIGAN, Bill Zwecker and chef Bruce Sherman of North Point are the guests of hostess Elysabeth Alfano’s Sept. 23 The Dinner Party at the Chicago Wintery.
Entrees from North Pond, a Laguitas tasting and other gourmet treasts. Entertainment by the Q Brothers. Tickets may be purchased here.
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