In response to the 07/28/08 article
Awarding winning editor, Joe Malecki, dies in fire just days before leaving for Olympics for NBC:

Joe made my life much more fun and interesting, both personally and professionally. I'll miss him in the edit room and at the Sox games.

Along with Yamus, whom we also lost recently, Joe Malecki should be honored as one of the great editors that helped Optimus gain the fine reputation it has today. —Joe Langenfeld, PUnkViSion

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I was lucky enough to start my career in this business as an intern at NuWorld. Before I began, I thought editorial was all about sitting in a dark room and pushing the right buttons. I learned from Joe that the 'editing' was only one part of it.

Joe had a spark, a uniqueness, and this exciting unpredictability that kept you on the edge of your seat. So while his editing spoke for itself, it became apparent that many of his best clients just wanted to be around him. He made them smile, made them laugh, and genuinely made them feel good about themselves.

I have countless 'Malecki' stories that I intend to recycle as much as I can. I will miss him dearly. —Craig Lewandowski, Optimus

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Joe and I lived a block away from one another in Homewood during high school. As a junior in 1974, he engineered an hour radio documentary for me on hospital care. There's been no one any better.

And he could flat out get wild, party, and make memories that live forever, at the drop of a hat. He talked about playing golf in September in Wisconsin but it just never worked out.

This sucks but I know he's at peace and planning some outrageous deeds in heaven. Dave "Lyons" Lynott —Dave "Lyons" Lynott, South Central Communications, Evansville

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Joe was certainly a giant in the editing industry. His amazing attention to detail was one of his greatest assets, since it came to him so naturally. It seems like a casual interest and not a passion for doing the job right, or just not doing it at all.

Whether he knew it or not, he was amentor to many of us, early in our careers. While we may not have stayed in contact, he was definitely someone who shaped my career and passion for what I do professionally. It was always a pleasure to bump into Joe at events like the Olympics and see him leading the pack of editors.

He will be missed by more than his family and close friends. —Patrick Twomey

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Joe Malecki was one of the best editors in this town and, certainly, on a national level. However, when we worked together at Optimus, he ruled the video finishing department.

Joe was so fluent in the on-line room, he made the job look easy. He knew how everything worked and could handle the most challenging creative ideas with a grin and a smile. Quick-witted and sharp as a tack, he kept our clients laughing and satisfied.

Of course, Joe loved his beer, especially Old Style. When Optimus was bought by Anheuser Busch in late 1986, the St. Louis suits took a walk through and noticed our fridge filled with Styles and Special Exports. They handed us an edict: get rid of that crap and put in Bud products.

We did, but then filled a pop machine with "alternative brands" which Joe made sure did not fall into the hands of the Busch-ies. We loved Malecki, with and without beer.

Anyway, Joe will be missed. —Bruce Frankel, Spots Video, Inc

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Farewell to a Chicago icon. But during this very sad time remember that in heaven Joe will have one hell of a good time. —Mike King, Retired from ARU Chicago

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I worked with Joe for many years at Optimus. His Damon Runyon personality never failed to amuse and delight my clients and myself. He was an immensely talented idea person who thought beyond the keyboard.

There were so many times I just felt visually stuck on a scene and I would hear Joe pounding the keys and bingo -- there was the answer on the screen.

Joe had a bigger than life personality. I would often show up to an edit at 9 a.m. and there was Joe,slumped over the keyboard, fast asleep from staying up all night and editing. I would think to myself, “How is this guy going to work on my stuff after being up all night?” As soon as I would wake him, he would jump into action and work 8 straight hours without stopping. To this day I don’t know how he did it!

I think I spent most of my time with Joe in the editing suite laughing and trying to commit to memory some of his famous sayings. “Book early, book often,” and calling into the core he would yell, “Mark they're killing me in here, they're killing me!”

As a going-away present, when Joe left Optimus, I produced a video of just hands on a keyboard editing, with all of his sayings voiced over. The tape showed ashes falling off his cigarette and beer spilling into the keyboard.

I will miss him greatly but his antics and incredible creative work will live on in my library of tapes. —Barry Wolf, Producer/Director

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I look back at the time I spent with Joe as having a profound impact on me, both professionally and personally. As the son of an ad guy, I knew by being at Optimus I was working with some of the biggest names in Chicago post.

It did not take long for me start telling my dad about Joe just like he had told me about Jimmy, Bob and Yamus.

After working in a rotation with other assistants, I became his assistant full time and that only enhanced my personal collection of "Joe Stories," which I have willingly shared for more than twenty years. The the quality and volume of big moments that Joe was a part of is undeniable. And we usually had a great time while we were at it.

Yet, I find myself with so many stories that had nothing to do with Optimus.

These stories took place in backyards and ballparks. In cars and on boats. And there was a month spent in France. Two South Siders sitting in a TV truck on top of the Alps watching an American win a gold medal. And only taking our Sox caps off while they played the National Anthem.

I'll miss my friend. I'm a better man for having known him. —Dave Sampson, Optimus

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I have known Joe for all 51 years of his life. He was my brother. I remember the child who I taught to drive a car, or who unexpectedly appeared at my apartment to stay with his dog.

I remember the brother who called me from Sox's park so I could hear them annouce the birth of his daughter over the loudspeaker.

I knew a different Joe. I am truly humbled,awed and so totally thankful for all the people who knew Joe, who cared about Joe and who valued him.

Thank each and every one of you who played some part in his life. Thank you for sharing your stories and feelings about him.You have helped eased my soul through this difficult time. —Susan Malecki Villa, sister

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Once upon a time Joe heard whomp, whomp, whomp and asked, “What was that?" One of my roommates (at the time) answered, “Oh, that’s just Edythe killing the water beetles in the basement shower with her Flex bottle.”

I was told Joe said, “Wow, I need to meet her, I like her already.” And thus began my friendship with Joe.

We met in college and were roommates for a short while during his early days in Chicago and we sure did have some fun! I think one of the best times I ever had in my entire life was in the hardware store with Joe … sidesplitting laughter. Boating on Lake Geneva and riding around in the golf cart at Green Lake was pretty darn fun too.

I really loved Joe; we used to fix things together. On our last visit to Green Lake before anyone else was awake he said, “Here, get on this ladder and hold this. You’re helping me install this damn light fixture.”

While boating in the Bahamas (with Anne and Matthew), we met a private captain and got invited on board. I mentioned at the time, “What is it with you South Side Polacks? Always hanging out in the basement or the garage? Here we are on a luxury yacht and we’re hanging out in the friggin’ engine room!”

That’s what it was like with Joe; he loved to know how things worked. No pretense, and no attitude just a genuine more than real guy. His generosity, affable nature and quick wit were minor in comparison to his talent for figuring things out.

Joe was not a member of the school of what’s happening -- he was a member of the school of what’s happening NOW. It pleases me to read that his co-workers loved and respected him as much as his friends and family.

I’m hopping on a plane in an hour to come say good-bye and honor one of my dearest friends ever. —Edythe (Jelovsek) Dirks, Island Business Graphics

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Not all people can say they love their neighbor. Well, WE DID!

It's not surprising to hear so many people speak of Joe’s immeasurable generosity and kindness. Joe was incredible when it came to helping others. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for friends or others whom he did not even know.

And talk about compassion. Joe was a man of many words. Words of encouragement, words of wisdom (and he knew a ton!) and words of enjoyment.

He loved life! He looked forward to every day, always planning something for someone. The endless list of generous time he spent with our family, helping and visiting, will never be forgotten. There would not be enough paper in the world to record all the wonderful deeds he did for others.

We loved our neighbor and dear friend Joe Malecki and we always will. A new guardian angel has been born and we couldn’t be luckier to have him watching over all of us. We miss you so very much, Joe. —Michelle, Mark, Brittany and Cassie O'Mahoney

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Joe was one of a kind. I met him at the UUB office at WIU- and we had a few misadventures along the way. I visited him at Optimus in May, 1987.

Joe, the great talent, the authentic, charming host, had tickets for a Sox game, took us to the Checkerboard, and put us up in his Bronzeville brownstone.

I will always think of Joe as I listen to "Exile Main on Street" driving down Lake Shore Drive late at night at high speed. —Peter Hoy, WIU Alumni, Grant Thornton Chicago

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Joe was an amazing person. I know him from Green Lake, Wisconsin. He would give anyone the shirt off his back with no questions asked. Every year he helped my family, and all of his other friends, put in our boats and pier. He will be greatly missed by all. —Annie Kneesel, Kinetic WorldWide

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It's inspiring to read these wonderful tributes to Joe. I hope we can keep this thread going with stories of his creativity an generosity. Just one I'd like to share: Joe flew out to L.A. one time to cut some commercials with a well-known director, Leslie Dektor. Leslie had an editing room in his studios in Hollywood and they were scheduled to work on a weekend. Joe got there on Friday and began to load the job into the Avid and start shaping the commercials.

Saturday morning arrived and Joe rendezvoused with Leslie in the parking lot outside the studio. Leslie opened the back door, turned off the alarm and they proceeded to the edit room, only to find it locked securely by the night cleaning crew.

Joe said "Got the key?" Leslie always had people around to do these things, so he replied "I'll call Faith" (his wife & producer). After several calls to various employees, Leslie told Joe it would be a couple of hours till someone would be able to drive into Hollywood to open the room. Joe's response, in typical 'Joe-ese' was "Leslie, do you trust me?"

Not having worked with Joe all that much, Leslie didn't know where he was going with that statement, but nodded an apprehensive OK. Joe immediately walked into a back room where he had spied some tools while Leslie was on the phone, pulled out a crowbar and proceeded to take the edit room door off the hinges. In fact, removing the frame so as to not damage the lock!

A shocked but grateful Leslie stepped into the room and the 2 of them proceeded with their work...turning out a couple of pretty damn good commercials.

While Joe was several years my junior, I've learned so much from him over the years, both about our craft, but mostly about how to live life to the fullest...he'll forever be my "older brother".

Joe, I'll miss you, my brother! Save a place for me on the boat with Yam. —Bob Carr, Red Car/ Chicago

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Dear Malecki... dear sweet Maleki (that few ever got close enough to know, except the "inner circle" of friends and family).

Dang it Joe. Why did you have to go... So soon.

Your talent will be missed by millions.

Your smile and sarcastic, dry humor will be missed, and remembered for years to come by your fellow WIU alumni & friends that honed our skills as Dr. B's '70s University Union Board BRAT PACK.

I will miss you my friend, —Karen Cadle, Reservoir Point Executive Condominiums, LLC, Ridgeland, MS

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A Long time ago he cut some spots with Bobby Knight that I thought were briliiant. I cannot remember the client, or the product, but they were great spots.

I called him to say as a fellow editor what a great job he had done. He was an assistant editor at the time and just getting started. He was so happy to have the feedback from a peer.

He always remembered that, and I was glad I made the call. He was a great soul! —David Szabo

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This saddens me. Joe was a great guy. He was talented, along with being quite the character! He cared greatly for people and for what he did. Unfortunately I hadn't seen him in awhile as he was on the path of sports, veering from advertising.

Many blessings to his family. Joe, you will be missed. Rest In Peace, my friend. —Patty Neumann, Freelance Producer

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I will really miss Joe. Though we hadn't kept in touch over the years since our Optimus days together, I still thought of him often and wondered how he was doing.

Joe and I both started at Optimus as assistants at the same time, in June of '82. Joe was coming from a cable TV job and I was trying to get into a business I had no clue about. I got really lucky when another applicant backed out and I ended up getting an assistant position alongside Joe. He and his roommates let me sleep on their couch for two weeks, while I tried to absorb all I could about all the unfamiliar technology.

And, of course, technology wasn't the only thing we absorbed, since he and his roommates knew how to party. I'm not sure how I survived, but Joe helped me do it. All of it.

I admired his ability to soak up knowledge, his hustle and enthusiasm, and his generosity. I must have asked him a million questions - and I know he must have gotten really tired of answering them when he was busy, but he always helped.

Joe kept going in the direction he always wanted to go, which was editing, and I discovered the world of 3d animation and graphics, something I was more suited for.

We spent a number of evenings out on the town, having more than a few beverages, and we became friends. Joe's "wildness" both scared me and drew me to him. His unpredictability was exciting, especially for someone like me, with a fairly conservative upbringing. I always knew I'd be cheered up if I was around him!

As noted by the others, Joe was always generous with his time and always seemed to be doing something for someone. He could also be a prankster. I remember one time when he was living with his two roommates in Uptown, one of them got a long piece of surgical tubing from the hospital where he worked. They put two stakes in the front yard of their three-flat and stretched the tubing between them. They made a bunch of water balloons and used their powerful slingshot to rocket the balloons over the street, over the apartment buildings across the street and onto the avenue on the other side! They laughed uproariously at the idea that one of their missiles might actually explode onto the head of some person, walking the street on the other side. A mysterious water bomb from above!

Joe was Best Man at my wedding. He made the trip from Chicago to Detroit for me, and I'm guessing that the setting may have cramped his style a bit. But he did everything I asked of him and performed his duties as best man to a "T". I regret not making more of an effort to stay in touch over the years - especially now, of course.

Joe was an intuitive editor who knew how to tell a story and how to make the most of what pieces had been given to him. He impacted quite a few lives for the better and inspired many. I hope I can keep some of his zest for life alive in me, as a tribute. —Rich Bobo, Senior Visual Effects Designer, Kinetic Post, Inc.

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Although our paths have not crossed in a long time, there has always been a special place in my heart for Joe. I am saddened to hear of his passing. I will always cherish those memories. —Laura (Samson) Sesol

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A Tribute to Joe Malecki

Joe, Joe, Joe.

An Old Style, And a smile, With a hearty laugh.

A spot in no time, With a trim of a frame.

How about a new beginning, But not Beijing.

This is not a dissolve, Your resolve is a transition.

Joe, Joe, Joe, Our world will miss you so. —Jim Nelson, Glenwood Systems Inc

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My path came close to crossing Joe’s a number of times during my years in Illinois -- shared ties to Homewood and Harvey and I was often in the vicinity of State and Huron on business and watched the rehab of the brownstone as it was transformed from a decrepit building into a jewel.

Always wondered what the inflatable rat was all about. But never met him until he moved into the house down the road from me in Green Lake about 10 years ago.

After I moved here fulltime after that, I heard about it all—the radio/tv program at Homewood-Flossmoor High School with Taco and their excellent adventures at Western. Joe wangling a job at Optimus after buying Jimmy Smyth lunch once a month for a year or more. The wild years of hard work and adrenaline rush there. Young Dave. Even the Old Style in the soda machine.

Then the Four Horsemen of NuWorld – Bob Carr, Yam, Mike, and Joe, memorialized in the Remington sculpture which sits on a table in his living room in Green Lake to this day. Saw pictures of the rehab and finally heard the story of the rat.

I knew nothing about video editing until I’d sit for hours watching him edit using Avid software on his laptop at his kitchen table. It was fascinating to see projects go from start to finish. Knew he was good, but didn’t know how good until I read all the comments.

But here is how even I knew he was pretty damn good. One of his projects this year was women’s basketball with Rich Gentile for CBS. Joe showed me the raw tape and I said fine, knock yourself out, but I’m not interested in women’s basketball. Then I watched a partly-edited version later. Still not interested, I said. To which he responded, it will make you cry when I’m done. And he was right.

And internationally known as he was, he was not above using his editing skills for friends. A fellow Rotarian in Green Lake, Tom Zamzow, was ranked 3rd in the NCAA in boxing out of the University of Wisconsin from 1949 to 1953. UW sent Tom’s film to him a few years ago. When Joe heard about it, he took the film and spliced it together with an interview of Tom, some stills, scenes of Green Lake, and several of Tom’s knockout punches. He called it “The Raging Rotarian.” We cherish it. And Tom especially does.

And then there Joe’s recent film called “Bernie and the Bear.” But that’s a story for another day.

So many people loved him in Green Lake. As in Chicago, he made everyone around him laugh. And laugh and laugh. He knew people everywhere, even in the Buckhorn Tavern near Green Lake, where the motto is “Why do they call it tourist season if we can’t even shoot them?” He had a Buckhorn T-shirt with that slogan on it which he proudly wore on jobs around the country, along with his tattered, baggy khaki shorts. He loved that T-shirt, he loved those baggy shorts, and he loved Green Lake.

He didn’t want people to know how much he cared about them, hiding behind liberal use of the F-word and other artifices like hanging up the phone. He just didn’t want to hear it. I’d say thanks for the help you’ve given me. No one else I know would have done that for me. To which, he’d respond, “Gotta go, bye.”

So that’s the Joe I knew. He cared about all of us and he was there for all of us and he didn’t want anything in return. And he made all of us laugh.

We were all lucky to know him. Not a bad epitaph, come to think about it. Too bad it had to come so soon. —Maureen Martin, The Martin Law Firm

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In response to the 07/23/08 article
Documentary captures the restoration of the
Cultural Center's $35 million Tiffany Dome:

Malachi, this project has been a proud source of inspiration for the Chicago New Media Summit - "Make no little plans."

Bravo, my friend. —John Patterson, Pixel Brothers, Inc

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In response to the 07/23/08 article
DVDs of “StreetWise, the Movie” a proven success in helping vendors earn money for bed and board:

Rob, this is the point isn't it. Great work and I am proud to know you. —John Patterson, Pixel Brothers, Inc

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In response to the 07/23/08 article
"Peep Show" for Spike TV appears to be the
only new TV pilot set to shoot in Chicago soon:

There's another one but we haven't announced it yet. —MItchell Logan, Chicago Media Studios

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In response to the 07/18/08 article
Veteran L.A. producer, innovator Lars Ullberg to offer new goals and perspectives as IPA president:

Lars Ullberg says,“to make the Illinois Filmmakers Tax Credit concrete and to see it renewed and improved for 2008 and enacted for five years instead of annually. “It’s a shame,” he added, “that we have to go begging to Springfield every year for something has become a standard for doing business internationally.” Absolutely! Thanks for the great news Ms. Ratny. —Christopher Kopoulos , Actor

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The annual program does seem unproductive. It harms the smooth flow of work from year to year to have to get it renewed.

An important question for the five year plan is - How do you adjust the incentive annually to account for the competitive landscape? With other states increasing their incentives annually, there needs to be a way to compete annually. —Drew Turner, Aesop Pictures and The Chicago Film Producers Alliance

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Congratulations to Grace McPhillips on her new position! —Drew Turner, The Chicago Film Producers Alliance and Aesop Pictures

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In response to the 07/16/08 article
“The Dark Knight” in shining armor brought riches to Illinois in 2007, now what about this year?:

Yeah, we finally have a tax incentive back. But the sad truth is that for approximately five long months, NOBODY was interested in filing paperwork to film in this state, since we had no tax credit. Those five months are crippling.

In the meantime, nearby states had tax credits which equalled ours, or even bettered ours (Wisconsin, and Michigan). Today, we are feeling the fallout of this. So, who do we have to blame?

The answer is obvious. Our state legislators. And, our governor (photo op, indeed!) Remember this at election time.

Last I heard, Michigan had at least 13 features which had paperwork on file to film there.

We have indeed lost a lot of momentum, and nobody can tell if we will ever get it back.

Kudos for this article. And what we need is indeed a 30% tax incentive, and we need it for at least 5 good years.

Do the math, Springfield. Do the math, Guv'nor. you will see that your budget wins, and so do your constituents. Get out your calculators instead of waiting around for a possible photo op with the likes of Johnny Depp. —Bruce Spielbauer, Actor

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In response to the 07/14/08 article
Hollywood, Michigan? That’s what proposed Center City Studios of Lansing is shooting for:

Its great to see more studios coming into Michigan. Grace and Wild has several stagesk including their big A stage. We need to see BIG sound stages too. —Nick Danger

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It amazes me how some states welcome the film industry as a boost to their economy. But here in Illinois there are, and have been others, looking to do the same or even bigger development, but the state makes it almost impossible to deal with by turning away these types of development.

The Illinos state government could pretend it's on our side with speeches by the governor, etc. But the truth is, until they welcome a company with this type of development it's all Illinois politics as usual.

And, of course, nothing gets accomplished. —Tom Rovak, Highly Defined, Inc.

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In response to Tom Rovak: I AGREE with you 100%. Just check out some of my "BACKTALK" comments about basically the same issues. It's at every level of government. BS!Like I said before, it's 25 extras on the "L" for six hours. —Christopher Kopoulos , Actor

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Is this the same "Center City Studios" proposed for Chicago a couple years back? —Jason, IPI

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In response to the 07/10/08 article
"The Beast" is set for a July 25 start in Chicago -- if SAG can avert another ugly strike:

This is a direct quote from Alan Rosenberg,President of SAG as of July 8.

"We will continue to address the issues of importance to actors that AFTRA left on the table and we remain committed to achieving a fair contract for SAG actors.” —Christopher Kopoulos SAG Actor

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In response to the 06/29/08 article
Steppenwolf Films’ first feature, "Diminished Capacity," opens in theatres:

Congrats, to Steppenwolf Films! Filmed over 25 days in New York, New Jersey and “What was most important for us is that we did some of the shooting here, so we’re glad that got accomplished,” says Evans. Oh really?

Steppenwolf started in Chicago! DO IT ALL HERE, Mr. Evans, that is most important to us. —Christopher Kopoulos Actor

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In response to Christopher Kopoulos:

Tim Evans actually stated that one of the major reasons why the film took so look to develop was that Steppenwolf Films insisted that parts of the film be shot in Chicago, while other potential production partners were trying to get them to film in Louisiana and other such locations.

He also added that one of the main reasons that the majority of the film was shot in New York/New Jersey was so that the main stars could stay at home and thereby keep the budget low.

As far as I understood it, the intention behind Steppenwolf Films is absolutely to "keep it here" as much as is possible in the current financing climate. —Tim Horsburgh, Reel Chicago

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In response to the 06/29/08 article
Going beyond the clip: Thought Equity delivers infinite pre-shot online motion content choices:

Thought Equity sales reps will speak at the bi-monthly meeting of the Chicago Film Producers Alliance, July 15, at the 676 Media Center, 676 N. LaSalle, Ste 220. Space is limited. Email aesop@aesoppictures.com, if interested. —Drew Turner, The Chicago Film Producers Alliance

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I've seen this company's work - outstanding! Berg and his Chicago team clearly have their stuff together. Keep up the good work. —Danny Noonan, Herculiner

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This is a great article and valuable info on a fantastic local resource for producers. Thanks! —Bruce Eric Montgomery, Technology Access Television

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In response to the 06/24/08 article
Jimmy “The Hat” Haimann has “Big Bahls” to start shooting the indie comedy without full funding:

I think the movie sounds hysterical! I can't wait for the red carpet premiere. Hurry up Jimmy The Hat!! —Rhonda

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My wife's gonna kill me, but I'd rob my 401K to give you some CA$H. Kill it. Work it. Get the word of mouth goin'! —Steve

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In response to the 06/24/08 article
Templar Sounds’ new 1,600-sq. ft. recording studio expected to be the Midwest's biggest:

Congratulations! This is going to be spectacular. —John Patterson, Pixel Brothers

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Mike Cronin has designed the best rooms I've ever recorded and mixed in. A room like this in Chicago? I'll be there. —David Z, David Z Company

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Chicago needs this facility. It is going to be spectacular and very exciting for the city. —Judy Thornber, American Invsco

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Michaelllllll!! Excellent work my brother. Congrats! —Reuben Owens, Paul Revere

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In response to the 06/22/08 article
WaterMark Studios will turn Muskegon into more than a tourist destination when it's built in 2009:

Well, what can I say. Look at all that Chicago has to offer: marathons,the "Taste," festivals galore. Sound stage and post production facilities? Why? All the work is out of state now. Oh yeah, the Olympics. That's what we need, yeah!!!WAKE UP CHICAGO.!!! —Christopher Kopoulos , Actor

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Someone needs to get their facts straight about the resources in Michigan. Grace & Wild's stage facility is nearaly 40,000 sq. ft. and is accompanied by another 85,000 sq. ft of film lab, transfer, post, audio, graphics, 3D, replication and new media.

But size isn't everything. As an off-shoot of 20th Century Fox and CBS in 1984, we also have the talent and experience to provide the feature film community the quality and services they require. —Steven Wild, Grace & Wild, Inc.

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I have work at several post facilities in Detroit. I can't imagine any Detroit producers driving 180 miles to get the exact same thing we already have right here. I'm willing to bet Chicago producers feel the same way.

Moderncine looks to be involved with lower-budget independent films, not the kind of clients who pay $600 per hour for rooms in Chicago or Detroit.

Also being in Muskegon, are they going to try and cheap out on wages since they are removed from a large market?

If wages are low, and they run Final Cut rooms for $150 per hour, they will end up with an inexperienced staff and low quality projects.

The world has enough low buck independent student films. —Joe, Detroit post production

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In response to the 06/16/08 article
A pair of veteran filmmakers forsake freelancing
to form an HD boutique production company:

Congratulations, son. I have watched you diligently work at developing your craft for many years. When you were in collage and you told me you wanted to be a producer, I told you the field is small - but if you are good at it you will succeed.

I am very proud to say that you are worthy of the title "Professional Filmmaker". —Jim Donahue, Retired Plant Manager

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Congratulations, Gen! I appreciate all your professional advice and support over the years, and I look forward to working with you again soon. You guys are the best! —Fouzia Najar, Freelance Producer

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In response to the 06/16/08 article
Writer Steve Conrad makes his directorial debut with a Chicago-set comedy, “The Promotion”:

I met Steve after he sat on a panel as a guest screenwriter at the IPF Producers Series a few years ago. A number of Chicago's finest worked with Steve on "The Promotion."

It's great that he includes local talent in his productions as he moves into the director's chair. Congrats to Steve! —Drew Turner, Aesop Pictures, LLC and The Chicago Film Producers Alliance

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In response to the 06/13/08 article
The question is: Will Global Video's new “VTR Express” service really fly in Chicago?:

This is exciting for me to have this service available. We are a small production shop and there is nothing local to get my masters converted to any other format. —Bill Moede, CESA 7 Interactive Learning Services

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This is exciting for me to have this service available. We are a small production shop and there is nothing local to get my masters converted any other format. —Bill Moede, CESA 7 Interactive Learning Services

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In response to the 05/19/08 article
Tenured DePaul professor slams firings, claims enrollment gains paved way for Stone’s removal:

This DePaul firing situation does, in a cruel way, teach many lessons about the hire-fire business of film.

Film School is a dreamland. Sometimes, big bloody nightmares pop up in the middle of a lovely little dream. Watch out, you can get bludgeoned.

But never fear. Someday Chicago will be the center of the film world and Charlie Chaplin will rise up and return to teach us all the lessons of the little tramps (students, workers) caught in a never-ending cruelty of the academy and the cinema machine. —Timmy Grimmy

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In response to the 06/24/04 article
“Poetic Emancipation” filmmakers out to bring Assyrian culture to U.S. screens:

Ithink it's a great idea. I am from Sydney, Australia and not many people know about Assyrians there, always mistaking us with Srians. To know and look forward to seeing it. You got my support. —helen

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