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Annual Blue Whiskey Film Festival opens this weekend

The 11th Annual Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival (BWiFF) returns this weekend with nightly screenings of the festival’s 2021 official selection films running July 24-30 at Chicago Filmmakers (1326 W. Hollywood Avenue, Chicago). Blue Whiskey will present over 30 films with character-driven stories from around the globe during the in-person event, including seven outstanding indie films made … Continue reading “Annual Blue Whiskey Film Festival opens this weekend”

Blue Whiskey Independent Film Fest postponed to 2021

Due to the ongoing global health crisis, the Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival (BWiFF) Board of Directors have made the decision to postpone the 10th annual festival until July 2021 at Chicago Filmmakers, 5720 N. Ridge Avenue, in Chicago. BWiFF 2020 was originally scheduled to be held in late July and was initially postponed nearly … Continue reading “Blue Whiskey Independent Film Fest postponed to 2021”

St. John’s short is Blue Whiskey’s Best of Illinois

In 2014 23-year old Chicago filmmaker Megan St. John wrote, produced and directed “Broiled,” that last weekend won the Best Illinois Film Award for its depiction of Illinois at the 7th annual Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival held at the AMC Randhurst 12 in Palatine.

Chet Baker biopic opens 7th Blue Whiskey Fest 7/24

THE MIDWEST PREMIERE of writer/director Robert Budreau’s “Born to be Blue” biopic of jazz legend Chet Baker will open the 7th annual Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival, July 24-31 at the AMC Randhurst 12 in Mt. Prospect starting at 7 p.m.

Vitamin-made short screens at Blue Whiskey fest 7/27

VITAMIN’S DANNY DELPURGATORIO, creative director/director of Filmworkers Club’s motion graphics division, directed a short with a Vitamin crew of 15 that showcases July 27 at the July 24-29 Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival in Palatine.

Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey celebrates Milestones

Gentleman Jack Double-Mellowed Tennessee Whiskey has launched “Milestones,” the brand’s first spot in the global “Make it Count” campaign for the Jack Daniel’s brand family. The super-premium whiskey’s campaign encourages consumers to mark the special moments with the people who matter most. Although we often think of only honoring the big moments, like a graduation, they … Continue reading “Gentleman Jack Tennessee Whiskey celebrates Milestones”

Shorts HD to air indie “The Gun Equation”

Screenwriter Thomas DeSplinter’s indie short, “The Gun Equation,” that screened at the recent Blue Whiskey Independent Film Festival, is slated to air within the next few months on Shorts HD, part of Shorts International Ltd.

DePaul alum’s, “Waiting by the Phone” now online

“Waiting by the Phone,” the award-winning animated film written/directed/produced by DePaul University alum Olivia Jensen, is now available online after a successful year-long festival run across the United States. “Waiting by the Phone” was created during Jensen’s senior year at DePaul University and so far has screened at more than fifteen film festivals across the … Continue reading “DePaul alum’s, “Waiting by the Phone” now online”

Weinstein’s ‘A Missed Connection’ worth the wait

Chicago filmmaker Matthew Weinstein reeled in the years to complete A Missed Connection, a 2019 dramatic short premiering at the Beloit International Film Festival (BIFF) on February 21 and February 22. A Missed Connection is the story of two former college friends who randomly reconnect at a coffee shop during a long winter night and, … Continue reading “Weinstein’s ‘A Missed Connection’ worth the wait”

2019 Chicago Film Festival Symposium

Event will unite nearly 40 festivals to “better understand our collective work as an industry” The first-ever Chicago Film Festival Symposium will bring together Chicago-area film festival stakeholders for an industry-wide discussion addressing shared challenges and opportunities. Continental breakfast, lunch, and cocktail reception are included with the $20 registration fee. Learn more and register here. … Continue reading “2019 Chicago Film Festival Symposium”

Only two Illinois-made films in Route 66 Film Festival

The only two Illinois-made films will be screening among the 34 selections of at the 15th annual Route 66 Film Festival, Nov. 4-5 at the Capital City Bar & Grill Theatre, in Springfield.

Eventful: Special screenings, seminars & festivals

THEATRE TALK SERIES, hosted by the Chicago Film Critics Association (CFCA) and the Music Box Theatre, selected “Cartel Land” for its July 10 screening. Directed by Matthew Heinman, the story is a harrowing look at two vigilante groups their shared enemy, the Mexican drug cartels.

Fundraiser lets audience choose projects for support

CNGM PICTURES, the cinematic collective that makes films with character-driven stories, holds its “Hats Off to Characters” fund-raiser Saturday, Nov. 12, where guests are invited to wear personality-expressive headgear or come as their favorite fictional character.

“Hats Off” will review films finished in 2011 and projects that need funding assistance in the year ahead. Guests can then decide which projects they wish to support.

2020 Heritage Corridor Ale Trail launches passport

The Heritage Corridor Convention and Visitors Bureau launched their 2020 Heritage Corridor Ale Trail Digital Passport to help support its member breweries, tap rooms, and bottle shops. This is third year that the passport has been released, offering prizes to those making purchases at 10 or more participating craft beer hot spots. “There is a … Continue reading “2020 Heritage Corridor Ale Trail launches passport”

Jack Daniels, Energy BBDO respond to social distancing

With social distancing the new normal, due to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic, many brands are now looking at their marketing and developing new strategies to reach their consumers. Our sister publication, REEL 360, has looked at McDonald’s and Coca-Cola. Now, a Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Whiskey film shares the new reality we are all facing … Continue reading “Jack Daniels, Energy BBDO respond to social distancing”

Bow + Arrow helps Trickshooter Social Club come alive

Bow + Arrow Films director Ted Lega combined live rock-n-roll with mesmerizing drama to create a retro-flavored video for “If I Could,” a new single by Trickshooter Social Club. In the aesthetic of early MTV, the video turns the music into a backdrop for a story about a girl. Filmed at Chicago’s Harlem Avenue Lounge, … Continue reading “Bow + Arrow helps Trickshooter Social Club come alive”

FCB Chicago sends Tennessee Apple through infinity

Jack Daniel’s spot encourages whiskey drinkers to enjoy sweet new flavor with bold confidence FCB Chicago helped launch Tennessee Apple with a rocking trip through infinity. According to an agency press release, the sweet new Jack Daniel’s variety garnered an “overwhelmingly positive” reception when it landed on shelves around the nation earlier this month. Moving … Continue reading “FCB Chicago sends Tennessee Apple through infinity”

Two local post houses finalists in AICE Awards Show

Out of the 59 entries from among some of the top post companies in the 12^th annual International AICE Show, three editors from two post companies were selected as AICE finalists: Red Car’s Kevin O’Rourke, for Madison Museum of Contemporary Art spot and Utopic’s Ryan Gilbert and Joe Minich for NBC5’s “City,” both 60s.

Digitas’ Andrew Furth leads ‘indescribable’ local band

Chicago blues isn’t dead, but it’s aging while the contemporary music scene is exploding. The professional 20-somethings in this town don’t want a quiet bar with a dusty stage and a glass of whiskey. They want music they can shake to with a $2 PBR and a shot.

They want music that celebrates what makes them such a fast paced unstoppable force that, like the amazing and diverse Reels Green band, can’t be categorized.