| Reel Chicago – At the intersection of Chicago Advertising, Entertainment, Media and Production
Reel Chicago is a daily digital magazine that covers the news in Chicago on all aspects of advertising, film, TV, media and production. The content is original, written by industry experts and contributing Op Eds
2+ This past summer, director and writer Sean Sankalp Raju won the Camera Ambassador Community Builders Grant for his project A Nickname. The autobiographical short film tells the story of how the filmmaker received the moniker, Sean, as an Indian American child. In an economy where funding an independent film is especially difficult, Raju was … Continue reading “Camera Ambassador Grant winner Raju faces challenges”
1+ Camera Ambassador and the Center for Creative Entrepreneurship collaborate for the virtual event, Assistant Director Boot Camp. Assistant Directors are an integral part of the filmmaking process. They help sets run efficiently, set the tone for the day and lead us through the shooting day with ease. Learn how to become a strong AD … Continue reading “Camera Ambassador holds Assistant Director Boot Camp”
3+ Chicago camera and equipment rental house Camera Ambassador has announced that it will reopen for business beginning this Friday, May 1st. “Beginning May 1st, we’re officially open with curbside pick up and sanitized equipment! Email us to make your order today!” its Instagram post reads. Subscribe: Sign up for our FREE e-lert here. Stay on top … Continue reading “Camera Ambassador set to reopen May 1st”
8+ Adding an arsenal of rentable gear to a film, music, and tech industry nexus will help Chicago’s production community dial it up to eleven Camera Ambassador and 2112 are going all in to help filmmakers get it done. Through a partnership announced last week, the equipment rental shop and the film incubator are combining … Continue reading “Camera Ambassador, 2112 launch partnership”
4+ Chicago-based equipment rental house to award winning filmmaker with nearly $10K in cash, gear, and goodies Camera Ambassador is offering creators a chance to win nearly $10k worth of funding, gear, and other goodies by way of a Builders Grant designed “to recognize accomplished individuals, as well as provide opportunities for young and emerging … Continue reading “Camera Ambassador announces Builders Grant”
6+ A 5-ton GMC and a 3-ton Ford are the most recent additions to the Chicago-based, multifunctional vendor and production partner Camera Ambassador added a pair of grip trucks to its rental inventory this summer. Both of the vehicles in the new fleet — a 5-ton GMC and a 3-ton Ford — were customized by … Continue reading “Camera Ambassador expands with a pair of grip trucks”
“It was a shock to me and everybody else and we’re dealing with this the best we can, with heavy hearts,” said Michael Acuna, about the shocking accident Monday night that took the life of James Pope, his Schumacher Camera partner and friend of more than 20 years.
“Femme Pyre,” Saturday night’s carnival themed fancy dress party at Camera Ambassador, prompted hundreds of guests to keep going until Sunday morning. This may have been due to the fact that there was a kissing booth, tarot card readers and at least three different kinds of dancers (belly, burlesque and go-go); but still, the event actually made “networking” fun.
The East Coast networking collective “Women of the Now” will bring its passion for empowering female filmmakers to Chicago with an upscale carnival-themed event entitled “Femme Pyre” at Pilsen’s Camera Ambassador on March 4.
2+ Just when we needed it the most, the Midwest Film Festival (MFF) is participating in #GivingTuesday by giving viewers access to their Comedy Shorts Program online, free of charge. Originally presented in February as the 2020 season opener program, there are 10 films available to view that touch on a wide variety of topics, all with one … Continue reading “MFF offers free online Comedy Shorts Program”
0 Virtual experience will feature discussions on industry trends, challenges and technologies impacting live and remote video production as well as news and content creation. WHO: Experts from Panasonic’s professional video team: John Baisley, senior vice president, Panasonic Professional Imaging and Visual Systems Mike Bergeron, senior product manager for live production, Panasonic Systems Solution Company of North America … Continue reading “Panasonic’s Virtual Broadcast: Future of Video Production”
3+ There are two sides to every camera story: those behind it creating movie magic, and the talented performers in front. What many may not consider are the people who bridge the gap between the two worlds; one of these departments being Casting. One company that’s been adjusting during these turbulent times is O’Connor Casting, … Continue reading “Zoom Interview: with David and Joan of O’Connor Casting”
5+ Over the past week it’s safe to say that the Illinois film community is doing their best to ensure that their employees are safe during this unfortunate time. In light of worldwide health concerns about the impact from the COVID-19 virus, many have postponed production until further notice. Starting Monday, Cinespace will close the … Continue reading “At Cinespace and beyond. Who’s working today.”
2+ Reel Chicago supports all efforts of those who are working, boots on the ground, to service their clients during these most difficult times. Below is a list of AICP Midwest members who are open for business, supplied by Lisa Massuer, AICP Midwest President. FROM AICP MIDWEST Collectively, the National AICP community has been working … Continue reading “AICP Midwest lists all who are open for business”
2+ Talus Films, in partnership with DCASE and Camera Ambassador, presents the 12×12 Showcase on March 7th from 1:30pm to 4:30pm. 12×12 is an original film project developed by newly founded Chicago production company, Talus Films. Throughout 2019, the project explored the richness of storytelling by producing 12 collaborations in 12 months. The resulting trio … Continue reading “Talus Films presents ‘12X12 Showcase’ at Cultural Center”
6+ Erica Duffy, a transplant from San Francisco, has been part of the Chicago film community for 6 years and counting. No stranger to film production, she’s the proud owner of Camera Ambassador, a local rental house in Chicago. Camera Ambassador provides resources and services to filmmakers such as workshops and screenings. The space also … Continue reading “MFF launches 2020 season under new director Duffy”
7+ Director Jonathan Becker pulled out all the stops to create Do The Parking Spot a music video for the Chicago-based travel convenience company of the same name. A customized dance move, an ensemble cast, a crowd-sourced video library, a torrential downpour, an Atlanta parking garaged, and a fleet of bright yellow busses with black … Continue reading “Jonathan Becker helps America ‘Do The Parking Spot’”
6+ For the past 15 years, the Midwest Independent Film Festival has been showcasing Midwest filmmakers at monthly screenings known as “First Tuesdays.” Over the past two years, MIFF leadership, board members, and volunteers have weathered personnel changes, programming challenges, and attendance ebbs and flows. Now, the Fest is embarking on a major transformation, led … Continue reading “Erica Duffy describes her Midwest Film Fest vision”
7+ The City of Chicago reigned supreme in 2019. Advertising agencies blended social justice with clever branding. Content creators reinforced Chicago’s reputation for inclusivity. Film studios entertained the nation while helping the local neighborhoods. And a handful of friends said goodbye. Below is a list of Reel Chicago’s top articles for 2019, separated by category … Continue reading “The biggest stories of 2019”
