Search Results for: Erica Duffy

Reel Women: Erica Duffy sole owner of Camera Ambassador

Editor’s Note: They are leaders. They are inspirational. They are mentors. They are visionaries. They are, quite frankly, badasses. They are our 2022 REEL WOMEN. During Women’s History Month, you will be able to meet these incredible personalities in Advertising, Entertainment, Media and Production. Women like Erica Duffy are making “Herstory.” Erica Duffy is the sole owner of Camera Ambassador, the … Continue reading “Reel Women: Erica Duffy sole owner of Camera Ambassador”

Erica Duffy, Julio Desir, Adam Rudder team up on TV Pilot “The Donut Boyz”

The Donut Boyz, originally a hip-hop group, have been fusing comedy, rap, and snack foods into their musical stylings since 2006. Now Erica Duffy, Julio Desir, and Adam Rudder are aiming to bring that energy to your TV screens in the form of a half-hour scripted comedy series centering on the joy of Black male … Continue reading “Erica Duffy, Julio Desir, Adam Rudder team up on TV Pilot “The Donut Boyz””

Erica Duffy describes her Midwest Film Fest vision

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 by … Continue reading “Erica Duffy describes her Midwest Film Fest vision”

Erica Duffy is MIFF’s new executive director

The Midwest Independent Film Festival, which has been in somewhat of an identity makeover since Mike McNamara stepped down from the role of executive director in 2017, is placing its bets on Camera Ambassador’s managing partner Erica Duffy to right the ship. The nonprofit organization has been a staple of Chicago’s independent film community since … Continue reading “Erica Duffy is MIFF’s new executive director”

MFF launches 2020 season under new director Duffy

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 hosts … Continue reading “MFF launches 2020 season under new director Duffy”

Matt Carroll joins Camera Ambassador as the new Operations Manager

Director of photography / camera operator, Matt Carroll becomes the new Operations Manager at Camera Ambassador. Matt assists Lead Technician Eric Silver in preparing and maintaining film equipment. He oversees marketing decisions and works closely with Content Director Connor Smith in campaigns such as the Camera Ambassador Community Builders Grant Pitch Party in May. Most importantly, he ensures efficiency with organizational … Continue reading “Matt Carroll joins Camera Ambassador as the new Operations Manager”

Camera Ambassador announces Community Builders Grant 2022 winner

Following another competitive season, the Community Builders Grant, in association with Camera Ambassador, has announced its annual film winner naming Video Funeral as its 2022 award recipient. This year the annual short-form film fund and production resources grant organization’s endowment was sponsored by Camera Ambassador. The equipment rental house is one of only three nationwide … Continue reading “Camera Ambassador announces Community Builders Grant 2022 winner”

Midwest Film Festival hosts the Midwest Premiere of Code of the Freaks

Midwest Film Festival‘s (MFF) June First Tuesdays event will feature Salome Chasnoff‘s Code of the Freaks. This documentary challenges the realism of Hollywood’s portrayals of disabled people throughout decades of western filmmaking. On June 7th we hope you will join us for an important conversation and examination. The feature film will be accompanied by the … Continue reading “Midwest Film Festival hosts the Midwest Premiere of Code of the Freaks”

Finalists pitch their films for 2022 Community Builders Grant

Come celebrate the Finalists for the 2022 Community Builders Grant in STYLE, as they pitch their projects for the final stage of the grant! Get ready to PARTY! 🥳🎉 Finalists will pitch their films for a chance to win the Community Builders Grant. Prizes include $5,000 in gear credit and $5,000 cash. Join us to … Continue reading “Finalists pitch their films for 2022 Community Builders Grant”

Midwest Film Festival presents Alternative Takes for May’s First Tuesdays

The Midwest Film Festival (MFF) presents Alternative Takes for May’s upcoming First Tuesdays event. This collection of nine short films offer distinct atmospheres, each with their own unique point of view. The selection features a range of dark humor, heartfelt expressions, and a mix of experiences for the senses. May 3rd will be a one-of-a-kind … Continue reading “Midwest Film Festival presents Alternative Takes for May’s First Tuesdays”

Film Office Director brutally attacked in carjacking

Kwame Amoaku, the beloved Director of the Chicago Film Office, was brutally attacked in the early hours of Thursday morning. He posted on his Facebook page that he is currently recovering in ICU. “This a.m. I was attacked beaten and my car stolen by three kids. Thanks to all who have reached out. I’m in … Continue reading “Film Office Director brutally attacked in carjacking”

Midwest Film Festival presents Relative a film by Michael Glover Smith

The Midwest Film Festival (MFF) presents its second entry of their 2022 season. On Tuesday, April 5, at 7 pm, MFF will host an hour-long networking soiree before featuring the Midwest premiere of Michael Glover Smith’s feature-length film: Relative at 8 pm at the Gene Siskel Film Center. This screening will be followed by a … Continue reading “Midwest Film Festival presents Relative a film by Michael Glover Smith”

Camera Ambassador presents 2022 Community Builders Grant

Calling all Midwest filmmakers! Apply by March 31st at 11:59 pm for the 2022 Community Builders Grant. The Community Builders Grant is the annual short-form film fund and production resources grant sponsored by Camera Ambassador. The mission is to help build bridges between Midwest filmmakers and the community while elevating their production by arming them … Continue reading “Camera Ambassador presents 2022 Community Builders Grant”

Midwest Film Festival presents The Best of The Midwest Awards

Midwest Film Festival presents their annual awards gala – Best of the Midwest Awards (BMAs) on Tuesday, February 1st at CineCity Chicago. Starting at 7:00pm, guests are invited to enjoy networking, an open bar, groovy DJ tunes, and lite bites.  8:00pm begins the exciting awards ceremony that includes clips from each nominated film, special guests from the community … Continue reading “Midwest Film Festival presents The Best of The Midwest Awards”

Gene Siskel Center and Midwest Film Festival partner on MFF 2021 season

The Gene Siskel Film Center will partner with the Midwest Film Festival (MFF) as the host venue for the MFF 2021 film lineup. The partnership, which was set to roll out in early 2020 but delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, will kick off Saturday, October 2, at 6pm, with a celebratory event and screening ofthe … Continue reading “Gene Siskel Center and Midwest Film Festival partner on MFF 2021 season”

Chicago filmmaker releases feature length sci-fi adventure

From Gravitas Ventures, Cinestone’s newest feature film, Exodus, is in the realm of sci-fi adventure with hints of thriller elements and post-apocalyptic themes. Throughout the film we follow Connor (Jimi Stanton), an enforcer in a small town several years after the rapture. When he discovers a VHS tape painting the image of a door to … Continue reading “Chicago filmmaker releases feature length sci-fi adventure”

Camera Ambassador Grant winner Raju faces challenges

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 ecstatic … Continue reading “Camera Ambassador Grant winner Raju faces challenges”

Midwest Film Fest announces drive-in events

The Midwest Film Festival is delighted to announce three upcoming events to round out the 2020 season, all taking place at Chi-Town Movies Drive-In, located in Pilsen. Based on the sold-out success last month of Female Filmmakers Shorts Night, Erica Duffy, Executive Director, and the MFF Board, want to charge ahead with screenings, to fulfill … Continue reading “Midwest Film Fest announces drive-in events”

Film 765 announces Film Race-Home Edition winner

Film 765 has announced the winner of The Film Race – Home Edition which set out to allow Chicago filmmakers the opportunity to tell their stories amid the COVID 19 pandemic. “We are thrilled to announce that Sasha Kuznetsov has taken first place with his short film Fly High.”, said Joe Buser, CEO and Founder … Continue reading “Film 765 announces Film Race-Home Edition winner”

Midwest Film Festival resumes with a night at the drive-in

Come and enjoy an amazing line-up for Female Filmmaker Night. The ChiTown Drive-in opens at 7:00pm and the screening begins at 8:15pm, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers. In partnership with Chi Town Movies and The Gene Siskel Film Center, the Midwest Film Festival announces that they are resuming their 2020 season programming with … Continue reading “Midwest Film Festival resumes with a night at the drive-in”

MFF offers free online Comedy Shorts Program

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 goal … Continue reading “MFF offers free online Comedy Shorts Program”

Camera Ambassador, 2112 launch partnership

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 their … Continue reading “Camera Ambassador, 2112 launch partnership”

Camera Ambassador announces Builders Grant

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 artists.” … Continue reading “Camera Ambassador announces Builders Grant”

Camera Ambassador expands with a pair of grip trucks

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 founders … Continue reading “Camera Ambassador expands with a pair of grip trucks”

MIFF presents first-ever juried Female Filmmaker Night

“When we’re talking about issues of gender equality and representation, I think it’s an everybody problem.” Executive Director, Amy Guth For the first time in its history, the Midwest Independent Film Festival will screen a juried selection of work during the annual Female Filmmakers Night celebration, which takes place Tuesday August 7th at Landmark Century … Continue reading “MIFF presents first-ever juried Female Filmmaker Night”

Where in the world is Bill Murray?

For the past few months our beloved Second City alum Bill Murray has been all over, making news and finding himself trending on social media. From Charleston, South Carolina to New York, to Monterey County, California, his heartwarming hijinks are entertaining fans.  Charleston, South Carolina Although Bill Murray was born and raised in Wilmette, Illinois, … Continue reading “Where in the world is Bill Murray?”

Camera Ambassador set to reopen May 1st

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 of … Continue reading “Camera Ambassador set to reopen May 1st”

Talus Films presents ‘12X12 Showcase’ at Cultural Center

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 of … Continue reading “Talus Films presents ‘12X12 Showcase’ at Cultural Center”

YMCA dives back into the community with new campaign from Droga5

I love the Y. When I used to live in Barrington IL, most mornings — except the god-awful ones that started at 80 below — began with a 5:30 AM trip to the YMCA, which was right down the street from my house. My daughter Max, was on the Y’s gymnastics team all through elementary … Continue reading “YMCA dives back into the community with new campaign from Droga5”

Delicious art and craft in C-K’s Panera Bread spot

It’s taken what seemed like an eternity  — well, close to it — for Cramer-Krasselt/Chicago to debut its first ad campaign for new client St. Louis-based Panera Bread.

This is one of those joyous occasions, however, when it pleases us to say the result was well worth the wait.

And now that the campaign has launched (as of Monday), it’s rather easy to see why we had to wait so long.