For Chicago’s burgeoning community of active and creative independent filmmakers, 2005 was a very good year. The number of films?feature, short, doc, animation, experimental?enlarged, along with some decent distribution deals and growing respect for the auteur.
An estimated 40 indie films were produced over the course of the year, and at least 100 shorts and documentaries were reported here in 2005.
Every genre was represented. There were plenty of dramas, comedies, mysteries, thrillers, sci-fi, historical adventure and experimental, but some inexplicable for reason, only one romance.
Production expenditures of at least $8.5 million were estimated by the Chicago Film Office. Since the IFO only tracks films that obtain permits to shoot on city property, another estimated $4 million might have eluded their records.
The more than 20 indies that debuted this year reflected a slight increase over local features released last year. But only Bob Shallcross’ family comedy, “Uncle Nino,” was a national theatrical release.
At least 10 features had bona fide commercial DVD releases, half of them horror pictures.
While most of the local productions were the under-$100,000 DV variety, there were some notable exceptions.
They included the John Malkovich starrer “Drunkboat;” Bob Odenkirk’s “You Are Going to Prison!,” Patrick Read Johnson’s “Star Wars” nostalgia trip “5-25-77;” Paul Kampf’s drama “American Gothic”; Robin Peters’ HD “Angst;” William Pierce’s comedy sequel “My Phamily BBQ, Too,” and Paul Leuer’s comedy “Eden Court.”
Listed here are the locally-made features that shot or premiered in 2005, more or less in chronological order beginning last January.
“Relative Evil:” Tanya Wexler’s rehab drama (formerly “Ball in the House,”) was released on DVD in January by Screen Media Ventures. Starring Jonathan Tucker, Jennifer Tilly and David Strathairn. Redeemable Features. www.redeemable.com
“Uncle Nino:” Robert Shallcross’ $3 million Italian-American family drama was released theatrically in February by Lange Releasing. Starring Joe Mantegna, Anne Archer and Pierrino Mascarino. Kick the Can Productions. www.uncleninothemovie.com
“The Fourth Beast:” Nathyn Masters’ apocalyptic thriller was released on DVD Feb. 15 by York Entertainment. Starring Jon Ross, Katie Getty, Jason Walsh and Glenn Dhont. Timecode Mechanics. www.the4thbeast.com
“The Evil One:” Parris Reaves’ six-figure budgeted, Super 16mm serial killer horror pic was released Feb. 15 by Breakaway Films. Starring Candace Carrey, Shawna, Big Gipp, and Eric Lane. Maverick Entertainment. hawkfilmz@aol.com.
“The Door:” Bruce Wood’s supernatural mystery shot in February-March premiered here in a preview screening Sept. 26. Starring Bill Ferris, Katherine Wray, Karla Magnan and Ryan Martin. www.dreamfastcinema.com
