Columbia Night and David Chase light up CIFF, Oct. 16

YOU NEVER KNOW who’s going to show up at the Chicago International Film Festival, which is part of the fun of attending.  On Friday night, actor Vince Vaughn showed up to support his sister Valeri Vaughn’s documentary, “Art of Conflict: The Murals of Northern Ireland,” which he narrates, that examines how street art tells the story of Northern Ireland’s history.   He also participated in a post-screening question-and-answer session.

Two big events at CIFF Tuesday, Oct. 16: Columbia Night at CIFF brings together “LaBamba” cast, Lou Diamond Phillips in the title role of Richie Valens, Esai Morales and Elizabeth Pena, in celebration of the film’s 25th anniversary.  Ch. 9’s Dean Richards moderates the evening starting at 5 p.m. at Lucky Strike Lanes.

At 7:30, “The Sopranos” creator David Chase introduces a special presentation of “Not Fade Away,” his feature  debut, and participate in a post-screening Q&A session. Both at AMC River East theatres.  21, 322 E. Illinois St.

NEW AT ESW PARTNERS/STORY LAB is SVP/general manager David Sollitt, who started his career in New York agencies, moving to FCB to work on  Coors, Cadbury Beverages, Citibank and Payless Shoes.  He later moved back to New York to run  major accounts at Y&R. ESW CEO and founder Jim Signorelli is the author of the book, “StoryBranding: Creating Standout Brands through the Power of Story,” built on the notion that a brand is a story to be told. 

SECOND TIME AROUND for two agency execs. Mick McCabe marks his second stint at Leo Burnett as the agency’s new chief strategy officer, having replaced Stephen Hahn-Griffiths, who left several months ago for a research company position in Boston.  McCabe rejoins from New York-based KBS+P, where he also held the chief strategy officer title.  Earlier, he spent four years as Burnett EVP/director of planning.

*O&M rehired Ian Sohn as EVP/director of emerging platforms and partnerships, returning after less than a year at Chicago’s Tap.Me as SVP/client strategy and marketing. Among his O&M responsibilities: implementing digital training programs for all employees on emerging trends, mentoring junior staff and raising the agency’s visibility. 

Earlier, Sohn had spent five years as Ogilvy’s SVP/group director, 360° Digital Influence. 

COME EARLY 2014, Draftfcb will move from its longtime home in its own building to five floors in the Hancock Building – making the agency the building’s biggest tenant.  Space is being designed by New York-based Larry Berger of TPG Architecture. 

Draft, still considered one of the largest global ad agency networks with headquarters here and in Manhattan, merged with fellow Interpublic Group division FCB in June, 2006 and the combined agency retained offices in the FCB building at Ontario and Rush Streets.

VETERAN VOICE MAESTRO NORM WOODEL, one of the industry’s most successful VO actors, hosts “Talkin’ for Bucks!” Saturday, Oct. 20, a voiceover adventure workshop for SAG AFTRA members.  Successful actors Donna Fulks and David Pasquesi and Stewart Talent VO agent Joan Sparks will share their insights. 

All proceeds from the all day, $100 workshop benefit the Kaufherr Members Resource Center, at 1 E. Erie.  RSVP to kathy.byrne@sagaftra.org.

THE ILLINOIS LOTTERY’S “Anything’s Possible” campaign, created by Downtown Partners, won a top award for a 30-second radio spot  from the Batchy Award, which exclusively recognizing the national Lottery industry’s creative advertising.