Reel Chicago Archives · Reel Chicago News

CASTING

Chicago Fire seeks specialty extras for November 18 photo shoot

By Reel Chicago Nov 13, 2025

As Chicago Fire continues filming Season 14 throughout the city, the show’s extras casting team is preparing for an upcoming episode, with a casting call looking for real sib...

PRODUCTION CENTRAL

New details emerge about the SB 1911 tax incentives

By Reel Chicago Nov 6, 2025

In a significant win for the state’s film and television community, the Illinois General Assembly passed a sweeping expansion of the Illinois Film Production Services Tax Inc...

FILM

Home Alone director set to helm Gremlins 3

By Reel Chicago Nov 6, 2025

Warner Bros. is officially bringing the Gremlins franchise back to the big screen, and this time, the mischievous Mogwai are in the hands of some very capable (and slightly cha...

ACCOUNT WINS

Quality Meats gets Manscaped

By Reel Chicago Nov 6, 2025

Independent agency Quality Meats is headed back to the Big Game. After making its Super Bowl debut earlier this year with GoDaddy, a campaign that went on to win the Creative B...

NEW WORK

Chew 5 Gum turns TikTok fan reactions into animation

By Reel Chicago Nov 5, 2025

Mars Wrigley and Energy BBDO are bringing a new kind of sensory overload to social media, and they’re letting TikTok fans lead the charge. The latest chapter in the brand�...

HOLIDAY SPIRIT

Macaulay Culkin reprises Kevin McCallister for Home Instead

By Reel Chicago Nov 5, 2025

Just in time for the 35th anniversary of Home Alone, Home Instead and FCB Chicago have teamed up to bring audiences back to the McCallister household, with a touching twist the...

CHICAGO MADE

Chicago History Museum screens WTTW’s Candy Capital

By Reel Chicago Nov 5, 2025

Chicago has always had a taste for history, and this week, it’s serving up something delicious. The Chicago History Museum will host a special screening of Candy Capital, a W...

NEW WORK

Tillamook ends the Great Grilled Cheese Debate

By Reel Chicago Nov 4, 2025

After years of internet arguments over whether butter or mayonnaise makes the best grilled cheese, Tillamook has finally settled the debate. Partnering with Leo Chicago and All...

NEW WORK

Citi x American Airlines launch two travel campaigns

By Reel Chicago Nov 3, 2025

Citi has unveiled two new campaigns with long-time partner American Airlines, signaling the next phase in their deepened collaboration and marking Citi’s return to in-airport...

NEW WORK

Jimmy John’s x Demi Lovato make Pickle Season official

By Reel Chicago Nov 3, 2025

Taking the comeback to pop-culture levels, Champaign-based Jimmy John’s has teamed up with Demi Lovato, a self-proclaimed pickle lover who famously named her dog “Pickles,"...

REEL MOVES

BarkleyOKRP names Brad Jones CCO

By Reel Chicago Nov 3, 2025

BarkleyOKRP has appointed Brad Jones as its new Chief Creative Officer, a move that underscores the independent agency’s growing focus on creative-media integration and its e...

AWARDS

Post community turns out to celebrate Camp K Midwest winners

By Reel Chicago Nov 1, 2025

The lights were bright, the drinks were flowing, and creativity took center stage last Wednesday as AICP’s Camp Kuleshov Midwest region celebrated its 2025 winners at Chicago...

Reel Ad of the Week

ALDI USA x Brian Billow save holiday spirit in new creative

By Reel Chicago Oct 31, 2025

While most brands lean on sugar-coated sentiment this time of year, ALDI USA is taking a different approach by helping shoppers create big holiday moments without breaking the ...

HAlloween

Andy Warhol Museum introduces the Death Kit

By Reel Chicago Oct 30, 2025

Today is Halloween. Why wouldn't we end the day with a morbid AF story? The Andy Warhol Museum is inviting audiences to face the inevitable and have a little fun doing it. ...

NEW WORK

Messy characters marvel at the versatility of Viva

By Reel Chicago Oct 30, 2025

Viva Paper Towels is reintroducing itself with a new campaign that brings everyday messes to life — literally. Developed by FCB, the “Feel What Viva Cloth Can Do” campaig...

NEW WORK

Animals share wild thoughts about new 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee

By Reel Chicago Oct 30, 2025

Jeep is taking a walk —well, driving —on the wild side for its latest campaign. The legendary off-road brand has released “Wild Thoughts,” a social-first marketing push...

AWARDS

61st CIFF announces Audience Awards

By Reel Chicago Oct 28, 2025

The Chicago International Film Festival (CIFF) closed the 61st edition of North America’s longest-running competitive film festival on Sunday October 26, and announces the ...

CITY NEWS

Laugh Factory Chicago manager arrested by ICE

By Reel Chicago Oct 26, 2025

Laugh Factory Chicago night manager Nathan Griffin was arrested Friday morning outside the iconic comedy club by federal agents, sparking outrage and confusion across the local...

AICP/MIDWEST

Tickets and Sponsorships now open for the 2025 AICP Awards Tour in Chicago

By Reel Chicago Oct 23, 2025

The 2025 AICP Awards Tour is returning to Chicago, bringing together the city’s leading voices in production, post, and advertising to celebrate excellence in commercial film...

NEW WORK

Iliza Shlesinger gets dirty in Jeep Grand Wagoneer reveal

By Reel Chicago Oct 23, 2025

The Jeep brand is turning up the humor, and maybe a little blush, with a new social media reveal starring comedian Iliza Shlesinger for the 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. In the ...