Reel Chicago Archives · Reel Chicago News

REEL MOVES

Richard Roeper joins NBC 5 News as Entertainment & Culture Contributor

By Reel Chicago Apr 10, 2026

NBC 5 Chicago has announced two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, veteran film/media critic and popular local/national media personality Richard Roeper will join the NBC 5...

FESTIVALS

Cinema Femme Short Film Festival opens submissions, names new Director

By Reel Chicago Apr 10, 2026

The Cinema Femme Short Film Festival is set to return for its eighth edition this fall, with organizers announcing that submissions for the 2026 festival open April 10. The ...

CREATIVE

Mars turns overthinking into ’80s power ballad

By Reel Chicago Apr 6, 2026

Mars is tapping into meme culture and borrowing nostalgia to reframe gum as a mental reset. Developed by BBDO Chicago, the latest work for OEFY, Mars Snacking’s gum portfolio...

CREATIVE

Instacart turns everyday grocery choices into musical moments

By Reel Chicago Apr 6, 2026

Instacart is leaning further into personalization with a new campaign that transforms everyday shopping decisions into full-blown musical fantasies. Created by BBDO Chicago ...

Reel Ad of the Week

Tessa Films director Melissa Silverman brings humor to Living Kidney Donation Campaign

By Reel Chicago Apr 6, 2026

Storytelling can do a lot. In this case, it might help save lives. In recognition of Donate Life Month, the National Kidney Foundation has partnered with Tessa Films and direct...

APRIL FOOLS' DAY

Old National Bank “hacks” the Kennedy in April Fools stunt

By Reel Chicago Apr 1, 2026

Chicago commuters got a quick jolt of panic, and then a laugh, during their morning drive. In its latest execution, Schafer Condon Carter and Old National Bank turned their now...

REEL INTERVIEWS

For C-K’s CEO, Peter Krivkovich, strategy is still the game

By Amy Pais-Richer Apr 1, 2026

On the surface, it may seem that the board game Risk and advertising have little in common. One is played across a cardboard map of continents and armies. The other unfolds acr...

SPORTS

White Sox 2026 Campaign leans into South Side grit

By Reel Chicago Mar 31, 2026

The Chicago White Sox came into 2026 with a clear message: this is a team built on South Side toughness, resilience, and momentum. The campaign, centered around bringing “...

REEL MOVES

SCC taps AI leader Jim Lecinski as Senior Advisor

By Reel Chicago Mar 28, 2026

Schafer Condon Carter (SCC) is doubling down on artificial intelligence, bringing in acclaimed marketing expert Jim Lecinski as a Senior Advisor to help accelerate its AI capab...

MUSIC

From jingles to hot tracks: Mali Wilson returns home following debut album drop

By Reel Chicago Mar 28, 2026

Chicago's own Mali Wilson is having a full-circle moment. Fresh off the release of her debut album Retro in Real Time: Where Love Feels Safe, Wilson returns to the city that he...

PRODUCTION CENTRAL

Production spending hits record high as Chicago stays busy

By Reel Chicago Mar 20, 2026

Well, we knew this already, but now it's been confirmed, Illinois is quietly becoming one of the more reliable production hubs in the country and the numbers back it up. Fil...

AWARDS

Amy Madigan reflects on Oscar win for Weapons

By Reel Chicago Mar 16, 2026

Fresh off winning Best Supporting Actress at the 2026 Academy Awards, Amy Madigan spoke with reporters about the character that earned her the honor, the growing recognition of...

AWARDS

Chicago’s Mike McNamara shares in Oscar win for The Singers

By Reel Chicago Mar 16, 2026

Chicago’s film community had reason to celebrate at the 98th Academy Awards when The Singers, co-produced by Chicago- and Los Angeles-based actor and producer Mike McNamara, ...

AWARDS

Chicago’s Amy Madigan wins first Oscar 40 years after first nom

By Reel Chicago Mar 16, 2026

Veteran actress Amy Madigan earned her first Academy Award on Sunday night, winning Best Supporting Actress for her performance in Weapons at the 98th Academy Awards. The wi...

FILM

Illinois shot ‘Chili Finger’ debuts at SXSW

By Reel Chicago Mar 14, 2026

The Illinois-produced dark comedy Chili Finger made its debut at SXSW, bringing its offbeat crime caper while spotlighting a standout lead performance from Judy Greer, alongsid...

CREATIVE

Old National Bank extends ‘Get Old’ campaign

By Reel Chicago Mar 14, 2026

Old National Bank continues to lean into its distinctive “Get Old” brand platform with a new round of advertising that playfully challenges perceptions of what it means t...

CREATIVE

Prevent Blindness launches “Best Eyes for Life” campaign

By Reel Chicago Mar 14, 2026

Prevent Blindness, the nation’s leading patient advocacy organization dedicated to protecting and preserving eye health, has launched a new national multimedia campaign title...

ONE CHICAGO

One Chicago Crossover roars to season highs

By Reel Chicago Mar 11, 2026

Chicago showed up for Chicago. NBC’s latest One Chicago crossover delivered season highs for all three dramas on March 4, with Med pulling 6.39 million viewers, Fire drawi...

CREATIVE

Kerrygold taps BBDO for global St. Patrick’s Day campaign

By Reel Chicago Mar 11, 2026

Kerrygold is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a new global campaign from BBDO Chicago that aims to bring audiences closer to authentic Irish food and tradition. Titled M...

REEL MOVES

Laughlin Constable hires Tim Hogan to lead connected experiences

By Reel Chicago Mar 10, 2026

Laughlin Constable has named Tim Hogan EVP, Head of Connected Experiences, a new role overseeing the agency’s Experience Strategy & Design, Content Strategy and Technolog...