SMASHING PUMPKINS’FRONTMAN Billy Corgan will become the star of a reality TV series – not about music as one would expect, but wrestling. Corgan is the creative director of Lockport-based Resistance Pro Wrestling League and the show will be about his involvement in the league.
AMC greenlit the series of 10 hourlong episodes being produced by Left/Right, producers of the reality series, “Mob Wives,” which filmed here last year at Chicago Studio City. The expectation is the series will be shot in the Chicago area.
The show will focus on Corgan at work as he create storylines, choreograph fights and manages intense post-match locker room arguments and also reveal that the most dramatic stories often take place outside of the ring.
Corgan, who is a co-founder of Resistance Pro, with brothers Jacques and Gabe Baron, is the series executive producer along with Left/Right’s Ken Druckerman, Banks Tarver and Glen Maynard.
No premiere date announced yet.
AT CANNES TODAY, director Steve James’ feature biodoc of Roger Ebert, “Life Itself,” screens as an official festival selection in the Classics program. Also attending the festival with James are executive producer Chaz Ebert and producer Zak Piper.
Starting July 4, “Life Itself” will be in US theaters and on Video on Demand.
MEET THE DRAGON TODAY. Daufenbach Camera is introducing the new 6K RED Dragon camera at 320 N. Damen at two sessions, 2-4 p.m. and 5-8 p.m.
“MINI ABE” IS ON THE GO AGAIN, in the third Illinois Tourism spot from JWT, called “Be More Nom-Nom-Mmm,” and produced by Odd Machine. Here a miniature version of Abe Lincoln munches his way around the state eating at the state’s most popular places to show viewers the culinary experiences they can enjoy here..
JWT’s creative/production team was ECD Dan Bruce, CD/writer Gary Korrub, CD/ADs Jim Furrh and Terra Hambly, EP Alec Pinkston and producer Carolyn James. Odd Machine’s Seth Henrickson was director/DP; Steve Morrison edited; sound design by Eric Cauwels, CRC.
WHO’S NEW. Former Draftfcb VP/EP Nathalynne McGinnis is now senior business manager at Energy BBDO,following a two year stint as senior producer at Burrell … Periscope Post & Audio at Cinespace hired Adam Slutsky as editor/colorist … Award-winning Todd Beyer is freelancing as a senior video director at Leo Burnett,from six years at Fader King Studios as editor, audio engineer and designer.
Big Deahl Productions signed Brando Pico of HAPA for East Coast representation, selling powerhouse tabletop directors David Deahl and Todd Klein … KK & Joanna is repping Santa Monica-based BLIND design and animation house for Midwest sales. First project out the gate was a Sears spot for mcgarrybowen. Company principals are Kristina “KK” Kovacevic and Joanna Miller.
MUY BUENO! Onda, Comma/Particle’s Hispanic music division, won the top award in the Film Campaign category, from USH Idea Awards in Miami, for the Latino Film Festival’s campaign of three spots, via Lapiz, Leo Burnett’s Latino division.
Onda executive producer is Luz Agudelo and Steve Aguila the engineer and sound designer.
In three short years, says Comma co-founder Larry Pecorella, “Onda has gone from an idea to a major player in the Hispanic world of advertising—and we couldn’t be prouder.”
EVENTFUL. Director Dave Grohl’s (Nirvana) acclaimed doc, “Sound City,” about America’s greatest unsung recording studio for such seminal bands as Fleetwood Mac, Neil Young, Rick Springfield, et al screens 5/20 at City Winery.
