FORGET IMPORTANT SPEAKERS and breakthrough cable technology at The Cable Show Wednesday at McCormick Place. The exhibition floor, filled with about 500 booths, was jammed with a line around the block to meet Paris Hilton, who needs no introduction to tabloid readers. How interesting it would’ve been to hear what she had to say about working in cable — on that one show long ago gratefully long forgotten.
TODAY, OPRAH APPEARS AT THE CABLE SHOW, her first public appearance since her last daytime talk show in Chicago May 25, talking with Paula Zahn, of Discovery Investgations, about coming to cable, building the OWN brand and bringing new voices and storytelling to the network.
Other special Thursday guests are Dr. Jill Biden, wife of veep Joe Biden, speaking about Joining Forces, the White House initiative on America’s commitment to support military families, and Brian Roberts, chairman/CEO, Comcast, demonstrating the latest in cable technology.
THURSDAY’S EVENTS: A sneak preview of the newly (and finally) constructed building housing our Museum of Broadcast Communications, founded and directed by a very proud and relieved Bruce Dumont … Leviathan design production company celebrates its first anniversary with a catered block party/open house at 327 N. Aberdeen, with a beer tent and lots of live music performances.
THE CIVIL WAR 3D four-part series that Towers Productions started shooting June 1 for Discovery’s 3net channel, stars local actor Jacob Moore portraying Lt. Henry Ropes of the Massachusetts 20th Volunteer Infantry, the military unit the writers chose to represent the Union’s side of the conflict. Moore is represented by Big Mouth Talent and Litwin Management.
LOOK FOR SIENNA MILLER in Chicago for three weeks, when production of low-budget indie, Just Like a Woman, starts shooting around town June 20. Miller stars as a Chicago housewife who runs off in Las Vegas to compete in a belly dancing competition. Production company is The Bureau of London, producer/director is Rachid Bouchareb.
PHUNNY BUSINESS: A BLACK COMEDY, the feature-length doc about a former South Side comedy club, co-produced by former Ch. 11 producer/director John Davies and Filmworkers’ Reid Brody, will be theatrically previewed at a special screening at the 600 N. Michigan Ave. theatres Monday, June 20, followed by a gala reception at Hotel 71, hosted by Brenda Sexton’s Chicago Line Productions — so we know the event will be very special.
Phunny business also screens June 18 at the ongoing Twix Presents Just for Laughs Chicago, at the Gene Siskel Film Center.
SECOND ANNUAL KICK OFF THE SUMMER RIGHT BASH June 18 is a showcase of emerging comedy talent, including Kyle Avers, a Second City alum, Sarra Jahedi and Sherman Edwards, a Blackout Comedy member. Bring It On Home, a Led Zepellin cover band performing many of Led Zepellin’s greatest hits, follows and the evening ends with DJ Mirrorcle.
Says Justin Stillmaker of WatchVeTv, the Summer Bash’s host: “The whole purpose is to bring together local talents to show off what they can do … share in the experience and have some fun at the same time. Is there a better way to spend a Saturday night?”
The venue is the outdoor VE Clubhouse at 2844 N. Avers that the hosts promise will be prepared for any change in the weather. The Summer Bash starts with food and drinks at 7 p.m. and the first act goes on at 8 p.m. Recommended donation is $10.
