AFTER 14 YEARS IN LA, talent agent Emily Rabinowitz of RTA has returned to the area and set up shop representing a roster of 75 exclusive actors, from juniors to seniors.
“I’m purposefully keeping it small so that I can take on the role of manager and help talent so they feel confident walking into an audition,” she says. “It’s my goal to play big Lotto tickets rather than Scratchers to make all of our work worthwhile.”
In LA, Rabinowitz started her career at Wm. Morris as an executive assistant, moved on to associate to the senior VP of Paramount Television Casting and was a commercial agent at Innovative Artists.
One of her clients is actor Michael Ward, who appears in “Carol,” starring Oscar nominee Rooney Mara and Cate Blanchett. He appears as the “Shipping Clerk” in scenes with Mara.
Reach Rabinowitz by email Emily@rtalentagency.com. Her office is in Glencoe, 378 Park Ave., around the corner from the new Writers Theatre.
DIRECTOR ANDY DAVIS congratulated Rich Moskal on his 20th anniversary as Chicago Film Office director by sending this page of stills taken when Moskal was locations managers on Davis’ 1993 feature, “The Fugitive,” that filmed in Chicago. Moskal spent four months scouting for exactly the right stretch of scenery geography for the opening train wreck scene, in which Harrison Ford, who had been unjustly accused of murdering his wife, escapes and becomes the target of a nationwide manhunt.
NEW COMPANY ARCALEA, has been started by Mike Stratta, focusing on search and content marketing to serve mid-sized and start up companies.
Stratta was a co-founder of LimeGreen Morach who sold his interest in the company to Dallas-based Moroch Holdings last August.
“SOUTHSIDE WITH YOU,” the feature filmed about the first date of Harvard Law summer associate Barack Obama and his boss Michelle Robinson at the law firm, was acquired by Miramax for North American.
Michelle and Barack are portrayed by Tika Sumpter and Parker Sawyers, respectively. Richard Tanne wrote and directed, marking his feature debut. They produced with Chicago native Robert Teitel. Roadside Pictures will distribute.
“FIX WTTW” an organization comprised of concerned TV professionals who have been trying to persuade management of the 60 year old PBS station to change with the times. Perhaps if management had taken to heart some of “Fix WTTW’s” suggestions it might not be in the current financial pickle that has is said to have caused a career end for a third station executive.
D.B. McAleer, SVP/community partnerships was forced out last week after 36 years with the station, including long tenure as SVP/production overseeing such shows as “Chicago tonight” and “Check Please,” Rob Feder reported.
Budgetary reasons also were cited for the recent abrupt dismissals of Parke Richeson, SVP/WTTW National Productions and Mark Jahnke as VP/chief technology officer.
ARTISTS WHO LOVE MOVIES can win a $2,500 cash prize by entering the Chicago International Film Festival’s 2nd annual poster design competition, based on the tagline, “Because Everybody Loves Movies.” Deadline is April 1 and entry details can be found here.
REEL DETROIT: DigitasLBi Detroit’s 50 staff helped Flint with its clear water solutions Friday, Feb. 12 by partnering with the Flint Red Cross to deliver water, filters, replacement cartridges, testing kits and other supplies to Flint residents.
The generous DigitasLBi Detroit office is also giving $2,000 to the United Way of Genesee County, which goes directly to the Flint recovery efforts.
LOTS OF ACTION out there and we hope you’ll share yours with ReelChicago’s expanding readership. Call 312/274-9980 or email ruth@reelchicago.com with your news.
