Gov. Quinn invited to speak to L.A. show execs Aug. 1

IPA president Jeff Crabtree

AFTER A TOO LENGTHY PERIOD of promotional inactivity, Chicago/Illinois’ film interests will finally make a formal appearance in Hollywood Aug. 1.  Gov. Pat Quinn has been invited to speak and if he accepts it will be the first time he has appeared before film interests in L.A since taking office three years ago.

Illinois will host the TV Production Executives Dinner, which is held a couple of times a year for top executives from networks and the studios that produce TV shows.  Different entities sponsor the dinner and this summer the honor goes to Illinois.

The heretofore low-key Illinois Production Alliance, in conjunction with the Illinois Film Office, is hosting, funding and organizing the event, according to IPA president Jeff Crabtree, political director of the Teamsters Joint Council 25. 

Gov. Quinn, IPA members and industry leaders will talk about Illinois film incentives, infrastructure and our many location advantages.  “The event is a great way for the IPA to get involved.  Outreach is what we are supposed to be doing,” Crabtree says.

Hopefully, the presentation will be accompanied by some dynamite visuals for those who only know Chicago as part of the Flyover Zone.

Two IPA members who have signed up to represent film interests are Chicago Studio City, where “Mob Doctor” is headquartering and shooting, and Cinespace, studio for “Boss,” “Underemployed” and soon-to-start “Chicago Fire.”

Flashback. Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich, who aspired to be a movie star, was an embarrassment to the state during the one such L.A. event he was supposed to headline.  His appearance had been organized by then-IFO director Brenda Sexton, through Paramount head Sherry Lansing and feature producer Tom Rosenberg.  The high-powered guests were eating their dessert when the governor finally showed up. 

CHANGING TIMES.  Kate Soczka joins Resolution Digital Studios July 9 as senior creative producer.  Previously, she had been a producer at Mode Project and associate producer at Draftfcb.  He is also a voiceover client of Naked Voices.

Optimus/Santa Monica promoted former associate editor Nathan Cali to editor.  He’s edited spots for U.S. Bank, Jewel-Osco, Taco Bell and Capital One.  Earlier he was with Union Editorial and studies at the Los Angeles Film School.

TWO JOE SWANBERG INDIE FILMS will be co-presented by Chicago Filmmakers and at Chicago Filmmakers July 5 and Gorilla Tango’s recently purchased Skokie Theatre July 6. 

Swanberg’s premieres are “Marriage Material,” about a young couple (Kentucker Audley and Caroline White) who baby sit for friends and begin to reckon with their future together.  In “Caitlin Plays Herself,” a young actress (Caitlin Stainken) struggles to break out of a chronically stalled relationship with her boyfriend (Joe Swanberg). 

Chicago Filmmakers, is at 5243 N. Clark, 8 p.m., admission $8; Gorilla Tango Skokie Theatre, 7924 N. Lincoln, 7 p.m. admission, $10.

Enjoy the Fourth of July and remember on the 5th to send the Reel news of your recent activities.   Send to Ruth@reelchicago.com.