Independent Production Roundup

A FIRST FILM by screenwriter/journalist Ytasha Womack, the feature-length “Love Shorts” screens Feb. 15 in the Patchwerx Film & Video Series. Womack co-produced with Jumaane N’Namdi, owner of G.R. N’Namdi Gallery. Jonothon Woods, CEO of A’se Creative Group production company, directed. The monthly series is held at the HotHouse, 31 E. Balbo, 7 p.m., $2 suggested donation. See www.hothouse.net.

KIT WOODS of SAG will host a workshop on the union’s range of contracts for low budget film productions at the IFP/Chicago meeting Wednesday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the IFP office, Columbia College, 1104 S. Wabash, Room 317. RSVP to chicago@ifp.org.

Stacie E. Hawkins’ “Like a Woman Should”

STACIE E. HAWKINS of Lavender House Films is in development on her debut feature “The Rise and Fall of Miss Thang,” aiming for a 35mm shoot this summer. “Miss Thang” is a coming-of-age drama about a party girl who rediscovers her tap-dancing roots as she contends with her mother’s gambling problem.

Hawkins’ 14-minute 16mm short “Like a Woman Should” has screened extensively on the fest circuit, including Black Harvest, Hollywood Black Film Festival, Black International Cinema in Berlin, Denver Pan African Film Festival, and New York African Diaspora Film Festival. “Like a Woman Should” screens March 18-20 at the DGA’s Reel Women International Film Festival in Los Angeles. See www.lavenderhousefilms.com.

KEVIN LOUGHNANE is in post-production on his debut feature, the mockumentary “TK 2000.” Nephew of founding Chicago band member Lee Loughnane, Kevin was a professional wrestler until being grounded by a neck injury in 1997. Under the name Kevin Quinn, Loughnane is a producer of the U.S./Japanese wrestling TV series “NJPW-USA Toukon Fighting Spirit.” Reach him at quinn805@earthlink.net.

BACK BURNER FILMS is in pre-production on “Say Hello To Clive For Me,” a comedy about five small time criminals who stumble into a major heist and wind up on the run from a crime family. See www.backburnerfilms.com.

PHIL DONLON’S short “A Series of Small Things,” shot by co-producer Jim Andre of Film Branch and edited by co-producer Steve Ordower of Rhythm & Light, is up for best 30-minute film and best in show awards at the Damah Film Festival in Hollywood March 11 and 12. See www.undertheinfluenceinc.com.

OPEN FLAME FILMS is seeking screenplay pitches for their “Matchbook Trilogy” project, which will tie together three intertwining stories. Pitch deadline March 15, script deadline June 30. See www.openflamefilms.com.

Indiefest Chicago director Lee Alan

INDIEFEST CHICAGO seeks entries for the third annual festival, screenwriting contest and sole Midwestern film market, to be held July 29-Aug. 7. Early entry deadline March 1, regular deadline April 1, late deadline May 1. Indiefest is run by Lee and Jennifer Alan of Cyclone Productions, the filmmakers behind the 2000-shot indie feature “Lizzie.” See www.indiefestchicago.com.

ROSANNE DiMESIO, who runs the Chicago Screenwriters Network, will teach four feature-length film lecture-workshops Saturdays at the Harold Washington Library Center. Classes limited to 12 students. March 5: The basics, character, structure; March 19 dramatic tension; April 2, dialog, exposition; April 16, the business. Cost, $135 early registration, $160 after Feb. 26. Register at www.screenwritingcoach.com, Email screenwritingcoach@earthlink.net.

Email info to edk@homesickblues.com.