LOOKING GOOD. SPI-tv Media Group produced a 20-minute video for the Anti-Aging and Cosmetic Institute of Chicago that plays throughout its West Loop facility on video kiosks and monitors. The video budget was around $15,000 and took a little over two months to complete, said cameraman/editor Rogelio Gazga, partner with Jim Demas in SPI-tv.
Marty Peterson was the on-camera host. Andres Lombana handled the Steadi-Cam; graphics artist Ryan Duff created the 3D animation explaining certain surgical procedures from breast augmentation to chemical skin peels. SPI-tv is located at 3711 N. Ravenswood; phone, 773/525-5546.
SMS CELEBRATES 20TH ANNIVERSARY. Man-Sung Son’s SMS Productions is more than a place indie filmmakers head for their equipment. Over the last 20 years, Man-Sung has advised and educated them from the deep well of his experience. So it makes perfect sense that SMS’ anniversary celebration will include a demonstration of I-Cube’s output-to-film transfer of digital and Super 16 formats as part of the celebration. Also: SMS rolls back equipment rental prices for the rest of the year. Sept. 20 anniversary reception and seminar at 676 N. LaSalle, noon to 7 p.m.
ADDED IFO DUTIES. Joyce Davis, who joined the IFO in January as diversity officer after 20 years in various state government offices, was tapped as the film office’s commercial liaison. She fills a post vacant since IFO veteran Sharon Lawson retired last December. Davis previously worked in the offices of state comptroller Dan Hynes and House speaker Michael Madigan.
TERKEL SPECIAL. Filmmaker Jackie Rivet-River’s half-hour special that pays tribute to Studs Terkel will air on ABC’s “Sanctuary” Sept. 26. Producers are Rivet-Rivers’ non-profit Peace Productions and Lydia Talbot of the Greater Chicago Broadcast Ministries.
“WICKER PARK” NOT REALLY. Lakeshore Productions’ internationally-flavored “Wicker Park” opened in local theatres to lukewarm reviews. The movie is an adaptation of a French screenplay originally set in Paris, but relocated to Chicago. It was written by a Hollywood screenwriter, shot in Montreal with an American-Australian-German cast, stars Brit Josh Harnett and was directed by a Scot. The movie shot in the real Wicker Park for five days last spring.
MOVERS & SHAKERS. L.A.-based A Band Apart signed reps Mary Ida Bonadio and Donna Daguanno ? recently returned to Chicago from the East Coast ? for Midwest sales…. Tom, Dick & Harry Advertising added senior art director Candy Freund, from Arnold/St. Louis.
GEAR FOR SALE. Filmmaker Tom Trinley is selling a ton of equipment to raise money for the marketing phase ? nine months of festivals, screenings, media events ? of his highly acclaimed doc, “Monumental Myths.” For information, Email Trinley at trinpic@earthlink.com.
FEST HONORS FILM PIONEER. The Lake County Discovery Museum will host the first Amet Film Festival in early 2005. It’s named in honor of Waukegan native Edward Amet who invented the first practical 35mm film projector. Fest events include a Museum kickoff party honoring a lifetime achievement award. filmmaking panels and screenings and an awards ceremony. Deadline for entries is Dec. 1. See www.ametfest.org or call Joan Hammel at 847/ 223-0093.
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