GIVEN THE TREMENDOUS SUCCESS of HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire,” it comes as no surprise that the Chicago equivalent of the Prohibition era is being adapted as a TV series.
Actor Joe Sikora (Hans Schroeder on “Boardwalk Empire”) and writer/director Phil Donlon, both Chicago natives, are developing a series called “Lords of the Levee,” based on books by Lloyd Wendt and Herman Kogan’s depiction of two of Chicago’s most notorious and colorful politicians.
“Bathhouse” John Coughlin and Michael “Hinky Dink” Kenna created and ruled a First Ward political machine, not unlike Nucky Thompson’s, based on graft and protection money from the brothels, saloons and gambling halls in the Levee, just south of the Loop.
As members of the City Council, they controlled the First Ward for 40 years, including the Prohibition Era, and rubbed elbows with many of the same Chicago gangsters (Big Jim Colosimo, Johnny Torrio and Alphonse Capone) portrayed in “Boardwalk Empire.”
Author/screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi (executive producer “American Gangster,” writer, “Goodfellas”) is writing the series with the creators. DeNiro’s Tribeca Enterprises is supposed to shoot in Chicago in mid-2011, reports the MWFF’s Mike McNamera.
Aside: Tribune writer Rick Kogan is the son of Herman Kogan.
“WIFC SHOW AND TELL NIGHT” is a networking event displaying the short filmmaking skills of Women in Film members. It will held in late February at a time and place to be announced.
“Show and Tell” is the brainchild of board members Kelly Weber and WIF networking chair Marcy , “to give the members a chance to show off their talents,” says.
“It’s not a competition, there are no prizes, just films up to 10 minutes about what the members are doing in front or behind the camera,” she adds.
All types of content are eligible for submission. Finalists submit in hi-res QT film, DVD or mini-DVD for the “Show and Tell Reel.” Deadline is Dec. 31. For entry rules see
