Call the Chicago Cine Tech Expo a labor of love for expo producers Helena and Man Sung Son.
Their goal for the Sept. 27-29 showcase is not profit (“we only want to cover expenses,” says Helena), but rather to help promote the city’s talent and resources and introduce filmmakers to new technology and ideas.
Columbia College’s expanded and remodeled eighth floor is the Expo venue, larger and more convenient that last year’s test run at North Park College.
Moreover, the Expo gives camera guru and film producer Man Sung?owner with wife Helena of SMS equipment rental and sales?a wider base in which to provide continuing technology education to younger filmmakers, something he loves and has been doing for years.
Two realty TV show experts topline a behind-the-scenes seminar on this ubiquitous program genre. Midwest native and L.A.-based TV reality show director Rich Kim (“America’s Next Top Model,” “A Simple Life”) is back for an encore presentation. His latest reality show, “Fat March,” will bow on prime time on ABC in the fall.
Kim is paired with dynamo TV news producers Julie Laughlin, who’s overseen numerous hit shows in the alternative genre, including ABC’s “Extreme Makeover.” She also was an executive producer for CNN and the BBC and ran Dubai TV’s news bureau.
Leading the tech workshops is Emmy-winning and veteran lighting director Frank Partipilo, a Ch. 5 camera operator and lighting designer.
