V-Spann veterans channel has new office at Cinespace

The proposed V-SPANN cable channel has edged forward in its goal towards becoming the state’s first TV channel dedicated to the needs and stories of military veterans, by settling in at Cinespace Studios.

V-SPANN is the concept of Michael “Mick” Grady, founder and executive producer of the “Veterans Forum” cable access show, who has been concentrating on funding and personnel to get the veterans channel up and running on a regular, full-time, basis.

As part of that effort, V-SPANN has leased a 2,000-sq. ft. office in giant Cinespace’s main building on West 15th Place, and will be given access to a studio for production as needed, says studio manager Alex Pisseos.

At present, a small pro bono staff of professionals will be working on producing helpful video shows for two present outlets — V-Spann’s website, vspann.org, and its own V-SPANN YouTube channel — and networking with non-government veteran organizations.

Non-profit V-Spann’s ambitious goal is to become the national model for a centralized television and social media communications, sourcing and assistance network for veterans and their families, says Grady.

Lombard-based Illinois Center for Broadcast has been the studio for V-SPANN content and its students have interned on productions, says Ron Sales, a former music industry executive who serves as co-executive producer on the shows.

V-Spann is not a veterans organization, says Grady.  “It’s an informational clearing house and distribution center for all veterans’ organizations and government agencies which support veterans’ education, employment and services.

Grady can be reached at 773-370-6416.