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Reel Chicago is a daily digital magazine that covers the news in Chicago on all aspects of advertising, film, TV, media and production. The content is original, written by industry experts and contributing Op Eds
The 2022 Chicago Auto Show concluded its 10-day run at McCormick Place on Presidents Day. This month, eager attendees traveled to McCormick Place to get a look at the latest cars, trucks, SUVs and EVs, including a brand-new indoor electric vehicle test track which featured a variety of new models. Despite facing ongoing hurdles of … Continue reading “The Chicago Auto Show featured the debut of an array of vehicles”
What a week! Super Bowl, Auto Show, and Valentine’s Day. Can we get all this done? Automotive manufacturers, exhibitors and enthusiasts from all over the world are revving up for the 2022 Chicago Auto Show, running Feb. 12-21 at McCormick Place. The show is open each day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., except for the final day … Continue reading “Lots of vehicles making their debut this week at the Chicago Auto Show”
The Chicago Auto Show opened to the public today better than anticipated attendance. The long awaited 2021 Special Edition is taking place July 15-19 inside McCormick Place’s West Building and outdoors along Indiana Avenue. This marks the first time in history that the show, traditionally hosted in February, will be held in the summertime, taking advantage of … Continue reading “Chicago Auto Show has better than expected attendance”
Jeep 4×4 capability is legendary, and the brand continues its leadership position as the most capable 4×4 in the world. As the brand continues its 80th Anniversary this year, it is elevating its capability game yet again with the introduction of the new Jeep Wrangler Xtreme Recon Package at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show on … Continue reading “Jeep Wrangler Xtreme Recon at the Chicago Auto Show”
Following the virtual reveal of the 2022 Maverick last week, Ford announced that the all-new compact pickup truck will make its global auto show debut at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show, to be held July 15-19 at McCormick Place. The Maverick adds to Ford’s already engaging vehicle lineup, including the all-new F-150, all-electric F-150 Lightning, Bronco, Bronco … Continue reading “Ford Maverick makes debut at Chicago Auto Show”
Fan-favorite attractions such as the Camp Jeep and Ram Trucks Territory test tracks will return to the 2021 Chicago Auto Show special edition, scheduled for July 15-19 at McCormick Place. This news comes approximately two weeks following the official announcement that the show will be allowed to open its doors to fans this summer. The Chicago Auto … Continue reading “Jeep & Ram Trucks Test Tracks at Chicago Auto Show”
The Chicago Auto Show, a marquee event that draws tourists from around the world, returns to McCormick Place marking the first large convention to take place since the COVID-19 pandemic began. The Chicago Auto Show will be held at McCormick Place from July 15 to 19 and will incorporate several innovative safety features – including … Continue reading “Chicago Auto Show returns to McCormick Place in July”
Havas Chicago launched a new creative campaign for the first-of-its-kind and completely touchless Moen Smart Faucet with Motion Control. The campaign is called King Midas and features a TV commercial, as well as a series of digital and social media ads. The work is a charming riff off the story of the mythological king who … Continue reading “Havas Chicago launches new King Midas campaign for Moen”
Chicago Public Library (CPL) announced that they will be hosting award-winning actor, writer, director, singer-songwriter and bestselling author David Duchovny at the Harold Washington Library Center June 14 at 6 p.m., in conversation with Peter Sagal, to discuss his new novella The Reservoir. Books will be available for purchase and Duchovny will be available to autograph … Continue reading “Chicago Public Library hosts David Duchovny together with Peter Sagal”
Dust off your spandex. In celebration of its 50th anniversary as the original and oldest comic con in Chicago, FAN EXPO Chicago is bringing four days of legendary celebrities, comic creators, voice actors and cosplayers to Rosemont’s Donald E. Stephens Convention Center for the biggest fandom experience in the midwest. Fifty years after Chicago Comic Con made … Continue reading “FAN EXPO Chicago celebrates 50th anniversary with four day event”
Continuing its ongoing efforts to help one of Earth’s most precious resource – water – Moen is launching a new awareness and conservation effort on World Water Day through their CSR Mission Moen. The campaign, created in partnership with creative agency Havas Chicago, showcases the kitchen and bath company’s commitment to save one trillion gallons of water … Continue reading “Moen launches World Water Day campaign by Havas Chicago”
The International ANDY Awards has unveiled this year’s winners and for the first time an independent creative agency, Canada’s Rethink, received the competition’s highest honor, a GRANDY, for its work for Kraft Heinz Canada. The best in show kudo–which shines a light on the power of the idea and the execution of craft–was bestowed upon … Continue reading “Leo Burnett Chicago and FCB Chicago among wins at ANDY Awards”
Chicago Filmmakers announces the competition programs for the 32nd Onion City Experimental Film + Video Festival, which will take place March 31 to April 3. The five competition programs will feature 35 short films exploring themes of digital media production, politics of memory, and the value of physical spaces from the United States, France, Canada, South … Continue reading “Chicago Filmmakers announces competition programs for Onion City Festival”
The JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival’s 9th annual Spring Festival, running March 10 – 27, includes 18 films streaming online and in-theater that are largely about relationships. These relationships are at the core of the film line-up that ranges from light-hearted rom-coms such as One More Story to family discoveries of loss and rebirth in … Continue reading “JCC Chicago Jewish Film Festival is In-Theater and Online”
Wizard World Chicago announced the addition of four popular guest stars from hugely successful franchises. Stephen Amell, known to millions as the crime-fighting vigilante lead in the hit TV series Arrow, returns to Wizard World Chicago on Saturday, October 16. The Toronto-born Amell who also starred in DC Universe vehicles such as DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, The Flash, Batwoman … Continue reading “Four popular guests stars added to Wizard World Chicago”
Sam Heughan, who has gained international acclaim for his starring role in the hit series Outlander, will attend Wizard World Chicago on Saturday, October 16, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Heughan, who plays 18th-century Scottish warrior Jamie Fraser in the time-traveling drama-fantasy, will greet fans, sign autographs, pose for photo ops, conduct a … Continue reading “Outlander star Sam Heughan to join Wizard World Chicago”
When it comes to comedy, Chicago is no second city—we take center stage. Celebrate our city’s local talent with a comedy showcase featuring sets from up-and-coming voices curated by improv mainstay Abby McEnany, whose hit Showtime series Work in Progress is set and filmed in Chicago. To kick off the show’s second season, join CHF at Navy … Continue reading “Work in Progress Comedy Showcase at Navy Pier”
The Music Box Theatre is giving you a chance to see a trio of 2021 Oscar Nominees on the big screen! From April 16th – April 22nd only, you can catch screenings of the beautiful and poetic Best Animated Film nominee WOLFWALKERS, the powerful Best International Film nominee QUO VADIS, AIDA?, and special 35MM presentations of Aaron Sorkin’s timely THE TRIAL OF THE CHICAGO … Continue reading “Music Box Theatre showing trio of 2021 Oscar Nominees”
Congratulations to our friends and advertisers who have received nominations for a Chicago/Midwest Emmy. The 62nd Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards will broadcast virtually in November. Regions covered by the Chicago/Midwest Chapter include Chicago, Illinois; Peoria-Bloomington, Illinois; Rockford, Illinois; South Bend-Elkhart, Indiana; Green Bay-Appleton, Wisconsin; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Wausau-Rhinelander, Wisconsin; and Madison, Wisconsin. Here is the complete list … Continue reading “2019-2020 Chicago/Midwest Emmy Nominations List”
As sure as Neal Page did not welcome Del Griffith, I can not say that I welcome a remake of Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. Consider this my tribute to the memory of the original. This film is particularly dear to my heart because I traveled through half of the country shooting the original with Steve … Continue reading “Tribute to Planes, Trains and Automobiles set for remake”
Chicago filmmakers, Andrew Morgan and co-director Nick Nummerdor set out to make a film about the reclusive, and enigmatic American automotive subculture known as “vanning.’ Welcome to Sleeze Lake! It’s 1977 and the idealistic message of the hippie counter-culture has played a decade long game of telephone with America’s youth. Still searching for freedom and … Continue reading “Chicago filmmakers treat us to Vanlife at its Lowest & Best”
The 41st annual Telly Awards, the world’s largest honor for video and television content across all screens, has announced the 2020 winners. With a collection of Gold, Silver and Bronze awards, Chicago-based standouts range from Bottle Rocket Media’s “Nicholas Brinley Experiences” and Studio 1847’s “Make It With Menards: Glassblower Jason Wein” to There Be Dragons LLC’s “Dustburgs” and Iron Light, PACO Collective, WTTW … Continue reading “Chicago takes a home a bundle of Telly Awards”
After a short hiatus, Chicago PD, Chicago Med and Chicago Fire all return with new episodes. Together, the three shows of One Chicago have made NBC the home of the first, second, and third most-watched dramas during on Wednesday nights. Chicago Med at 7 p.m. CST, Chicago Fire at 8 p.m. CST, and Chicago P.D. at 10 p.m. CST give NBC … Continue reading “New episodes of ‘Chicago P.D.’, ‘Med’ and ‘Fire’ tonight”
Canadian playwright Danny Schur’s musical, Strike!, was doing just fine until film director Robert Adetuyi got his hands on it. An up-tempo depiction of a love story that takes place during the 1919 Winnipeg General Strike, the award-winning performance had established itself as a Canadian favorite after premiering in 2005. Now, Strike! has been turned … Continue reading “‘Stand!’ makes US Premiere at Chicago Jewish Film Fest”
Chicago Filmmakers is pleased to announce the full lineup for the 30th anniversary edition of the Onion City Experimental Film + Video Festival, which will take place Thursday, March 12 to Sunday, March 15 at Chicago Filmmakers’ Firehouse Cinema in Edgewater. Featuring an array of beautiful, timely, and formidable works that transcend borders from Chicago … Continue reading “Chicago Filmmakers announces Onion City lineup”
Aaward-winning filmmaker, Jeff Orig, wrote, directed, edited, and produced his first feature film, Waikiki PD, which was just selected for the Chicago Comedy Film Festival. A Creative Lab Hawai’i graduate fellow who participated in the WebSeries Immersive and Motion Picture Immersive program, Orig was mentored by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning Executive Producer Bernie Su while … Continue reading “Chi Comedy Fest to screen ‘Waikiki PD’ at March show”
Jennifer A. Goodman and Ryan Atkins traveled separate journeys before finding one another and partnering up to create Conrad, a highly anticipated Crime Drama television show that recently finished filming in Chicago. Conrad tells the story of Kate Conrad, a rookie police detective in a male-dominated environment who fights to prove the innocence of her … Continue reading “Behind the scenes of the Chicago-made ‘Conrad’ series”
Dina Cimarusti is an artist and pastry chef who found her calling through blood and guts. Winner of the Syfy Channel’s 2014 Face Off special effects competition, the native Chicagoan and IATSE Local 476 member now works her magic as a special effects technician with CirqueFX Studio, where her creations frequently appear on NBC’s top-rated … Continue reading “In the kitchen with ‘Chicago Med’ artist Dina Cimarusti”
The International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago (ILCC), producer of the Chicago Latino Film Festival (CLFF), is proud to announce Turkish artist and graphic designer Yağmur Genç as the winner of the 36th Chicago Latino Film Festival Poster Contest. The ILCC received 928 submissions for this year’s contest from Brazil, Colombia, Egypt, Jamaica, Mexico, The … Continue reading “Chicago Latino Film Festival unveils 2020 poster”
Five more humorous spots from Lanfranco & Cordova, NY and Lima, Peru, have been released to promote The One Show 2020 call for entries, deadline January 31, 2020. Playing off the idea that a little bit of luck can help a piece of creative work stand out from all the great competition, Lanfranco & Cordova … Continue reading “Lanfranco & Cordova release five new One Show spots”
In less than two minutes, the new trailer for season three of THE CHI showcases Chicago as one of the most dazzling, diverse, and passionate cities on earth. Cut to the uplifting beat of hometown superstar Lupe Fiasco’s The Show Goes On, layers of the Windy City unfold as skyline views, church celebrations, and family … Continue reading “Showtime releases trailer for ‘THE CHI’ season three”
Capping off an 11-season run, Showtime’s dramedy series Shameless will air its final episodes this summer. According to Deadline, President of Entertainment at Showtime Networks Gary Levine made the renewal announcement at the Winter TCA Press Tour. “Airing this summer, it will be one last hurrah for the Gallaghers and their unique blend of love … Continue reading “Showtime to air final season of ‘Shameless’ this summer”
Elevated Films’ 2nd Annual Chicago Shorts Night will light up the Chop Shop in Wicker Park on Wednesday, January 15th at 6 p.m. The special screening features ten Chicago-connected short films in a 100-year-old former auto body shop that is now the Windy City’s only sustainable butcher + deli + restaurant + bar. Be a … Continue reading “2nd annual “Chicago Shorts Night” & other news”
The dark harbinger delivers antique scrolls announcing an event with “Game of Thrones” author George RR Martin FCB Chicago captured an airborne fantasy to help the Chicago Humanities Festival spread the word about its October 11 event, An Evening with George R. R. Martin. To advertise the engagement with the legendary Game of Thrones author, … Continue reading “FCB captures raven for Chicago Humanities Festival”
Third annual run kicks off with a live party and screening of Jesse Saunders’ ‘House Music: The Real Story’ The Chicago South Side Film Festival (CSSFF) brings back the celebration of South Side of Chicago on films. Featuring a diverse slate of screenings and activities, the event promises to inspire, enlighten, and entertain filmgoers and … Continue reading “The 2019 Chicago South Side Film Festival”
World-class studio’s Manager of Ops, Dino Mirkopoulos, to attend 2019 Awards Screening at Music Box Theatre on September 25th The Chicago 48 Hour Film Project Premiere Screenings return to the Music Box Theatre September 22nd through the 23rd with the Red Carpet Best of Chicago Awards taking place on September 25th. The screenings spotlight 45 … Continue reading “Cinespace at the Chicago 48 Hour Film Project Awards”
”Out of Reach” will screen at the International Social Change Film Festival September 27 Local Legend Films, a Chicago-based documentary film and video company committed to employing young people at risk from gun violence, will premiere its first original production during the International Social Change Film Festival on September 27, 2019. Titled, Out of Reach, … Continue reading “Chicago’s Local Legend premieres first film”
The annual LGBTQ+ fest will screen work by Lilly Wachowski, Jesús Canchola Sánchez, Michael Cicetti, Wendy Jo Carlton, Laura Madalinski, and more Reeling, Chicago’s LGBTQ+ film festival, will host international, national and local actors and filmmakers at its 37th edition, unspooling September 19-29 at Music Box Theatre, Landmark Theatres’ Century Centre Cinema and Chicago Filmmakers. … Continue reading “Reeling to showcase a load of Chicago-connected films”
Ever wonder what the life of a public relations woman in Chicago is like? Now’s your opportunity to soak up all the spilt tea. Entering its second season, PRGirl is an original reality series on showcasing the lives of leading ladies running the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle public relations in Chicago. Season 1, featured 24-year-old … Continue reading “Chicago’s ‘PRGirl’ comes to Amazon Prime”
Yuri Rutman’s guerilla-filmed, psychoerotic short begins streaming tomorrow on ShortsTV Kiev-born, Chicago-raised, LA-based filmmaker Yuri Rutman endured 48 hours of the Windy City winter to make a film that becomes available for streaming in 33 million homes tomorrow. His 18-minute short, Trained, is a love story like no other. Offering a glimpse into the lives … Continue reading “Chicago-made ‘Trained’ rolls into 33 million homes”
This year’s lineup of musicals, thrillers, dramas, comedies, and awards dazzle the Windy City September 10 through October 10, 2019 Non-profit pan-Asian film organization Sophia’s Choice today announces Asian Pop-Up Cinema – Season Nine, is the film series that cultivates American interest and understanding of Asian culture through movie storytelling while making Chicago a destination … Continue reading “Chicago Asian Pop-Up Cinema announces season 9”
35 outstanding young artists will be honored at September 21 event in Millennium Park The City of Chicago will celebrate thirty-five outstanding young artists at the 2nd Annual YAS! Fest (Youth Arts Showcase) on Saturday, September 21, in Millennium Park. Representing the vibrancy of creative life and arts education from all across the city, the … Continue reading “YAS! Fest celebrates the rising stars of Chicago”
Weekend-long cultural event opens September 19 with a red-carpet screening of “The Last Color” at Spertus Institute An amazing lineup of films surrounding South Asian culture will be screened at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF). Celebrating 10 years, CSAFF is the largest film festival of its kind in the Midwest, taking place from … Continue reading “The 10th annual Chicago South Asian Film Festival”
Chicago brothers, Bashir and Sultan Salahuddin, find humor in everyday struggles of working class, aspirational locals. Wow, that was funny. Like really funny. The new Comedy Central series South Side premiered Wednesday night, and in case you didn’t get the gist from the opening line, the show is funny AF. The network has … Continue reading “Locals show us Englewood’s funny side in ‘South Side’”
Mark Schimmel’s musical fantasy drama enhances Florida film fest with the sounds of Chicago Filmmaker Mark Schimmel felt that he and co-producer Normann Pokorny had created something very special after they premiered The Musician at the Midwest Independent Film Festival’s annual Midwest Shorts program in March. Last week, it won the Grand Jury Award at … Continue reading “Chicago-made ‘Musician’ wins big at Vero Beach”
Windy City office’s four Lions add to the Network’s eleven and counting at the Fest so far The FCB Network is off to an excellent start on day one of this year’s Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity. To date, FCB has had a strong showing, being awarded eleven Lions: five Gold, two Silver, and … Continue reading “FCB Chicago scores huge first day at Cannes”
Films from around the world screen for free at the Chicago Cultural Center every Wednesday through October 2 Cinema/Chicago’s annual free Summer Screenings Program goes from the blossom of young romance and swimsuit sunbathing to the mythology of mermaids and the search for alien life. With 17 feature films and one short screening at the … Continue reading “Cinema/Chicago’s Summer Screenings Program”
CUFF opens June 5 with ‘Empty Metal’ and closes June 9 with “Dollhouse: the eradication of female subjectivity from American popular culture’ The Chicago Underground Film Festival has built a reputation for innovative, exciting, and provocative cinema since it was founded in 1993. Known as “the world’s longest-running” celebration of its kind, CUFF will expand … Continue reading “2019 Chicago Underground Film Festival”
AbelsonTaylor, Daily Planet, Delack, KemperLesnik, Mimi, rEvolution, Richter Studios, Spirit Juice, Strange Loop among 2019 winners The Telly Awards announced this year’s winners on May 21. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2019, the awards represent the world’s largest honor for video and television content across all screens. Entries were judged by jury members from creative … Continue reading “Chicago shops score at the Telly Awards”
Wieden+Kennedy And Droga5 each win eight Gold Pencils, W+K named 2019 Agency of the Year, “Dream Crazy” for Nike wins Best of Show Wieden+Kennedy Portland and Droga5 New York were top winners before a full house at Cipriani Wall Street in New York on the second night of The One Club for Creativity’s 46th annual … Continue reading “The One Show 2019 announces top global winners”
Chicago production community will have a busy season as hit Showtime series was renewed for a 3rd season along with Fox’s renewal of ‘Empire’ Showtime has announced has picked up the hit drama series The Chi for a third season. In a statement released today, network president Gary Levine said this about the series, which … Continue reading “It’s Showtime for ‘The Chi’ which has been renewed”
Highlights include 40th Anniversary screening of “Alien”, Chicago premiere of Danny Boyle’s “Yesterday”, guests Jay Duplass, Tatiana Maslany, Tom Skerritt, Jim Gaffigan The Chicago Film Critics Association (CFCA), the Chicago-area print, online and broadcast critics group that celebrates the art of film and film criticism, today announces the complete lineup, schedule and special guests expected … Continue reading “2019 Chicago Critics Film Festival”
Seven Chicago artists selected by Live Nation will perform at The House of Blues on May 19 Seven emerging Chicago-based music artists have been chosen by Live Nation talent buyers to participate in Music Forward Foundation’s annual Bringing Down the House education program. Members of the 2019 class are: TY, TStar, Andre, Kinda Cookin’, Luna … Continue reading “Emerging Chicago musicians to ‘Bring Down the House’”
Women-directed films win audience choice best feature and best documentary for the second year in a row Icíar Bollaín’s Yuli and Gretchen Hilebrand’s Decade of Fire honored as 2019 winners The International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago announced today the winners and runner-ups of the 35th Chicago Latino Film Festival and for a second … Continue reading “Female filmmakers wow crowd at Chicago Latino Fest”
New executive creative director has been recognized as one of the most creative women in advertising Congratulations are in order for FCB Chicago’s Lisa Bright. The agency announced she has been promoted to EVP, ECD. In this role, she will continue to report to FCB Chicago’s chief creative officer Liz Taylor, while overseeing all creative … Continue reading “FCB Chicago promotes Lisa Bright to EVP, ECD”
Three days of free panels and concerts under the stars in the greatest city on earth The Chicago House Music Conference will offer free industry workshops and panel talks at the Chicago Culture Center on May 23, followed by the festival in Millennium Park on May 24 and 25. Produced by the Department of Cultural … Continue reading “Chicago House Music Conference & Festival”
Dominican “Broken Island” and Chilean “Petit Frère” represent Haiti and its role in Latino culture, cinema, and politics. Last weekend, the 35th Chicago Latino Film Festival (CLFF) screened a pair of films that focus on the Haitian experience, the Dominican Republic’s La isla rota (Broken Island) and the Chilean Petiè Frère. Reel Chicago sat down … Continue reading “Haiti in focus at Chicago Latino Film Fest”
CIFTV’s four-day program offers a diverse, relevant, and entertaining weekend showcase The 2nd annual Chicago Independent Film and TV Festival will return to Columbia College April 4-7. Founded on a mission to supply Chicago with “a quality international independent film festival,” the four-day event promises a diverse, relevant, and entertaining showcase of documentaries, television concepts, … Continue reading “The Chicago Independent Film and TV Festival”
The Chicago-based, collective presents a variety of films that explore the “complexity to the experience of being a woman.” On Saturday night, Women of The Now will showcase a variety of “femme-driven narratives made by some of Chicago’s top up-and-coming female-identified filmmakers,” for its Second Anniversary Screening at Chicago filmmakers. The program will begin with … Continue reading “Women of the Now Anniversary Showcase”
Lucasfilm announced “Episode IX” director JJ Abrams and Producer Kathleen Kennedy will appear on a panel at Chicago convention next month. Keep your light sabers cautiously at half mast. According to ComicBookMovie.com, there will indeed be a Star Wars: Episode IX panel during the 2019 Star Wars Celebration at McCormick Place next month. The news … Continue reading “Will Chicago be first city to see ‘Star Wars’ trailer?”
The two-week event launches on March 28 with Icían Bollaín’s “Yuli” followed by a “Noche Cubana” celebration The 35th Chicago Latino Film Festival (CLFF) will take place March 28-April 11 at the AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois St. and will feature over 100 feature-length and short films from Latin America, Spain, Portugal and … Continue reading “The 35th annual Chicago Latino Film Festival”
Submit work by July 8 (late deadline) to be considered for CIFF’s 55th annual run, October 16-27 The Chicago International Film Festival has announced entries are now being accepted for all programs of the Festival’s 55th edition taking place October 16-27, 2019. Filmmakers can now submit feature-length, documentary, and short films on the Festival’s website … Continue reading “Chicago International Film Festival call for entries”
WTTW special revisits the great Midwest family road trip with Geoffrey Baer When your family piled into the car for a vacation, where did you go? Starved Rock? Lake Geneva? The Wisconsin Dells? Maybe the Indiana Dunes? Or Michigan’s Harbor Country? The road trip is a time-honored tradition, and “are we there yet?” is a … Continue reading “WTTW’s “Chicago on Vacation” with Geoffrey Baer”
A new integrated campaign addresses the nether regions with frank, informative, and delightful moxie FCB Chicago and Cottonelle get to the bottom of a sensitive issue with downtherecare, a new campaign that launched this week. Highlighting the moments when toilet paper and flushable wipes are consequential to moments that matter, the campaign delivers advertising and … Continue reading “FCB Chicago goes “down there” for Cottonelle”
Fourth annual run premieres the doc, “Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché” about the world’s first female director Columbia College Chicago will launch the fourth annual Chicago Feminist Film Festival with the Chicago premiere of Be Natural: The Untold Story of Alice Guy-Blaché directed by Pamela B. Green. A testament to the continued … Continue reading “Chicago Feminist Film Festival, Feb 27 – March 1”
The Masterpiece hit period drama series premieres Sunday January 13 at 8 pm on WTTW11 and wttw.com/watch (Chicago — 19 December 2018) It is 1848, and revolution is breaking out across Europe. In Britain, one woman stands between order and chaos: Queen Victoria. Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who) stars as the young but fearless monarch, facing … Continue reading “WTTW Chicago among first to air ‘Victoria’ season 3”
Chicago’s record-setting year of television production just got more record-settinger Dick Wolf’s award-winning trio of Windy City-based dramas — Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire, and Chicago Med — will collectively shoot a half-dozen additional episodes for the 2018 season, according to recent reports. Chicago PD executive producer/director Eriq LaSalle announced the news to fans in an … Continue reading “NBC’s “One Chicago” suite to film six additional episodes”
Expert speakers, engaging activities, and sensational presentations helped to guide 1,300 industry attendees onto the same important long-term group project Besides being informative, last month’s 3% Conference at Navy Pier was enlightening, collaborative, optimistic, intense, cosmopolitan, introspective, touching, intimate, raunchy, and hilarious. And that was just during the final few hours of the two-day … Continue reading “The 3% Conference rises in Chicago”
Industry vet returns to the town where he launched his career and became one of Michigan Avenue’s youngest VPs Executive Creative Director Aaron Evanson is returning to Chicago, the city where his career began, after working at in VMLY&R Kansas City, one of the agency’s principal offices. Formed in September 2018, VMLY&R is the union … Continue reading “VMLY&R brings ECD Aaron Evanson back to Chicago”
“Olympia” received rave reviews at the Chicago Int’l Film Fest and is the latest from Chicago’s growing film community (Chicago, IL — 23 October 2018) Right off of a successful three-screening run at the 54th Chicago International Film Festival, Cow Lamp Films announce the film Olympia to screen for college audiences at the upcoming Chicago … Continue reading “‘Olympia’ at Chicago Comedy Film Festival”
The 60th annual celebration of the standard bearers for excellence in the television broadcasting industry The 2018 Chicago/Midwest Emmy Ceremony will be held on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at the Chicago Marriott Downtown Magnificent Mile, Chicago Ballroom, 540 N. Michigan. The Nominees Outstanding Achievement for News Programming – Evening Newscast: Larger … Continue reading “The 2018 Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards”
With a growing client portfolio and a staff that includes “scientists, mathematicians, developers and engineers,” the Windy City outpost of the global company makes a dazzling Midwestern impression In the year since Framestore opened its Chicago office with a launch party at the Adler Planetarium last September, the company has more than lived up to … Continue reading “Framestore’s Chicago office, a year after the launch”
Self-taught Anre’ Brownlee creates and directs wardrobe looks for Fifty Shades-esque erotic drama starring Vivica A. Fox. (Chicago — 2 October 2018) Self-taught fashion and costume designer Anre’ Brownlee creates and directs the wardrobe looks for the new Fifty Shades-esque erotic drama, Kinky. Directed by Jean Claude LaMarre and featuring an all-black cast, Kinky that … Continue reading “Chicago fashion designer showcases new line in ‘Kinky’”
Entering its second season, the dark comedy web series raises the bar (and the stakes) Hip, in-your-face, embarrassingly autobiographical, and backed by some seriously awesome music, Raising Adults follows two young girls trying to grow up while raising their crazy, disabled parents in Cincinnati, Ohio. The struggles they confront extend far beyond the boundaries of … Continue reading “‘Raising Adults’ not just another two-white-girl show”
“Blues Brothers” director John Landis describes impending explosions while scouting locations in John Davies’ vintage short film In 1979, Chicago filmmaker John Davies produced a short titled, Hollywood Comes to Chicago, that featured a tour through the Windy City and its film production industry. He planned to submit the piece to WTTW’s Image Union, a … Continue reading “Hollywood Comes to Chicago — 1979”
LeBron James scores off an assist from a Windy City boutique that launched Michael Jordan’s off-court media stardom In many ways, the thrill ignited by LeBron James’ decision to produce a Space Jam sequel started in suburban Oak Park, IL, nearly three decades ago. That was where, in 1992, Chicago-based Creative Director Bernie Pitzel heard … Continue reading “The Chicago advertising connection to ‘Space Jam’”
Advancing diversity through cinema, conversation and culture, CSAFF provides a world platform for South Asian talent, stories and themes (Chicago — 11 September 11) The Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF) is proud to host over a 100 filmmakers and artists, representing over 60 films in Chicago at Columbia College and the Showplace Icon and … Continue reading “The 9th Annual Chicago South Asian Film Festival”
Curated music doc series showcases groundbreaking films and intimate snapshots of Madonna, Sigur Rós, Nick Cave, and the Beastie Boys (Chicago — 23 August 2018) ArcLight Cinemas, a premiere movie-going destination in Lincoln Park (1500 N. Clybourn Ave.), announces a new music documentary series, ArcLight Presents… Pump up the Volume, beginning Tuesday, August 28 and … Continue reading “ArcLight Cinema-Chicago presents Pump Up The Volume”
Features seventeen films from across the Asian continents, presents premieres including Japanese zombie comedy “One Cut of the Dead” as Closing Night — tickets on sale now (Chicago — 13 August 2018) — Non-profit pan-Asian film organization Sophia’s Choice today announces Asian Pop-Up Cinema – Season Seven, the fall film series presenting seventeen films from … Continue reading “Asian Pop-Up Cinema returns to Chicago September 12”
Like all the submissions, the dialogue, editing, and direction reflect a film that was revised, rehearsed, and shot over and over again Alley Cake Films’ short film, Knockout, was named Best Picture of the 14th annual 48 Hour Film Project Chicago during an awards ceremony at the Music Box Theater last night. The story of … Continue reading ““Knockout” wins Chicago’s 48 Hour Film Project”
Four new shows filming this summer and fall increase Windy City TV production to a record ten series Mayor Emanuel and the Chicago Film Office at the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) today announced ten shows will film this summer and fall in Chicago. This includes filming for four new shows, … Continue reading “Chicago records unprecedented TV production in 2018”
GREAT NEWS FOR THE CHICAGO PRODUCTION COMMUNITY Chicago Fire Chicago P.D. Chicago Med renewed for 2018-2019! Deadline and Variety today reported that all three of the shows in the Dick Wolf Chicago trifecta are officially set for another run. Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire, and Chicago Med — which film at Cinespace Studios — have been … Continue reading “NBC renews all three Dick Wolf Chicago series”
Can gardening grow a more compassionate generation? That’s the question that SC Johnson’s Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, a home cleaning and personal brand inspired by gardening, along with agency Ogilvy Chicago and production company Optimus ask us in this installment of Reel Ad of the Week. The answer is a hopeful yes. According to … Continue reading “Ogilvy, Optimus, Mrs. Meyer’s show us flower power”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for Chicago Filmmakers’ new Edgewater home featured dedications, activities, and hors d’oeuvres on Saturday April 28. It was an exciting chapter in a story that has and will continue to run for years. The event began with heartfelt introductions from Founder Sgharon Zurek and Executive Director Brenda Webb. “Chicago Filmmakers has been … Continue reading “Chicago Filmmakers’ housewarming celebration”
To celebrate the fanboy and girl in all of us for Westworld’s return, Carl’s Jr has released a seriously close version of Westworld’s opening theme song via their Twitter account. Welcome to WesternBaconWorld. But as the 50-second video claims, “it’s in no way related to a certain show airing on a certain network at a … Continue reading “Havas Chicago goes “Westworld” for Carl’s Jr”
DDB Chicago helped Skittles retain its top place on the eclectic advertising mantel with a new 15-second commercial starring a pair of unkempt basement dwellers. Skittles’ Rile the Rainbow commercial offers no context for the characters who “love these Sweet Heat Skittles,” but that doesn’t matter. The spot by DDB Chicago earns an enthusiastic double … Continue reading “DDB helps Skittles show where Sweet Heat comes from”
(Chicago — 2 April 2018) For those who love dogs and cats, a special weekend of films is taking place in Chicago. The NY Cat Film Festival and The NY Dog Film Festival will be at the Patio Theater on April 28 & 29, 2018. The festivals celebrate our love for dogs and cats, illustrated … Continue reading “NY Cat Film Fest and NY Dog Film Fest coming to Chicago”
The Chicago-based production company – Iconoclast Films – shot En Algun Lugar in Chicago and Mexico. It has already screened at eleven festivals and has taken home major awards such as Best Foreign Feature and Best Director at the London Independent Film Awards 2018, Best LGBTQ Feature and Best Producer (Aric Jackson) at the Oniros … Continue reading “Chicago/Mexico’s “En Algun Lugar” reflects the times”
Exclusive interview with the cast member of the Netflix’s series premiering today At 12-years-old, one can’t really say Lincoln Square resident Max Jenkins has had a long and storied acting career yet, but he has certainly had an impactful one. The mandolin player in the band “Cowboy Jesus and Sugar Bum” made his … Continue reading “Chicago actor Max Jenkins gets “Lost in Space””
Opening night of the Chicago Latino Film Festival delivered every sight, sound, taste, and emotion that a cinematic soiree should. Beginning with the Chicago premiere of writer / director Raúl Marchand’s hilarious and nostalgic Broche de Oro: Comienzos, the evening showcased all the vibrancy and excitement that makes Latino culture such an excellent part of … Continue reading “Opening night excitement at Chicago Latino Film Fest”
Cubicle Creepshow is a web series that makes fun of modern corporate culture with a cast of dolls who occasionally turn into monsters. Set in an office full of self-absorbed, undisciplined smart alecks, the familiar workplace situations fit perfectly with classic horror themes. All the usual and unusual suspects are there, from the boss who … Continue reading “The Kyles sisters’ “Cubicle Creepshow” is scary office fun”
Chicago’s Yelyna De Leon produced, acted in, and wrote the script for a teen slasher that will screen at the 34th Chicago Latino Film Festival (CLFF). Titled Murder in the Woods, the English-language, U.S.-produced film was directed and produced by Mexican-born filmmaker Luis Iga. A Latin American film Murder in the woods has … Continue reading ““Murder in the Woods” at Chicago Latino Film Fest”
The awards ceremony for the 54th Annual Chicago International Television Festival packed AMC River East in Streeterville last Thursday night. The evening began with a reception in the Wine Room at the Lucky Strike bowling alley, restaurant, and lounge, which is located on the second floor of the building where the theater resides. Executive directors, … Continue reading “Chicago Int’l TV Fest celebrates “Art of the Commercial””
The Chicago Advertising Federation announced the winners of this year’s American Advertising Awards in a video posted to YouTube yesterday. Chicago’s largest shops were represented equally in the results, but mcgarrybowen emerged with the highest honors, winning Agency of the Year as well as Best of Show for Oscar Mayer’s For The Love of Hotdogs. … Continue reading “Chicago Advertising Awards 2018 winners”
The 21st annual Chicago European Union Film Festival (CEUFF) at the Gene Siskel Film Center raises the curtain for 61 Chicago premieres in its newly renovated theaters, March 9 through April 5. Films represented by all 28 EU nations will give audiences thought-provoking, topical, poignant and hilarious stories, reminding us that while we may live … Continue reading “The Chicago European Union Film Festival”
Thank you, Battery and Netflix, I wanted to get my girlfriend a rock for Valentine’s Day and you have now made that possible. LA-based Battery has created a nifty new global campaign for Netflix to promote Chris Rock’s stand-up comedy special, Tamborine, that debuts on the streaming giant on Valentine’s Day. The spot opens … Continue reading “Battery creates campaign for Chris Rock Netflix show”
This year, the commercials were the best part of the Super Bowl for everyone who doesn’t live in Boston or Philadelphia. In keeping with the couch potato, post-game, armchair tradition, The Reel Chicago team has assembled a list of our most and least favorite spots. Because nothing says great American tradition quite like laundry detergent, … Continue reading “Reel Chicago’s most & least favorite Super Bowl spots”
#womencrush music will host its inaugural Chicago event with a female music showcase Saturday, Jan. 27, at the HVAC Pub in Wrigleyville. On the bill: Baby Money & The Down Payments, The Just Luckies, Ava Lake, and Shi La Rosa. #womencrush is an organization dedicated to empowering young female artists through concert bookings, monthly workshops, … Continue reading “#womencrush music launches in Chicago”
Traveling Picture Show volunteers at food bank It’s a holiday tradition for Reel Chicago to cover the good things that Windy City ad agencies and production companies are doing for the community, like Scott Marvel’s annual Give a Shirt drive to help the homeless. But, what’s happening on the west coast? After contemplating all that … Continue reading “Traveling Picture Show, David&Goliath, Story, Cary Ruby”
Shortly before lunch, Chicago Med Unit Production Manager Jeanne Caliendo is preparing for the show’s regular “medical meeting,” which she describes as, “the biggest, most important meeting of every episode.” “We run through what the actor/doctors will perform, so that we have the correct props, prosthetics, makeup and special effects,” she says. “We’ve got blood … Continue reading “10:58 a.m. — Jeanne Caliendo, “Chicago Med””
Best-selling author Marcus Sakey compounded the challenge of going from book to film long before he agreed to adapt his latest novel, Afterlife, into a screenplay for Ron Howard and Brian Grazer’s Imagination Entertainment.
“My goal is entertainment for smart people,” says the Chicago-based writer. “Stuff that’s compelling and well flushed out and feels real.”
Three-time Emmy nominee, Don Pogany, who created some of the most memorable advertising in Chicago as Creative Director at DDB, is prepping an exciting new branded, equestrian-focused webseries called, “The Equestrians.”
SCREENING AT SUNDANCE (Jan, 19-29) will be the 28-minute doc, “Trophy,” that was funded by the Chicago equity firm of CMP Invest / Impact, that invests in documentaries that are aimed at helping to bring about social change.
“Trophy,” from filmmakers Shaul Schwartz and Christina Clusiau, investigates controversial, multi-billion dollar big game industry and the complex consequences of imposing economic value on animals.
The 48 Hour Film Project is back in Chicago for the 12th year of weekend filmmaking and director / editor Jerry Vasilatos of Nitestar Productions is helming it for the second year.
The winning short will compete for special prizes with 48HFP films from 130 cities around the world where more than 60,000 people will participate in the filmmaking weekend.
A meet-and-greet on Sunday, July 31 will launch Chicago’s 48HFP at the Music Box Lounge, which adjoins the Music Box Theatre, where all completed local films will be showcased.
The AICE Awards will celebrates their 15th anniversary in Chicago next spring, with the presentation taking place at Navy Pier, May 12, and the call for entries has gone out. Deadline is Monday, Feb.
Here’s a good start to the New Year of media and entertainment in Chicago. Dick Wolf’s latest franchise, “Chicago Med,” will have an 18 episode first season, having received a five-episode back order from NBC.
FCB CHICAGO’S NEW EVP/ECD is Susan Treacy, with more than 20 years of agency creative experience, who moved over from six years as Leo Burnett’s EVP/CD, where she oversaw a suite of P&G brands including the two-time Cannes-winning “Mean Stinks” platform for Secret Deodorant.
The spotlight will be on the best of Chicago advertising March 11 when the Chicago Advertising Federation hosts its annual awards gala at the Museum of Broadcast Communications.
That sound clinking champagne glasses you hear is coming from the deservedly ecstatic producers, cast and crew of “Empire,” which bowed on Fox network Wednesday night to a 3.8 rating and 9.9 million viewers, according to Nielsen ratings.
It’s goodbye to the action and excitement of “Transformers: Age of Extinction” (aka “T4’) on Saturday or Sunday when it ends three months of shooting in Chicago – one of the three sci-fi blockbusters that filmed here this spring and summer for release next summer.
Out of the 59 entries from among some of the top post companies in the 12th annual International AICE Show, three editors from two post companies were selected as AICE finalists: Red Car’s Kevin O’Rourke, for Madison Museum of Contemporary Art spot and Utopic’s Ryan Gilbert and Joe Minich for NBC5’s “City,” both 60s.
Jason White has become an international apostle for the kind of “transformative visual experiences” he builds as executive creative director of design-focused production studio Leviathan.
“In our third year, Leviathan has grown into exactly what my partners and I had set out to create: a new creative culture backed by a really cool story and a custom creative processes we invented ourselves,” White says. “We want to share this culture.”
The New Year starts on a positive note for brothers Jeff and Lee Faclis as their Resolution Digital Studios and Show Department companies emerge from the Chapter 11 bankruptcy filed more than a year ago.
A reorganization plan, effective Jan. 1, was approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court of Northern Illinois.
The Illinois(e)Makers program of six locally made features — showcasing the best features, documentaries and short films with their roots in our home state ? figures prominently at the Chicago International Film Festival.
Illinois(e)Makers plays at various times throughout the 46th festival, which starts screening Thursday, at the AMC River East multiplex, through Oct. 21.
Here’s the program:
The Defiled, directed by Julian Grant, a Columbia College assistant professor with 29 features to his credit, is a zombie movie seen through fresh eyes: those of the zombie.
The good news is that business for Show Department, a live and virtual corporate meetings and events producer and supplier, is on the upswing as its Corporate America clients show signs of coming back to life.
The bad news is that on Sept. 20 the Show Department, Inc. and its affiliate Resolution Digital Studios, LLC had to file for Chapter 11 reorganization for the benefit of creditors in U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
WELCOME BACK, ROGER! It looks like Roger Ebert is returning to television with a new syndicated movie review show from Chicago, expected to be taped at WYCC/Ch. 20.
Ebert’s TV return was announced in the briefest of terms on Oprah’s Pre-Oscar Celebration show Monday, with Ebert and his wife Chaz, and pretty much confirmed by a station executive.
As part of the Eberts’ appearance on the show was “A Day in the Life of ?” which included scenes of the couple arriving at WYCC/Ch. 20.
Ebert has a full-fledged production company and t’is said that Ch.
The first 3D technology to run at any Chicago trade show plays at the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Chevrolet Dealers Association exhibit at the Chicago Auto Show, now through Feb. 21 at McCormick Place.
A 46-inch JVC GD-463D10 3D LCD HDTV displays a 5-minute loop of 2D spots combined with special 3D content of Blackhawk stars playing hockey against Chevy cars and trucks.
The spots and the video were created by Burback Brothers Animation Group for the Chevy Dealers agency, Mike DeMaio’s Media Nexus.
THE SHOW DEPARTMENT founders/owners president Lee Faclis and vice president Jeff Facklis will host a gala, invitation-only silver anniversary party for clients, colleagues and friends Thursday night at its Fulton Street facilities.
The AV equipment and supply rental service was founded in 1983 and has grown substantially to become one of the nation’s biggest companies.
Total number of employees among The Show Department and Resolution Digital Studio divisions numbers nearly 100.
The Asian American Film Showcase marks its 10th year with a 10-day festival at the Gene Siskel Film Center beginning April 1, an expanded doc section and a three-month art exhibit, book-ended with features by returning filmmakers Michael Kang and Quentin Lee.
Fresh from its Sundance premiere, Kang’s debut feature, the coming-of-age story “The Motel” opens the Showcase. Screening with “The Motel” is Kang’s short “A Waiter Tomorrow,” which played in the 2000 Showcase.
Navy Pier is set to celebrate Independence Day this year with a full weekend of family-friendly programming and activities, including live music, dance performances and more as part of its nonprofit mission to provide the community with access to free arts and cultural programs. However, the Pier will not host a fireworks show on Saturday, … Continue reading “Navy Pier plans lots of fun but no fireworks on July 4th”
One of the uses to which Hector Perez of Rocket Productions will put his new high-end HD camera will be minority-designated production services for Energy BBDO’s new Illinois Lottery account.
Perez and long-time associate and fellow shooter, Don Winter of Don Winter Productions, teamed up financially to purchase one of the first Panasonic Varicam 2700 P2 camera systems in the U.S.
The two companies will share the use of the $60,000 system purchased from Roscor “after we took a long time deciding which tapeless system we wanted to invest in,” says Winter.
Warning: this article MAY contain actual spoilers for the film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever! Known spoiler extraordinaire, Daniel Richtman recently had a post of his from his Patreon shared on Reddit detailing several plot points of the highly anticipated, and secretive, MCU film Black Panther: Wakanda Forever. The post was more than likely pulled from … Continue reading “Ironheart plays pivotal role in Black Panther plot leak”
Sarofsky’s dazzling 3D glass house main titles for the HBO Max limited series The Staircase are so captivating that it will make you hit rewind to take another look. Inspired by a true story, the eight-episode Max Original limited series The Staircase, debuted Thursday, May 5 on HBO Max. The Staircase explores the life of … Continue reading “Sarofsky creates dazzling 3D glass-house main titles for The Staircase”
Cramer-Krasselt, the nation’s second-largest independent marketing and communications agency, and Rain-X, extension of Illinois Tool Works Inc. an industry leader in automotive aftermarket glass, launched a new TV and digital campaign that positions the brand beyond the windshield and onto the rest of the vehicle. The campaign highlights the dependable and innovative repellent technology the brand … Continue reading “Cramer-Krasselt launches Rain-X campaign that goes beyond your windshield”
Power Book IV: Force paid tribute at the season finale to beloved crew member Mike Zobel who passed away suddenly during the filming of the show. For those fans of Power Book IV: Force who noticed a tribute card dedicated to Mike Zobel at the end of the season finale and were wondering, “who’s Mike … Continue reading “Power Book IV: Force pays tribute to beloved crew member Mike Zobel”
Continuing its ongoing efforts to help one of Earth’s most precious resource – water – Moen is launching a new awareness and conservation effort on World Water Day through their CSR Mission Moen. The campaign, created in partnership with creative agency Havas Chicago, showcases the kitchen and bath company’s commitment to save one trillion gallons of water … Continue reading “Moen commits to saving one trillion gallons of water by 2030”
Live action production company Strange Loop Studios has announced the official addition for commercial representation of director/writer Kiki Allgeier. The filmmaker brings naturalistic elegance and cinematic emotion to the lifestyle commercial scene. From beauty products to luxury automotive brands, her work transcends industry stereotypes and showcases a vision and style that resonates universally with brand … Continue reading “Strange Loop Studios signs commercial director Kiki Allgeier”
Chicagoland native, Emmy-winning writer, Golden Globe-nominated actor, comedian, director, producer, and Second City alum Bob Odenkirk returned to Chicago to promote his book at an event at the Music Box Theatre. Odenkirk was joined by Tim Meadows, actor/comedian and Second City alum, who you might also recognize from his appearance in the Chicago set of … Continue reading “Bob Odenkirk opens up about life, death, and reinventing himself”
Award-winning film studio Stelo Stories and the DuSable Museum of African American History, the nation’s oldest independent museum of Black history, announced the release of the trailer for the new vertical film titled Equiano.Stories. Set to premiere Feb. 16 exclusively to followers of @Equiano.Stories on Instagram, the feature film brings to life the memoir of Olaudah Equiano, who was kidnapped and … Continue reading “Equiano.Stories, enslavement in 1756 from the perspective of boy with a phone”
Free pizza?! Score! 7-Eleven is getting customers ready for this year’s Big Game with a touchdown of a deal. Sunday, February 13, customers are being rewarded with one delicious, large 7-Meat, Cheese, or Pepperoni pizza for FREE when ordered through the 7NOW delivery app. Nothing says convenience quite like a free large pizza delivered to a football fan’s … Continue reading “Touchdown! 7-Eleven delivers free pizza for this year’s Big Game”
Jeff Garlin will no longer be a part of the cast of the ABC TV series, The Goldbergs. The actor, who had starred as patriarch Murray Goldberg on the comedy series from producers Sony Pictures Television for the past eight-plus seasons, has departed the series following an HR investigation that stemmed from multiple complaints about … Continue reading “Jeff Garlin exits The Goldbergs after HR investigation”
We are only a couple of weeks away from the opening of the fourth, and long-awaited chapter, to The Matrix, the groundbreaking 1999 film that redefined a genre. That trilogy came from the visionary minds of Chicago-born writer/directors Lilly and Lana Wachowski. Now, Lana is out on her own as she brings The Matrix: Resurrections … Continue reading “Lana Wachowski explains why now is the right time to return to The Matrix”
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s Gene Siskel Film Center announces the full festival schedule for its 27th Annual Black Harvest Film Festival, which will take place both virtually and in person at the Gene Siskel Film Center from November 5 through December 2. The festival’s month-long showcase of Black stories will feature … Continue reading “Full festival schedule for the 27th Annual Black Harvest Film Festival”
Whitehouse Post announces the promotion of five key employees to partnership roles, and a new Executive Director of Post Production, as they continue to evolve and build for an exciting next chapter of the company. Editors Heidi Black, Charlie Harvey, and Adam Marshall join the partnership ranks along with Director of New Business Development Joni Williamson … Continue reading “Whitehouse Post marks a new chapter with promotions of five key staff”
Kevin Clark, who played high-strung drummer Freddy Jones (aka “Spazzy McGee”) in the 2003 comedy School of Rock, was killed in an accident earlier this morning. He was 32. According to the Chicago Sun-Times who reported the story, Clark was out for a bike ride early Wednesday morning, when a 20-year-old unidentified woman driving a … Continue reading “Kevin Clark, drummer in School of Rock, dies at 32”
Emmy Award winner Charles Grodin has passed away at age 86 in his home in Wilton, Connecticut. His death, from bone marrow cancer, was confirmed to NPR by his son, actor Nicholas Grodin. Charles Grodin amassed a résumé that boasted acting, screenwriting, producing, directing, and television hosting credits over the course of his decades-long career. … Continue reading “Charles Grodin iconic straight-man passes at 86”
McDonald’s Black & Positively Golden Mentors program is driving into a new industry – the world of competitive racing – in the fourth episode of its digital content series featuring NASCAR driver and advocate Bubba Wallace. During the episode, Wallace mentors 18-year-old emerging NASCAR/Rev Racing driver Rajah Caruth, sharing advice about navigating adversity as the lone … Continue reading “McDonald’s Golden Mentors speed up with Bubba Wallace”
Local 727 members joined in the fight against COVID-19 at the United Center, working to convert space in Parking Lot E outside of the arena into a mass COVID vaccination center. Members assisted in the installation of a remote clinic set to serve the people of Chicago by distributing vaccinations beginning on March 9. Run … Continue reading “Local 727 Members join in the Fight Against COVID-19”
Safelite AutoGlass, the nation’s largest provider of vehicle glass repair, replacement and recalibration services, today announced the selection of FCB Chicago as its creative agency of record. Beginning this month, FCB will be responsible for elements of Safelite’s consumer campaign and communication materials, including broadcast, online video, social media and digital channels. The win comes on the heels … Continue reading “Safelite feels protected with FCB as Agency of Record”
Chicago’s Sarofsky Pictures new documentary series, A Mystery to Me, aims to raise awareness of the rare neuromuscular disease Myasthenia Gravis (MG). The first episode is scheduled to premiere at the 2020 Chicago International Film Festival. Produced by Chicago’s Sarofsky Pictures and Director Ben Strang (“BEAST”), in association with Kartemquin Films (“Minding the Gap”) and Museum + … Continue reading “Sarofsky debuts ‘A Mystery to Me’ original doc series”
By Friday, September 4, moviegoers can enjoy Warner Bros.’ TENET and all of this summer’s newest releases at approximately 420 AMC Theatres nationwide, which is approximately 70% of AMC’s overall U.S. theatre count. Moviegoers throughout the United States are once again enjoying the magic of the big screen at AMC Theatres, and with every passing … Continue reading “70% of AMC Theatres to be open by Friday, September 4”
Expect The Bears ratings to go through the roof this year. And not because former Eagles’ Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles is a QB. No, The Bears and the City of Chicago have agreed that it’s not yet the right time to welcome fans back to Soldier Field due to COVID-19. But they will continue … Continue reading “Bears to begin games without fans in stands”
Emmy-winning and Oscar-nominated actor Gary Sinise will receive the esteemed Humanitarian Award from the Location Managers Guild International (LMGI) at the 7th Annual LMGI Awards. Celebrating the theme “2020 Vision: We See It First,” the 2020 Awards will honor the exemplary commitment that Sinise and his foundation have made to give back to those who sacrifice for our nation and create a … Continue reading “Gary Sinise to receive LMGI Humanitarian Award”
Porchlight Music Theatre announces PorchlightPalooza, a three-day festival and fundraiser celebrating its 25th Anniversary, hosted by Bill Kurtis, and honoring Broadway legend Joel Grey. PorchlightPalooza, Friday, Aug. 21 – Sunday, Aug. 23 will include performances from Chicago’s best talents, highlights from its award-winning history and an exclusive interview hosted by legendary newsman Bill Kurtis with the 2020 … Continue reading “PorchlightPalooza Festival honors Joel Grey”
Leo Burnett junior copywriter Len Sheth opens up about their highly successful work with Trans Lifeline, brands authentically extending their reach, and even a competitive tap-dancing past. Two years ago, Len Sheth began their journey as a Burnetter—and since then, the junior copywriter has created exceptional work for a diversified client portfolio including American Heart … Continue reading “Leo Burnett copywriter, Trans Lifeline co-lead, Len Sheth”
Flavor created a masterfully designed package highlighting some of the 16 total minutes of original content created for the 2020 AICP Post Awards… all accompanied by a brilliant score by Yessian. Building on the epic legacy of the AICE organization, which officially merged with the AICP in 2018, The AICP Post Awards continue to celebrate the artistry … Continue reading “Flavor creates masterful montage of AICP Post Awards”
As part of the One World: Together At Home globally televised and digital special on Saturday night to support frontline health care workers and the World Health Organization, FCA premiered an all-new television commercials for the Jeep® brands. The 30-second video, “Seven Continents” for Jeep, aired during the two-hour TV special as part of the globally televised … Continue reading “Jeep debuts new spot during ‘One World’ global special”
In light of worldwide health concerns, this year’s Chicago ScreenCraft Writers Summit is rescheduling to next year. Previously scheduled in Chicago on April 24th-27th, 2020, the Summit will be rescheduled to April 23rd-26th, 2021. Nearly all of the previously confirmed panelists have enthusiastically committed to next year, and additional industry speakers will be announced in … Continue reading “2020 ScreenCraft Writers Summit postponed until 2021”
Written by Shia LaBeouf and directed by Alma Har’el, Honey Boy presents a semi-autobiographical portrait of LaBeouf’s experiences as a 12-year-old child actor (played by Noah Jupe) and a 22-year-old action star (Lucas Hedges)—with LaBeouf stepping into the role of his own ex-rodeo-clown father. Behind the scenes, cinematographer Natasha Braier, ASC, ADF partnered with Har’el … Continue reading “Panavision lends a texture of memory to Honey Boy”
South Side co-creator Bashir Salahuddin cannot talk for more than a few minutes without mentioning his mother. He name-checks the neighborhoods, the people, and the food that he got to know through her, especially the food. The memories shape his perception of Chicago’s South Side as a thriving mix of faces, places, and restaurants. Energized … Continue reading “Behind the scenes with “South Side’s” Bashir Salahuddin”
Multi-talented artist, advocate, and creative leader Elijah McKinnon — who is from the future — joins the 2020 Reel Chicago Black List, an annual celebration of African-American creativity published during Black History Month. The Reel Chicago Black List includes Global Mixx founder Mary Datcher, House Music pioneer Vince Lawrence, and filmmaker Rhyan LaMarr. To view … Continue reading “Elijah McKinnon, Executive Director, OTV”
Versatile film pro Craig J. Harris joins the 2020 edition of Reel Chicago Black List, an annual celebration of African-American creativity published during Black History Month. The Reel Chicago Black List includes Global Mixx founder Mary Datcher, McDonald’s US Marketing Director Lizette Williams, and filmmaker Rhyan LaMarr. To view the archives, click here. Craig J. … Continue reading “Craig J. Harris, producer, actor, writer, stuntman”
BBDO New York’s Back-to-School Essentials, created behalf of Sandy Hook Promise, led the way at the eighth annual One Screen Short Film Festival last night, winning three awards including Best-of-Show honors. Short film work from nine countries picked up awards at the The One Club for Creativity event, that celebrates global filmmakers from both the … Continue reading “BBDO’s ‘Back-to-School’ wins One Screen Short Fest”
Chicago-based producer Ramone Hulet joins the 2020 edition of Reel Chicago Black List, an annual celebration of African-American creativity published during Black History Month. The Reel Chicago Black List includes Global Mixx founder Mary Datcher, McDonald’s US Marketing Director Lizette Williams, and filmmaker Rhyan LaMarr. To view the archives, click here. Ramone Hulet is a … Continue reading “Ramone Hulet, creative producer”
Two Dum Micks — an offbeat comedic short film, written, directed, and produced by D.B. Sweeney and edited by Keith Kristinat at The Colonie – is sweeping the festival circuit with over two dozen first-place awards to date. The story follows Mikey and Mick, played by Sean Astin and Sweeney, a pair of down-and-out guys … Continue reading “The Colonie’s Keith Kristinat edits ‘Two Dum Micks’”
Rebecca F. Williams, VP/Group Creative Director at Burrell Communications, joins the 2020 Reel Chicago Black List, a celebration of African-American creativity published during Black History Month. The Reel Chicago Black List includes Global Mixx founder Mary Datcher, McDonald’s US Marketing Director Lizette Williams, and filmmaker Rhyan LaMarr. To view the archives, click here. Rebecca F. … Continue reading “Rebecca F. Williams, VP/Group Creative Director, Burrell”
The One Club for Creativity, the world’s foremost non-profit organization recognizing creative excellence in advertising and design, has announced a partnership with Spotify to serve as exclusive sponsor of the club’s 2020 Portfolio Night All-Stars program. Long recognized as the world’s largest advertising portfolio review program, Portfolio Night is a fast-paced evening of advice, networking … Continue reading “One Club, Spotify partner for Portfolio Night All-Stars”
Victoria Lee, director and producer, joins the 2020 edition of Reel Chicago Black List, an annual celebration of African-American creativity published during Black History Month. The Reel Chicago Black List includes Global Mixx founder Mary Datcher, McDonald’s US Marketing Director Lizette Williams, and filmmaker Rhyan LaMarr. To view the archives, click here. Writer, creator and … Continue reading “Victoria Lee, writer, creator, cellist”
Chicago production company Daily Planet created a video to advertise The Notorious RBG exhibit currently running at Illinois Holocaust Museum. Combining vintage-style black-and-white halftone photos with graphics in a laid-back blue and yellow color scheme, the 15-second piece radiates a level of pizazz befitting a Supreme Court Justice who has captured the imaginations of millions … Continue reading “Daily Planet creates ‘Notorious RBG’ video”
Since outgrowing their current space in the West Loop, creative technology agency NEXT/NOW has recommitted to the area by signing a lease for a nearby office twice the size that will contain, among other things, a customized showroom of its experiences where visitors can have “a play day.” “The West Loop has been a good … Continue reading “Fast-growing NEXT/NOW doubles down in West Loop”
Stephanie Jeter, filmmaker and co-founder of OTV Studio, joins the 2020 edition of Reel Chicago Black List, an annual celebration of African-American creativity published during Black History Month. The Reel Chicago Black List includes ‘The Chi’ cast member LaDonna Tittle, house music pioneer Vince Lawrence, and filmmaker Rhyan LaMarr. To view the archives, click here. … Continue reading “Stephanie Jeter, filmmaker”
After meeting Jake, a new face of State Farm who appeared during the company’s Super Bowl pregame spot, consumers might be wondering where the brand is headed next. Now, the wondering is over, and it was hilariously worth the wait. Launching tomorrow, State Farm’s new multi-year campaign, Like a Good Neighbor, re-envisions how the brand … Continue reading “Sneak peek at State Farm’s new ‘Not the One’ spot”
Chicago director Josh Goleman teamed up with Ethan Hawke and Hamilton Leithauser, former frontman of The Walkmen, to create an absurdist teaser for Leithauser’s song Here They Come. The promo was shot in one day at the legendary Cafe Carlyle Jazz Club on New York’s Upper East Side, where Leithauser had just concluded a five-night … Continue reading “Josh Goleman films Leithauser video with Ethan Hawke”
Macy’s on State Street will celebrate Black History Month with a screening of the Academy Award-winning short film Hair Love followed by a thoughtful discussion with the film’s writer and director, Chicago native Matthew A. Cherry. The event takes place on February 20 at 6 p.m., Macy’s Narcissus Room, 111 North State St. Hair Love, … Continue reading “Oscar winner Matthew A. Cherry to speak at Macy’s”
America showed the world one of the things that it does best during the 92nd annual Academy Awards on Sunday night. Celebrating film with an internationally-televised, star-studded presentation, the country demonstrated beyond a doubt that the best movies on earth come from nowhere else but the good old US of A. Unless, of course, we’re … Continue reading “Bong Joon Ho scores a win for everyone at the Oscars”
Chicago sports and lifestyle agency rEvolution created a horse mascot with high-flying basketball skills to score mad points for Continental Tire in a new campaign called Inspiring Confidence. The stallion soars over the airways on a 30-second broadcast spot titled, Training Days, and lands on the courts of select arenas in a slam-dunk spectacle called … Continue reading “rEvolution horses around with Continental Tire”
Director Jonathan Becker pulled out all the stops to create Do The Parking Spot a music video for the Chicago-based travel convenience company of the same name. A customized dance move, an ensemble cast, a crowd-sourced video library, a torrential downpour, an Atlanta parking garaged, and a fleet of bright yellow busses with black spots … Continue reading “Jonathan Becker helps America ‘Do The Parking Spot’”
Chicago agency O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul has officially launched #312Soul, a four-week, four-part multimedia online showcase promoting Chicago’s Black Music History from 1955 through 1990. Featuring original video essays, interviews, playlists, artifacts and more, #312Soul will continue throughout February to celebrate Black History Month and also reinforce 2020 as the Year of Chicago Music. ALSO … Continue reading “OKRP launches #312Soul for Black History Month”
Chicago-based Highdive Advertising reinvigorated an existential pop sensation through Groundhog Day, a commercial that became a classic before it even premiered during yesterday’s Super Bowl. In a fast-forward recreation of the identically-named 1993 film, the 60-second spot stars Bill Murray as Phil Connors, a weatherman caught in a kink of the space-time continuum. In scene … Continue reading “Behind the scenes of the Jeep ‘Groundhog Day’ spot”
The 8th annual Battle For Hope will return to the Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville on May 14. Combining a live musical showcase with a jam-packed industry bash and one of the city’s most rocking fundraisers, the battle of the advertising agency bands has become a bacchanalian pre-summer tradition in the Chicago creative community. Besides live … Continue reading “‘Battle For Hope’ returns to Cubby Bear on May 14”
In a joint FaceBook Live announcement on Friday, January 24, Merry Green of MGPG Events and Chelsea Whittington of C WHITT PR shared that the boutique communications firm based in Gary, Indiana has been selected to deliver promotional services for the 2020 Black Women’s Expo. Now in its 26th year, the BWE is the longest … Continue reading “C WHITT named official PR firm for Black Women’s Expo”
Former First Lady, native South-Side Chicagoan, and all-around modern-day Renaissance Woman Michelle Obama won the Grammy for Best Spoken Word for her 2018 memoir, Becoming, at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards yesterday. Scoring a stellar 4.6-out-of-5 on Goodreads (369,210 ratings), Becoming is described as, “a work of deep reflection and mesmerizing storytelling” that chronicles the … Continue reading “Michelle Obama’s ‘Becoming’ wins Spoken Word Grammy”
Digital content studio Banner helped the Chicago Blackhawks celebrate hockey and empowerment in an 18-minute film about Kendall Coyne titled, As Fast as Her, which premieres today on the Blackhawks webste. Kendall Coyne became something of international celebrity by placing seventh in the Bridgestone Fastest Skater event during the NHL Skills Competition last year. The … Continue reading “Banner, Blackhawks, Kendall Coyne, and ‘As Fast as Her’”
Bow + Arrow Films director Ted Lega combined live rock-n-roll with mesmerizing drama to create a retro-flavored video for “If I Could,” a new single by Trickshooter Social Club. In the aesthetic of early MTV, the video turns the music into a backdrop for a story about a girl. Filmed at Chicago’s Harlem Avenue Lounge, … Continue reading “Bow + Arrow helps Trickshooter Social Club come alive”
Last month, Essanay Studio and Lighting Company co-owner Wayne Kubacki retired from the nationally recognized company that he co-founded decades ago. Widely admired for his extensive knowledge, punctilious care, and conversational efficiency, he leaves a vacancy that will reverberate far beyond the company’s Goose Island facility. “I’m going to miss him,” says Jules Tomko, Essanay’s … Continue reading “Wayne Kubacki retires from Essanay Studios”
The Gene Siskel Film Center will screen the Chicago premiere of the award-winning film, Moving Parts, on January 3rd, 6th, and 7th. Sponsored by IFP Chicago, Moving Parts is a narrative feature written and directed by Emilie Upczak. Filmed in the Caribbean and finished in Chicago, it tells the story of Zhenzhen, a Chinese woman … Continue reading “‘Moving Parts’ to premiere at Siskel Center in January”
Finessing a time-honored custom with environmental flair, Brita and mcgarrybowen Chicago are offering consumers a chance to celebrate National Ugly Sweater Day with a bright and cheesy new line that calls attention to the urgencies of climate change. Five of the agency’s in-house designers created sweater designs that blend traditional holiday kitsch with imagery of … Continue reading “Brita, mcgarrybowen help the earth with ugly sweaters”
Border’d, a new Chicago-based web series, announced today their partnership with media company Creative Cypher to produce the first season of the show. Border’d focuses on the lives of a trio of Latinx siblings who are called to their hometown after a family tragedy and are forced to confront their ignored culture, hidden secrets, and … Continue reading “LatinX series ‘Border’d’ partners w/Creative Cypher”
This January, Chicago Filmmakers is pleased to present the Chicago premieres of three documentaries that explore current social and political issues around environmental justice, immigration justice, and reproductive justice in a program called Justice January. The films selected for the series — Last Man Fishing, Undeterred, and Our Bodies Our Doctors — reveal personal stories … Continue reading “‘Last Man Fishing’ to launch Chi Film’s ‘Justice January’”
Demo Duck created an enjoyable way of demonstrating how “intelligent telemetry leads to informed decisions” in a new spot for the Lenovo ThinkSmart Manager. ThinkSmart Manager is a real-time status report on the performance and function of corporate meeting room devices like hard drives, monitors, and routers. It offers a visual layout of the technology … Continue reading “Demo Duck creates tech-friendly Lenovo animation”
Nintendo has debuted a launch film for its highly anticipated new Switch game, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. Working with Leo Burnett-Chicago and Framestore Pictures, service production company LS Productions took the high-profile VFX shoot to the Cotswolds. Directed by Murray Butler, the spot shows off Sword and Shield’s gameplay by manifesting the classic Pokémon … Continue reading “Leo Burnett creates Pokémon campaign for Nintendo”
Eight years ago, Paolo Cascio began searching for the final survivors who were aboard the USS Arizona during Pearl Harbor to say thank you and honor their heroism through his art, which will be commemorated in the 2021 coffee table book, A Tribute To Valor. The quest marked the beginning of a coast-to-coast journey that … Continue reading “Cascio’s ‘A Tribute to Valor’ honors Pearl Harbor vets”
Wildly popular DJ Shawn Wasabi takes a break from a gig to fuel up on some McDonald’s in a new spot showcasing the restaurant’s Bacon BBQ Burger and Snickerdoodle McFlurry. Released yesterday, The new Bacon BBQ Burger and Snickerdoodle McFlurry begins and ends with the green-haired sensation entertaining party crowds. In between the action, the … Continue reading “McDonald’s teams up with DJ Shawn Wasabi”
mcgarrybowen is bringing consumers together with Star Wars: The Rise of the Skywalker in a new campaign for United Airlines. Anchored by a Star Wars-themed Boeing 737-800, Fly the Friendly Galaxy includes social outreach, outdoor advertising, a 30-second spot, and an in-flight safety video featuring appearances by characters like C-3PO, R2-D2, and the Stormtroopers. The … Continue reading “mcgarrybown creates a galaxy for United Airlines”
Chicago filmmaker Patrick Wimp sheds new light on the drama of high school life The Chicago-made web series Brothers from the Suburbs is on a winning streak that includes Best Web Original at HBO/BET’s Urbanworld Film Festival, Best Direction at SeriesFest, and the Audience Award and Jury Award for Best Scripted Digital Series at the … Continue reading “‘Brothers from the Suburbs’ updates a film tradition”
Healing technique comes alive with endorsements from Blackhawk Chris Chelios and Cub Randy Hundley To highlight the power of the Chelios Massage Method, Chicago filmmaker Kamelya Alexan created a promotional video that opens with a testimonial from Chicago Blackhawk Chris Chelios, a satisfied customer of the technique developed by his sister, Penny. The Chelios Massage … Continue reading “Alexan highlights Chelios Massage in new video”
Former Chicagoan talks about his upcoming role on Amazon’s ‘Hunters,’ starring Al Pacino Actor Zack Schor lost 35 pounds, learned to speak Polish, and worked in a “sobering” recreation of historical brutality while performing his role as a young Meyer Offerman in the 2020 Amazon Prime series, Hunters. Impressive, indeed, but that’s only half the … Continue reading “Behind the scenes with Zack Schor”
Editor of ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Carrie,’ and ‘Ferris Bueller’s Day Off’ joins James Hughes for Q&A following a special screening of ‘Planes, Trains & Automobiles’ To celebrate the release of his new memoir — A Long Time Ago in a Cutting Room Far, Far Away: My Fifty Years Editing Hollywood Hits—Star Wars, Carrie, Ferris Bueller’s Day … Continue reading “Oscar winner Paul Hirsch at Music Box”
Award-winning Chicago-based video content agency wields a startling variety of depth and expertise Chicago video content agency Bottle Rocket Media fuels traditional expertise with DIY spirit. Guided by a pair of visionaries who met while working at the Oprah Winfrey Show, the company has become one of the industry’s most unique production and post operations … Continue reading “Taking off with Bottle Rocket Media”
“There is great camaraderie and shared purpose at this facility” Edwin Polanco Post-production IT specialist Edwin Polanco has joined Periscope Post & Audio, Hollywood, as its chief engineer. Polanco will set engineering policies, oversee technical operations and lead technology planning. He will also manage the engineering aspects of the facility’s ongoing buildout. “Edwin brings deep … Continue reading “Periscope appoints Edwin Polanco Chief Engineer”
Optimus’ Kathryn Schade, Cutters’ Magdalena Hernandez, Another Country’s Logan Vines take first places in Graphics, Editorial, and Sound Design Camp Kuleshov, AICP’s annual trailer competition for assistants and junior-level employees at member companies, challenges entrants with re-imagining or reworking films by creating new trailers that cast the movie in a different genre than originally released. … Continue reading “2019 Camp Kuleshov Winners”
Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships Adrienne Rehm and Senior Producer Brittany McCullars strengthen partnership and production capabilities The principals of specialized creative agency Leviathan are very proud to announce the addition of Associate Director of Strategic Partnerships Adrienne Rehm and Senior Producer Brittany McCullars. Both appointments are effective immediately. Adrienne Rehm Most recently, Rehm … Continue reading “Leviathan grows stronger with key new hires”
Midwest Independent Film Festival’s popular annual industry tradition tomorrow night at Landmark Century The advertising and independent filmmaking communities converge for an inspiring night of short films as First Tuesdays with The Midwest Independent Film Festival hosts its tenth annual Advertising Community Shorts Night on Tuesday, November 5th. The evening will open at 6 p.m. … Continue reading “Advertising Community Shorts night lineup”
Teacher, musician and performer Konrad Wert sings a powerful song for special needs students When It Breaks is the story of a man who inspires America to educate her children in the best way possible. At the beginning of the film, Texas special education teacher and part-time musician Konrad Wert is packing his family into … Continue reading “‘When It Breaks’ is an education for everyone”
Cinematographer uses Panavision’s Millennium DXL2 and Light Iron post for American Horror Story Season 9 FX’s American Horror Story series goes retro for Season 9, back to the heyday of low-budget horror classics of the late 1970s and early 1980s in AHS: 1984. Viewers are introduced to a killer who terrorizes camp counselors, but with … Continue reading “Gavin Kelly adds retro horror look to ‘AHS: 1984’”
