BY BELINDA BREMNER
The fat lady is in the dressing room running scales. She’s about to sing and ain’t we all glad! What all union members need to do now is VOTE FOR RATIFICATION. Thanks to our negotiators who got us a great contract. They would not have been able to do it, however, without the committed and consistent effort of every one of us! I’m talking to the thousands of talented actors (non-union, pre-union and union) who refused to cross the line, the valiant agents who gutted it out and have forever won our gratitude and the casting directors who turned down struck work and urged their clients to sign interim agreements. Many thanks to those who picked up a placard or phone and to those who want to make a life in this industry. And let’s not forget the Teamsters. The solidarity in our ranks was staggering. And now we can go back to work.
Ah, back to work. Will there be some sticky situations? Possibly. Those folks who put themselves in opposition to us and our families are well known. If you by any chance don’t know the craven franchised agencies that scabbed, ask. If you don’t know the names of the non-union agencies who browbeat actors into taking struck work, who lied to their talent about the status of the jobs and who spewed anti-strike rhetoric, ask. Please know, that not all did. If you don’t know the two casting directors who aggressively pandered, ask. And then decide what you want to do. If you’re still not sure, discuss with the issues with your agent. We worked hard so that we can choose who to share our talent with.
A final strike note: Just because the picket signs are down doesn’t mean that the rumor mill has slowed down. Don’t believe everything you hear. Check information out at the union office and don’t engage in rumor mongering.
Jane Alderman, the ever faithful, cast the latest vista from "ER." Booked were the lovely Janelle Snow, James Chisum, Kurt Naebig and Kwami Omoku. Her office will also be casting a new film from John Hancock entitled Suspended Animation, a thriller from Filmacres to begin shooting in the new year.
Tenner Paskal are still casting for the untitled (like we don’t know) Memdes/Zanuck project.
Claire Simon is continuing work on "The Joan Cuscak Show" for which Bruce Jarcow has been booked for an additional episode. She will also do the Chicago casting for the Muhammad Ali biopic for Columbia shooting here next year. Other projects include a spot for the Dairy Board and booking young Sabrina Aubriot and Ryan Horning for Arhaus.
The Illinois Film Office sends word that in addition to our visit from "ER" and "The Joan Cusack Show," we are hosting Dragonfly with Kevin Costner for Universal. That untitled Mendes/Zanuck feature will begin soon after the first of the year as will the Muhammad Ali project. About the same time, cameras will roll on an Indy called Ball In The House. March is a "definite maybe" for a new untitled John Hughes picture. Another possible film for Chicago is Shallow Hal in the Spring for the Farelly Brothers and Fox.
Lily’s reports that Michael Kuya, France-Jean Baptiste and Daniel Shelby booked industrials and the terrific Thomas Colby booked a role in Experimental Me.
Drop everything! Cancel all plans if they do not include the "Hearts of the Arts" benefit at Liquid, 1960 North Racine. The shindig to help raise funds to "provide supplies, funds and assistance to Chicagoland children and families in need" is headed by Claire Simon and Stacy Schafer from Linda Jack Talent and features "cool drinks, hot buffet, FRESS swing dancing lessons and a LIVE swing band." Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door. For information call 630/653-2922.
Someone who definitely would have been there would have been our friend Alan Westbrook who died recently after a long battle with cancer. He had a huge heart, great generosity and an inexhaustible capacity for a good time. He would always go the extra mile to help out. He leaves behind a wife and three children as well as many, many friends who cherished him. Each of us holds an indelible memory that death cannot vanquish or erase. For me, his bluesy yet reverent rendition of "Just a Closer Walk With Thee" on a comb and scooter pie wrapper will always echo in my head and heart. Memorials may be made to B.E.D.S (a program for the homeless) at Box 2035 in La Grange, IL 60525, or Head and Neck research at the American Cancer Society, 77 East Monroe 12th floor, Chicago, IL 60603.
Peace.