BY BELINDA BREMNER
What a year! In the decade that I have been writing this column, I can’t think of another year to match it. Of course there were those amazing years when films and television series were shooting on every corner. That was nice. But in terms of shaping our collective lives, the Year 2000 was it.
I am, of course, talking about the strike. As of this date, it was the longest actors’ strike in U.S. history. That’s 181 days of battling the biggest corporations in the world and 181 nights of going to bed exhausted, worried and yet oddly buoyed by the courage and solidarity of fellow actors
We were victorious, but it was not without cost. I lost two very good friends to this strike. I did, however, also meet and come to love many, many extraordinary people. Boy are there some remarkable souls in this city.
This city, in case you missed it, lead the nation in this battle. Sure, those union branches on either coast had more celebrities, but we put our "big shoulders" to the wheel and showed the world how to get things done.
Six months of striking and it still isn’t completely over. Strike looms in the near future and our struggles will continue as other contracts come up for renewal. And it REALLY isn’t over, though their careers may be, for those who scabbed. You just knew I’d get to that. Yup, those folks who were bagged and tagged while making their 30 pieces of silver and spitting all over their fellow actors are finding that when they waltz into the union offices there will be no membership for them. Using aliases will not work either. Nor need they think they can lie when filling out the forms that ask about struck work. The whirlygig of time, long memories and solid documentation will keep them out of the union. Scabs can hug their justifications, rationalizations and excuses to their cowardly bosoms but I suspect they will find cold comfort there.
Year 2000 saw the closing of CED, a wonderful agency that will be greatly missed. And except for two miserable opportunists who turned their backs on their franchises, all the agents showed great courage and resolution.
What of 2001? Who can tell. A girl can wish though! I wish for the spirit of respect and family that transcended union status. I hope, of course, for more work than we know what we can do with. And I hope Santa stuffs everyone’s stocking with a lifetime supply of ginko or whatever that herb is that keeps the memory fresh. Rosemary is for remembrance isn’t it? The lessons, public and personal learned this summer must not be forgotten when life gets seemingly easier.
What’s happening around town? It’s usually a quiet time and this year is no exception.
Jane Alderman Casting is still working on Suspended Animation for John Hancock.
Chicago Casting Company is searching to fill roles for the film Sam I Am. They are once again casting for the Actors’ Theatre of Louisville where Susan Booth is directing a new musical called Quake.
Jaz Casting booked Julie Crossen, George Seegebrecht, Anna Hopplmsteidt and Jeremy Johnson in a commercial.
More bookings for the Joan Cusack show from Claire Simon. Booked were: Ann Cusack, Aaron Himmelstein, Joe Petcka, Ian Belknap, Deanna Dunnigan, Marc Grapey, Bruce Jarchow, Scott Markwell and Eddie Bo Smith, Jr.
And lots of film casting at Tenner Paskal. They are, of course, still at work on the Mendes/Zanuck project as well as the Indy Milwaukee Minnesota which will star Christian Slater and Robert Forrester. And lets not forget about Ball In The House. They also cast a spot for the Hoosier Lottery.
Everyday, another independent feature, began shooting on the first of this month with Juan Carlos Buitron, Jon Arndt and Steve Abbott.
Baker Rowley is the new home for agent Polly Rich, who recently worked at Geddes.
Big Mouth reports commercial bookings for Lance Barber, Brett Coy and Kai Colson. Industrials went to Lisa Dodson, Lauren Suish and Melissa Bradshaw. Scott Markwell was booked on the Joan Cusack show.
News from Lily’s: Donna Roberts has retired from the agency due to health concerns and will be much missed, says Tom Colby. And they have just hired Jason Weisner to head their active print department. The Lucky Seven for January 2001: Mark Stephen, Brianna Rice, Dalla Tapia. CJ Johnson, Corey Blount, Amber Tousana and Stacey Carino. Commercial bookings went to Lyle Nicholson, Gerry Gosnell, Joey Palliccioni and Allen Alvaradob. Brianna Rice, Whitney Waggoner, Daarina Muttawahkil, Michael Raniert, Luis Panaque, Kenneth Dillard, Kimmy Reed. Paige Kaltsis, Eva Pietris and Nathan Crone all booked industrials.
Wishing you joy this season, the comfort of friends, the splendor of family and peace.