Desert first! Brody Tenner Paskal Casting, Claire Simon Casting and Aria Model & Talent Management invite one and all to a fundraising event to support the independent film Kwik Stop. You are invited to join them Friday, May 12 at Drink (702 West Fulton) from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for dancing and an industry related silent auction. Items for auction include auditions for film, television and commercials, consultations with agents and casting directors, a cameo in the film Kwik Stop as well as loads of other goodies ranging from massage therapy to handmade furniture. It’s a great way to assist the Chicago independent film community. Tickets are $25 at the door.

Alright, now the tougher stuff. As predicted, this strike is a test of who we are and what we’re made of. How each of us behaves will have long lasting repercussions. Talent, both union and non-union, are being bombarded with information, both true and false with every shade in between. Don’t be confused. Go to the source. If you are a union member (a member of ANY of the four A unions), stay up-to-date on the union position. If you’re not a union member, stay up to date with the union’s position. Know the facts, not the rumors, speculations and propaganda being spewed forth by those with self-centered interests.

If you are a non-union actor with an agent, and ANYONE other than that agent is telling you ANYTHING about your agent—including his or her stance on the strike—you owe it to yourself and the agreement you signed with that agent to pick up the phone and ask directly. Some folks would like to drive a wedge between you and your agent. They want to manipulate you for their own gain. Don’t let them. Talk to your agent and then make your decision.

The unions are welcoming all actors to join the strike and honor the picket lines. The hotline welcomes all questions or concerns (312-867-3711). If you are interested in picketing Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., e-mail rsvpchicago@afrta. Other information may be found on the union’s websites at www.aftra.com or www.sag.org.

Here are the bookings, kindly given by Brody Tenner Paskal, for What Women Want. Appearing with (or near) Mel Gibson will be: Chris Rolfes, Katie Kneeland, Cheryl Juszczyk, Jeanine O’Connell, Kelly Hazen, Khristina Martin, Davayani Pandav, Mary Seibel (so good in Irish Rep’s The Mai), Susannah Kavanaugh, Jenny McKnight, Brooke Elliott, Perry Cavitt, Chrystal McKinney, Jamie Gutterman, Emily Werfel, Lindsey Light, Laurie Riffe, Jeannie Rennick, Cedric Young, Jennifer Joan Taylor, Gertrude Wong, Joe Petcka, Leshay Tomlinson, Julie Granata, Marla Martensen, Regan Rohde, Tamarra Tungate, Ashley Quirico, Liz Tannenbaum, Heidi Helmer, Phil Ridarelli, Christian Michel, Coby Goss and Brian Calloway. Phew! And, in their spare time, they worked on the indy Save Me A Seat, a PSA, spots for Allstate and Comfort Bath and the pilot "Street Smarts." Congratulations to Michah Kantors who booked the new Mazda campaign. He was chosen after auditions were conducted in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago and London. Well done!.

Jane Alderman Casting is working on the Steve Martin project Novocaine and Holly Rik Heitz is keeping busy with industrial work.

Beth Rabedeau Casting worked on a project for Louis Rich Carving Board. Booked for Ponderosa—in pre-strike days—were: Wayne Brown, Christopher Garrett, Rebekah Smith, Oksana Fedunzyen, Paul Turner, Noelle Bou-Sliman, Lance Barber, Jaclyn Barker, Spencer Rogers, Rengin Altay, Terry Berner, Jimmy Palombi, Bill Russell, Shayna Ferm, Mike Vieau, Monte, Patrick Shields, Joshua Bergman, Grant Mulin and Alister Martensen.

Baker and Rowley send word of lots of bookings. Commercials went to Kurt Bloom, Tony Verville, Paul Grondy and Adam Turman. Industrials were booked by David Aronovich, Todd Metzger, Frank Daze, Frank LaVecchia, Trish Gallo, Brian Rafferty, Ibrahim Shifa, Jennifer Fullenkanp, Robyn Norris, Donna LaPersia, Joy Medrano, Kevin Gerry, Francois Moret, Violet Ellington, Rayna Craft, Dan James, Jackie Schainmier, Eric Curtis, Shaun Unell, and Chris Heightchew.

Congratulations to young CED client Matt O’Leary. the 12-year-old powerhouse booked the pilot for "Star Patrol" for the WB. Unfortunately, the powers that be decided that the role—when the pilot went to series—needed to be several years older. Bummer! However, young Matt booked Mom’s Got A Date With A Vampire, a film for the Disney Channel to be aired, you guessed it, this Halloween. And his beaming agent, Tina, says he has two more projects in the works. Well done!

Tom at Lily’s has his own list of strike demands—some levity in these tense days. I particularly like the mandatory use of soft gels. He tells us that clients Devayani Pandav and Gertrude Wong were booked for What Women Want and that Gertrude was such a hit that she will be flying out to Los Angeles because her part has been expanded. Tom’s words , "Watch out Gloria Stuart." And here’s possibly the last list of commercials for a while. They went to Allen Alvarado, Joey Pellicconi, Daniel and Michael Campbell, Lesley Levy, Karen Whittmen, Marcella Unate, Evangeline Brinkly and Pat Girard. Ariel Davis was seen on the Tonight show and booked the "Power Rangers" for Disney, while Pam Turlow had an industrial.

And this issue’s McBlaine Report. Commercials were booked by Gerry Lorenzi, Heidi Drennan, Azizi Marshall, April Baker, Jesse Weaver, Megan O’Neill, Chris Ellis, Elle Russ and Alan Ball. Industrials went to Jenni Fontana, Mary O’Dowd, Reid Ostrowski, Tony Carsella, John O’Lesky, Maura Mathie, Kirsten Johnson, Dana Gilhooley, Karen Woods, Alton Rollerson and Steve Matuszak. Voiceovers were booked by Kim Barlow, Allan Stagg, Ben Dooley, Ron Weiner and Val Glowinski.

More pre-strike bookings from North Shore. Commercials went to Liz Pozzi, Kristin Brinley, Luc Stahl, Anna Suarez and Anthony DePalio. Pam Turlow booked a voiceover.

And voiceovers at the Talent Group went to Pam Turlow, Robb Murray, Sue Berg, Peter Dean, Laura Hamilton, Dolyce Johnson and Jean Losquadro.

Finally, it is with enormous sadness that we announce the retirement of long time voiceover agent Jamie Marchie. Having been in the business for over 20 years, Jamie was without an equal. Her great humor was invincible. Although I will no longer have the privilege and gosh darn fun of working with her, I know that she has earned this new time and will enjoy every second of it. Bahbye, Jamika.

Peace.

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