As predicted, the strike is long and the column is short. Tempers are short, too. Stay informed. Think about what is important. Some non-union talent may see the strike as a golden opportunity, but a quick and measly $200 bucks now may not seem so great later on down the road. And as for union actors who scab–that’s gutless, self-serving and short-sighted behavior. Moreover, it’s categorically indefensible.

As an actor, it is your responsibility to know who has signed interim agreements. Find out for certain, non-union actors, if the work you are being sent out to audition for really is non-struck work. Call the unions for absolute verification. And, should it prove to be struck, don’t feel obliged to go any way. Pressure or no, the final decision is up to you. Don’t blame others for your decisions. No one ever does anything they don’t want to do if you really think about it.

So what, besides this strike, is on people’s minds. Here’s the good and bad news from the Illinois Film Office. Bad news first. Alas, "Early Edition" is no more, except in reruns. Ditto for "Chicago Hope." To counter balance that upset is word that the Joan Cusack show for ABC/Gracie/Columbia TriStar will be a mid-season replacement. Shooting should start September 1. "Silent Witness," the pilot which was shot here last Spring, is in limbo. The brass at NBC like it, making it a potential pick-up. "The Fugitive," which also shot its pilot here, has been picked up for 22 episodes starring Mykelti Williams and Tim Dalyb. As you know, it is a road show, but it has to be headquartered somewhere. Let’s hope that it is here and not either Los Angeles or Canada.

On the big screen, Hardball starring Keanu Reeves starts shooting the end of July. We should get a week of Champs, a Sylvester Stallone film about Nascar drivers. And, we should get some of Will Smith’s film about Muhammad Ali in November. Also, there are still some definite nibbles out there. Bob Zemekis’s Thursday Night is still a possibility and Indies around town include Frost Parkway, Save Me A Seat and Two Weeks, One Year.

It was Brody Tenner Paskal who cast Save Me A Seat. Booked were: Megan O’Neill, Tim Decker, Donna Jay Fulkes, Jim Carrane, Jack McBrayer, Ilyssa Fradin, Tami Sagher, Tara Mallen, Angela Shelton, Brooke Elliott, Stephanie Vogt, Dawn Lewis, Kristine Entwistle, Maggie Carney, Kyla Cheyne, Owen Smith, Lauren Rosenfeld and Mark Antani. They also cast the film The Magic Act with some magical actors including Annabel Armour, John Lordan, Chris Grobhe, Mary Seible, Cedric Young and Cecily Strong. Paul Markus is the producer. They also booked Elisha Ben Israel for H.E.B. Grocery Stores.

And Jennifer Rudnicke of Jaz Casting booked the cast for Two Weeks, One Year, written and directed by Chris McKay and produced by Carrie Holt. The project includes: Krissy Shields, Larissa Borkowski, Brigid O’Shaunessy, Jennifer Ohlinger, Craig Boyd, Ann Rickoff, Mike McNamara, Kipleigh Brown and your correspondent.

A word about the agents’ report. I asked specifically for the bookings of any NON-STRUCK work. I will not run listings for struck work.

Baker and Rowley’s building has gone condo and so they will be moving around the corner to 1347 West Washington around June 15. Their industrial bookings include Beth Jacoby, Mark Yoder and Monica Maigoriello. Client Brendan Moran will appear again next season on "Judge Mathis."

Lily’s had an industrial booking for Daniel Yong and a PSA for Ron Mace. Ernie Frantz was booked for a feature film and voice overs went to Bill Rickert, Matthew Gragnani, Gina Rodriguez, Jessica Golden, Kelauni Cook, Jamie Hernandez and Lia Stratton.

And Talent Group reports that there were industrial voice overs for Sue Berg, Mary Pat Lindle, John Sterchi, Lorraine Brown, Connie Ligman, Peter Dean , Richard Westwing and Tom Seevers. On camera industrial bookings went to Alan Ball, Millie Hurley, Craig Bryant, Sandi Litt and Deborah Hermalee.

Keep your head cool and your heart straight. Peace.

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