Having just returned from The International High School Thespian Festival and the National High School Institute at Northwestern–recruitment gatherings held for future leaders in the business–I realized that there is perhaps one segment of the community left out of the strike informational highway. Do them a favor, share your knowledge about the business and about this strike. Their ignorance on the matter could seriously jeopardize their futures. Not knowing the rules and the ramifications of the situation could possibly keep these unaware kids from their dreams.

Make it your business to guide these young performers. Advise them to be well informed during these turbulent times. Please know, and tell them, that there are NO stupid questions. To quote one SAG powerhouse Lisa Lewis, "Young, pre-union performers should know that the union is not some big, ooky thing, rather an organization of fellow actors."

The strike affects everyone, including the next generation. It is our responsibility to make sure that they are properly informed so that they too can use sound judgement when forced to make their next career decision.

Perhaps you can do a one-on-one PSA. Something like, "This is your career. This is your career doing scab work." Insert a very scary graphic.

And for those of us who are veterans of the industry, a cautionary word from your friendly agents: just because there is strike and it’s summer, don’t forget to wear and answer your pagers/phones. There is still some work to be done.

The ever lovely Jane Alderman reports that she will be casting for "ER" when they come to town in mid-August. That, in addition to her casting for Till The End of Time as well as a search for two young lovelies for NBC’s "Passions," is keeping their office hopping.

Sara Isaacson from HollyRik–who recently spent pilot season with Jeff Greenberg Casting–sends word that she will be returning to Los Angeles on August 1 to continue casting. Isaacson has been with Rik for two years an says that he has been "a huge inspiration and the main reason I became a casting director in the first place. I will miss him more than words can say. Also a huge thank you to "silent partner" Hal for always being there. I love you both."

Add the following names to the Wish list: Mary Kay Cook, (and in non-speaking roles) Larry Ross, Joy Nicole, Matt Harnois, Nathan Harnois, Lisa Braatz, Samantha Hayley, Tyler Braatz, Megan Gargano, Emily Swim, Jaclyn, Annette DiAriano, James Treacy, Dan Beaver, Lishelle Magee. Jack DeMelle, Dorothy DeMelle, Steven Kaddatz, Susan Skup, Amy Young, Cheri Green, Edwin Lester, Michael Straus, Judy Kropsch, Kara Griffeab, Tom Cullerton, Israel Browderb, Emily Truesdell and Darlene Kormar. And his many fans will be delighted to know that THE Bryan Wilson will also appear in Two Weeks, One Year.

And the ever busy Claire Simon is still working on Hardball as well as the Indy Vanilla City. She booked Mindy Bell and Michael Nanfria for Gold Star Chili and is working on a Versa Shield spot.

The Illinois Film Office reported that in addition to Hardball and Till The End of Time, we will get a couple of weeks at the end of September on Dragonfly. Also, the Stallone opus Champs will be in town at the end of this month. And finally, the Joan Cusack show is still set for the end of summer and other projects include the Indy Rest of Your Life and a documentary on "The Untouchables" for Discovery Channel.

Ford Chicago has opened a children’s division for print and television. Those interested can contact Erin Crews, who was formerly with Stewart, for print and Linise Belford for on-camera.

Lily’s is moving! As of August 1, their offices will be located at Washington Square, 1301 West Washington, Suite B, Chicago, IL, 60607. They also have a new number to boot, it’s 312/601-2345. Moving isn’t all they are doing these days. They booked commercials for Joanna DeStefano, Dana Gilhooley, Annette D’Aniano and Mark Michaels. Vanessa Lopez, Daniel Sarelas and Walter Bernard booked industrials and Margaret Fairbanks had a voice over. Feature film work went to Larissa Borkowski and Gertrude Wong who traveled to Los Angeles for her expanded role in What Women Want.

Former Harrise Davidson agents, Gina Wake and Jeannie Moeslin, never got a chance to thank the wonderful actors whom they represented and would like to take this opportunity to do so and to tell the actors "You made our jobs wonderful and we will miss you."

And finally, David Cristian de la Fuente Cook (his name is longer now than he is) arrived very early in the morning on June 20 much to the joy of his parents charming actress Cynthia Cook de le Fuente and architect and Jeff award winning designer Jose de le Fuente. David, we applaud you and your wise choice in parents.

Peace.

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