BY BELINDA BREMNER
Well the year didn’t exactly start off with a bang. But no doubt when we finally dig ourselves out of this snow there will be plenty of work waiting. According to the Illinois Film Office, the Joan Cusack television show goes on the air in March. And people are raving, not only about the show but about the wonderful spirit and kind souls attached to the project. "ER" can count on a routine check-up and the Muhammad Ali bio pic shoots at the end of February or in early March.
Chicago also picked up some screen time originally allocated to New York. That not-quite-so-anonymous Mendes Zanuck project with Tom Hanks–which might just be called Road To Perdition–also starts rolling at the end of February. The Indy Ball In The House should be in production by the time this paper hits your mailbox, and Crazy Love (once known as Milwaukee Minnesota) will shoot here as well. And contrary to the "Inc" item, there is no John Hughes film coming here. However, there is some scouting for such projects as Stuart Little II.
There is some changing of the guard for the new year. Veteran voice-over agent Brian Bragg is now on staff at Linda Jack Talent. And, after many years as a casting director, Beth Rabedeau has left Chicago and moved to Arizona. She was always gracious, kindhearted and a true friend to actors who will be missed. Her son Jason is assuming some of her casting work.
And Jane Alderman has moved her offices to Act One Studios. Please do not think that this means she is keeping an open house. The same courtesy of NOT dropping by (even if you happen to be there for an audition or class) should be observed. She recently cast a commercial for Mercury Insurance.
Tenner Paskal, despite the theft of their cameras, continues their casting assignments on the Mendes Zanuck project as well as the Indies Ball In The House and Crazy Love (formerly Milwaukee Minnesota).
Claire Simon continues casting for Joan Cusack. Recent bookings include the ever lovely Maia Madison and Rich Talarico. For Muhammad Ali she cast Ron O. J. Parsons, Marc Grapey and Guy Van Swearingen.
Lots of searches again at Chicago Casting Company including Disney’s Max Keeble’s Big Move, a NBC pilot "Kevin Devlin," Julianne Moore’s son in The Hours (yes, the Michael Cunningham book), Sam I Am with Michelle Pfeiffer and Sean Penn and for the Warner Brothers pilot "Bad Haircuts."
And a couple of agents have reported in–Polly Rich at Baker Rowley sends word that Colton Cull booked the Disney American Teachers Awards commercial. The talented Krissy Shields (look for her in Two Weeks, One Year) and Craig Thompson booked commercials. Lou Johnson had a voice-over as did Coco Elyses, Craig Boyd, Allen Edge and Pam Mack. Chokey Lim booked an industrial. There were independent film bookings for Dave Groves, Elvira Barragan and Alvaro Barragan.
As for the Baker Rowley fundraiser for Red Hen Productions (an equity theatre company), which was postponed due to the storm the night of December 29th, it has been rescheduled for the Spring. They send warm thanks to the folks who braved the elements to get to the party that wasn’t.
And Lily’s brings us up to date with the doings in their office. Industrials went to Paige Kalteis, Michael Willens and Nathan Crone. Voice-overs went to Dana Richards and Liz Zoller. And commercials were booked by Ty Stephens, Colton Pouncy, Whitney Waggoner, Heather Richey, Stacey Cabrera, Jeanne Arrigo, Michelle Williams, Stephanie BurtonTaylor, and Mary Monica Thomas.
And a lovely note on which to end the first column of the new millennium. Please welcome to the world young Alasdair Michael Traynor born at curtain time (7:59 p.m. ), December 19 to talented actress Lindley Curry and husband Paul Traynor. The bonny baby weighed eight pounds, 10 ounces! He is to be congratulated not only on the joy he brings to his parents, but also on his superb taste in grandmothers (granny is none other than the beautiful and constantly amazing Gail Curry). Young Alasdair, you’re very welcome and very lucky!
Peace.