BY BELINDA BREMNER
How did another year go by? Had anyone told us 12 months ago how 2001
would end, who would have believed it? The year began with hopes for a
rejuvenated post-strike commercial market. Unfortunately, those hopes
did not pan out. Other strikes loomed and were settled but the consequences
of a de facto strike kept cameras idle from late-spring throughout the
summer. Then the mantra was that business would pick up right after Labor
Day. Why on earth shouldn’t it? Anything to the contrary was unthinkable.
And then on September 11 the unthinkable happened.
Everything stopped. Paralyzed with fear, transfixed in horror, we collectively watched news of our hitherto assumed inviolate world unfold unspeakable horror by unimaginable sorrow. We covered the mirrors and wept. What couldn’t happed here had, and after those lifetime-long hours, everything was different.
Production halted, and when it did begin again, it stayed close to home. Commercial campaigns were scrapped and reconceived. Life itself was real, more real and immediate. [More serious than any soit dissant reality television show. And for those of you who assume I pull these fancies from the air, I cite (among many others), the November 21 and 27 issues of the Hollywood Reporter and Josef Adalian and Michael Scneider’s excellent article in the September 30 issue of Variety.]
In 2001, we lost our one television series, "What About Joan." Even "ER" postponed coming to town for a while (They may be back by the end of January). By year’s end commercial production was struggling back up. We have one film (Barber Shop) and scouting for others.
If there is one thing that should top all of our Santa lists this year, it is for Washington to give tax incentives in order to curb runaway film production.
But there are other things we can do much closer to home to help. Not professionally, not for self gain but to save lives and ease pain. The extraordinary and redoubtable Lisa Lewis writes: "My dear friend Ellen reminds me the 'six week waiting period’ since September 11 has more than passed and we can give blood again—and besides, they always need blood donors, no matter the state of the world events. And my guess is that the lines will be a lot shorter these days—so do it. My agent Linda reminds me to go to http://www.thehungersite.com daily to click and feed a less fortunate soul. It’s easy and it’s paid for by the corporate site sponsors. And while at the site you can click through to a breast cancer site and a rain forest site. All in all, it takes about 30 seconds."
An example of giving from the heart was provided by Hearts of the Arts co-creator Claire Simon. She reports that so many readers of the column have been generous in providing the children of Englewood with warmth this winter. She thanks each and every one who dropped off gifts either at her office or at Linda Jack Talent. Young actress Lauren Sowa dedicated an entire week’s pay from The American Girl Review to buy 29 games, toys (complete with batteries) and books to be given out by Santa (a.k.a. Bernie Landis) at the holiday party at Fillipo’s. Just a reminder that the needs of the children of Englewood know no season and donations are happily accepted throughout the year.
Speaking of the younger generation, what better way to end the year than by announcing new lives. Welcome Master Zachery Dean Gee, born November 6 weighing eight pounds and measuring 21 inches. Papa David Gee reports that "big brother Alex thinks he’s way cool." And fellow Strike Force Leader James Schneider and his wife Amy welcomed son Matthew Jacob, who arrived three weeks early (so as not to miss any holiday fun) weighing in at almost seven pounds. Welcome to the world to both young gentlemen. May this be a lovely world for you both to grow in wisdom, age and grace.
And a word from the seniors. The Seniors Committee of AFTRA/SAG announces the dates of their delightful performances at the Cultural Center for 2002. Mark those brand new diaries for Tuesday, Feb. 12; Monday, March 25; Sunday, May 19; Monday July 8; Tuesday, Sept. 24, and Sunday, Nov. 10.
Just in time for the holidays! The triumphant return of Jane Alderman to the stage! After a far too long absence, Miss Jane will be delighting audiences at the Apollo Theatre in (yup!) The Vagina Monologues.
Chicago Casting Center is conducting a search for the ABC pilot "Paranormal Girl" and casting Cat On A Hot Tin Roof for Meadowbrook.
More commercials over at Claire Simon Casting. Among other projects they cast a Lifetime Fitness spot with Charlie Bliss, Katie Johnston, Jenny Zuleger, Kelly Owens, Bryan McElroy, Larry Kucharik, Dan Hennney and Richard Lee. They will be very busy soon with the NBC pilot season. And for stage, they are casting Art for Indiana Rep.
The ladies at Tenner Paskal are busy with commercials, making the holidays merry for one and all.
On the agent front, Stacy Schafer of Linda Jack Talent has just returned from Los Angeles, where she was the guest of client Eddie Jemison, whom she booked (from Chicago) in Ocean’s Eleven. She went to the film’s premiere that was billed as the biggest such event in quite some time. Eddie plays Livingston Dell, the "Eye in the Sky" computer guy, one of the aforementioned Eleven. As such he has an impressive amount of co-star screen time. It was the red carpet treatment complete with interviews, the screening at Mann Village Theatre, followed by a party catered by Wolfgang Puck. A very cool, very proud night.
Closer to home, Lily’s lets us know that clients Ebboney Wilson, Jenny Sanchez, Allan Ferguson, Dan Shelly, Shewandia, Ellie Weingardt, Darrian Eason, Mia Parks, Randy Craig and Heather O’Brien booked commercials. Amy Carle, Lisa Stran, and George Aviles did voice-overs. And industrials went to Katherine Lee, Eddie Covarribies, Mary Chaisson, Vanessa Reeves, Laura Stigler, Dan Herrick, Leslie Gray, Barry Conne, Corey Blount, Rob Amos, Joe Gordon, Paul Quaintance, Jon Zemke, Chong White, and Joslyn Housley. And what better way to welcome in the new year than with January’s Lucky Seven headed by that terrific young actor Christopher Grobe (remember that name), Giovanni Zito, Bianca Melone, Christopher Tolbert, Joe Savino, Mia Park and Taylor Boundas.
Our condolences to Alan at A&B Photography on the death of his wife. Wrote Jennifer Haering, "He has always been such a friendly, caring person."
Peace.