BY BELINDA BREMNER
Were we all collectively headed back to middle school come September, that perennial requisite essay of "What I Did On My Summer Vacation" would be a hard slog to stretch to two pages after the summer that looms. Whereas commercial work seems to be picking up (there was only one direction in which to go), with one exception to date, there will be no cranking of the ole movieola. Whatever the outcome of the negotiations on the television and film contracts, this summer will be a de facto job action–or lack thereof. Nothing is planned to start until fall. Whereas one can attempt to make commercials outside the US, use beauty shots of product, and try to work around talentless, ethicless scabs or shamelessly exploited civilians, no one is going to go see a no name movie. Blair Witch was an anomaly, a freak, not a trend. And there is only so much soit dissant reality television one can stomach. Personally, I’d rather watch screen saver, or even golf.
So what might wend its way to us post settlement? The good chaps at the Illinois Film Office speak optimistically of The Human Stain, the Philip Roth novel to be brought to the screen by Tom Rosenberg and LakeShore Entertainment. Also looking good is Sam’s Barber Shop for George Tillman and Bob Teitel of Soul Food fame. The amazing Bonnie Hunt has an MGM project. Evidence, the Sean Connery feature, has been pushed to spring of 2002. But July and August, to quote Lerner and Lowe, "shall not be too hot." The one exception so far is an independent film which Tenner Paskal will be casting called Barefoot To Jerusalem (as in "would walk barefoot to Jerusalem for a touch of his nether lip," I’m guessing). Of course, at their current rate, Road To Per Diem may still be shooting.
In the mean time, "Real World" will begin shooting soon and "What About Joan" will start up again in August.
Jane Alderman, always a lady of her word, has sent along the Joshua cast as promised. For the Paul Pompian project, she cast: Rich Komenich, Dale Callandra, Matt Ziegler, Marc Grapey, Cedric Young, Jason Bogardt, Barrie Buckner, Eddie Bo Smith, Michael Guido, Jordan Allen, the remarkable Reverend James Meeks, Bernie Landis, David Pasquesi, John Sierros, Tim Decker, Beth Lacke, Linsey Page Morton, Tim Grimm, Tom Roland, Coby Goss, Jim Carrane and the wonderful Bob O’Donnell.
Claire Simon is casting spots for Pepsi AND Coke, Disneyworld, and House and Garden Television. She is also casting for The Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis.
As mentioned earlier, Tenner Paskal will cast the independent film Barefoot To Jerusalem . They are also conducting searches for "VH1" and "Mad TV." Commercial projects include Haines and LifeClips.
And Chicago Casting Company is going on a lion hunt. Huh? They are working with Disney on the open casting call for Broadway replacements and the upcoming national tour of The Lion King. They are looking for singers ages 18-32. Those interested are asked to call 312/327-2040, ext. 46. They are the exclusive Midwest casting resource for Lion King, and will also be Disney’s training center for developing new talent for the production. According to Siobhan Sullivan, "This is the pilot program in Chicago and if successful, it will be expanded to a year-round venture incorporating youth as well as adults." They are also casting for the Cleveland Playhouse and Great Lakes Theatre LORT required auditions at the end of June.
Lily’s reports that commercials went to clients Nikki Cull, Kyle Concannon, Lakecia Harris. Max McStephan Solomon, Alexandria Early, Kahea Sammons. Keith Davis, Thomas Colby, Sonja Woody, Kimberly Simoni, Monica Tarchaia, Larry Kucharik and Chuck Shishida. Industrials went to Regina Loy, Madrid St. Angelo, Bill Harrison, Phillip Selvey and Lisa Stran.
Watch out Spinal Tap! We got us our very own version. That would be The Famous Brothers, starring at the Royal George and seen lately on CLTV and Will Clinger’s WTTW program on the t and v. The brothers who pick ’n sing some mean Bluegrass down-home harmonies hail from Monkey’s Crevice, West Virginia. Some bright eyes might spot striking resemblances to local actors Darren Stephens, Rick Vamos and, oddly, Will Clinger his very own self.
Peace.