BY BELINDA BREMNER
Worried that I might sound like a broken record, a charge often leveled by both my offspring and students, I will not say that things are slow and seek to find reasons beyond the obvious for the summer lull. It’s the summer, stupid. So taking a cue from this seasonal excuse, I have an alternative approach. Think rather, gentle Reader, of this abbreviated missive as a postcard from your devoted correspondent as she basks in some dell, sipping fermented beverages beside sky blue waters.
On the film front, the Illinois Film Office reports that our only scheduled activity will be "What About Joan?" and visits from both "ER" and "Mind of the Marrying Man." On the bigger screen, there is scouting for the HBO Cabrini Green Project. It would be nice to think that this project won’t be running off to Toronto. Loyal Chicago daughter Bonnie Hunt has a new project called Anniversary which is waiting for the green light. She is very committed to shooting here, praise be. MGM is in town scouting for their project Barber Shop from George Tillman and Bob Teitel, the folks who brought you Soul Food. Dreamworks is also scouting for a film entitled Terminal. Let’s keep good thoughts for these and even more work.
Jane Alderman is casting for Breakthrough Productions and Chicago Casting Company is in full theatre mode casting for Actors Theatre of Louisville’s Dracula and Christmas Carol, Seattle Rep and locally for The Blue Room and Miracle on 34th Street.
Claire Simon is busy casting the Guthrie’s Merrily We Roll Along and commercially for Evanston Northwestern Health Care and TCEF. Charming Catlyne Lasser was booked for Value City.
Lots of bookings from Lily’s to share. Television work went to Makena Banckman, Ghoun "Max" Chunbg, Sara Mao and Noah Chon. Eileen Pagenhopf booked a voice-over. Industrials went to Lisa Stran, Kelly Jang, Mamie McGuire, Taylor Keanzian, Kelly Gayden, Tom Lally, Rula Gardinier, Tom Daugherty, Marvinetta Woodley, Jose Solis, Bill Hamson, Eva Pietris, Stacey Hepp and Kellie Halihan. And commercial bookings went to Jeanne Amigo, Steve Hickson, Edward Boyle, Isabella Ledonne and Jorea Protho. The "Lucky Seven" for August are: Joni Busch, Alan Ferguson, Scott Schuster, Whitney Waggoner, Lia Chan, Tiana Chan and Amie Olson.
Condolences to Lance Gordon of The Actors’ Center on the recent death of his mother and to Rik Kristenant on the sudden death of his elder son, Roc. Rik has asked that PI pass along his thanks to all that have sent their prayers and kind words to him, Keith and Hal at this difficult time.
And closing with happy news. Welcome to the world Henry James Head Ferguson, big (and we mean big) brother to Phoebe. Mom, the amazing Catherine Head, reports that young Henry James came into the world at 5:02 p.m., Monday, June 18th weighing in at an astonishing 10 pounds, five ounces and spanning 22 inches. Mom, Dad, big sister and HJ are all doing well. Catherine plans to return to teaching "probably in the winter or spring."
So, enjoy the last of the summer. With luck, a few months hence, we’ll be working so much we’ll be longing for a respite.
Peace.