BY BELINDA BREMNER
Ya know what? Yeah, there’s some news, who got what…but here’s what I REALLY want to lead off with: The BEST news! Welcome to the world beautiful Samuel Eli Frelick, gorgeous brother to Aron and son of Mickie Paskal and husband Ross Frelick. He was born at 11:40 p.m. on Oct. 19 weighing eight pounds, four ounces and "healthy as can be." Congratulations to all, especially Samuel on his superb choice of families.
Well we all know that it hasn’t been the greatest year, financially speaking. Ha! That’s an understatement! The aftermath of 9/11 and the stinking economy have hit our pockets hard and now the holidays are approaching. If you can’t buy it, make it. Also if you don’t feel like telling the family about yourself, get them–the older folks–to tell you their stories. Record them–on paper or disk–and preserve them, pass them on down.
When yesterday was lousy and pretty scary and the outlook for tomorrow doesn’t look so good, how about making today count. Make today matter. Weeks of today’s add up and then you are living a life that matters. What a lovely gift to yourself and your families.
Yes, I’m about to make my annual pitch for folks to think about–and share opportunities for–giving. I will, of course, let you know what is needed for Claire Simon and Stacy Shafer’s Hearts of the Arts organization. I can also tell you that many religious organizations do something for the homeless (i.e. what are you going to do with those sample or small sized toiletries from hotels now lurking in the recesses of your suitcase? Church of Our Savior on Fullerton will be happy to put them to very good use). I also know a very young, amazingly dedicated social worker helping abused kids in Iowa who is trying to make a holiday party for her clients, their families and the staff of about 100 people on a budget of $200.00. Know anyone who wants to help fill those stockings, stomachs and/or hearts?
Okay, on the film front: The Illinois Film Office says things look "fairly positive" that some parts of Legally Blonde II will film downstate but no dates have been set. It also looks good for us to get a couple of days of Surviving Christmas after the New Year. They are also "hearing good things" about Angry White Men from Warner Brothers, which is scheduled to begin shooting in late spring. Who knows? Could be here. There is other scouting as well. And, from Lazarus —land, rumors of the resurrection of Personal Injury are being heard.
Glad to hear from Chicago Casting Company, who are currently searching for three kids for the working title feature Thunderbirds and casting Lobby Hero for Madison Rep.
Claire Simon is casting Bad Meat and also conducting a search for American Pie III. She is also casting All My Sons for Milwaukee Rep and spots for Kraft and Skyline Chili. She cast Regan Rohde for Humana; Terry Berner, Trace Hulpgren, Nora Newbrough and Brian Boland for a political spot; Randy Steinmeyer and Joey Honsa for Lands End and Joe Krowka for Temik.
And over at Tenner Paskal and Rudnicke the casting continues for The Company. Add Marc Grapey and John E. Connelley to the list. They cast Tracy Egan and Whitney Sneed for Isotoner and John Sanders, Jane McCreedy, D.J. Howard, John Sterchi and Mark Forrest for Lowes. Current project include a DVD for Xbox.
Lily’s clients with bookings this issue include Kelsey Collins, Ricky Adams, Ebboney Wilson, Dan Henrick, Lisa DiGangi, Jim Tainor, Alex Van Meter, Giana Civito, Jenny Januszewski, Joy Zavaleta and Robbie Evans, who all booked commercials. Voice-overs went to Cali Ali and Anne Gallagher. Joey Pelliccioni and William Brausch, along with Danny Pudi, Hidotoshi Kawai and Roger Anderson, booked industrials. Melissa Fosse-Dunne is cast in Bad Meat.
Peace.