BY BELINDA BREMNER
"Reputation, reputation, reputation! O! I have lost my reputation.
I have lost the immortal part of myself, and what remains is bestial."
Bunky, don’t let this happen to you. Cassio’s complaint could be yours if word gets out that you have a problem honoring your commitments. Especially the financial ones. So you’re a not-for-profit theatre company (whatever), but that doesn’t mean you don’t gotta pay your bills.
Let’s explore the word "stiff." One meaning is to stick it to someone for the check/goods and services rendered. Another definition is a dead body, lifeless, without potential, not pleasant to have around. A real conversation stopper. Those who literally do the former, figuratively become the latter.
In this very small community, we’ve come to read the smoke signals sent by burning bridges. So, and let us no longer wallow in this miasma of mixed metaphors and tortured analogies, pay your damn bills. Yes, we can all tell tales, and tales of some of the very big big boys who have gotten away with some pretty shady deals over the years. But they get away with it because they can. To your clients, your agents, your talent, your writers or whomever, do unto...you know the rest.
And whilst pondering the Golden Rule, don’t forget those children’s books for Book Pals. The deadline has been extended and there are loads of drop off locations. So dig deep into the bookcase, basement, attic, pocket and most particularly heart. What a world of difference this could make.
On the film front it’s still Barber Shop and that’s it, sister. There is some scouting for possible projects. The film version of Proof has been in and around, especially down by Hyde Park and the U of C. That project has a spring start. Also scouting is the universally hailed Bonnie Hunt and her film Anniversary, the Cabrini Green project and Personal Injury. In the post Sundance days, more seeds may be sown.
Chicago Casting Company cast a spot for Berkeley Farms and is still hard at work casting Cat On A Hot Tin Roof for Meadowbrook. They are also working on "Taken," a new mini series for the Sci-Fi Network.
Congratulations to the Kwik Stop team, especially Ms. Rachel Tenner, the producer. The independent film has been nominated for a prestigious Independant Spirit award. The awards will be announced March 23rd. In the meantime Rachel and Mickie have been at work on "a ton of commercials." Among the spots they cast were for Technomart, Attorney General Robert Coleman and VH1. For Denny’s they booked Mindy Bell and Emanuel Lewis. And for Cheezits they cast Frank Janisch.
Umlaut cast a commercial for State Fair Corn Dogs with Dennis Olsen, Kristen Fletter, Matthew Strasser, Brad Barnett and Michael Stevens, Jr.
From Lily’s comes word that there were commercial bookings for Cheryl Hamada, Lisa DiGangi, Shana Petrone, Eric Jenkins, Jr., Taylor Boundas, Caroline Gehrke, Jim Goss, Dawn Dejardinins, Philip Earnhart, Elizabeth Arceneaux, Pilar McQuirter, David Laub, Eddie Covarrubias, Jason Tucker, Jackson Bloom, Audrey Allen, Jason Allen, Arthur Hawkins, Ida Hawkins, Beth O’Neil, Suzanne Schartow, Kristin Fletter, and Bob Holomshek. Industrials went to Maurice Harris, Eva Whilhelm, Jen Savanryan, Emi Clark, John Woo, Mark Stephan Shreeyash Palshikar and Sharon Daw. Gary Joy and Lisa Stran booked voice-overs. And the Lucky Seven for February are: Phillip Earnhart, Kyra Pan, Sydney Pan, Lori Garrabrantb, Scott Antonucci, Paolo Presta and Joslyn Housley.
Peace.