BY BELINDA BREMNER
The word from Bob Hudgins at the Illinois Film Office is that there is scouting afoot for, hold your breath, TELEVISION PILOTS! Oh, too much happiness! (Assuming a Gabby Hayes/Grandma Walton voice) "Yup, kiddies, there was a day not so very long ago when we had one, two, three televisions shows shootin’ right here. We was plumb busy then. And we could buy us some good victuals and dress up right smart."
Possible contenders include "Chi Town" for Paramount and "Jack" for Warner Brothers. But, let us not assume that because it says Chicago in the title it’s going to be Chicago in the can. We have been fooled too often before. We should hear about these projects later this month.
Chicago son Bernie Mack is making a movie entitled Mr. 3000 and fingers are crossed that he’ll bring it home for production. Barbershop II appears to be a definite for MGM this summer, but no word yet on where the production will shoot.
Stevie, which was shot here, was a huge winner at Sundance. The Steve Jones documentary was picked up by Lion’s Gate. Congratulations all.
As you all know, Ron Ver Kuilen has retired from the Illinois Film Office and a replacement will be chosen soon. Ver Kuilen worked tirelessly–and inventively–to bring film work home to us. To keep his good efforts going, please contact Gov. Blagojevich and Jack Lavin of the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to show your support of the two following highly qualified candidates:
Charles Geocaris, a native Chicagoan with film production experience, is currently serving as the director of the Nevada Film Office. He also served as the director of the Chicago Film Office from 1990-1996.
Bob Hudgins, who is currently filling in Ver Kuilen’s shoes, is a 19-year industry veteran. He worked on such classics as Rudy! and Groundhog Day and has been with the Illinois Film Office for the last five years.
You can fax Mr. Lavin at 312/814-7179 and email Gov. Blagojevich at governor@state.il.us.
And folks have been calling regarding the status of Chicago Casting Company. What I have learned is that Tina O’Brien and Janet Louer have reformed their alliance as O’Brien Louer Casting and are continuing to cast projects but have moved from the offices on West Chicago. They recently cast Wait Until Dark for Meadowbrook and are still casting the children for Lion King.
And a little reminder: Actors do not call casting directors. Agents submit actors for roles. Actors cannot submit themselves to casting directors. That’s why the Act One Reports writes "Do Not Call These People" above the list. It’s also a very good idea to find out if a project is indeed shooting here, how much is shooting, and what small roles if any they are casting here. THEN, maybe, you call your agent. Maybe. Rest assured, however, that if there is work here your agent is ALL OVER if and will submit you for whatever there is if you fit the breakdown. Don’t ever call casting directors. Don’t do anything until you have all the facts. Then think long and hard about bugging the agent who is already, no doubt, working to get you whatever there might be lying around loose.
Jane Alderman, when not producing blockbuster musicals (or appearing in them), cast the latest episode of "ER" with Chris Marrs and Regan Rohde.
Tenner Paskal Rudnicke have been casting projects for Gatorade, McDonald’s, and Sears. They are casting for NBC pilots "Hub," "Miss Match," and "Spellbound" as well as the independent film Mary and Joe–Big City Style.
And apologies to (and I am going to type this very, very carefully) TIFFANY LIVERIS, whose name has been misspelled repeatedly and who was kind enough to bring the matter to our attention.
Peace.