The days may be drawing in and getting darker earlier but there are brighter days ahead. The Illinois Film Office, our tireless and resourceful team that brings films to our state, says that there has been a very high volume of calls coming in and photos of potential locations going out, so 2005 may well be a banner year for us. There are, I’m told, lots of “possible, possible maybes” for both film and television production next year. And, of course, independent and low budget and student films continue to shoot. One such indy is 5/25/77, which is currently shooting in Waukegan.

The Miramax feature Derailed will be here for a couple of weeks next month. And here’s an update on All Fall Down, the film version of The Architect. The project for HDNet Films is set, tentatively, for next year.

“ER” will be in town again soon and, needless to say, Jane Alderman will be casting. We’ll give you the report STAT.

Tenner Paskal Rudnicke has been very busy with lots of commercial projects. They cast spots for Saint Francis Hospital, Coors Beer, Schwan Foods, and Kraft. For Illinois Lottery they cast Maribeth Monroe, Hans Holsen, Daniel Bryant, Sue Gillan, Helen Caro and John Ferrick. They also worked casting two WB reality shows and the pilot for “Super Nanny” for ABC.

Also working overtime are the folks at Claire Simon Casting where they cast for productions of The Grapes of Wrath and A Midsummer Night’s Dream for Indiana Repertory. For Kansas City Rep they booked Kallie Bell, Michelle Graf and Carey Cannon for Little Women and E. Milton Wheeler in Two Trains Running. They scouted for the remake of Bad News Bears and for the animated Howard Stern series. Commercial projects included Breathe Right Strips, Bank of America, Humana Health Care, Kroger Foods, Carson Pirie Scott, The May Store, Fifth Third Bank and Levi’s.

Linda Jack Talent is the new home for agent Chelsey Pattersen, late of Geddes. She has assumed the responsibilities that were held by Stacy Shaffer, and will be a great addition to an already terrific team.

Speaking of Stacy, who always had great ideas for philanthropy, it’s time again to start sending me your ideas for volunteer opportunities and donation destinations. Stacy, along with Claire Simon and a host of other kind souls, instituted Hearts of the Arts to provide winter clothing and school supplies to less advantaged children. Claire will be sending updates for this year, but others of you no doubt have causes and agencies to share. We’re coming into the traditional giving season, but the need exists all year.

The Greater Chicago Food Depository always wants workers. Many theatres sponsor canned food nights to support them and many other agencies. Alas, the need is greater than ever now.

You don’t have to attend a church to participate in the many shelters and food and clothing programs which they carry on all year. You don’t have to be a Mensa member to tutor a child. Just kind to another human.

Over the years, I have run requests for goods and services and the response has always been great. If you would like to let other readers know of an organization which needs their time, energy and donations, please e-mail me at Bremnerb@aol.com with donations in the subject line. I will cheerfully share your information.

And on a very cheerful note, welcome to the world brand new Ella Lucy (love the name) Werstler who came to join mommy Ilyssa Fradin and dad Greg and very big sister Hope. She arrived at 4:32am (a very early call) on Oct. 16, weighing six pounds 13 ounces and stretching 19 and 3/4 inches. Questionable timing but excellent choice of family!

Peace.

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