Okay, how cool is this? In April there will be—for the first time in way too long—TWO major feature films shooting here!

You already know about The Weatherman shoot but word is just in that Ice Harvest—a feature directed by Harold Ramis and starring John Cusack and Billy Bob Thorton—has just been greenlighted. The feature from Focus/Bonafide (the folks who did Cold Mountain) is fast tracked to start shooting in mid-April. During that time, Chicago may also get a couple of weeks of Steven Soderberg’s Ocean’s 12.

Jane Alderman reports that “ER” will be making a doctor’s call soon. She booked Dale Rivera on the last “ER” shoot. Other projects keeping her busy include teaming up with Mark Medoff on a play he will be directing. Medoff will also be working again with producer Ginger Perkins on a film for Chicago. He will serve as both writer and director.

Tenner Paskal Rudnicke have completed casting on The Weatherman. Booked in the Nicholas Cage feature are: Chris Marrs Dina Facklis, De Anna Brooks, Sia Moody, Guy Van Swearingen, Alejandro Pina, Jackson Bubala, Jennifer Bills, Peter Grosz, Joe Bianchi, Nic Kuhzneman, Tom Roland, Margaret Kusterman, Robyn Moler, Melanie Decelles, Jason Wells, Scott Benjaminson, Ora Jones, Pat Vern Harris, Mike Bacarella, Jennifer Joan Taylor, Shane Williams, Chuck Stubbings, Tom Skilling, Antoine McKay, Eddie Martinez, David Darlow, Will Zahrn, Bob Sirott, Marianne Murciano, Leah Rose Orleans, Eric Ambriz, Dan Flannery and Lupe Sanchez. Other projects include commercials for Chevy, Cellular South, and EuroPro as well as an industrial for Nexium.

And Claire Simon reports that the effects of the Los Angeles showcase for Chicago actors continues to reap rewards for all of us. One of the participants, David Pompeii, was booked on “Passions.” The folks there were so impressed with his work–and that of the other Chicago actors they saw—that they have changed a long-standing policy and are now sending Chicago agents their breakdowns. Good news indeed. Claire and her staff are working on a pilot called “Quints” and a pilot for Warner Brothers called “Jack and Bobby.” They are booking a commercial for the May Company. Theatre casting include Private Lives and Plaza Suite for Indiana Repertory. Chris Stolte and Patrick Clear have been cast in Plaza Suite. Other theatre projects include Living Out for Missouri Repertory.

Peace.