For the first time in far too long we'll have two (count ‘em two) features shooting here simultaneously. Through the hard work of many, we've landed both Stranger Than Fiction (beginning in April) and Il Mare to shoot in March. There is word of busy scouting going on and we should hear soon if the television series "Prison Break," for which the pilot was shot here, has been picked up. How lovely that would be.

In addition to her casting with Chicago Shakespeare, Jane Alderman has been working on a play for Matty Selman called Harlem Spokes and has been conducting a search for the new sitcom "Kings of New York" for Warner Brothers by the creators of "Will and Grace." Look for more good news in the next issue.

Tenner Paskal Rudnicke won the casting for the new Marc Forester (Monsters Ball, Finding Neverland ) film Stranger Than Fiction starring Will Ferrell, Queen Latifah, Dustin Hoffman and Emma Thompson, which should begin shooting in early April. YEAH! In addition to the film auditions, they've been working on three pilots, including "Bad Girls Guide to Life." They've also cast an independent film, Dustclouds, and lots and lots of commercials. Spots booked include those for Devos Children's Hospital, Cadillac, Dell, Bud Light, Septic System Treatment, Humira, Taco Time, St. Vincent's Women's Hospital, Retail Marketing Institute, Arvest Bank and Pony and Tickle.Com. Booked on these projects were actors Madison Baker, Priscilla Zujac, Madison Tyler, Kim Tyler, Dylann Halligan, Samuel Frellick, Leah Thompson, Layla Thompson, Ethan Cutkosky, Ellison Anderson, Cathy Reilly, Fred Zimmerman, Hans Holser, James McKay, Tony Verville, Matt Andrew, Gina Hickman, Anne Dralle, Mike Accardo, Betsy Zajko, Kerry Hall, Rosie Kirsch, Ian Ivkovich, Mark Forrest, Kate Harris, Monica Wilmer, Cameron Mitchell, Todd Neumann, Yanis Kalnins, David Coronado, Jacquelyn Flaherty and Sophia Monique Hinselwood.

There were two industrial castings for K.T.'s. Booked for USF Holland were John LiBrizzi and John Corriell. Booked on a CAN industrial were Gene Jansen, Michael Martin, Joe Minoso, Rob Riley, Ryan Pfeiffer, Circus Szalewski, Dan Stransky, Bev Coscarelli and Mara Monserrat.

The other new big film in town, Il Mare for Warner Brothers starring Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves, will begin shooting in March. Claire Simon Casting landed that plum. Well done! Other recent castings included spots for Western Union, Carsons and Olay. Freda Walton, Susannah Collins and Stevie Jansen were booked for Hancock fabrics, and Yanis Kalnins and Marty Petersen booked Clark Memorial Hospital. For the Milwaukee Rep production of Lady Windemere's Fan they cast Chaon Cross. The office is also conducting a search for the MGM film Yours, Mine and Ours.

So good news! But it didn't come without a lot of work by a lot of people. Got some time? Call the Illinois Production Alliance and see what you can do to generate even more!

Peace. 

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