Word is, “Prison break” is a hit. That’s great news for all of us. It is wonderful after six bleak years to have a television drama shooting here once more. If all goes well, and why should it not, more work will come to us. That’s the hope, anyway, of the Illinois Film Office when they head out to Los Angeles at the end of the month to present their “Sweet Home Illinois” extravaganza. And, we are very attractive thanks to all the heavy lifting and hard work done by those who fought so long and hard for film tax credits. So grow the Illinois film industry. Thanks to the efforts by Gov. Blagojevich, Illinois is highly competitive to studios. We who profit through increased work should thank those of the Illinois Production Alliance, the Illinois Film Office and all who labored so vigorously to revive our flagging film economy. That we have this production, and more to come, is indeed good news.

Good news is very welcome in the days following the devastation of the Gulf states. Those who wish to help (the SAG and AFTRA Web sites advise) can do so most directly through the American Red Cross. If you are in a position to offer housing to a union brother or sister, go to the SAG Web site and you’ll receive further instruction.

On the television front, “ER” was back in town. Jane Alderman, of course, did the casting. Booked for episodes 1 and 2 were Samantha Scanlon (who JUST graduated from CCPA), John Yoder, Kirsten Fitzgerald and John Hookenakker. La Alderman will be busy at work at the end of this month directing the Chicago casting for the new Clint Eastwood feature, Flags of Our Fathers, which comes here in October.

Tenner Paskal Rudnicke have been swamped. They’ve been casting for film, television and commercials. Commercial projects include ads for Volkswagen, McDonald’s, Friendly’s, Frosted Flakes, American Family Insurance, Kia, KFC, World Series of Poker, San Diego Boat Show, Southeast Wisconsin Transit Partners, Lendingtree.com, Chicago Marathon, Hyatt, Healthy Choice, Assurant Health, and the bar.com. Film and television projects include “The Wizard of Odds,” “Mr. Romance” and “Pull.” Booked were lucky actors: David Coronado, Charlie Beck, James Eichling, Dan Muck, Rick Komenick, Bethaney Gates, Harlan Hogan, John Coriell, Hans Holsen, John La Flamboy, Bill Leff, Ellen Fox, Geoff Rice, Wesley Chu, Seasonne Haynes, Taylor Granrath, Lauren Ryland, Jenna Halstead, Ron Pergozen, Robert Newell, Richard Kasemsarn, Brenda Durham, Sia Moody, Tom Bateman, Bob Kaliebe, Jake Armstrong, Jordan Teplitz, Michael Guido, Brennan Buhl, Lauren Bishop, T.J. Miller, Brian Gallivan, Yanis Kalnis, Ethan Cutkosky, Anthony Rago and Olivia Luby.

Chicago actor Dave Kappas is once again walking and rallying support for others who are walking in the Chicago walk for PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease). It’s a disease that doesn’t get a great deal of media buzz, but which is devastating for those whom it afflicts. Among those coping with it are many Chicago performers and their families. To learn more and to know what you can do to help, you can visit The Chicago Walk for PKD registration page at www.pkdcure.org. The event is coming up very soon and according to Dave, “We have hundreds of participants, plenty of food and fun, and about 40 prizes to give away after the walk. We are also almost 60 percent of the way to reaching our goal of $100,000!”.

More news, including a catching up of what Claire Simon has been up to, in the next issue.

Peace.

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