CHICAGO – When in the presence of a powerful acting force like Michael Shannon, the depth of performance is emotional and passionately essential. He co-leads with Travis A. Knight in Red Orchid Theatre’s World Premiere of Levi Holloway’s “Turret,” just extended to June 22nd at the Chopin Theatre.
Podtalk: Ashton Swinford About to Start Production on ‘Wizdom’
CHICAGO – In a sure sign that production is ramping up in Chicago once again, the pilot sci-fi film “Wizdom” – the first step in a larger project – will film in the city the week of February 21st, 2022. “Wizdom” is co-created and co-written by Ashton Swinford, who also will portray the lead role.
In a future where daylight is scarce,“Wizdom” follows Eos and Vayle, two professional thieves who live on the outskirts of a neon-lit colony ordered and dominated by the biotech corporation Wizdom. Using bionic enhancements and other posthuman biotechnologies, Eos and Vayle steal raw materials from Wizdom in order to cook up a drug that is rumored to show users visions of the future. Will the drug permanently enhance their vision and extrasensory powers? Will they survive the first dose?
Ashton Swinford for ‘Wizdom’
Photo credit: Ashton Swinford
Ashton Swinford co-created and wrote “Wizdom” with Zack Sievers, with additional creator input from the director of the film, Layne Marie Williams (“The Christmas Pitch,” “Scutly”). Ms. Swinford will also portray Eos, the lead protagonist in the story who is described as a “post human thief.” “Wizdom” will be filmed in the newly renovated Cine City in Chicago, a facility that is in collaboration with Cinespace Studios on the south west side of the city. The former president of Cinespace, Alex Pissios, also serves as Executive Producer of the film.
Ms. Swinford has a long resume as a veteran actor, writer, production coordinator, director and producer. A graduate of the Stellar Adler Studio in New York City, she is SAG-AFTRA certified in both Los Angeles and Chicago. She has acted in “Chicago P.D.,” FOX-TV’s “New Girl” and indie films like “The Grandma” (available on Amazon Prime). Her director debut short film was “Red Flag,” which premiered at the Midwest Film Festival, and her follow-up was the hilarious “Basic Witches.” She also co-created, produced and starred in the YouTube series “Miss Information.”
In a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, Ashton Swinford expounds on “Wizdom,” the project and otherwise …
By PATRICK McDONALD |