Productions Made in Chicago

Chicago based screen writers

Tatuuk — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 10:40:26 -0700

Does anyone out there know how many Chicago born screenwriters are out there? And no don’t count Robert Zemeckis.

Matt Damon in Chicago!!

jacksgirl1113 — Thu, 22 May 2008 22:06:51 -0700

I just thought I’d tell everyone that Matt Damon is in Chicago filming The Informant. I know this because a mom that I babysit for is going to see him on Saturday becuase her brother is working for the company. I must say that I am quite suprised that no one has picked up on this. I must admit that I have been keeping track of Public Enemies but thought that there might be a few people on here that wish to see Matt Damon. I do not have a location as of yet but will update as soon as I know.

Leading motion picture rental company Cinelease closes doors on Chicago branch

Sat, 10 May 2008 09:33:04 -0700

Cinelease, Inc. the nation’s leading Motion Picture Rental Company that set up a location in Chicago has decided to close the Chicago branch of its facility.

A world renowned resource for hollywood lighting and grip equipment Cinelease, Inc. Chicago was dealt the blow by the Audax Investment Group out of Boston last week. Leaving many in the Chicago film Industry wondering if there are any projects on the horizon.

Since 2005, Cinelease, provided lighting for The Dark Knight, Wanted, The Express, The Unborn, Top Chef Chicago, Holiday Baggage, and many others…which lead many to believe this was a shortsighted move by an Investment group scared of the impending strike June 30th by the Screen Actors Guild.

Sobering documentary 'At the Death House Door' to premiere in Chicago on May 10, 2008 from 'Hoop Dreams' filmmakers

HollywoodChicago.com — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:49:28 -0700

The sobering documentary “At the Death House Door” on the death penalty will premiere in Chicago on May 10, 2008 from “Hoop Dreams” filmmakers Steve James and Peter Gilbert. Click here for our full preview story on this.

Free screening for Darryl Roberts documentary 'America the Beautiful' in Chicago on April 22, 2008

HollywoodChicago.com — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 09:02:31 -0700

We just received word about a free screening on April 22, 2008 at 7 p.m. for “America the Beautiful”. Your free tickets can be downloaded here. More information is below. Our interview with “America the Beautiful” filmmaker Darryl Roberts can be found here.

I want to invite you to a screening of our new documentary “America the Beautiful,” on Tuesday night April 22nd at 7pm at the AMC River East Theater - 322 East Illinois Street.

****SEATING IS ON A FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE BASIS******

This is a free word of mouth screening to show the film to influencers like yourself, so that you can spread the word about how much you like the film to others and help to promote it’s release date of May 9th in theaters across Chicago. On May 9th we’re scheduled to be at the:

AMC River East 21
322 East Illinois Street
Chicago, IL 60611

Cinemark Century Evanston 18
1715 Maple Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201

Landmark Century Centre Cinema
2828 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60657

“America the Beautiful,” takes a funny look at our unhealthy obsession with beauty and features Eve Ensler of “The Vagina Monologues.”

I’ve enclosed an invitation for complimentary admission for 2. Just print it out and redeem it at the theater. We’re going to have various leaders of different industries at the screening, so it could also be a great opportunity to network.

You can take a look at our trailer on our website at:
http://www.americathebeautifuldoc.com

What people are saying about “America the Beautiful”:

“Thought provoking, funny” -AFI Dallas International Film Festival
“…Wicked” -The Chicagoist
“…Captivating…” -LA Times
“Funny, shocking and enlighening” -Samantha Urban, The Daily Campus
“Fascinating…” -Capone, Ain’t It Cool News
“…Unexpectedly witty” -Chicago Reader
“Absolutley critical viewing” -Capone, Ain’t It Cool News
“One of the most important documentary films of this decade” -Samantha Urban, The Daily Campus

I hope to see you Tuesday night! Darryl

Ellis, Bendis & Ross Confirmed For Wizard World Chicago From June 26 to 29, 2008

HollywoodChicago.com — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 10:19:00 -0700

I just received the following press release.

Ellis, Bendis & Ross Confirmed For Wizard World Chicago From June 26-29, 2008
Kick-Off Summer Vacation In June At Wizard World Chicago
Warren Ellis Named Guest Of Honor
Brian Michael Bendis To Host “Secret Invasion” Panel
Alex Ross In Rare Convention Appearance

Congers, NY (April 16, 2008) – Wizard World Chicago, the largest family-friendly comics and pop culture convention in the central US returns to Chicago June 26-29 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. One of comic’s most innovative minds, Warren Ellis, has been named Guest of Honor for the 2008 convention. Additionally, on hand to greet fans will be “Special Guest” Brian Michael Bendis and Alex Ross who will make a rare convention appearance at the event.

Ellis, whose career began with Marvel in 1994 is currently working with Simone Bianchi to continue the development of the highly successful series, “The Astonishing X-men.” Ellis is appearing courtesy of Avatar to promote his two new projects for Avatar press; “FreakAngels,” a free long-form webcomic illustrated by Paul Duffield, and “Ignition City,” an ongoing monthly series.

Bendis, who is working on one of the hottest story lines of 2008, Marvel’s “Secret Invasion,” has been part of the top 5 sellers for nationwide comic and graphic novel sales for the last eight years. His “Secret Invasion” panel is set to be one of the highlights of the weekend.

In a rare convention appearance, Ross, cover artist/co-writer of the recently released Dynamite Entertainment’s “Project Superpowers” is taking a break from is work on “Avengers/Invaders” for Marvel will meet with fans and promote his highly anticipated new project.

The trio will be sitting on panels, holding signings and participating in special events throughout the weekend. Check Wizardworld.com for updates.

“When inviting guests to our conventions we always think about whom the fans want to meet and from there put together a wish list,” said Senior Vice President of Operations Joe Yanarella. “The stars are aligned for Chicago because the top names on that list will all be joining us at this year’s convention.”

For a complete list of events, registration forms, guests, panels, ticket prices, and times, please visit http://www.wizardworld.com.

About Wizard
Wizard Entertainment is the industry leader in the comic book and collectibles market that publishes Wizard: The Magazine of Comics, Entertainment and Pop Culture, ToyFare: The Toy Magazine and Anime Insider, as well as Toy Wishes: The Ultimate Guide to Family Entertainment and Special Operations. Wizard’s publications have a monthly national readership of more than two million and are currently sold in 25 countries and five languages. Wizard World, the convention division of Wizard Entertainment, is a four city tour that brings the best in comics, film, television, anime and collectibles to Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Chicago and Texas. WizardUniverse.com is the online for all of Wizard’s publications and its content spans the full range of Wizard’s pop culture subject manner. For the latest news of interest to readers of all Wizard publications, Wizard Universe can be found online at http://www.wizarduniverse.com.

Wachowski bros. – makers of 'The Matrix,' 'Speed Racer' – to open Chicago post-production studio

HollywoodChicago.com — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 09:58:48 -0700

This just in from the Chicago Sun-Times:

This building at 5645 N. Ravenswood will become an editing studio for filmmaking
brothers Larry (left inset) and Andy Wachowski.
Photo credit: Al Podgorski, Chicago Sun-Times/AP

The reclusive Wachowski brothers, two of Chicago’s creative sons best known for their Matrix movies, have found an equally unassuming North Side spot to edit their projects.

City officials say a post-production studio will open in what has been known as the Ravenswood Studio, 5645 N. Ravenswood, just north of Bryn Mawr.

Late last year, Andy and Larry Wachowski, who grew up in Beverly Hills — the South Side neighborhood — approached Ald. Patrick O’Connor (40th) about the vacant North Side building in his ward.

Click here to read the full article.

Ring! Ring! New phone call on March 30, 2008 from IBelieveInHarveyDent.com for 'The Dark Knight'

HollywoodChicago.com — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:07:13 -0700

My cell phone just rang moments ago on March 30, 2008 for another “The Dark Knight” viral marketing message. The call directs people to IBelieveInHarveyDent.com with the following new announcement:

3/30 Urgent Announcement

Harvey Dent rejects the slanderous charges made by a shadowy group of unknowns calling themselves “Concerned Citizens for a Better Gotham.”

Harvey Dent has always been truthful and upright in his prosecution of corrupt cops.

There is no truth to any of the charges put forth by the operatives behind this shameless group.

Don’t listen to the lies and innuendos of the people who want to keep Gotham the way it is!

If you want real change in Gotham, join our movement to take Gotham back!

News:

• Meet Harvey Dent! Harvey Dent will be at a Townhall Meeting to answer all
your questions about how to take Gotham back! 3pm, April 1, Gotham
Community Center #12, Gainley

• Harvey Dent accepted the endorsement of the Gotham Firefighters Association
March 27. Thank you Gotham firefighters!

• The 100th new volunteer at Harvey Dent Headquarters this week will receive
a free dinner with Harvey Dent himself! So come on down!

New viral marketing text message comes from Joker for 'The Dark Knight' on March 26, 2008

HollywoodChicago.com — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 09:46:26 -0700

At 11:42 a.m. on March 26, 2008, longtime HollywoodChicago.com source Vlkers54 informed us of a yet another new viral marketing text message from the Joker at recruiting@rent-a-clown.com:

Hey Adam!!!! New text from the Joker! I will keep you updated and make Chicago proud…

The Joker wrote:Hey clown! Long time, no crime spree! Well, put on your floppy shoes and answer this question: are you ready to get to work? (ReplyY/N)

~ Vlkers54

Our previous “The Dark Knight” news coverage can be read here!

11th-annual European Union Film Festival in Chicago now through April 3, 2008

HollywoodChicago.com — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:11:48 -0700

The 11th-annual European Union Film Festival is in Chicago at the Gene Siskel Film Center now through April 3, 2008. It is the largest showcase for the cinema of the European Union nations in North America. Click here to learn more!