Interview

CHICAGO – New York filmmaker Joe Maggio is fascinated by the pursuit of redemption, particularly in stories featuring characters who may not entirely be worthy of it. His 2001 debut feature “Virgil Bliss” followed a man fresh out of prison as he attempted to build a new life. Maggio’s 2008 drama “Paper Covers Rock” told the story of a suicidal mother who fights to maintain custody of her daughter.

CHICAGO – After a 12-year hiatus from comedy (his last was “Edtv” in 1999), the legendary (and typically dramatic) director Ron Howard is back to crack you up with “The Dilemma”.

CHICAGO – Jane Seymour is a memorable beauty, and has found success in virtually all areas of the media. After breaking through with films such as “Live and Let Die” and “Somewhere in Time,” she was “Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman” for six seasons on TV. She returns with “Perfectly Prudence” on the Hallmark channel.

CHICAGO – His face is inviting, but his intentions are ambiguous and perhaps somewhat devious. That’s precisely the type of character that Patrick Fabian has mastered. He’s lent disarming charisma to a variety of characters, from the self-righteously scheming man of faith in “Big Love” to the flamboyantly sleazy car company executive in “Pushing Daisies.”

CHICAGO – The James Bond legend lives on, with Daniel Craig currently holding the reins of that character. Giving aid and comfort to the man with the golden gun are the so-called “Bond Girls.” Britt Ekland, Maud Adams and Lana Wood were part of that exclusive girl club.

CHICAGO – Early last month, the Midwest Independent Film Festival had their year-end “Best of the Midwest” Awards, honoring their showcase films throughout the 2010 calendar year. Director John Naughton and two actresses – Elizabeth Laidlaw and Erica Lynn Schmeck – were interviewed during the event.

CHICAGO – Steven and Elyse Keaton were the super-parents of a certain generation. “Family Ties” was the 1980s TV show featuring Michael Gross and Meredith Baxter as the Keatons.

CHICAGO – The 2010 Wizard World Chicago Comic Con was a great place to see up-and-coming stars and old favorites for pictures and autographs. Attending the show in August were actresses Kristanna Loken (”Terminator 3”), Julia Jones (The Twilight Saga) and Angie Everhart (”The Real Gilligan’s Island”).

CHICAGO – Two notable character actors held court at the Wizard World Chicago Comic Con in Aug. 2010.

CHICAGO – Family secrets seems to be a specialty of Director Andrew Jarecki. He made a big splash with his 2003 Oscar nominated documentary, “Capturing the Friedmans,” which explored the real life matters of the title family, and in his debut feature film narrative he uncovers a prominent New York City family in “All Good Things.”