Roger Ebert’s new “voice” will again be heard giving movie reviews

Now that he’s found his “voice” again, Roger Ebert’s first television show since 2006 will be produced at the hi-def studios of educational station and PBS affiliate WYCC/Ch. 20 on the South Side.

The Reel has learned that Ebert Productions and Ch. 20 have agreed to work together, although the final contract is awaiting signatures.   More >

Retiring executive director Eileen Willenborg

Starting April 5, the Chicago AFTRA/SAG office will have new leadership after 15 years when California labor lawyer Eric Chaudron replaces retiring executive director Eileen Willenborg.

Chaudron comes to the local actors’ unions with a solid background as a labor lawyer and experience in the matters of law and contract negotiations.   More >

Come June, Kit Woods will say goodbye to unions

The AFTRA/SAG office will lose another stalwart this June when assistant executive director Kit Woods retires from the union office after a tenure of 19 years.

Unlike Eileen Willenborg who will remain part-time at the union office, Woods and her husband will set off in their new 26-foot mobile home “and travel wherever we can drive,” she said.   More >

Michael Seater a Canadian TV star

Billy Federighi and Chris Storer grew up making short films together. They moved to L.A. eight years ago, where Federighi became a rising commercial director.

Now they’re back in Chicago to make the 35mm high school comedy “Sin Bin,” starring award-winning Canadian TV actor Michael Seater (“18 to Life”) and Jeff Garlin (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”) Federighi is directing from Storer’s script.   More >

Jerry Bryant’s hosted “JBTV” for 25 years

Jerry Bryant’s “JBTV” music show will give the home of the world’s largest music festival something to remember when Bryant brings 28 of the best Chicago rock, punk and hip hop artist to Austin this weekend.

The JBTV artists will perform March 18-20 at the Trophy Room, a popular downtown Austin music bar, during the SXSW music and film festival.   More >

Tim Jahn, co-founder of Let’s Create New Media

“Let’s Create New Media in Chicago” is a fast-growing meet-up group convening every other month that provides a setting to learn from one another and collaborate on new media projects.

Let’s Create was founded by producers Gregg Jaffee, Tim Jahn and video game artist Sean McMenemy as a way “to bring together people who are looking for community,” McMememy says.   More >

SAGIndie director Darrien Michele Gipson

SAGIndie National Director Darrien Michele Gipson interviews Evanston-based TV writer and executive producer Barbara Wallace.

This interview was part of the Producers Panel that kicked off MIFF's first Female Filmmaker's Night, March 2 at Landmark's Century Centre Cinema. See details at: midwestfilm.com/pages/just_added__producers_panel_/427.php   More >

Josh Chicoine, CIMMfest cofounder with Ilko Davidov

THE CHICAGO INTERNATIONAL MOVIES AND MUSIC FESTIVAL “was an amazing success with sellout screenings and concerts in the five venues across the city,” says musician Josh Chicoine, who cofounded the event with filmmaker Ilko Davidov.

“Work has started on CIMMfest ‘11, when the Festival moves from the uncertain weather of March to mid-April, broadening its reach with bigger and better programming.”   More >

March 30 - FILMMAKER MEET-UP provides chance for all talents to meet and collaborate on independent media projects. Open to editors, actors, art directors, composers, make-up artists, etc. Bring resumes and business cards.

Chicago Filmmakers, 5243 N. Clark; networking, 7 p.m., guest speaker, 8:15 p.m. Free admission, refreshments available for donation. RSVP to 773/293-1447 or Email coop@chicagofilmmakers.org    More >