Live action director and VFX supervisor Ergin Kuke joins The Mill+ Chicago
Ergin Kuke will soon begin working his LA-honed, box office savvy as Creative Director for The Mill+ Chicago, according to a press release issued today.
Kuke has notched an expansive variety of experience since relocating to the States from his native Albania in 2002, where he served as a translator for U.S. journalists covering the War in Kosovo.
Effects for blockbusters like Polar Express, onstage visuals for bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and collaborations for brands like Dodge, Jaguar and Infiniti are among his achievements.
“Having someone of Ergin’s breadth of knowledge and versatility based in our Chicago studio bolsters our growing team of extremely talented Mill+ creative,” says Brian Smego, Executive Producer of Mill+ at The Mill in Chicago. “His automotive and experiential work in particular are areas of focus that we look forward to bringing to our market.
Burrell Communications among 2018 Mosaic Award Winners
Burrell Communications’ Celebrating Women Behind the Scenes — a 2017 ad campaign for Comcast / Xfinity — has been honored by the American Advertising Federation for its celebration of diversity.
Other winners include Carmichael Lynch CEO Marcus Fischer, who has been selected as this year’s Mosaic Champion; and BBDO’s The Talk for Procter & Gamble, which was named best in the “Media Image Award for Advocacy – Content” category.
Recognizing “companies, agencies and individuals whose commitment to diversity and inclusion is evident through their creative work and organization-wide initiatives,” the Mosaic Awards will be presented during a ceremony and gala dinner in Chicago on June 6.
Burrell’s Fay Ferguson wins Chicago Ad Federation’s Silver Medal Award
Fay Ferguson, Co-CEO of Burrell Communications Group, has been named the 2017 Silver Medal Award recipient by the Chicago Advertising Federation.
A 34-year veteran of the Michigan Ave. shop, Ms. Ferguson is one of the most widely admired creative leaders in Chicago.
Under her leadership, Burrell has consistently produced work of eye-catching innovation — frequently backed by intensely customized research — and was honored as 2018 Runner-Up for Multicultural Agency of the year by Ad Age.
A celebratory luncheon dedicated to Ms. Ferguson will take place April 25 at the Fairmont Hotel.
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Indie distributor Cow Lamp joins Chicago Film Fest sponsors
Independent film distributor Cow Lamp Films is officially among the sponsors for this year’s Chicago Independent Film (+TV) Festival and the Chicago Comedy Film Festival.
According to a press release, the Michigan Ave. company is “run by filmmakers, for filmmakers” and “is always looking to represent new artists.”
“Sponsoring CCFF and CIFF is a no-brainer,” says Cow Lamp Director of Acquisitions Josh da Silva. “As a company that seeks independent films for distribution, we value the work that these festivals do to highlight the work of up and coming filmmakers.”
True to the PR boast, da Silva is also a filmmaker. His 2017 doc, Something Out Of Nothing, explores an afterschool program that provides kids an opportunity to explore improv and premiered at last year’s CCCF.
The 54th annual Chicago International Television Festival takes place March 20-22 at AMC River East. (https://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/). The Chicago International Film Festival is October 11 – 25. The 8th Annual Chicago Comedy Film Festival is November 9-11 (https://www.chicagocomedyfilmfestival.com/).
President and First Lady Obama to develop Netflix series
According to a March 8 New York Times article, Barack and Michelle Obama are in talks to produce exclusive content for shows “that highlight inspirational stories” for the streaming service’s 118 million worldwide subscribers.
Although the deal is not yet final, the discussions have reached the “advanced negotiations” phase and include at least one idea for a possible episode, according to the report:
“Mr. Obama could moderate conversations on topics that dominated his presidency — health care, voting rights, immigration, foreign policy, climate change — and that have continued to divide a polarized American electorate during President Trump’s time in office.
— Obama in Talks to Provide Shows for Netflix, New York Times,
According to sources referenced in the story, President Obama “does not intend to use his Netflix shows to directly respond to President Trump or conservative critics.”
”Black Panther” tops a billion
With $40 million earned at the U.S. box office over the weekend — pushing its global take over the billion dollar mark — Marvel’s Wakandian epic is set to conquer the world.
