New Towers’ reality show ratings highest ever for FBN

CHICAGO CAN BOAST PRODUCTION HERE of two top-rated TV shows for Fox networks. Ratings for the Jan. 26 season opening of Towers Productions reality show “Strange Inheritance” was Fox Business Network’s highest-rated program launch ever for the network.

Three weeks earlier, Fox TV’s network series “Empire bowed as the season’s top new show with 9.9 million viewers.

“Empire’s” first season wraps this week at Cinespace Studios.  Production resumes with the office reopening next June and cameras rolling in July.

WIF’S ANNUAL KICK OFF PARTY Feb. 12 launches a new year of activities for its 750 members at the spacious West Loop headquarters of Erin Sarofsky’s company, Sarofsky, which also showcases a thriving woman-owned business.

The Kick Off is the event where new members can join and present members can re-up. Tickets sales benefit the organization, which offers ongoing year-round events, such as guest speakers, Afterhours casual networking, the Backlot Series of visits to production companies and the industry panels it holds at schools around the city.  

At 1504 W. Fulton, 7-10 p.m.; Non-members, $20, members, 10. Open bar, snacks and a raffle.

Sidebar: Erin Sarofsky of “Guardians of the Galaxie” titles fame, was a 2014 WIF Focus Award recipient.

ON THE SCENE. Ridley Scott’s RSA went to Cinespace to produce a Super Bowl spot for American Family Insurance that you won’t want to miss for its Chicago connection …  New York-headquartered Assembly Films was here for a Fairlife Milk spot, both equipped by Essanany Studio & Lighting … Leigh Jones’ Boomthrift shoots for Frito Lay Funyuns new onion ring product, also at Cinespace.

VISIONS OF LIGHT for 2015 has expanded its camera rental inventory, owner Joseph Farris announced.  Its new array includes a Red Epic Dragon upgrade, Sony F554K camera package, Canon C300 package, new Zeiss compact zoom lenses, Sony and TV Logic monitors, many Kino Flo fixtures, C-stands, overheads and butterflies, a second audio package and wireless video systems.

THE 26th  ONION CITY Experimental Film & Video Festival, presented by Chicago Filmmakers, will showcase 46 diverse features and one short at two venues.  Jan. 28 at the Gene Siskel Film Center and Jan. 29-31 at Columbia College’s Ferguson Theatre.

 

SPORTS MARKETING/MEDIA AGENCY Evolution has started work for new client Polaris Industries, Inc. Off-Road Vehicles Division. 

THE REEL IS RED FACED!  An obscenity, which is prohibited in our posting comments to stories, slipped in as the “name” of a contributor. It went right over my head until it was embarrassingly pointed out to me.  We eliminated the comment and my apologies are extended to readers.  I will be more watchful to contributor’s names in the future.

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