A BIG WEEK OF EVENTS kicks off Wednesday, Jan. 11 with a New Media Program featuring L.A.-based casting director and pioneering new media producer Susan Johnston, and covering many topics not addressed here before.
“Susan – the founder of the New Media Film Festival — brings her expertise in digital, interactive storytelling to content creators, directors, screenwriters and filmmakers,” says Linda Frothingham of event host ChicagoHollywood.com.
Before moving to L.A., Johnston worked internationally as a producer and TV show developer. Earlier, she had worked with the Rhode Island Film Commission and helped facilitate that state’s 25% tax incentive. She has a lengthy casting resume of webisodes for major advertisers, features, reality TV shows, films, commercials and music videos.
Guest speaker is RDS/Show Department/Screen Works’ new marketing director from the West Coast, Jacob Young, an ExpertRating.com SEO Certified Professional.
“Jacob and Susan will share their depth of knowledge on how to build new, social, and incremental media monetization in the Digital Space,” adds Frothingham.
“Participants will have a chance to ask questions and get valuable cutting edge information on what’s in the future of new media.”
Tours of RDS’ facilities will be conducted 3-6 p.m.; networking 5:30-6:30, program, 6:30-8:30, 2226 W. Walnut.
JOHNSTON ALSO SPEAKS at a special Lunchtime Workshop, “Learn what it takes to Create, Cast and Produce a Web Series,” with David Miller, the city’s preeminent webisode creator/producer, at the offices at Miller and producer Michelle DeLong’s Mimi Productions, from noon to 1:30 p.m.
Miller has just embarked on his fourth webisode series, called “Casual Encounters.” It stars Heather Mingo, who co-starred in Miller’s first series, “Assisted Living,” now in its sixth season on Koldcast.TV and rated one of that network’s top-rated series.
Mimi Productions is located at 329 W. 18th St., #405. Click here for tickets and details on both events.
AT WOMEN IN FILM’S ANNUAL KICKOFF PARTY, Thursday, Jan. 12, you can sign up as a new member or renew your present membership at money-saving discounts, while enjoying appetizers, raffle prizes and schmoozing with industry professionals.
Throughout the year, WIF hosts the annual Focus Awards and bimonthly Backlot Series facilities visits, Executive Breakfasts and Build-A-Skill Workshops.
The party is at Rockit Wrigley, 3700 N. Clark, 6-9 p.m. Cash bar. For ticket purchases and more details, click here.
THE 31st ANNUAL CHICAGO MUSIC AWARDS, Sunday, Jan. 15, at The Club, 7600 S. Cicero in Burbank, will recognize 34 winners among 194 nominees in such wide-ranging categories as Pop Entertainer of the Year, Best Spoken Word/Poet, Best Comedian, Best Polka Entertainer, Record Label of the Year and best House Music DJ.
Kenye West will receive the Producer’s Special Award and the Award of Honor goes to Grammy-nominated pop/R&B vocalist Mike Howard.
Lifetime Achievement Awards will go to Individuals and companies that have made major contributions to the music industry for the past 40 years: Arranger/producer Thomas (Tom Tom) Washington; Lyric Opera general director William Mason; Professor W. James McPhatter, formerly of The Caravans; Latin Jazz Society founder Michael Romano; Chicago Recording Company, the Midwest’s largest recording company, and the Chicago Reader.
The Club opens to the public at 5 p.m., celebrities start walking the red carpet at 6 p.m. Call 312/427-0266 or click here for ticket information.
