CHICAGO – When two passionate content creators got together, they sought not only to produce a work of entertainment, but a higher philosophy within it. Co-Writers/Directors and Executive Producers Adriana Leonard and Carley Marcelle have created “Beta” A Digital Series, and they are about to launch it.
HollywoodChicago.com Arts & Entertainment News
Podtalk: Director/Lead Actor Chris Roberti of ‘Same Boat,’ Releasing on VOD April 7, 2020
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 6, 2020 - 2:53pmCHICAGO – Time travel “what ifs” and cruise ships has never been so close to our current reality, and it’s present in the unique film “Same Boat,” directed by Chris Roberti and co-written by Roberti with Josh Itzkowitz. The VOD release for the film is Tuesday, April 7th.
Podtalk: Kelly O’Sullivan & Alex Thompson of ‘Saint Frances’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 2, 2020 - 3:00pmCHICAGO – The nationwide release of the locally produced “Saint Frances” was in full swing before the pandemic occurrence, and now there is an opportunity to see it through VOD (click link below). The triumphant feature debut of director Alex Thompson, and co-written by Thompson and Kelly O’Sullivan (who is also the lead actor), is a mature and intuitive emotional journey.
Film News: Music Box Theatre Offers At-Home Screenings ‘The Whistlers’ & ‘Saint Frances’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on April 2, 2020 - 1:50pmCHICAGO – The Music Box Theatre of Chicago remains the premiere destination for cutting edge art and independent films.
Entertainment News: Comcast Announces COVID-19 Response & Free Preview Options
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 31, 2020 - 10:19amCHICAGO – In keeping with the current status of distancing and remote at-home schooling and work during the COVID-19 pandemic, Comcast has announced a two-tiered plan for both internet access and entertainment options, including opening their nationwide Xfinity WiFI network for free.
Feature: The Episode of '30 Rock’ That Predicted the Future
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 28, 2020 - 5:19pmCHICAGO – Like many of you, I have been perusing the digital platforms, looking for the appropriate binge shows that will provide a temporary bit of sanity. Amazon Prime, for example, offers the entire series of “30 Rock” (2006-13), the seminal NBC-TV series created by and featuring Tina Fey.
Now On VOD: 'Birds of Prey' Soars High Above Our Expectations
Submitted by JonHC on March 26, 2020 - 7:47pmCHICAGO – Comic book fatigue is real, and not just because there is an embarrassment of riches in screened content but because more than a few of them take the predictable approach. That’s what sank films like “Justice League” and “Suicide Squad”, and used to threaten the future of the DC cinematic universe, but no longer. I’m happy to report that “Birds of Prey” is no lame duck.
Film News: Chicago’s Music Box Theatre and Gene Siskel Film Center Offer At-Home Screenings
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 26, 2020 - 3:36pmCHICAGO – While the days tick away during this shut-in period, both the Music Box Theatre and the Gene Siskel Film Center recently announced that they will offer online at-home screenings of current and past art films to enjoy.
Feature: In Praise of Margo Martindale in ‘Blow the Man Down’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 21, 2020 - 12:59pmCHICAGO – One of the best character actors in the film and TV world is Margo Martindale. And, in a sense, she takes the spotlight this weekend in the new film, “Blow the Man Down,” available through Amazon Prime. Her role as bordello owner Enid Nora Devlin is a tour de force of duplicity, power and sheer originality.
Film News: Chicago Film Cancellations & Postponements
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 16, 2020 - 9:19amCHICAGO – In this most unprecedented of times, the film community of Chicago has been affected profoundly by the coronavirus pandemic. The spring film festivals were just getting into gear, and obviously as gatherings have been discouraged the cancellations and postponements have started to come in. Here are the updates …
Interview: Kathy Wu & Director Wong Hing Fan of ‘I’m Livin’ It’
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 14, 2020 - 4:43pmCHICAGO – How do you communicate Hong Kong’s homeless situation in a fresh and relatable way? Wong Hing Fan’s new film “I’m Livin’ It” takes on not only poverty, but the shortage of housing for professional and working class people. The main setting is a 24 hour burger restaurant – with the sly marketing slogan of “I’m Livin’ It!”
Podtalk: Rujanee Mahakanjana Reworks Nebula Creatives Into a Film Incubator
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 14, 2020 - 10:34amCHICAGO – The Windy City is on the move, as new creative energy in the film development arena has emerged to expand the network of possibilities.
Podtalk: Filmmaker Rus Blemker on New Short ‘Book of Faces”
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 12, 2020 - 10:30pmCHICAGO – Chicago writer/director Rus Blemker has created a short film that resides within an emerging cinematic form. The “screen life” genre presents a story through the viewpoint of a computer screen, phone or pad – like 2018’s independent success ”Searching.” Rus Blemker’s contribution is entitled “Book of Faces.”
Interview: Fung Chih Chiang for ‘A Witness Out of the Blue’ at Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema
Submitted by PatrickMcD on March 10, 2020 - 4:43pmCHICAGO – Hong Kong writer/director Fung Chih Chiang makes his second appearance at Chicago’s Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) as Season Ten continues on March 11th, 2020.
