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Comment by Toni Reed on October 13, 2009 at 11:39pm

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 14, 2009
Contact: Anna Jung
773-519-6201
anna@wifchicago.org

Women in Film Chicago to present the 2009 Focus Awards at an evening gala honoring local and national women of note

CHICAGO, Illinois– Women in Film Chicago (WIFC) will once again recognize and honor those women who have made significant contributions to the film, television, advertising or new media industries at its annual Focus Awards, held for the first time as an evening gala on October 20, 2009.

The Awards, held this year at the Wolf Point Ballroom, Chicago Mart Plaza, serves as Women in Film Chicago’s signature fundraising event. The proceeds from this event directly fund the education and programming WIFC provides the Chicago creative community throughout the year.

In addition, the Focus Awards celebrate women who have demonstrated a pioneering and enterprising spirit throughout their careers and who have strong ties to the Midwest. This year’s nominees include, Janice Arthur, pioneering Steadicam operator and cinematographer; Donna LaPietra, Emmy-award winning producer and leading philanthropist; and Nora Dunn, comedienne, actress and director extraordinaire.

The keynote speaker for this year’s event is Diane Jackson, the SVP, Executive Director of Integrated Production for DDB Chicago. As one of the top production executives in the U.S., Ms. Jackson is responsible for broadcast, print, and digital production for leading, award-winning brands such as Budweiser, McDonald’s, State Farm, and Wrigley. The gala will be emceed by ABC’s Channel 7 TV reporter, Evelyn Holmes.

“We are thrilled to honor these incredible women,” says Melissa Thornley, president of Women in Film Chicago. “And to host an event that really brings – from prominent thought-leaders to those just starting out in the business – the most passionate of the Chicago creative community together. It’s just so exciting to see the spirit of celebration our supporters bring each year to the Awards.”

The evening will include a cocktail hour, dinner and a silent auction with items generously donated by Lookingglass Theatre, Rosebud Restaurants, Mairanne Strokirk Salon, Kartemquin Films and PortaBrace specialty camera cases.

To learn more about the Focus Awards and purchase a ticket to the event, please visit www.wifchicago.org.

About Women in Film Chicago
Women in Film Chicago (WIFC) is a nonprofit membership organization for all creative content professionals. With a focus on driving the advancement of women in this industry, WIF is dedicated to promoting the professional and educational advancement of our members, while contributing to the overall success of Chicago as a provider of high-caliber commercial, television, independent and major film production.

For more information on Women in Film Chicago, please visit, www.wifchicago.org.

Comment by Karen E. Pride on August 8, 2009 at 11:18am

Greetings. I facilitate a drop-in group called the Chicago Independent Artists Network (CIAN). We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at Wishbone Restaurant, 3300 N. Lincoln Blvd., near Belmont/Ashland, from 7-8:30 p.m.
NEXT MEETING - TUES., AUG. 11.
The Network consists of student and professional filmmakers, writers, musicians, actors, videographers, photographers, caterers, artists...anything to do with creative arts. Our mission is to keep you creative people working in Chicago through networking opportunities. If you're interested, please contact me at ciankaren@gmail.com. and check out the Facebook page.

Comment by Jim Cohen on February 4, 2009 at 6:19pm

Hi all. I'm an experience designer with painting, commercial interior architecture, graphic design and a healthy dose of rock and roll as a background. Happy to be aboard.

Comment by Tom Tresser on November 2, 2008 at 4:07pm

Hello folks! I'm a teacher at DePaul and the School of the Art Institute where I teach classes on the arts and civic engagement. I'd like to invite you all to join a new online global community of Creativity Champions at http://creativitychampions.ning.com. It's about elevating creativity to a global priority. I've been active in Chicago performing arts community since 1980 - having been an actor, theater producer and community organizer for the arts.
My web site is http://www.tresser.com.

Comment by Jameson Wallace on July 5, 2008 at 11:52pm

hey yo, mason dixon here from SAIC. teach in film & video new media dept. hit me up.

Comment by Steven Shay on June 24, 2008 at 10:05am

Just wanna say 'hey' to everyone in the Arts group. I'm a newbie artist trying to make a living. I also work for a website development company so if anyone wants some free advice/opinion about your website, I can help. My site is being rebuilt as we speak so it'll be found more by search engines and will be easier to market and update.