This year's Sundance is perhaps more important than ever, at least in the eyes of the industry. The WGA strike just might be ending soon, but studios need to start buying up indie films now so that they have plenty of stuff to release this year. One of the movies showing at Sundance was directed by Batman and shot in Gotham City. more ›

Two stories have us thinking about the continuing evolution of the cinematic experience and the differences between going to see a movie and just watching one. First off, "boutique" theater chain Muvico has signed a letter of intent to occupy two floors of the Block 37 development. The proposed multiplex would have only seven screens, much smaller than the AMC RIver East 21 for example. But (to quote Seinfeld) they'd be draped in velvet, so... more ›

We know that we're not the only ones in the past few weeks to see Vince dashing around town in a Santa suit. Apparently there have been sightings in Wicker Park and on Michigan Avenue among other places. Yes, wearing a Santa suit in January: that's exactly why the man is so well-paid. He's starring in Fred Claus, which has been shooting here off and on since November and is due to wrap next month.... more ›

Way back in 2005 we told you about Crime Fiction, a movie made by students of the University of Chicago. When we last heard from them they were in the midst of post-production. Far from being the last step in the filmmaking process, post-production is merely the end of the beginning; for as any indie filmmaker will tell you, once you've "finished" your film the wheels of the industry can turn very very slowly when... more ›

Interesting things going on this weekend, time to brush up sewing and get in a movie! As always feel free to add more events in the comments section. Hurry over to the Chicago Academy of the Arts, 1010 W. Chicago for the casting call for Fred Claus. This movie, starring Vince Vaughn, Paul Giamatti, and Kevin Spacey, will be filming in January 2007 in Chicago. Make sure to bring a color photograph and a pen... more ›

Twenty minutes into a live performance, Gene Janson, a veteran Chicago stage actor, died of a heart attack. He died doing what he loved, at least. The YMCA isn't so sure it wants to move its national headquarters to the South Loop now. They say that rising construction costs is one of the reasons. A University of Chicago study shows that a drug that helps alcoholics and heroin addicts kick their habits might also... more ›