Pix724: 2015-08-23

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Zac Efron Chicago appearance!


Joseph_Ratajkowski_Efron photo ©Linda Matlow/PIXINTL

Actors Zac Efron, Emily Ratajkowski and Director/Screenwriter Max Joseph for red carpet photos at Showplace Icon theater in Chicago,Illinois on behalf of their upcoming film, WE ARE YOUR FRIENDS.

Photo copyright ©Linda Matlow/PIXINTL All rights reserved.Photo may not be used on any site or linked without written license from pixintl.com

Thursday, August 27, 2015

Spike and "Bar Rescue" Go "Back to the Bar" - Special Airs This Sunday, August 30 at 9/8c

SPIKE’S “BAR RESCUE” GOES “BACK TO THE BAR”

FOR ITS THIRD INSTALLMENT, JON TAFFER REVISITS SOME OF THE MOST DELUSIONAL OWNERS TO DATE

PREMIERES SUNDAY, AUGUST 30AT 9:00PM ET/PT

“Bar Rescue” heads “Back to the Bar” to check up on some of Jon Taffer’s most challenging rescues with the most delusional owners. This “where are they now” special features never before seen footage of what happened after the “Bar Rescue” cameras left town. Taffer and his team follow the revisited bars through an evening shift, re-inspect the facilities for cleanliness and answer the question on every “Bar Rescue” fan’s mind: “did they follow Jon’s advice or not?” The series will also re-interview key cast members and fan favorites - even if the bars have since closed, or employees have quit or been fired.

The third “Back to the Bar” special airs this Sunday, August 30 at 9/8c, and features updates from:

• Dimples from Burbank, CA

• Taza from Omaha, NE

• 22 Klicks from Hope Mills, NC

• Metal and Lace from Austin, TX

Click HERE or on the image below for a sneak peek of “Back to the Bar”

To view more complete episodes of “Bar Rescue,” including the other bars featured in “Back to the Bar,” fans can go - HERE.

“Bar Rescue” and “Back to the Bar” are produced by 3 Ball Entertainment.

About “Bar Rescue”

“Bar Rescue” features world-renowned bar and nightlife expert, Jon Taffer, as he gives failing establishments one last shot at success. Spike TV’s popular original series follows Taffer as he wields his three decades of experience in the restaurant, bar and nightclub business to help give failing bars nationwide one last chance to transform themselves into profitable businesses. This season, Taffer has already rescued bars in New York, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Chicago, New Jersey, Miami, and will continue to rescue businesses in Reno, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, and San Diego.

FOLLOW SPIKE TV PR ON TWITTER @SPIKETVPR

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

33RD ANNUAL TRANSAMERICA® CHICAGO TRIATHLON HITS LAKEFRONT AUGUST 29-30 (Illinois)

33^RD ANNUAL TRANSAMERICA® CHICAGO TRIATHLON HITS LAKEFRONT AUGUST 29-30

More than 9,000 participants will swim, bike and run, making Chicago the largest triathlon and kids tri in the nation

WHAT: More than 9,050 elite, amateur and youth triathletes will descend upon Chicago’s lakefront on Saturday, August 29^th and Sunday, August 30^th to compete in the 2015 Transamerica Chicago Triathlon produced by Life Time – The Healthy Way of Life Company.

The Chicago Triathlon is the nation’s largest and the fifth oldest triathlon in the world. This year the event brings together participants from 46 states and 18 different countries, ranging in ages from 7 to 84 years old. A new bike course for the international distance event and changes to Sunday’s start sequence – both introduced last year – along with other significant course improvements in 2014 led to explosive travel growth among 2015 participants. Out-of-market participation increased 25 percent over last year.

In addition to the International and Sprint distance events, race weekend also consists of the Life Time Kids Triathlon – now in its 25^th year – as well as the SuperSprint Triathlon designed for new entrants to the sport. The Life Time Kids Tri is the largest kids triathlon in the country with more than 1,050 participants ranging from ages 7 to 14. The event encourages healthy competition in a fun, safe environment. Over the last two years enhancements have been made to the SuperSprint Triathlon including a special Divvy bike wave that pairs new triathletes with signature blue bicycles from Chicago’s bikeshare system.

As part of Tri weekend, Life Time has expanded its partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Individuals who have committed to raise funds through participating in “St. Jude’s Heroes” help ensure families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food.

More information is available at chicagotriathlon.com

, the official website of the Chicago Triathlon. Updates also will be provided on Twitter by following @ChicagoTri and by liking the Chicago Triathlon Facebook page.

WHEN: FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2015

Chicago Triathlon Multisport & Fitness Expo

Hilton Chicago | 720 South Michigan Avenue

1:00 PM – 8:00 PM

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 2015

Chicago Triathlon Multisport & Fitness Expo

Hilton Chicago | 720 South Michigan Avenue

9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Chicago Triathlon SuperSprint Race

Foster Beach | 5200 N. Lake Shore Dr.

· 5:30 AM Transition and Packet Pick-up Opens

· 7:00 AM Race Start

· 7:09 AM Para Triathlete Start

· 8:06 AM Divvy Wave Start - Males

· 8:09 AM Divvy Wave Start - Females

· 8:15 AM SuperSprint Awards Ceremony

Life Time Kids Tri Chicago

Foster Beach | 5200 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL

· 6:30 AM Transition and Packet Pickup opens

· 8:30 AM Race Start

· 10:30 AM Kids Tri Award Ceremony

SUNDAY, AUGUST 30, 2015

Transamerica Chicago Triathlon

Monroe Harbor | Swim Start: 700 S. Lake Shore Drive

Transition Area: 600 E. Randolph St.

· 4:00 AM Transition area opens (International and Sprint)

· 6:00 AM International distance waves start

· 7:30 AM Post-Race Party at Finish Line: Columbus and Balbo

· 8:45 AM Sprint distance waves start

· 11:00 AM Award Ceremony

· 1:45 PM Final Finisher (estimated)

· 5:00 AM – 10:00 AM Swim Start | 700 S. Lake Shore Drive (at Balbo)

· 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Finish Line | 1100 S. Columbus Drive

About LifeTime Fitness, Inc.

As The Healthy Way of Life Company, Life Time Fitness helps organizations, communities and individuals achieve their total health objectives, athletic aspirations and fitness goals by engaging in their areas of interest — or discovering new passions — both inside and outside of Life Time’s distinctive and large sports, professional fitness, family recreation and spa destinations, most of which operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Company’s Healthy Way of Life approach enables customers to achieve this by providing the best programs, people and places of uncompromising quality and value. As of August 25, 2015, the Company operated 117 centers under the LIFE TIME ATHLETIC® and LIFE TIME FITNESS® brands in the United States and Canada. Additional information about Life Time centers, programs and services is available at lifetimefitness.com

About Transamerica
With a history that dates back over 100 years, the Transamerica companies are recognized as leading providers of life insurance, savings and retirement and investment solutions, serving millions of customers throughout the United States. Transamerica works to Transform Tomorrow® for those who entrust its dedicated professionals with their financial needs, helping them take the necessary steps to achieve their long-term goals and aspirations.

Transamerica’s corporate headquarters is located in Baltimore, Maryland, with other major operations in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Transamerica is part of the Aegon group of companies. Aegon is one of the world’s largest providers of life insurance, pension solutions and asset management products, operating in over 25 markets worldwide with some 28,000 employees. For the full year of 2014, Aegon managed $675 billion in revenue generating investments. www.transamerica.com

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Koi Hosts Six-Course "Flavors of Fall" Dinner (Evanston,IL)

KOI HOSTS SIX-COURSE "FLAVORS OF FALL" DINNER

Join Koi Fine Asian Cuisine & Lounge for the first dinner in a series of Chefs' Table events with a "Flavors of Fall" tasting dinner. The six-course menu will feature fresh sushi and authentic Chinese food accompanied by drink pairings. The first of the series will occur on Tuesday, October 6^th at 7pm.

Koi Owner Sandy Chen and her Executive Chef collaborated and created the six-course menu, which features the freshest hand-rolled sushi and authentic Chinese dishes served in an artful presentation. The tasting will also include signature drinks that infuse the flavors of each course.

First course: Sushi and Sashimi with Hendrick's Gin Sake Martini

Second course: Koi Maki with Hangtime Pinot Noir

Third course: Walnut Shrimp with A by Acacia Chardonnay

Fourth course: Mongolian Beef with Chuan Fashioned Cocktail with Seagram's 7 Whiskey

Fifth course: Salmon with Black Bean Sauce with William Hill Cabernet

Sixth course: Chocolate Lava Cake with Tia Maria White Russian

Koi will continue the Chefs' Table with unique prix fixe dinners every first Tuesday of the month. The upcoming dates include: November 3, December 1, February 2, March 1, April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, August 2, and September 6.

Tickets are priced at $45 per person, and are available for those aged 21 and over. To reserve your seat, visit http://koi.ticketleap.com/koi-chefs-table-fall-2015/details, or call Koi at 847-866-6969.

About Koi

Offering brunch, lunch, and dinner, Koi is located in the heart of Evanston's bustling downtown area. The fine Asian restaurant and lounge brings the bold flavors of eight different regions of authentic Chinese cuisine and a wide variety fresh sushi. With an innovative menu and carefully crafted cocktails, complemented by the knowledgeable staff, Koi is one of Evanston's premier dining destinations. Koi offers a modern, relaxing atmosphere perfect for a night out with friends, date night, or private event. The restaurant also offers carryout and delivery to a wide range of North Shore residences. Koi is located at 624 Davis Street in Evanston, and can be reached at 847-866-6969 or support@koi.com. For more information, visit Koi online at www.KoiEvanston.com, like them on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter.

Explore Ireland at Your Own Pace With GreatValueVacations Special Priced From $899 Per Person!

Explore Ireland at Your Own Pace

With GreatValueVacations' Deal Priced From $899 Per Person

Package Includes Airfare, Rental Car, And 6 Nights' Accommodation With A One-Night Stay at Dromoland Castle!

If Ireland has been on your bucket list, there's never been a better time to check it off than with this GreatValueVacations'

deal to Ireland for just $899 per person for 6 nights!

The Ireland B&B with Dromoland Castle and Dublin City

vacation is wonderful for both first-time visitors to the country as well as those who want to go exploring out in the countryside. It provides the perfect combination of Irish experiences including time spent in the popular and hip city of Dublin, a stay at a genuine Irish castle in five-star accommodations, and Ireland Bed and Breakfast vouchers so you can go off exploring the parts of the country that are of most interest to you.

The 6-night Ireland B&B with Dromoland Castle and Dublin City

includes the following:

Round-trip economy class airfare to Dublin (DUB)
Manual shift economy size car rental for duration
3 nights with open Ireland Bed & Breakfast vouchers
1 night in Clare at the Dromoland Castle (room only)
2 nights in Dublin at the Davenport Hotel (room only)

The package is priced from $899 from New York, $1,232 from Atlanta, $974 from Boston, $1,024 from Chicago, $1,149 from Los Angeles, $1,149 from San Francisco, $899 from Toronto, and $1,078 from Washington, DC for travel in January, 2016. Other departure dates are available through March 31, 2016 at slightly higher rates. To take advantage of this pricing, the vacation must be booked by September 4, 2015.

All package rates are based on select departures and require a 7-day advance purchase and include round-trip economy class airfare including carrier and government-imposed taxes and fees including the September 11th Security Fee of $5.60 per enplanement originating at a U.S. airport. Fluctuations in exchange rates may affect some taxes or fees.

For additional information on this Ireland B&B with Dromoland Castle & Dublin City vacation, click here

or call 800-896-4600.

About GreatValueVacations
GreatValueVacations is changing the way consumers travel by creating expertly designed, high-quality, air-inclusive vacations to compelling destinations at affordable prices. With so many online resources to find air, hotels, transportation, and more, consumers can spend many hours doing research trying to put it all together. GreatValueVacations takes the guesswork out of planning the perfect vacation by doing all of the legwork and packaging upscale travel products that have been vetted by destination experts. GreatValueVacations also offers advice and recommendations on what to see and do in each locale, and provides customer support every step of the way. Additionally, GreatValueVacations' state-of-the-art technology offers the ability to book complicated vacations in just a few clicks.

For additional information, visit www.GreatValueVacations.com

or call 800-896-4600.

Follow GreatValueVacations on Facebook

or on Twitter at @vacationsreview.

IFP Chicago Fall Fundraiser and Networking Event, Pitch Session Call For Submissions and Other Opportunities

IFPCHICAGO.ORG

Committed to the idea that independent film is an important art form and a powerful voice in our society.

MEMBERS - HAVE NEWS TO SHARE?

Tell us about it!

info@ifpchicago.org

Upcoming Events:

IFP Chicago On Tap: Fall Kick-off Party

Lagunitas Brewing Company August 31, 5:30-8:30 PM

Pitch Call For Submissions

Deadline August 31

Member Screening

Chicago Cultural Center

November 9, 6:30-8:30 PM

Supported by

SAG/AFTRA

August 2015

IFP Chicago On Tap: Fall Kick-Off Party August 31 at Lagunitas Brewing Company

IFP Chicago On Tap: Fall Kick-Off Party

August 31, 2015

5:30-8:30pm

Lagunitas Brewing Company

Find out what's been brewing at IFP Chicago at the IFP Chicago On Tap: Fall Kick-Off Party on August 31!

Tap into Chicago's independent film community at Lagunitas Brewing Company as we announce IFP Chicago's new programs and partnership. Join us for a great night of noshing and networking!

For tickets and more information, CLICK HERE.

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS - Narrative Features Industry Days Pitch Session

The Chicago International Film Festival in association with IFP Chicago announce their CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS for Narrative Features in development or pre-production for our Industry Days Pitch Sessions!

For rules and to access our online application, CLICK HERE.

Applications must be received by August 31.

IFP Chicago members receive discounted registration fees for Industry Days! For more information and to register, CLICK HERE.

You must be a current IFP Chicago member to get this discount. Just enter your member number on the registration form. If you don't have your member number, EMAIL US.

Not yet a member, or need to renew? CLICK HERE.

IFP Chicago Members Take Advantage of This Exclusive Offer from 2112!

Take advantage of a FREE 2-month Trial Membership at the Unreserved Level to 2112 Arts Incubator! These Trail Memberships will be available to the first 20 members. If you are interested in this offer, EMAIL US now!

IFP Chicago Member Screening Series

IFP Chicago's Rough Cut Screening Series kicked off last month with Nathan Deming's short film, Crazy. The inaugural screening took place at Tribeca Flashpoint College with a turnout comprising Tribeca Flashpoint staff, students and IFP Chicago members.

Objectives of the Rough Cut Screenings are to unite, encourage and cultivate the local independent film community. Each month, a featured IFP Chicago filmmaker gets the opportunity to screen a work-in-progress to an audience of fellow filmmakers to receive valuable feedback and critiques.

"There was a workshop aspect to it which allowed me to process the film's current state with the help of other filmmakers and IFP members," said Deming. "The IFP Chicago Rough Cut Screenings is a great way to get fresh eyes on your film and see it displayed in a proper cinema - something a lot of independent filmmakers like myself don't really have access to."

Have a project for us to consider? CLICK HERE to tell us about your project. You must be a current IFP Chicago member to participate. Not yet a member or need to renew? CLICK HERE to join or renew right now.

Tropical Millenium: utopian and cult architecture in Brazil and elsewhere

Join IFP Chicago and the Chicago Architecture Biennial at the Chicago Cultural Center on November 9 from 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM for a presentation of a new experimental documentary about the expression of state and cult power in the architectural spaces surrounding Brasília. IFP Chicago filmmaker Yoni Goldstein and co-director Meredith Zielke will be presenting new footage from their work-in-progress, Os Ultra-Terrestres, an IFP Chicago Fiscally Sponsored project, along with a short program of experimental cinema focused on architecture and social control. The filmmakers will invite audience for feedback and support. Read more...

IFP/Chicago's Fiscal Sponsorship Program

IFP/Chicago's Fiscal Sponsorship program was created to assist members applying for these funding opportunities. Additionally, this arrangement enables individuals to take contributions to sponsored projects as charitable contribution deductions on Federal tax returns.

Click here to download our current application.

To participate in IFP/Chicago's Fiscal Sponsorship program, you must be a current member of IFP/Chicago. Not yet a member or need to renew? CLICK HERE. Questions? Email us!

IFP Chicago Hosts sold out Chicago Creatives Cocktails event at Rockit Bar and Grill

It was a packed house at Rockit Bar & Grill on Tuesday, July 28, as Chicago creatives mixed and mingled. Owner Billy Dec attended the event with members of Chicago's film, television, and new media production community.

The event was co-hosted with Chicago Acting in Film Meet Up, Chicago Filmmakers, Chicago Screenwriters Network, Independent Writers of Chicago and SAG-AFTRA Chicago. This networking event is free of charge with a cash bar and the next event will be hosted by Chicago Acting in Film Meet Up on August 25 from 5:30-7:30 PM at Rockit Bar & Grill.

Crowd Funding Bill Signed Into Law

New businesses struggling to raise money to take their companies to the next level will soon have another method to find funding. State Senator Tom Cullerton's (D-Villa Park) initiative to make Illinois more business-friendly by instituting intrastate crowdfunding exemptions was signed into law today.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. If we want to continue to grow as a state, we need to continue to give small businesses the tools to succeed," said Cullerton. "This initiative will create a vital partnership between investors and small businesses to spur economic development in our communities."

Crowdfunding is funding a project or venture by raising many small amounts of money from a large number of people. In exchange for funding, investors receive a small ownership interest in the enterprise. Cullerton hopes this measure will further encourage local investment and economic development opportunities.

"We need to continue to embrace innovative and fresh business practices to promote job creation in Illinois," said Cullerton. "Intrastate crowdfunding gives businesses the resources to find financial support without accumulating loads of debt, while giving the average person an opportunity to invest in companies they support."

House Bill 3429 creates an Illinois intrastate exemption, which allows Illinois residents to directly invest in Illinois small businesses online. Currently, 15 states have already passed similar legislation, including neighboring states such as Indiana, Wisconsin and Michigan.

House Bill 3429 was signed into law on July 29, and goes into effect on January 1, 2016.

Member News

We want to hear from you! Current IFP Chicago members, please let us know what you are working on, any casting calls, screenings and other news by emailing us at info@ifpchicago.org.

IFP Chicago Member Profile: Robert Carter

Robert Carter

How long have you been a member?

I joined in October 2014 to attend the IFP/Chicago conference.

Why did you join IFP?

I really love the community. Filmmaking can be a big scary thing when you're just starting out and I wanted to connect with people who were in the trenches or had made films already. Every time I go to an IFP/Chicago event and talk to other filmmakers, I go home and think "oh yeah, this is possible, I'm not insane."

What does it mean to you to be a filmmaker in Chicago? How does Chicago inform/influence your work?

On the practical side, Chicago is great for filmmakers because it's relatively inexpensive, there's an immense pool of talented collaborators, and the winters stave off the weak spirited.

I started here in the theater scene where actors work very hard for little to no pay in order to hone their craft, find their voice, and experiment. Not everything 'works' or is a big success, but there's always a respect for people who are experimenting and trying to find their voice. It's the perfect mix of humility and ambition.

For me, that experimental ethic fosters a great sense of freedom in Chicago. There's not a predefined label of what a Chicago indie film is, there's not a ton of money flying around, and there's not a ton of media attention on us. So we're free to fail, to experiment, and to figure things out without the social or financial pressures you might experience in another city.

What projects are you currently working on?

In July, I released Words Fail Me (http://wordsfailmeseries.com), an experimental comedy web series about desperate people in absurd situations. I wanted to mix my weird sense of humor with grounded dramatic acting so I wrote treatments and got some great actors together to improvise the dialogue. Doing a web series was a great way to learn the entire filmmaking process from script to post to release strategy, without a big financial investment.

Right now I'm developing a feature script that I plan to shoot in the spring.

What was the last movie you saw?

"Certified Copy." I'd consider myself very lucky to make something half as good before I die, although my version would be funnier.

Member Benefits

Being a member of IFP Chicago has its perks!

In addition to our member-only screenings, workshops and events, join IFP Chicago to receive these terrific benefits:

Movie Magic Screenwriter and Dramatica software are available for purchase to IFP/Chicago members for only $99 each. If you would like to purchase one or both of these software packages, please send an email to info@ifpchicago.org to receive the promo code for purchase. This offer is good through the end of August!

Our friends at Fandor are giving current IFP/Chicago Members a 50% discount for a one-year subscription of their streaming video services. Current members, please email info@ifpchicago.org to receive the discount code.

2015 Hell's Half Mile Film & Music Festival

Free Guest pass to the 2015 Hell's Half Mile Film and Music Festival for all IFP Chicago members! To receive a guest pass, please send an email to kbyrne@ifpchicago.org.

Hell's Half Mile Film & Music Festival takes place September 24 - 27, 2015, in Bay City, Michigan.

2-month Trial Membership to 2112 Arts Incubator for the first 20 members. EMAIL US if interested.

$15 off registration fee for Alex Buono's Art of Storytelling Workshop. Email info@ifpchicago.org for ticket discount code.

Discounts for the Chicago International Film Festival

and IFP Chicago Industry Days. $35 off Early-Bird Registration (good through August 24th), $25 off Regular Registration for all IFP Chicago members.

Discounted rates for Chicago Underground Film Festival

passes, screenings and special events, as well as 50% off non-Student Submission Fees (submissions open until January 2016).

20% off tickets to the Documentary Summit

October 3-4, 2015.

Voting privileges for the Film Independent Spirit Awards.

Not yet a member or need to renew? CLICK HERE to join/renew today!

Get involved! Volunteer for IFP/Chicago!

Independent Filmmaker Project Chicago

(IFP/Chicago) is currently looking for volunteers and interns to be a part of building Chicago's independent film community! Help IFP/Chicago continue to grow, and get hands-on experience with event coordination and staffing, office admin and website management, social media management, and much more!

Become a volunteer! Sign up here for more information.

New and renewing members!

We'd like to welcome (and welcome back) the following members:

Vincent Colombo, Peter Horst, Bradley Slater, Emily Strong, Kubilay Uner and Mary Zefeldt

IFP Chicago members get a bevy of benefits including free and discounted admission to events, vendor discounts and much, much more! Click here to become a member today!