On September 25th, 2009 IFP/Chicago will host its third annual Independent Film Gala at theWIT Hotel, Chicago’s most recently opened luxury boutique hotel. The evening will be launched by a VIP reception at 6:00pm, followed by The Independent Film Gala at 6:30pm. There will be food, drinks and entertainment, along with amazing silent and live auctions. We are thrilled to have award-winning producer Effie T. Brown as our Guest Host and NBC 5’s LeeAnn Trotter as our Emcee for the night, as the evening promises to be a fabulous networking opportunity, while continuing with its reputation as eventful and inspiring.

This year’s honoree is Towers Productions, in celebration of their 20th Anniversary and dedication to production in the Midwest.  Towers Productions Inc. has produced over one thousand hours of factual and entertainment programming for networks around the world, such as A&E, Animal Planet, Bio, CNN, and Discovery Channel, to name a few.  TPI is part of the multi-media group Towers Holdings, Inc., whose activities also include branded entertainment, equipment rentals, media services and program distribution.

All proceeds will go to expand IFP/Chicago’s services and programs serving the filmmaking community throughout the Midwest, including a successful mentorship program focused on supporting underserved youth. The IFP/Chicago mentorship program produces a completely student-created film each year with students from The Chicago Vocational Career Academy. Due to the success of last year’s Gala, IFP/Chicago was able to add a second school to the roster.

IFP/Chicago’s entirely student-produced films have won the Student Award of Excellence for Technical Achievement from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for the past two years, making CVCA the second school in history to win the award twice. The films, The Last Stain and Hush, can be viewed at the IFP/Chicago website.

2009 Independent Film Gala Host Committee

Jonathan Towers
Anonymous
Irene Michaels
Steven Conrad
Michael A. Foster
Anonymous
Gigi Pritzker
Tony Loquercio
Thea Flaum
Nick Patel
Howard A. and Judith Tullman
Gregory Rothman
Betsy Steinberg
Joe McInerney

Photos courtesy of NBC5, Eugene Feygin and Art Shipulin.

As many of you know, our annual Independent Film Gala is fast approaching…but as far as we are concerned, not nearly fast enough. We think it is high time that we all get together, raise a glass, talk about our new projects, ideas, and plans. Join us!

IFP Chicago Independent Film Gala Kickoff Party!
Wednesday, July 22nd
Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W Hubbard St
Chicago, IL 60654
6:00pm - 9:00pm

For the small small amount of $20 you will receive libations, food, great music, and more fun people than you can shake a stick at (which, we prefer that you wouldn’t). Not to mention…you would be helping a good cause! Additionally, There will also be a raffle that includes two tickets to the Gala, as well as a split the pot & other prizes. Raffle tickets will be sold at the event for $5 each or five for $20.

Cheers!

Primitive, 130 North Jefferson, Chicago, IL 60660 6:30 pm, VIP Reception, 6:00 pm HONORARY CHAIR: Harold Ramis

Thanks to everyone who came out for the September 19th event!  It was a smashing success and the money earned is essential to the programs we put on throughout the year.

Also, thank you to our Development Director Colleen O’Neill who was responsible for planning this wonderful event!

HOST COMMITTEE

Bob Borchardt
Roger and Chaz Ebert
Michael A. Foster
Thea Flaum
Tony Loquercio
Alex Meneses
David O’Connor, CSA
Gigi Pritzker
Marci A. Rolnick
Jason Stephens & Ken O’Keefe
Jonathan Towers
Judith & Howard A. Tullman

Emcee: Ben Hollis

Ben is best known as the pith-helmeted, khaki clad original host and co-creator of WTTW’s hit shows Wild Chicago and Wild Chicago’s Illinois Road Trip. Ben also created, hosted and produced Ben Around Town, a lively arts program that aired from 2000-2003 on WYCC Channel 20. Prior to that, he created Ben Loves Chicago for WPWR, which ran for three seasons, and was a contributing reporter on WLS’s long-running hit show, 190 North. He has 8 Emmys and the coveted Studs Terkel Award to his credit. “A local legend,” is how Rob Feder has described one of Chicago’s most original and beloved TV personalities. Currently, Ben is performing his live theatrical show inspired by Spalding Gray, What’s It Like to be You? Prior to his TV career, Ben performed as an improv comedian, and as a singer/songwriter all over town. He’s also been a copywriter and award-winning producer of many corporate videos for clients such as GE, Allstate, State Farm, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), SBC and many more. In addition to producing videos, Ben has written and emceed live shows for Keebler, GE, Motorola, Heller Financial, the JUF and Judge & Dolph. He graduated from The George Washington University with a B.A. in American Literature. The year he graduated is immaterial. Ben is married to an awesome lady named Julia Bunn. They live in Andersonville. He loves London and Kauai and is known in some circles as a gifted cat whisperer.

See Ben in action at Wild Chicago or What It’s Like to Be You

Premiere Sponsor -

Media Partner -

Presenting Sponsor - Columbia College Chicago

Indie Sponsors - Kodak, Flashpoint, Primitive, Resolution Digital Studios

The 1st Independent Film Gala was emcee’d by Chicago native and indie-film pioneer Robert Townsend, was attended by more than 300 guests, featured live auction prizes including a walk-on role in the new Harold Ramis film, and raised $70,000. All photos by Ray Pride

The people from 24/7

Tim Kinsella (Orchard Vale)

IFP/Chicago's Elizabeth Donius, Claire Connelley and Lynn Steadman

Malachi Leopold (Left Brain/Right Brian Productions)

Mark Buhmann (Dead In The Water)

IFP/Chicago Board Member Nicole Bernardi Reis and Manuela Hung, Filmworkers/Astrolab

IFP/Chicago Board Members Marci Freidman Roman and Sandy Gordon

Gala Crowd

IFP/Chicago Board Members Scott Smith and John Fromstein, Fulton Market Films

Leigh Jones, 5-25-77

IFP/Chicago Board Member and DT Amy Cargill Nice Bombs, Orchard Vale

IFP/Chicago's Lynn Steadman

Gala crowd

Steve Conrad and Steve Jones, The Promotions ; IFP/Chicago's Elizabeth Donius

Gala crowd

Justine Nagan, Karlemquin Films ; Scott Robbe, Film Wisconsin

Auction Winners Board

Marci Rolnick, Lawyers for the Creative Arts ; IFP/Chicago's Lynn Steadman

Gala crowd

Gala crowd

Food

Robert Townsend and IFP/Chicago's Colleen O'Neill

Gala crowd

John McNaughton, Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer

Kris Williams, Kissing on the Mouth

Betsy Steinberg, Illinois Film Office ; Dustin Park, Crains Chicago

Rod Plummer and friends