In the Spring of 2026 Illinois became the first state in the country to offer a tax incentive for productions that make a certified green (sustainable) film production. This was a long time coming and something I am very proud
The Magis Award
In mid-June, 2026 I was informed by Loyola University that I won the Magis Award, a university-wide teaching award. I was honored, and at the same time humbled. It feels like a lifetime achievement award (a nice way to say
October Surprise
In the fall of 2008 I produced a nice (in my humble opinion) short film written and directed by my friend Harper Philbin. The film was in some festivals, and we had a blast making it. In fact it
Director of the Illinois Film Office
Well, lookie there, I am all dressed up (though I think I had jeans on below the frame). Thanks to my friend Chuck Cherney for taking this. On May 1, 2019 I became the director of the Illinois Film Office.
Salk Institute Restoration
Among my favorite projects for Wiss Janney Elster was shooting at the historic Salk Institute in LaJolla, CA. I did this project with my Crosstown Productions partner, Dan Lerner. The D.P. was from my school in L.A., Columbia College Hollywood,
Legendary Race Announcer Tom Durkin!
This week on Teaching in the Arts, Tom Durkin, the legendary horse race announcer. Close listeners to the podcast will know my love of horse racing, and especially horse race announcers. You have also heard me talk about making a
Save Old Town School of Folk Music!
The Old Town School of Folk Music is going through some difficult times. Enrollment is down, teachers are unionizing, students and teachers are both feeling changes happening without being informed or consulted. My guests this week are John Mead, a
WJE at 50
I have done a lot of work for Wiss Janney Elstner, but in 2006 I was able to produce a film for their 50th anniversary. It screened at the Museum of Science and Industry in May 2006. Here is a
My Nurse 24/7
This was my one and only foray into Infomercials. It was a lot of fun- and a lot of work. I wrote and directed and co-produced. There was a lot of narrative work so that was fine. I guess that’s
Denny Dent Films
Denny Dent, and his wife Ali, were key players in my development as a filmmaker. Ultimately I filmed him 4 times, all with my Northwestern pal and DP on Victimess Crimes, Stephan Fopeano shooting. You can read more here.
