Events

Panelists at the second Forum on Progress and Professionalism included (L-R) Ken Schultz -- variety artist and agent, Paul Wagner,-- SAG/AFTRA Executive Director, and the late John Welzenbach-- advertising photographer. 1990

ILLINOIS FILM OFFICE Director, Suzy Kellett, speaks to talent about distributing the Chicago Talent Directory® at the Location Expos in Hollywood and how it contributes to attracting film production to the state. The more film production there is, the more actors work. 1986

CHICAGO TALENT DIRECTORY® Publisher, Nanci Ponne' , addresses talent and a panel of speakers

at the first Forum on Progress and Professionalism in the Chicago Talent/Film production Industry.

Producer Mark Androw (Chicago Story), talent agent Mary Boncher, Elite model Rita Craig and voiceover & actress Mercita DeMonk offer their thoughts at the second Forum on progress and professionalism in the industry. Nanci Ponne', Chicago Talent Directory® Publisher (top -R) listens in.1990

Publisher of the Chicago Talent Directory®, Nanci Ponne',addresses the panelists and talent gathered at the second Forum on Professionalism and Progress in the Chicago talent and film industry. The event revisits the groundbreaking topics of the first Forum a few months earlier concerning inter-industry integrity and creating an environment to keep accomplished talent working in Chicago. 1990

Legendary casting director, (the late) Jane Alderman (Backdraft, Ordinary People) lent her support at the launch seminar for the Chicago Talent Directory®. "The talent pool is full and the lifeguards are having a hard time keeping track" she said. Jane encouraged all talent to participate. With publisher, Nanci Ponne'. 1985

Executive Producer Kay Lorraine of Bate Lorraine Productions speaks to talent about marketing themselves as performers. With (L-R) Nanci Ponne' and Jane Alderman.

1985

SEMINARS HOSTED BY CHICAGO TALENT DIRECTORY®

Photography by the late Dennis R. Slater

CHICAGO TALENT DIRECTORY® publisher, Nanci Ponne', speaks to a packed house of talent at the historical, groundbreaking Forum on PROGRESS & PROFESSIONALISM held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. It was the discussion that broke barriers and taboo topics in the industry but found resolutions and commitment to remedy concerns, improve cooperation between entities and end the bleed of talent to the coasts.

The event was co-sponsored by Marie P. Anderson of Model Futures and speakers included Jane Alderman (Alderman Casting), Michael Brady, -- producer (Genesis Creative Group), Ruth Landis -- voiceover and actress, Denise McGowen-- variety talent coordinator, Michael Roberta -- photographer,Mike Vondruska (Variety Plus Entertainment Agency), Cella Williams, -- writer and producer (Marshall Fields),Sharon Wottrich-- Agency Director (A Plus & Voiceover Unlimited), Ray Van Steen-- voiceover & coach (Studio One), Aubrey Payne-- Executive Director (Actors Equity Association - Chicago) and Tim Hayden-- international Fashion model. 1990

CHICAGO TALENT DIRECTORY® Hosts the Groundbreaking FORUM on

PROFESSIONALISM and PROGRESS in the Chicago Talent and Production Industry

Casting director, Jane Alderman, gently chides producer Michael Brady for not casting Chicago talent 100% of the time. He justified his actions stating that "the high quality talent he needs keeps leaving for higher money markets. We need to rid ourselves of the 'second city' mentality and stand solidly resolved to quality and self dignity" he said. 1990

CHICAGO TALENT ENTERPRISES INC.

Presents

Getting talent buyers to know and hire you was the theme at this seminar featuring talent agent Harrise Davidson, marketing specialist and Chairman of the Illinois Arts Alliance, Mort Kaplan,Chicago Talent Directory® publisher, Nanci Ponne; and Models Coordinator for Carson Pirie Scott, Barb Isaacson. 1987

"The Chicago Talent Directory® FORUM on 'Progress and Professionalism' in the industry

was the best and most productive seminar I ever attended!"
Aubrey Payne, Executive Director, ACTORS EQUITY ASSOCIATION, CHICAGO 1990

Events

Discussing how talent needed to advertise and market themselves to talent buyers were Sheldon Joseph,VP/Director of Broadcast (Campbell Mithun Advertising), Cherie Mann (Cherie Mann Casting), Dave Theyer, talent agent (Jan Marie Talent), Marion Beagan, talent coordinator (Bob Ebel Photography), Chicago Talent Directory® publisher, Nanci Ponne', Ray Van Steen, voiceover talent and coach, (Studio One), Colleen Gallagher, Director and Raoul Ferrer,Talent Coordinator (Ferrer Talent) and Suzy Kellett, Director, Illinois Film Office Director. 1986