chicago Feb 2010

Jim Hanson Artist Agent Ltd. is a Chicago-based agency representing photographers and illustrators from around the world. The company searches continually for interesting creative collaborations and believes no project to be too large or too small.

Photographers: Jim Gallop (location, people, action), Chris Litwin (food, beverage), Glen Gyssler (still life, product), and Brett Nadal (portraiture, people, lifestyle).

Illustrators: Booda, Ingo Fast, Rob Perry, Tara D and Harry Whitver.

Clients include Allstate, American Express, Audi, Blackberry, Budweiser, Coca-Cola, Marlboro, McDonald's, Mini Cooper, Pfizer, Sprint, Visa and Wrigley.

KS Reps is headed by Katie Swanson and represents:

Brian Wetzstein (food, beverage and liquid photographer) whose clientele includes McDonald's, Quaker and Bunn. Brian's kitchen is equipped with two touch screen monitors for stylists to view the set while working, and clients have access to an extensive prop room. The most frequent comment heard about his work? “It makes me hungry!"

Brad Feinknopf is an architectural photographer, including exteriors and interiors. His clients include SBC Advertising, Olgivie, GSW Worldwide and world renowned architects. Last year COSI commissioned Brad to photograph its exhibit 'Lost In Egypt'. His most recent project brought him to Vegas to photograph the new the highly anticipated city centre MGM Vdara Hotel and Spa by RV Architecture.

Eric Klein is an advertising photographer based in Chicago. He specialises in location photography and shoots regularly in Miami, New York and LA.

Eric brings a lot of energy and excitement to a shoot and creates a relaxed atmosphere for both the agency and client. Whether with stills or live action he has a passion for capturing the moment and telling stories in the process. His subjects look natural, not overly directed or posed.

A production support crew of the best producers, assistants, stylists and location people is on hand and ready for any type of job. Eric is skilled at getting lots of people (crew, talent, clients, etc.) to wherever they're needed, and his productions are always well planned and within budget. Casting is a crucial element, and whether clients are looking for "real people" or professional talent, Eric specialises in casting the right people for the right project.

Gavin Phillips aims to create visually compelling imagery of his clients' properties. His company uses a variety of pioneering digital techniques that capture colour, light and detail in unique and innovative ways.

Clients receive a variety of stunning colour images of their business that transcend regular photography. In addition they are supplied with a set of subtly toned images that capture an entirely different mood. Combined, these photographs provide unique marketing and sales ideas.

Visit the website or contact Gavin Phillips direct on +1 630-854-2340 for more information.

For over 30 years Mike Boatman's award-winning images have been part of the national advertising community. Mike looks at each assignment uniquely in order to design emotionally impacting images that will sell his clients' products and services.

Mike's goal over the years has been to constantly learn, improve and apply his art of lighting to the craft of photography to create images that tell a story with emotion.

The most interesting aspect of his images is that they are created on location, and often with the most impossible time lines and shooting conditions.

Visit Mike's website or call +1 309 698 8804 for more information.

Based in Chicago, Illinois, photographer Neil John Burger rarely spends much time in his home city as his editorial style of shooting has permitted him to shoot for clients across the globe.

His thought provoking images have transformed simple food shots into feelings of comfort and joy. "It's not that difficult to shoot a plate of food. The true challenge is in making the observer want what they see."

Neil concentrates on shooting for international magazines, cookbooks and advertising clients. Visit his website for more information.

Melanie Trombley has been working in the commercial photography industry since 1996. While mostly working as a Producer in Chicago for the last 10 years, she can still occasionally be seen prop shopping, model casting and location scouting for clients.

With extensive local knowledge and ample experience shooting across the US as well as internationally, hiring crews and finalising details for any size shoot comes naturally for her.

Finally launching and re-tooling her website this past summer, Melanie was also busy producing photography for the entire Sears Wishbook. A few out of town jobs and a selection of casting jobs have also kept her on the go. Other recent clients included Eckrich-Armour, Bon-Ton, Navicor Group and Electrolux.

With nearly 10 years of experience, Fred Miller has filmed an array of visually captivating projects. His body of work includes several award-winning films which have screened throughout the US and abroad, as well as numerous music videos and commercials which have aired nationally.

Fred studied cinematography at Columbia College Chicago and graduated with honours in 2001. With a keen eye for detail and extensive knowledge of current technologies, Fred continues to hone his craft and is always looking for fun and creative projects.

Since 2008 Open Flame Films has produced distinctive, high quality, multi-genre entertainment that has been shown throughout the world. The company assists other productions with everything from locations, casting, hiring crew and scheduling to equipment rental and craft services.

In 2009 Open Flame Films launched its location services division, assisting productions from outside Chicago with scouting, procuring and management of locations for music videos, commercials, independent films and photo shoots. The company has also served as liaison between the client production company and film offices, government agencies and local municipalities in Illinois and Indiana.

Visit the website for more information.

Uptown Recording is a full service audio and video recording studio. The company features a hybrid of the best of analogue outboard and digital equipment, top of the line microphone collections and the experience and knowledge to know exactly which combination to use when recording any type of project.

Since 2001, Uptown Recording has continued to advance technologically at the same time as diversifying and becoming a world-class studio. Both Studio East and West feature the newest Pro Tools HD software and hardware as well as fully integrated control surfaces with the best A/D converters in the industry. Studio West also features a complete A/V post production facility, with 5.1 surround sound ability.

Based in Chicago, mc2 Communications is a group of subject matter experts dedicated to the science of business communications by designing and improving sales and marketing materials and strategies. Established in 1998, mc2 has created memorable, high-impact, results-oriented design solutions for corporate, association, and non-profit organisations.

mc2 knows the value of the three 'M's: Message, Market and Media. Examining, questioning and testing the client's message while reviewing and re-discovering their market and audience, the company uses emerging technologies and up-to-the-minute media to develop innovative solutions to suit each clients' communication needs.

mc2 has an extensive portfolio ranging from logo design to websites, print ads to marketing campaigns. Visit the website for more information.

Located on Chicago's famous State Street just steps from the wonder of Millennium Park, Kimpton's Hotel Burnham offers Production Paradise members a discount of 20% on its public rates throughout 2010.

Hotel Burnham is one of Chicago's great architectural jewels. Originally built as the Reliance Building in 1895, this living landmark was designed by Daniel Burnham and is the first direct predecessor to Chicago's modern skyscrapers. Amenities include high-speed wireless internet, complimentary morning coffee, hosted evening wine hour, 24-hour fitness centre, and much more. Late checkout is offered based on availability.

The historic hotel offers 122 guest rooms featuring expansive picture windows, a rich colour scheme of gold and blue, and lavish fabrics and finishings. Adjacent to Hotel Burnham is Atwood Café, a Chicago favourite offering a contemporary take on American comfort food.

The Hotel Burnham also offers the Reliance Room, a lively, light-filled event space for up to 40 people.