{"id":4298,"date":"2012-01-06T21:00:42","date_gmt":"2012-01-07T03:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.micro-film-magazine.com\/cublog\/?p=4298"},"modified":"2014-09-06T14:52:54","modified_gmt":"2014-09-06T20:52:54","slug":"c-u-biz-en-scene-01-06-2012","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.micro-film-magazine.com\/cublog\/?p=4298","title":{"rendered":"C-U Biz-en-sc\u00e8ne: 01.06.2012"},"content":{"rendered":"

\u201cC-U Biz-en-sc\u00e8ne\u201d appears every Thursday\/Friday on <\/em>C-U Blogfidential<\/strong> to give our readers a succinct snapshot of the cinema activity in and near <\/em>Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, USA<\/strong>. Please support the artists and their work, attend screenings and events, and otherwise become active in our esoteric little world!<\/em><\/p>\n

~~~~~<\/p>\n

MFHQ & YOU:<\/strong>
\n Yes, Alaina, There is a Chambana Claus<\/strong><\/p>\n

Before we get back to analyzing the key puzzle pieces in Champaign-Urbana<\/strong>\u2019s shifting film culture \u2013 we\u2019ve been slacking on the task for two months<\/em> already<\/a> \u2013 let\u2019s throw down a more universal reality check for everyone to chew over. Many thousands of movie-passionate people are probably in the same boat as us, you know? Well, not exactly the same<\/em> boat but similar metaphorical vessels land-locked across the United States<\/strong>, packing enough integrity to set sail in the name of the cinematic arts if<\/em> the proper man- and woman-power pushes them afloat. To wit, CUBlog<\/strong> recently came in contact with a Columbia, Missouri<\/strong>, university employee pen-named Azazel Macabre<\/strong> through a good old-fashioned, snail mail \u2018zine swap. After reading her enjoyable cut-and-paste film theory \u2018zine, Super Structure<\/span> #1<\/strong><\/a>, we e-mailed and she offered the following: \u201c[I] finally got around to reading [C-U Confidential<\/strong>] over the holidays \u2013 wow! It looks great, so professional. Also, I love the focus on local film \u2013 we need you here in Columbia. I liked the articles I read, lots of information and well written.\u201d We\u2019re certainly humbled by Ms. Macabre\u2019s verdict, yet intrigued by the fact CUZine<\/strong> could ring true to someone well removed from the C-U and unfamiliar with its main movie players. Is there a place out there, somewhere, for our style of micro-regional coverage? We now wonder what could happen if our method was applied to other cities docked in the Midwest, such as Columbia, although it will always take a particular homegrown madness \u2013 and a hell of a lot<\/em> of work \u2013 to make the maiden voyage swim. Maybe it\u2019s time to pull on those water wings, truest believers!<\/p>\n


\n<\/em><\/p>\n

ITEM OF THE WEEK<\/strong><\/p>\n

Readers of Roger Ebert\u2019s Journal<\/strong><\/span>, hosted by the Chicago Sun-Times<\/strong><\/span>, know he\u2019s sparked heavy debate about whether video games can be considered a form of artistic expression. Champaign programming whiz Mark Johns<\/strong> a.k.a. \u201cDoomlaser<\/strong>,\u201d who develops amusements such as the bizarre Metal Hurlant<\/span><\/strong>-styled Hot Throttle<\/span><\/strong> featured at [adult swim] games<\/strong><\/a>, hopes to press the issue and inspire the C-U masses this spring with a D.I.Y. gaming expo and screening of the documentary, INDIE GAME THE MOVIE<\/strong><\/a>. Created by Winnipeg<\/strong> filmmakers James Swirsky<\/strong> and Lisanne Pajot<\/strong> of production firm BlinkWorks<\/strong>, the project dramatizes the throes through which fringe developers go to design and distribute their creations; Johns himself will appear in an expanded Special Edition due for late 2012 release<\/a> as a two- or three-disc set, according to the official Web site. Johns\u2019 ambitions include scheduling all this (and more?) the week of Roger Ebert\u2019s Film Festival<\/strong>. Will Ebert see it? And, will he be swayed by the evidence before him? As we learn more of Johns\u2019 master plan, we\u2019ll share the details right here on CUBlog<\/strong>. You can also follow his further gaming developments here<\/a> as well as for his collaborator, the Swedish based illustrator Cactus<\/strong><\/a>. We realize this geographical correlation is purely coincidental, but fans of \u201cEbertfest<\/strong>\u201d are well aware the critic has a thing for eclectic fellow Winnipeg director Guy Maddin<\/strong>, having presented THE HEART OF THE WORLD, MY WINNIPEG<\/strong>, and THE SADDEST MUSIC IN THE WORLD<\/strong> during prior editions; any excuse to point our dearest readers the way of Maddin<\/a> is a good<\/em> excuse in our book.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\n<\/em><\/p>\n

LINKS OF THE WEEK<\/strong><\/p>\n

For our first round-up of the New Year, we gang together items pertaining to some of our favorite people in the C-U! A week after hitting newsprint on Sunday, December 26<\/strong>, profiles of both Jan Chandler<\/strong><\/a>, owner of Celtic-inspired Heartland Galleries<\/strong> in downtown Urbana, and Lisa Cerezo<\/strong><\/a>, co-conspirator with Psychic Joker Entertainment<\/strong> and late-night talent buyer at Champaign\u2019s SoDo Theatre<\/strong>, appeared on-line Sunday, January 1<\/strong>, courtesy of the News-Gazette<\/span><\/strong> and the hardest-working arts reporter on the beat, Melissa Merli<\/strong>. Her unofficial Soy Capital<\/strong> counterpart, Tim Cain<\/strong>, recently completed his year-long challenge to watch and micro-review one movie per day in 2011; he recounts his experience<\/a> in his Herald & Review<\/span><\/strong> Weblog as well as tallying up the best<\/a> and worst of the lot<\/a>. Since we mentioned Mr. Johns up above we\u2019ll go ahead and pimp his mother Kristen<\/strong>\u2019s YouTube<\/strong> channel one more time; not only is Champaign Underground<\/strong> filled with an impressive array<\/a> of C-U, Portland<\/strong>, and international music performances, but it reminded us to also pimp two other, similar video caches. Over at Flokati Rug<\/strong>, our man Todd Hunter<\/strong> documents a younger skewing pop\/rock\/folk segment of our music scene<\/a> including perennials like Elsinore, New Ruins, The Dirty Feathers, Terminus Victor, Hathaways<\/strong>, and the trio formerly known as Withnail<\/strong>. One more big wompin\u2019 leap and we land at Matt HarsH<\/strong>\u2019s ActualEyes<\/strong>, busting with live cuts by the area\u2019s underground deejays and hip-hop artists<\/a>; you can also read this brief HarsH interview<\/a> published last month on Smile Politely<\/span><\/strong>, once they complete their Web maintenance. (We\u2019ll highlight two HarsH videos later this evening as our \u201cImages of the Week<\/strong>.\u201d) San Francisco<\/strong> artist and activist Dennis Neal Vaughn<\/strong>, a native of the Bloomington-Normal<\/strong> area, announced his next video project will be a personal story<\/a> about acquiring his dog, Buster Bear<\/strong>, and recognizing the impact service animals can have on individuals living with HIV<\/strong>. Finally, we unearth another creative venture from Urbana movie-maker and Champaign Movie Makers<\/strong> head Thomas Nicol<\/strong>, who hits the stage with his brother Galen<\/strong> to perform an original two-man show titled The Boy on the Stairs<\/span><\/strong> on Sunday, January 15<\/strong>, at Sylvia\u2019s Irish Inn<\/strong><\/a>, nestled near downtown Urbana; reservations must be made by Tuesday, January 10<\/strong>, so call (217) 384-4800<\/strong> and don\u2019t miss out on the fun!<\/p>\n


\n<\/em><\/p>\n

PLAYING THIS WEEK<\/strong><\/p>\n

@ The Art Theater, Champaign, IL: TINKER TAILOR SOLDIER SPY<\/strong> (1\/6 on), DRIVE<\/strong> (1\/6, 1\/7, 1\/12, 10:30 p.m.), Don Giovanni<\/span><\/strong> (1\/8, 1 p.m.; 1\/10, 4 p.m.; opera)<\/p>\n

@ The Virginia Theater, Champaign, IL: CITY LIGHTS<\/strong> (1\/7, 1 & 7 p.m.)<\/p>\n

@ Danville Public Library, Danville, IL: NEVER CRY WOLF<\/strong> (1\/9, 6:30 p.m.)<\/p>\n

@ The Avon Theater, Decatur, IL: MY WEEK WITH MARILYN, WAR HORSE, WE BOUGHT A ZOO<\/strong> (1\/6 on)<\/p>\n

@ The Normal Theater, Normal, IL: THE WAY<\/strong> (1\/5-1\/8, 7 p.m.)<\/p>\n

@ The Lorraine Theatre, Hoopeston, IL: ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: CHIPWRECKED<\/strong> (1\/6-1\/8)<\/p>\n

@ The Onarga Theatre, Onarga, IL: SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS<\/strong> (1\/6-1\/8, 1\/11)<\/p>\n

@ The Princess Theatre, LeRoy, IL: HUGO<\/strong> (1\/6-1\/8)<\/p>\n

@ That\u2019s Rentertainment, Champaign, IL: CONTAGION, THE GUARD, I AM, DON\u2019T BE AFRAID OF THE DARK, SHARK NIGHT, I DON\u2019T KNOW HOW SHE DOES IT, JUSTIFIED<\/strong> (s2), more! (1\/3 on)<\/p>\n

@ Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In, Gibson City, IL: Closed for the season!<\/em><\/p>\n

@ Route 66 Twin Drive-In, Springfield, IL: Closed for the season!<\/em><\/p>\n

@ Centerbrook Drive-In, Martinsville, IN: Closed for the season!<\/em><\/p>\n

<><><><><><\/p>\n

Locally produced movies and events featuring locally produced movies are marked with an asterisk (*). <\/em>Go see \u2018em!<\/strong><\/p>\n


\n<\/em><\/p>\n

COMING SOON<\/strong><\/p>\n

NEW!<\/strong> 1\/17: Champaign Movie Makers meeting<\/strong>
\n @ SoDo Theatre, Champaign, IL, 7 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n

NEW!<\/strong> 1\/17, 1\/19: PUSS IN BOOTS<\/strong>
\n @ The Virginia Theatre, Champaign, IL, 7 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n

NEW!<\/strong> 1\/19: Central Illinois Film Commission meeting<\/strong>
\n @ Scheels, Springfield, IL, 7 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n

1\/27-1\/28: B-Fest<\/strong>
\n @ Norris University Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL<\/strong><\/p>\n

NEW!<\/strong> 1\/31, 2\/2: HAPPY FEET TWO<\/strong>
\n @ The Virginia Theatre, Champaign, IL, 7 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n

4\/15: Buttered Corn on the Cob Film Festival<\/strong>
\n @ 88 Broadway, Urbana, IL<\/strong><\/p>\n

4\/18-4\/22: Wisconsin Film Festival, Madison, WI<\/p>\n

NEW!<\/strong> 4\/19-4\/22: 40 North\/88 West presents the Boneyard Arts Festival<\/strong>
\n @ various, Champaign-Urbana, IL<\/strong><\/p>\n

4\/20: Issue release: C-U Confidential #6<\/strong>
\n + Paper Opteryx, Champaign, IL<\/strong><\/p>\n

4\/25-4\/29: Roger Ebert\u2019s Film Festival<\/strong>
\n @ The Virginia Theater, Champaign, IL<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fall 2012: Issue release: C-U Confidential \u201899<\/strong>
\n + Paper Opteryx, Champaign, IL<\/strong><\/p>\n


\n<\/em><\/p>\n

COMMUNITY FILM SERIES<\/strong><\/p>\n

The New Classics: Great Books to Great Films from the Past 50 Years<\/strong>
\n @ Danville Public Library, Danville, IL, 6:30 p.m.<\/strong>
\n1\/9: NEVER CRY WOLF; 2\/13: AWAKENINGS; 3\/12: ADAPTATION; 4\/9: UP IN THE AIR<\/p>\n

The News-Gazette Film Series 2012<\/strong>
\n @ The Virginia Theater, Champaign, IL, 1 & 7 p.m.<\/strong>
\n1\/7: CITY LIGHTS; 2\/11: THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME (1939); 3\/17: CABARET; 4\/7: EASTER PARADE; 6\/2: AN AMERICAN IN PARIS; 7\/7: CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG; 8\/4: THE THIRD MAN; 9\/1: THE MALTESE FALCON<\/p>\n

~~~~~<\/p>\n

That\u2019s it for the \u201cbusiness of our scene\u201d this week!<\/p>\n

If you have relevant news, opportunities, dates, or promotions that you would like included in <\/em>CUBiz<\/strong>, please forward the who, what, where, when, and how much to <\/em>cuconfidential [at] gmail [dot] com<\/strong>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Compiled by Jason Pankoke<\/p>\n

~~~~~<\/p>\n

We welcome your virtual presence in the Confidential scheme!<\/strong><\/p>\n

322 awesome (but way too few) peeps dig our Facebook <\/strong>page<\/a>, while 24 astounding (yet way way <\/em>way too few) comrades keep a watchful eye on our YouTube<\/strong> channel<\/a>, the C-U Confidential Revue<\/strong>! We\u2019d place our bets in a heartbeat that many more<\/em> would enjoy our social\/video outreach if they knew about us! Have you <\/em>joined us on-line? Will you be ambassadors for our indie film cause and send your recruits in our direction? The more attention we receive, the better we can serve the interests of local artists and the movies of Champaign, Urbana, and the cities beyond!<\/p>\n

~~~~~<\/p>\n

Prior \u201cCUBiz\u201d<\/a> | Next \u201cCUBiz\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n

~~~~~<\/p>\n

\u201cC-U Biz-en-sc\u00e8ne\u201d no.76 \u00a9 2012 Jason Pankoke\/C-U Blogfidential.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

In this edition of C-U Blogfidential\u2019s all-purpose column, \u201cC-U Biz-en-sc\u00e8ne,\u201d we earn a new Missouri fan, learn of a Mark Johns plot to impress Roger Ebert, yearn for cool friends doing cool things, and churn the waters to scoop out the movies now playing\/renting near you!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[406,217,15,29,13,30,441],"tags":[112,861,857,858,859,856,202,825,855,362,451,860],"class_list":["post-4298","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-c-u-biz-en-scene","category-column-du-c-u","category-media-coverage","category-music-video","category-public-events","category-roger-ebert","category-c-u-confidential-youtube","tag-dennis-neal-vaughn","tag-guy-maddin","tag-indie-game-the-movie","tag-jan-chandler","tag-lisa-cerezo","tag-mark-johns","tag-matt-harsh","tag-psychic-joker-entertainment","tag-super-structure-zine","tag-thomas-nicol","tag-tim-cain","tag-todd-hunter"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.micro-film-magazine.com\/cublog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4298","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.micro-film-magazine.com\/cublog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.micro-film-magazine.com\/cublog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.micro-film-magazine.com\/cublog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.micro-film-magazine.com\/cublog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4298"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.micro-film-magazine.com\/cublog\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4298\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.micro-film-magazine.com\/cublog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4298"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.micro-film-magazine.com\/cublog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4298"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.micro-film-magazine.com\/cublog\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4298"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}